"Vulnerable"

by Rygar

First draft - 12/24/03
Second draft - 1/13/04
Final draft - 1/31/04

SCENE 1 - CHAIRMAN WARNER'S OFFICE

	CHAIRMAN FRITZ WARNER sits at his desk, flipping through sheets 
of paper and typing steadily at the computer on his desk. Across from 
the chairman sits CAPTAIN BUCKY O'HARE, trying to remain still and calm 
but visibly nervous.
	A few minutes go by, with Fritz checking and double-checking the 
figures he's typed. Bucky begins tapping his fingers on the armrest of 
his chair.

BUCKY
Fritz?

FRITZ
Give me another minute, Bucky.

	Another minute passes. Fritz finally stops typing, sighs, and 
looks intently at the computer screen one last time.
 
FRITZ
Three ...

BUCKY
(voice raised)
Three weeks?!

FRITZ
No, Bucky, three months.

BUCKY
(jaw drops)
You're *kidding* me!

FRITZ
(exhales through his nose)
Bucky, do you even have any idea how much a new frigate *costs*?

BUCKY
I ...
(beat)
No, I don't.

FRITZ
Didn't think so. And I'm not telling you, either, because I don't want 
to lose my best captain to a heart attack.
(puts the paper down and looks directly at Bucky)
You know that the UAC has been suffering from a budget crisis for 
years. I've pulled miracles before, but I'm out of tricks, so you're 
going to be out of a frigate for quite some time.

	Bucky takes a deep breath and tries to remain calm, though he 
digs his fingers into the chair's armrests.

FRITZ
And it's going to take even longer if I have to buy myself new 
furniture.
(beat)
Look, I've been in contact with a few places, trying to find you an 
older frigate to pilot in the meantime.

BUCKY
"Places?"

FRITZ
(getting impatient)
OK, junkyards, but look, Bucky, I'm doing the best I can. I want you on 
active duty -- hell, I *need* you on active duty -- but it's not going 
to happen anytime soon. I'm not the one who lost your ship, but I'm the 
one doing everything he can to find you a new one. Just don't give me 
any crap. You know I'm not trying to pull a fast one on you.

	Bucky raises an eyebrow.

FRITZ
(sternly)
I mean it. I'll tell you when something develops. But for now, you're 
looking at three months until you have a new Righteous Indignation. And 
that's that. End of story.

BUCKY
(standing up)
Fine. Thank you, *Chairman*. Guess I'll be going now.

FRITZ
Where are you headed?

BUCKY
Where do you *think* I'm headed?

FRITZ
Same place you've gone every day at this time, no doubt.
(beat, as Bucky starts walking toward the door)
He's never going to serve again, Bucky.

BUCKY
(not looking back)
That's your opinion.

FRITZ
That's the opinion of every doctor that's looked at him.

BUCKY
(stops walking, but still doesn't look back)
Then consider me visiting him as a friend, not as a captain.

	Bucky takes a few more steps. Once in the hallway, he closes the 
door behind him. Fritz pauses for a second, then crumples up the sheet 
of paper he had been holding.

FRITZ
No ship, no engineer, no rationality ... we've got the best working for 
the UAC, that's for sure.
(sighs)
At least the toads haven't been up to much lately.

SCENE 2 - WILLY'S HOSPITAL ROOM, WATERSHIP HOSPITAL, GENUS

	ENGINEER WILLY DUWITT lies still in his bed, an IV drip and 
various electronics hooked up to him. His vital signs are weak but 
steady. He hasn't moved since he was hospitalized two weeks ago.
	FIRST MATE JENNY sits in a chair by his side, just watching him. 
She doesn't expect him to wake up or even move, but she's determined to 
be with him nonetheless. She can't try to probe his mind because of the 
hospital's anti-magic barriers, but she wouldn't even if she could, out 
of fear that it would disturb his mental state even more.
	A soft knock is heard on the door, and it then slowly creaks 
open. Bucky walks through. When he sees Jenny, he smiles weakly.

BUCKY
Anything?

JENNY
(softly)
No.

	Bucky's smile vanishes, and he turns to look at his human 
engineer, lying still in his hospital bed. He thinks about how weak 
Willy always seemed physically, but how strong he was mentally.

BUCKY
He'll pull through. He always does. He just needs ... time, is all. He 
just needs time.
(turns to looks at Jenny)
It's amazing, isn't it? I remember the first day he appeared on board 
the ship, his crazy door popping up out of nowhere. You remember? We 
think the toads are finally going to fry our hides, and this hairless 
baboon appears out of nowhere and saves us and ...
(trails off, turns back to look at Willy)
I still think of a hairless baboon when I see him. I never told him 
that. You just can't help it.

JENNY
I know. I still can't believe it sometimes -- what he is, what he's 
done.
(beat)
And now, I have no idea what we're going to do without him.

	Bucky turns around and sits next to Jenny. He slowly takes her 
paw in his and offers another smile.

BUCKY
We'll be all right. So will he. I just got back from a meeting with 
Fritz, and we'll ... we'll have a ship pretty soon. 
(beat)
I just wish we could get in contact with those eagles and borrow a ship 
from them.

JENNY
I'd like to talk to them again, too. If only we'd had their contact 
frequency somewhere other than in the Righteous's databanks ...
(beat)
I could have sworn we'd stored it on Blinky, too. That'll teach me to 
neglect backups.

BUCKY
Well ... until we get a ship, I guess we should just try to enjoy our 
vacation, huh?

JENNY
(looks down but smiles as well)
I hope so, Bucky. I just can't stop thinking about Willy. What are we 
going to say to him when he wakes up? What will he remember? What will 
he say? What will he want?
(frowns)
Oh, we have to tell him they took his honorary degree away. He was so 
proud of it ...

BUCKY
Easy, Jenny, easy. We'll worry about that when the time comes. All we 
can do now is wait. Wait, and hope.
(looks at his watch)
Shoot. I've got to go. I promised my landlord I'd help her fix her 
sink.

JENNY
(surprised)
Since when do you know how to fix a sink? And why are you helping your 
landlord?

BUCKY
(smiles)
There are lots of things you don't know about me, First Mate.
(beat)
And besides, I kinda owe her after I punched a hole in the wall last 
week out of frustration.

	Jenny laughs. Bucky squeezes her paw, then lets go and stands up.

BUCKY
You're staying here, I take it?

JENNY
Just a little while longer. I ... I feel I owe it to him.

BUCKY
He's lucky to have a friend like you.

JENNY
And we're both lucky to have a captain like you.

	Bucky nods, then exits the room.

SCENE 3 - CHAIRMAN WARNER'S OFFICE

	It's about half an hour after Bucky left the office. Fritz is 
still in his chair. Opposite him this time are COMMANDER SIRIUS 
DOGSTAR, standing, and CAPTAIN MIMI LAFLEUR, sitting. Dogstar listens 
intently to what Fritz has to say, while Mimi pays more attention to 
Fritz's tone of voice and infrequent gesturing.

FRITZ
Thank you both for coming. I'd love to lead off with pleasantries, but, 
well, there's nothing pleasant to talk about at the moment.
(beat)
So, on to business. Captain Bucky O'Hare is without a frigate and 
without an engineer. We need to worry about the former before we 
concern ourselves with the latter. We're looking at, oh, at least one 
more week with the Captain off active duty -- and many more weeks until 
we can fund a standard UAC frigate.

MIMI
(flippantly)
Right, right. And we're here because?

FRITZ
(rolling his eyes)
Because, Captain LaFleur, losing Bucky meant we lost one-third of 
S.P.A.C.E.'s capabilities. The toads seem to be licking their wounds as 
well, fortunately, but you and Dogstar will both be required to sweep 
larger areas of space during patrol. After discussing the matter with 
the rest of the Security Council, we've decided to split Bucky's old 
zone down the middle, giving you each one half of it. My secretary has 
the charts and coordinates you'll require. Any questions?

	Dogstar is obviously a little agitated, but he tries to remain 
proper as ever.

DOGSTAR
I do have one, actually, Chairman.

FRITZ
Yes, Commander?

DOGSTAR
With all due respect, sir, why is so little effort going towards 
funding the S.P.A.C.E. fleet? This is a war, not some minor annoyance. 
We've seen time and time again what the toads can do, and yet we keep 
getting tossed a few simoleans here and there while they devote their 
entire existence to enslaving the aniverse.
(beat)
We have three S.P.A.C.E. captains fighting the toads. Three. Now two, 
in fact. We have other ships and other captains, yet we station them in 
areas that never see combat in an effort to "keep the peace" where it 
isn't being disturbed. I understand the UAC is tight on money, but ...

FRITZ
(waves his paw to cut Dogstar off)
Commander. Your concerns are well-founded, and believe me, there's 
nothing I'd rather do than commission a fleet of a hundred ships to 
blast the Toad Homeworld back to the lily pad it came from. However, 
this is a democracy, not a dictatorship. Not everyone on the Security 
Council supports the war as strongly as you and I do.
(beat)
And besides, you're right. There is no money. You complain about us 
only having three ships on active duty. I don't see you complaining 
about the homeless citizens going hungry every night because there's no 
money to support them. Not a word about the out-of-date factories and 
medical facilities. Money is tight everywhere, not just with the fleet.
(beat)
And yes, we have other ships and other captains. But we need them where 
they are. The toads don't attack those locations because they *know* 
they're well-fortified. And besides, what good would another captain on 
active patrol duty do? The three of you have done a wonderful job of 
keeping toad activity at bay whenever it pops up ...

DOGSTAR
Two, chairman.

FRITZ
(getting annoyed with Dogstar)
At the moment, yes, two. And I have faith in both of you, which is why 
I'm not supplementing you. Besides, it takes a special kind of captain 
and crew to do what you do, and I'm afraid they don't pop up out of 
nowhere, especially considering the rewards. We sure aren't paying any 
of you enough, but fortunately, you're willing to do the job anyway.
(beat)
And that's another problem -- no one else is. They'd rather be 
underpaid and sit around on the ground than be underpaid and get shot 
at by toads half their waking lives.
(beat)
Look, I'm sure you'd love to argue this with me all day, Commander, but 
the long and the short of it is that we're doing the best that we can 
with what we have. And we don't have much. Now get out there and do 
your job -- it's what's keeping us alive in this war.

DOGSTAR
(slightly ruffled at being treated rudely)
Yes, sir.

FRITZ
You too, Captain LaFleur.

MIMI
If you don't mind, Chairman, there are a few things I'd like to discuss 
with you in private.

FRITZ
(sighs)
I'm really tired, Captain. Tomorrow, perhaps?

MIMI
(upset)
Well, at least you didn't tell me you had a headache.

FRITZ
(rubs his temples)
Well, actually ...

MIMI
(scowling)
Men.

	Mimi turns around and storms out of the office. Dogstar affords 
himself a slight chuckle, then leaves as well.

SCENE 4 - PUB, CAPITAL CITY, GENUS

	Smoke and laughter fill the air in The Rat Trap, a pub in Genus's 
capital city. With the week ending and the evening starting, business 
is picking up. Groups of all species are streaming in and filling the 
place near to capacity.
	Amid all the hubbub, few people notice BRUISER swing open the 
door and walk in. The baboon takes a whiff of the place and quickly 
pinches his nose shut. He looks around and finally spots GUNNER DEADEYE 
DUCK hanging out at the bar, nursing a drink. Trying to slip his way 
through the throng of pubgoers without knocking too many people over, 
he works his way to the bar and sits down next to the four-armed pirate 
duck.

BRUISER
(feeling a bit out of his element)
Hey'a, Deadeye.

DEADEYE
(slightly tipsy)
Bruiser! Ha hah! How are ye, matey?

BRUISER
Doin' OK. Don't like the smoke, though.

DEADEYE
Well then, ye shouldn't be here in th' first place! What brings ye to 
this ol' dive, anyway?

BRUISER
Well, da gym closed, and I didn't feel like jus' goin' home. I knew ya 
came here often, so I thought I'd check and see if maybe you wuz 
around.

DEADEYE
(grinning)
That's touchin', me matey, truly touchin'. Just wanted to shoot th' ol' 
breeze, or ...

BRUISER
Yeah, just thought I'd hang out. Not much ta do without a ship, and 
Bucky and Jenny spend all their time at da hospital wit' Willy.

DEADEYE
Willy!
(raises a glass)
To me fallen comrade.
(takes a swig)
How come ye never visit Willy yerself, Bruiser? I know you two was 
never the best o' friends, but ...

BRUISER
Well, I, uh ...
(beat)
It's just sad, that's all. Makes me think'a what happened to my 
brudder. I hope Willy's OK; I just ... can't bear to see 'im.

DEADEYE
Well, I'll be!
(burps)
Never thought I'd see a Betelgeusian berserker baboon with a soft spot. 
Ha hah! Must'a had more to drink'n I thought. 
(looks at his near-empty glass)
You want somethin', Bruiser, ol' boy?

BRUISER
Nah, I don't really like drinkin' the stuff on this planet. Gets ta me 
too fast.

DEADEYE
And that's a bad thing because ...

BRUISER
(chuckles)
Do ya really wanna see me drunk in here, Deadeye?

DEADEYE
(looks around at the now-full pub)
I see yer point, matey. But we can't have ye jus' sittin' here -- ain't 
right.
(calling)
Barkeep! Yer finest banana juice for me matey here! I'm payin'!

SCENE 5 - THE DUWITT RESIDENCE, SAN FRANCISCO, EARTH

	It's early evening in this part of the universe, as well. An old 
blue Volkswagen Beetle pulls into the driveway, and a man and a woman 
step out. It's August, and DR. DAVID DUWITT and MRS. SUSAN DUWITT have 
just returned home from their two-month vacation in India. Dr. DuWitt 
unlocks the front door and, each lugging a suitcase, they enter their 
house.

MRS. DUWITT
(calling out)
Willy! We're home!

DR. DUWITT
(calling out)
You're not gonna believe some of the stuff we brought back, son!

MRS. DUWITT
(to her husband)
Should we unpack the whole car now, or do you want to attack the 
luggage one at a time?

DR. DUWITT
Let's just leave it in the car for now. I'm bushed after all that 
sitting on the plane.

MRS. DUWITT
I could use a nice night of sleep myself, in my own bed. Nice country, 
India, but too much bad karma. And smog!
(calls out again)
Willy! Are you home?

DR. DUWITT
I don't see why he wouldn't be. It's 6 p.m., so he's not at work, and 
school doesn't start for a few more weeks. Not that it would go this 
late, either.

MRS. DUWITT
That's not like Willy. He knew we were getting in today. Maybe he left 
us a note. I'll check the kitchen.
(calls again)
Willy?

DR. DUWITT
(frowns, putting down the suitcase he was carrying)
Something's wrong.

SCENE 6 - BUCKY'S APARTMENT COMPLEX, CAPITAL CITY, GENUS

	Bucky arrives at the front door to his apartment complex, swipes 
his access card, and enters. He walks straight down the main hall, then 
turns and knocks on the door at the far end.

BUCKY
(knocking)
Mrs. Crandall? I'm ready to help you fix your sink.
(beat)
Hello?

	Bucky knocks again. After a third try, he shrugs.

BUCKY
Maybe she went shopping. Guess I'll help her out later.

	Bucky walks back down the hall, goes up two flights of stairs, 
and arrives in front of his door. He swipes his card again and opens 
the door. The lights are off.

BUCKY
(entering)
That's funny, I thought I left the lights on ...

	Bucky's ears perk up, but it's too late. The door slams behind 
him, and instantly, he feels half a dozen paws grabbing him, punching 
him, and reaching for his blaster.

VOICE
Get him!

	Bucky fights back valiantly, but the surprise attack proves too 
much for him.

BUCKY
(thinking)
<There's too many of them! But how did the toads get in ...>

	A few blows to the head later, Bucky's unconscious. The lights 
are still off.

VOICE #1
Tie him up and keep him knocked out.

VOICE #2
Tell headquarters we got him and are bringing him in.

VOICE #3
Check. Any idea how the other two teams are faring?

VOICE #1
Team Gamma successfully broke into storage and apprehended the robot. 
No word from Team Beta.

VOICE #2
They'll be fine. This sack of green fur was supposed to be the toughest 
on the list, and he was a pushover.

VOICE #1
Is he secure? Let's get out of here.

SCENE 7 - OUTSIDE WATERSHIP HOSPITAL

	Jenny walks through the hospital's revolving doors and steps 
outside. It's starting to get very dark. She looks around briefly to 
make sure nothing suspicious is going on, then turns left and begins 
walking home.
	As she rounds the dark corner of the building, Jenny hears a 
rustle in the bushes beside her. She steps back cautiously.

JENNY
Hello?

	Before she can make a move, three figures jump out from behind 
the bushes and ambush her. Only briefly startled, she quickly fights 
back, landing a good kick in the stomach of the first attacker even 
though she can barely make him out.
	The second comes at her from the side. When she turns to deal 
with him, a third comes from behind and clubs her in the head, knocking 
her out.

VOICE #4
Did you get her? That witch knocked the wind outta me.

VOICE #5
Yeah, she's all taken care of.

VOICE #6
Good thing we knew to attack her where she wouldn't be able to use her 
magic.

VOICE #4
Ugh. Yeah, those damn witches always fight dirty. Take her gems off and 
tie her up. Let's get out of here.

VOICE #5
Let's get back to base. The boss is gonna be mighty pleased.

SCENE 8 - COMMAND POST, TOAD HOMEWORLD

	The AIR MARSHAL sits at his desk, communicating with an unseen 
person through a monitor.

AIR MARSHAL
So you'll have all three of them captured for us?

VOICE
That is correct.

AIR MARSHAL
Are you sure you can do it? Those three aren't pushovers! That filthy 
mammal O'Hare has ...

VOICE
(calmly)
Trust me. My men and I know what we're doing. With their engineer 
incapacitated and their ship destroyed, Bucky O'Hare and crew are, 
shall we say, off their game. We will certainly be able to turn them 
over to you tomorrow.

	The Air Marshal winces almost imperceptibly at the mention of 
Willy.

AIR MARSHAL
I hope you're right, then. Any reason you don't plan to take the duck 
and baboon prisoner as well?

VOICE
It would take additional time and resources. The baboon, in particular, 
would be difficult to subdue. Do you really care about them, anyway?

AIR MARSHAL
Well ... not as much. Bring us the other three, first. We'll worry 
about the rest later.

VOICE
I'm glad you see things my way.

AIR MARSHAL
Yes, yes. And how are things going with your other plan?

VOICE
Patience, Air Marshal, patience. First, we need O'Hare out of the 
picture.

AIR MARSHAL
Of course, but you understand that ...

VOICE
Oh, good, they're back already. The captives have arrived, Air Marshal. 
I'll be in touch.

AIR MARSHAL
Now, wait just one ...

	The faint hum of the monitor dies, and a displeased look settles 
across the Air Marshal's face.

AIR MARSHAL
Why do they always *do* that?

	The monitor suddenly springs to life again, this time displaying 
the menacing visage of KOMPLEX.

KOMPLEX
So things are going well, Air Marshal?

AIR MARSHAL
(quickly saluting)
Y-yes, Oh Mighty KOMPLEX! The rabbit, the witch, and the robot are all 
in custody on Genus, and we'll have them ourselves tomorrow.

KOMPLEX
Excellent. Report to me once the acquisition is complete.

AIR MARSHAL
Of course, Oh Mighty KOMPLEX.

KOMPLEX
You have been in my good graces ever since you managed to extract 
valuable information from that filthy hairless baboon by pretending to 
befriend him, Air Marshal. Our scientists are still going over his 
papers and discovering new things. See to it that you do not return to 
my bad side. I know how fond of it you are.

AIR MARSHAL
No, Oh Mighty KOMPLEX! I mean, yes, Oh Mighty KOMPLEX! I mean ...

KOMPLEX
(irritated)
Just keep up the good work, Air Marshal.

	KOMPLEX disappears, and the hum fades once more. The Air Marshal 
breathes a sigh of relief.

AIR MARSHAL
(thinking)
<I just hope KOMPLEX doesn't find out that *I* let the mammals take 
Willy back.>

SCENE 9 - WAREHOUSE, TOAD HOMEWORLD

	Boxes fill the entire floor of this dingy warehouse. The only 
thing present, aside from the acres of cardboard and a large toad 
freighter, is TOADBORG. The intimidating toad cyborg is lifting box 
after box and loading them onto the ship.
	After he carries a particularly large box into the freighter, 
Toadborg turns to walk down the ramp and back into the warehouse when 
KOMPLEX appears on a monitor beside him.

KOMPLEX
Report, Toadborg!

TOADBORG
(unfazed)
I am ahead of schedule, Oh Mighty KOMPLEX. The shipment of commercial 
goods will be fully loaded onto this ship within two hours.

KOMPLEX
Excellent. It pleases me that you are so good at your new job, 
Toadborg. It's quite a pleasant change from your old one.

TOADBORG
(trying to remain calm)
I served you very well in the military, Oh Mighty KOMPLEX, and I would 
continue to do so, if you would only let me ...

KOMPLEX
(angrily)
Silence! My exact words to you were, "Find the insolent mammal, or I'll 
have what's left of your toad hide on a stake!"
(beat)
Seeing as how the engineer is no longer in our possession, and you have 
retained your few remaining scraps of flesh, I would advise you to be 
thankful that I have graciously allowed you to function as a warehouse 
droid.

TOADBORG
(simmering but still loyal)
Yes, Oh Mighty KOMPLEX.

KOMPLEX
Perhaps I will give you another chance the next time the Air Marshal 
screws up.
(beat)
Perhaps.

	The monitor shuts off.

TOADBORG
(in an angry burst)
That stupid, filthy baboon! If I ever get my claws on it, I'll ... 
argh!

	Toadborg angrily shakes his fists for a few seconds, then 
grumbles and returns to pick up more boxes.

SCENE 10 - UNKNOWN LOCATION 

	Bucky groans and slowly begins to stir. Shaking his head, he 
opens his eyes.

BUCKY
(weakly)
Where ... ow!

	Bucky suddenly feels a searing pain on the side of his head. He 
tries to reach up and rub the bump, but he can't. He realizes that he's 
been tied up.

BUCKY
(weakly)
Uhhh. I'm not even on active duty and someone takes me captive.

	Bucky looks around again. It's dark wherever he is, and he 
doesn't recognize his surroundings. As far as he can tell, he's in some 
sort of cavern, with rocky walls and stalactites. There's a wall to his 
back and a wooden door about five feet in front of him. The only light 
source in the room is a small lamp, completely opposite the door. He 
suddenly realizes that there are two people tied up next to him. 
Squinting in the darkness, he makes them out.

BUCKY
(getting a little stronger)
Jenny! Blinky!

	To Bucky's left, Jenny is also tied up and remains unconscious. 
She's lying on the ground, and all of her spell gems are missing. AFC 
BLINKY is standing up but seems to be completely powered down. A round 
blue object has been inserted into his chest cavity.

BUCKY
Well, this is a bit worse than usual.
(begins struggling, thinking)
<If I can get out of these ropes, maybe I can figure out where I am and 
what the hell is going on.>

	Suddenly, the door swings open, and someone steps through. Bucky 
can't make him out, since he's still standing in the dark hallway. The 
figure begins speaking; it's the same person who was just communicating 
with the Air Marshal.

VOICE
Oh, good. I was hoping you'd be squirming.

BUCKY
(sternly)
I am Captain Bucky O'Hare of the S.P.A.C.E. ship The Righteous 
Indignation, and I demand to know who you are and what is going on.

VOICE
(sarcastically)
Well, well. In case you hadn't forgotten, you're not really the captain 
of anything at the moment, are you?
(beat)
And the S.P.A.C.E.? Don't make me laugh. That's ended up the most 
pathetic and impotent thing the Security Council has come up with -- 
and it's certainly got a lot of competition.

BUCKY
(angry)
Who do you think you are, insulting the UAC? Show yourself!

VOICE
I think that I'm more qualified than anyone to criticize that useless 
wreck of bureaucratic nonsense, Captain. And frankly, I'm offended that 
you don't recognize my voice.

	The figure steps out of the shadows and into the light of the 
room. He's a grizzled, stocky PIG about Bucky's height. He wears a 
nicely fitting but worn brown suit, nice black shoes, glasses, white 
gloves, and a bright orange bowtie. His face conveys both intelligence 
and evil.

PIG
Do I seem a little more familiar now, Captain?

BUCKY
(confused)
You ... *do* seem familiar ...

PIG
(haughtily)
I'm insulted. You don't even remember the man who funded your filthy 
frigate in the first place?

	Bucky's jaw drops as the memories return and he realizes who's 
standing in front of him.

BUCKY
Chairman Pigton!

SCENE 11 - THE RAT TRAP

	It's almost closing time for this particular pub. The drunken 
patrons are slowly getting up and finding their way to the door -- most 
of them successfully.
	Deadeye's pretty drunk. Bruiser hasn't had anything intoxicating, 
though he's a little tired, and he's irritated from all the smoke. He 
helps Deadeye up and out the door.

DEADEYE
(walking in not quite a straight line)
*hic* Thanks, Bruiser, me matey! Yer a right fine pirate, ye are ...

BRUISER
Heh heh. Easy there, Deadeye. We're almost outside. There we go.

	Deadeye walks away from Bruiser and throws his arms up in the 
air.

DEADEYE
Ahh, the sweet silence o' nighttime!
(beat)
Ach, it's borin' out 'ere. Let's *hic* ... let's go back inside. 
Whaddaya say, mate?

BRUISER
Naw, you've had enough. 'sides, I'm gettin' kinda tired. It's bedtime.

DEADEYE
Bedtime, ye say? Eh, right, right.
(beat)
Say, Bruiser ... ye heard from the Cap'n today?

BRUISER
(thinks)
Uh, I don't think so.

DEADEYE
Huh. I usually talk to 'im at least once a day. Better check in on the 
boyo. *hic* Don't want our ol' Cap'n gettin' into trouble, now do we? 
*hic* O'course, it's what 'e's best at!

	Deadeye pulls out his communicator and tries to call Bucky. 
There's no answer.

DEADEYE
Hmmm. The Cap'n *hic* usually answers that. Maybe 'e's wit' Jenny.

BRUISER
Maybe.

	Deadeye then tries to call Jenny. No luck.

DEADEYE
(putting his communicator away)
Now that's right strange, ye know? *hic* Riiight strange. Ye think 
somethin' might'a happened?

BRUISER
I dunno, Deadeye. Maybe dey're just, ya know, asleep. It's kinda late.

DEADEYE
(throwing his arms up again)
Late, me boy! It's the end o' the week, fer cryin' out loud! Ain't no 
such thing as *hic* late today. Somethin' musta happened!

BRUISER
(not convinced)
Well, whaddaya think we should do, then?

DEADEYE
We gotta tell Fritz! He'll *hic* know what's goin' on. That crazy 
rabbit knows just about everythin'! Don' trust him much, though. *hic* 
But we gotta go tell him!
(spins around)
But Bruiser?

BRUISER
(tired)
Yeah, Deadeye?

DEADEYE
Can we maybe *hic* wait an' tell 'im tomorrow?

	Deadeye takes another step and then falls over. Bruiser quickly 
reaches out and catches him.

BRUISER
Yeah, OK, Deadeye. Tomorrow. 

SCENE 12 - UNKNOWN LOCATION 

	Bucky, Jenny, and Blinky are still tied up, with only Bucky 
conscious. Chairman Pigton is standing over a stunned Bucky and 
grinning.

PIGTON
That's better. Glad to know you fools at the UAC haven't *completely* 
forgotten me.

BUCKY
(flabbergasted)
But ... but ... you're dead! You were shot! I saw it!

PIGTON
(grinning, pleased with himself)
I know. I put on quite a show, didn't I? Fooled everyone.
(beat)
But as you can see, Captain, I am very much alive. And you are very 
much at my mercy. You and your first mate won't be getting out of those 
ropes anytime soon, and the power dampener we placed on your android 
should keep him in line as well.

BUCKY
(still completely shocked)
I ... what's going on?

PIGTON
Well, my dear Bucky O'Hare, as you recall, I was the first chairman of 
the Security Council. Under my watch, S.P.A.C.E. was formed, to combat 
the toad menace.
(beat)
As you also recall, those lousy bureaucrats refused to give me anywhere 
*near* the funding we needed for a *real* space fleet. None of them 
believed they were in any danger. They only allocated funds for your 
ship because of how popular you were after the becoming a Knight of the 
Silver Carrot, and it took the complete invasion of Warren for them to 
fund a second ship.
(shaking his head)
Damn fools! If they'd let me do my job, we would have stopped the toads 
in a heartbeat. 
(gesturing with his paws)
But no! Red tape this, budget that. Every time I turned around, the 
bloated bureaucracy shot itself in the foot!
(regaining his composure)
As you can probably tell, I was disgusted. Absolutely disgusted. So I 
faked my assassination and went underground, retaining the services of 
those who were loyal to me. And now, after all these years, the cracks 
are beginning to show in the UAC's armor, and the time is right for me 
to strike.

BUCKY
(squinting, trying desperately to understand everything)
But what do you want?

PIGTON
(angrily, pacing back and forth)
Power, you fool! Genus should be mine to rule! That's the whole *point* 
of electing someone to rule you! You have them run the place, not get 
told "no" every time they want to purchase anything more substantial 
than a candy bar.
(calming down)
Now, the toads ... they're a disgusting, filthy lot themselves, for 
sure, but they've got the right system, yes, indeed. KOMPLEX keeps them 
in line, and they do what they're told.

BUCKY
(incredulously)
That's because KOMPLEX brainwashed them!

PIGTON
(dismissively)
They built KOMPLEX to rule them. They got what they wanted, and they 
got what they deserved. And they're certainly far more efficient than 
the UAC is. And now, I stand to benefit from that efficiency. I've 
promised to capture the three of you for them, and once I turn you 
over, my side of this bargain will be completed.

BUCKY
And what's their side of the bargain? Killing you quickly instead of 
slowly?

PIGTON
Why, no, Captain. Once they win this foolish war -- and they will -- I 
shall be granted total control over Genus, as I should have had from 
the beginning.

BUCKY
(does a spit-take)
Do you actually *believe* what you just said? You're a special kind of 
crazy if you think the toads are going to honor any bargain they make 
with you. Once they take what they want, they'll keep it, and they'll 
kill you, simple as that.

PIGTON
(sniffs)
You, Captain O'Hare, are in no position to argue. Now, I suggest you 
make yourself comfortable; you only have a few hours left on Genus 
before we take you to the Toad Homeworld.

BUCKY
I mean it, Chairman. They'll kill all of us as soon as we get anywhere 
near their home world.

PIGTON
Do you really think I'd make it that easy for them, you simple fool? I 
am able to offer them far more than just you, and it will be in their 
best interests to retain my services.

BUCKY
So what else do you have up your sleeve?

PIGTON
(smiles)
Ah, now that would be telling, wouldn't it?

SCENE 13 - KADAF'S OFFICE, UAC HEADQUARTERS

	KADAF WARNER, Fritz's trusted friend and bodyguard, is stuffing 
papers into his briefcase. Another long workday is over, and he's 
looking forward to some rest and relaxation, especially since he gets 
to sleep in on weekends.
	Closing and clamping shut his briefcase, he sighs, reaches into 
his pocket, and pulls out a cigarette. He lights it, takes a long drag, 
and slowly exhales, the smoke circling around his head.
	Suddenly, Kadaf feels a small buzzing in the back of his skull.

KADAF
Nnn. What?

	Kadaf reaches up with his left hand and begins rubbing the back 
of his head. Out of nowhere, a ghostly voice seems to whisper something 
to him, coming from every direction but from no direction. He can not 
only hear it; he can feel it.

VOICE
(menacingly)
I'm coming, Warner.

KADAF
(startled)
Huh? I ...

	The voice vanishes as quickly as it appeared, and the buzzing 
stops. Kadaf puts his hand down and blinks a few times.

KADAF
Uhh.
(looks down at the lit cigarette in his hand)
I gotta stop getting the cheap stuff.

SCENE 14 - UNKNOWN LOCATION 

	Chairman Pigton is still towering over Bucky, Jenny, and Blinky. 
The captain has been struggling against his bonds for the entire 
conversation, to no avail. Jenny is still unconscious, and Blinky shows 
no signs of turning back on.

PIGTON
(gloating)
Oh, the mighty Captain Buckminster O'Hare. It does my heart good to see 
you like this: tied up and helpless like the little brat you are.
(gesturing)
I never liked you, you know. The public always clamored for more of 
you. You, you, you. They loved hearing about their little hero and his 
pathetic little exploits trying to stop an unstoppable enemy. But did 
they care about their elected and dutiful Chairman?
(loudly)
No! They didn't give a hare's whisker about all the good I did for 
them. The only time I made the lead newsfeeds was when I faked my 
death. Oh, but I'll be making news soon, my boy. I'll be making news, 
indeed.

BUCKY
(getting tired of it)
Blah, blah, blah. I'm getting a headache, Pigton. I can never stand 
listening to traitors.

PIGTON
(furious)
*What* was that?! Did you just call me a *traitor*?!
(rushes up to Bucky and begins yelling in his face)
I'll *tell* you who the *traitors* are, Captain. They're those stuffed 
shirts at UAC that wouldn't let me do what I wanted! If it weren't for 
them, this war would have ended years ago, with me on top! But, no! No! 
All they cared about were their foolish little customs and laws. Those 
stupid, mangy ...
(breathes, composes himself)
Now look what you've made me do. I almost lost my temper. A fine 
gentleman *you* are, Captain.
(walks back over toward the door)
But no matter. The toads will be here for you in less than ten hours. 
And then, thanks to my spies, the *real* fun will begin.
 
BUCKY
(raising an eyebrow)
Spies?

PIGTON
Spies, brainwashed servants, whatever you want to call them. They'll do 
whatever I want, whenever I want.
(smiles)
It's amazing ... no, depressing, it's depressing how easy it is to get 
past security in the UAC building. We couldn't access the mainframe, 
sure, but sneaking into the main staff areas? Pathetic. It almost felt 
like cheating, being able to get in there and brainwash a select few of 
you so easily. Now, when *I* rule Genus ...

	Suddenly, a WEASEL walks through the doorway and into the room. 
He stands a few inches shorter than Pigton and is wearing a brown 
uniform with a bright orange collar.

WEASEL
(saluting)
Sir, the transport is all prepared. We've loaded all the supplies and 
the captives' weapons, and we're ready to transport these three losers 
to the Toad Homeworld tomorrow.

PIGTON
(turning to look at his subordinate)
Excellent. Well done, Barnett.

BARNETT
(looks at Jenny)
I especially can't wait to hand that witch over. She gave me a nasty 
kick in the stomach. Why, I'd like to ...

	Barnett takes a step toward Jenny. Bucky scowls and starts 
struggling harder. Pigton reaches out and takes Barnett by the 
shoulder.

PIGTON
Not now, not now. The toads would probably like them relatively intact. 

BARNETT
(grumbles, looking at Jenny one last time)
Fine, fine.

PIGTON
(looking back at Bucky)
Well, I guess it's time for us to retire, then. You should consider 
sleeping as well, O'Hare.
(grins)
You've got quite a day ahead of you tomorrow.

	Barnett exits the room, followed by Pigton, who slams the door 
shut.

BUCKY
(still struggling)
Dammit! I have no idea how we're going to get out of this.

BLINKY
Might this humble robot offer a suggestion?

	Startled, Bucky jerks his head to the left and sees Blinky 
standing up, with the blue dampener no longer in his chest but in his 
hand. He's obviously powered back up.

BUCKY
Blinky! You're free!

BLINKY
Affirmative.

BUCKY
But how did you get that thing off you?

BLINKY
Rebels possess limited, outdated technology, it seems.
(holds up dampener)
This device is designed to incapacitate androids second class. This 
humble robot, being an android first class, was unaffected. Rebels 
presumably did not know this.

BUCKY
(getting it)
And you waited for the right time to strike, after he'd spilled the 
beans and left us alone. Blinky, you're amazing!
(beat)
Now get me outta these, would you?

BLINKY
Blinky is happy to assist, Captain.

	Blinky walks over, behind Bucky. He pulls at the ropes until they 
snap. He then does the same for Jenny. After freeing the first mate, 
Blinky examines her briefly.

BLINKY
First Mate Jenny remains unconscious, with nasty bump on head. Blinky 
recommends that you carry her. 

BUCKY
(looking at Jenny sadly)
I guess that'll speed things up. At least it's only a bump. But before 
we even find our way out of here, we've got to get her spell gems back, 
and whatever else they took.
(reaches for his empty holster)
Yep, they took my blaster. And my lightsaber's gone, too. Suggestions, 
Blinky?

BLINKY
Weasel henchman mentioned loading our weapons onto transport ship. 
Suggest looking there first.

BUCKY
(thinking)
OK, let's just hope they're all already asleep. The last thing I want 
is for this to be harder than it's already going to be.
(picks up Jenny)
Let's go. And keep quiet, Blinky.

BLINKY
Yes, Captain.

	The two slowly walk over to the door. Bucky nods to Blinky, and 
the robot slowly and quietly takes the doorknob and opens the door. 
Cautiously, they step through the doorway.
	They're in a much larger room than they were, though it still 
resembles a cavern. At the far left end of the room are more doors, 
presumably to supply rooms, living quarters, and the like. A few 
computers sit against the wall on the left side of the room, near 
Bucky, and in the middle of the room stands a small transport ship, its 
hatch still open. A large tunnel, apparently the ship's runway, leads 
out of the far right end of the room.
	Bucky looks around the room quickly and also listens intently for 
any noise. There's only silence.

BUCKY
(whispering)
OK, Blinky, I'll go on board the ship and see if I can get our things. 
You see if you can get anything out of those computers.

	Blinky salutes but says nothing, then begins walking toward the 
nearest console. Bucky looks around again, then carefully lays Jenny on 
the floor, pats her hair softly, and then tiptoes over to the ship.
	Upon reaching the ship, Bucky looks around again before boarding. 
The ship doesn't appear much larger on the inside. There are no side 
bays, only the main area. There are two chairs in the cockpit. One of 
them is empty; the other contains a sleeping, snoring JAGUAR wearing a 
bright orange jumpsuit. Surveying the ship, Bucky spots a large brown 
sack, as well as his blaster and lightsaber, stored in an overhead bin 
right above the sleeping cat.

BUCKY
(thinking)
<Great. I just hope Jenny's gems are in there.>

	Carefully and silently, Bucky makes his way to the cockpit and 
gets right up behind the occupied chair.

BUCKY
(thinking)
<Trying to knock him out is too risky. I'd better just grab our stuff 
and get out of here.>

	Bucky slowly reaches into the overhead compartment. He grabs hold 
of the lightsaber with his left paw and the sack with his right. As he 
pulls them out of the bin, the lightsaber brushes against the edge of 
the bin and makes a soft metallic clank. Bucky grits his teeth.

JAGUAR
Hold it!

	Bucky begins to sweat but remains perfectly still.

JAGUAR
Yeah, hold it right there, Bucky O'Hare ...

	Bucky holds his breath and prepares to switch his lightsaber on 
if need be.

JAGUAR
Zzz ... yeah, that's right, I gotcha ... who's the hero now, huh? Zzz 
...

	Bucky slowly lets out his breath as he realizes the jaguar is 
dreaming. He reaches back in for his blaster, puts it in his holster, 
and silently tiptoes out of the ship. After he gets out, he looks in 
the sack, which contains Jenny's gems. He breathes a sigh of relief.
	In the main cavern, Blinky is attached to one of the terminals in 
the row of computers. He whirs quietly as he downloads information from 
it. Just as he disconnects, Bucky walks up to him.

BUCKY
(whispering)
Anything?

BLINKY
(in a low volume)
Affirmative, Captain. Schematics of this compound indicate there are 
numerous escape routes, though only one we can easily use, given our 
location and lack of access codes.

BUCKY
(whispering)
And that is?

	Blinky points to a hole in the ceiling, about twelve feet 
straight up and five feet to the side of where they're standing. A few 
metal rungs are visible leading up the tunnel.

BUCKY
(whispering)
Well, *that's* practical. But these guys don't strike me as the sanest 
bunch, anyway. Where does it lead?

BLINKY
(in a low volume)
Tunnel is several hundred feet long, straight up, and should take us to 
the surface of Genus.

BUCKY
(whispering)
The surface? So we're underground?

BLINKY
(in a low volume)
Affirmative.

BUCKY
(whispering)
Well, that explains how they've managed to avoid detection. I didn't 
even know there *was* anything underground on this planet.
(beat)
I can jump up there no problem, but not if I'm carrying you or Jenny. 
And Jenny will probably be too tired to levitate us up there. Is there 
any way you can do it?

BLINKY
(in a low volume)
This humble robot can use rocket booster to reach tunnel.

BUCKY
(whispering)
All right, but won't that make a lot of noise?

BLINKY
(in a low volume)
Blinky is open to better suggestions. Does Captain have one?

BUCKY
(smiles, whispering)
Afraid I'm fresh out. OK, I'll go first. You follow with Jenny after, 
say, ten minutes. That way, I'll be a ways up the tunnel, and you can 
probably jet up to my position. With any luck, that'll put us far ahead 
enough of them if they come after us that we can escape.
(looks back at Jenny)
Of course, if I could wake Jenny up, that would help matters.
(whispering to her)
C'mon, Jenny, get up. I don't know how to put these gems back on you. 
And besides, we aren't dragging you up hundreds of feet of ladder.

BLINKY
(in a low volume)
Allow me, Captain. And forgive me.

	Blinky reaches down and touches Jenny on the shoulder. Suddenly, 
blue sparks appear between his finger and her fur. She shakes and then 
moans.

BUCKY
(trying to keep his voice down)
You shocked her?!

BLINKY
(in a low volume, saluting)
First Mate Jenny is now awake and unharmed, sir.

BUCKY
(with a slightly upset look on his face, whispering)
... good job.
(turns to Jenny)
Hey, Jenny? Are you all right?

JENNY
(weakly)
Bucky?

BUCKY
(whispers, puts his finger up to his mouth)
Shh. I'll explain later. Just put your spell gems on, and keep quiet. 
I'll explain things later.

JENNY
(blinks, whispering)
All right, Bucky.

	Bucky hands her the sack, which she reaches into. She pulls out 
her headband gem first.

BUCKY
(whispering)
OK, Jenny, stay with Blinky. He's going to follow me up in a few 
minutes.

	Without saying another word, Bucky effortlessly makes the jump up 
to the small hole in the ceiling and grabs onto the lower rung. He 
reaches for the next rung and pulls himself up into the tunnel. It's 
small but has a large enough circumference to accommodate him, and he 
knows Jenny and Blinky will fit as well.

BUCKY
(thinking)
<Now for the fun part.>

	Bucky grits his teeth and begins climbing, rung after rung after 
rung. About ten minutes later, Bucky begins to hear a faint rumble. His 
ears perk up, and he makes out the distinct sound of a jetpack directly 
beneath him. He looks down and, though his vision is obscured by the 
narrowness of the tunnel, he can make out Jenny about fifteen feet 
beneath him, grabbing onto a rung. He's sure Blinky is beneath her.

BUCKY
(thinking)
<Well, that definitely woke them up.>

SCENE 15 - CHAIRMAN PIGTON'S ROOM

	Chairman Pigton is in his bed, snoring. It's a loud sound, but 
the sudden rumble of a jetpack drowns him out. It also wakes him up.

PIGTON
(startled)
What? 

	Realizing what might be happening, Pigton jumps out of bed. Still 
wearing his bright orange pajamas, he bursts through the door of his 
room into the large chamber with the ship. Looking around, he notices a 
sack on the floor beneath the escape tunnel, with a small burn mark 
beside it.

PIGTON
Oh, shit.

	Pigton quickly runs to the room where his captives were held 
prisoner. The only things that greet him are torn ropes and the 
ineffective dampener. He begins to turn red, as if about to explode.
	Suddenly, Barnett bursts into the room as well.

BARNETT
Boss, I think the captives ...

	Pigton then begins to scream and shake. Turning even redder, he 
reaches over and grabs Barnett by the neck, shaking him.

PIGTON
(full of rage, practically spitting)
You! Let! Them! Escape! *Augh*!

	Pigton throws Barnett onto the ground and then runs back into the 
large chamber. Half a dozen other henchmen have woken up as well and 
are milling about the room. Pigton, still shaking, begins breathing 
heavily.

PIGTON
No.
(takes a big breath between his teeth)
No, no, no, no, no.
(screams to his henchmen and points to the hole in the ceiling)
After them!

	One of the henchmen runs to the wall, enters a code, and pushes a 
button. A ladder rises from the ground directly beneath the hole and 
extends upward to meet its counterpart. All of the henchmen run to the 
ladder and quickly begin their attempt to catch the escaped captives.

SCENE 16 - TUNNEL

	The three have been climbing for another twenty minutes. Bucky 
and Jenny are getting very tired, though Blinky, being a machine, shows 
no signs of exhaustion.

BUCKY
(breathing heavily)
Are we almost there, Blinky?

BLINKY
It should be just a couple dozen more feet, Captain.

BUCKY
(deep breath)
Thank the Great Mother.

JENNY
Where is this going to let us out, anyway?

BLINKY
Computer schematics did not specify.

BUCKY
(straining)
Wonderful.
(listening hard)
I can hear them coming after us. They're slow, but they're faster than 
we are.

	A minute later, Bucky reaches up to grab the next rung and finds 
there isn't one. Instead, he feels a small patch of flat land. 
Excitedly, he drags himself up on to it. He sees a grate in front of 
him.

BUCKY
(happy but still very tired)
We made it! There's a grate in front of me. I'm going to try and loosen 
it.

	Bucky pushes at the grate as hard as he can, but the climb has 
sapped his strength. Bushed, he leans against the grate until Jenny and 
Blinky catch up to him. Blinky grabs the grate's bars and easily 
dislodges it.

BUCKY
(in between gasps)
Thanks, Blinky.

	The three of them squeeze through the grate opening, one at a 
time. They find themselves in a small room filled with boxes and lit 
with a single light bulb on the ceiling.

BUCKY
(still gasping)
Hey, this looks familiar.
(snaps his fingers)
I've got it. This is a UAC supply closet. Pigton must have built his 
hideout directly below UAC headquarters. This tunnel was probably how 
they got underground in the first place.
(frowns)
Dammit, they're going to catch up to us. And all the doors in the UAC 
are automatically locked during the night. It's still night, isn't it?
(checks his watch)
Yup. Can you unlock the doors, Blinky?

BLINKY
Doors cannot be unlocked at night without special access codes from 
Chairman Warner.

BUCKY
Not what I wanted to hear, Blinky.

	Bucky climbs back through the grate opening, pulls out his 
blaster, and shoots at the dirt and rock at the top of the tunnel, 
causing them to dislodge and fall, blocking the tunnel's entrance. He 
then crawls back into the closet.

BUCKY
(starting to strain)
I hope that works. I'd rather ... keep it open, but we can always dig 
it out if we need to ... go back down there.
(sits down, wearily)
Blinky ... we gotta ... figure out how to unlock the ...

	Bucky falls asleep, exhausted.

JENNY
(still a little weak)
Bucky?

	Bucky doesn't respond. Jenny reaches over and shakes him a 
little, to no effect.

JENNY
Well, I guess as long as we're safe, we can stay here for the night.
(yawns)
Besides, I *still* have no clue what's going on. Blinky, can you fill 
me in?

BLINKY
Of course, First Mate Jenny.

	Jenny sits down and closes her eyes while Blinky begins 
explaining everything that happened.

SCENE 17 - TOAD HOMEWORLD

	The Air Marshal is talking to Chairman Pigton over the comm-link. 
He's furious.

AIR MARSHAL
(fuming)
What do you *mean*, you let them escape?! You told me you had them all 
tied up and defenseless!

PIGTON
(shoulders slumped)
I don't know how they got away! Somehow, they managed to get free of 
their bonds, retrieve their weapons from the ship, and escape. They 
probably made it to UAC headquarters.

AIR MARSHAL
What, were you all sleeping or something?

PIGTON
(laughs quietly and uneasily)
Well, actually ...

AIR MARSHAL
(nearly falls out of his chair)
You *were* asleep? Not a single one of you was awake? Why, you ... you 
... you stupid mammals! I should *never* have trusted a lousy 
warmblood!

PIGTON
(quickly)
Wait, wait! We can still carry out the rest of our plan! Having O'Hare 
free makes no difference. My agents will still ...

AIR MARSHAL
Silence! Your incompetence has cost you dearly, mammal. If we choose to 
retain your services -- *if* -- then it will not be now. Remember that 
we know where you are located, and we could eradicate you if we so 
chose.
(beat)
However, your services may still prove useful in the future. But it's 
obvious that you need more time and planning to enact your schemes, no 
matter how *easy* they may be!

PIGTON
(annoyed)
I wouldn't call capturing half of that crew "easy" ...

AIR MARSHAL
(angrily)
I said *silence*!
(beat)
Consider yourself lucky that you're still alive. And don't call us. 
We'll call you.

	The Air Marshal severs the link.

AIR MARSHAL
(shaking his fists)
Ooh, I was so close! So *close*! And now, KOMPLEX will ...

	KOMPLEX suddenly appears on the screen.

KOMPLEX
I will be impressed by your actions, Air Marshal.

AIR MARSHAL
(saluting)
Yes, Oh Mighty KOMPLEX! I mean ... what?

KOMPLEX
I expected you to fail -- you tend to -- but instead of handling it in 
your usual wimpy manner, you were rather stern with that foolish side 
of ham. I'm surprised, but pleased. Carry on.
(beat)
But *don't* fail me again.

	KOMPLEX disappears. The Air Marshal takes a deep breath and wipes 
his brow.

AIR MARSHAL
(closing his eyes)
I'm getting too old for this.

SCENE 18 - THE DUWITT RESIDENCE 

	It's noon the day after the DuWitts returned home, and they're 
getting increasingly worried about their son. Mrs. Duwitt is on the 
phone in the kitchen when Dr. DuWitt walks in.

MRS. DUWITT
(into the phone)
OK, thank you.
(hangs up)
I called Principal Dorkens and all of Willy's teachers from last year. 
None of them have seen him.
(beat)
Not even Dr. Green. He sounded like he was going to say something, then 
he just sighed and said he hadn't seen Willy in months.

DR. DUWITT
(worry visible on his face)
And I just checked the whole neighborhood. There's no sign of him, and 
no sign that anything might have happened. Did you check his room?

MRS. DUWITT
Here's the weird thing. I tried his door, and it was unlocked, but I 
couldn't open it easily -- it was like some force was holding it shut. 
I could almost feel something. I pushed hard, though, and it opened -- 
like the force gave up.
(beat, shakes her head)
But there was no sign of Willy. The lights were on, and everything was 
in a mess -- you know, like normal. No sign of anything out of the 
ordinary. No note, nothing.

DR. DUWITT
I have no idea what's going on. Did you call any of his friends?

	Silence hangs in the air for a moment.

MRS. DUWITT
(softly)
Willy never mentioned any.

DR. DUWITT
Are you sure? He's got to ...
(thinks)
Come to think of it, I can't remember any of his friends, either.
(beat, softer)
Huh. What about where he works?

MRS. DUWITT
(suddenly a little upset, her hands shaking a little)
Oh, you'll love this. Willy never gave me a number to reach him at 
while at work -- I told you we should have gotten him a cell phone -- 
so I called all the marinas in the area. Guess what?

DR. DUWITT
(his brow furrowing)
He's not in any of their employment records?

MRS. DUWITT
Not only that; there's no Captain O'Hare stationed at any of them.

DR. DUWITT
*What*?! Then who the hell was that ...
(stomps his foot in anger)
Dammit, Willy!
(takes his glasses off and rubs his eyes, exhaling)
What the *hell* is going on?

MRS. DUWITT
David, I'm going to ...

DR. DUWITT
(sadly)
I know. You have to.

	Dr. DuWitt sits down at the kitchen table and slumps in his 
chair. Mrs. DuWitt sighs and picks the phone up again. She dials three 
numbers and puts the receiver by her mouth.

MRS. DUWITT
(fighting back tears)
Hello, 911? I'd like to report a missing person ...

SCENE 19 - CHAIRMAN WARNER'S OFFICE

	Fritz is sitting at his desk, with Deadeye and Bruiser standing 
up on the other side of it, talking to him. Dogstar is standing off to 
the side. Mimi is sitting down, as usual. 

DEADEYE
An' after we couldn'a reach 'im last night, we got real worried, 
Chairman.

BRUISER
We tried 'em both again this mornin', too. Nuthin'.

DEADEYE
We went by Bucky's apartment, but the landlady hadn't seen hide nor fur 
of 'im. An' she also said she'd gotten a nasty bump on th' noggin 
somehow and didn't remember most o' yesterday.

BRUISER
We was pretty suspicious, so we thought we better tell ya.

FRITZ
Thanks for bringing this to my attention. You did the right thing. I'll 
form a search party to investigate, and I'll keep you two updated on 
its progress. You're dismissed.

BRUISER
(surprised)
But Chairman, we wanna help!

FRITZ
(waving his paw)
Your concern is appreciated, Bruiser, but I know what I'm doing. Don't 
worry. Dismissed.

	Deadeye and Bruiser exchange quick, worried glances, then exit.

DOGSTAR
Well, Chairman, what do you propose we do?

FRITZ
As I said, I'll get a search team together. Something has to be done, 
certainly. I'd include you on it, but you have patrol duty, don't you, 
Commander?

DOGSTAR
Why, yes, sir, but I think a situation of this magnitude ...

FRITZ
Yes, I think a situation of the magnitude of having only two ships on 
active duty certainly calls for you to go on patrol. I'll keep you 
informed. You are dismissed, Commander.

DOGSTAR
(visibly frustrated)
Yes, sir.

	Dogstar exits the office. Once he's gone, Mimi stands up and 
walks next to Fritz, swaying her hips.

MIMI
I thought they'd never leave.

SCENE 20 - SUPPLY CLOSET, UAC HEADQUARTERS

	Bucky and Jenny are asleep, and Blinky is in power-down mode. 
Suddenly, Blinky's internal clock hits 10 a.m., and his alarm goes off, 
waking Bucky and Jenny.

BUCKY
Uhh ... had the weirdest dream ... 

	Bucky suddenly sits up straight.

BUCKY
(frantic)
That was no dream! 

	Bucky turns and looks at the grate opening. It's still completely 
blocked by rubble.

BUCKY
Phew.	

	Bucky reaches to Jenny and pulls her up as he stands up himself.

BUCKY
(urgently)
C'mon, Jenny, we've got to talk to Fritz.

JENNY
(still half-asleep)
Slow down, Bucky, I ...

	Not listening, Bucky grabs Jenny and runs out the door of the 
closet, so quickly that he leaves Blinky behind.
	In Chairman Warner's office, Fritz and Mimi are just about to get 
cozy when Bucky and Jenny burst through the door.

BUCKY
Fritz, we have to talk.

	Fritz, surprised, puts some distance between himself and Mimi.

FRITZ
Bucky! What are you doing here?
(beat)
I heard you were missing.

BUCKY
We've got a problem, Chairman. There are ...

	Bucky's eyes suddenly open wide. He notices that Fritz is wearing 
a bright orange tie, and Mimi's sash is bright orange, too. He blinks, 
and suddenly, he remembers seeing Pigton's bright orange bowtie, 
Barnett's orange collar, and the jaguar's orange jumpsuit. Bucky 
pauses, silent.

FRITZ
What, Bucky? There are what?

BUCKY
(quickly)
Nothing. There are ... nothing. I, uh, got locked out of my apartment 
last night and had to, uh, rent a hotel room. That's where I was.

JENNY
(surprised)
But Bucky ...

FRITZ
(entirely unconvinced)
What's going on, Bucky?

BUCKY
(hastily)
Nothing, nothing. Everything's fine. If you need an official report, 
uh, I'll write one for you later. But I need to go find my access card 
for my apartment now. I'll keep in touch, Fritz. Don't worry about a 
thing. Come on, Jenny.

	Bucky quickly turns around, shoots Jenny a stern glance, and then 
shoos her out of the room.
	Outside the office, Bucky keeps pushing Jenny past Fritz's 
squirrel secretary and into the hallway, out of earshot.

JENNY
Buckminster O'Hare! What in the world are you doing? We have to tell 
Fritz about ...

BUCKY
(under his breath)
Did you see his orange tie? And Mimi's sash?

JENNY
What does that have to do with anything?

BUCKY
Pigton had an orange tie! And his henchmen wore orange clothes, too.

JENNY
So they're not snappy dressers. What's your point?

BUCKY
They all had bright orange clothing on. They're in this together.

JENNY
(rolls her eyes)
Oh, Bucky, this is the most ...

BUCKY
(waves his paws)
They might be Pigton's spies! He said he had spies in the UAC! We can't 
trust them, Jenny.

JENNY
(surprised)
Who, Fritz? What do you mean, we can't trust him? He's the chairman ...

BUCKY
(intently)
Yeah, and so was Pigton.

JENNY
And he's also your best friend!

BUCKY
Years ago, maybe. But certainly not anymore.
(looking down, slowly)
He could be brainwashed. We can't trust him.
(beat, looking around)
We can't trust anyone.

THE END