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Power Made Perfect
by Daniel Sheets

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Scene One:

[Music begins – it is supposed to bring feeling of peace and joy – the music morphs into a calm rendition of the odyssey theme just before Jack says his opening lines.]

(Jack and Lucy are in a moving car – there is mild traffic)

Jack: (reading) Odyssey – one mile ahead. Looks like we're almost there, Lucy.

Lucy: It'll be good being back in Odyssey again. It feels like it's been so long since our last visit.

Jack: I know. It does, doesn't it? I mean, we were here just three months ago, but it feels like…I don't know. It's just…

Lucy: It feels like it's been an eternity since we were last here. I don't know about you, Jack, but I refuse to believe it's only been three months since we last visited.

Jack: I know. I haven't been able to get this place out of my mind since we were here. I thought this day would never come.

Lucy: That's the problem with having to wait for something you really want. The more you think about it, the longer it takes to happen.

Jack: Well, we won't have to wait anymore. Here we are. (reading a road sign) Welcome to Odyssey. Population… (stops reading) Whoa! Look at how much this place has grown since we lived here.

[The music stops mimicking the Odyssey theme – it is still calm, but its pace has picked up.]

Lucy: It's the same as it was the last time we were here.

Jack: I don't know about that. I don't remember Odyssey ever having that many people.

Lucy: Jack, the population hasn't changed since we were here three months ago.

Jack: Are you sure? It might have.

Lucy: No, it didn't. Believe me, I know. I've looked up random facts about Odyssey on the internet almost every day for the past three months. You're remembering what it was like when we were kids.

Jack: Probably. There's nothing wrong with that though. I have good childhood memories of this place.
Lucy: Me too. Remember when we would walk to school together?

Jack: Mm-hmm.
(This next part is tongue-in-cheek, they are teasing each other because they are happy, not because they are mad. – the music picks up pace again.)

Jack: I remember you were too scared to walk by that one house because you were afraid of the kid looking out the window.

Lucy: You were scared too.

Jack: I wasn't scared. The kid just creeped me out, that's all.

Lucy: You were scared.

Jack: Yeah, sure. At least I was brave enough to walk past it – unlike some people I could mention that walked all the way around to the next block just so they didn't have to look at some kid sitting in a window.

Lucy: You got us into a lot of trouble over that.

Jack: Oh, it wasn't that bad.

Lucy: What do you mean it wasn't that bad? Jack, you sat spying outside that house at five in the morning one day because you thought the family was a bunch of mad scientists.

Jack: Actually, I was leaning towards the mafia.

Lucy: You had the police come out.

Jack: I thought the guy was carrying a dead body. How was I supposed to know it was a bunch of rolled up carpets?

Lucy: Oh, I don't know - maybe if you had just opened your eyes and looked.

Jack: (starting to laugh) It looked pretty shady to me.

Lucy: (also beginning to laugh) Yeah, those carpets came in all shades of colors.
(Jack and Lucy end their teasing. They both sigh happily. The music fades out.)
Lucy: It's good to be back home, Jack.

Jack: Yes, it is.
[calm, cheerful music begins.]

Lucy: So long, Texas. So long, college. Farewell, all you musty classrooms and textbooks.

Jack: I thought you liked studying.

Lucy: Hello, Odyssey. Hello, new life.

Jack: Hello, debt.

Lucy: Jack, this is supposed to be a happy moment.

Jack: Oh, I'm happy. I'm happy I was able to get a good job here in Odyssey…and that I was actually able to graduate on time…and that we got a good deal on this car…

Lucy: Well, I'm glad that you finally had the guts to ask me to marry you.

Jack: Well, I'm equally glad to be married to the most beautiful woman in the world. Oh, look, there's Whit's End.

Lucy: Do you think we should drop in?

Jack: I don't see why not. Hey, turn on the radio, will you? I want to see if KYDS radio is still on the air.

Lucy: Oh, I loved KYDS radio. Remember when we acted out those parts for Mr. Whittaker?

(Lucy turns on radio)

Jack: How could I forget? Hey, I'm kind of thirsty. Are you thirsty?

Lucy: Yeah, kind of.

Jack: Let's go in and get something to drink then.

Lucy: Maybe we'll see some familiar faces.

Jack: Oh, hey, it's the broadcast.

(Lucy turns the sound on the car radio up. – at this point, the dramatization on the radio begins to lose its static-tinny feel and the world of Jack and Lucy begins to fade away as the sound of their soft voices fades into silence – the world of the radio dramatization has become the new setting for this scene)

Narrator (Jack Allen): Our story begins on the top of a mountain. Elijah – the true prophet of God – is about to come head-to-head with the prophets of Baal – the false god. The prophets of Baal had tried all day to call down fire from heaven, but to no avail. – Now it was Elijah's turn.

Elijah: O Lord, God of Abraham, Isaac and Israel, let it be known today that You are God in Israel and that I am Your servant and have done all these things at Your command. Answer me, O Lord, answer me, so these people will know that You, O Lord, are God, and that You are turning their hearts back again.

(Rumbling sound begins, then the sound of something traveling at a high speed, but beginning to slow down, then a great crash and explosion, and the sound of a raging fire. – Fire fell from heaven and consumed the altar.)

People: (frantic but amazed) The Lord! He is God! The Lord! He is God!

Israelite: Did you see that? Did you see the fire of the Lord fall from heaven!?

Man: Yes! How could I not see? It burned up the sacrifice, the wood, the stones and the soil, and even licked up the water in the trench!

Israelite: Praise the name of the Lord God almighty! The creator of heaven and earth!

Elijah: Quick! Everyone! Seize the prophets of Baal! Don't let anyone get away! Take them down to the Kishon Valley and slaughter them!

Man: Yes, Elijah! Hurry, men! After them! Don't let them escape!
(All the people begin to shout and run down the mountain after the prophets of Baal.)

[Music takes over, and then fades out – leading us to the first commercial break. The music is victorious, and very dramatic.]


Scene Two:

[Coming back from first commercial break, the music is cheerful. Wooton is walking down the sidewalk, saying hi to people as they walk past him. Everyone he greets is happy to see him. A little boy named Andy walks towards him.]

Andy: Hi, Wooton.

Wooton: Oh, hey, Andy. What's that you've got there?

Andy: This? Oh, it's just some stuff I got from the candy store.

Wooton: Oh, cool. The candy store's my second favorite place to shop for groceries.

Andy: The Candy store? But all they sell there is candy.

Wooton: I know. That's why it's my second favorite. But if they decided to start stocking fresh pink salmon it'd be right at the top of list.

Andy: Yeah…because people are always looking to buy fish when they go to the candy store.

Wooton: Isn't that what you do?
Andy: Gross! No. I hate fish.

Wooton: Oh, but you can't hate salmon! A salmon is more than just a fish. It's a (trying to figure out what a salmon is)…it's…it's…it's a…yeah, it's a fish.

Andy: I think I'd be afraid if they started selling fish at the candy store.

Wooton: Yeah, me too.

Andy: I thought you said you wanted them to sell fish.

Wooton: Oh yeah. I did, didn't I? (chuckle-snorts) So, what have you got in the bag?

Andy: Oh, just the usual stuff.

Wooton: Fruity and chocolaty goodness?

Andy: Yeah…and some fresh licorice too.

Wooton: Oh, that's gre…(becomes completely alert) Did…did you just say fresh licorice?

Andy: Yeah.

Wooton: Do you think you could let me have some?

Andy: Shouldn't you be delivering the mail right now?

Wooton: The mail? – Oh, yeah…the mail. But don't you think I could just have a bite?...or if it's too much to ask, could I just smell it for a little while?

Andy: The candy store's right over there.

Wooton: It is? Oh, yeah, it is. I guess I should have known that since it's on my mail route. (becomes sad) Oh, no.

Andy: What?
Wooton: It's on the other side of the street.

Andy: So?

Wooton: So that means I have to deliver all the mail on this side of the street before I can turn around and come back to the candy store. (thinking out loud) I know! I'll take care of this side of the street as fast as I can, that way the licorice will still be fresh when I come back. Hey, it was nice talking to you, Andy, but I've got to run – literally.

(Wooton begins running down the sidewalk with his mailbag.)

Andy: Bye, Wooton!

Wooton: (calling back – already out of breath) See ya', Andy! Don't forget what I said about fresh pink salmon!

Andy: (to himself) Why doesn't he just cross the street right here? (he takes a bite of his licorice) Mmm…this licorice is pretty good.


Scene Three:

[Wooton is running down the sidewalk with his mailbag. He is panting. Every so often people's voices can be heard as he passes them on the sidewalk. There is still mild traffic on the street.]

Wooton: (talking to himself through gasps for air) Got to…get to…fresh…licorice. Got to…get…licorice. Can't…breathe…licorice.

[Wooton runs up to Bernard as he is washing a store window. Bernard's voice becomes louder as Wooton gets closer.]

Bernard: Wooton?

Wooton: (panting and running) Hey, Bernard! (quickly) Can't stop now! Got to get fresh licorice!

[Music increases in intensity.]

Bernard: (concerned) Wooton, be careful. I've got my stuff out… (more concerned) Watch your step, it's… (panic) Look out for… (yelling) Wooton!

[Wooton trips over Bernard's cleaning supplies as he runs past. A bucket of water is knocked over, and Wooton falls to the ground while making out-of-breath panicked noises. The music stops.]

Bernard: (to himself - calm)…the bucket. (moaning) Wooton…

Wooton: (on the ground) Whoa! What was that! Someone must have hit me from behind. Did anybody get the license plate on that skateboard?

Bernard: (annoyed) Wooton…are you out of your mind? Do you realize what you just did?

Wooton: No, but it reminds me a lot of Power Boy issue number 373, when Power Boy was minding his own business walking down the street and Dr. Ichabodia suddenly showed up out of nowhere and hit him from behind with a giant marshmallow…

Bernard: (irritated) You weren't hit from behind. You fell over your own feet.

Wooton: I seem to remember seeing a strategically but absent mindedly placed bucket in front of me right before the world turned upside down…and I'm pretty sure this strategically but absent mindedly placed bucket was placed there by an absent minded but strategically gifted window washer…
Bernard: Wooton…

Wooton: And I'm pretty sure this window washer's name begins with B…

Bernard: Wooton…

Wooton: …and ends in ernard…

Bernard: Wooton…

Wooton: No, his last name is Walton, but you were close.

Bernard: Now, Wooton, don't you come running past here yelling something about licorice and then try and blame me when you knock over all my good cleaning equipment.

Wooton: I'm pretty sure if your absent-mindedly yet strategically placed stuff hadn't had been there I wouldn't be looking at the world from the viewpoint of a used piece of gum right now.
Bernard: No, you would have found something else to plow into.

Wooton: (not listening) I don't really mind though. I kind of like seeing the world through the eyes of a used piece of gum. It's a neat perspective.

Bernard: (confused) What?

Wooton: In fact, if it weren't for your gift of strategic absent-mindedness I might never have known…

Bernard: (interrupting) I am not absent-minded!

Wooton: If it weren't for your pure genius in strategy, I never would have…

Bernard: (interrupting – calm) Wooton.

Wooton: (starts listening) What?

Bernard: Get up off the ground.

Wooton: Okay. [Wooton begins to get up off the ground] That's a nice pair of pants you're wearing by the way.

Bernard: Huh? Oh…thank you. My wife bought them for me.

Wooton: (standing to his feet) Yeah, they kind of remind me of a pair of pants my Uncle Langley used to wear. – except that his were plaid, and missing a few belt loops, and had a great big hole in the back pocket, a huge coffee stain down the front, and the left leg was held on by duct tape.

Bernard: (slightly irritated) What? Are you kidding? These look nothing like that.

Wooton: Yeah, that's why they only kind of remind me of them. (becomes distracted and concerned) Oh man!

Bernard: What's the matter?

Wooton: (slightly irritated) You got my mailbag all wet with your bucket of water.

Bernard: (slightly irritated) Don't you start blaming me again…

Wooton: I'm pretty sure that's a federal offense.

Bernard: Then I guess you'd better go turn yourself in. And if you say the words absent-minded window washer again… (Bernard becomes distracted as a car drives by)

Wooton: Okay, okay, I won't call you that, but do you mind if I call you Bernie?

Bernard: (still distracted – sounds happy) Well, pump me with helium and call me a balloon…

[Music changes to being happy when both Bernard and Wooton talk, but it is still slightly less happy when Bernard talks than when Wooton talks.]

Wooton: Huh?

Bernard: Well, if that don't beat all…

Wooton: Uh…this is Power-Boy calling window washer, come in, window washer. (chuckles) And he complains when someone calls him absent-minded…

Bernard: I heard that.

Wooton: Oops.

Bernard: Do you see what I see?

Wooton: Now, now, Bernard, aren't you breaking your own rule about singing Christmas songs out of season?

Bernard: No, no...look. Look at the car that just drove by.

Wooton: The one with the "I love Power-Boy" sticker on the back bumper?

Bernard: No, the light blue one. Look, there it goes.

Wooton: Oh, yeah. That's a nice color...but check out that green one! Now that's a hotrod right there!...not to mention the fact that it has an "I love Power Boy" bumper sticker on it.

Bernard: Look again. Didn't you see who that was?

Wooton: Mr. Whittaker?

Bernard: No...

Wooton: Mrs. Randolphe?

Bernard: No...
Wooton: Can I stop guessing now? I want to get back to looking at the green car with the Power Boy bumper sticker.

Bernard: Forget about Power Boy...

Wooton: That'll be hard.

Bernard: This is more important.

Wooton: Really? Uh, oh. Should I be afraid?

Bernard: If you ask me I'd say I just saw some old friends drive by.

Wooton: Like I was saying, it was Mr. Whittaker...

Bernard: It wasn't Whit. It was…it was…could it be true? …maybe I was just seeing things.

Wooton: Yeah, the window cleaner will do that to you sometimes. Is it okay if I start thinking about Power Boy again?

Bernard: Look. The car's stopped in front of Whit's End.

Wooton: Oh really? Can you see who's getting out of it?

Bernard: No…they're faced the other way. I can't see…Wait…yes, it is.

Wooton: …is what? Who am I looking at?

Bernard: I'll tell ya' who you're looking at. That's Jack and Lucy Davis is who that is.

Wooton: Oh, wow. That's even better than the Power Boy bumper sticker. Oops, you told me to stop thinking about that.

Bernard: I wonder what brings them all the way back to Odyssey.

Wooton: They probably heard about the fresh licorice.

Bernard: Come on, Wooton. (Bernard begins packing up his cleaning equipment)

Wooton: Where are you going?

Bernard: To Whit's End. You don't think I'd pass up an opportunity like this, do you?

Wooton: Aren't you working?

Bernard: I don't think you should be talking to me about work, Mr. Soak-everybody's mail-man.

Wooton: (laughs – embarrassed) Oh yeah, that's a good point. Okay, I'm right behind you, Bernie.

(Bernard and Wooton walk towards Whit's End.)

Wooton: I wonder if Mr. Whittaker will let me borrow his electric fan.

[Music takes over and ends the scene. The music ends with the scene.]

Scene Four:

[This scene takes place in Whit's End. – Whit is at the soda fountain with a customer. Kids can be heard talking in the booths. Whit's End has people in the building, but it is not especially busy.]

Whit: (to customer) …and forty-seven cents is your change.

[Sound-effects: cash register opening, receipt printing, and Whit ripping the receipt from the register and handing it to the customer.]

Customer: Thanks, Whit. Have a nice day.

[Customer walks away.]

Whit: You too. Thanks for stopping by.

Connie: (calling from the kitchen) Whit!

Whit: Uh… (calling back) What is it, Connie?

[The sound of the bell above the front door can be heard in the background as the customer exits the building.]

Connie: We're out of Raspberry Ripple again!

Whit: Already? I thought we took care of that yesterday.

Connie: We did…but we need to take care of it again because we're out.

Whit: (to himself) My goodness, I didn't realize it was that popular.

[Eugene walks up.]

Eugene: Greetings and salutations, Mr. Whittaker.

Whit: Oh, hi, Eugene.

Eugene: Did my ears deceive me, or did Miss Kendall just say that we're out of Raspberry Ripple?

Whit: Your ears didn't deceive you, Eugene.

Eugene: Hmm…You know, I've been thinking that you may want to invest in a larger refrigerator unit. I've actually been working on something in my spare time that I think you might be interested in.

Whit: You'll have to show me sometime, Eugene. – though I'm not sure a larger refrigerator would help with our shortage of Raspberry Ripple.

Eugene: But don't you see? A larger unit would allow you to stock a larger supply of Raspberry Ripple, thus ending the shortage.

Whit: Yes, but Whit's End is also the home of the county's largest ice cream freezer, and even with that, we still run out of ice cream.

Eugene: Oh, I took that into consideration when I set out on this endeavor.

Whit: Well, like I said, Eugene, you'll have to show me sometime. Though, I must say that I find it hard to comprehend how you've had time to work on such a project, what with Hand Up keeping you and Katrina as busy as it has.

Eugene: One must always make time for science.

[Jack and Lucy walk through the front door.]

Whit: Wait a minute. I think I just saw some familiar faces walk through the door.

Eugene: Really?

[Jack and Lucy walk up to the Soda Fountain.]

Whit: (happy) Jack…Lucy. It's good to see you again.

Lucy: It's good to see you too, Mr. Whittaker.

Jack: It sure is. Hi, Eugene.

Eugene: Greetings and salutations.

Lucy: How are you, Eugene?

Eugene: Quite satisfactory, thank you. And yourselves?

Jack: Oh, we're good. Wow, this place hasn't changed a bit.

Lucy: …at least not since we visited three months ago.

Eugene: I suppose it hasn't…particularly the freezer…

[Connie comes out of the kitchen.]

Connie: Whit, did you see if… (gasps – excited) Lucy! Jack! What are you…When did you…How did…

Lucy: (laughing) It's good to see you, too, Connie.

Connie: (happy) I can't believe this. You're back.

Jack: We sure are.

Connie: Wow, I must be seeing things.

Eugene: Probably.

[Bernard and Wooton walk in the front door. Cheerful music begins.]

Bernard: Well, stuff me in a brown skirt and call me a girlscout. I thought I was seeing things.

Wooton: It's true. He did. Wow, this mailbag is getting heavy. Probably has something to do with all that water.

Whit: Oh, hello, Bernard. Hi, Wooton.

Bernard: Hi, Whit.

Wooton: Hey, Whit, Connie, Eugene, Mr. and Mrs. Davis.

Connie: Hi, Wooton.

Eugene: Greetings.

Bernard: Well, if you two aren't a sight for sore eyes.

Wooton: Yeah, the window cleaner makes them sore after awhile.

Jack: Hi, Mr. Walton.

Lucy: Hello.

Bernard: Did you two just get back in town?

Jack: Yeah, we did. We're getting set to move in and everything.

Bernard: Move in? You mean you guys are staying this time?

Lucy: Yep.

Bernard: That's great.

Wooton: Move in? Wow, you're moving into Whit's End? I wish I could do that. I think it might get kind of scary at night though.

Jack: Actually, we're moving into an apartment.

Connie: Wow…I…I can't believe this. Well, welcome home!

[Connie leaves the soda fountain and runs and gives Lucy a big hug.]

Lucy: Thanks, Connie.

Connie: I feel like we need to celebrate or something.

Jack: We can celebrate all we want after I get the job tomorrow.

Connie: Job?

Lucy: Jack was able to find a good job here, which is great because we've always wanted to come back to Odyssey sometime.

Jack: Speaking of that job, I'm meeting with the manager tomorrow to go over everything. Hopefully everything will go smoothly.

Whit: So, they haven't offered you the job yet?

Jack: Not yet, but I was talking to them over the phone and they were really impressed with me, and wanted to see me in person.

Whit: Oh, I see. Well, that sounds promising.

Jack: Yeah, I wouldn't have been so quick to move back to Odyssey if I didn't think I would get the job.

Whit: Okay, well, I hope everything goes well for you tomorrow then.

Lucy: So do we.

Whit: What was the name of this business?

Jack: Sanderson Enterprises.

Whit: Oh, okay, yeah, I've heard of them.

Connie: Would you like something to drink?

Jack: Uh, yeah, a lemonade would be nice.

Lucy: I'll have a lemonade as well, thanks.

Connie: Two lemonades coming right up.

Whit: Where are you staying?

Lucy: The Grand Apartment complex over on McGregor Street, number 208.

Whit: Oh, I know where that is.

Connie: Yeah, me too, and I'd love to help you guys move in.

Lucy: Thanks, Connie. We appreciate it.

Eugene: I'm certain those of us working with Hand Up, mainly Katrina and myself, would be happy to assist you in any way possible.

Lucy: Thanks, Eugene.

Whit: Just let me know when you need me and I'll be there.

Lucy: Thank you to all of you. You've definitely made us feel welcome.

Wooton: So, Grand 208, eh? Hey, that means you guys are on my mail route. I deliver to the Grand Apartments. Wow, they have a lot of stairs…those aren't so fun.

Bernard: Wooton, how is it that a mailman who gets as much exercise as you do could be so out of shape?

Wooton: Are you kidding? I'm in perfect shape.

Bernard: Yeah, for a bowling ball maybe.

Wooton: What can I say? I love sugar and sugar loves me.

Bernard: Yeah, I can see that. I'm sure all that licorice didn't help any.

Wooton: Oh man. Why'd you have to bring that up? By the time I get to the candy store now, they'll be selling not-so-fresh licorice.

Bernard: It's okay. You can live without fresh licorice.

Wooton: I doubt it…and I don't think you should be talking, Bernard. I saw you eating that king-sized candy bar the other day.

Bernard: Oh, so I guess you were spying on me, eh?

Wooton: Yep, and I was using this pair of binoculars, too.

Bernard: Okay…that's creepy.

Eugene: I observed you consuming an entire cheesecake the other evening when Katrina and I were dining at Littleton's Restaurant.

Bernard: So you were spying on me, too.

Eugene: Merely observing. Maude didn't seem to mind what you consumed.

Bernard: That's because Maude loves me and lets me eat anything I want.

Lucy: (to Jack) This conversation has taken an interesting turn.

Jack: (to Lucy) No kidding.

Whit: (to Jack and Lucy) Maybe we can sneak upstairs.

Jack: Right behind you, Mr. Whittaker.

Connie: And let's not forget the brownies Joanne brought in the other day.

Bernard: What about them? They were good, weren't they?

Connie: You ate half of them.

Bernard: Okay, well, now you're getting personal.

Connie: You two need to get back on my diet.

Bernard: Oh, please no. I'd rather die fat and happy than die with spinach coming out my ears.

Wooton: I'm too afraid to get back on that diet. I'm afraid I might lose something.

Eugene: Weight perhaps?

Wooton: No, I was thinking about fresh licorice.

Bernard: Maybe you should go on Connie's diet, Eugene.

Eugene: At 109 pounds, I hardly think that's necessary.

Bernard: Yeah, you weigh less than Connie does.

Connie: Hey!

Bernard: Well…not that that's a bad thing…I mean that's one of the benefits of working at Whit's End. You get to sample all the ice cream.

Eugene: Perhaps this explains our shortage of Raspberry Ripple.

Connie: I can't believe I'm talking to you guys! You're terrible!

Wooton: Hey, where'd Mr. Whittaker go? I need to borrow his electric fan.

Connie: Where did Whit go? And what happened to Jack and Lucy?

Bernard: Oh, they sneaked upstairs when you guys started making fun of my eating patterns. They couldn't take the hostility.

Wooton: Hey, I'm not the one who was comparing people to bowling balls.

Bernard: No, you were the one with the binoculars.

Wooton: I'm going upstairs.

Connie: Me too. I want to talk some more with Jack and Lucy.

Eugene: And I as well.

Bernard: Are you sure you can make it up all those stairs, Wooton, or do you need to take the elevator?

Wooton: I can make it if there's a fresh piece of licorice at the top.

[Cheerful music takes over and then fades out as the next scene begins.]

Scene Five:

Bernard: Well, Jack, it sounds like Sanderson really wants you.

Eugene: Indeed.

Jack: Yeah, and I'm really excited about working for them, too. This will be the first real job I've had since graduation – which will be good, since we need the money to pay off our college bills.

Eugene: Ah, yes. The college life certainly has its expenses. I remember those days well. My foster parents, the Burnettes, paid for a significant portion of my early years in college.

Bernard: The early years. You mean half your life?

Eugene: (thinking) Mmm…more or less.

Bernard: Well, Jack, we're proud of you…and it's good to have you and Lucy back in Odyssey. I tell you, I remember when you two were knee-high to a grasshopper.

Eugene: …though not literally of course. And yes, congratulations on all you have achieved thus far.

Jack: Thanks. Well, I guess I'd better go and find Lucy so we can start moving into our apartment.

[Music begins]

Eugene: Hand Up is ready and able to assist you.

Bernard: I'd love to see you try and lift all those boxes, Eugene. You and all your 109 pounds.

Eugene: I'll ignore that.

Jack: We actually don't have a whole lot of stuff to begin with, but we'd appreciate your help anyway.

Bernard: Let's go.

[Music continues into the next scene]

Scene Six:

Connie: I think that's really great, Lucy. Starting your own newspaper would be perfect. The Odyssey Times has really gone downhill since Dale Jacobs left. It sounds just like something this town needs – a newspaper that tells the truth from a Christian perspective.

[Music stops]

Lucy: I thought so, too. And I'd like this to be more than just a typical newspaper. I want to make sure and tell all about what church events are going on around Odyssey, and I want to talk about how people can get involved in different ministries around town, like Hand Up.

Connie: I'm sure Eugene would appreciate that.

Whit: Yes, I'm sure he would.

Wooton: And hey, if you need a Bible based cartoon every now and then, I'm good with the colored pencil.

Lucy: Thanks, Wooton. I'll be sure to keep that in mind.

Wooton: By the way, thanks for letting me use your electric fan, Mr. Whittaker.

Whit: Oh, don't mention it. I wouldn't want people's mail to be delivered to them soggy.

[Calm and somewhat cheerful music begins]

Wooton: Speaking of which, I should probably get back to my mail route now.

Connie: You're leaving, Wooton?

Wooton: Yeah, it'd probably be good if the people on my route got their mail before midnight.

Lucy: Are you coming to the party tomorrow night for Jack?

Wooton: Oh yeah, I'll be there. Should I dress up for the occasion?

Lucy: That won't be necessary. We're just celebrating him getting this job.

Wooton: Okay, that's good. My green tuxedo is still at the tailor shop.

Whit: Bye, Wooton.

Connie: See ya'.

Wooton: Bye, everyone. See you at the party.

[Wooton walks out the door. Music stops.]

Whit: Anyway, Lucy, feel free to use the printing equipment that we've got here at Whit's End. It's not amazing, but it will do the trick for now.

Lucy: Thanks. I think I might want to add a section about missionaries. That way, it shows more than just what's going on in Odyssey.

Whit: Joanne would probably be a good person to talk to about that. She's had a lot of experience in that area, and actually, Eugene would also be a good person to talk to. His dad is serving in Africa right now.

[Eugene, Bernard, and Jack walk up. – light, cheerful music starts again.]

Eugene: Did someone mention my name?

Whit: Oh, there you all are. I was wondering if you guys were ever going to help them move into their apartment, or if you planned on talking all day.

Bernard: We're ready as always.

Eugene: Affirmative.

Jack: Are you ready to go, Lucy?

Lucy: Yeah, we need to get started on unpacking.

Connie: Let's get going then.

Eugene: (whispering to Jack and Lucy) Be forewarned, Miss Kendall wants to help you move in just so she can look through all your boxes. Trust me, I speak from experience.

Connie: I heard that!

Eugene: Oops.

Connie: Whit, are you coming?

Whit: Oh, I have to work on some things for KYDS radio, but I'll be by later.

[Everyone says bye to Whit as they walk out the door. After they are outside, Lucy talks to Jack.]

Lucy: When you get back from Sanderson's tomorrow, you need to come over to Whit's End.

Jack: Okay, but why?

Lucy: It's a surprise. You'll find out tomorrow.

[The door to Whit's End closes behind them, and Mr. Whittaker is left in his shop alone.]

Whit: (to himself) Oh, that was fun. Alright, KYDS radio recordings – you need editing. Where did Eugene put that…oh, here it is. (Whit turns on tape player – sound is a bit scratchy) Hmm…sounds a little rough still. I'd better go get that other tape.

[Whit walks away as the tape continues playing. The tape stops being scratchy, and the setting of Whit's End changes to the setting of the Elijah dramatization again.]

Ahab: (approaching Elijah) Oh, Elijah! (amazed) I, the King of Israel, have seen the power of Israel's true King!

Elijah: It's alright, Ahab. Go now. Eat and drink, for there is the sound of a heavy rain.

Ahab: (confused) What? Rain? It hasn't rained in over three years. But if you say so, then I'll listen to you. Obadiah! Bring out the food so that we may eat here.

Obadiah: Yes, sire.
Narrator: So Ahab and his attendants sat down to eat and drink, but Elijah took his servant and climbed to the top of the mountain. After they reached the top, Elijah bent down to the ground and put his face between his knees.

Benjamin: What are you doing, sir?

Elijah: Shh – I'm listening. I hear the sound of heavy rain.

Benjamin: Rain, sir?

Elijah: Yes…heavy rain. Go and look toward the sea.

Benjamin: Alright. What am I looking for?

Elijah: You're looking for clouds. Tell me if you see any.

Narrator: So Elijah's servant went and stood on top of a rock and looked out to sea, but he couldn't see any clouds from on top of his perch. So he climbed back down and reported to Elijah.

Benjamin: There is nothing there. No clouds in sight.

Elijah: Hmm….go back and look again.

Narrator: So the servant obeyed and went back to look out to sea, but still there was not a cloud in sight. Seven times Elijah told his servant to go back and look out to sea, but again and again he came back with the report that the sky was empty of any sort of rain cloud. – However, on the seventh time he looked out to sea, he spotted something a little different.

Benjamin: Master!

Elijah: What do you see this time, Benjamin?

Benjamin: I see a cloud that's as small as a man's hand rising from the sea.

Elijah: (pleased) Aah…Go and tell Ahab to hitch up his chariot and go down before the rain stops him.

Benjamin: Yes, sir.

Narrator: So the servant ran off and told Ahab what Elijah had commanded him. – Meanwhile, the sky grew black with clouds, the wind rose, and a heavy rain came on as Ahab rode off towards Jezreel. As the storm was growing with intensity, Elijah stood on the mountain and watched the rain begin to pour down as King Ahab was desperately trying to reach the safety of Jezreel before the worst of the storm hit. As Elijah watched, the power of the Lord came upon him. He tucked his cloak into his belt and began to run down the mountain. As he ran, he began to move faster and faster as the power of God filled him with an amazing strength. Elijah was now running so fast that he had caught up with the king's chariot!

(Ahab and Obadiah are going full speed in Ahab's chariot.)

Ahab: I say, Obadiah! Look! Look at that! What is that running along side us?

Obadiah: Why…it appears to be a man.

Ahab: What kind of a man can run as fast as a horse?

Obadiah: It's…it's Elijah!

Ahab: You're not serious! It is Elijah! I can't believe it…he's outrunning my chariot! After today…I'll believe anything.

Obadiah: If he keeps this up, he'll beat us back to Jezreel!

[Dramatic score continues and stops at the start of the next scene.]

Scene Seven:

[Jack is waiting outside of Mr. Sanderson's office.]

Secretary: Mr. Sanderson will see you now.

Jack: Oh, uh, thank you.

[Jack walks into Mr. Sanderson's office and closes the door behind him.]

Jack: Mr. Sanderson?

Sanderson: Yes, come in, Mr. Davis. Have a seat.

Jack: Thank you.

Sanderson: Well, first off, I want to thank you for taking time out of your busy schedule to meet with me.

Jack: Oh, it's no problem, sir.

Sanderson: I realize you traveled quite a bit of distance to meet with me…which is why it pains me to tell you this, Mr. Davis.

Jack: Pains you? Wait, what are you saying, sir?

Sanderson: There's no point in beating around the bush, I guess. You're a qualified individual – very qualified, in fact, for this job.

Jack: Is there a problem, sir?

Sanderson: Yes, Mr. Davis, I'm afraid there is a problem. The problem is that because of a few things about which I can't go into detail right now, we've been put in sort of an awkward position.

Jack: Awkward position? How so?

[Light, "concerned" music begins.]

Sanderson: Well, like I said, I can't go into details right now. But the point of all this is that because of this position that we've been placed in for the time being, we cannot be hiring any new employees.

[Music begins to have sad tones as well.]

Jack: You…so you're saying…you can't hire me?

Sanderson: I'm afraid so. Like I said, though, you're a very qualified individual for the kind of work that we do around here. We just can't take you on right now. I'm sorry.

Jack: I see.

Sanderson: I realize you came all the way from – where was it, Texas? – just to meet with us. And I realize this has probably been a disappointment, but my company will be happy to reimburse you for all your traveling expenses. I'll let you go now. Just let us know much to reimburse you and we'll pay for the cost of your trip – within reason of course. But for now, you should probably go back to your wife in Texas and look for a job there. [Jack stands up to leave.] You, uh, you are married, right?

Jack: Yes, sir, I am.

Sanderson: Good. And once again, I'm sorry for the inconvenience. Maybe sometime in the future you'll get a call from us. Bye, now. Could you, uh, close the door on the way out?

Jack: Bye, sir.

[Jack leaves the office and closes the door behind him.]

Jack: (brief pause) What in the world just happened?

[Music takes over and brings us to second commercial break. Music is "worried."]

Scene Eight:

[Coming back from second commercial break, the music is dark. This scene takes place in Ahab and Jezebel's palace fortress at Jezreel. There is a violent thunderstorm raging outside.]

Jezebel: (angry) You let him do what!

Ahab: (nervous) Please lower your voice, my queen. You needn't trouble yourself. Everything is going to be alright now.

Jezebel: (angry) How can you say everything is going to be alright when you let that traitor kill of my prophets! I knew I should have accompanied you to the challenge! I should have known that you would go and fowl everything up!

Ahab: (still nervous and slightly confused) But Jezebel…if you had been there you would know. – There was nothing I could have done to stop him. It was the Lord's doing. – The fire fell from heaven and consumed Elijah's altar right before my very eyes! Even the stones and the water were gone!

Jezebel: (angry) You let that magician fool you!

Ahab: (confused) But Jezebel! Can't you hear the rain falling to the ground? Can't you hear the thunder? – And see the lightning?

Jezebel: (angry) Of course I can hear the rain! Baal has finally been set loose and has come to answer our prayers. – But you mock him! You allow that traitor Elijah to kill his prophets and then you come to me to tell me the good news! Has it escaped you that your behavior today is enough to provoke Baal to anger and cause him to again take away from us the rain that he has finally brought?

Ahab: (raising his voice) But Jezebel! Don't you see? It wasn't Baal. – It was the Lord! – And Elijah! Don't you remember that Elijah prayed earnestly that it would not rain? – And the Lord answered his prayer by not allowing it to rain at all for these past three and a half years? – But now Elijah has shown us that Baal – the god of rain and the harvest – has no power whatsoever over the weather and the fertility of our land! The Lord caused the heavens to shut up and not yield a drop of rain for three and a half years! – And it is the Lord Who has caused the rains to come back to us again! Just as it was the Lord Who caused Elijah's sacrifice to be consumed on the mountain by heavenly fire! – When your prophets were unable to get Baal to respond to anything they tried! Elijah was right when he mocked them by saying that Baal was probably on a trip or had fallen asleep!

Jezebel: (angry) Silence! Do you want the wrath of Baal to consume us even as we stand here? This rain is not a blessing, but a curse! Baal saw that you allowed that prophet to mock his name and he sent this storm to rage in your path!

Ahab: (interrupting out of disbelief) Oh…

Jezebel: (interrupting) I daresay you were nearly drowned on the way back to Jezreel.

Ahab: (cross) Oh nonsense.

Jezebel: (angry) And can you blame him? You let Elijah slip away after everything was over and all my prophets were dead!

Ahab: (Annoyed) I did no such thing! In fact, Elijah is here in Jezreel right now. He raced me on foot through the storm all the way back from the mountain.

Jezebel: (lighting up) You mean…you did bring Elijah back with you?

Ahab: (cross) He came willingly.

Jezebel: (slowly - pleased) I see. (beat) You may have just redeemed yourself, my husband.

Ahab: (cross) There was nothing to redeem. Now if you'll excuse me, I have a celebration to attend to for the return of the rain.

(Ahab walks away.)

Jezebel: (to herself - angry) There will be no celebration for me as long as that traitorous prophet is around. Do away with my prophets will you, Elijah? May the gods deal with me, be it ever so severely, if by this time tomorrow I do not make your life like that of one of them.

Scene Nine:

[The music is still worried. It quiets down and becomes a bit sad when Jack begins to speak. Jack is driving in his car.]

Jack: (talking to himself) I can't believe it. We travel all this way just to get turned down. What am I gonna tell Lucy? She was so excited about this. (deep sigh) Maybe it wasn't such a good idea for us to come back to Odyssey at all. How in the world are we supposed to pay all our bills if I don't have a job? Get a hold of yourself, Jack. I'm sure there's some other job you can find around here. Granted, it probably won't pay enough to get you through. (beat) There's Whit's End. I guess I'd better go and see what this surprise is that Lucy was telling me about. I just can't stand to break the news to her.

Scene Ten:

[Jack walks up the front steps of Whit's End. There are crickets chirping outside.]

Jack: Well, here goes nothing.

[Jack opens the front door and the bell rings as he walks in. Jack's footsteps are heard on the floor.]

Jack: (to himself) Where is everybody?

[Suddenly, Lucy, Whit, Bernard, Connie, Eugene and Wooton pop out of nowhere and shout surprise.]

Jack: (confused) What?

Lucy: (walking up to Jack) Are you surprised Jack?

Jack: Sort of. You did tell me there was going to be some sort of surprise, but I wasn't expecting anything like this. W…why?

Lucy: You deserve it, Jack.

Jack: Thank-you…but, no, I really don't…

Lucy: Sure you do.

Bernard: She's right, Jack. You've earned it.

Whit: Congratulations, Jack. We're really proud of you.

Connie: I really envy you, Jack. You've got so much going for you right now.

Wooton: Envy? Uh oh, I think that was one of the seven deadly dwarves.

Eugene: Dwarves? I think you mean sins.

Wooton: Oh, that's even worse.

Eugene: Have you been talking to Bethany Shepherd by any chance?

Wooton: Um…yes.

Eugene: I thought so.

Connie: Seriously, Jack. You've got your whole life ahead of you. You've got a college degree, you've got a beautiful wife…

Lucy: Thank-you very much.

Connie: …and on top of that you've got a great new job.

Jack: Yes, well…

Connie: You've got so much going for you. More than any of us have.

Eugene: I wouldn't take it that far. I happen to be content with my current position in life.

Connie: Oh, yeah, sure, Eugene. It looks like those fifty years of college served you really well.

Eugene: What? Fifty years! Please, Miss Kendall, curb your hyperbole.

Connie: Okay, fine. Take me for example. I haven't made it through college…I've been dumped by who knows how many guys…

Bernard: Any of those relationships you care to enlighten us about, Connie?

Connie: (beat – glares at Bernard) No. (beat) But really, I'm not complaining or anything, but you've really got it a lot better off than a lot of other people…and you've earned it. I mean…just look at me…

Wooton: Uh oh, here comes the dwarf again.

Eugene: Indeed.

Connie: I'll probably still be working at Whit's End at age forty.

Bernard: Which won't be too long from now actually…

Whit: Oh? I didn't realize working at Whit's End was such a bad thing.

Connie: Oh, you know what I mean.

(Whit chuckles)

Jack: Thanks, Connie. I'll…uh…I'll try to keep that in mind.

[Happy music begins.]

Bernard: So, are we gonna keep standing around talking all night, or are we gonna eat some cake?

Connie: Have at it, everyone!

Bernard: All right then.

Wooton: I want the big piece!

Bernard: That one's mine, Wooton. Hands off.

Wooton: Aw, man.

Eugene: Uh…did you make this cake, Miss Kendall?

Connie: No, why?

Eugene: Oh, merely wondering, merely wondering.

[Happy music takes over, but quickly becomes less happy and stops at the beginning of the next scene.]

Scene Eleven:

[Jack and Lucy are saying good-bye to the others as they get into their car. Crickets are chirping outside.]

Lucy: Bye, everyone. Thanks for the party.

[Inside the car: the doors close, the crickets stop chirping, Jack and Lucy put their seatbelts on, Jack puts the keys in the ignition, starts the car, and pulls away from the curb.]

Jack: Well, that was an enjoyable evening.

Lucy: Okay, Jack. Now that we're alone, tell me what's wrong.

Jack: What's wrong? What do you mean?

Lucy: You weren't yourself at the party. Maybe the others didn't notice, but I did.

Jack: Oh, well…you know…it's just…

Lucy: What is it, Jack?

[Calm music starts. It is sad.]

Jack: (long sigh) I didn't get the job.

Lucy: I thought that was what it was. What happened?

Jack: Well…Mr. Sanderson told me that I was qualified for the position, but that they woudn't be hiring me.

Lucy: Why?

Jack: I don't know. He said he couldn't get into details.

Lucy: Well, you should go back and demand an explanation.

Jack: Maybe, but I don't think it will do any good. He's not going to hire me.

Lucy: I see.

Jack: (sighs again) Well…I guess that about covers everything.

(Short pause.)

Lucy: I'm sorry about tonight.

Jack: Why?

Lucy: because you had to listen to everyone congratulate you. You should have told us.

Jack: I didn't see any point in that. No sense ruining everyone's good time.

Lucy: The party was for you though, not everybody else.

[Music becomes sadder.]

Jack: It was for everyone.

Lucy: No, it was for you.

Jack: It wasn't just for me.

Lucy: It was mostly for you.

Jack: Look, it doesn't really matter anymore.

Lucy: But it does.

Jack: No, it doesn't.

Lucy: Stop arguing with me.

Jack: I'm not.

Lucy: Yes, you… (long sigh) I'm sorry.

Jack: I'm sorry, too.

Lucy: You should tell them what happened.

Jack: Who? Mr. Whittaker and the others?

Lucy: yes.

[Music is still sad, but a "glimmer of hope" can be heard.]

Jack: I can't do that.

Lucy: Why not?

Jack: Not after tonight – not after they said all those nice things about me.

Lucy: You need to talk to them. They're your friends.

Jack: I know…but not yet. Let me look for another job first.

Lucy: (sighs) Okay.

[Sad music takes over and stops, ending the scene.]

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