[Sven2]

(Butchie walks into Room F. Shaun is sleeping, face-down, on the bed. John is nowhere to be seen)

Butchie: (Walks to the bed, puts his foot on Shaun's back and uses it to jostle him awake) Hey, Shaunie! Wake up, buddy. Cocka-fuckin'-doodle!

Shaun: (Annoyed) Leave. Me. Aloooone. (He puts the pillow over his head.) Go away!

Butchie: (takes the pillow off Shaun's head) You wanna go surfin' with me and gramps?

Shaun: (perks up slightly) Huh? Surfin' with gramps? (He looks up at Butchie) When?

Butchie: Right fuckin' now, dude.

Shaun: Ughh...I'm too tired. Mind if I sleep-in some more first?

Butchie: (hands Shaun the pillow back) Suit yourself, grom. It's lookin' stormy, and I don't know how long we'll be on the fuckin' water, so you better not wait too damn long.

Shaun: Whatever. (He turns over to his other side, and fluffs the pillow under his head before laying back down on it.)

Butchie: Anyways, where's John, buddy?

Shaun: (voice muffled in his pillow) Left in the middle of the night. (He lifts his head up) Said he needed Cass' camera.

Butchie: (shaking his head) I told him to keep a fuckin' eye on you!

Shaun: I don't need...a fuckin' eye on....me. (Shaun drifts back to sleep)

Butchie: (More to himself than his sleeping son) Whatever, pal. Guess I'll see you down there in a while.

(Butchie walks out the door into the lot, feeling the cool, pre-rain air on his bare chest. He takes a deep breath and savors it before going back into Room E to collect his surfing gear. Minutes later he walks back into the parking lot, throws his stuff in the VW van and drives to the beach.)

--Walkara

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

[Linc hangs up his cell phone and throws it down on the bed in the empty space next to him. After lying there for a while with his arm over his face, he then gets up and walks over to the window as he did hundreds of times the night before. He opens the curtains. The formation of pink clouds that greets his eyes seem to be mocking him.]

--theshriek

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

(Mr. White picks up the phone on his desk and presses a button)

Mr. White: I want you to follow her.... If she makes contact with Ms. Blake I want her picked up immediately and returned to the chamber.... No, pick Ms. Gray up before she has a chance to cause us anymore trouble and then put someone else on Ms. Blake...exactly....If she doesn't make contact then stay with her until she does!...yes, and take your umbrella my dear boy, it's looking frightful out.

(Mr. White hangs up and walks back over to the window, he stares down to the street and watches as Ms. Gray gets in the cab. Over the intercom his assistant speaks)

Assistant: The boy's here Mr. White.

Mr. White: Wonderful! Perfect timing, send him up. (he walks out of his office and down the hall toward the elevator. He stares up at the numbers as the elevator ascends. The doors open)

Mr. White: (Smiling and putting out his hand) Adam my boy, it's so good to see you!

Adam: (Appears unsure and reluctant to leave the elevator) Hello sir, they said you wanted to see me.

Mr. White: (pulls Adam by the hand out of the elevator) Yes yes, my boy, you are looking good, just a little chat is all, in my office there (putting his arm around Adams shoulders he points down the hall toward the open door) I do enjoy your visits, I enjoy them so very much. (he walks behind Adam leading him toward the office)

Adam: (walks slowly and stares at each of the paintings hanging in the hall) You got some art.

Mr. White: Oh those, yes, do you like them? Since we decided to stay awhile I thought we should liven the place up a bit.

Adam: They're kind of creepy looking.

Mr. White: (laughs out loud) Ah yes, I guess they would be, Bosch my boy, Hieronymus Bosch. Do you know who he is?

Adam: No.

(they enter the office and Mr. White closes the door, Adam walks over and looks out the window)

Mr. White: Here we are now, help yourself to the fridge my boy, I think you'll find something to your liking, then come sit down and we'll have our little chat.

Adam: (looks toward the bar and back out the window) Are you going to let me go back there, I like it there.

Mr. White: (re-lights his cigar) Oh my my, is that what you're so worried about? Of course my dear sweet boy. Did you think we were sending you away! (he chuckles) Oh my heavens no, you poor child. (he gets up and goes over to the bar and takes a bottle of beer from the fridge and opens it. He walks over to Adam and hands it to him placing his hand on the side of Adams head) My poor precious boy, of course you are going back, you live there now, they are your family now, are they not?

Adam: (tears in his eyes) They are my friends (takes a swig of beer and tries to smile).

Mr: White: (walks back and sits behind the desk motioning toward a large blood red leather wingback chair for Adam to sit) Sit down my handsome angel, you will be back among friends before noon.

Adam: (Sitting in the chair he downs the rest of the beer, he looks back toward the bar) can I have another one?

Mr. White: Of course my boy, hurry. (he motions toward the bar impatiently as Adam hurries over and takes another beer, Adam struggles to open it by hand) you need to use the opener there. (Smoke billows from his cigar as he grows quickly impatient while Adam struggles with the opener and returns to the chair) Now, I needn't remind you of what I am paying you for right? Nor that the work you are doing is keeping you from being sent to the home?

Adam: (Settles down in the chair) No sir.

Mr. White: And you've told no one of our meetings?

Adam: No sir.

Mr. White: Even Noah?

Adam: (looking down) No sir.

Mr. White: Good then. And shall I be pleased to know that you carried out your mission and gave the boy the drink that I was delighted to see the effects of during his disastrous television appearance?

Adam: Huh?

Mr. White: Did you get the boy drunk as I instructed?

Adam: Oh, yeah I guess. He get's drunk pretty easy. He's a lightweight.

Mr. White: Wonderful, now that is good news.

Adam: I felt bad doing it though, he shouldn't be doing it. He's really cool.

Mr. White: And you like him.

Adam: We're friends now. I've never known anyone who could surf like he does. And he can Juggle!

Mr. White: (stares at Adam and smiles) Splendid! And I understand that you've made the acquaintance of Doctor Smith?

Adam: The Doc? Yeah! He's helping me. I got sick after surfing in some polluted surf so he's giving me some pills for it.

Mr. White: Very good my boy, and have you been to the Snug Harbor Motel?

Adam: Yeah I was there. Just for awhile though. Me and Shaun took somebody's car for a joyride. It was awesome!

Mr. White: You are quite the adventurer aren't you? (he looks at Adam and smiles) and so attractive. Have I told you how attractive you are my boy? Who ever could resist your brunette California charm?

Adam: I wish I had blond hair like Shaun (he bottoms up the beer and raises the bottle to Mr. White)

Mr. White: Help yourself. (As Adam goes to the bar he sits back and puffs his cigar watching the swirling smoke rise toward the ceiling, he gets up and walks over to the window and sees that rain drops have started covering the glass, Adam walks over and stands beside him)

Adam: Aw man, I hope it doesn't blow out today!

Mr. White: I am going to send you back in the cab. I want you to find a way to that motel today and I want you to meet two people in particular, are you following me? (Adam nods) One is an ogre of a man who goes by the name of Freddy and the other is a cowering troll called Palaka. I want you to ingratiate yourself to both of them, but especially Palaka, and this is what I want you to say to him (Mr. White places his arm around Adams neck and draws him near, whispering the instructions in his ear) Now my boy, can you do that for me?

Adam: No problemo. But what if he doesn't want to tell me?

Mr. White: Oh don't worry about that, he will. He's been driving that ice cream truck too long not to believe that every boy loves ice cream. He will tell you everything.

(Mr. White Hugs Adam and kisses him on the forehead. Adam pulls back. Mr. White walks over to the door and opens it. As Adam walks past, Mr. White holds out a folded wad of bills which Adam takes and shoves in his pocket).

Adam: (smiling) It's been alright Mr. White! Catch you later.

(Adam strolls down the hallway stopping to look more closely at the paintings then walks on to the elevators. Mr. White closes the door and walks back over to the window and watches until he sees Adam emerge from the building and get in the waiting cab)

Mr. White: Two rings down, one to go... (he takes a large puff on his cigar and draws back blowing several smoke rings which explode on the glass) and don't you think getting back in the game is going to be just oh so easy Mr. Mitch Yost...

--SpiritontheWater

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

[The Internet Café is already busy. A customer starts to sit at Dwayne's workstation.]

Jerri: [Pointing at the customer] Hey! That is reserved! [To herself] I don't even have the fuckin' time to go put a sign on the chair.

[Cissy enters the café.]

Cissy: Where's the harelip this morning? He set up those interviews and hasn't given me any information on them.

Jerri: [Busy making a café latte] He needs to get here. People keep trying to sit in his seat. Plus, did you notice that a storm is on the way? He isn't smart enough to come in out of the rain.

Cissy: Guess I will have to wait for the numbnuts. [Pause] I think I will have an iced tea. [Pause] Please.

Jerri: [With a smile on her face] Sure. Doris told me that you gave her money yesterday.

Cissy: Yes. I am finally out from under Doris's rear.

Jerri: Are you going to tell me where you acquired money that didn't exist on the previous day?

[Dwayne arrives.]

Cissy: Shit! It's about fuckin' time.

Dwayne: I know. I was delayed.

Jerri: Where the fuck have you been? Everyone wants your computer.

Dwayne: Ummm I had an errand to run. You know it takes longer riding on my scooter.

[Jerri feels that Dwayne is hiding something and looks at him suspiciously.]

Dwayne: [To Cissy] OK. Here is the list of your interviewees. There are six of them and the first one is at 10 a.m. Two of them actually emailed me resumes. [He hands the list and the resumes to her]

Cissy: This is only two resumes! Goddamn look at this one! It goes on for page after page.

Dwayne: Well that one is a curriculum vita.

Cissy: A what?

Dwayne: A curriculum vitae. A more detailed resume. This guy is an instructor at Golden West College in Huntington.

Cissy: You ass! Why would a fuckin' teacher want to work at the Surf Shack? He must be an escape convict in hiding. Hell Dwayne! I am going to have to give you a fuckin' award for headhunting.

Dwayne: [Points to the other resume] I think you will like this guy, Jason Spector. He knows a lot about surfing, has had some experience in dealing with the public, very personable, and is real intelligent.

Jerri: [Sarcastic] And you gleaned all of that from his resume Dwayne?

Dwayne: [Looks embarrassed] He is a friend of mine from a chat room.

Cissy: Well if you, dickhead, talk to him online, he must be a model citizen. Why I don't even need to interview anyone.

Dwayne: I didn't mean...

Cissy: [Interrupts him] Fuck all! It is almost 10, and I need to get to the goddamn shop to conduct interviews that Sir Dwayne of the Internet has decided are unnecessary.

[She leaves]

--theshriek

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

(Freddy and Palaka are standing in the doorway of their hotel room, looking out at the darkening sky)

Freddy: I don't fuckin' like it.

Palaka: Storm's a-coming!

Freddy: Not that, you fuckin' half-wit. I got a bad feeling about this.

Palaka: You have another dream? I didn't hear you talki.. (he is interrupted by Freddy punching him in the solar plexis)

Freddy: You never fuckin' heard nothin'.

Palaka: (gasping, doubled over) right, yeah... er, never heard nothing. not recorded. no.

(Freddy having re-crossed his arms and returned to staring out the door, sees Shaun exit room F)

Freddy: Here comes that kid... I told Butchie I'd keep an eye on him when he ain't around. Don't want him to turn into a fuck-up like Butchie did. (shouts to Shaun) Hey Shaun!

Shaun: (walking over) Hey

Freddy: How you feeling?

Shaun: Hungry... I was gonna have some cereal but my dad doesn't have any milk.

Freddy: No shit you're fuckin' hungry, you probably threw up everything you ate yesterday. I've half a mind to kick your ass.

Shaun: (Shaun looks a little scared but more embarrassed) I.. uh..

Palaka: (coughing he interrupts) Ah hem, bacon butty.

Freddy: What?

Palaka: He's probably hung over. Grease. Hangover food...?

Freddy: What the fuck's a bacon buddy?

Palaka: Bacon butty. Red-head Ron showed me. Fried bread, mayonnaise, bacon... have 'em all the time.

Freddy: So that's how you maintain your fuckin' track-team physique!

Shaun: Bacon sounds pretty good right now.

Palaka: Coming right up. clear the head (he heads to the fridge and starts pulling ingredients out)

Freddy: That's fuckin' marvelous. You never made one for me.

Palaka: You wan't one, boss?

Freddy: Fuck no. There's enough fuckin' trouble ahead without getting fuckin' food poisoning.

(Shaun is still standing somewhat awkwardly outside the door)

Freddy: So are you gonna fuckin' coming in, or what?

Shaun Uh, sure. (he does)

--Backinthegame

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

(Despite protests from Her Ladyship, Zippy disappears from his cage and rematerializes on the other side)

Charlie the Congo African Gray Parrot: (witnessing Zippy's miraculous escape) What?!...how...how did you do that??

(Zippy flies over to Charlie's perch and attempts to explain the abilities he recently found himself endowed with)

Charlie: Fascinating. If only I could shed these chains (He motions to the shackle around his foot, securing him to the fake tree branch he is perched atop in the laboratory) and take to the wind. But, alas, I'm resigned to my fate here.

(Zippy expresses his sympathy then vows to find a way to liberate them all the prisoners.)

Charlie: You mean, all the prisoners? How do you propose to sneak over twenty species of bird, reptile, and mammal from the lab without being discovered and stopped by 'The Men'?

(Zippy informs him that he'll figure something out, that he'll enlist his human contact, Bill Jacks, in the rescue effort. Zippy pauses in thought for a moment before questioning Charlie about "The Men")

Charlie: "Who are they"? Good question. Obviously they're conducting experiments, the nature of which remains a mystery. I receive weekly injections of a serum; I have no idea to what purpose, only that I've become increasingly cognizant of my surroundings over these years. As far as "what they want", I'm afraid I'm still in the dark. I know that most of the animals don't survive that room (He nods his head toward a steel, windowless door marked "Restricted" at the end of the hall.)

(Zippy asks where all the animals come from.)

Charlie: It depends. Some are bought from Pet Stores and pounds, some are gathered off the streets, and some are stolen from their homes, right under the noses of their loving owners. I was sold to them, but most of the other parrots, which they seem to have a mysterious and constant need for, were stolen or bought off the black market. A terrible shame.

(Zippy shares his sentiments and expresses as much. He asks Charlie when "The Men" are expected to return.)

Charlie: Any time.

(Zippy wonders whether Her Ladyship will be safe should he venture outside to find help.)

Charlie: I hope so, but one can't be sure of anything in this place.

(Zippy adds that no one can be sure of much of anything in this world)

Charlie: Too true, friend. (Suddenly, Charlie shakes, quivering like an alarm went off inside him) Go! They're here!

(Zippy wonders how he knows that)

Charlie: I can feel them. Now, be off with you! Hurry!

(Zippy looks back at Her Ladyship, turned away from him in anger, blinks his eyes and disappears)

Charlie: (To Her Ladyship, across the way in her cage) Don't worry, my dear. I have a feeling young Zippy will prove most useful.

(Her Ladyship berates Charlie for having the presumption to address her as "my dear", chastises his molting feathers, and demands his silence. But feels slightly reassured nonetheless.)

(Outside of an anonymous-looking business park, Zippy materializes. He looks around, makes a mental note of the location then takes to the sky.)

--Walkara

[Sven2]

(The most handsome man you've ever seen exits a cab followed by a small, timid-looking boy. The man steps onto the curb, clutching the little boy's hand. The man leans in the car, hands the cabby a wad of cash then watches the car drive away)

Man: Well, well, well. Here we are: Imperial Beach. (He looks down at the speechless child) Are you hungry, son?

(The little boy looks up at him nervously and shakes his head 'No'.)

Man: Very we--

(His cell phone rings. He takes it from his pocket and flips it open)

Man: Yes?

Madam Alabaster: (on the other end, sitting behind a desk) Good morning, Frank.

Frank: And to you, beloved sister.

Madam Alabaster: (smiles) I understand you're on assignment in California?

Frank: Guilty. (He grits his perfect teeth)

Madam Alabaster: When you're finished there, we have need of your services here.

Frank: To what end?

Madam Alabaster: The usual, Frank. Interested?

Frank: Absolutely! (He rubs his greedy hands together) She's beautiful, I assume?

Madam Alabaster: Gorgeous, actually.

Frank: (Mouth practically watering) Oh yes. Yes, yes, yes. I'm quite intrigued. Tell me more...

Madam Alabaster: My apologies, Frank. I've got other matters to attend to at the moment. Mr. W. declined his mission in Tel Aviv at the last minute, said "personal matters have intervened", so I'm sending Bernard in his stead. Speaking of whom, he is waiting to talk to you on the other line. Finish whatever mission Bernard has dispatched you on by the end of day. I'll be in touch, my love.

Frank: Farewell, sweet sister. (He wraps his arm around the little boy)

Madam Alabaster: Here's Bernard. (She connects them and hangs up.)

Bernard Craven: Mr. Alabaster?

Frank: Yes, Mr. Craven?

Bernard Craven: I've sent the target's specifics, including her motel room and any local haunts where she's been spotted by our operatives. You are to engage and silence. Understood?

Frank: (Sneering) In that order?

Bernard Craven: Whatever suits you. But, remember: no messes. This is an extremely delicate matter that requires absolute discretion!

Frank: Meaning that the little flower is to stay buried...fear not, Mr. Craven: I'm the man for the job. I must say, I can't wait to see what messages Maelbogia has hidden inside her for me.

Bernard Craven: (Confused) Maelbogia?

Frank: The emissary from beyond. He has Big plans for us.

Bernard Craven: (rolls his eyes) Oh. (Humoring him) I'm sure he does, Mr. Alabaster, I'm sure he does... Good luck, Mr. Alabaster, I'll expect a call when the mission is complete. Now I must go before I miss my flight to Tel Aviv.

Frank: Salutations, Brother Craven.

Bernard Craven: Goodbye, Franklin. (He hangs up)

Frank: (To the boy) I should gut him for calling me that.

(Frank Alabaster flips his phone shut and puts it in his pocket. He grabs his bag, squeezes the boys hand, and leads him down the sidewalk to the motel entrance)

Little Boy: (scared, confused) Where's my mom?

Frank Alabaster: Why, she's still soaking in the tub, little one. Nevermind about her, son. Daddy is going to take care of you from now on.

Little Boy: I don't have a daddy.

Frank Alabaster: You do now, son. And your daddy is gonna teach you everything he knows about women...

(Man and boy enter the hotel)

--Walkara

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

(Tina dives deep in the sea, deeper than ever before. Underwater, the world makes sense. She explores the flora and fauna, dazzled by the colors of the reef. Instead of surfacing for air, she pushes further down, down to the unknown. Time passes. She forgets herself, where she comes from, where she's going--all she knows is the water and her place in it. Her legs, pressed together, kicking in unison start to sprout scales until they fasten together and form a tail. Unaware of the changes happening to her, Tina swirls around the sea, perfectly content.)

(Sitting on the beach, Lucius the seagull and a Quinctius the sea lion stare out at the water, waiting for Tina to resurface)

Quinctius: She's been under for a long time...how long do you suppose humans can hold their breath?

Lucius: Bloody Hell! I don't know, Quin. Why don't you dive in after her if you're so concerned.

Quinctius: Maybe I will...

Lucius: Don't be daft, you imbecile! She's not going to drown here! (The seagull fans his wings and settles in the sand)

Quinctius: How can you be so sure? Humans drown; I've seen it happen.

Lucius: As have I, but not here, in this place.

Quinctius: I suppose you're right, although, technically speaking, she's the first human we've come across here.

Lucius: Of course, I'm right! (He sighs) It's a queer place, this. Ever-changing.

Quinctius: Have you finally given up mapping it?

Lucius: For now. It seems more changeable since our fleshy friend arrived. I don't remember there being a coral reef here before.

Quinctius: Nor I. Beautiful, isn't it?

Lucius: Bollocks to that! I don't like it one bit, things changing for her. Her "attributes" certainly bring out the rake in me, but that doesn't justify or excuse her being here. The Sea told us to expect a contact, but it didn't specify that said contact was a blasted human! Foul creatures, them. Miserable, selfish, and stupid. I don't see why we need concern ourselves with their lot.

Quinctius: You don't really believe that, Lucius.

Lucius: Yes I do! And I'll tell you something else, that blinkered little tart is a problem. She's changing the landscape. Earlier, she was sitting on the rocks talking about bleeding mountains! Mountains!!! Here! I swear, I saw one flicker in the distance then fade when she said it. That shirty, little twit has no respect for the state of things, thinks she can just go around imagining up mountains! What's next? A desert?!! (He shudders)

Quinctius: I don't see what the problem is...perhaps you're just jealous that she can affect things while you and I cannot. Or....maybe you've got a little case on her. (The sea lion nudges the bird)

Lucius: Get your slimy pelt away from me before I turn you into a blooming coat, you ridiculous wanker! And stop being cheeky--it doesn't suit you; makes you look even more daft. I don't deny that I fancy those mammalian protrusions, but I wouldn't snog her if we were the last two creatures in existence!

Quinctius: You protest too much, my friend. You're infatuation is written all over your beak. Too bad the union you secretly fantasize about is forbidden by the natural order--not to mention anatomically impossible. (the sea lion chuckles)

Lucius: Piss off, you silly mug. Bugger you and bugger her!. (He pecks the seal on the head, hard, then begins flapping his wings, takes a few steps, and is airborne)

Quinctius: (yelling after him) That hurt! (shakes it off) Hey, where are you going?!

Lucius: (Hovering overhead) Scrumping! (He flies off, cussing under his breath)

Quinctius: (to himself) I'm hungry myself...(the sea lion waddles to the water, swims out into the ocean and disappears beneath)

--Walkara

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

[Cissy begins her interviews.]

Mandy: What do I do? Let's see I am in the swim club, and I run track. Oh and I am a member of the French Club.

Cissy: Cela est bon.

Mandy: Huh?

Cissy: [Rolls eyes] Mandy. Is that what you said your name was? [Mandy nods] Do you know how to work a cash register?

Mandy: I certainly do Ms. Yost. I used one at my last job. [Mandy walks over to the cash register. As she looks at it, a bewildered look comes over her face]

Cissy: What's the problem?

Mandy: At my last job the cash register had a picture of a hamburger and fries on the keys. Where are the pictures of the surfboards and wet suits?

--theshriek

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

(Sitting on the roof of the main white building in the 'Elephant Cage,' formerly the NRRF now called The Silver Strand Training Facility, Cass points her camera around the area, recording the soldiers urban warfare training.)

Cass: We've been up here almost all night, John. What if someone spots us?

John: They won't note nor soon remember, Cass. They can't hear my Father's words.

Cass: Are we almost finished?

John: We're almost finished. (John points to a group of men in suits talking to a uniformed officer) Put the camera's eye-on there.

Cass: (Complies) What's going on here, John?

John: A nut nudge.

Cass: (zooming in) Are those men in suits military?

John: Military doesn't ring a bell.

Cass: What the hell's going on here? (She focuses the camera on the men's faces, attempting to read their lips) What're they saying?

John: (tilts his head, listening) "You have your orders, Colonel."

Cass: What "orders"?

John: (leans forward) "Preparations."

Cass: For what?

John: (gives her a perplexed look) I don't know Butchie instead.

Cass: Can't you just read their minds?

John: (Stands up and moves his head slowly from side to side for a minute) No. Too many.

Cass: You mean, there's too much interference?

(John shrugs)

Cass: (gets one last shot of the area, careful to capture all the goings-on, then shuts her camera off and stands up, next to John) So, how do we get down? I have no clue how we got up here to begin with.

John: (gives her a big smile, and offers his hand) Ready, Cass?

Cass: (taking his hand) As I'll ever be, John.

(John squeezes her hand. Cass closes her eyes for a second. When she opens them she is sitting in her car, parked near the Surf Camp. John is sitting in the passenger's seat)

Cass: That's a handy little trick.

John: A handy little trick.

Cass: What next, John? You mind if I head back to the motel and take a shower?

John: I do mind, Cass.

Cass: (starts the car) That's just too bad, John. (She pulls out and drives away)

(Half an hour later, Cass pulls into the hotel. She exits, helps John out, and lets the parking attendant take her car)

Cass: Follow me, John.

(John does, following her inside the doors to the front desk):

Cass: (to the front desk clerk) Do I have any messages?

Clerk: Cass, right?

Cass: That's right.

Clerk: Yes. (She produces an envelope and hands it to Cass) A 'Mr. Alabaster' left this for you.

Cass: Alabaster? Hmmm, never heard of him. (She opens the envelope and reads the note, then fold it and puts it in her pocket)

Clerk: Good news, I hope?

Cass: (Perking up) I think so. (Turns to John) C'mon, John: I've gotta get ready. He wants to meet me at the pier this afternoon, says he's very impressed with my videos, and he has a "business proposition" for me. (She grins and puts her arm around John) What do you think about that?

John: I don't know Butchie instead...

Cass: Well, I do! Maybe this is the big break I've been waiting for! (She walks across the lobby to the elevator before realizing that John is still standing where she left him. She motions to him) You comin' with me or what?

John: Or what.

Cass: Suit yourself. I'll see you later then. (She gets in the elevator with palpable excitement) Bye, John.

John: (Standing in place) Bye, Cass.

(The elevator closes with Cass in it. John stays planted in place for almost fifteen minutes before he suddenly cocks his head to the right.)

John: (listening) Yes, Father. I'm coming. (He walks out the doors and vanishes)

--Walkara

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

[Sven2]

(In the cab Ms. Gray flips open her cell phone and presses a button)

Stinkweed receptionist: Stinkweed enterprises, where everything is big and huge, how may I direct your call?

Ms. Gray: Oh joy, the twat of the week, avoid mistake and connect me to Jake.

Receptionist: Excuse me?

Ms. Gray: I've asked to be put through to Jake, is there something you do not understand?

Receptionist: I'm sorry madam but Jake is not in, may I take a message?

Ms. Gray: What you may do, my dear, is never refer to me as madam again, unless you'd like to have those tiny tits of yours reduced to further invisibility except for the crude scars which would be all that would remain.

Receptionist: Whom shall I say is calling?

Ms. Gray: Anna Hughes... Ms. Gray! (drops the phone to her lap angry and then puts it up to her ear again) you little slut! (she puts her hand over the phone suppressing her anger) do not keep me waiting another second you fucking whore or I will come down there and disembowel you at your little receptionist desk!

Jake: Ms. Hughes! I was hoping you'd call.

Ms. Gray: Shut up Jake! I have just unintentionally given that little cunt my name! If she ever repeats it to anyone I will personally remove her pretty little face from her skull, do you understand me Jake?!

Jake: Yes! Yes! I am so sorry Ms. Gray... she's gone! Today is her last day! You will never have to worry about her saying anything!

Ms. Gray: Oh shut up, you worm of a man. I will take care of that bitch myself... I have just come from his office and that bastard is up to something. I think he suspects me.

Jake: Which means he suspects us. Jesus Anna, do you have any idea what can happen?

Ms. Gray: You fucking idiot! You insignificant shit of a man! Did you not just hear me?!

Jake: Oh yeah sorry, sorry, I forgot, the first name...

Ms. Gray: I should kill you in your sleep!

Jake: Sorry! Sorry Ms. Hughes... uh no, Ms. Gray! I assure you, there is no need to worry about your true identity being revealed! It just takes getting used to. I promise you..

Ms. Gray. (remains silent for a moment) Well you better guarantee that you cockless blow wonder or it will be your head on my spit, and I promise you that.

Jake: (swallowing hard) Guaranteed, guaranteed... Did you find out who he is using?

Ms. Gray: Not entirely, it's a boy of course, you know how he loves to use boys. But I do know it's a local boy. Someone who has been there awhile...

--SpiritontheWater

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

(Asleep on his couch after searching for his birds late into the night, Bill tosses and turns.)

(Something taps on the window.)

Bill: (Stirring) Hmm..(He opens his heavy eyes) Whawasat?

(Something taps again)

Bill: (Sitting up, alert) What the hell?? (He walks over to the window, pulls the curtains open, and sees nothing) What the fuckin' fuck is going on?! (He walks back to the couch and sits. He puts his head in his hands and rubs his eyes.)

(Another tap at the window)

Bill: Jesus Christ! That's it! (He stands back up, marches to the window and peers out, again seeing nothing. He opens the window and yells) Whoever-the-fuck is responsible for this goddamn nonsense best get the fuck outta here before I come out there throwing fists!!! (Bill pauses, listening for some kind of response but hears nothing.) You hear me?? (He looks up, noticing the gray sky) Hmm, musta been the goddam wind...looks like a storm's on the horizon. (He walks back to the couch, again, and sits)

(Perched on the stairs, Zippy informs Bill it wasn't the wind.)

Bill: What the fuck was it then, Zip, if you're so goddam all-knowing? (Finally registering the parrot's return, Bill spots Zippy on the stairs. He jumps to his feet and rushes to him) ZIP! You're back! Thank God!--Judas Priest, where the hell you been?! I was worried fuckin' sick! And where the hell's Her Ladyship?!

(Zippy hops on Bill's shoulder, and recounts the prior day's events in careful detail.)

Bill: (Listening intently, growing enraged at the idea of his birds in danger) Thank Christ, you escaped, Zip...and you're sure you remember where this "lab" is located?

(Zippy is certain)

Bill: Shit...(Bill paces back and forth)...we need a fuckin' plan.

(Zippy adds that they need reinforcements)

Bill: Not a bad idea. We'll swing by the homo's motel on the way and see if Pothead Joe and Ms. Lopez are available.

(Zippy reminds him about Freddy and Palaka)

Bill: Hell no! The less I have to deal with those two degenerate shit-birds the better. That Hawaiian's goon is liable to louse shit up. Doesn't strike me as the goddam reliable type.

(Zippy vehemently disagrees, citing various examples of Palaka's usefulness. He also mentions that his criminal experience may prove useful)

Bill: Absolutely not! (Impatiently) Just quit your goddam bitchin' and let's get back to the business at fucking hand.

(Zippy continues extolling the virtues of Freddy and Palaka while Bill fills a black gym bag with various tools and items. Before leaving the house, he puts Zippy in a spare cage (for safety reasons) walks outside, puts the cage in the passenger seat, and drives to the motel.)

--Walkara

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

(Butchie parks the van, goes around to the back and gets into his surf suit and grabs his board. He holds it under his arm and walks across the beach to the pier.)

Mitch: (Standing under the pier, spots Butchie) Butchie! (He motions with his hand) Over here.

Butchie: (approaching) Hey pop. (He nods at Mitch) You sure you're ready for this?

Mitch: What's that supposed to mean?

Butchie: Nuthin'...it's just, you know, you haven't let anyone see you fuckin' surf in years--and I don't wanna show you up too fuckin' bad. (He looks up) And it looks like it might be a fuckin' blow-out today.

Mitch: I see how it is...the analgesic pioneer thinks he can dust his old man.

Butchie: Anal, what??

Mitch: Never mind. (he puts his hand on Butchie's shoulder) You ready to bow down to the old man?

Butchie: Not a fuckin' chance, ya old goat, 'specially not on that thing. (Butchie kicks Mitch's longboard)

Mitch: I wouldn't get too confident. This old board's gonna help me kick your ass.

Butchie: Be careful not to tweak your fuckin' gimp knee, gramps. (grinning from ear to ear, Butchie swaggers past Mitch into the water and paddles out to sea.)

Mitch: (to himself) You're going down, boy. (He follows.)

--Walkara

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

(Sitting in a lawn chair outside the motel room, Joe lights a fatty and takes a long, deep hit.)

Magdalena: (Walking outside, fresh from the shower, wearing a red dress, she spots Joe ad goes over to him) Good morning, Joe. (She takes the joint from his fingers takes a rip and hands it back)

Joe: Mornin', Mags. (He pulls the empty chair up beside him for her to sit in) How'd ya sleep?

Magdalena: (Sitting down) So-so.

Joe: What's wrong?! Was it the fuckin' mattress?

Magdalena: Don't worry about it. (She tries to change the subject) Where can I get a cup of coffee?

Joe: Huh? Inside the office (he points to it)--now tell me why you didn't sleep good. We can always change rooms, if we decide to go ahead and stay another night.

Magdalena: It was nothing, Joe. Let it go. (She stands and starts to walk to the office, but Joe catches her arm as she passes and leads her carefully back to him)

Joe: (Looking her in the eye) What did I do?

Magdalena: Nothing, Joe. I mean, it's not your fault...

Joe: (Stands up) WHAT'S not my fuckin' fault?! Just spit it out already.

Magdalena: Well, um, you...you were tossing and turning all night.

Joe: I was?? (sinks back in his seat)

Magdalena: Yes, you talk in your sleep as well.

Joe: (bracing himself) What'd I fuckin' say.

Magdalena: Something about "a goddam punji stick"...then you kept saying "I'm sorry, I'm sorry" over and over--and then something about "making it up to me."

Joe: (distantly) Sorry 'bout that.

Magdalena: "Sorry" about what? What is bothering you, Joe?

Joe: Just an old fuckin' wound that ain't ever quite healed right.

Magdalena: May I see it?

Joe: I was bein' metaphorical. Just some bullshit that went down in 'Nam.

Magdalena: A psychic wound?

Joe: I don't know 'bout all that...

Magdalena: Wounds of this kind need treatment also, Joe. If left untreated mental wounds don't heal either. Tell me what happened

Joe: It's a long fuckin' story...

Magdalena: I'm not going anywhere. (She sits back down)

Joe: We oughta get a head start on lookin' for your boy.

Magdalena: As soon as you tell me the story.

Joe: Ah, hell..okay. I should probably start off by tellin' ya that I always cared more about my goddam feet than I shoulda...

--Walkara

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

John: (He walks through the Cherry Oldies parking lot, approaching the salesman, leaning against a blue 1973 Ford Mustang Mach 1 Fastback) Hi Father.

Dave Monad, proprietor, Cherry Oldies: Hey there, Country.

John: More Big and Huge?

Dave: Soon enough, but first there's a little trick you're gonna need to know before days end.

John: A handy little trick? I'm underpowered.

Dave: That's right, Country. (He puts his arm around John and leads him into the garage) But not for long...

--Walkara

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

(Ramon paces around the office, cell phone to his ear. He can see Joe and Magdalena through the window, sitting across the way talking. He lets the phone ring until the answering machine picks up. He listens to Barry's blithe-sounding message and waits for the beep)

*BEEP*

Ramon: Morning, Barry. It's Ramon, at the motel. Just making sure you got back from Sea World, and that you'll be in later. There are a couple projects that need your say-so before the guys move forward. I've got 'em coming to gut the cabin for Butchie today, but Raoul said they needed to spray for roaches first...anyway, I'll be here all day. Call me when you get this. Oh, and we should BBQ tonight. How do spare ribs sound? Let me know. Adios.

(Ramon hangs up, pours three cups of coffee and walks outside to join Joe and Magdalena)

--Walkara

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

[The interviews continue]

Cissy: [Looking at the vita] Mr. Beadle all of your experience seems to be in teaching. Why the hell have you applied for this job?

Beadle: That is an excellent question Ms. Yost. I am glad that you asked it. Two years ago I surfed for the first time. I realized then that it was the door to my spiritual quest. The answer was not in the musty and dark halls of the academic world, but was THERE on the crest of the wave. From that moment until now, I have devoted myself to this quest. I surfed whenever I could. If I wasn't surfing, I was researching surfing. [Far away look in his eyes] I can still remember where I was and what I was doing when I discovered "Voice of the Wave."

Cissy: Mr. Beadle none of this shit is news to me.

Beadle: Oh! Of course not Mrs. Yost. You are a natural part of the path. To continue, when I saw your ad, it seemed like I had a chance to go to Mecca. To sell sticks in a shop affiliated with the legendary Yosts. [He starts to cry]

Cissy: Goddammit! You need to give some fuckin' help Mr. Beadle.

Beadle: Did I get the job?

Cissy: Do you see any mental health professionals here? Get the fuck out.

--theshriek

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

(Barry slows and stops before turning into the Snug Harbor, Through his rear view mirror he watches as a car slowly pulls up behind him and then slowly goes around him, he turns and looks out his side window as the car passes. A woman is driving and she smiles at him as she drives on by).

Barry: Most peculiar don't you think Teddy? I think that woman was following us for a considerable distance. (he pulls in the driveway and proceeds to a parking space) Or maybe my imagination is just running wild? (he chuckles) That could certainly be the case now couldn't it Teddy? (before getting out he looks around and notices the work being done) Wonderful! Look at the progress we've made! What a difference a day makes.

(Barry gets out of the car as Ramon and Dr. Smith approach)

Dr. Smith: It's good to see you are safe and apparently sound Barry.

Ramon: And sporting some new cowboy boots it looks like.

Barry: I worried you all. I realized that after finding my answering machine brimming with concerned voices. I was overwhelmed, not realizing my presence was something to be missed. You have my sincerest apologies. (he walks around and opens the rear hatch and brings out a large bag) And to show you how much it was I missing you, I have gifts for everyone!

(A light drizzle commences and all three men look up at the sky)

Ramon: We better go inside, looks like we're going to get wet today.

Barry: I should have bought the oilcloth duster, but I thought it would be too much, (to Ramon) do you like the boots? I don't think I'll make it through the day in them though, my feet are killing me already.

Ramon: Takes a couple weeks to break 'em in.

Barry: Oh, well then, what I take for pain is just old wine in new wineskins! I should not complain then... (he scowls and curls his lip) old wine, I don't like the sound of that... new wine Ramon. (they enter the office and Barry places the bag up on the counter) that is how I feel today! I have had the most...other worldly... experiences that I must tell you both about. But first (he smiles, putting his hand in the bag) your gifts!...

--SpiritontheWater

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

[Sven2]

(Barry pulls out a large ornately decorated Carousel and hands it to Ramon who's face lights up smiling. Dr. Smith's eyes widen in surprise)

Ramon: It's beautiful! This must have been very expensive!.

Barry: Look! All the characters are sea creatures! And watch this! (he takes it from Ramon and sets it on the counter. Flipping a small switch on the side the carousel comes to life and begins to turn). Another switch turns on the lights and a third the music. (he flips the other two and all three stand mesmerized as the sound of a calliope plays as the tiny carved figures raise up and down as they rotate) It's a replica of the real one in Santa Barbara. For some reason Ramon, I thought you'd like it.

Ramon: (grinning like a child) I love it!... but you shouldn't have spent so much...

Barry: (reaching in the bag he carefully withdraws a large scale model of a Blue Whale gently handing it to Doctor Smith) And this is for you my dear man. It is handcrafted and comes apart to reveal this fascinating creatures exact anatomy. (he lifts off a small section and reveals the minutely detailed interior).

Dr. Smith: I'm speechless, this is a fantastic model. You didn't get this at Sea World. This is a study model like the ones we used at UCLA. (he carefully sets on it's stand on the counter and examines it more closely).

Barry: That is exactly what it is! I was fortunate enough to make the acquaintance of a most amazing woman... a specialist in whale research, what ever they are called officially I do not know. It took some effort to talk her into parting with it, but that is another story.

Dr. Smith: (shaking his head) It's a very fine example, there are not many of these to be had. That I know for certain.

Ramon: Not even on E-bay... Thank you Barry, you are always full of surprises.

Dr. Smith: Yes thank you very much, this was most unexpected.

Barry: I am very happy you like them.

Ramon: I'm going to cook you something...

Barry: Later Ramon, you said something about ribs didn't you? This evening? But I am anxious to receive a gift of my own now. Given our deteriorating weather Mr. Hostetler has insisted on installing our flagpole this morning. Today will be a day we will remember for a very long time.. And we must plan a ceremony for this evening, rain or shine.

Ramon: I'll get the guys to clear the way.

Barry: Thank you Ramon, he should be here any minute.

(Ramon opens the slider and walks outside, Barry and the Doctor lean down, elbows on the counter, enjoying the gifts together).

--SpiritontheWater

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

> (Tina dives deep in the sea, deeper than ever
> before.....

It took a while but I finally found the music score for this scene.

Click here

As the music begins, Tina is walking into the water. Images of her past as a teenager, Butchie, the baby, and her porn years flash through her mind. Lucious and Quinctius are seen on the beach as she approaches the surf.

'Oh, my life is changing everyday,
In every possible way.'
> (Tina dives deep in the sea, deeper than ever before.)
'And oh, my dreams, it's never quite as it seems,
Never quite as it seems.'


'I know I've felt like this before, but now I'm feeling it even more,'
> (Underwater, the world makes sense.)
'Because it came from you' (images of Shaun)

'And then I open up and see the person falling here is me'
> (She explores the flora and fauna, dazzled by the colors of the reef.)
'A different way to be.'

'Ah, la da ah...La...'
> Instead of surfacing for air, she pushes further down, down to the unknown. Time passes)
(More images of Butchie, Shaun, John and Linc)

'I want more impossible to ignore,'
> (She forgets herself, where she comes from, where she's going)
'Impossible to ignore' (Beautiful underwater images)
'And they'll come true, impossible not to do'
> (--all she knows is the water and her place in it.)
Impossible not to do.

(At this point the music fades to the background of Lucious and Quinctius?s conversation)

> (Sitting on the beach, Lucius the seagull and a
> Quinctius the sea lion stare out at the water,
> waiting for Tina to resurface)
>
> Quinctius: She's been under for a long
> time...how long do you suppose humans can hold their
> breath?
>
> Lucius: Bloody Hell! I don't know, Quin. Why
> don't you dive in after her if you're so concerned.
>
> Quinctius: Maybe I will...
>
> Lucius: Don't be daft, you imbecile! She's not
> going to drown here! (The seagull fans his
> wings and settles in the sand)
>
> Quinctius: How can you be so sure? Humans
> drown; I've seen it happen.
>
> Lucius: As have I, but not here, in this
> place.
>
> Quinctius: I suppose you're right, although,
> technically speaking, she's the first human we've
> come across here.
>
> Lucius: Of course, I'm right! (He
> sighs) It's a queer place, this. Ever-changing.
>
> Quinctius: Have you finally given up mapping
> it?
>
> Lucius: For now. It seems more changeable
> since our fleshy friend arrived. I don't remember
> there being a coral reef here before.
>
> Quinctius: Nor I. Beautiful, isn't it?
>
> Lucius: Bollocks to that! I don't like it one
> bit, things changing for her. Her "attributes"
> certainly bring out the rake in me, but that doesn't
> justify or excuse her being here. The Sea told us to
> expect a contact, but it didn't specify that said
> contact was a blasted human! Foul creatures, them.
> Miserable, selfish, and stupid. I don't see why we
> need concern ourselves with their lot.
>
> Quinctius: You don't really believe that,
> Lucius.
>
> Lucius: Yes I do! And I'll tell you something
> else, that blinkered little tart is a problem. She's
> changing the landscape. Earlier, she was sitting on
> the rocks talking about bleeding mountains!
> Mountains!!! Here! I swear, I saw one
> flicker in the distance then fade when she said it.
> That shirty, little twit has no respect for the state
> of things, thinks she can just go around imagining up
> mountains! What's next? A desert?!! (He
> shudders)
>
> Quinctius: I don't see what the problem
> is...perhaps you're just jealous that she can affect
> things while you and I cannot. Or....maybe you've got
> a little case on her. (The sea lion nudges the
> bird)
>
> Lucius: Get your slimy pelt away from me
> before I turn you into a blooming coat, you
> ridiculous wanker! And stop being cheeky--it doesn't
> suit you; makes you look even more daft. I don't deny
> that I fancy those mammalian protrusions, but I
> wouldn't snog her if we were the last two creatures
> in existence!
>
> Quinctius: You protest too much, my friend.
> You're infatuation is written all over your beak. Too
> bad the union you secretly fantasize about is
> forbidden by the natural order--not to mention
> anatomically impossible. (the sea lion
> chuckles)
>
> Lucius: Piss off, you silly mug. Bugger you
> and bugger her!. (He pecks the seal on the head,
> hard, then begins flapping his wings, takes a few
> steps, and is airborne)
>
> Quinctius: (yelling after him) That
> hurt! (shakes it off) Hey, where are you
> going?!
>
> Lucius: (Hovering overhead) Scrumping!
> (He flies off, cussing under his breath)
>
> Quinctius: (to himself) I'm hungry
> myself...(the sea lion waddles to the water, swims
> out into the ocean and disappears beneath)

(The music returns the foreground)

'Ah, da, da da da, da, la..'
> (Her legs, pressed together, kicking in unison start to sprout scales until they fasten together and form a tail. Unaware of the changes happening to her, Tina swirls around the sea, perfectly content.)

************
BTW the lyrics that are lost to Lucious's and Quinctius's conversation are:

And now I tell you openly, you have my heart so don't hurt me.
You're what I couldn't find. A totally amazing mind, so understanding and so kind;
You're everything to me. Oh, my life, Is changing every day, In every possible way.
And oh, my dreams, It's never quite as it seems, 'Cause you're a dream to me,
Dream to me.

This beautiful scene of transformation is also a great precursor to the somewhat sinister scenes to follow.

Another great job, Walk!

--Waxon

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

(Bill pulls into the Snug Harbor, parks next to Freddy's car, frees Zippy from his cage, and exits the vehicle.)

Bill: (Knocking of Freddy's door) Hey, open the hell up! I need a word with the Hawaiian.

Palaka: (cracks the door and peaks out) Who's askin'? (Recognizing Bill) Oh, it's you. 'Scuse my bein' suspicious: the boss has been on edge--whether it's the Chinaman got him all upset is unclear, but I wouldn't put anything past that cagey fuckin' oriental. (Palaka allows Bill inside, where Freddy and Shaun are sitting in front of the TV eating bacon buttys.)

Bill: Chinaman? What the fuck are you goin' on about?

Freddy: (Interrupting) Never fucking mind. (shoots Palaka a dirty look) He's talkin' out of fucking turn again.

Palaka: Sorry, boss. Just thinking out loud.

Freddy: Thinking?! Well there's you're first fucking problem. The second being opening your cunt-mouth about it!

(Zippy flies to Shaun and perches on his shoulder)

Bill: Well, whaddaya know? How're you doin', Shaun? (Bill smiles paternally and goes over to him)

Shaun: Hi Bill. (He runs a finger down Zippy's back) Hey Zippy.

Freddy: (Jumping in) Not to spoil the fuckin' reunion, but whadda you fuckin' doin' here? Your bird givin' out commands again? Or did you just smell the fuckin' bacon?

Bill: (Brandishes his fist at Freddy) I warned you about disrespectin' the goddam job, you Godless fuckin' subversive! (His voice gets deadly serious) One more time and it's gonna come to fisticuffs between you and me, understand? And you don't want that. I was the Golden Glove champion four years running among the boys downtown.

Freddy: (Rising) I ain't fuckin' scared of you, piglet. (Folds his arms) We throw down...you won't get back up.

Bill: (Stands) You are one stupid, fucking troll, you know that? I'll pound that ugly fuckin' mug a-yours even flatter, shit-for-brains. (gets in Freddy's face)

Palaka: (Jumping in the middle) Okay...all right...c'mon, c'mon: break it up. No way to act in front of the boy.

Shaun: (watching TV, shrugs) I don't care.

Palaka: Right, well...why don't we get down to business, and put the ugliness behind us.

Freddy: What business? What's this monkey even doin' here?? (Freddy sits back down)

(Palaka looks at Bill curiously)

Bill: Never fucking mind. (He turns to leave) Let's go, Zip! We've got a mission to accomplish.

(Zippy flies from Shaun and perches on Palaka's shoulder)

Bill: Christ in Heaven! Betrayed by my own goddam bird!

Freddy: (arms folded, facing away from Bill) What fucking "mission"?

Bill: My goddam birds were nabbed yesterday, taken to some kind of lab to play guinea pig for God knows what kind of assfucks. Zip here fuckin' escaped, but my white parrot is still a prisoner.

Shaun: What can I do, Bill?

Bill: You just stay outta this one, Shaun. I don't want you gettin' messed up in this.

Freddy: You came here to ask our help in rescuing your fucking bird?? (Shakes his head) Fuckin' nutjob!

Palaka: (Charmed by the parrot on his shoulder) Get a load of this bird, would ya Boss? Flew right to me. (Gloating) Guess he wants my help.

Bill: You assholes stay here! I came lookin' for Pothead Joe and his lady-friend anyway. I don't know what the fuck I was thinkin' by comin' here!

Freddy: Those two took off right before you fuckin' got here.

Shaun: Why can't I help?

Bill: 'Cause we may have to bend the law a bit, and you gotta keep your damn nose clean.

Freddy: I see how it fuckin' is! (Indignant) Came to us, 'cause you figure we're criminals, and we have experience with this bullshit. Just like a fucking cop!

Bill: Was I fuckin' wrong?

Freddy: 'Bout us havin' experience rescuing goddam birds?? Yeah, you were fuckin' wrong.

Bill: I meant experience with 'breaking and entering' asshole, and you goddam know it! But forget it! I don't want your blasted help.

Freddy: Why don't you piss off then?

Palaka: But Boss...

Freddy: Pipe it!

Bill: Go fuck yourself, asshole! (Bill flips him off and walks out the door. Zippy flies from Palaka's shoulder after him)

Shaun: You really aren't gonna help? (He gives Freddy a pleading look)

Freddy: Help THAT fuckin' pig??! No thanks. (Mumbles to himself)

Shaun: What?

Freddy: Nuthin'! Just...that goddam dickhead is gonna get himself caught is all. Probably has no fuckin' clue what he's even doin'...

Shaun: He'll be okay. He was a good cop.

Freddy: Cops don't know fuck-all about pullin' shit off, only how to TRY and stop it. He'll be fucked if we don't help him.

Palaka: I think that bird really likes me...

Freddy: Yeah? Go build a fuckin' nest then! (He stands up and walks into the bathroom, closing the door behind him)

Palaka: (Rushes outside and flags Bill down just as he's about to pull away) WAIT!

(Bill hits the breaks and rolls down the window)

Palaka: Hold on a sec. The boss is gettin' ready then we'll follow ya, okay?

Bill: All right, fine! But, only 'cause the goddam bird insists!

(Palaka nods and runs back inside.)

Shaun: Where'd you go?

Palaka: Just outside for a minute. (Changing the subject) So, what're you gonna do today?

Shaun: (shrugs) Maybe go down to the beach, meet up with my dad and gramps. Or maybe I'll hang with my friends.

Freddy: (Exits the bathroom carrying a bag) Let's go.

Palaka: (playing stupid) Where to, boss?

Freddy: You fuckin' know.

Palaka: Roger that, Boss. (He gets up) See ya later, Shaun. (He walks outside and gets in the car)

Freddy: (following behind, he turns to Shaun) You can stay here if ya want, I guess.

Shaun: Right on. (He turns his attention back to the television) Good luck.

Freddy: Catch ya later, kid.

--Walkara

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

[Sven2]

(Frank Alabaster walks into Pete's Pistol Hunt, flanked by a small, timid boy)

Pete: Howdy, partner! What can I do ya for?

Frank: (approaching the counter) Hmm...to tell the truth, I don't have much experience with firearms. I've always been partial to the blade.

Pete: Whaddaya need the gun for?

Frank: Oh, um...insurance.

Pete: Handgun or rifle?

Frank: (rubs his chin) Handgun. Something easily concealed but powerful.

Pete: (produces a gun from behind the counter and hands it to Alabaster) That's a compact semiautomatic Smith & Wesson .45 ACP Chief's Special ? Model CS45.

Frank: (feeling the gun in his hand) Hmm. (He turns to the boy) What do you think?

Boy: I dunno...

Frank: (putting the weapon in the boys hands) Well, how does it feel?

Boy: Little?

Frank: That's right, son. (He takes the gun away and sets it on the counter) Too little. (Looks at Pete)What else?

Pete: (sets another gun on the counter) That's a Glock 39. It takes special .45 ACP ammunition made by Glock. It's a one-shot stopper. (He puts the clip in and the safety on.) We have a shooting range in the back, if you wanna give it a try.

Frank: Ooo...yes! I'll take it! This is the one. How much? (He points the gun at Pete playfully)

Pete: Be careful! It's loaded! (Pete pushes the barrel of the gun away from him) I'll give it to you for $435.00 plus ammo.

Frank: (without batting an eye he hands him five crisp 100 dollar bills) Keep the change. (He takes the boys hand and turns to leave)

Pete: Hey, wait! I've gotta get your information and run a background check...

Frank: That won't be necessary.

Pete: I'm afraid that will be necessary, friend. I can't let you take that in good conscience without making sure you're not some nut-case out for revenge.

Frank: (Casually, collected) Fuck your "conscience". *BANG* *BANG* (Alabaster puts one bullet in Pete's head and one in his heart, blood splattering across the wall behind him. Pete falls to the ground in a pool of his own blood.)

(The boy jumps to the ground and curls into the fetal position)

Frank: (puts the gun in his jacket) Get up, you little rascal!

(Terrified, the boy doesn't move)

Frank: I said: GET UP!!! (Frank reaches down, wraps his gloved hands around the boy's neck and pulls him to his feet) We had better run along. (he pulls the boy, in shock, outside behind him and shoves him into the white car Alabaster stole from the Hotel parking lot.)

Frank: (getting in the driver's side, closing the door behind him) You see, my boy, the gun gives me the choice to finish her off on the spot, from a distance, or to use it as a means of forcing her to a more private rendezvous point where I can take my time getting to "know" her. (His tongue sweeps across his flawless teeth hungrily.)

--Walkara

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

(Cass lays different outfits across the bed, then holds one after the other in front of herself before the mirror. She decides on a simple white sun dress and goes back into the restroom to finish getting ready. She smiles at herself in the bathroom mirror, overcome by thoughts of the hope and possibility that her forthcoming meeting on the pier would no doubt make manifest.)

--Walkara

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

(Linc walks out of the Hotel and waits for the parking attendants to fetch the El Camino. He takes his phone out of his pocket and dials a number.)

Jake: (answering his phone) Talk to me.

Linc: What's goin' on numbnuts? (Linc adjusts himself)

Jake: What do you want, Linc?

Linc: I'm just callin' to make sure everything is on schedule for the expo the day after tomorrow.

Jake: Everything's taken care of. The Money is sending some people down here tomorrow, to make sure everything goes according to plan.

Linc: Good. (The attendant returns with the Camino. Linc hands him a tip and gets in the car) Hey, you haven't heard from Tina by any chance have you?

Jake: Why the fuck would I have heard from her??

Linc: Good fuckin' point. (He starts the car and drives away from the Hotel)

Jake: The old lady went AWOL on you, huh? (He smirks at the phone)

Linc: Fuck you.

Jake: What happened? (sarcastically) Someone offered her more lucrative "relationship"??

Linc: You better watch it, dude!

Jake: Chillax, Linc. Maybe she had a gangbang to get to. I'm sure she'll drop you a line after she scrubs the spooge off. (He chuckles)

Linc: Did you just say "chillax"??? You realize I'm gonna stomp your fuckin' head in next time I see you, right?

Jake: C'mon, I'm just messin' with ya.

Linc: Yeah? Well, I'm gonna make a mess of that prissy, goddam baby face of yours.

Jake: All right, all right. (awkward pause) So, what happened?

Linc: She found out that I requested her from the agency. What I wanna know is, how the fuck she found out? When I had you call, you were discreet, right? I mean, you didn't go runnin' you're fuckin' mouth, did you?

Jake: No. Of course not. I mean, I might've mentioned that you didn't want her to know she was specifically requested, but--

Linc: --You fucknut! I told you to say you wanted it to be a surprise.

Jake: How the hell was I to know they'd tell her?

Linc: (resigned) Okay, whatever...cat's outta the fucking bag now...no use gettin' any more worked up.

Jake: Sorry, man.

Linc: It's over. (He sighs to himself)

Jake: About Butchie's girl...

Linc: (hesitantly) What?

Jake: The Money isn't interested in sponsoring women.

Linc: That's fuckin' ridiculous! (thinking) Dammit! She's meeting me at the internet Cafe in a while. Shit! What's their fuckin' problem anyway?

Jake: "Female surfers don't move merchandise." Sorry, Linc, but they're not gonna budge on this one.

Linc: Fuck! I'm gonna look like such an asshole.

Jake: You said she didn't seem that interested anyway...

Linc: Maybe not, but Butchie needs her here. And she's crazy-fucking-talented on top of that.

Jake: Sorry, but I've got a bunch of shit to take care of today, so I'll see you tomorrow, huh? (He hangs up)

Linc: Whatever... (Linc hangs up the phone and sighs again, thinking of Tina)

(The El Camino's radio suddenly turns on and starts playing)

Listen

--Walkara

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

(Three loud horn blasts startle Barry and Dr. Smith from their trance. Barry looks out the door and sees the truck backing in the driveway of the motel. Ramon is directing the driver with hand signals)

Barry: Three blasts heralding a second coming, come Michael, it's time to plant our flag on the new world.

(Barry and Dr. Smith step out of the office and walk over to where Shaun is standing to watch the truck carrying the flagpole back it's way in. The truck comes to a complete stop at Ramon's command a few feet from the site.)

Shaun: That's cool.

Dr. Smith: It is cool isn't it Shaun, and good morning.

Shaun: Morning Doc, Morning Barry.

Barry: Good morning to you Shaun. I am glad you will be joining us for this event. Please tell your friends and family that we will be holding a dedication ceremony this evening. Ramon is going to bbq ribs. A mouthwatering delight I have no doubt.

Shaun: Cool, my dad loves ribs, (Shaun sees Adam walking up the driveway toward them) Can my friend Adam come too?

Barry: All are welcome.

Shaun: Hey Adam, you like ribs?

Adam: What, are you kidding? I'm Adam! (he grins) get it?...wassup Doc?

Shaun: Well, Ramon's going to Bbq some tonight and youre invited.

Adam: Sounds good Kemo Sabe. (Adam looks around but doesn't see Freddy or Palaka)

Dr. Smith: Have you come for your appointment? You were supposed to bring Mr. Owen.

Adam: Oh yeah, he's gonna meet us at the clinic in an hour. (Dr. Smith puts his hand to Adam's forehead) Kemo Sabe, aren't there a couple of outlaws hiding out here?

Shaun: Freddy and Palaka? They're not so bad. They just left to help Zippy and Bill. They'll be back if Bill doesn't kill them first.

(Dr. Smith looks perplexed at Adam and Shaun. Barry walks over to where Ramon is standing as Mr. Hostetler jumps out of the truck, his boys and his helper jump out of the passenger side. They walk around the truck and Mr. Hostetler introduces his boys to Barry and Ramon)

Mr. Hostetler: Well sir, the day has arrived, and we got that beaut ready for inspection.

Barry: It is glorious! Not at all as you described it.

Mr. Hostetler: Yeah well we had a little extra time so we gave it an anodizing. All bronze to match the lighthouse.

Barry: Lighthouse?

Mr. Hostetler: (he and the boys smile) Well, we got a little surprise for you there Mr. Cunningham, if you'll come right this way we'll perform it's unveiling.

Barry: (Motions for Dr. Smith, Shaun and Adam to join him) Ramon, it seems we have another surprise awaiting us.

(They all gather around past the front of the truck as Mr. Hostetler grabs the remote operating the crane to which the pole is grappled and skillfully maneuvers it so that the top of the pole is lowered to near eye level. The lighthouse is wrapped in white plastic. Once the crane stops everyone gathers around).

Mr. Hostetler: (begins to remove the wrappings covering the lighthouse) The boys and me agreed that this job wouldn't be right without doing honor to my late brother, the one who crafted this lighthouse here, and knowing it is what he would have wanted to see done. We're proud to present this to you in our brothers name. (he fully unveils the gleaming bronze lighthouse, now highly polished and affixed to the tip of the pole).

Barry: (stunned) Mr. Hostetler... I do not know what to say! Your brother? Your uncle, boys? (he sees them smiling proudly)... A gift I am not worthy of and yet, it is not for me, but for us all. (he takes Mr. Hostetler's hand and sees the mans eyes are reddening and beginning to water) Such a cherished possession you share so freely. I am in your debt. I could not have imagined this.

Mr. Hostetler: Thank you sir. Like I said, my brother wouldn't have had it any other way, (he looks at his boys) would he boys? (they shake their heads) And this ain't just no shiny piece of metal craft either, no sir, this baby's a Clockworks. 360 degrees of turning night to day ray of hope they're gonna see from miles. (everyone moves in a takes a closer look)

Shaun: Awesome, like a beam of Sun.

Ramon: Gonna need a permit for that huh?

Mr. Hostetler: Already taken care of, got the document in the truck.

Dr. Smith: Fantastic.

Mr. Hostetler: (to Ramon) Brought you a new circuit breaker too, she does draw some power.

Ramon: Every good thing does.

(Mr. Hostetler's boys turn to Shaun and the oldest speaks)

Sam: I've seen you surf, you're awesome dude.

Shaun: Thanks.

Sam: Is it true that you got done but came back to life?

Shaun: (turns his head and looks at the doctor) Uhh..

Adam: Yeah it's true! Miracle boy , resurrected! (he smiles at Shaun who punches him in the arm) Oww... sorry...

(Everyone backs up as Mr. Hostetler throttles up the engine and begins to raise the pole back up over the cab of the truck and higher into the air. The helper swirls his finger in the air having opened the shaft and removed the lower covering exposing the greased end of the pole).

Adam: This is cool!

Shaun: Think we could climb it?

Adam: Someone's gonna have to change the bulb! (they both laugh)

(Mr. Hostetler expertly brings the pole into position over the shaft and with a few skillful adjustments begins to lower it into place. All watch entranced as the pole slides down into the ground as the sound of the crane's engine drowns out all else. The helper shouts as the pole reaches a designated mark and Mr. Hostetler brings the crane to a stop before releasing the grapples. The pole free falls the last two feet and can be felt through the ground as it bottoms out. Everyone looks up at the lighthouse as the pole wiggles back and forth until the vibrations dampen. Mr. Hostetler, smiling, cuts the engine and it winds down to silence as everyone applauds).

Ramon: Nice job.

Mr. Hostetler: Your flag is planted sir.

Barry: Claimed...

--SpiritontheWater

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

[Cissy is in the back of the shop. She hears the shop door open and a man's voice calling out a greeting and saying that he is there for an interview. When Cissy goes to the front, she sees that it is Gary, the diabetic clerk, from Jenco. They stare at each other in shock.]

Cissy: You goddamn fuckin' piece of shit! I spent hours in jail because you couldn't stand a little bit of toilet paper knocked over. I bet that was the closest your ass has even been to any!

[Gary finally gets over his shock and turns to flee.]

Cissy: [She throws a coffee cup and just misses Gary's head] Yeah run away fuckin' coward! I hope someone exchanges your insulin for piss.

[Cissy runs out the door just as Mitch and Butchie are arrive.]

Cissy: I better not see your ass anywhere near this shop again.

Mitch: [To Butchie] The interviews are going better than I thought they would.

--theshriek

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

(Mitch and Butchie follow Cissy into the surf shack)

Cissy: What the hell are you two doin' here anyway? (She shoots Mitch an impatient look)

Mitch: We took a break.

Cissy: Don't tell me the Big Fucking Kahuna got run off by a little storm. (She grins

Butchie: The wind's fuckin' howlin' out there; thought we'd grab a bite to eat and see if things calm down.

Cissy: Fuckin' pussies.

Mitch: Yeah, well, we have to go back eventually 'cause I promised the bloodsucking media I'd "pose" for some goddam pictures.

Cissy: So, why the fuck are you here?

Mitch: We dropped by to see if you wanted to come with.

Cissy: In case you forgot, Mitch, being the self-involved cocksucker you are, I've got interviews to do. (Mitch and Butchie follow Cissy into the surf shack)

Mitch: I know that. I just thought maybe you'd wanna take a break...

Cissy: Of course I wanna take a fuckin' break--but I've got another dipshit comin' any minute.

Mitch: I guess we'll be gettin' out of your hair then. (He looks at Butchie) Where to?

Butchie: Fuck...I dunno. What sounds good?

Mitch: Sushi?

Butchie: (rolls his eyes) Fuck that shit! Let's just grab a burrito or something.

Mitch: Fine. (Perks up) There's a little place off Coronado that has great veggie burritos.

Butchie: Do they got steak burritos?

Mitch: I'm sure.

Cissy: (Leaning against the counter, leafing through a magazine) Get me some Nacho's Grande.

Mitch: We're not going to Taco Bell, Cissy. (He starts toward the door)

Cissy: So go around the fuckin' drive-thru! And bring me a Pepsi.

Mitch: Fine. (He walks outside)

Butchie: (Following) Later, ma.

Cissy: (signs) Later, dumbass.

--Walkara

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

[Sven2]

(Kai walks down the street outside the cafe, checks the time, and crosses the street over to the surf shop)

Cissy: What the fuck are you doing here? If you want your job back you'll have to interview, and I don't think you're qualified.

Kai: Fuck you Cissy.

Cissy: Fuck me? Do you know how many dip-shits I've had to interview already today, because you decided to up and fucking quit on me.

Kai: Not going so well, huh? I guess 8 bucks an hour and constant abuse isn't everyone's idea of a dream job.

Cissy: Well you seemed to do OK.

Kai: (sarcastic) Gee thanks, Cissy. Look, I'm not here to argue, I just stopped in to say hi 'cause I'm waiting on Linc.

Cissy: (sneering) Hi.

(an akward silence follows)

Cissy: What you want with Linc anyway?

Kai: Talking about Stinkweed sponsoring me. (Cissy scoffs). Doesn't matter anyway, he seems too freaked about Tina being missing anyways.

Cissy: That whore-slut is missing? Best fucking news I've had all day.

Kai: Nice, Cissy

Cissy: (thinks for a few seconds) Shaunie know?

Kai: Don't think so; don't think he's paying attention to much after yesterday. I'll stop by the motel and check on him when Butchie get's back from comparing dicks with Mitch.

Cissy: They took a break for lunch, you just missed them. Anyways, it's more like seeing who is the bigger dick!

Kai: (laughs) Hey, Butchie's been pretty fucking sweet of late.

Cissy: Mitch has been pretty fucking weird. What a fucking family, no wonder you're fucking leaving!

Kai: Nah, don't worry, I'll be back soon enough. Wouldn't fucking miss this for the world. Hey, did Butchie say where they were going to eat?

Cissy: Some Mexican shit-hole. They said they may stop by here before they head back out.

Kai: Cool. (She checks her watch) Anyways, I better get going, good luck with the interviews!

Cissy: Right... the next one's probably gonna be a fucking geriatric with one eyebrow and a limp.

(Kai heads outside. Cissy starts leafing thru the resumes, but throws them back on the counter in disgust).

--Backinthegame

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

Dave Monad: (takes the piece of bread from the toaster, spreads a little butter on it and holds it out to John) And viola!, it's done.

John: Zap! 2.5 times better than regular bread.

Dave: That's exactly right, Country. Good ears. (turns his head and yells) Manuel! Get over here!

Manuel: (Hurrying, winded) Yeah, boss?

Dave: (hands the piece of toast to Manuel) Eat this.

Manuel: I'm not really hungry tho--

Dave: Quit yer yappin' and just eat it, son.

Manuel: (takes the toast) Okay. (He takes a bite) Mmm...

Dave: (Watching intently) How is it?

Manuel: (Swallows) It's fine.

Dave: Just Fine?!

Manuel: It's good..real good.

Dave: (puts his arm around John) Just like that, Country. (To Manuel) You can go now, Manuel.

Manuel: Okay, boss. (He walks out)

Dave: (Leads John back to the toaster) All right, m'boy. Let's toast you a slice for the road. And remember, you're exempt from the physical processes of a human, so you don't gotta worry 'bout food gummin' up the works (He slaps John's stomach). We don't need nourishment of course, but we can still appreciate the myriad of fuckin' tastes and flavors available to we sojourners.

John: Gummin' up the works won't be a problem.

Dave: That's right, kid. (He puts two pieces of bread in the toaster) Now it's your turn.

(John presses the lever down, leans forward and watches as the toaster coils begin to glow red. When the toast ejects, Dave butters each slice, hands one to John and sends him on his way.)

Dave: (Leading John to the sidewalk) You keep your eyes open, Country. Ya hear?

John: I hear, Father. (John walks away down the sidewalk, still holding the slice of toast, untouched, in his hand like a delicate treasure.)

Dave: (Folds his arms, watching John walk away, he looks up) That boy ain't the sharpest tool in the shed, but he'll do just fine.

--Walkara

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

(Bill, Freddy, and Palaka, with Zippy perched on his shoulder, stand around the back door of a nondescript building in an abandoned business park. Other than Freddy's car and Bill's truck, there are three white vans parked next to each other. The rest of the parking lot is empty, desolate even. Bill is trying his luck with lock-pick on the door.)

Bill: (frustrated) Fuck this! (He hands the tools to Freddy) You try. You're the criminal after all.

Freddy: (taking over, he slips the tool in the lock and moves it around) Let's see...there...it...is. *CLICK*

(The doorknob turns)

Palaka: Good work, boss.

(Zippy agrees)

Bill: No big goddam surprise. (opening the door, he puts his hand on his holstered weapon) Alright everyone, let's go.

(Bill leads them through the empty corridor, kicking every door he passes open as they work their way around)

Palaka: This place looks abandoned to me.

Freddy: No shit. (to Bill) Your bird sure this is the fuckin' place?

Bill: (whispering) Shut up and follow me. (He approaches the center room, Zippy flies from Palaka's shoulder to his) This the room Zip?

(Zippy confirms it)

Bill: Here we go...(He draws his weapon, kicks the doors open and storms into the room. Looking around, he sees that the room is completely empty.) What the fuck?? I thought you said this was the damn place, Zip?

(Confused, Zippy tells him that it was)

Bill: WAS??! What the hell does that mean?

(Zippy has no explanation. he flies back to Palaka's shoulder)

Palaka: Smells like a kennel in here.

Freddy: (Sniffs) He's right...(Sniffs again) It smells like a fuckin' petting zoo. They musta cleared out, maybe they got tipped-off.

Bill: (Throws his hands up in defeat) How...? It's only been a couple hours since Zippy escaped, how the fuck did they manage to clear out this entire goddam place so fast?

Freddy: It can be done. I had my men clear out an entire fuckin' warehouse in less than an hour after gettin' a tip that the fuzz was on to us.

Palaka: (a little hurt) You never told me that story.

Freddy: Yeah? Boo-fuckin'-hoo. (To Bill) What now, Furillo?

Bill: Fuck me...I got no fuckin' clue. (Looks at Zippy on Palaka's shoulder) What about you, birdbrain?

(Zippy shrugs)

Palaka: Maybe that guy, the retard, can help.

Freddy: The shapeshifter?

Palaka: Yeah...he's got special fuckin' powers, don't he?

Bill: My-eye-on-you? (Considering) Hell, maybe he can fuckin' help, but there's no fuckin' tellin' where he's gotten to.

Palaka: Bet if we wait at the motel, he'll show up sooner or later.

Freddy: Sounds like a fuckin' plan. (He starts walking to the exit)

Palaka: (Following Freddy) Hey, boss, can we stop on the way and get some ice cream?

Freddy: The fuck you want ice cream for?? It's stormy out there today.

Palaka: Never too cold for ice cream. (To Zippy) You hungry, Zippy?

Bill: (lagging behind, to Freddy) Hey, shit-for-brains, parrots don't eat fuckin' ice cream!

(Zippy informs Bill that is about to change)

Bill: Suit yourself, but I don't wanna hear your damn belly-achin' when it doesn't sit well. (He exits the building behind Freddy and Palaka) And don't forget that Her Ladyship is still in need of rescuing!

(Zippy assures Bill that the rescue is his first priority and asks permission to ride with Freddy and Palaka to the ice cream shop.)

Bill: I guess.

(Bill gets in his truck and drives to the Snug Harbor. The others stop for ice cream and arrive at the motel twenty minutes after Bill.)

--Walkara

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

(Joe and Magdalena drive east on Imperial Beach blvd in Joe's van. It's raining)

Magdalena: Where are we going now, Joe?

Joe: Hell if I know, Mags. Sorry as shit, but I got no fuckin' clue where to look next.

Magdalena: I understand Joe. It's not your fault. If only I knew where to begin...

(Bill suddenly spots John walking down the sidewalk with his hands in front of him, holding something out)

Joe: (brakes) I'll be damned...I think our luck's about to change (He pulls off the road, next to John and unrolls the window) Hey! Fratboy, where the hell you goin'?--and what the hell you got in your damn hands?

John: Flavors and tastes. (He holds the soggy toast out)

Magdalena: What are you doing with that?

John: Zap! (He drops the toast on the sidewalk)

Joe: (looks at Magdalena) Don't mind him. This is one I was tellin' you about.

Magdalena: I remember. I saw him at the motel the other day, remember?

Joe: Oh yeah. (To John) You wanna ride?

John: I do wanna ride.

(Joe gets out and helps John get in the back of the van, then gets back in the driver's seat.)

Joe: So, ah--John, right?--umm, we was wonderin' whether you might be able to help us out?

John: John-right. I can help, Joe.

Joe: Thanks partner. This is Magdalena. We're looking for her son. She got word he was in town, but we keep runnin' into dead ends.

Magdalena: (Turns her head around to look at John) Su nombre es Alejandro. Él es alto, con la piel más justo que el mío. Su padre es un Americano.

John: (looks at her innocently) El vato que eviscerado mí.

Joe: What'd he say?

Magdalena: He said, "the vato who gutted me." What is he talking about?

Joe: (Turns white) Uhhh...well...umm...who...who knows? Half the shit outta that one's mouth is fuckin' nonsense. (He lies)

John: Justice must be served, Joe. Justice...on the border with Mexico. The vato must get his due.

Magdalena: What did he say about Mexico?

Joe: He says we should head down to the border.

Magdalena: (Anxious) Does he know where my son is?!

Joe: No, but he seems to know who he is.

Magdalena: Really???! (She throws her arms around Joe and kisses him on the cheek) God bless you, Joe. (She turns to John, puts her hand on his leg and pats it) And God bless you too, young man.

John: (Throws his arms around Joe's seat and hugs it) Dios te bendiga, Joe. (He does the same to Magdalena's seat with her in it) Dios te bendiga y también joven.

Magdalena: (gleefully) He's just like one of Bill's parrots!

Joe: (Concealing his unease) Yeah...just like a parrot.

John: There'll be no more parrot-talk.

(Joe pulls back onto the street and starts driving to the border)

--Walkara

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

(Kai is sitting on the curb in front of the Internet Cafe when Linc pulls up.)

Linc: (unrolls the window) Hey, sorry I'm late.

Kai: (Looks up, shrugs) I thought I was early.

Linc: (noticing the crowd of people waiting for a table at the Internet Cafe) Shit, they're swamped.

Kai: I couldn't fuckin' breathe in there.

Linc: You wanna take a drive instead?

Kai: I still don't trust you.

Linc: What?

Kai: You heard me. (She looks him in the eye without malice)

Linc: Truce?

Kai: Maybe we should start with a recess. (stands up and walks around the car)

Linc: I can live with that. (He leans over and throws the Camino's passenger door open.)

Kai: (Getting in) Where we goin'? (She shuts the door behind her)

Linc: Let's just drive around.

Kai: Whatever. (She puts her seatbelt on)

(Linc pulls away from the curb with no destination in mind)

--Walkara

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

Cass walks around the pier, under an umbrella, regretting her decision to wear a white dress. She keeps her eyes peeled for a man in a black suit, as described in the note left for her at the hotel desk which she now holds in her hand. The pier is mostly empty. On the beach, a news crew is scrambling to finish setting up a big tent. Cass smiles, considering how much like ants the look from a distance. Suddenly, she senses someone behind her.)

Cass: (turning around) Oh! (Drinking-in the exceedingly handsome man before her, also holding an umbrella, she turns beet red) You startled me. (She puts her hand on sleeve, laughing at herself)

Frank: Did I? (He flashes his perfect smile at her)

Cass: Are you--

Frank: --Frank? That's me. Frank Alabaster at your service. (Offers his hand)

Cass: (Seeing a small boy at his side, she ignores his hand) Who's this little guy? (She leans down) Hey there. I'm Cass. What's your name?

(The boy says nothing)

Frank: (Irritated, he puts his hand back in the boy's hand) He doesn't talk much. Say 'hi' to the nice lady, Owen.

(The boy sizes Cass up for a minute)

Owen: (timidly) Hi.

Cass: (She looks into the little boy's eyes, recognizing something in them, something she can't put her finger on) How're you? (She gives him a warm smile)

Frank: (Unnerved) He's fine. Just misses his mommy.

Cass: Where's your mommy?

Owen: (looks up at Frank, nervously) Gone.

Cass: I'm sorry. (She stands up) (To Frank) I'm so sorry for bringing it up.

Frank: (Feeling Cass' sincerity, intrigued) Don't be. (He tightens his grip on the boy's hand) She was very sick. (Looks down at the boy) Now it's just the two of us--But we didn't come here to talk about that, did we?

Cass: (Uncomfortable) I guess not.

Frank: Is there someplace we can go talk that's more...private?

Cass: That depends on what you mean by "private"?

Frank: (concealing his annoyance) Someplace dry would be a start.

Cass: (blushing) I'm sorry I said that...it's just, I don't trade on my (looks down at Owen) s-e-x.

Frank: (maintaining his composure, but rattled) I don't know what kind of business men you're used to dealing with, Ms., but I can assure you that my interest in you is strictly professional.

Cass: I'm so glad to hear that. (She unconsciously twirls her umbrella) There's a little cafe not to far from here we can go to.

Frank: How about the bar at the hotel? I can send Owen up to the room and you and I can talk specifics.

Cass: Okay. I'll meet you there.

Frank: Why don't we all drive together?

Cass: Um, I brought my car, and I don't wanna leave the hood out in this rain too long. It's pretty old, and I'm not sure how reliable it is.

Frank: (Foiled) Oh yes, of course. (Turning to go) I'll meet you there. (He turns and grits his teeth)

(Walking away, Frank tries to reconcile the conflicting impulses inside him, and begins mumbling under his breath. Perceiving his unease, Owen instinctively squeezes Frank's hand in a show of reassurance)

Frank: (Oddly affected, he looks down and grins) Do you want to go back to the hotel and watch cartoons?

(Owen nods)

Frank: Good boy. (To himself) This one is very delicate. Must be very careful. Very patient.

(Cass watches the man and boy walk down the pier, then turns back to the ocean for ten more minutes, savoring the rain, before returning to her car and going back to the hotel.)

--Walkara

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

[Cissy resumes her interviews.]

Cissy: Your resume says that you are working on a degree in Business Administration.

Jason: Yes Ms. Yost. I am a Senior now.

Cissy: And you are currently working as a cashier at Save-A-Lot?

Jason: I am working there during the day to help pay for my living expenses while I go to college at night. I was not really looking for another job, but then I heard about this one. I love surfing so much that I knew I had to apply for it. Been out there since I was five. I remember watching Butchie at competitions all the time. He was just incredible out there.

Cissy: [Quietly] Yes. He was great.

Jason: There are a lot of aspects of business in which I have no real-life experience like ordering and stocking, but I can learn quickly.

Cissy: Jason you have the job. When can start?

Jason: I will need to give Save-A-Lot notice, but I will be able to start tomorrow. Thank you so much Ms. Yost. I am looking forward to working with you.

[They shake hands.]

Cissy: I am looking forward to working with you too, Jason [Seems surprised to have said that and smiles]. Please call me Cissy.

Jason: Hope you have a nice rest of the day...Cissy. Goodbye.

Cissy: Goodbye.

[Jason leaves the shop.]

--theshriek

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

[Sven2]

(Shaun walks over to Bill as he steps out of his truck)

Shaun: (Looking around inside the cab of the truck) Where's Zippy?

Bill: Getting himself a case of the runs more than likely Shaun, but don't you worry, he'll be back soon enough...He's just out for Ice Cream with the hoodlums.

Shaun: He went with Freddy?

Bill: I know, I know, an unlikely pair given their dissimilarities but The Zip will put 'em on the right path should he get the chance. Seems to have taken a liking to the limp wrist.

Shaun: Did you find Her Ladyship?

Bill: It pains me to tell you Shaun that we did not. The shit heels are on the lam.

Shaun: You should have let me go with you Bill.

Bill: (stares at Shaun for a second) And I'd live with myself having put you in harms way had the thieving scum bags been there to resist us? (Bill notices the Flagpole and looks it up and down) And what's this nonsense here now?

Shaun: It's a flagpole with a lighthouse on top (he points to the lighthouse)

Bill: Great idea, now the night crawlers will know where to find us when the lights go out... (Bill grabs his nose) Mary and Joseph the devil's been loosed, what's that god awful smell?

Shaun: (spins around and points to room F) They're spraying my dad's place before they tear it apart... The roaches check in, but they don't check out!

Bill: (grabs Shaun's shoulder and leads him away) Well, you keep upwind of that now, that poison can do you in too.

Shaun: Ok Bill, Adam and I are watching t.v. in Freddy's room, you can come in there with us.

Bill: Well let's get out of this toxic drizzle before we both come down with something we can't pronounce. Chemical warfare will kill us all before the day is out. Jesus Christ, Jesus Christ!

(Bills follows Shaun in to Freddy's room. Adam is laying on the bed watching T.V.. When they come in he get's up and looks outside.)

Adam: Is Palaka back?

Bill: Not that I'd want to see either one of you having anything to do with the likes of that one, but he'll be back shortly, if he knows what's good for him. But don't imagine they'll bring any Ice Cream back for either of us.

Adam: Ice Cream?

Bill: Ice Cream, on a day like this. What lights the lowlife brain is beyond me I'll tell you.

--SpiritontheWater

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

(Barry and Dr. Smith pull up in Barry's car outside Freddy's room. Barry gives his horn three short taps. Dr. Smith is sitting with the Whale model on his lap and rolls down the window as Bill emerges)

Bill: Waiting for Tweedle Dee and Tweedle Dum...

Dr. Smith: I was wondering if I could speak with Adam.

Bill: Adam, Eve, whoever you'd like!

Dr. Smith: The boy... inside... with Shaun.

Bill: Oh! Got you, (points his finger at the doctor) let me get him.

(Bill goes back in the room and Adam emerges)

Dr. Smith: I am going to the clinic with Barry, would you like to come with us now?

Adam: Uhmm, I was waiting for someone I got to talk to... I'll come over in a few... It's not time yet is it?

Dr. Smith: No... you still have about a half hour before your appointment. I was just wondering if you wanted a ride to avoid the weather.

Adam: Oh, that's cool, I'm good. I'll see you there. Thanks anyway. (Adam turns and goes back inside)

Barry: Such self confidence for a boy. I would have acquiesced before saying a word when I was his age.

Dr. Smith: I would have too... Survival instincts.

--SpiritontheWater

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

(Freddy and Palaka pull in the parking lot. Zippy, perched on Palaka's shoulder, squawks as they look up and see the flagpole. Both have Ice Cream cones that are dripping onto their hands)

Freddy: I thought I told you to shut up!

Palaka: I think he's just excited boss, back home and all.

Freddy: Or maybe he just sees a perch making him think he's reached fuckin' nirvana.

(they pull up and park as Adam, Bill and Shaun come out of the room)

Freddy: (seeing them coming out of the room) In case I'd get a moments peace followin' wasting my time chasing goddam bird nappers.

(Palaka opens his door and Zippy flies out landing on Adam's shoulder)

Adam: (rears his head back, surprised at Zippy's alighting) Woah, shit man! (as he turns to try to look at Zippy, Zippy bites him on the lip and flies off to Shaun's shoulder) Damn, he bit me!

Bill: Slow down there son, Zip's not a biter...gave you a hard kiss is all that was. You got a friend now and I swear to god unless he told you, I can't explain to you why.

Shaun: (Carefully turning his head toward Zippy) Hey Zippy! I've been lookin' for ya. You all right? (Zippy squawks and gives Shaun a gentle peck on his cheek)

Bill: Yeah, that's right, I'll repeat myself, give the kid a kiss while we're being stupid..., (Zippy flies over to Bill's shoulder and bobs his head up and down as Bill nods his head) Yeah, yeah, yeah, enough excitement for you for one day huh? (he gently grabs Zippy and puts him in his breast pocket) I'm sure I'll regret this shortly.

Freddy: (Steps closer to Bill, Ice Cream cone in his hand) No more than I'm gonna regret ever agreeing to fly out with you on your bird brained goose chase.

Bill: (Steps up to Freddy) But no less than I give a damn that you took a minute out of your warrant laden life to step up to the plate and contribute to the good of humanity.

Freddy: The good of humanity? That's what you call it, running around the streets taking to the animals like some fucking Doctor Doolittle? They got places for nut jobs like you.

Bill: And they got places for bottom feeders like you pal, Lots of places these days, you can sit and watch t.v all day and get it on the bottom bunk all night...(Zippy manages to get out of Bill's pocket and flutters away).

(Freddy bristles and takes a step toward Bill as Palaka moves in between them pointing up to the top of the Lighthouse. They all look up and see Zippy perched there nodding his head repeatedly)

Palaka: (Twisting his Ice Cream cone in his left hand to motion upwards) What do you know about that boss? Just like you said. (the scoop of Ice Cream starts to fall out of the cone but he catches it with the other hand and sets in back on the cone) Hah! Gotcha, no tears for this little boy today.

(grabbing his breast pocket Bill backs off from Freddy and starts to walk toward his truck. Zippy flies down and lands on his shoulder. They get in the truck and Bill starts the engine)

Bill: I tell you Zip, that shit bird and I are gonna come to fisticuffs before the day ends... and we'll all be better off when he's seeing the inside of a cage... Oh, sorry Zip, I lost myself there... my bad, as the kid says. (Bill drives down the driveway to return home).

--SpiritontheWater

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

[At the café, a middle-aged woman comes in. She spots Dwayne and heads straight for him.]

Woman: Hi. Remember me? You helped me with the computer at Moe's this morning. You left before I had a chance to thank you.

Dwayne: [Uncomfortable] No problem.

Woman: You really helped me out of jam. [Pauses but realizes that Dwayne isn't going to say anything else] Well that's all I really wanted to say. Once again, thanks. Bye.

Dwayne: Bye.

[Jerri was close enough to overhear this conversation and walks over to Dwayne.]

Jerri: You asshole! I can't believe you went to use the computers at Moe's.

Dwayne: I am sorry, but I had some modifications to do, and I needed to be able to concentrate. This place has been overwhelming lately.

Jerri: [Sarcastic] It's been overwhelming for you? What the fuck do you think it has been for me? To think that I bothered to reserve you a seat.

Dwayne: I said that I apologize.

Jerri: Shut the fuck up. I had planned to tell why the crowding wasn't go to be a problem soon. How I planned to hire some help. How I planned to buy the vacant building next door from Doris who should be a willing seller since she has money problems. How I planned to knock down the wall and renovate this fuckin' place. How I actually planned to hire you to be in charge of all whatever shit you have to do to get more computers in here and network them.

[At this point, Jerri has to stop to take a breath. Dwayne is afraid to say anything.]

Jerri: If I can't expect you to bother to show up here, I guess I better can that stupid hiring you idea. Why don't you just take your precious fuckin' modifications back over to Moe's? [She stomps away.]

Dwayne: [Sighs] I guess I better try to talk to her again...tomorrow. [Turns back to his computer.]

--theshriek

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

(Linc and Kai are cruising around Imperial Beach in the El Camino.)

Click, minimize, listen

Linc: ...and that's the whole story. (He glances over at Kai, who's been silent since he started talking)

Kai: (Clears her throat) Okay.

Linc: Okay?!

Kai: (looks at him) Truce. Just don't fuck with Cissy and Mitch again.

Linc: I won't. (relieved) Sorry about Stinkweed.

Kai: No worries.

Linc: I fuckin' spoke out of turn, trying to lure you over to them without makin' sure they were interested.

Kai: (Shrugs) It's cool. I wasn't interested anyway.

Linc: Yeah?

Kai: Yeah. (She looks out the window) I think I'm supposed to go to Hawaii.

Linc: Whaddaya mean?

Kai: I mean, I'm supposed to go there, just like you were supposed to sign the Yosts. Whoever-the-fuck is behind all this wants me there, I think.

Linc: What brought you to that realization?

Kai: I dreamed it.

Linc: No shit? I guess that ain't any fuckin' crazier than anything else that's been goin' on lately.

Kai: No shit.

Linc: What about Butchie?

Kai: (sighs) What about him?

Linc: What about you & him?

Kai: We'll see...

Linc: He fuckin' needs you here.

Kai: He needs me here, or you do?

Linc: Why the hell would I need you here?--no offense.

Kai: 'Cause you're worried about Butchie and Tina.

Linc: (surprised) What...?! No I'm not. That's ancient fuckin' history! (He lies to himself)

Kai: Is it? (She looks him in the eye)

Linc: Hell yeah, it fuckin' is! Butchie's got you, and Tina's got me.

Kai: Assuming she comes back, right?

Linc: She'll be back. Shaun's here.

Kai: Yeah, but there's no guarantee she's gonna give you another chance. I wouldn't.

Linc: You enjoy breakin' my balls, dontcha? What did I expect from the protege of Cissy Yost?

Kai: Fuck you! (She grins) And touché.

Linc: Aren't you worried about Butchie and Tina?

Kai: Butchie'll always love Tina. I've always known that. Once he's got someone in his heart, he doesn't ever let 'em go.

Linc: (unnerved) Where does that leave you?

Kai: Butchie loves me. But I'm not gonna waste my energy fighting his feelings for Tina. He's gonna have to figure out what he wants on his own.

Linc: So, what are you gonna do then?

Kai: Focus on myself, for a change. Whether I'm with Butchie or not, I'll never be content if I don't take a fuckin' chance, see if I have what it takes.

Linc: I wouldn't worry about that...you're gonna take Billabong Girls by storm.

Kai: Speaking of, it's really pouring out there. (She looks out at the rain-washed streets)

Linc: The wind's pickin' up too. (He feels the sudden inclination to go to the motel) Is there somewhere I can drop you off? I'm gonna head over the Snug Harbor.

Kai: Why the Snug?

Linc: Dunno...I just feel like goin' there.

Kai: I'll tag-along, I guess. I was supposed meet Butchie at the beach, but Cissy said he and Mitch took a lunch break, so I've got nowhere else to be right now.

Linc: I doubt they'll be doin' much surfin' in this weather. (He makes a U-turn and heads toward the Snug Harbor Motel.)

--Walkara

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

[Sven2]

(From the air, Lucius spies a deep green patch of grass in the middle of the beach)

Lucius: (Landing on the grass) What the hell is grass doing here?

Tina: (unseen) Get off me!

Lucius: (Looks down, shocked to find he's perched on Tina's back) You silly git! What the fuck are you doing? (He hops off her)

Tina: (Turning over) Just getting some sun...you?

Lucius: I spotted a bit of grass whilst flying over ahead and swooped down to inspect, but, unfortunately, when I landed, it turned into you.

Tina: It--I did? That's strange...I was just thinking about laying in the grass at my grandmother's when I was a girl...

Lucius: (Shaking his head) When are you gonna learn?! Have ye gone barmy? You have got to be careful, using your imagination in this place. Your presence here is making things terribly unstable!

Tina: I'm sorry, Lucius. I didn't mean to...

Lucius: That's the problem. You never mean to, but you've been throwing this place into chaos since you got here! I can't take anymore blasted nonsense!

Tina: (pats his head) You really need to learn to relax.

Lucius: (Shaking her hand off him) Is that so? Well, consider my being at six and sevens your fault! You've thrown this place into upheaval! Shouldn't you be looking for that door back where you came from?

Tina: What door?

Lucius: The door home, you idiot! Are you off the bloomin' trolley or did you forget?

Tina: Oh, that's right. I musta forgot...I'm so content here. Everything is so peaceful...

Lucius: If you were a man, I'd give you a kick in the goolies! You can't stay here. I'm not sure you're even supposed to be here to begin with, you bloody slapper!

Tina: What do you mean? Why would I be here if I'm not supposed to be?

Lucius: How the hell do I know? I don't even know how I got here. (Takes a deep breath) Where in the hell is Quinctius anyway?

Tina: I don't know...I haven't seen him forever. I hope he's okay

Lucius: (Shrugs) No cause for alarm. He was here long before either of us. Probably got lost chasing a school of fish to bloody Never-never Land.

Tina: I thought you two were together.

Lucius: You can't be serious...that tub of lard and I were thrown together. Were I given the luxury of selecting my own companion, do you suppose I would choose either of you tossers? Not bloody likely, princess.

Tina: So, what's next? I mean, should I be looking for my way back right now?

Lucius: I would think so, yes.

Tina: Where do I start?

Lucius: I think "how" is more appropriate.

Tina: Okay, so how do I start?

Lucius: I have no idea--you're the one with the ability to affect things...maybe start there. Picture it in your head.

(Tina closes her eyes and imagines the Imperial Beach Pier. Before Lucius' eyes, the pier materializes down the beach from them.)

Tina: (Opens her eyes) Holy shit! I did it!. (She looks around to find herself still on the endless beach with Lucius) Oh! What happened?

Lucius: (sarcastically) What does it look like, love?

Tina: It looks like I brought the pier to me instead.

Lucius: (Rolling his eyes) Well isn't that the mutt's nuts.

--Walkara

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

(Palaka steps out or the room and sees Adam standing under the overhang looking watching the rain. Adam sees Palaka and waves him over)

Palaka: (Pointing toward the room as he walks over) Boss is using the restroom...Don't like me in there... How you doin' ?

Adam: I'm supposed to ask you something.

Palaka: (moving back and forth like he's sparing) Ask away my man, never hurts huh?

Adam: I was sent to ask.

Palaka: Ahh, I see.. Doin' some business huh? Never too young these days. (he puts his hand up) but if you're gonna ask what I think you're gonna ask, I'm gonna be up front with you, we ain't doing business or never... I don't know about that part.

Adam: That's what I was sent to ask about. Why you're not doing business?

Palaka: (stops moving and looks at Adam more seriously) You been hearing people asking those kind of questions? Who's asking about that, 'cause that's real important and my boss is gonna want to know what you know there. And I'd tell me if I were you 'cause then maybe I can make it so I didn't hear it from you...

Adam: (Swallows hard) W

Palaka: (Freezes) Mr. W?... is that who you're sayin', or not sayin' sent you?

Adam: (Nods) He wants to know why.

Palaka: Oh...ahh... wow!, When it rains it pours... I don't know...not an area I would feel comfortable trying to explain..But Mr. White, that's big...huge.

Adam: He says you had a deal and he doesn't expect that deal to be broken.

Palaka: (starts moving up and down and shifting from one leg to another) Deal? He told you about that...Ohh man, this is not good, not good... you don't wanna know to much about that, not good.

Adam: Dude , I don't wanna know shit. I'm just supposed find out why. Can't you just tell me that so I don't have to go back with nothin'?

Palaka: Oh, yeah I see, spare you a beatin' maybe, well, you could tell him, I guess, not to worry, everything's gonna be alright? You think that would buy us some time?

Adam: I don't know, is it why?

Palaka: No , no , I guess not...why...well maybe tell him this...it's a transition... we got some new business were getting into? Yeah, maybe that's why huh? But he don't have nothin' to worry about...

Adam: If you say so, do you think that he'll be happy if I tell him that?

Palaka: Yeah, I think it might... At least buy some time...

(Freddy steps out of the room and looks around for Palaka and sees him talking to Adam. Palaka sees him and tries to act nonchalant)

Palaka: I gotta go, my turn in the bathroom (he starts to walk away and waves back to Adam) Well talk again huh? (he says loudly so Freddy can hear) Nice meeting you!

(Palaka walks over to Freddy)

Freddy: What the fuck does that kid want?

Palaka: Want? Oh nothin' boss just shootin' the breeze, singing in the rain, you know.

Freddy: Singing in the rain? I seen him watching you earlier, he had somethin' on his mind, what did he say.

Palaka: Ahh, yeah well, nothing get's past you does it boss?... We'll actually, we might have a problem boss.. I was gonna bring it up at a better time... The boy's sent by Mr. White. Wondering what's going on with our business...

Freddy: (looks shocked) That boy was sent by White to check up on us? And you thought you'd know of a better time to tell me? (He punches Palaka in the face knocking him down, he stands over him with a fist in both of his hands) I'd kill you if I didn't need your stupid donkey ass to keep me informed about developments and communication with any one of our clients. But why I don't just cut you to pieces and toss your ass out to sea now is beyond me... (furious) I know, you know, just how big that man is!

Palaka: (Laying on the ground holding his jaw) I had that comin' boss, you're right, my bad my bad, should have told you right away...

(Adam seeing the blow, pulls his hood up and takes off down the driveway just as Shaun comes out of the office, he see's him and waves back at him shouting)

Adam: Later Kemo Sabe, gotta go to the docs!

Shaun: Later dude! (he sees Palaka getting up. He goes back in the office to watch the carousel with Ramon) Freddy just decked Palaka.

Ramon: That man needs a class in anger management.

--SpiritontheWater

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

[Sven2]

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

(Mitch & Butchie are sitting at a small square table with plastic tablecloth. Mitch has unfoldied his veggie burrito, and is carefully checking through the contents. Butchie is messily devouring his huge burrito, dripping juice all over the tortilla chips in his red paper basket).

Mitch: (looking up at the noise) That's disgusting!

Butchie: 'El Chupacabra' baby... where the fuck's this place been all my life? Shit me! beef, pork and chicken all in the same sandwich; that's what I'm fuckin' talking about. Feed the fuckin' beast! (he grins wildly)

Mitch: The Chupacabra is a goat eater.

Butchie: Then you better fuckin' watch out pops!

Mitch: Very funny (he finally starts to eat his burrito)

(Butchie finishes inhaling another large bite and suddenly snorts to himself)

Mitch: (through his first mouthful) What?

Butchie: Thinking about when we last had lunch together.

Mitch: Uh huh, when was that?

Butchie: We've never had fuckin' lunch together; not like out, just the two of us.

Mitch: Well, it's not like we ever had much to talk about.

Butchie: Fuck me, dad. You don't think it's fucked up that I'm 35 years old and we've never even had a shitin' meal together.

Mitch: You've been fucked up for the last 20 of them, and your mother was always better at that shit.

Butchie: Ma? You're kidding me... my fourteenth birthday she got us thrown out of fuckin' Pizza Hut. No thanks to you, you weren't even fuckin' there.

Mitch: (He contemplates for a while, then looks Butchie straight in the eye. Butchie goes to look away but catches himself) Look son. I guess you aren't the only fuck up around here. I should have been there for you more. That accident changed me. I'm only beginning to see that now. Seeing you with Shaunie, makes me wish I could go back and start over with you. (he pauses again in thought) How about we all start over; me and you, you and Shaunie.

Butchie: You and Shaunie too.

Mitch: Yeah, I guess.

Butchie: OK pop. (he slaps Mitch on the arm. they return to eating, apparently happy to have something to do other than talk; they finish and gather up their mess)

Butchie: (holding the trash open, so Mitch can dump it) So how's things with Ma?

Mitch: You know. Different. (he smiles) Kai?

Butchie: You know. Good. (he smiles, puts his arm around Mitch's shoulder, and they walk out the door).

--Backinthegame

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

(Joe, Magdalena, and John drive south down Hollister Street, on their way to Monument Road)

Joe: ...then the fuckin' dumbass said--FUCK!!!(Joe slams on his breaks)

(All of the sudden, three men appear in the middle of the intersection of Hollister and Sunset Ave. Joe spots them just in time to hit the breaks and come to a screeching halt a few feet from them, off to the side of the road.)

Magdalena: (recovering from the shock) Jesus! (She looks up, and recognizes the tall man wearing a black bandana) Ale...jandro?! (She scrambles for the door handle and rushes from the van to the man) (Approaching) Alejandro!!! ¿Es realmente ser usted?

Alejandro: Mamá?? ¿Qué ... qué estás haciendo aquí?

Magdalena: (She throws her arms around him) He buscado por meses. Tengo palabra que se encontraban en peligro, que haya estado trabajando para un Coyote. Gracias a Dios, usted está seguro. (She pulls back and looks at him) ¿Qué están pensando corriendo en medio de la calle así?

Alejandro: No he visto usted. (He looks at his friends, standing around them, confused) Amigos, esta es mi madre, Magdalena.

(The other men approach and shake her hand)

Magdalena: Es un placer conocerte. (She smiles) ¿Dónde vas tan apurado?

Alejandro: (Withdrawn) Business.

Magdalena: Dígame usted no está realmente trabajando para El Coyote...

Alejandro: Es que ninguna de las empresas

Magdalena: (Hurt) Entonces es verdad. Usted ha traicionado a nuestro pueblo mediante el trabajo de los explotadores de nuestro pueblo. (She looks down)¿Hay sangre en sus manos también, mi hijo?

Alejandro: ¿Por qué se ha llegado? Soy un adulto hombre, mamá. No necesito que cuidar de mí. Hago buen precio ahora -- lo suficiente para cuidar de mí mismo. Ir a casa! Yo le enviará un poco de dinero el próximo mes, pero no puede quedarse aquí. No necesito obtener mi madre en mi camino.

Magdalena: Después de todo he estado a través, de esta manera usted hablar conmigo? ? Usted no es mi hijo! Mi hijo sabe mejor que la de despedir a mí con esa arrogancia. Me planteó que mejor que usted, Alejandro!

(Inside the van, Joe watches the scene play out. John sits in the back seat, cocking his head from side to side.)

Joe: You just keep outta sight, you hear, fratboy?

John: The vato who gutted me won't soon forget his mother. (John opens the door and leans his head out before Joe can stop him) Share and share alike, right carnal?

(Recognizing John, the men turn white. Alejandro's companions run away in terror)

Alejandro: El diablo??! (He tries to run, but Magdalena catches his arm) Suéltame! Tenemos que correr! Él es un demonio, resucitado de entre los muertos para castigar a mí! (To John) Get away from me, devil!

John: Stare me down? I ain't afraid to be the last you see.

Alejandro: (in shock, registering that Magdalena is with the man he stabbed and left to die a week earlier) ¿Qué están haciendo con él?

Magdalena: Él no es un demonio. Él está aquí para ayudarnos! (She looks at John)

Alejandro: Pero ... pero me lo mataron...(To John) I killed you!

John: (Still hanging his head out the door) Cold shot mano.

Joe: Get the hell back in here, John!

Magdalena: (to her son) ¿Qué está usted hablando?

Joe: (unrolls his window, interrupts hesitantly) Last week I found John, stabbed and left for dead in the sloughs.

Magdalena: Y usted hizo esto? Usted señaló a este chico de la sangre? ¿Qué ha pasado? Yo le envió a vivir con su padre por lo que podría tener todas las oportunidades de un americano! En cambio, que ha convertido en el tipo de hombre le envié lejos de evitar! Querido Dios, ten piedad una conmigo!

Alejandro: (to Magdalena) Supongo que usted no sabía muy bien a mi padre si pensó que iba a protegerme de esta vida. ¿Cómo cree que me empezó? Stupid mujer! Usted me! Y ahora aparecen actuando traicionado? ! Usted traicionó a mí, mamá! (to John) Stay away from me, or next time I'll finish the job, Carnal! (back to Magdalena) No trate de encontrarme de nuevo, mamá. Como usted ha dicho, no soy el hijo que está buscando. (He runs across the street and disappears into the distance)

(Standing alone off the side of the road, Magdalena falls to her knees, weeping. Joe gets out of the van, picks her up, and carries her back to the van, setting her in the backseat next to John)

Joe: (brushing the hair out of Magdalena's face) It's okay. You're gonna be fine. (To John) Why dontcha get in the front seat, John?

John: (Looking at Magdalena) Show me my heart? (He stays in the back)

Magdalena: (controlling her sobs) I...I have failed him.

Joe: Bullshit! And I don't fuckin' wanna hear ya talk like that again, ya hear? The kid ain't thinkin' straight.

Magdalena: He is lost to me. (Tears stream down her face)

Joe: No, he fuckin' ain't! Whether he likes it or not, he ain't seen the last of us.

Magdalena: No, Joe. I must return to Mexico. There is nothing left for me here.

Joe: (feels a sharp, throbbing pain in his chest) Don't...don't say that. It ain't over. We'll figure something out, Mags.

Magdalena: (raising her voice) NO! I will return home. It was stupid of me to come here.

Joe: You've been through a lot, and I can understand how ya fuckin' feel, but give it some time, Mags. You can't fuckin' give up already! It ain't like you!

Magdalena: (Unsure) I don't know...

Joe: Just give me one more day to convince you, all right? If you feel the same way tomorrow, I'll drive you home myself. Whaddaya say?

Magdalena: (Wiping away her tears) Very well, Joe. I will stay as a favor to you; it's the least I can do after all you've done for me. But, if I feel the same way tomorrow, you must let me go without protest. Agreed?

Joe: Agreed.

John: Agreed.

(Joe gets back in the driver's seat, flips around, and heads back into Imperial Beach. John stays in the backseat with Magdalena, holding her trembling hand.)

Click for Translation

--Walkara

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

(Frank Alabaster sits opposite Cass at a small table in the corner of the otherwise empty hotel bar.)

Click--playing in the background

Frank: (takes a drink) So...what do you say?

Cass: (looking at a contract) ...I don't know...

Frank: I assure you, this is a VERY good deal.

Cass: I can see that, it's just...I...I have an agreement with Stinkweed via Linc Stark, under which I retain control of my work. I'm not sure I want to be in the pocket of some corporation--no offense. I prefer to work in a freelance capacity. I'd be happy to do work for your company too, but not exclusively.

Frank: (Feigning disappointment) It sounds like you've made up your mind.

Cass: I guess I have. Sorry to waste your time. (She takes a sip of her dry martini) Why is your company interested in me anyway?

Frank: As I said, we're looking to branch out, but first we need someone to help refurbish our image in the face of new technology.

Cass: What exactly does the company do?

Frank: We're engaged in various humanitarian efforts, as well as a myriad of financial ventures--but our mission statement is to insure the future social, military, and political prowess of this fine country in the face of these perilous times. (Suddenly, Frank's head begins to throb; aching, he feels the sudden urge to reach across the table, grab Cass' soft neck and squeeze, but resists, taking another drink of his bloody mary instead)

Cass: Wow, it sounds...intricate. I'm surprised to even be on the radar of such a powerful company. Two weeks ago, I was nobody.

Frank: Don't slight yourself, sweet heart. You strike me as a very capable young woman--not to mention beautiful. (Frank imagined cutting into her porcelain flesh)

Cass: (Blushing, a little uncomfortably) Very kind of you to say so. (She smiles)

Frank: Tell me about yourself. (His head ache starts to worsen)

Cass: There's not much to tell. I grew up in Minnesota, went to film school in L.A., and now I'm here. The end.

Frank: (Struggling to make conversation, to keep her from leaving, and disguise visible signs of the pain in his head) Minnesota, huh?

Cass: (awkward) Yeah...so, how about you?

Frank: Me? I'm afraid that's a rather long story.

Cass: I'm all ears. (The waitress walks by and Cass holds her glass up, requesting another drink)

Frank: I'm originally from D.C., but I grew up in Manhattan. My parents are dead. I have a sister. (His heart-beat pounds in his head)

Cass: (grinning) I thought you said it was a long story.

Frank: (Anxious) Yes, well, it is...but I don't wanna bore you.

Cass: Bore away.

Frank: (Sighs) Our parents died tragically when I was small, and my sister and I were raised by our great Aunt. (He puts his hand on his temples and massages) She died shortly before I turned 18, and I went to live with my sister and her husband until I finished college, at which point my sister hired me to work for her.

Cass: And your sister, she's your boss?

Frank: In a sense.

Cass: What do you mean?

(The waitress sets a fresh drink in front of Cass and walks away)

Frank: Our organization is more of a coalition. There are many members working in various fields toward our stated goals. (Frank clenches his hands into fists, repressing his blood-lust)

Cass: Oh. (She looks into his face, absorbing his handsomeness, but increasingly aware of something dark under the surface) Hey, are you okay?

Frank: (caught off guard by her question) It's just...I've been having these headaches lately. They...(A surge of white-hot pain erupts in his head) AWWW!!! (He slams his head against the table violently)

Cass: (Alarmed, she gets up and goes to him) What can I do?! (She puts her hand on his arm) Do you need a doctor?

Frank: (Thrashing in pain) NO! No, just...just help me to my room.

(Cass throws his arm around her shoulder and helps him up)

Frank: I apologize for the--FUCK!!! (Another surge of pain rips through his head. He falls to the ground)

Cass: Help! (catching sight of the waitress) Please, help! Call an ambulance!

Waitress Okay. (She hurries to a phone)

Frank: (The pain subsides a little) No! I'm fine. I just need to rest.

Waitress: (From across the bar, phone in her hand) Are you sure?

Frank: Yes, goddammit, it's just a migraine. (He struggles to his feet, one hand still pressed over the left side of his face)

Cass: (Helping him) My room is just down the hall. We'll lay you down in there and then I'll go check on Owen upstairs, okay?

Frank: (With sincerity) Tha...thank you. (He sees the kindness in her eyes and is torn by conflicting impulses to both gouge them out with his bare hands and kiss their dainty eyelids) You're too kind.

Cass: (Leading him, limping, to her room) I don't know about all that...Can I get you something for the pain?

Frank: My...my pills..th..they're in my room...on the dresser.

Cass: (Reaching her room, she slides the key into the lock and throws the door open) I'll run up there and get them for you. (She lays him down on the bed) I'll be right back--where's your key?

Frank: In my pocket.

Cass: (Reaches into his pocket and removes the key) Just hold on, okay?

Frank: Thank you, Cass. (He watches her leave and the door swing shut behind her, clicking locked) I'll be sure to show you the same courtesy when it comes time to repay the favor. (His eyes flicker with malice, he sits up, still reeling from the attack.) This one is very fair. So soft and delicate. Must be careful. Must be patient. (Pain ripples through his head again, suddenly, causing him to fall back in writhing pain) Y..y..yes, yes, m..master. I w-won't fail you. My blade will taste her skin before day's end. (Frank repeats the last sentence under his breath over and over)

Cass: (Re-entering the room with a bottle of unmarked pills in hand) I'm back. (She goes to him, hands him a bottle of water from the fridge and the pills) Here.

Frank: (Sits up, opens the bottle and dumps a handful of pills into his mouth, then takes a swig of water) Tha-thank you. (He lays back down)

Cass: (begins scratching his back) Just take deep breaths, okay? Owen was asleep on the bed, so I left him there.

Frank: Thanks. (Aroused by the feeling of her flesh on his) Oh, that feels very good.

Cass: Just relax until you get your strength back.

Frank: I will. Then we'll revisit the purpose of our meeting.

Cass: I thought we were already done.

Frank: There's one more thing I want to run through--I mean 'by'--you before we part.

Cass: What is it?

Frank: (taking measured breaths) Just--just wait and see...when my head ache subsides I'll show you. (He closes his eyes) I guarantee you won't be disappointed.

--Walkara

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

(Freddy looks at Palaka and shakes his head, he turns abruptly and walks away, Palaka watches as he walks across the parking lot toward the driveway)

Palaka: Where you going boss, you want me to follow?

Freddy: (Turns half way down the driveway) Where I'm going you're too fuckin' stupid to follow!

(Palaka, Ramon and Shaun watch as Freddy walks in the rain, down the driveway and out to the street).

--SpiritontheWater

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

(Dr. Smith sits in the clinic behind the reception counter, looking out the front window. The door opens and Noah Owen walks in)

Dr. Smith: (getting up to greet him) Mr. Owen, I'm glad you made it! ( putting his hand out) I'm Dr. Smith, the one who has been treating Adam.

Noah: Ahh, dere now, I know who you are, and I been glad for what yer doin' for da boy. Has da little spirit got himself here yet?

Dr. Smith: Not yet, he was at the Snug Harbor just awhile ago, I'm expecting him at any time. Maybe we should speak in my office. (he shakes Noah's hand and leads the way to the office)

Noah: (Looks back out the front window to the street) Jah is, never be where he can be found, always runnin' around that one is.

Dr. Smith: As I've been advising him against doing, and this weather is not going to do him any good if he's out in it. I offered him a ride earlier, but he declined my offer.

Noah: That'd be like da fool boy.

(Dr. Smith sits down behind his desk and Noah takes a chair, they look at each other smiling)

Noah: You enjoy dat little fire de other nite?

Dr. Smith: (surprised) I ...did not realize you were aware of my presence. To be honest, I wasn't sure my self whether I was really there.

Noah: Ya man, you were dere. I saw yer face reflectin' in the fire, and dat pretty girl wit ya.

Dr. Smith: Cass, yes... I guess we were both there. It was... an amazing experience, if that's what it was, and not merely a dream.

Noah: Dreamin' and livin' , not too far off apart some days, no?... It was a good nite den. You felt the warmth of de fire, bein' far off where you were? (Dr. Smith, dazed, nods his head)...Notin' like puttin' up de flames before da settin' sun for a man to see hisself as he really be... (he notices the whale sculpture on Dr. Smith's desk) Some days we be like da whale dere, jus swimmin' in de big an huge ocean, listenin' to de echoin' songs dat lead us on.

Voodoo Chile

--SpiritontheWater

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

[Sven2]

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

(Freddy talks to himself as he walks in the rain toward the clinic)

Freddy: (he stumbles on the curb) Fuck! A mother fucker thinks I'm gonna dance to the tune of a fuckin' wanna be god father...mother fucking commie piece of shit!

(Freddy turns the corner and sees the clinic. He sees the front window illuminated from inside)

Freddy: California Free Clinic, what the fuck, another hand out for the lazy mother fuckers wantin' a goddamn free bite outta what I been payin for for the last thirty fucking years?...

--SpiritontheWater

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

John: God Father mother fucking commie piece of shit!

Car Salesman: Don't go Italian on me son, you ain't a Ferrari yet.

Fucking God Father

--SpiritontheWater

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

(Adam opens the front door to the Clinic, ringing the bells attached to the door. Noah and Dr. Smith get up from their chairs)

Adam: Hello!, I'm here!

Stevie Ray Voodoo

--SpiritontheWater

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

(Linc and Kai sit in the El Camino, parked outside the Snug Harbor office. Ramon can be seen through the window. It's raining heavily)

Linc: I wonder if it's safe to go outside yet?

Kai: I dunno.

Linc: (takes his cell phone out of his pocket and dials a number) I'll see. (He waits for a second for someone to pick up the other end)

Ramon: (On the office phone inside the building) Hello. Snug Harbor Motel. This is Ramon.

Linc: Hey, Ramon...

Ramon: Hi...who is this?

Linc: It's Linc again. (He honks the Camino's horn and waves when Ramon looks) We're just wondering if the fumes have died down.

Ramon: I guess. We've got the cabin's tented, so... This storm is the problem. I've got all these ribs, but it's too wet outside to BBQ.

Linc: Don't you guys have a canopy or something?

Ramon: Barry is working on it.

Linc: Cool. Anything we can do?

Ramon: Who's with you?

Linc: Kai.

Ramon: Butchie's friend? What's she doing with you? Where's the porn star?

Linc: Just talkin' business. Tina?...Tina isn't talking to me right now.

Ramon: I see...does Butchie know?

Linc: That I'm with Kai? Sure he does. Gimmie a break, Ramon. I'm not poaching his woman.

Kai: What'd he say?

Linc: (cups his hand over the phone) He's worried I'm putting the moves on you. (He smiles)

Kai: (grabs the phone) Help me, Ramon! He just whipped his cock out and started slapping me with it! (Kai bursts out laughing)

Ramon: Very funny.

Kai: (still chuckling to herself) Thanks for watching Butchie's back though. (She hands the phone back to Linc)

Linc: It's Linc again, Ramon. Anyway, was there something we can do for you?

Ramon: You could go to the liquor store, load up on booze.

Linc: Hell yeah, I can do that. What's your poison?

Ramon: Just get a variety. And some Tequila.

Linc: I should've known you were a Tequila worm.

Ramon: It's not for me...it's for Joe. He and his lady-friend came back a little bit ago and stopped by the office to see if we had any before they went to their room.

Linc: Who's Joe?

Ramon: The vet...the one that was with the Mexican lady the other night. He was helping her locate her son.

Linc: Oh right! The guy in the van.

Ramon: Yeah. So, do you want to wait for a check from Barry or be reimbursed later.

Linc: Fuck that. I'll just pay for it. I might not have won the lottery, but I've got more cash than I can spend.

Ramon: (Under his breath, he looks up, and shakes his fist at the ceiling) Ay dios mio! Everybody has more cash than they need but me! (Into the phone) Okay, well, I'll see you when you get back. (He hangs up)

Linc: (puts his phone in his jacket pocket, looks at Kai) You wanna run to the liquor store with me?

Kai: Sure. I ain't got shit else to do.

--Walkara

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

(John walks down the sidewalk, soaking wet with a thoughtful look on his face, on his way back to Cass' hotel. The rain beats down on and all around him like applause.)

--Walkara

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

(Butchie and Mitch get out of Mitch's car, grab their surf boards, and hurry though the rain to the big tent on the beach)

Mitch: (Reaching the cover of the tent, he comes face to face with half a dozen reporters) Well...um, I'm back.

(Butchie enters the tent)

Reporter: A man of your word, I see.

(Mitch nods humbly)

Butchie: (slaps Mitch's ass) That's my old man. (He walks to a chair, plops down, and takes a nearby towel to warm himself with.) What the hell are we even doin' back here? The storm's way too fuckin' wild to go back out on the water. The wind's howlin' like a fuckin' werewolf.

Reporter: That's okay. We've set up a place to take your pictures over there. (He points to the back, where a camera is mounted and pointed at a green screen) We'll shot you here and photoshop you fellas on the water.

Mitch: (in disbelief) What the fuck??

Butchie: That's weak, bro.

Reporter: Do you have a better idea? We're on a deadline. We don't have time to wait until tomorrow. The issue goes to the presses tonight.

Mitch: Maybe you ought to find someone else...

Reporter: No. It has to be you guys! People are talking about your family from coast to coast. We want a picture of you two surfing together, for our cover, but there's just no stock footage or old pictures of that. We're just going to have to fake it.

Butchie: I don't fuckin' like it...

Mitch: We're not posing like some wannabe assholes in front of a damn green screen. You can find some other dipshits for that.

Reporters: But Mr. Yost, you promised us a picture today. As I've said, I'm on a deadline. I hate to insist, but it's only fair, considering our agreement.

Mitch: (Looks out at the stormy, tempestuous sea) Shit. I guess we'll just have to get wet. (He looks at Butchie) You down for this?

Butchie: (Embellishing) Fuckin' A, pop! (He watches a massive wave break in the distance) Fuck me: we're gonna get dusted out there.

Reporter: Are you sure about this...I don't want to be responsible for...--the both of you best wear life preservers if you insist on going out there.

Mitch: You're not serious. (He rolls his eyes at Butchie)

Butchie: Gimmie a fuckin' break, pal. We can't fuckin' surf with that bullshit on.

Mitch: Not gonna happen.

Reporter: Fine. But we better get an ambulance or lifeguard down here just in case.

Butchie: Fuck that!

Mitch: Besides, any attention you call to this is only gonna get in the way of us doin' it.

Reporter: Whatever you guys say...(He looks out at the worsening storm) but maybe we can wait an hour or so...see if it calms down.

Mitch: And if it just gets worse?

Reporter: We'll HAVE to use the green screen.

Butchie: (sarcastically) Yeah right.

Mitch: (sits in the empty chair next to Butchie) We'll give it an hour to calm, but, one way or the other, I'm goin' back out there.

Butchie: Shit, I ain't fuckin' scared. (He eyes the turbulent sea, thrashing against the sky, and he gulps with mixture of trepidation and excitement) The Beast doesn't fear anything or anyone!

Mitch: Except for the Dragon Lady...(Mitch grins)

Butchie: All right, you got me there, pops. (He gives Mitch a big, self-effacing grin, then relaxes into his chair and begins mentally stoking himself to surf)

--Walkara

[Sven2]

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

(Bill sits on his couch. Zippy sits on Bill's shoulder)

Bill: What the fuck are we gonna do, huh? We can't sit here with our thumbs up our asses all goddam day! Her Ladyship is out there, victim of God knows what kind of indignities!

(Zippy nods his head)

Bill: So, where the hell should we start? No one's seen hide or hair of I-got-my-eye-on-you. I'm not sure what the fuck he could do for us, but what else are we gonna do, huh? I'm asking you, Zip.

(Zippy starts to reassure Bill. Mid-sentence, he feels a sudden rumbling in his stomach.)

Bill: What the hell was that?! Was that you?? I fuckin' warned you about that ice cream!

(Zippy feels his clenched bowels starting to give)

Bill: Jesus Christ! Get in your goddam cage before you explode all over me!

(As the last syllable leaves Bill's lips, Zippy loses control and relieves himself all over Bill's shoulder.)

Bill: Aww, Fuck me! (Bill stands up, swatting Zippy off his shoulder) Judas Fucking Priest! (He sniffs) Jesus! That's the foulest (Bill gags) goddam smell.

(Embarrassed, Zippy apologizes profusely)

Bill: (removes his tainted Jacket and shudders) Next time, maybe you'll listen to me and forgo the goddam ice cream, you stupid fucking crap machine!

(Perched on the stairs, Zippy tells Bill he doesn't appreciate his tone, and that no one is perfect, citing that, if not for Bill's drunken absentmindedness, Her Ladyship wouldn't be missing.)

Bill: Oh yeah???...well...you're a goddam featherbrain!

(Zippy discourages Bil from resorting to slurs)

Bill: I'm sorry, Zip. I'm fuckin' pissed and feeling helpless--and on top of that I just got shit on!

(Out of the blue, Zippy suggests they go the Snug Harbor)

Bill: What the fuck for?!

(Zips shrugs, then reminds Bill about the BBQ)

Bill: How can you think about food at a time like this?? I thought you would be more worried about Her Ladyship, considering you fuckin' abandoned her.

(Zippy feels a rush of rage and shame overtake him. He tells Bill to kiss off and dematerializes before his eyes)

Bill: What the...where the hell'd you go, Zip? Get the fuck back here, you goddam drama queen! Zip? Zippy?! Zippy!!! (Bill's heart sinks) Come back, boy. I fuckin' apologize for saying that! C'mon, Zip. Pleeease....

(Zippy rematerializes on Bill's shoulder and forgives him)

Bill: Christ, that's a nifty goddam trick.

(Zippy orders Bill to go to the Snug Harbor)

Bill: That sounded like an order? We're back to that, huh?

(Zippy repeats the order)

Bill: All right, okay, to the Snug Harbor. (Bill grabs his truck keys and walks out the door with Zippy perched on his shoulder.)

--Walkara

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

(Tina dives off the newly materialized but otherwise empty pier into the ocean below. On contact, her legs fuse into fins as she swims to the depths below. Perched on the railing, Lucius watches her disappear into the water with a mixture of contempt and awe)

--Walkara

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

(In Cass' hotel room, Frank Alabaster comes to his senses, the headache having subsided. He looks around the room, shocked to find Cass asleep in a chair by the window. He gets up and creeps over to her. )

Frank: (running his finger across her throat like a knife) So soft. (He looks around the room for a minute before spotting his briefcase next to the night table. He puts it on the bed, opens it, and considers his options.) The gun? (He takes the weapon from Pete's pistol hut in his hands) No. Too impersonal. (He puts it back in place and takes out his favorite flaying knife.) Yes, yes: old reliable. (He tiptoes back over to Cass, and hold the knife to her neck carefully, not yet touching her flesh.) Give it to me. sweetheart. (He moves to slice her throat, but finds his hands are shaking. He clenches them to his chest in anger) C'mon, don't let fail me now. (He puts the knife back to her throat. Cass doesn't even stir. He looks into her face, and struggles with his resolve to slit her throat, but, finally overcoming the strange hesitation, he presses it to her neck)

(Just as Frank begins to put pressure on the knife, a hand appears from nowhere and grabs his forearm.)

Frank: (Too involved in the moment to notice, he neglected to see John enter the room and walk up behind him.) Who the fuck are you?! (Frank stands up, facing John) Let go of me.

John: (Looking Frank in the eye, with pity) Rest.

(As the words leave John's lips, Frank suddenly turns to dust before his eyes. The knife falls to the floor)

Cass: (waking sudden) What...? (She sees Frank disintegrate before her eyes, particles of dust swirling in the air around them) What. The. Fuck. just happened, John??! (She stands up in a panic) What did you do to Frank, John?!

John: Zap! 2.5 times better than regular bread?

Cass: You...you killed him. (She looks down and sees the knife on the floor) John...what the fuck is going on here?

John: He wanted to hurt Cass' tit. (He gives her a boyish look)

Cass: But...but, what did you DO to him??

John: (bites his lip, thinking) Perv-dick-mouthful-24 is toast.

Cass: Jesus Christ! John, he has a kid upstairs. (She starts to panic) What..what are we gonna do. (She goes over to John and takes his hand, then leads him to the bed and sits him down) We're so fucked.

John: Do you need to dump out, Cass?

Cass: What I need John, is for you to fix this.

John: I'll fix it.

Cass: Okay...how?

(John gives her a blank look)

Cass: (takes a deep breath) Well...thanks for saving me anyway. (She kisses him on the cheek) You're my hero--and possibly my undoing.

(Cass takes another deep breath, cautions John to stay behind, and leaves to go up to Frank's room and deal with the little boy. When she reaches the room, she opens to door and walks inside. The room is empty.)

--Walkara

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

(After waiting for half an hour, the storm eases. Mitch looks at Butchie and they run from the tent, across the rain-soaked sand, to the ocean. The Yost men paddle out in different direction as reporters and cameramen follow them to the water's edge and get their cameras ready. Up on the pier, Emma and her cameraman Luke start rolling.)

(As a wave comes toward Mitch, he flips the board over, on top of him with his fins facing upward, then pulls the board down towards him, grabbing hold of it near the nose. Making sure to pull down hard while under it, Mitch holds very tight onto the rails to prevent the force of the wave from yanking it from his grip. The wave passes over him, pulling him back slightly. Once it's gone, he flips the board back over and climbs aboard.)

(Across the way, Butchie approaches the lip of a wave from a subtle diagonal angle. When the outside rail of his board clears the top of the lip, he redirects his weight by shifting it onto his heels and leaning toward the back of the wave, careful not to lean too far. Butchie adds pressure to the back foot while relieving some of the pressure on the front foot, pushing the tail down and aiming the nose at the lineup, tweaking his nose out toward the back of the waveadding a rock n roll effect to his floater. Keeping the nose up and his weight centered, Butchie prepares to land. His stomach drops out, feeling weightless. As he connects to the bottom of the wave, bending his knees in preparation for impact, the wave shifts suddenly, knocking him off his board and sucking him under it.)

(Back on the beach, the reporters and cameramen wait with baited breath for him to resurface. He doesn't. The sky quickly darkens, and the wind begins to howl. Within seconds, rain is pouring. Walking from the tail to the nose of his board, atop a decent wave, Mitch sees Butchie go down and starts surfing in his direction. Out of nowhere, a powerful gust sweeps toward Mitch. Instinctively, Mitch crouches down and grabs his board with both hands. Suddenly, he feels his feet levitate from the board.)

Mitch: Oh fuck! Not now! (The raging gale reaches Mitch just as he becomes weightless and lifts him, clinging to his board, off the wave and into the air)

(To spectators on the pier, it appears like Mitch somehow propels himself up off the water with mysterious force and begins spinning and flipping through the air.)

Mitch: (spinning in mid air, clinging on to the board for dear life) Holy Fucking Shit! (He dips down, then suddenly is swung back up by the wind, does a loop-da-loop and then comes practically hovering back to the water's surface. Touching down, Mitch still clings to his board like an anchor)

(Spectators look-on in stunned silence, having witnessed something unbelievable. Remembering Butchie, Mitch paddles to where he figures his son went under, but there is no trace of either Butchie or his board.)

--Walkara

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

(Freddy watches Adam walk into the clinic but stops and steps back out of sight when he sees the Cab turn the corner and park up street).

Freddy: Goddam trouble is what that boy's got with that car followin' him.

(Inside the clinic)

Dr. Smith: Hello Adam, I'll get you a towel, you're soaked.

Noah: Aye my boy, what you thinkin' sloshin' through dem puddles. Where's your senses boy.

Adam: I like jumping in puddles!, I'm not even that wet!

Dr. Smith: (returns with a towel and hands it to Adam) Come back to the examination room and we'll see how you're doing. Noah, you may join us.

Adam: (Jumps up on the table and opens his mouth and sticks out his tongue. He then sings a very clear and resonant note) Aaahhhh!

Noah: (Shakes his head) see, the cold has got you goin' sharp. (Adam gives him a look)

Dr: Smith: Sounded wonderful to me. Do you sing?

Noah: Just one of many secrets da boys has.

Adam: (looking down) I used to...with my mother...

Dr: Smith: (puts on his stethoscope and has Adam remove his shirt. He sticks a thermometer under Adam's tongue) Well, let's get a listen to those lungs. (He checks Adams lung and heart) Clear and strong, nothing to keep you from singing if you'd like...Still have the runs? (Adam wobbles his hand back and forth) getting better? (Adam nods)

Noah: I think the Kaopectate has been doing it's job there doc. Great stuff that is. I've had this illness from swimming in da polluted waters when I was a boy too young to read the water and know the weather; nasty stuff it is.

Dr. Smith: And much more dangerous these days with the highly toxic chemicals added to the rest. We're seeing severe damage to the nervous system and organs now. And the number of hepatitis cases have skyrocketed... That's why I want to make sure Adam understands the real and present dangers. (he reads the thermometer) And fortunately it looks like Adam was lucky this time to only have developed a minor case of gastroenteritis which seems to be subsiding.

Noah: Ah that's good to hear, I been seein' to him taking the medicines you prescribed.

Dr. Smith: Thank you. (he hands Adam his shirt) And you, young man, seem to be recovering just fine, but I want you to take it easy for a few more days and eating healthy foods.

(Adam jumps down and they all three walk out toward the front)

Adam: I will Doc, me and Shaun have been hanging out and we're having ribs tonight at the motel.

Dr. Smith: Yes, that's right, then I guess I will see you there.

Noah: I'll be joining that party too I guess, we need to be prayin' for a break in this storm though.

(As they approach the front door Noah looks out the window to the sky and then up the street, when he spots the cab he stops and reaches out to hold Adam back.)

Noah: Hey there Doc, you gotta back door outta this place? Somebody out there I don't wanna see.

Dr. Smith: (alarmed) Uh, well..yes, is there something I should be concerned about?

Noah: No, no, jus an unfriendly. (he leads Adam back down the hall and exits through the door at the end of it.) We'll see ya later Doc, thanks for yah goodness...

Adam: What's going on, who was out there?

Noah: Why didn't you tell me that cab been followin' ya'gain. I thought you'd givin' that evil man da slip...

Adam: He found me again...I was gonna tell you...

Noah: You shoulda told me first thing. This is gonna be some trouble we not be wantin' right now boy.

Adam: Sorry...

Toxic Beach

--SpiritontheWater

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

(Freddy sees Noah and Adam cross the alley behind the clinic and steps back out onto the sidewalk, walking toward the cab. The cab pulls out into the street and makes a u-turn, driving off in the other direction)

Freddy: (walks out into the street) Yeah that's right you fucking cocksucker, run back to your Master and tell him you saw me seeing you! And take a beatin' for givin' him that good fucking news!

Dr. Smith: (sees Freddy through the window and opens the door) Is there something I should be concerned about?

Freddy: (walks over to the clinic) Yeah there is! That boy you're helping has got himself tangled up with someone he shouldn't be tangled up with! You'll be seeing that boy down at the morgue on a slab if he doesn't get the fuck away. And I'm talkin' now!

Dr. Smith: I'm not sure I like what you are saying. Do you mean that boy harm? I don't see anything wrong with Mr. Owen.

Freddy: (Stares at Dr. Smith) Does it ever occur to you that you just don't know shit?

Dr. Smith: Actually that seems to be the case entirely of late...Would you like to explain then?

Freddy: The beach bum ain't the problem. It's that cab and the man who owns it. (Dr. Smith looks down the street and sees the fading taillights.) If you want to keep that boy from harms way you'll do what you can to see to it he don't go climbing in that cab again.

Dr Smith: I don't understand.

Freddy: No, and you ain't gonna either.

Dr. Smith: I sure wish someone would tell me what's going on.

Freddy: (looks the Doctor up and down) I'll tell you what's goin' on. World War Three is what's going on..and it's makin' World War Two look like a fuckin' high school football game.

(Freddy turns and walks away leaving the doctor standing at the door)

--SpiritontheWater

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

[Sven2]

(Barry pulls in the Snug Harbor followed by two large trucks)

Ramon: Here we go...

Shaun: What's that?

Ramon: One big ass tent I'm guessing.

Shaun: Like a circus?

Ramon: All three rings...

--SpiritontheWater

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

(Freddy stops outside the Broken Fin bar seeing Cissy's corvette parked out front. He opens the door and smiles seeing Cissy and Erlemeyer sitting at the bar. Cissy turns her head and sees him at the sound of the bells on the door as he steps inside).

Cissy: Well what the fuck do you know, if it ain't another fucking Jesus Christ come to the well for a drink.

Erlemeyer: (stares straight ahead, nursing a bourbon on the rocks) I believe I asked you not to call me that.

Freddy: The rain pours no more than in another dark bar at noon.

(Walking back from the jukebox, Meyer Dickstein takes the stool on the other side of Cissy, his selected song begins).

The Last Resort

(Freddy takes the stool next to Erlemeyer and looks around him nodding to Cissy. The bartender walks over)

Freddy: Double Rum Dr. Pepper. (he looks back toward the window and see's the neon sign in reverse, it flashes "ladies night").

--SpiritontheWater

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

(Freddy looks back around Erlemeyer, Cissy leans forward and lifts her half empty glass to him)

Freddy: Can I buy you another?

Cissy: Sir Freddy Lopez? (she laughs out loud and bottoms up her glass then slams it on the bar) You're gonna have to do a lotta scrubbing before that armor is going to shine. (she looks around Erlemeyer and glares at him)

Freddy: (Bottoms up his glass and places it on the bar motioning to the bartender to refill both) Like I give a shit!

--SpiritontheWater

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

Meyer: (lifts his wine glass) Here's to chivalry, and the overthrow of man that got us.

Hotel California

--SpiritontheWater

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

(Barry gets out of his car and opens his umbrella against the wind and rain. He walks back around the side of the first truck and shouts up at the man in the passenger side)

Barry: (motions with his hand) In the courtyard, covering the shuffleboard court! Bring it as close to the flagpole as you can get it!

(Barry runs across the parking lot trying to hold on to his umbrella as the wind gusts so to pull it from his hands. He laughs as he skips the last two steps as if being lifted from the ground. Ramon opens the door as he approaches, letting him in the office and then swiftly closes the door behind him)

Ramon: You made it!

Barry: Oh, Ramon, I have made it, yes! And I am praying this weather subsides lest all we hope for this evening is blown away to oblivion...

Shaun: How's it goin' Barry?

Barry: Oh, Shaun, it's wonderful to see you. (he pulls Teddy from under his jacket and hands him to Shaun) Please take Teddy inside, I must go back out and see to this setting up. I don't know how they will manage it in this wind!

(Outside, several men are jumping off the trucks pulling the large tent down and carrying its sections to the four corners of the courtyard)

--SpiritontheWater

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

(As the door shuts behind Cass, John falls on the bed, asleep. Then John finds himself in Frank's hotel room, facing a small, wide-eyed boy.)

Boy: Who are you?

John: (winks at the boy, and hold out his hand) Ming from Mars.

Boy: Hi. I'm Rolan, but Mr. Frank said I was Owen. (He takes John's hand) I wanna go home.

John: Go home. (John smiles)

(In the blink of an eye, John and the boy are standing in front of an apartment in another city. John rings the bell)

(A woman answers the door, her skin pruned, wearing a towel around her torso and one around her head)

Rolan: Mommy!! (He jumps into her arms)

Sherma: Rolan?! What..where...(she looks at John suspiciously) Who are YOU?! What are you doing with my son?!

Rolan: It's okay mommy. He bringed me home. Mr. Frank called me Owen and made me call him daddy, but I just wanted to go home.

Sherma: (Confused) What the hell are you talking about?! Shit! Did I miss your T-ball game, little man? I musta fallen to sleep in the tub.

Rolan: That was yesterday, mom!

Sherma: Yesterday??!! But...I...just woke up in the tub--(she looks at John) what the frak is happening here??

John: I don't know Butchie instead.

Sherma: (Pulls her son behind her) Look, I don't know what the hell is going on here, but if you don't get, I'm calling the cops!

John: You will not note nor long remember. (John smiles and disappears before her eyes)

(As he vanishes, so does Sherma and Rolan's memories of him. By the time she walks back into her bedroom, she doesn't even remember answering the door and Rolan doesn't remember ever being gone.)

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

(Swimming the ocean's depths, Tina spots something overhead, halfway between herself and the surface. She swims closer to inspect. Nearing, she recognizes the shape as a human form, and hurries to it. Reaching the motionless body, she turns it over, and is struck with panic, recognizing Butchie. She throws her arms around him and fans her fins manically toward the water's surface. Breaking through, She pulls his head out of the water. Overhead a storm crackles in the sky, frantic waves crashing every which way. Struggling to keep afloat, she faces the distant shore and begins kicking her legs. Several yards away, desperately searching the waters, Mitch resurfaces, and catches sight of Tina with Butchie under her arm. He swims to them as fast as he can.)

(Reaching them, Mitch throws his arm around his unconscious son, and helps Tina deliver him to the shore. Mitch pulls him out of the tide, as the stunned reporters run over to help carry Butchie to their news tent.)

Mitch: Is he breathing?

Tina: (wearing only a bra and panties) No. (She puts her hand on Butchie's chest, then her mouth over his and starts resuscitation)

(Finally, Butchie gasps for breath, spitting water)

Mitch: Butchie! Thank God! Hey, you okay son?? (He puts his hands tenderly on Butchie's head)

Butchie: (still coughing) I think so...(He clears his throat, then coughs again) I ate some serious shit though.

Mitch: (relieved) That's a fuckin' understatement. (He pats Butchie on the chest) I'm just glad you're okay.

Butchie: Thanks for the save, pops

Mitch: It was Tina that saved you. I don't know what would've happened without her...

Butchie: (Seeing Tina for the first time, acting the damsel in distress, in a falsetto ) My hero. (He brings a hand to her face and sweeps a loose strand of hair behind her ear) Thanks, sport.

Tina: I'm just glad you're okay.

Mitch: (Looks at Tina suspiciously) How did you get out there? Where the hell did you come from?

Tina: I, um, jumped off the pier.

Mitch: (Looks down the beach at the pier, then to the place Tina pulled Butchie from the water) But, how? I was right there, but you managed find Butchie before me?? It doesn't add up.

Tina: I used to be a lifeguard.

Mitch: (Aware of the reporters hovering over them, he decides to let it go) Oh. Well, thank you.

Butchie: Damn straight, thanks! The lady fuckin' went all Baywatch and came to my fuckin' rescue. Just thinkin' about it makes me hard. (He grins devilishly) I kinda feel like a pussy, but that was a jerk-off fantasy come true, 'specially dressed like that. (He eyes her mostly exposed body)

Tina: (Blushing) Glad to be of service.

Butchie: Speaking of servicing...(He looks at her then at the unsightly bulge forming in his wet suit, chuckling to himself)

Tina: (Smacks him upside the head) Don't be a pig. (She half-grins)

Butchie: Ouch! Hey, you ain't fuckin' supposed to hit the patient! (He grabs her hand and squeezes playfully)

Mitch: (Seeing the sparks between them, disapprovingly) All right, well, let's get you back home. (He leans down, throws his arm around Butchie, lifts him up, and helps him to the wagon. Mitch puts him inside then gives Tina the keys to the VW and tells her to follow them back to the Snug Harbor.)

--Walkara

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

(Back at the Snug Harbor, parking is getting scarce. Everyone is returning for the impending BBQ, except Dickstein who has a "previous engagement". Tina parks Butchie's van, wraps a beach towel around herself and goes around to Mitch's car, parked a quarter block down the street. Mitch and Butchie exit. Tina tries to help Butchie, but he shrugs her off)

Butchie: I'm fine. Shit, I just swallowed a little fuckin' water s'all (seeing the rejected look on her face)...but thanks anyway??

Tina: (self conscious) I need some clothes.

Butchie: (winks) Fuck that.

Mitch: (Walks up behind them) Looks like another BBQ. I wonder what's on the menu.

Butchie: Mmm...meat, I hope.

Mitch: Factory farming is responsible for 18% of global greenhouse gas emissions. You already ate a damn multiple meat burrito.

Butchie: Fuckin' tasty too...(He breaks wind, grinning)..speaking of emissions...

Mitch: (turns his head, rolls his eyes) Anyway...

Butchie: (Mimicking) Anyways...

Mitch: "Anyways" is--

Butchie: --"Not a word," I know. (He puts his arm around Mitch) You mighta fuckin' mentioned that one or two MILLION fuckin' times.

Mitch: Well, at least your ears work. (He pats Butchie on the head and walks toward the motel.)

(Butchie follows)

Tina: (next to Butchie) Do you think Linc is here?

Butchie: (scans the area) I don't see the El Cam--(spotting it outside the tent) Oh, there it is. (He points)

Tina: Maybe I'll come back later...

Butchie: Don't be a fuckin' pussy!--no offense. He's all sortsa broken up over lyin' to ya.

Tina: Yeah?

Butchie: Yeah. (Looks at her, squinting his face, scrutinizing) You're ALL fuckin' into him, huh?

Tina: Fuck off. (She smiles)

Butchie: C'mon. (He takes her hand and they walk to the huge tent in the parking-lot, with smoke filtering out the opened flap)

(Ahead of them, Mitch approaches Dwayne, who is staring at him with a mix of awe and insecurity)

Mitch: Do you want something?

Dwayne: (His eyes get big) No, no...it's just: you, you...flew!!! I mean, I've never seen anything like that.

Mitch: What are talking about?

Dwayne: The move! The video! You defied gravity, Mr. Yost! It's all over the web, television, everyone is talking.

Mitch: But it's only been, what?...an hour?

Dwayne: Welcome to the digital age.

Mitch: Shit.

Dwayne: How...how did you do it?

Mitch: (Choosing his words) It was a freak thing...a gust of wind just came by and swept me up.

Dwayne: It was amazing.

Butchie: (Approaching with Tina, having overheard) The old man can fuckin' levitate, Dwayne.

Mitch: (Giving Butchie the Shut-the-fuck-up look) Are you a moron?

Butchie: Relax, pop. You can trust him. Dwayne's on the team.

Dwayne: I am?! (He smiles) Thanks Butchie.

Butchie: Don't mention it, pal. (He and Tina walk ahead)

Dwayne: (Turning to Mitch) You can really levitate?? How does it work? Is it a Superman-type flying thing, or a Jean Grey telekinetic thing?

Mitch: Superman? No. I don't know who the hell 'Jean Grey' is, but it's more like...gravity ceases to work on me. I can't really control it. It just happens

Dwayne: (Starstruck) That is so cool.

(Nearing the tent, Butchie and Tina run into Kai and Linc, exiting. Butchie instinctively lets go of Tina's hand. All four of them do a double take.)

Linc: Tina! (He looks her in the eye) Are you okay? Where did you go?

Kai: (To Butchie) You okay?

Tina: (To Linc) I'm fine. I just...took a break.

Butchie: (Takes Kai's hand) I'm fine. A little fuckin' sore. How'd you know?

Kai: Dwayne's been showing the video on a loop. (To Tina) How'd did you get out there so fast?

Tina: (Unsure what to say) I honestly don't know.

Linc: So, you were watching from the pier?

Kai: Well, however you did it, I'm just glad you did. (She squeezes Butchie's hand affectionately.)

Tina: (To Kai) Thanks. (To Linc, lying) Yeah...I was just sitting up there watching, and saw him go down.

Linc: (Takes her aside) But the video from the pier doesn't have you anywhere on it.

Tina: It's a long story...you mind if I fill you in later?

Linc: Later? Yeah, "later" sounds good. (He brings her hand to his lips and kisses it) I'm sorry I lied to you.

Tina: I forgive you. (She kisses him) Let's go find me some dry clothes.

Linc: Or I could warm you up another way...

(They disappear across the lot, into one of the empty motel rooms. Butchie and Kai watch them go.)

Butchie: So, what's goin' on in there? (He nods at the tent)

Kai: Nuthin' yet. Ramon's cookin' ribs. (She leans into him) I missed you today, dumbass.

Butchie: (Kisses the top of her head) Me fuckin' too. (Sees John and Cass walking toward the tent) Hey, there's John.

Kai: Hey, John. Hey, Chic--I mean, Cass, right?

Cass: (Pleased) That's right, Kai.

John: (Looks at Butchie) Cass put me in the doghouse.

Butchie: You fuck up, buddy?

John: I made toast.

Butchie: Yeah? I got dusted.

John: My father makes toast too.

Kai: (to Cass) What'd he do?

Cass: Long story, but the cliff notes are that this weird guy showed up and wanted to hire me. He had this kid with him too. There was something kinda "off" about him. Anyway, I woke up to John literally turning this guy into dust, like he was Buffy the Vampire Slayer of something. When we opened his breifcase after it was full of weapons, some blood stained.

Kai: John staked him?

Cass: No...I don't know what he did. He just touched him and said something.

Butchie: He musta had it comin'. John's no asshole.

John: Justice must be served.

Cass: I went to find the kid, but he was gone. Vanished.

John: Rolan went home.

Cass: His name was Owen, ET.

John: Sherma woke up.

Cass: (rolls her eyes) Whatever, John. C'mon, let's go get something to eat. (She grabs his shirt and pulls him after her, into the tent)

John: (Disappearing inside) I don't have to worry about gumming up the works.

Butchie: (To Kai) You wanna go back in?

Kai: Sure. I was only leavin' find you.

Butchie: Well here I fuckin' am...now what are ya gonna fuckin' do with me?

Kai: (A big smile spreads across her face) That is the question...(She leads him away from the tent, toward an empty motel room)

--Walkara

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

[Sven2]

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

[Daphne is in the restaurant looking nervously towards the door. She looks very relieved when Meyer arrives.]

Meyer: Sorry Bubbala, I was detained.

Daphne: I am just glad that you are here now; I thought I was going to have to face her alone.

Meyer: [Looking towards the door] Here she is.

[Zeeva Dickstein (played by Jessica Walter) enters the room.]

Zeeva: Meyer my dear it is so good to see you again. [Gives Meyer a hug and a kiss on the check which Meyer returns.]

Meyer: Mother, I would like to introduce to you Daphne Kaminsky.

Daphne: Shalom Ms. Dickstein. [She reaches out her hand.]

Zeeva: [Takes Daphne's hand and then looks at Meyer]: What a lovely woman Meyer. [Meyer just beams. Zeeva turns to Daphne.] My dear you must give me the contact information for your plastic surgeon. [Daphne looks at Zeeva in shock and Meyer's beam dims considerably.]

Meyer: [Nervous laugh to Daphne] Mother has an unusual sense of humor.

Zeeva: That is it what you always tell everyone Meyer.

Meyer: Why don't we all have a seat?

[The hostess distributes the menus, and they all pursue them in an uncomfortable silence.]

Meyer: [To Zeeva] The salmon here is most excellent.

Daphne: Meyer they have your favorite, opakapaka, for the special.

Zeeva: [To Daphne] No dear. Meyer's favorite fish has been tuna ever since he was a boychik. [Goes back to looking at the menu.]

[Daphne mouths "tell her" to Meyer.]

Meyer: [Nervously] Actually Mother I have recently developed quite a fondness for opakapaka.

Zeeva: [Looks at Daphne and says sarcastically] Oh? Really? [Looks down again to menu]

--theshriek

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

[Zeeva, Meyer, and Daphne have finished their meal and are waiting on the check.]

Zeeva: So you have only one client now? That Mega-Million person?

Meyer: Well I still handle matters for the Yost family.

Zeeva: Forever the Yosts! [To Daphne] As his bar mitzvah approached, all I heard was him begging me to let him go see Mitch Yost surf.

Daphne: The Yost's are popular around here. Meyer gets free publicity because he represents their concerns.

Zeeva: [Ignoring Daphne's statement] Meyer you need to do more with your career.

Meyer: I am happy doing what I am doing now.

Zeeva: Happy?!? What does happiness have to do with any of it? You need to think about increasing your earning power.

Meyer: [Decides to try to change the subject] Why did HBO send you out this way, Mother?

Zeeva: [Preens] I am going to attend some pitch meetings for possible new series.

Daphne: I hope that these new series will be better than that awful Lucky Louie and that show about the couples. What's that one called?

Zeeva: [Narrows her eyes] I was the person who discovered those shows.

Daphne: [Ultra sweetly] We all have our down times.

Zeeva: Let me guess. You are one of those Deadwood or Carnivale lovers. It figures that you would like shows populated with whores and strippers.

Daphne: There is something for everyone in those shows. Even you. After all there is the murderous pimp-saloon keeper, and a murderous preacher.

Zeeva: It must get tiring for you to walk around topless and shooting people all day.

Daphne: Not as tiring as it must be for your to keep your legs in the air all day and night.

Zeeva: [To Meyer who is sitting there like a deer in the highlights] This is the type of woman with which you associate. No doubt it is the influence of this godforsaken state. [Stands up] Good-bye Meyer. Don't bother calling me until you come to your senses. [Walks out]

Meyer: Mother! Wait! There must be some sort of compromise that can be reached.

Daphne: Compromise?!? [She stands up] I am going home tonight Meyer. Don't try to follow me or you will be wearing your surfboard through your ears.

[Daphne walks out and Meyer sits there alone.]

--theshriek

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

[Emma and Luke are sitting in Luke's car. Over and over they watch Luke's footage of Mitch, Butchie and Tina.]

Luke: Fuck! I can't believe how much it looks like Mitch is flying above the water.

Emma: You know what else? [Pause] I was watching the pier a couple of minutes before Butchie went under. Tina Blake was not on that pier.

Luke: How can you be sure? It was difficult to see because of the storm.

Emma: She wasn't there.

Luke: Well she had to be. People just don't suddenly rise up from the bottom of the sea.

[Emma is no longer sure that is true.]

--theshriek

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

(Linc and Tina enter the tent after a quick "reconciliation". Linc spots Cass sitting across the way and excuses himself from Tina.)

Linc: (Approaching) Hey. I've been meaning to talk to you, but shit keeps getting in the way.

Cass: What about?

Linc: Ahh...the expo on Saturday...remember?

Cass: Oh, yeah. Right. Sorry, I've been a little distracted myself. (She looks at John, sitting next to Shaun near the back) I took a look at the agreement and proposal you faxed me; everything is in order.

Linc: Good.

Cass: I'll talk to Emma, see how she wants to divide responsibilities.

Linc: Whatever you want...just make sure we've got all the angles covered, okay?

Cass: I will. I know what I'm doing. (She lies, trying to convince herself)

Linc: Cool. If you have any questions I'll be down at the pier all day tomorrow, settin' up, so I'll be around.

Cass: Sounds good. I'll go find Emma and figure out the specifics. (She stands up and walks out of the tent)

(Tina walks over to Linc)

Linc: Hey. (He grabs her hand and pulls her to him) You ready to eat?

Tina: Ramon said that the owner, Barry is it?, had to make one last run to the grocery store. We're just waiting for him to return.

Linc: Every circus needs a ringmaster.

--Walkara

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

(Barry walks in the grocery store and stops. He looks down the row of check out lanes and watches for a moment as the young boys methodically dip in and out of the bags carefully placing goods within. He hears one boy nearby)

Boy: May I help you out with that?

Barry: (shakes his head) What am I doing here? (He turns and heads back out into the parking lot) I must make a note of this: do not run away when everything is going so well!

(Barry returns to his car to return to the motel)

--SpiritontheWater

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

(Barry steps through the opening of the tent and sees Shaun and John standing on the shuffleboard course playing, he looks around and sees the others sitting in pairs each isolated, Linc and Tina, Mitch, Butchie and Kai. Joe and Magdalena. Bill stands watching Shaun and John. Barry throws out his arms)

Barry: Good friends and acquaintances, I am sorry to have kept you waiting! And I only hope anticipation will have whet your appetites for the bounty we are about to receive from the hands of our dear Ramon and his beloved cousins!

(Ramon enters from the back of the tent drawing the vinyl door back holding it open for six or seven cousins who enter with trays of steaming ribs, beans, corn, enchiladas, tortillas, salsas and salads placing them out on the tables before the guests. Ramon wheels in the bar).

Butchie: My mouth's been watering for an hour Barry, smellin' those ribs, but if that's a tap I see, you can draw me a cold one and be doing a pretty damn good job makin' up for it brother! (He looks at Kai and Mitch questioningly and points to the bar, Kai nods, Mitch waves him off)

(Cissy, Erlemeyer and Freddy walk in behind Barry, who jumps, startled).

Cissy: (looks up into Barry's face) Well, pretty damn fancy here, whatever your name is! I was beginning to drown out there!

Freddy: (under his breath) And you would have too had I not put your top up for you.

(Erlemeyer sees Mitch who nods to him, and motions to the empty chair across the table from him. Erlemeyer walks toward him).

Mitch: (to Butchie who is getting up heading for the bar) Oh great, your mother's drunk!

Butchie: (looks at Cissy and back at Mitch) And I'm gonna be joining her real fucking soon.

Mitch: Are you sure that's a good idea Butchie?

Butchie: Give me a break pop, it ain't slammin' dope. (he smiles at Ramon and holds up two fingers. Ramon pulls two chilled glasses from under the bar and draws two tall glasses of beer) That's what I'm talkin' about Ramon! Tall and frosty baby!

John: Tall and Frosty Butchie! (John throws Butchie a shaka which Butchie returns) Fourteen!

Shaun: Nu uh, it's over the line dude.

Bill: (Standing with arms folded) Has to be totally inside to count.

John: We are inside Billy. (Bill stiffens and clenches his fist while John walks over and looks at where the puck is resting, he points his finger at it) You crossed the line Carnal!

Bill: What'd I tell you about that?

John: (turns and walks back standing beside Shaun) Her ladyship is gone Bill.

Bill: (Muffles his voice) Jesus F Christ.

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

Barry: (raises his head up to lift his voice) Well... good then... eat, drink and be merry, the food looks wonderful Ramon! (Ramon nods to him as he walks over and fires up on of the space heaters in the corner. Ramon's cousins continue placing plates and utensils at each table. Another set's out small vases with fresh flowers alongside candles. Barry raises his voice and his arm motioning behind him) I will just let you know, that we have a special ceremony later, that I am so happy you will all be here to celebrate with me... (he looks down, uncomfortable at Cissy who is standing too close and still staring up at him bleary eyed) yes... and that is the christening of our newly installed flagpole and lighthouse.

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

John: Barry's light will save the small boat but Barry's lights will soon go out.

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

Cissy: Christening a flagpole huh? Sounds dirty...

(Freddy looks at Cissy and shakes his head, then heads back toward the bar).

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

Shaun: Eleven! (John walks over and studies the location of Shaun's puck)

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

Linc: (to Tina as he gets up) What's your poison?

Tina: Something warm, what's that Bailey's vodka thing?

Linc: Mitch and Butchie Surf Siberia?

Tina: Cute. More Kahlua than Irish Cream.

Linc: Got it. (he heads to the bar)

Tina: (Looks over at Butchie as he sits down next to Kai handing her a beer). This is either a fucking dream or a nightmare.

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

John: (as he slides the puck back down the course) A fucking dream or a nightmare. (loudly) Nine Shaun!

Shaun: Nice John!

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

Joe: (Pushes his chair back) Can I get you a gunners coffee there Mags, it'll warm your boots?

Magdalena: That sounds nice Bill. This is a nice refuge from the storm. I am so very tired now. Your friends are all so very kind.

Joe: Not one of 'em has a clue 'cept maybe the guy behind the bar, but they're a good enough lot I suppose. Decent tent though, Industrial strength. Don't have to worry about this one. I just hope that makeshift shed of ours stays as dry tonight. (he walks toward the bar).

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

(Noah and Adam walk in behind Barry. Adam heads over to Shaun and Noah puts his hand on Barry's shoulder. Barry turns to see him and is relieved).

Barry: Oh, Noah. I'm so glad you have come just now. I don't know why, but I feel as though I am struggling to keep my head above water suddenly!

Noah: Ah man, that's jus the thing about swimmin', at some point you gotta dive down an' look around. You just might find a little Mermaid who gonna lead the way.

Barry: Or a Mer-man perhaps? (he smiles)

Noah: Jah, maybe it could be a Merman too...(he laughs)

--SpiritontheWater

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

(Dr. Smith steps in the tent with Palaka. Palaka is wearing an eyepatch)

Palaka: No confusing me for a pirate now eh Doc?

Dr. Smith: No mistaking. It may become uncomfortable after an hour or so but you should leave it on until you retire this evening.

Palaka: Retire? Yeah that'll be the day. Lay my burden down.

Dr. Smith: I meant, until you go to bed tonight.

Palaka: Ah that retire. I got it now. To my rescue once again huh doc?

Dr. Smith: (Looks him in the eye) I would strongly recommend you reconsider your relationship with Mr. Lopez. From what I have seen, persisting as you have, cannot possibly end up serving your best interests or well being.

Palaka: Now you're repeating yourself. Already gave me the lecture didn't you? Freddy's a good guy once you get to know him. We all have our demons don't we... temper never get the better of you Doc?

Dr. Smith: Never to such a degree, no. Your friend is a dangerous man.

Palaka: You don't have to tell me that!. And speaking of the devil, he's got his eye on me now, I'll be seeing you Doc. (Palaka walks toward the bar) Blood is thicker than water...

(Dr. Smith sees Barry, they wave at each other when their eyes meet)

--SpiritontheWater

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

(Ramon pours Dr. Pepper into Freddy's double rum and hands it to him. He points to Linc)

Linc: Gimme a Surfin' Siberian and a Jack up.

Freddy: Sure you don't mean a Jack off?

Linc: I'm not looking for any trouble Freddy. Just want to relax and enjoy some good company. Can you be good company?

Freddy: (scoffs, dismissing him. Palaka approaches) You planning on going trick or treatin' later?

Palaka: Yeah, that's a good one boss, Doc got me fixed up, just a little swelling on that eye you gave me. Had it comin' I guess...

Freddy: You guess? I shoulda turned your lights out. (he turns his head, angry again)

Linc: (takes his drinks off the bar) Some men use their fists some men use thier heads. (he turns and walks away).

Freddy: Yeah and some men use a fucking knife when other men don't know when to shut their fucking mouths from gettin' in other men's business!

Palaka: (stepping up to the bar) and some men would like a bloody Mary. You got any of that spicy mix you had the other day?

Ramon: (smiling proudly) It's my father's recipe, yeah I got some. You want stoli's?

Palaka: and a little celery stick like you did?

Ramon: Comin' up.

(Linc stops in front of Butchie and Mitch before going back to Tina)

Butchie: What's up Stark? Come for the free booze, I know I did!

Linc: Actually Butchie I come wondering if you noticed that it wasn't me fucking up Shaunie's (he lifts up both drinks to quote) "Image" today?

Mitch: (Interrupts Butchie) You signed him Linc. Maybe you should have your (lifts his hands to quote) "people" keep a better handle on him so you'd have a clue when some corrupting influence was leading him down the garden path.

Linc: (Scoffs) Yeah..Comin' from you. I should be keepin' a handle on things... (he turns and walks away)

Butchie: Yeah fuck you too buddy! (to Mitch) Two faced mother fucker.

Mitch: I warned you Butchie.

Erlemeyer: Although, responsibility is ultimately found to lie on both sides of the line.

Mitch and Butchie: Shut up Erlemeyer!

Freddy: (to Palaka) If you can still see out of that one good eye you got left, I want you to go lookin' for Moana. There's been a change in plans and I need him to get on that plane after all.

Palaka: Sure thing boss, I'll look for him. Destination Blood Bath.

Freddy: (sets his empty glass on the bar motioning for Ramon to refill) No... a blood bath is what we want to avoid you fucking dimwit cyclops.

Cissy: (walks unsteadily up to the bar and smiles) Hello boys, who's buyin' ? It's still ladies night!

Ramon: Drinks are on the house.

Cissy: Whell that's the best news I heard all night! Tanqueray rocks!

Ramon: We don't have Tanqueray, only Boodles.

Cissy: Shit! Even better! Make it a double!

Mitch: (over his shoulder) Happy hour at the Broken Fin not enough tonight Cissy?

Cissy: (spins around to address him) Mitch! Why don't you just shut the fuck up and have a drink? Try walkin' the earth for a change. Maybe you'll see what's really happening around here.

Mitch: Oh I think I see what's happening around here. I'm flying in the air and all you can do is get wasted.

Cissy: Yeah? Well guess what, you aren't the only one who can fly Ali Baba. Just watch me!

Mitch: Jesus Cissy, are you going to make a scene now? Get something to eat for Christ sake.

Erlemeyer: (Pulls apart the ribs on his plate and begins to eat one) The ribs are mighty tasty!

Cissy: (takes her drink from Ramon and shakes her head looking at Mitch and Erlemeyer) you two are just made for each other aren't you? Get a fucking room! (she walks away)

--SpiritontheWater

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

[Sven2]

(Everyone begins filling their plates and digging in. Freddy and Palaka sit down and begin to eat. Barry, Dr. Smith and Noah are near the entrance talking)

Butchie: (waving at Shaun and pointing at the food) Shaunie!

Shaun: I will, as soon as we finish our game.

(Adam stands next to Bill as John takes his turn at shuffleboard)

Shaun: Hey dude how's it goin'

Adam: Everything's all right Kemo Sabe.

John: (as he pushes the puck) Hi Ho Silver, away! (his puck smacks both his pucks and sends them flying off the course in every direction)

Bill: That would be zero, for the Lone Ranger.

John: Everything is all right Kemo Sabe..

Shaun: I'm kickin your butt John.

John: You've been workin' your Johnson Shaun.

(Adam laughs as Shaun looks embarrassed. Shaun launches another puck which lands short of the line)

Shaun: Shit!

Bill: (looking down at Adam) Jesus Christ! Young man, you reek of marijuana.

Adam: (looks up at Bill) just let me know and I'll hook you up.

(Zippy flies down from his perch on the tent frame and lands on Adam's shoulder)

Adam: Oh shit, is this crazy bird gonna bite me again?

Shaun: It wasn't a bite dude, Zippy's a lover not a fighter, right Bill?

Bill: Zippy's what ever the goddam he wants to be, or wherever he wants to be, lately. Hell, he can probably be when ever he wants to be too. (he looks at Adam with a silly grin on his face)

Adam: Never mind, sounds like you've smoked enough already.

(Zippy flies over and lands on John's head)

John: (tilt's his head slightly as if listening) That rings a bell.... I don't know Butchie instead.

(Zippy flies back up and perches again in the tent frame.)

John: (slides his final puck which glides past Shaun's eleven and stops) Fourteen Shaun!

Shaun: (sets his last puck down) I ain't worried, 'cause somebody's going down and it's not gonna be (he pushes the weight down the course) me! (Shaun's final puck connects with John's, sending it off the course and leaving his resting directly over a number fourteen) Who's your daddy John!

Adam: Oh yeah! Kemo Sabe wins again!

John: (looks confused) My (he raises his hands to quote, shuffleboard stick in his hand) "Daddy" brought you home Shaun.

--SpiritontheWater

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

(Cass walks in with Emma and her camera man right behind her. Cass's camera is on)

Mitch: (sees Cass) Oh great, the media circus. (Butchie puts his hand on Mitch's shoulder and Erlemeyer turns to look)

(Cass turns the Camera toward Barry, Noah and Dr. Smith. Dr. Smith and Cass smile at each other)

Barry: I don't remember calling the press.

Noah: Sure it wasn't you doin the callin' Barry, but the lights are on us now just the same.

(Jerri and Dwayne walk in and Dwayne sits down opening up his laptop on the table. Cissy sees Jerri and walks toward her)

Cissy: We making a movie now? We got the man on the flying trapeze and the queen of porn, that should sell! (Tina hears her and rolls her eyes. Linc motions for her to wait.)

Ramon: (pours himself a shot of tequila and throws it back, then pours another) All three rings.

(Shaun leans over Butchie's shoulder loading food on his plate. He reaches for Butchie's beer)

Shaun: Can I have a sip?

Butchie: (pushes Shaun's hand aside) I don't think so grom. (he motions toward the cameras) you've had enough bad press for one day...

(Noah whispers in Barry's ear and Barry reacts by walking over to the entrance)

Barry: (raising his voice) Everyone, it's time! Please joins us out front, the ceremony is about to begin!

Ramon: (Tosses back the shot) Here we go...

(Zippy flies once around the room over everybody's heads and out the open entrance)

--SpiritontheWater

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

(Barry stands at the base of the flagpole looking up as the others begin to exit the tent out into the parking lot. Cass and Emma separate to film from different angles)

Barry: It seems we have a strange break in the weather, how fortuitous.

(everyone looks up and sees a large circle of clear sky lit with stars directly above them)

Butchie: Great timing Barry, looks like you're in the eye of the storm.

Shaun: Cool, it's a big circle.

John: The circle is huge.

Bill: And it won't last forever so might I suggest we get on with it.

Barry: Yes, well, in a moment Ramon will throw the switch on our lighthouse, but first I would like to say a few words about our flag. (he unfurls a flag and attaches the top corner to a clip on the lines running down the pole. He holds it out for all to see.)

(The field is dark blue and centered on it is a circle of stick figures each a golden yellow. Each figure is touching at the feet and the entire image looks like a radiating sun. The flag is twenty-four by thirty-six and the stickfigure sun is twelve inches in diameter)

Barry: (looks from face to face as he speaks) The last two weeks have been, for me, nothing less than miraculous... I feel that I have been transformed by coming here and meeting all of you. For the first time, I think, in my entire life, I feel connected, to people, to this place, and to myself ... In a way that I have never felt, I now feel that there is a connection between and within us all that is not of our own making, but rather a connection that has always been, and will always be. An unbreakable connection that has always existed, and exists despite our losing sight of it for what ever reason... It is the invisible spirit of love, I now believe, that holds us all together no matter how hard we fight to break it's hold. I believe we have been touched by an unfathomable power that is somehow, miraculously, simply, ours for the taking. (he smiles)

Shaun: (stares at John who is smiling at him) One!

Barry: And so it is with that discovery that I lay claim and raise this flag, our flag, and memorialize this site as a symbol of the unity and oneness in which we have found ourselves so suddenly and richly blessed. (Barry connects the other corner of the flag and pulls the line drawing the flag up the pole beneath the lighthouse)

Linc: (raises his glass) Here Here!

Butchie: Well said Barry! (he starts an applause to which the others join).

Kai: (nodding her head in approval) Nice flag too dude.

Zippy: (unseen) Cheep!

Palaka: (salutes the flag as it raises and gets a look from Freddy) Forever may she wave!

Barry: And now Ramon, if you will. (he looks at Ramon who is standing next to a newly installed breaker box.)

Ramon: Hope this doesn't cause a power outage (he flips the switch and the lighthouse emits a strange sound for a second before the intensely bright beam of light streams out directly toward the mountains behind them. Everyone cheers)

Barry: Hmm, peculiar, I was expecting an ocean ward beginning.

(In the rest stop parking lot just off the highway leading up the pass, Sam Hostetler sits with his boys in his truck eating McDonalds. The boys cheer as the beam of light from the lighthouse appears. It illuminates a patch of ground they can see a ways down the hill from where they are parked. A small white flash can be seen for a second as the light illuminates the headstone on his brothers grave in the cemetery. Mr. Hostetler smiles crying and hugs his boys)

--SpiritontheWater

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

Ramon: (standing next to Barry at the base of the pole looking up at the light as it begins to revolve) It's on a 37 second revolution. Don't ask me why, some psychology thing the guy said. (he shrugs his shoulders)

(everyone stands silently watching as the beam of light makes it's circular path. John stands upright and begins turning a circle in unison with the light)

Bill: (watching John) Jesus, he's a goddam lighthouse now!

Cissy: (raises her glass sloshing it) Let there be light!

Freddy: (sneering at Cissy) God saw that the light was good.

Linc: And he separated the light from the darkness.

Ramon: The light shines in the darkness, but the darkness has not understood it.

Barry: It is wonderful is it not Ramon? (he looks at Shaun who smiles back at him waving a shaka) In him was life, (he flashes on Shaun sitting at the bar lifting his Roy Rogers) and that life was the light of men. (he turns and looks again at everyone standing around) And I dedicate this light; this beacon, so that all passers by may find refuge here at our Snug Harbor; be they rich or poor, wayward or merely outward bound; all shall be welcome here with us and what ever trouble may come, this light abides.

Kai: Right on!

(Butchie, holding Kai's hand, looks into her face and smiles)

--SpiritontheWater

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

(a mile off shore two men in a small fishing boat are bailing water. Their boat rises and falls, unsteadily pitching back and forth in the heavy sea. One man sees the light from the lighthouse and stands up abruptly calling out to the other and pointing toward it)

Fisherman 1: There!

(the other man scrambles to the controls and pulls the wheel to Port as he shoves the throttle forward)

Fisherman 2: Keep your eye on it!

Could you be Loved

(Thanx to Wax for song)

--SpiritontheWater

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

(Adam steps out in front of the others and begins a slow dance, he turns around and throws his arms out looking up at the light. Everyone's attention turns to him as he begins to sing. Shaun laughs when he begins but Adam continues unaffected)

To the Lighthouse Adam Sings

(Dr. Smith can't contain his tears and excitedly applauds. Barry's face is streaked with tears as are Linc and Tina's. Everyone applauds the boy who shyly walks over to stand by Noah who looks lovingly in to Adam's smiling face)

(Thanks to Sven for Song)

--SpiritontheWater

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

(John suddenly spins around and stops facing the driveway. Butchie notices it and looks toward the street seeing a gray car pulling up blocking the entrance)

Butchie: What's going on John?

John: The darkness has not understood it.

(The interior of the car is illuminated by a muzzle flash which is seen a split second before the shot is heard. Everyone's attention is diverted as if in slow motion as Barry is struck on the side of his head. John turns and follows the trajectory of the bullet and watches Barry fall to the ground as everyone else ducks and runs for cover. Dr. Smith slides on his knees to Barry's side)

Dr. Smith: Call Nine One One! Barry's been shot! Call Nine One One! Barry's been shot! Call Nine One One!

(Ramon runs toward the office and Linc flips open his cell)

(Barry lays motionless on the ground at the entrance to the white tent. Dr. Smith applies pressure to the side of his head with a towel thrown to him by one of Ramon's cousins. Cass stands nearby horrified, her camera dangling thoughtlessly by her side catching the chaos and noise.)

--SpiritontheWater

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

Click and minimize

[Far from Imperial Beach, Sherma enters Rolan?s darkened room. She stands over his bed and watches him as he sleeps. Then she straightens out his bedclothes, kisses him lightly on the forehead, and leaves the room.

Meyer lies alone in his bed staring at the ceiling.

In Daphne's bedroom, the nightstand is littered with used Kleenex. Now she has no sad or mad tears left and she is just tossing and turning in the bed. She suddenly sits up and flings across the room the pillow that Meyer usually sleeps on and then she too lays back and stares at the ceiling.

At the Snug Harbor hotel, the ambulance has arrived, and Bill is talking to the police. Freddy and Palaka took out after the gray car. Everyone else except for John is standing around in shock as Barry is lifted into the vehicle. Linc thinks about what might have happened to Tina. He takes a deep breath, closes his eyes, and puts his arm tight around her waist. Butchie's close call is in Kai's mind as the two of them stand embracing with their eyes closed. Cass walks in closer to film Dr. Smith as he talks to the paramedics. Once he is finished he nods to Ramon, and follows Barry's gurney into the ambulance. Through Cass's camera, we see a close-up of the two ambulance doors closing.]

Fade to Black

Barry's favorite song- Somewhere Over The Rainbow
Somewhere Over the Rainbow - Israel Kamakawiwo'Ole

SpiritontheWater

THE END

[Sven2]

John From Cincinnati, Episode 15, His Visit, Day 14

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

Magdalena says goodbye, Linc, Jake, Cass, and Emma work out the particulars, Shaun shows Cissy, Butchie and Kai argue, Tina makes a move, Bill and Zippy search for clues, Madame Alabaster adds to her list. Meyer makes a decision, Mitch builds a shrine, Adam finds the key to the bar. Ramon holds a vigil. Dwayne goes missing.

Written by: Walkara, theshriek, SpiritontheWater, backinthegame, Waxon, svengali2
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

(Shaun stands alone staring silently, his hair falling around his face as the rain begins to fall again, he looks at Mitch, then Cissy, as they each stare vacantly, blinking, looking from person to person in the parking lot, the lights of the ambulance flashing across their faces. He looks over at his dad and Kai, tears fill his eyes. Last he looks at Tina who is looking at him smiling, she closes her eyes in a prayer of thanks.)

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

(As the doors to the ambulance slam shut, the driver hits the sirens and the vehicle lurches forward down the driveway of the Snug Harbor. The ambulance takes a hard turn onto the street and pitches back and forth as it comes out onto the street. Outside, the rain begins to pour and the wind buffets the side of the ambulance. Dr. Smith grabs hold of the bar on the side of Barry's gurney to stabilize himself. A small storage door opens and something flies out and breaks on the floor)

(Barry opens his eyes to the sound of a rushing wind and sees tables and chairs being sucked out of the entrance of the tent. The parking lot beneath his feet is pitching up and down like a tilt o' whirl. He tries to grab hold of the bar as it rolls by, but it's ripped from his grasp and careens violently across the room spilling glasses and bottles everywhere before flying out the entrance. He stumbles over to look out one of the vinyl windows and sees that the whole tent is high above the ground twirling and spinning in the air. He sees the flagpole with lighthouse lit fly by the window and watches it spin off into the gray wall; its light intermittently flashing as it twirls with its flag unfurled, down, around and away. Then, to his surprise, he sees Ramon passing by; standing in front of his smoking bbq with his apron on, waving to Barry with his tongs in his hand. Behind Ramon he sees an enormous Carousel with its sea creatures a blur under the spinning lights. He raises his hand to wave but Ramon is gone)

(Through the first intersection the ambulance driver guns the motor pitching Dr. Smith back on the small bench he's sitting on, he grabs Barry's hand to keep from falling. Dr. Smith looks out the window which is streaked with rain; he can make out only headlights of passing cars and sees their taillights fade out the rear window through a torrent of water pouring off the roof)

(From the window of the spinning tent, Barry sees a black Corvette driving by with the top down. Cissy Yost is behind the wheel revving the motor, and as she looks over at him she smiles a diabolical smile which frightens Barry. Through the roaring wind he hears her say: "Let me show you how to do that" as she motions up and down with her hand. Behind the car he sees Butchie Yost on a surfboard carrying a broomstick. Butchie begins swinging it like a baseball bat, grinning at Barry. He hears Butchie's voice echoing from the past, "Look!, it's Barry the Fairy, collecting shells, what a faggot!" The leash of Butchie's surfboard is tied around Teddy's neck and Teddy flops and spins and twists in the wind behind the board. Barry draws back from the window in horror as one of the shuffleboard pucks flies up and strikes him, he grabs the side of his head and falls onto the shuffleboard court unconscious)

Paramedic: (over the sound of the siren) Looks like this storm's not through with us yet.

Dr. Smith: (turns his head toward the paramedic but stops, looking at Barry's face) I think a calm... before the storm....has lulled us all to sleep...

(The ambulance continues to pitch and roll as it races toward the hospital, Dr. Smith continues to hold Barry's hand)

"Should I Stay or Should I Go?"

(song thanks to Waxon)

--SpiritontheWater

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

(The ambulance pulls in to the hospital emergency lane and drives up under the canopy. Several interns and nurses run out as the sliding doors open. The paramedic releases the handles on the ambulance doors and jumps out with Dr. Smith meeting the hospital staff as they appear at the back of the ambulance. Water runs off the roof and drips down the opening as the admitting staff peer inside)

Nurse: Is this some kind of a joke?

(Dr. Smith looks back in the ambulance and sees that the gurney on which Barry rested is now empty.)

--SpiritontheWater

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

(Butchie walks over to Shaun and throws his arm around him)

Butchie: (Concerned) You okay, buddy?

(Shaun shrugs)

Butchie: (leading him to the spare cabin) He'll be okay, pal. Don't worry. (He looks at Kai, across the way, telling her with his eyes to follow them) Fuck! (He hugs Shaun) That was fucked...Fuck me!!! Why didn't I think to send John with him? Shit! Fuck! (Looks over at John) Monad! Get yer ass over here!

(John looks at Butchie and follows him to the spare cabin.)

(Inside, Butchie sits Shaun down on the bed, and paces back and forth aimlessly. Kai enters behind them and stands by the door in silence, watching Butchie pace. Shaun feels his numbness subside as he perceives Butchie's panic.)

Shaun: Hey, dad?

Butchie: (Startles, as if waking from a spell) Huh? Yeah, buddy?

Shaun: Are you okay?

(Kai walks over to Butchie and takes his hand; her touch brings a little color back into his face)

Butchie: (posturing) I'm fuckin' fine, Shaunie. You?

Shaun: I'm okay...a little freaked. Why would anyone shoot Barry?

(John enters the room, looking at the ground)

Butchie: Who fuckin' knows?! (He shakes his head) That was so totally fucked! Clipped him right in the side of the head! (Butchie flinches in empathy) All that blood. (He pales again)

John: Barry's poor head.

Kai: (Rubbing Butchie's back reassuringly with her hand) It's over, Butchie. Just try to relax, okay?

Butchie: RELAX??! How the fuck am I 'sposed to fuckin' relax?? Huh?! (He pulls his arm away from her) JESUS CHRIST! What if it had been you, or Shaunie, that got shot?!!! What if the fuckin' bullet wasn't meant for Barry??! What the fuck makes you think it's over, huh?? What if it's just starting??? Ever fuckin' think about that??!!

Kai: Calm the fuck down, Butchie! I was there too! It is totally fucked, okay? But freakin' the fuck out ain't doin' nobody any favors. All right?

Butchie: Okay, fine. (He takes her hand) Sorry, babe. I'm just fuckin'...pissed! Who the fuck would do that?? I've seen some fucked up shit in the gutter, but this bullshit takes the fuckin' prize. That fuck just rolled right fuckin' up and shot Barry in the goddamhead!--all fuckin' casual-like!--and there wasn't shit any of us could do to fuckin' stop it!

(Cissy, Mitch, Tina, and Linc enter)

Cissy: (walks over and sits next to Shaun on the bed) Are you okay, Shaunie? (She hugs him)

Shaun: I'm okay, grams. (looks down) Do you think Barry'll be okay?

Cissy: I don't know...but the Doc's with him. I figure he's in good hands. (Looks at John, then to Butchie) Why the fuck isn't Ben Hawkins working his mojo on the queer?

Butchie: No fuckin' shit!! That's what I said! We better get him the fuck over there.

(Cass walks in the room, as if summoned)

John: (looks at Cass) We need your classic, Cass.

Cass: My car?

Butchie: (To Cass) Take John to the hospital! Barry needs his help. I can't believe we forgot about John!

Kai: We're all still in shock, Butchie. Just try to breathe.

Butchie: I am fucking breathing! You fuckin' breathe!

Kai: Stop being an asshole! (She shoots him a vicious look)

Cass: (attempting to cut the tension) All right, well, should we go, John?

John: Barry's on the carousel. We should go, Cass.

Cass: (grabs John's sleeve, pulls him out the door behind him) We're off. (They walk to Cass' car, get in, and zoom down the street toward the emergency room)

Butchie: (starts pacing again) They ain't gonna fuckin' get away with this shit! We're gonna--where's Bill and Freddy??--we're gonna find whoever the fuck did this and make 'em fuckin' pay!! We're gonna make goddam sure they never fuckin' dare step foot near the Harbor again! (He punches his fist into his palm)

Kai: Chill the fuck out, Butchie! Jesus, you're making shit worse!

Butchie: I'm making shit worse??! Give me a fuckin' break, Kai: some asshole rolls up and pops a cap in one of us and I'm the problem? Fuck off! What if it had been Shaunie, huh? Ever thought about that?!

Kai: Not since you brought it up thirty seconds ago! And fuck you, dickhead! (She walks to the other side of the room)

Cissy: Smooth move, Captain Asshole. (She turns to Shaun) Why don't you come stay with me and Gramps tonight? Your dad's being a serious freak.

Butchie: Fuck that, ma. He ain't leaving my sight. (He walks over, and, standing, throws his arm around Shaun's shoulders, who's still seated on the bed.)

Mitch: (Intervening) He'll be fine, Jr. (He pats Butchie on the shoulder) It might be good for him to get away from the scene of the crime.

Butchie: Maybe...(He sits down next to Shaun) You cool with that, buddy?

Shaun: Sure...I guess...what time is it?

Linc: (Standing by Tina, looks at his watch) It's almost 2:00 a.m.

Shaun: I am pretty tired.

Cissy: Grab your shit, and we'll get going. (She tousles his hair)

(Shaun stands, grabs his pillow and a clean t-shirt, then follows Mitch and Cissy out the door)

Butchie: (Standing up, he grabs Shaun's arm as he passes and hugs him) I'll drop by in the morning. We'll go to breakfast or somethin', 'kay?

Shaun: Whatever. (He returns the hug) Umm, dad? what're you gonna do? Are you really gonna go after the guys that shot Barry?

Cissy: (From outside the door) He don't even know who the fuck they were, or where the fuck to start lookin', Shaunie. Now, c'mon, let's go home.

Butchie: She's right, braugh. Just go get some fuckin' rest.

Shaun: Okay. Night, dad. (He walks to Tina and gives her a hug) Night, mom.

Tina: Good night, Shaunie. (She kisses him on the cheek)

Shaun: Later, Kai. Later, Linc. (He waves)

(Kai nods her head and smiles)

Linc: Dream of big titties, kid.

Shaun: (Smiling) I'll try...

(Tina slaps Linc's arm, disapprovingly)

(Shaun walks outside and follows Cissy to her car. Mitch gets in the station wagon and races Cissy's Stingray home)

Butchie: (Sits down, sighs) Where the fuck are Freddy and Bill?

Linc: I dunno...I think Freddy and his goon might've tried to follow the shooter's car. I'm not sure though...lost track of 'em during the chaos. Bill's out dealin' with the cops.

Butchie: Fuck! I can't believe they fuckin' went vigilante without me.

Kai: You'd just get in the fuckin' way anyway.

Butchie: Fuck you. I'm plenty fuckin' stealthy!

Kai: Suuure. I guess you forgot all the times your "stealthy" ass got us busted for being out past curfew as groms. (She grins at Linc and Tina)

Butchie: That was like 15 fuckin' years ago, Kai!

Kai: Okay...how about all the times I caught you goin' through Cissy's purse, or tryin' to break into the register at the surf shack?

Butchie: (Turns red) I was fuckin' high!

Kai: Yeah, well, forgive me for not havin' any fuckin' faith in your stealth skills, Solid Snake.

Butchie: Fuckin' smart ass. (He half-grins at her)

Tina: (Interrupting) Did anyone get a look at the shooter?

Kai: It happened too fast...

Tina: When I heard the shot, everything was in slow motion, like in a movie or something. Except there was more blood. There was SO much blood... (She feels lightheaded)

(Perceiving Tina's dizziness, Linc takes her arm, leads her to the bed, and sits her down)

Kai: She okay? She looks as white as a ghost.

Linc: Tina? Are you okay?

Tina: I...it's just...they, they drove up and shot him. Just like that. (She stares blankly ahead) It doesn't make any sense.

Kai: (Walks over and sits down next to her) Take a deep breath.

Tina: (Complies) It's just...why would someone do that?

Linc: There's a lot of insanity in the world. More than most people realize.

Butchie: But this wasn't just some random, fuckin' shooting! This was a calculated fuckin' hit! Barry was chosen, then taken out!--like the fuckin' Sopranos or some shit!

Kai: I guess the question is...who'd want Barry dead?

--Walkara

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

(Joe carries Magdalena's bag to the van. Magdalena sits in the passenger's seat, tentatively.)

Joe: (getting in the driver's side) Every thing's loaded. (He looks her in the eye) You sure you wanna go home now? It's ain't even daybreak yet.

Magdalena: Yes, Joe, I need to leave now. (makes the sign of the cross) There is evil at work here, Joe. Poor Mr. Cunningham! I will keep him in my prayers. Why would anyone shoot him?

Joe: (turns the ignition) Hell if I know, Mags. It's a crazy fuckin' world. (Sullen) I guess we're off...(He pulls away from the motel)

Magdalena: Joe?

Joe: Yeah?

Magdalena: Could you do me one last favor?

Joe: Anything.

Magdalena: Keep an eye out for my son. If your path crosses his again, please keep him safe.

Joe: I was already gonna do that, Maggie. I don't know why you can't just stay here with me. We'll keep tryin' to fuckin' reason with the kid 'till we talk some goddam sense into him.

Magdalena: No. I must go home, Joe. I'm sorry.

Joe: (turns up the radio) Here we go then...

(They drive off into the early morning darkness)

--Walkara

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