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Ok everyone here is part 8 of the summer story.

Timing note> from what I gather from The head coach dinner, and the morning
mail that episode took place a week after Mary Pat Shelby So now the summer
story will take place between those episodes.

  Time 9:00 am

                     Parking garage

                     Dan and Jeremy arrive at the elevator the same time.


                 Dan> Morning Jeremy. You're here early.

                 Jeremy> Yeah, Isaac called last night. He said he wanted
to
      have
          a
             short
                 meeting first thing.

                 Dan>I heard,  Isaac called me too. How'd you sleep last
      night?


                 Jeremy> I've slept better. (Pause)
                 Actually, I didn't sleep at all.
                      Did you see the 2 am show?

                 Dan> Yeah, I saw it. I think that's what the meeting's
      about.
                 If I were Sally, I think I'd call in sick today.


                 Jeremy> I hear you

                     By this time they've arrived at the CSC
                     floor.

                 Dan leaves Jeremy at his desk and heads to his office.
There
          Dana
                 and
                     Casey are sprawled on opposite ends of the
          couch.


                     Dan> Well, good morning sleepy heads. How come I
wasn't
          invited
             to the
                 slumber party?


                 Dana> DAN! You're here early!

                 Dan> I am here early. I wasn't expecting to see this
though.
      I
          guess
             this is what I get for coming in
             unannounced.
                 And you both  laughed at Natalie. But now, now I can
          see her point so
             clearly.


                 Dana> Dan, we just fell asleep. We were here all night.

                 Casey> Why are you in so early? It's only (looks at
      watch.)...
          it's
             9:00
                 already! It feels like I just feel asleep.

                 Dan> Where does the time go? Is Isaac here? Oh wait, you
      guys
          were
             actually sleeping, unlike the rest of us who spent the night
          starring at the
             TV.




             Isaac> (walking in) Good morning. I trust you all got some
sleep
             last night.

                 Dan> Well Casey and Dana did.


                 Casey> Isaac, how's Natalie?

                 Isaac> Natalie's fine. I'm sure she didn't sleep well,
but
                 Esther cooked a big breakfast. She's already getting
busy.
      I'd
             like to have a
                 little meeting in the conference room.


                 Dana> When?

                 Isaac> Now. Round up Jeremy and Natalie. See if you can
                 find Kim and Elliott.

             Isaac leaves

                 Dana>(calling after him) Sure thing. (Dana  gets up
trying
          to
             follow Isaac and at the same time tripping over her own
feet.)
          Stupid
             shoes



                 Dan> Hey Case, here's some clothes. Sorry Dana, I didn't
             have anything in
                 your size.

                 Dana> You know what Dan? It's early. I slept on a coach
                 for like 4 hours, and we've got a big story. So, today,
why
          don't you
             just shut up?
                 OK


                 Dan> All day?

                 Dana> Why not?


                     Conference room

                 Isaac> Good morning everyone. Before I begin, it's
                 going to be very busy these next few days. I'm sure I
can
      trust
          you
             to keep
                 your heads in the game. Any calls from press should be
sent
      to
          JJ.


                 Dana> JJ?

                 Isaac> JJ started this mess and he can finish it. I
don't
      want this
         to go any farther than it already has. Unless  you
                 hear directly from me we do not mention Natalie's name
at
      all
          when
             reporting this.


                 Dana> When do we report this?

                 Isaac>I promised JJ last night it wouldn't be on top.
And it
          won't.
                      Make it after the second commercial. That's
      it.
                     Any press call, direct them to JJ.

                 Everyone> OK.

                     They get up

                     Isaac> Elliott? Kim? Natalie's gonna be busy today.
                 Help Dana. Jeremy get down to the court house there's
going
      to
          be a
             hearing
                 in a few hours.
                 I want to know what happens.


                 Jeremy> Sure.  No problem.


                 Isaac> Dana, Natalie, we have a meeting upstairs.
Natalie,
      my
          niece
             will
                 be down later to talk to you. We'll do it in my office.



                     Dana, Natalie and Isaac are standing outside Luther
      Sacks'
             office.
                 They are
                     waiting for Luther to call them in.

                     Jan> (Luther's secretary.) Isaac, Mr. Sacks would
like
      to
          speak
             to
                 you first. You can go on in.

                 Isaac> Thank you. (walks in the office)

                 Luther> Isaac, have a seat. We we need to talk.

                 Isaac> Yes, we do. Tell me you had nothing to do with
what
          happend
             last
                 night.


                 Luther> Isaac, calm down.

                 Isaac> I am calm

                 Luther> I asked JJ to ask Sally to do this for me. I'll
be
          honest.
                 Reports
                    were already circulating of a Natalie Rosen and you
          know
                 it. I wanted people to hear it from CSC first.
                     It happened to us. Not CNN, not ESPN and not Fox
Sports.
      If
             someone
                 else released her name CSC, West Coast Update
                     and Sports Night would be embarrassed beyond words.
             You know that. I know
                 that. We had to make
                     up for lost ground. We already cancelled the Chris
                 Patrick interview. How else were we going to
                   recover from that? And as I
                 remember Isaac, you're the managing editor for
                     Sports Night not West Coast Update.
             Now that West Coast Update has broken the story, the
networks
      are
          all over
             us.  Everyone,  will be watching Sports Night tonight.
          That'll give us an edge
             we've never had before, possibly bigger than Chris Patrick
last
          night.


             Isaac> It was my staffer, and my friend, whose life may
      be in danger
             because a
                 few
                     insomniacs were watching that show.

                     Luther> She also caused us to cancel an interview
that
      would
             have
                 brought
                     Sports Night into 4.5 million homes last night.

                     Isaac>  You're blaming her for this?

                     Luther> I'm not blaming her. I'm saying you and your
      staff
                 choose to go with your feelings rather than what
      would
             bring in the ratings.  And a maybe at a  first
                 place show that will work but not at
             third. Good day Isaac.


                     Isaac> So that's it? That's all we're getting:  "You
      guys screwed
         up and we had to fix it by letting the world know it was
Natalie."
      That's it?
         And where's JJ
          anyway? I remember asking him to be here.



         Luther> JJ doesn't listen to you.  He listens
          to me.
             Good day, Isaac.
                 I'm sorry about  Natalie. I know you will  make the
          right decision on continuing this story later on Sports Night.

                 Isaac> HMMFH (LEAVES)

                 OUTSIDE OFFICE

                     Isaac> Let's go

                     Dana> That's it. We don't go in?

                     Isaac> Nope.  Let's get back downstairs. Natalie,
                 Mary will be waiting.


                     Isaac's office

                     Mary and Natalie are there. They are just
                 fininshing up their meeting

                     Mary> I think I've got the information all set.
We've
      got
             a bail
                 hearing this
                     afternoon.  This should keep him locked up.

                     Natalie> Thanks for your help.

                     Mary> No problem. Just remember if you have any
      questions
          call
                 me and
                     ask.

                 Natalie> What's going to happen to him?

                     Mary> We'll take it one day at a time and see
          what happens. Until then just keep in touch with me.




                 Knock at door. Jeremy is standing there

                 Jeremy> Excuse me, Ms. Jaffe? The network is giving a
                 press briefing
                     downstairs. It's on TV.  You may want to see it.

hello everyone

Part 8 will be delayed for a few days untill we get the transcript of the
Head coach dinner and the morning mail. It should be sent withen the next
couple of days.

bye now

scott

here you all. in case you've forgotten whats happened heres part 7



The 23rd precinct


Reporter> This is Dwane Roberts outside New York's
23rd precinct,
where we are expecting a statement from the
New York  Police
spokesman regarding the arrest of football star Christian
Patrick. Patrick was taken into custody earlier this morning on charges of
sexual assault and sexual
harassment. Reports indicate that Patrick's victim was Natalie Hurley a
senior associate producer for the cable sports highlight program
Sports Night. Here comes the NYPD spokesperson, Lt. Rick Bigglesworth.


Lt. Bigglesworth> Good Morning. I
have a
      quick
          statement and
              will answer a few questions. This morning at
approximately
      2 am, the NYPD arrested Christian Patrick. Currently
Mr.
      Patrick is
          being held at the main precinct in Manhattan, awaiting a
formal
      hearing
          tommorow at 11:00 am. Mr. Patrick is held on charges of
sexual
      harassment,
          and assault. I will entertain only a few questions.

             <reporters begin shouting questions>

             Roberts> Lt. Bigglesworth, can you confirm that the
victim
             was Natalie Hurley, a Sports Night associate
producer?

              Lt. Bigglesworth> At this time the New York police
              department is not releasing the identity of the
victim.


                     Reporter 2> Lt. Bigglesworth, what
can you
      tell us
          about the
                  custodian who witnessed the attack?

                     Lt. Bigglesworth> We are still
looking for
      the
          maintance
              worker. For the sake of this investigation, we hope
he
      comes
          forward as soon as possible.

         Reporter 3> Mr. Bigglesworth, who is Natalie Rosen?

                     Mr. Bigglesworth> I'm sorry I can't
answer
      that at
          this
              time. That's all  for now.
     Thank you.
      We'll have a full briefing  at noon.  Good night.


                     CSC

                     Paul> That does it for the West
Coast update
          tonight. Be
              sure to tune in to CSC tomorrow at 10:00 am eastern
for the
      latest
          on
              the arrest of Christian  Patrick. Casey McCall and
Dan
      Rydell will
          rap up the days events at 11:00pm eastern on Sports Night.

                     Peter> You've been watching West
Coast
      update here
          on CSC
              goodnight.


                     Jim> And we're clear

                     Sally> Peter and Paul, can I see you
in the
          conference room?

                     Paul> Sure Sally, we'll be right
there.

                     Sally> Great show everyone. See you
      tommorow.

                     Sally gets up and walks to
conference room.

                     Paul and Peter are in there.


                     Peter> Sally, what's up?

                     Sally> I just want to thank you for
what you
      did.

                     Paul> No problem. Did Dana say
anything to
      you?

                     Sally> Yes. She was a little upset.
She'll
      get over
          it. (to
              herself)  I hope Casey isn't mad at me.

                     Paul> What was that?

                     Sally> Oh nothing. You guys can
leave I'll
      see you
          tommorow.

             Peter> Ok. Good night Sally.

                     Sally> Good night. (they all leave,
sally
      leaves the
          floor
              quickly with out being spotted by Dana.

                     Upstairs at CSC, in JJ's office

                     JJ> (on phone Listening to person on
other
      end) Yes
          Mr.
              Sacks, Sally did wonderfully.(Listens) Isaac has
not called
      yet. I
          am waiting for his call. (Listens) Alright, then
I'll see
      you tommorow at
          the press conference. (Listens) Good night.
(hangs up
      phone)

                     Phone rings again

                     JJ> Hello.This is JJ.

                     Isaac> JJ, good evening. How are
you?

                     JJ> Isaac.  Fine and you?


                     Isaac> Listen JJ, we both know what
this is
      about.
          Right now
                  Natalie  is sitting in my kitchen wondering
what's
      going to
                  happen when the press find who Patrick
      assaulted.
                  Unknown to her the press know it already.
And
                  do you know why they know?  Do you?  I'll
              tell you why, because you used this crisis to earn
a few
      more
          points in the ratings, and maybe bring your position at CSC
up a
      few notches.
          Well
              JJ, tomorrow morning first thing we're going to
Luther
                  Saks' office and you're going to tell him
          everything you did. You'll then apologize to Natalie.
Furthermore
      Sports
                     Night will not cover this story at
the top.
      JJ
          you'll be
              lucky if my staff even takes the time to think
about it.

JJ> Isaac, first, I don't take
orders from
      you.
          Second, I'm
                  pretty booked up this morning with the
press
      conference and
          all so maybe in the afternoon...

                     Isaac> I don't care. I'll be there
and I
      suggest you
          be
              there as well. While you're at it call
                  Sally over. She has a lot of explaining to
      do. Good night
          JJ.
                     (hangs up)


Isaac's house


Isaac gets up and goes into kitchen.


Natalie> Isaac, is everything ok?

Isaac> Natalie, (pause) West Coast
Update, released your
name. The press know it was from Sports
Night. They are probably staking out your apartment now.
I'm sorry.

Natalie> It was bound to happen
eventually.
      I just
          was
              hoping Sports Night would break it.

                     Knock at door

                     Ester> I'll get it.

                     Isaac> No, Ester, stay here in the
      kitchen I'll get it.

                     Isaac opens door.

                     Isaac> Yes? Can I help you?

                     Burdell> Yes. Mr. Jaffe, I'm George
P.
      Burdell of
          CNN. I was
                  wondering if you could comment on the
situation
      taking
          place with your senior associate producer, Natalie Hurley?

Isaac> I have no comment. I hear CSC
is
giving a briefing tomorrow morning, Why don't you talk to them. As a
matter of fact call this number. His name is JJ Anderson
and I'm sure he'll give you all the information you
need.

  Jeremy's apartment

              Jeremy is sitting at the computer, he has just
finished
      writing a
          letter.

Jeremy> (to himself) Dear Louise, It's late here in
New York: 3:00 am. I, along with the rest of the Sports Night
crew, am suffering from a bit of insomnia. I'm sure you'll know why by
the time you read this letter. Our senior associate producer,
Natalie Hurley was assaulted by Christian Patrick. Sports Night landed an
exclusive interview with Christian Patrick. Dana sent Natalie to prepare the
interview  (we call it in the business a "pre interview") at the
Meadowlands. While she was there he grabbed her wrist and tried to attack her.
She has a mark on her wrist, the size of a small bracelet. She should be okay
though.I don't know why he did what he did, but as you can guess I have a few
ideas in mind. Anyway, I just returned from taking her down to the police
station. It turns out that Isaac's niece is a detective at the police
department. They
issued a warrant for Patrick's arrest and took him into custody a short time
later. Natalie doesn't even appear shaken up about it. It seems  she wants to
forget it ever happened. Originally she was going to forget the whole thing
so Sports Night
could interview Patrick about Mary Pat Shelby. Who's Mary Pat Shelby? She was
Patrick's girlfriend who he threw down some stairs. He was convicted of
assault and was only fined a couple hundred thousand
dollars. Under the terms of the agreement for the interview, Sports Night
could not ask questions about Mary Pat Shelby.  After the assult, Natalie and
Dana
agreed to forget about Patrick's assault on her so that the guys could ask
about Shelby in the interview. She changed her mind at the last minute.
I tell you Lou, you should have seen Dana run through the newsroom changing
the begining of the show. With five minutes to air, she was racing around
like mad. We had to create a new intro and fill five minutes of dead air up.
We all worked so quickly to finish in time. It made me feel part of the real
Sports Night team. That's all for now.
I have to get ready to go to work, I think it's going to be a big day today.
Stay out of trouble Lou.
Love Jeremy
PS. When I was twelve why did you tie me to a tree? Just asking


Dan's Apartment.

Dan is watching CNN

His Cell Phone rings

Dan> Hello.

Isaac> Daniel, how are you?

Dan> I've been better, Isaac.  It's 3am and I'm not
one bit tired.


Isaac> How do you think I feel? What time are you
planning on going in tomorrow?

Dan> Around the same time, 10:30.


Isaac> I need you there a bit early. Say around
8:30.

Dan> Sure Isaac. I can't really sleep anyway.

Isaac>Thank you Daniel. Try to get some rest.  Are
the reporters still hanging around  your building?

Dan> Yep, they're still here. My landlady called
earlier. She said she's going to try to get them cleared out of the
lobby. Something about a fire hazard. I'll sneak out my fire escape.


Isaac>  See you in a few hours Dan


Dan> Good night Isaac

Isaac> Good night.


Mr. Bigglesworth(TM) is property of New Line
Cinema
I only used it because
     it has a nice ring to it. Also WNYX(TM) is property of the National
     Broadcasting Company (but I hate NBC) so sue me. (not
really though) Also
     the characters of Sports Night are
registered trademarks of ABC and the
     wonderfully talented Aaron Sorkin,. There now
I've covered my bases.

THe summer story will be back next week!!! Until then here the final part of
Space Case

This takes place in the Scott Universe occupied by me and a few others who
recently wanted to take part in my messed up dimension. The characters are
relative to Aaron Sorkin in name only

The plot in case you haven't been paying attention

     Dan, and Casey become celebrity astronauts. While on the mission
something
     goes terribly wrong and the space shuttle is taken off course. The
shuttle
     end up reaching Sally's home planet (it turns out she is an alien,
and what
     the heck so is JJ). Sally and JJ, are renegade aliens. Dan and Casey
go back
     to Earth to stop the evil duo before its to late.
LAST TIME


Dan> US?? That's cool. We're going into space?


Casey> (to dan) Oops sorry (to radio) Houston, we
have a problem.

Commander> Yep. We've lost guidance systems.
We're hurtling through space.

Shudder

Dan> What was that?


  Alien> About 12 years ago two of our people were removed from this planet.
They were very dangerous individuals who cannot be trusted. We tracked them
to planet Earth where they took jobs at your company.


Dan> It's JJ and Sally. I told you she was an alien.

Alien> Yes but watch out, like I said they're very dangerous You may return
back to your ship, tell no one of what happened here.

Casey> Sure thing (they return to ship)

Dan> Case this is so cool, we get to save the world!
  AND NOW THE CONCLUSION


Dan and Casey return to the space shuttle  to find the pilot and
crew
unconscious. An alien is piloting the shuttle.

Alien#2> Gentleman, we've placed a decoy of your ship in orbit around your
planet. We'll use our amnesia rays to erase the minds of your
crew. I suggest
you come up with a plan.

Dan> Ok. Case, I'll come up with a plan.

Casey> Why you?

Dan> Well, for one, your plans suck. Show up and see what happens? That'll
work. And for two, I've got highly developed covert ordnance tactics.

Casey> covert ordnance tactics?

Dan> YEP.

Casey> Where did you learn covert ordnance tactics?

Dan> Hiding from Rebecca, during the bomb scare.

Casey> That was like 10 years ago.

Dan> I know, back to the plan. We can get Sally cornered, just
bring up
Women's College Basketball. As for JJ we'll tell him there's an
emergency and
then get him from behind.

Casey> That's your plan?

Dan> Yep.

Casey> Your plan sucks.

BACK ON EARTH
THE SHUTTLE LANDS AND CASEY AND DAN HEAD BACK TO CSC, A PARTY IS IN PROGRESS

Rebecca> So how was it?

Dan> It was great. Now get out of my chair. I have a broadcast to
do.

Rebecca> But it was getting so comfortable.

Dan> I know. That's why I like it. So did you miss me?...

They continue talking as Sally walks up to Casey

Sally> Hey Casey, how was space?

Casey> Oh it was fine. Great time. Hey whats(what's) been happening with
women's NCAA
basketball?

Sally> Oh well... (Talks about it)

DAN COMES UP BEHIND SALLY
Dan> Hey Sally? You wanna know something? I was right all along
(ZAPS HER  WITH STUN RAY)

Sally> AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!

Gordon> Hey guys. How've you been?

Sally begins thrashing and pushes Gordon out a window.


JJ> What's going on?

Casey> Oh nothing.  (Zaps JJ with gun)

Interdimensional transporter opens up and JJ, and
Sally are taken into it. The transporter beeps and lights up the whole room.

Natalie> Hey look fireworks.

Jeremy> Inside too.

Dana> Ahh technology.

Casey> Niceplan.

Dan> Thanks.

THE END!!!

Review: Dan assists Casey to become "cool" again. Dan clears out all of his
music and stereo. While playing ball in Central Park, Casey breaks his leg.

     "How long are you in the cast?" Casey adjusted himself on the couch. "The
doctor said 6 weeks." Isaac and Dana look at each other, // What do we do
know?? // As if she knew what they were thinking, Natalie makes a suggestion.
"Well, we've got a new intern coming today, we can have her help Casey." Dana
spins around to Isaac, "We've got a new intern?" Isaac asked "Didn't you get
the memo? I signed off on her last month." Dana shook her head. Everyone
looks around, Isaac speaks, "Well lucky for us, Natalie can you handle that
for Dana?" Natalie nods. "Good, Everyone get back to work."
     That was the beginning of a wonderful day for Casey. After the "meeting",
Monica in wardrobe came up to decide what to do about Casey's pants. Dan had
made the suggestion that he do the show in his underwear. "Hey it worked
before." He mused. "Only if you do it with me." Casey countered. They both
knew that wasn't going to happen. With that problem solved, Casey slowly
maneuvered toward the studio. Dave, Will, and Chris were waiting to work on
making Casey comfortable during the broadcast. The three of them argued back
and forth until Dave came up with the solution, putting his foot on boxes in
the middle of the desk. The only thing was that Dan couldn't hit it during
the show.  They all knew that wasn't going to happen.
     At lunch time, Casey was sitting on the couch eating the sandwich Dan
brought to him and reviewing the notes for the show. Natalie knocked on the
door. "Casey, this is Lindsey O'Reilly. She'll been assisting you and Dan for
the next few months." Casey stretches out his hand. Lindsey reaches out and
sees the cast. "Oh are you OK - how does it feel?" Casey smiles, // "I've got
to thank Dan for this later" he thought. // "Itches like crazy." He watched
her for a few moments. She looked confident enough, but Casey had the real
test. Dan walked in at that moment taking off his jacket. Not noticing the
newcomer, Dan sat at the desk. "You owe me big time Casey."
     "Next time don't foul me and I'll take my own interviews. Besides you
owed me for Michelle Kwan." Dan shook out his wrist. "I'm sorry but an
attractive ice skater verses a 400 pound sumo wrestler? No contest -- you owe
me BIG!" Natalie and Lindsey stood back watching the interaction.  "Are they
always like this?" Lindsey whisper to Natalie. "Wait until an hour before
show time, that's an interesting site." They begin to giggle gently. This
caught Dan and Casey's attention. "Something funny ladies?" Natalie speaks
up, "Sorry, Dan - Let me introduce Lindsey O'Reilly. She'll be assisting
Casey and you for the next few months." Dan lays a charming smile on Lindsey.
"Mr. Rydell, it's a pleasure to me you." Dan shakes the out stretched
hand. Casey and Natalie snicker.
     Lindsey looks worried. Casey senses this and decides to spring the
"test". "Miss O'Reilly, I've got something for you. Dan and I have been
trying to get some information on the new offense for Notre Dame this season.
See what you can find out." Lindsey nodded slowly as she took the folder from
Casey. Dan looked stoneface as she left. He knew it was a lost cause. Each
new intern was put to that test and always came back four hours later with
nothing. Bob Davie was tight as a drum about his offensive plays. With this
new coordinator, it was a guarantee this intern wouldn't get the story.
     But one hour Lindsey comes back into their office. She tosses the folder
back at Casey and does a u-turn back out. Casey opens the folder. Inside he
finds a detailed outline of Notre Dame's offense. She had included many other
schools plays also. The phone rings and Dan answers it. "Is there anything
else you or Mr. McCall need?" Dan looked in stunned amazement at Lindsey on
the phone.
     Lindsey knew exactly why she had been given that assignment, it was a
test. "Lindsey!"
she heard Casey yell. She stood and straightened her skirt. "Yes Mr. McCall?"
He waved her to a chair. "Please, call me Casey. I'm very surprised  you were
able to get this information. No intern has ever been able to get anything
out of the Irish." Lindsey beamed. "I've got my sources."
     So that got Lindsey inside. She followed Casey from edit bays, to
research, to makeup. Dan was also impressed. They had gotten into several
discussions ranging from Dan's beloved Orioles to her equally beloved
Cardinals. "We've got the ‘Ironman'." Dan confidently stated. Lindsey
countered, "We've got Mark McGwire." Casey usually stepped in at that point
calling a draw.  Casey enjoyed this little "discussions". Lindsey normally
held her own, prodding Dan. In the broadcasts, Casey found Dan using some of
Lindsey's information and insights.

And now Scott presents Space Case part 2

NOTES FIRST

This takes place in the Scott Universe occupied by me and a few others who
recently wanted to take part in my messed up dimension. The characters are
relative to Aaron Sorkin in name only

I'm flying solo this week so forgive the mistakes

To the new members who joined recently I usually send a special Sports Night
summer story on Tuesdays but because I was away last week I haven't drafted
it and well this one is a break while I regroup and figure out how I'll
finish the story. If you want the first 7 parts or so, email me
Scott51882@... and I'll send them out.
The story will continue two weeks from this Tuesday, August 10th

The plot in case you haven't been paying attention

     Dan, and Casey become celebrity astronauts. While on the mission
something
     goes terribly wrong and the space shuttle is taken off course. The
shuttle
     end up reaching Sally's home planet (it turns out she is an alien,
and what
     the heck so is JJ). Sally and JJ, are renegade aliens. Dan and Casey
go back
     to Earth to stop the evil duo before its to late.

Now on to the story

Flashback
Announcer (the announcer will be played by the guy who used to announce the
Batman TV series in the 60's) When we last left the Dynamic duo:

Isaac> No, Dan, I'm not firing you. Here I have a letter
addressed to me, from NASA. It says that the two of you have been selected to
attend NASA training camp and go on a mission in orbit.

Dan> US?? That's cool. We're going into space?


Bobbie> This is Bobbie Bernstein along side Rebecca
Wells. We're minutes away from the launch of the space shuttle Endeavor.

Rebecca> I'm sure your all saying this launch has nothing
to do with sports. But it does. On that shuttle behind me are the anchors of
Sports Night Dan Rydell and Casey McCall.

Announcer> Shuttle liftoff in 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1


Dan> Ya know Case, in space no one can hear you scream.

Casey>Danny, shutup.

Dan> Houston-

(Casey pushes dan out of way)

Casey> (to dan) Oops sorry (to radio) Houston, we
have a problem.

Commander> Yep. We've lost guidance systems.
We're hurtling through space.

Shudder

Dan> What was that?

Casey> It sounds like we were just picked up by something.

Commander> You guys better take a look out the window


Announcer> Will Casey and Dan escape the clutches of what ever has taken hold
of them? Tune in NEXT.


NOW WE BEGIN

Casey> Uh Bill, what it that?

Bill> I think its a space ship

Dan> Is it friendly?

Bill> Friendly? It just picked us up. Is that friendly? (to radio) Mission
Control, this is Endeavor we are declaring an emergency. Someone or something
has picked us up. Mission Control do you copy?

Nothing is heard on the radio

Casey> We're moving.

Dan> Yeah, we're moving awfully fast too.

(They all pass out)

Casey and Dan wake up in a large hall with an equally large door.

Dan> What happened?

Casey> I don't know but I don't think we're in Kansas anymore.

The door opens

A human like figure walks in

Alien> Mr. Rydell, Mr. McCall I'm sorry to bring you here under these
circumstances, but we have a dire emergency. About 12 years ago two of our
people were removed from this planet. They were very dangerous individuals
who cannot be trusted. We tracked them to planet Earth where they took jobs
at your company.

Dan> CSC

Alien> Yes. One of them managed to obtain a high level position at CSC, and
the other a job at (look at folder) West Coast update. Here are there photos
(shows photos)

Casey> Dan. Oh my god-

Dan> It's JJ and Sally. I told you she was an alien.

Alien> Gentleman, these are two dangerous individuals, we need your help in
getting them. We've sent operatives in to get them but theve've just been
captured, One of the even met you a few years ago. I believe you offered him
a sandwich.

Dan> The homeless guy?

Alien> Yes, that was Sork one of our top agents.  We need your help.

Casey> You got it what can we do.

Alien> Use these stun rays to incapacitate them. They will revert to their
natural form, and then we will be able to recall them using our multi
dimensional transporter.

Dan> Is that it.

Alien> Yes but watch out, like I said they're very dangerous You may return
back to your ship, tell no one of what happened here.

Casey> Sure thing (they return to ship)

Dan> Case this is so cool, we get to save the world!

TO BE CONTINUED NEXT WEEK!!!

Scott

Hello all!

the people who have sent fan fic tp the list in the past week could you
please repost it. The list moderator accidently deleted it, and didn't get a
chance to read it.

Thank you

scott
THe list moderator
who was a little to delete key happy

All standard disclaimers apply: "Sports Night" characters belong to the
talented Aaron Sorkin.  No infringement is intended, I'm not getting any
money for this story: don't sue!

Summary: Casey looks back as Dan helps him become "cool".
Story spoilers -  "the Apology"


Music lessons

Sports Night Newsroom - New York 1999

	 Casey was sitting with his back to the newsroom when Dana walked in.
"Yes, I know I promised that I'd do the article this year Matt. I haven't
forgotten, in fact I've got it almost done. (Pause) Have I ever let you down?
Ok- don't answer that." Dana took a seat on the couch and waited. When Casey
got off the phone, he smiled at Dana. "What can I do for you this fine
morning?"
	 Dana was caught off guard by Casey's good mood. "I need to outline
for the College Football Preseason Special." Casey digs into a drawer. He
pulls out a file and hands it to Dana. She flips though it. "Excellent -
We'll get Callie and Katie to work pulling out the film."
	 Casey turns back to the computer. He pulled up a file and opened it.
Reviewing the article - he printed it. Grabbing it from the printer, he left
to find Dan. Casey walked through the newsroom to the edit bay. He walked in,
"Hey Dan, Take a look at this." Casey and Dan worked well this way, feeding
off each others critiques.  He handed it over. Dan put down his pencil and
stopped the tape. Casey watched patiently as Dan walked. A minute later Dan
says, "Looks good, This for Matt at USA Today?" Casey nodded. He handed the
sheets back to Casey, "We're still on for this weekend right?" Casey sighed.
"Yes I'll be waiting for you." Casey walked out to fax off the article to his
friend Matt.

Casey's Apartment - New York 1999

	 Casey is not a person to become frustrated easily. Dan was a master
at it. Dan was late to help Casey clean out some old "junk" as Dan called it.
The ladies at Salvation Army were going to be happy to see him. He had been
"spring cleaning". He came across a box marked "Casey's stuff". He began to
open the box, but there was noise in the living room. Dan was here, let the
fun being! He pushed it far under his bed.
	 Dan had agreed, somewhat reluctantly to help Casey clean up his
"uncool image",  after the Esquire article. Casey's image was now a group
project.  Dan enlisted  Monica and the wardrobe crew and Allison and the
makeup crew to help Casey's outer appearance. This weekend project, Casey's
Music Library. Dan took all of his cassettes and records and put them in a
box. The shelves next to his stereo were so bear. Without a word, Dan walked
down to Casey's car. After pulling out takeout bags and paper cups, Dan found
what he was looking for - "Time/Life Sounds of the Seventies". He walked over
to were Casey was standing and put the tape on a concrete trash can. Stepping
out of the way, Dan handed Casey the hammer he brought. He motioned to him.
Reluctantly Casey swung the hammer. Dan waved goodbye as tape parts flew.

	 "Now don't you feel better?" Dan asked as they walked into Casey's
building.  "Actually – No. What am I suppose to listen to now?" Casey
brooded.  "That's easy, but first we have to find a museum for that  antique
stereo of yours." Dan announced.

Sports Night Newsroom - Monday morning

	 Dan held the elevator for Casey as they reached work. "I don't know
how else I can say it Casey, I'm so sorry." Casey moved slowly with the
crutches, his right foot in a cast. Everyone just stared. "I'm not that
steady gang, can we make a path?" Like Moses parting the Red Sea, Casey made
his way to the promise land - his office couch.  Dan trailed behind his head
down. It took less than 2 minutes and Isaac, Dana, Natalie and Jeremy were in
the office.
	 "What happened Casey?" Dana exclaimed as she sat next to him. Casey
waved toward Dan sulking in one corner, hoping that he would be noticed. No
such luck. Everyone of them turned and looked at Dan. "Well?"
	 "We were walking in Central Park on Sunday and saw some people
playing Basketball. So we joined in." Casey cut in, "and Dennis Rodman here
fouled me hard." Natalie hit Dan in shoulder. "Hey wait a minute, I was
pushed. I landed on top of Casey. Lucky for us the guys we were playing with
were all doctors." Dan hoped it would help, but it didn't. Dana carefully
lifted his foot a put a pillow under it. Casey was going to milk this "cast
thing" for everything he could.

Casey's Collossal College Blunder

In the stacks of the new library at Stanford, circa Spring 1986 (I don't know if
this is where they went to college, but I like the Cardinal.  Casey is feeling a
bit deserted lately, and Dana is holding things back)

Casey: 	 So, what are we doing tonight?
Dana: 	 Well, I kind of have to write an English paper for English Lit next
Wednesday.  And I've got to get started on that book for French. And you know
exams start the following week.  I thought maybe I would sort of stay in.
Casey: 	 Last time we stayed in you fell asleep on your desk.
Dana:  I wasn't asleep.  I was resting.  I heard you leave.
Casey: 	 Why didn't you say something?
Dana: 	 (Shrugging.)  I thought you wanted to leave.
Casey: 	 Dana, what's wrong?
Dana: 	 Wrong?  There's nothing wrong.
Casey:  There is.
Dana:  There isn't.  Everything's perfectly fine. Really.
Casey (starting to whisper): Is it about Friday?
Dana: 	 No, Friday was fine.
Casey:  No, Friday was not fine.  You cried.
Dana:  Oh, that.  Well, I always cry when . . . well, what I mean is . . . it
wasn't that big a deal . . . (Casey looks dejected) . . . no that's not what I
meant.  What I meant was (taking a deep breath) . . . last Friday was fine.
Casey:  Dana, I'm sorry.  I was an ass.  I didn't handle it very well. I mean,
for God's sake, I made a jerk out of myself. (Casey's voice is rising, and he
realizes he's starting to rant.) What I mean is . . . just have to tell me what
you want to do and what’s going on.
Dana: 	 (Dana is getting a little misty again.)  That's fine.  That’s great. 
Wow, look at the time.  I've got dinner at the house.  I'll talk to you later. 
(Dana hurries away with her books.  Casey watches her go.)

Days later:
Casey:  Hi, is Dana there?
Lisa:  	 No, she's not.  Can I take a message?
Casey:   Lisa, tell her I called, will you?  . . . And tell her I'm gonna' keep
calling until I get to talk to her.
Lisa:  	 Sure, Casey.
(Casey hangs up his end, and we see Lisa and Dana in a room upstairs at a
sorority house.)
Lisa:  	 You can't avoid him, forever, Dana.
Dana:  	 Yes, I can. And, I will.
Lisa:  	 He's not Satan, Dana.  Just a red-blooded American male.  Besides, it's
going to happen sometime, and it might as well be Casey.
Dana:  	 How . . . poetic.
Lisa:  	 It's not, believe me.  I've got to head to class, so I'll see you
later.
(Lisa leaves the room, and Dana is left pondering what to do about Casey.)

After exams outside the front of the sorority house.
Dana:  See you soon, Lisa.  I’ll call before I drive out.
Lisa:  That’s great.  I can’t wait.  We’ll have a ball driving around this
summer.  Shoot, we can even stay in Lake Geneva for the summer, and visit
Chicago on weekends for the parties and bars.
Dana:  That sounds great.
Lisa:  Oh my god, Dana, there’s Casey. Quick, run upstairs.
Dana:  No, that’s okay (Lisa seems disappointed).
Casey:  Hi Dana.
Dana:  Hi Casey.  (Lisa stands there wondering what to do.  Dana and Casey both
look at her wondering what she’s going to do as well.)
Lisa:  Oh.  Well, I guess I better be going.  Have a great summer Casey.  See
you in a couple of weeks, Dana. (Casey and Dana watch Lisa go, both a little
uneasy for fear of starting a conversation)
Casey:  I was wondering if you had broken up with me? (Casey is obviously a
little shaken up.  Dana hesitates.)
Dana:  I don’t know Casey.
Casey:  It feels like you have.
Dana:  I don’t know Casey.
Casey:  Can I see you this summer?  (Dana looks like she’s about to leave. 
Casey tries to rush things . . . again.)  I mean . . . I could fly out, or we
could meet in Chicago, or whatever you want.
Dana:  I don’t know Casey. I’ve really gotta’ go.
Casey:  (As Dana walks up the stairs to her house.)  Okay, fine.  So don’t know.
But I’ll call you, and I’ll keep calling you until you talk to me.  Understand?

Fall, 1987 at Stanford.  Dana has been in France for her junior year, and Casey
and Dana meet again in the early fall of their senior year at a pub at the
Stanford Union.
Casey:  Hi.  Remember me.
Dana:  (Obviously a lot more confident and worldly, but nonetheless uneasy with
Casey.)  How could I forget.
Casey:  I actually thought it was fairly easy for you since you stopped writing
me back.
Dana:  (A little ashamed.) Did I?   I thought it was you who stopped writing me.
Casey:  Well, I did . . . after you didn’t write back.  How is Jean Claude by
the way?  (Casey is by now seething with jealousy.)
Dana:  We broke up when I left.
Casey:  So did you actually break up with him, or did you just start avoiding
him?
Dana:  (Deciding to change the subject, somewhat.)  So how long have you and
Lisa been going out?
Casey:  (Perfunctorily.)  Last Thanksgiving.
Dana:  So, right around my last letter to you about . . . Well, that’s great. 
That’s really great.  (Dana by now is a little jealous.  Neither of them is
hiding it very well.  Some things never change.  Lisa then arrives several
minutes behind Casey.)
Lisa:  Hi, Dana! (Lisa is obviously a little unbalanced by seeing Casey and Dana
together, but immediately puts her game face on.) Hi (to Casey).
Casey:  (Again, perfunctorily, but to Lisa.) Do you want a beer?
Lisa:  Sure.  (Casey walks away and leaves Lisa and Dana to talk.)  Oh my God,
are you sure you’re alright with this, Dana? (Lisa is a little insincere.)
Dana:  Yes, yes.  I’m sure.  Actually, Casey seems like a completely different
person . . . and so am I.

October 1988 at the Chicago Regal Knickerbocker
Dana:  Oh, Lisa, you look spectacular.
Lisa;  So do you darling.  I think I chose the wrong color for the bridesmaids,
as you seem to be getting all the attention.
Dana:  (Dana realizes Lisa has seen Casey’s forlorn sidelong glances at Dana, as
has Dana.) No really, all eyes are on you.  You are stunning.
Lisa:  Whatever.  I’m going to the ladies room to freshen up before the toasts
start.  (Lisa is starting to become more and more annoyed with Dana.  Casey sees
Dana alone by the wedding cake, and saunters over after so many beers.)
Casey:  Hi, remember me.
Dana:  How could I forget.  (Trying to be light.)  You’re the guy in mourning. 
Wait . . . I meant in the mourning suit.
Casey:  Whatever.  Where’d you go?
Dana:  What do you mean?  That’s not important.  Why is that important?
Casey:  Because I don’t know where you went.
Dana:  I left.
Casey:  (Pregnantly)  Again.
Dana:  (Starting to whisper) Oh, can youjust leave me alone.
Casey:  I come over to have a heart to heart with you, just a talk, and you
won’t answer the door.  In the words of Yogi Berra, it was déjà vu all over
again.  (Casey is starting to see some cruel humour in how history repeats
itself.)
Dana:  Lower your voice Casey.
Casey:  I will not.  I’ve got something to say and you’re gonna’ hear it!  (Dana
steels herself for a scene.  Casey sees the same look on her face he had seen
two years before on that fateful Friday night.  Casey cuts himself short and
gushes.)  You look beautiful.  (Dana is a bit stunned as Casey walks away.)

Fall 1995.  Lisa and Casey are arguing in the kitchen of their huge house
outside Dallas.
Lisa:  I cannot for the life of me understand what you see in this job.
Casey:  I like it (Reading the paper and somewhat ignoring her).
Lisa:  It’s not even a real job.  Basically you read statistics and try to make
them sound interesting.
Casey:  It is interesting, especially the way I do it, and I like it.
Lisa:  I think you like it because you get to spend so much time with Dana. 
She’s the real reason you took the job isn’t it?
Casey:  I do get to spend time with Dana because she’s my producer.  But I also
spend time with Dan, Mike, Jake, D.J., Stephanie, and Mattie, to name but a few.
Lisa:  You know what?  I am a little tired of hearing about Dana.  Dana this and
Dana that.  Dana won an award.  Dana’s going to New York to accept another
award.  Dana’s landed a great interview.  Dana walks on water.  (Pause) You
never talk about Dana seeing anyone though.  Are you two dating?  Or are you
jealous?  Because it seems to me when Dana is dating someone, you don’t talk
about her.  But when she’s not, you talk about her all the time.  Why is that?
Casey:  No.  Dana and I are not dating.
Lisa:  So you’re jealous.
Casey:  Maybe tomorrow morning you could pick a different topic to rail at me
about.
Lisa:  Maybe tomorrow morning you could pretend you’re my husband.
Casey:  Maybe tomorrow morning I won’t be your husband.
Lisa:  That can be arranged.
Casey:  Fine.
Lisa:  Like you’ve got the nerve.  Of course, if you had any nerve in the first
place we’d be in New York right now.
Casey:  Oh joy.  To be arguing in New York instead of Dallas.  On that note.
(Casey heads for work as Lisa stares daggers into his back.)  (Yelling in the
background) C’mon Charlie  . . . time to head to school.

Dana’s little secret.

At Dana’s last family dinner over the Labor Day weekend, 1984, before she heads
to Stanford the following day.  Dana is being feted by her family of six
brothers, four older, two younger than she (David, Jr., Will, Charles, Joe, John
Spencer, and Eric, in that order), and her mom and dad (David, Sr. and Lena). 
David, Sr. is a lean, handsome man, and looks like he might have played some
college hoops.  He is also dean of the engineering school at Iowa State
University, Ames, IA.  Lena is, of course, beautiful, well-read, and always at
ease in social situations.  Lena unintentionally, but invariably, makes Dana
uneasy as Lena feels Dana should be a reflection of herself, instead of her own
person.

David, Sr.: Amen.
John Spencer: Hey, Dad, pass the potatoes.
Eric: Hey, save some for the rest of us, lardo. (Dana giggles and her mother
glances at her sharply).
David, Jr.: So Dana, you excited?  Your roommate looked pretty hot in the
picture she sent.
Dana:  Oh, sure.  (Dana giggles again, though this time uneasily.)
(The room goes silent.)
Lena:  Oh, Dana.  (Lena is exasperated with Dana’s ambivalence about school) 
I’m sure Lisa’s a perfectly wonderful girl.  Her mother sent the most delightful
letter.  You’ll be fine.
Will:  So whadda you gonna study, Dana?
Charles, Joe, Spencer, and Eric (raucously, in unison): Boys! Boys . . .
Boys!@#$
(David, Sr. now gives the boys a stern look).
David, Sr.: Whatever you study, Dana, I’m sure you’ll do great.  Won’t she dear?
Lena:  Of course she will.  She takes after me. And she will meet someone just
like you.
(Dana continues eating without saying anything.)
David, Sr.: You can come home any weekend you like, sweetheart.  Or go to San
Francisco to visit your Aunt Lois . . . she’d love to have you.
Dana:  I think I’ll be too busy, Dad.
David, Sr.: Whatever you think is best, sweetheart.
David, Jr.: Watch out for yourself at the fraternity parties, Dana . . . those
guys are only after one thing.  (He winks at her.)
Dana:  I thought you were in a fraternity.
David, Jr.: Myself and a few other guys were the exceptions to the slovenly
rule.
Dana:  Or just slovenly.  (Dana gets a big laugh from the rest of her brothers.)
Perhaps that’s why you were the exception.
Will:  I think Dana can fend for herself, Dave.  So Dana, who do you like in the
U.S. Open.  Connors or McEnroe.
Dana:  McEnroe.  Though it ought to be a great match.
David, Sr.: I don’t suppose I can get one last set in before you go tomorrow,
huh.
Dana:  Sure, Dad . . . but just one.  I want to be on the road by noon.

Two days later outside of a dorm room that is obviously much too small.
Dana:  Oh, my god, Lisa, what am I going to do with all my sweaters.
Lisa:  This is Palo Alto, California, Dana.  You can’t possibly use half those
sweaters.
Dana:  I should take them back home.
Lisa:  You should’ve never brought them.  Leave them in the boxes and you can
take them to San Francisco and leave them at your aunt’s.  We’ll stay at my
house over the weekend.
Dana:  That’d be great. My mom was helping me pack.  I was so frustrated by the
time we got done, I could’ve screamed.
Lisa:  Okay . . . what next before we go to the pub.  I met these guys who are
playing there tonight.
Dana:  I’m so exhausted.  How can you even think about going out!
Lisa:  Easy.  I just did.
Dana:  I think I’m ready.  How do I look?
Lisa:  How did you get so damn skinny?  You make me sick.  Lose the Iowa State
sweatshirt.
Dana:  I’m not skinny . . . it’s way too muscular. Just ask my mom.
Lisa:  Let’s go, before you barf up dinner.  (Lisa herds Dana out the door.)
Dana:  I’m not bulemic, for crying out loud!!!  You try keeping up with six guys
in tag football for ten years, and see what happens.  (We see Dana and Lisa’s
back as they walk down the hall.)

March, 1986 at the KZSU offices, where they are celebrating a Mardi Gras, Blues,
and Zydeco kickoff party at the student-run radio station.  Dana just became a
member of the sports staff, and now has a crush on the Assistant Sports Director
and second baseman for the Stanford JV baseball team, Charles Whitman McCall III
(“Casey”).  She wants to flirt, but assumes she will do this very badly, as she
has never had many opportunities to flirt being that she has spent the last 10
years at the Linden Hall School for Girls.  She goes to get a soda, and he
watches her across the room.  He arrives at the same time he does.
Casey:  Hi.
Dana:  Hi.
Casey:  Welcome to the Sports Team by the way.
Dana:  Thanks.
(Pause.)
Casey:  Great party, huh?
Dana:  Wonderful.
(Casey has by now noticed that Dana is incessantly placing her shoulder length
blond hair behind her ears.  Casey decides tries to put her at ease)
Casey:  Great sweatshirt.  The Cyclones are making the best of their bid to the
Big Dance, huh?
Dana:  Their backcourt doesn’t know the difference between a fast break and
breakfast.
Casey:  Whoa.
Dana:  What?
Casey:  I bet they go to the Sweet Sixteen.
Dana:  I bet they don’t.  My dad’s gonna’ kill me, but I bet they don’t.
(Dana has obviously warmed to the conversation.)
Casey:  He obviously frowns upon your gambling habit.
Dana:  Make all the fun you want, but there not gonna’ make it past the round of
32.
Casey:  A cheap dinner at the Union says they do.
Dana:  I’m not gonna’ take your money.
Casey:  It’s not money, it’s food.  Which you’re probably going to be needing
since you lose all your money gambling. I can see why your dad disapproves.
Dana:  He disapproves of the Cyclones’ back court, not my gambling habit.
Casey:  So you admit you have a gambling habit.  That’s the first step, ya know.
Dana:  I do not!
Casey:  There’s a gambler’s anonymous on campus.  I’m sure they’d be happy to
help. There’s a meeting tomorrow night.
Dana:  I’d miss the game and free dinner.
Casey:  You will not miss the game as you will be watching it with me at the
Union at 7:00 sharp.  Do not be late  . . . as I will only get up twenty or
thirty times to get you whatever you want.  I will, however, not be denied the
look on your face when you realize you owe me dinner at the best steakhouse in
town.
Dana:  If I’m buying it will be veggie burgers and o’ rings at the Union.
Casey:  I can’t believe you’re betting against your hometown heroes.
Dana:  How did you know that?
Casey:  You told me  . . .  during your interview. (Dana looks perplexed.)  Dana
Whitaker.   Five brothers, .
Dana:  Six.
Casey:  Six brothers, Dad played college hoops, kept up with all the sports you
and your brothers loved,  first girl to write about sports for Lindsay Hall..
Dana:  Linden Hall
Casey:  Linden Hall School for Girls Weekly.  Graduated with honors.  Five foot
five.  Blue eyes, blond hair.  Classy, impressive, . . . (Casey cuts himself
short as he realizes he’s revealing too much.)
Dana:  That’s very good.
Casey:  Thanks.   (Casey smiles that engaging, sincere smile).

9:30p the following night at the Union where Casey and Dana have just watched
the Iowa State Cyclones beat Michigan to move on to the Sweet Sixteen.
Casey:  Can I just say I told you so?
Dana:  No.
Casey:  I told you so.
Dana:  You can, but I will then spend the rest of the evening in the ladies
room, and you being a gentleman, will have to wait for me.
Casey:  Ouch.  You’re kind of a sore loser, huh?
Dana:  Painfully sore.
Casey:  Well then, I told you so.
Dana:  Ahem.  Excuse me, I have to go fix my makeup. (Dana gets up, but not
before Casey says . . .
Casey:  Whoa, whoa, whoa . . . you have no makeup on.  You look great just the
way you are.  (Pause.)  Besides, where’s my o’rings and veggie burger? (Dana
smiles appreciatively)
Dana:  Hi, I’m Dana, and I’ll be your waitress this evening.  One veggie burger
and double order of o’rings comin’ up.  (Casey laughs and smiles, and watches
Dana head for the counter to order.)

Midnight the same night Dana is getting back to her room as Lisa wakes up.
Lisa:  How was your date with Casey with the magical eyes.?
Dana:  It wasn’t a date.  He was fine.
Lisa:  Fine?  Just fine?  That’s what you always say, Dana.  I suggest you show
a little more enthusiasm if you wanna’ keep this one.  He’s loaded and his
family is very well-connected, ya’ know.
Dana:  Maybe I don’t want to keep any of them.  And no, I did not know.  How did
you?
Lisa:  I asked around.  Thank God I’m here.  Otherwise you’d be sleeping with
God knows who.
Dana:  I’m so tired, Lisa.  Can we just go to sleep instead of talking.
Lisa:  Dana, Dana, Dana.  You are so clueless sometimes.
Dana:  Tired and clueless.

The fateful Friday night, three months later.  Casey and Dana are in a
late-night heavy make-out session in Casey’s room.  Dana pulls away quickly, and
Casey groans.
Casey:  Not again.
Dana:  I’m just . . .  I’m just taking  . . . a breath . . . I’m just . . . I’m
just not ready for this, Casey.
Casey:  Ready for what?  This is not an exam that you have to prepare for Dana. 
I’m not gonna quiz you afterward.
Dana:  I know, I know.  It’s just . . . I don’t know.
Casey:  What’s the problem? (Casey is frustrated, obviously.)
Dana:  (Dana blurts out)  I thought it would be different . . . I thought it
would be romantic . . . I thought it would be breathtaking . . . I thought it
would be . . . in Paris, or something.
(Casey is obviously crushed his lovemaking abilities are being called into
question.)
Casey:  Fine.  (Casey is hurt.)  If you’re not ready because I’m not French or
Mel Gibson, fine.
Dana:  No, no . . . that’s not what I meant.
Casey:  (Casey raises his voice.) I know what you meant!  (He checks himself.) 
I’ll sleep on the couch.
Dana:  Casey, wait, listen to me . . . you don’t understand.
(Casey ignores her, throws a blanket over himself, and rolls away to face the
back of the couch.  Dana is hurt, too, and starts to cry.  Casey hears the
muffled weeping, but again, ignores her.)

Next day at lunch with Lisa.
Lisa: Well?
Dana: Well, what?
Lisa: Well, then what happened.
Dana: I fell asleep and snuck out at about 5:00 a.m.  I couldn’t walk home in
the dark.
Lisa: Ah, the walk of shame.
Dana: It was no walk of shame . . . we didn’t do anything but  . . . whatever.
Lisa: It still counts as a walk of shame.
Dana: Wonderful.  At least I have that under my chastity belt.
Lisa: Funny.  Do you think he’s already . . . you know.
Dana: No, that’s the point.  I don’t know.  I don’t know anything.  I don’t know
if I’m in love.  I don’t know if he’s THE ONE.  I don’t know what my Dad would
think of him.  I certainly don’t want to know if he’d get past my mother, let
alone my brothers.  I don’t know if he’s going to dump me afterwards, because I
don’t know what the hell I’m doing.  My mother would just love him.
Lisa: So don’t know.  But I thought your parents were very happily married after
25 some odd years.
Dana: What?  They are.
Lisa: So just do it and don’t know.  Take a calculated risk.  It’s really not
that big a deal.
Dana: You know what I think . . . you’re like that character in Fast Times at
Ridgemont High who wants everyone to think how knowledgeable she is . . . but
you know who ends up getting pregnant and unwed.  The clueless wonder over here,
me.
Lisa: Given that you are clueless, to just “do it and don’t know” would be
relatively easy, would it not?
Dana: It would . . . but I don’t know.

At the end of the summer of visiting Chicago with Lisa, avoiding and talking to
Casey every once in awhile, but mostly avoiding, Dana decides to spend the year
in France at the Universite de Sorbonnes.  Dana leisurely walks into the family
room where her dad is reviewing a research proposal.
David, Sr.: Dana.
Dana:  Dad.
David, Sr: How’s Casey?
Dana:  Why do you always ask about him?
David, Sr.: Because you always bring him up  . . . I thought I’d beat you to it.
He seems like a nice enough guy on the phone.
Dana:  You talked to him? (She seems excited).
David, Sr.: Yes, just today.  Have you told him about Sorbonnes.
Dana:  I’m going to  . . . but I don’t know.
David, Sr.: You should tell him, Dana.  He obviously cares a great deal.
Dana:  How do you know?
David, Sr.: I don’t know.  I just do.
Dana:  How do you do that?
David, Sr.: Do what?
Dana:  Know, but not know.
David, Sr.: Dana?
Dana:  I mean it, Dad . . . I have a zillion different things going through my
head not one of which duplicates any of the others.
David, Sr.: You take after your mother that way.
Dana:  I do not!
David, Sr.: Dana, no matter how much you try to deny it, you are a lot like your
mother.  You may not get along, but that’s a fact.  Maybe you’ll never get along
until you realize that.
Dana:  Whatever.
David, Sr.: Maybe Sorbonnes is not such a bad idea.  You could use some distance
. . . sometimes you just can’t see the forest for the trees.
Dana:  What is that supposed to mean?
David, Sr.: It means . . . take up photography.  Take a picture of your mother. 
Perhaps then you’ll see what you haven’t been able to see for so long.
Dana:  That was very profound for an engineer, Dad.
David, Sr.: Funny.

This story takes place in a fictional universe occupied only by me.The
charactors have connection only by name to the real universe.


	 Dan, and Casey become celebrity astronots. While on the mission
something
	 goes terribly wrong and the space shuttle is taken off course. The
shuttle
	 end up reaching Sally's home planet (it turns out she is an alien,
and what
	 the heck so is JJ.) Sally and JJ, are renegade aliens. Dan and Casey
go back
	 to Earth to stop the evil duo before its to late.


	 The year is 2010.

	 CSC headquarters

	 Isaac's office

	 Isaac, Dan, Casey and Dana are all in there.

	 Isaac> Dan and Casey, I'd like to make this as short as possible.

	 Dan> Are you firing us?

	 Isaac> No, Dan, I'm not firing you. Here I have a letter
addressed to me, from
	 NASA. It says that the two of you have been selected to attened
attend NASA training
	 camp and go on a mission in orbit.

	 Dan> US?? That's cool. We're going into space?

	 Isaac> Yep. NASA wants you at their training site as soon as
possible.

	 Casey> Wait a minute, what about the show?

	 Dana> Bobbie and Rebecca will take it.

	 Dan> Case, it looks like we have some competition with those two.

	 Casey> Are you sure Rebecca will handle it? She's
only been reporting for
	 us for a year. She barely has her journalism degree.
She's only been out of
	 school for 2 years.

	 Dan> HEY! That's my Rebecca your talking about. Of
course she'll handle it.

	 Isaac> Then it's settled. You'll leave first thing in the
morning. Good luck.

	 SIX MONTHS OF TRAINING PASS

	 The Sports Night staff has moved to Kennedy Space Center to cover the
launch live.
	 They're about to go live with a special report

	 Bobbie> This is Bobbie Bernstein along side Rebecca
Wells.We're minutes away
	 from the launch of the space shuttle Endeavor.

	 Rebecca> I'm sure your all saying this launch has nothing
to do with sports. But
	 it does. On that shuttle behind me are the anchors of Sports Night
Dan Rydell
	 and Casey McCall.

	 Announcer> Shuttle liftoff in 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1

	 (shuttle lifts off in loud noise)

	 Bobbie> And there they go, headed for a routine orbit for a
few days.
	 Reporting live from Kennedy Space Center I'm Bobbie
Berstein

	 rebbeca> And I'm Rebecca Wells, we'll be back
for Sports Night at 11 eastern.

	 IN SPACE

	 Dan> Ya know Case, in space no one can hear you scream.

	 Casey>Danny, shutup. And by the way, your rhyming is a little old.
You should move space to a new sentence

	 Dan> I was just letting you know.

	 Pilot> UH OH

	 Casey> What's "uh-oh"

	 Dan> I get to say it... don't I?

	 Pilot> Hold on. Hold on.

	 Dan> Listen Bill, you promised, If there was a problem I'd get to
say Houston, we have a problem.


	 Pilot> Hey, I don't know if we do yet.

	 Dan> Well, I'm going to wait by the radio.

	 Pilot> Oh yeah. That's a problem. Say it.

	 Dan> Houston, this is space shuttle come in.

	 Houstan>This is Mission Control go ahead

	 Dan> Houston-

	 (casey pushes dan out of way)
	 Casey> (to dan) Oops sorry (to radio) Houston, we
have a problem.

	 Dan> Also Casey's being mean to me.

	 Houstan> I need to talk to shuttle commander please, and Casey be
nice to Dan.

	 Commander> Yep. we've lost guidance systems.
We're hurtling through space.We
	 should be ok for a couple of days just send someone up.

	 Shudder

	 Dan> What was that?

	 Casey> It sounds like we were just picked up by something.

	 Commander> You guys better take a look out the window

	 TO BE CONTINUED



This story will be taking the place of my summer story for the next few
weeks. Stay tuned for part 8 of the story in a few weeks.

The 23rd precinct


Reporter> This is Dwane Roberts outside New York's
23rd precinct,
where we are expecting a statement from the
New York  Police
spokesman regarding the arrest of football star Christian
Patrick. Patrick was taken into custody earlier this morning on charges of
sexual assault and sexual
harassment. Reports indicate that Patrick's victim was Natalie Hurley a
senior associate producer for the cable sports highlight program
Sports Night. Here comes the NYPD spokesperson, Lt. Rick Bigglesworth.


Lt. Bigglesworth> Good Morning. I
have a
	  quick
	 	  statement and
	 	 	  will answer a few questions. This morning at
approximately
	  2 am, the NYPD arrested Christian Patrick. Currently
Mr.
	  Patrick is
	 	  being held at the main precinct in Manhattan, awaiting a
formal
	  hearing
	 	  tommorow at 11:00 am. Mr. Patrick is held on charges of
sexual
	  harassment,
	 	  and assault. I will entertain only a few questions.

	 	 	 <reporters begin shouting questions>

	 	 	 Roberts> Lt. Bigglesworth, can you confirm that the
victim
	 	 	 was Natalie Hurley, a Sports Night associate
producer?

	 	 	  Lt. Bigglesworth> At this time the New York police
	 	 	  department is not releasing the identity of the
victim.


	 	 	 	 	 Reporter 2> Lt. Bigglesworth, what
can you
	  tell us
	 	  about the
	 	 	 	  custodian who witnessed the attack?

	 	 	 	 	 Lt. Bigglesworth> We are still
looking for
	  the
	 	  maintance
	 	 	  worker. For the sake of this investigation, we hope
he
	  comes
	 	  forward as soon as possible.

	 	 Reporter 3> Mr. Bigglesworth, who is Natalie Rosen?

	 	 	 	 	 Mr. Bigglesworth> I'm sorry I can't
answer
	  that at
	 	  this
	 	 	  time. That's all  for now.
	 Thank you.
	  We'll have a full briefing  at noon.  Good night.


	 	 	 	 	 CSC

	 	 	 	 	 Paul> That does it for the West
Coast update
	 	  tonight. Be
	 	 	  sure to tune in to CSC tomorrow at 10:00 am eastern
for the
	  latest
	 	  on
	 	 	  the arrest of Christian  Patrick. Casey McCall and
Dan
	  Rydell will
	 	  rap up the days events at 11:00pm eastern on Sports Night.

	 	 	 	 	 Peter> You've been watching West
Coast
	  update here
	 	  on CSC
	 	 	  goodnight.


	 	 	 	 	 Jim> And we're clear

	 	 	 	 	 Sally> Peter and Paul, can I see you
in the
	 	  conference room?

	 	 	 	 	 Paul> Sure Sally, we'll be right
there.

	 	 	 	 	 Sally> Great show everyone. See you
	  tommorow.

	 	 	 	 	 Sally gets up and walks to
conference room.

	 	 	 	 	 Paul and Peter are in there.


	 	 	 	 	 Peter> Sally, what's up?

	 	 	 	 	 Sally> I just want to thank you for
what you
	  did.

	 	 	 	 	 Paul> No problem. Did Dana say
anything to
	  you?

	 	 	 	 	 Sally> Yes. She was a little upset.
She'll
	  get over
	 	  it. (to
	 	 	  herself)  I hope Casey isn't mad at me.

	 	 	 	 	 Paul> What was that?

	 	 	 	 	 Sally> Oh nothing. You guys can
leave I'll
	  see you
	 	  tommorow.

	 	 	 Peter> Ok. Good night Sally.

	 	 	 	 	 Sally> Good night. (they all leave,
sally
	  leaves the
	 	  floor
	 	 	  quickly with out being spotted by Dana.

	 	 	 	 	 Upstairs at CSC, in JJ's office

	 	 	 	 	 JJ> (on phone Listening to person on
other
	  end) Yes
	 	  Mr.
	 	 	  Sacks, Sally did wonderfully.(Listens) Isaac has
not called
	  yet. I
	 	  am waiting for his call. (Listens) Alright, then
I'll see
	  you tommorow at
	 	  the press conference. (Listens) Good night.
(hangs up
	  phone)

	 	 	 	 	 Phone rings again

	 	 	 	 	 JJ> Hello.This is JJ.

	 	 	 	 	 Isaac> JJ, good evening. How are
you?

	 	 	 	 	 JJ> Isaac.  Fine and you?


	 	 	 	 	 Isaac> Listen JJ, we both know what
this is
	  about.
	 	  Right now
	 	 	 	  Natalie  is sitting in my kitchen wondering
what's
	  going to
	 	 	 	  happen when the press find who Patrick
	  assaulted.
	 	 	 	  Unknown to her the press know it already.
And
	 	 	 	  do you know why they know?  Do you?  I'll
	 	 	  tell you why, because you used this crisis to earn
a few
	  more
	 	  points in the ratings, and maybe bring your position at CSC
up a
	  few notches.
	 	  Well
	 	 	  JJ, tomorrow morning first thing we're going to
Luther
	 	 	 	  Saks' office and you're going to tell him
	 	  everything you did. You'll then apologize to Natalie.
Furthermore
	  Sports
	 	 	 	 	 Night will not cover this story at
the top.
	  JJ
	 	  you'll be
	 	 	  lucky if my staff even takes the time to think
about it.

JJ> Isaac, first, I don't take
orders from
	  you.
	 	  Second, I'm
	 	 	 	  pretty booked up this morning with the
press
	  conference and
	 	  all so maybe in the afternoon...

	 	 	 	 	 Isaac> I don't care. I'll be there
and I
	  suggest you
	 	  be
	 	 	  there as well. While you're at it call
	 	 	 	  Sally over. She has a lot of explaining to
	  do. Good night
	 	  JJ.
	 	 	 	 	 (hangs up)


Isaac's house


Isaac gets up and goes into kitchen.


Natalie> Isaac, is everything ok?

Isaac> Natalie, (pause) West Coast
Update, released your
name. The press know it was from Sports
Night. They are probably staking out your apartment now.
I'm sorry.

Natalie> It was bound to happen
eventually.
	  I just
	 	  was
	 	 	  hoping Sports Night would break it.

	 	 	 	 	 Knock at door

	 	 	 	 	 Ester> I'll get it.

	 	 	 	 	 Isaac> No, Ester, stay here in the
	  kitchen I'll get it.

	 	 	 	 	 Isaac opens door.

	 	 	 	 	 Isaac> Yes? Can I help you?

	 	 	 	 	 Burdell> Yes. Mr. Jaffe, I'm George
P.
	  Burdell of
	 	  CNN. I was
	 	 	 	  wondering if you could comment on the
situation
	  taking
	 	  place with your senior associate producer, Natalie Hurley?

Isaac> I have no comment. I hear CSC
is
giving a briefing tomorrow morning, Why don't you talk to them. As a
matter of fact call this number. His name is JJ Anderson
and I'm sure he'll give you all the information you
need.

  Jeremy's apartment

	 	 	  Jeremy is sitting at the computer, he has just
finished
	  writing a
	 	  letter.

Jeremy> (to himself) Dear Louise, It's late here in
New York: 3:00 am. I, along with the rest of the Sports Night
crew, am suffering from a bit of insomnia. I'm sure you'll know why by
the time you read this letter. Our senior associate producer,
Natalie Hurley was assaulted by Christian Patrick. Sports Night landed an
exclusive interview with Christian Patrick. Dana sent Natalie to prepare the
interview  (we call it in the business a "pre interview") at the
Meadowlands. While she was there he grabbed her wrist and tried to attack her.
She has a mark on her wrist, the size of a small bracelet. She should be okay
though.I don't know why he did what he did, but as you can guess I have a few
ideas in mind. Anyway, I just returned from taking her down to the police
station. It turns out that Isaac's niece is a detective at the police
department. They
issued a warrant for Patrick's arrest and took him into custody a short time
later. Natalie doesn't even appear shaken up about it. It seems  she wants to
forget it ever happened. Originally she was going to forget the whole thing
so Sports Night
could interview Patrick about Mary Pat Shelby. Who's Mary Pat Shelby? She was
Patrick's girlfriend who he threw down some stairs. He was convicted of
assault and was only fined a couple hundred thousand
dollars. Under the terms of the agreement for the interview, Sports Night
could not ask questions about Mary Pat Shelby.  After the assult, Natalie and
Dana
agreed to forget about Patrick's assault on her so that the guys could ask
about Shelby in the interview. She changed her mind at the last minute.
I tell you Lou, you should have seen Dana run through the newsroom changing
the begining of the show. With five minutes to air, she was racing around
like mad. We had to create a new intro and fill five minutes of dead air up.
We all worked so quickly to finish in time. It made me feel part of the real
Sports Night team. That's all for now.
I have to get ready to go to work, I think it's going to be a big day today.
Stay out of trouble Lou.
Love Jeremy
PS. When I was twelve why did you tie me to a tree? Just asking


Dan's Apartment.

Dan is watching CNN

His Cell Phone rings

Dan> Hello.

Isaac> Daniel, how are you?

Dan> I've been better, Isaac.  It's 3am and I'm not
one bit tired.


Isaac> How do you think I feel? What time are you
planning on going in tomorrow?

Dan> Around the same time, 10:30.


Isaac> I need you there a bit early. Say around
8:30.

Dan> Sure Isaac. I can't really sleep anyway.

Isaac>Thank you Daniel. Try to get some rest.  Are
the reporters still hanging around  your building?

Dan> Yep, they're still here. My landlady called
earlier. She said she's going to try to get them cleared out of the
lobby. Something about a fire hazard. I'll sneak out my fire escape.


Isaac>  See you in a few hours Dan


Dan> Good night Isaac

Isaac> Good night.


Mr. Bigglesworth(TM) is property of New Line
Cinema
I only used it because
	 it has a nice ring to it. Also WNYX(TM) is property of the National
	 Broadcasting Company (but I hate NBC) so sue me. (not
really though) Also
	 the characters of Sports Night are
registered trademarks of ABC and the
	 wonderfully talented Aaron Sorkin,. There now
I've covered my bases.

Next week The sports night summer story will not be seen.

:(

But! before you start writing me death threats I am going to let you know I
am starting a special story

:)

That story will be two weeks. It will start Friday, and conclude two weeks
from Today (tuesday) This is to do circumstances beyond my controll. I hope
you all don't hate me to much! Sorry!!!

Send your special story ideas to scott51882@...
I have one in mind but if you guys have any funny ones let me know!

scott
Mr. List Owner
and don't you forget it

Ok - everyone, please disregared all parts of my recent story : "Music
Lessons".

I've begun a Major revamp of the story, starting from the beginning. I'll
repost it as soon as I can.

Caroline

Well I sure am glad to see that the interest in the story has grown so much!
If anyone has missed some of the story (and from the emails I've been getting
lately a few of you have!) I'll start posting the story again this week.
(think of it as a rerun!) Also in a few weeks I will be going away:( I may
write the story a head of time and have someone send it, or I may send a
special story.

Thats all for now. Any comments or suggestions can be sent to me Scott to
scott51882@...

bye for now

The list owner
Scott

Here is part 6


		 The reporter outside the station from part 5 is standing
outside the
	 station.
		 He is preparing to do a live broadcast.

		 Reporter> How long until we're on?

		 Camera man> 30 seconds.

		 Reporter takes one last look at notebook and report
given to him by officer.

		 Camera operator> Mr. Burdell? We're on in 10
seconds.

		 Reporter> Thank you.

		 Camera opperator> and in 5 4 3 2...

		 Reporter (George P. Burdell) This is George P. Burdell
outside the
	 23rd
		 precinct
		 in Manhatten. Reports have been coming from the Medowlands
all
		 night long accusing football great Christian Patrick of
sexual
	 assault.   These unconfirmed reports were substantiated by
a source in the New
	 York Police Deparment moments ago. Unnamed sources within in
the Department have told CNN that cable sports highlight program Sports Night
producer Natalie Rosen was
in fact assaulted by Patrick. We are expecting an official statement
from the NYPD any moment now. CNN will bring you the statement live.  For
now, in New York outside the 23rd precinct I'm George P. Burdell CNN, back to
you in the studio.

	 Camera Opperator> And we're clear.

	 Burdell>Good. Let's get to that guy's house.

	 Camera Operator> I've got my guy following him

	 Burdell>Excellent. Let's get out of here.


	 Isaac's car

	 they're pulling up to Jeremy's building


	 Jeremy> Thanks Isaac. I'll see you tomorrow

	 Natalie> Jeremy, thanks for coming with me.


	 Jeremy> No problem. Goodnight Natalie. (gets out)
	 Try and get some
		 sleep. See you tommorow.


	 Natalie> Ya, tommorow.


			 (they watch as Jeremy walks to building and goes
	 inside)
			 The car pulls away in silence. A report comes on the
Radio

	 Reporter> This just in to the WNYX newsroom. Football legend Chris
	 Patrick has just been taken into custody for charges that have not
been
	 released. The NYPD is expected to make a statement very shortly.
	 Unconfirmed reports circulating tonight, have linked Patrick to a
	 sexual assault made earlier today against a women from the
	 Continental Sports Channel sports highlight program
Sports
	 Night.   WNYX will follow this story and bring you more as it
develops. WNYX
	 news time: 2:09 am.


	 Natalie> Well it looks like they got him.

	 Isaac> Yes, they did. (Changes station) Let's find something a
little
	 more enjoyable.

	 Back at CSC

	 Paul> When we return from the this quick commercial, we'll
	 head out to Detroit where Red Wings have finally beaten
back the
	 advancing Bruins in triple over time with a score of 4-3.


	 Peter> You're watching West Coast Update here on
		 CSC and we'll be right back.

		 Jim> And we're clear. Back in 2 minutes.

		 Casey(coming into control room)> Dana?

		 Sally> How nice of you to join us Casey. I'd love to talk,
but as you
	 can see I'm in the middle of a show. Maybe afterwords you and I could
get together
	 and...
	 (I like this, a lot.)
		 Casey> Actually, I really need to see Dana right now.

		 Sally> Well then maybe another time


		 Casey> Dana? in my office?


		 Dana> Sure Casey. (eyeing Sally) In your office.


		 Dana and Casey leave and walk to Dan and Casey's office

		 Dana> What's going on Casey?  What's the big rush?


		 Casey> Watch this. (they look at monitor)

		 ON TV

		 Anchor Women> If you're just joining CNN, we're watching a
		 developing story out of New York where football player
Christian
	 Patrick has
		 just been
		 taken into custody. While the charges have yet to be
disclosed to
	 the media,
		 reports have
		 shown that Patrick has been accused of sexual
assault by
	 Sports
		 Night
		 associate producer Natalie Rosen...



		 Dana> Oh my god...

		 Anchor Women> The NYPD has not commented on the situation.
CNN will
	 continue
		 to follow this story as it develops.

		 Anchor Man> Turning to weather, the wintery mess continues
in the
	 Northeast, plus the Southwest warms up a bit...

		 Casey> Natalie Rosen?


		 Dana> Rosen is Natalie's mother's maiden name. She
		 must have used it in case something like this happened.
Apparently
	 the NYPD
		 isn't as secure as we'd like to believe.

		 Casey> So, now they know it's from Sports Night.


		 Dana> Maybe they'll look for a Natalie Rosen for a few hours
and
	 give us some
		 time to figure out what do to.
		 (Dan and Casey's phones begin to ring)


			 Dana (looks at Casey)Then again maybe not. (picks up
phone)
		 Sports Night.


		 Control Room

		 Sally> (to set) OK guys. Here we go. Are you all
		 set?

		 Peter > Yep. Are you sure you want to do this?


		 Sally> Yes.

		 Jim> and we're back in 5 4 3 2(...)

		 Paul> We'll bring you to the Red Wings-Bruins game in one
moment
		 but first we'd like to update you on a story we brought to
you at
	 the
		 beginning of our show.


		 Peter> It is now confirmed that football great and
	 convicted
		 felon Christian Patrick has been arrested by the
		 New York Police Department at his hotel.  Patrick will be
charged,
	 with sexual assault and sexual harassment against Sports Night
	 senior associate producer Natalie
Hurley according to unnamed sources. This
	 network, the Continental Sports Channel which
	 employs Ms. Hurly, will be holding a full press briefing at 10:00am.
The
	 briefing
	 will run
		 live here on CSC. Paul?

		 Paul> In Detroit a spectacular game...

		 Dan and Casey's office> (this is happening simultaneously w/
the
	 broadcast)

			 The phones are still ringing
			 Casey>(to phone) I'm sorry I can not comment at this
time.

			 Dana> (to phone) I am the exuctive(executive)
producer but
	 at this time I can
		 not give you any information regarding the situation.


		 (Monitors in newsroom are playing the show)

		 Peter>  ...against Sports Night Senior Associate Producer
Natalie
	 Hurley...

		 Dana> Can you hold on for a sec. Casey, did you hear that?


		 Casey> I think so. (they both hang up phones) Dana... don't
go.
		 I'll deal with Sally(.)


		 Dana> NO! This is my job.

		 Casey> She's in the middle of a show.


		 Dana> She has it coming. (walks out of room to control room)

		 Newsroom
		 Sally is entering newsroom


		 Dana> Sally. Shouldn't you be doing your show?


		 Sally> Dana, I know-


		 Dana> Sally, (angrilly)I don't really care. What do you
think you
	 were doing?


		 Sally> Dana. You're overreacting

		 Dana>(shouting now) I'M OVER REACTING? WHAT? YOU EXPLICITLY
TOLD ME
	 YOU WOULDN'T
		 REPORT NATALIE'S NAME. YOU SAID "OH DANA I WOULD NEVER DO
THAT NOT
	 NOT... AN HOUR AGO. AN HOUR AGO! AS A MATTER OF FACT IT WAS 26
MINUTES BEFORE
	 YOUR SHOW. I REMEMBER BECUASE YOU MADE IT A POINT TO CORRECT ME. AND
THEN
	 YOU DID THIS. YOU HAD THE NERVE TO GO BEHIND MY BACK AND DO THIS?
DO YOU
	 KNOW WHAT YOU'VE DONE? DO YOU KNOW WHAT YOU'VE DONE TO NATALIE?

	 Casey> Dana? Dan's on line 1. Ester is on line 2.


	 Dana> Thank you Casey. (to Sally) (still angry) This isn't over
Sally. You
	 better believe this isn't over. (walks to office.)



	 Dan and Casey's office

	 Dana> (picks up phone.) Ester what can I do for you?(listens)
	 Yes.
		 that was completely unauthorized by Isaac or me. (listens)
Alright.
	 Ester,
		 thank you
		 for calling. Have Isaac call me as soon as he gets in. Good
night.
	 (gets
		 second line) Dan? Sally did it. (Listens)  No, Isaac hasn't
called. (Listens)
		  OK. Danny go to sleep. We're going to need someone
		 fresh tommorow. good night Dan.

		 Dana> (tone of disbelief) Sally?


		 Casey> Dana, calm down.   The
reporters aren't going to stop calling and yelling at Sally isn't going to
make matters any better.  We've got to keep our heads in the game."
Issac will be callling soon. We'll see what he has to say and take
it from there.

	 Isaac and Natalie pull up to Isaac's home. They get out and walk to
	 the
		 front. (as they open the front door Ester is there to great
them.)

		 Ester> Isaac, I see you brought home another one of your
	 girlfriends!
		 (laughs) Ms. Hurley how are you?

		 Natalie> Please, call me Natalie. I hope I didn't put you
through to
		 much trouble. I know it's late.

		 Ester> Nonsense. Why don't you freshen up. The bathroom's
the
		 second door on your right, up those stairs.

		 Natalie> Thank you. (walks upstairs)

		 Ester (to Isaac)> You come with me. I  was taping your 2:00
show.
		 I know you like to watch it. I stopped it though. There's
something
		 you need to see.


		 Isaac> Is it what I think it is?


		 Ester> Probably. (presses play and sees the report)


		 Peter> It is now confirmed that football great and
	 convicted
		 felon Christian Patrick has been arrested by the
		 New York Police Department at his hotel.  Patrick will be
charged,
	 with sexual assault and sexual harassment against Sports Night
	 senior associate producer
Natalie Hurley according to unnamed sources. This
	 network, the Continental Sports Channel which
	 employs Ms. Hurly, will be holding a full press briefing at 10:00am
The
	 briefing
	 will run
		 live here on CSC. Paul?


		 Isaac> Oh crap. I mean really what does  Sally thinks she's
doing?
	 (pause) No... she wouldn't do this... not without some coaxing.
		 I've got  to call the studio.



			 Ester> I already did. Dana didn't sound very happy

		 Isaac> Ask Natalie to come to the kitchen, please. I'll
	 be right back.


		 Calls the studio

		 Isaac> (to himself) pick(Pick) up the phone. Pick it up.

		 (phone picks up)

		 The Voice of Himself> Hello, this is Sports Night
	 managing editor Isaac
		 Jaffe. I'm not in right now, but if you'll leave your name,
	 phone number and
		 a brief message I'll get back to you as soon as you can.
Thank you.

		 Isaac> Damn I've got to change that message. (Calls
		 another  number)


		 At Studio

		 Casey(his cell phone rings)> That's Isaac. (answers phone)
Isaac?



		 Isaac> Let me talk to Dana.



		 Dana> Isaac?



		 Isaac> What happened Dana? Was this Sally's doing? If I had
any shred
		 of respect for that womenit's gone now.

		 Dana> You can toss it out the window on top of mine. What do
we do
	 now?


		 Isaac> I don't know but I'm calling JJ. I have a feeling he
has
		 something to do with this. stay off the phones,
	 I don't want
	 those reporters digging up any more information. I'll call you
later. Try to
	 get some sleep.
			 Hangs up.

			 The end for now!



			 scott



Watch for some special announcements after this email

All standard disclaimers, so on and so forth......
Any feed back is welcome.  ~ Caroline

Music Lessons Part II

The next morning, Casey opened his eyes. The room was still dark, but he was
sure that he didn't recognize anything. He pushed back the covers and walked
to the door. Someone was humming. He walked into the kitchen to find Dana
busy around the table.

"It's not much, but it's healthy." She motioned him to a seat. In front of
him was a bowl of cereal and a banana. Some orange juice and coffee were off
to the side. "Looks good Dana, thanks. Can you answer a question?" Dana sat
and looked at him. "What happened last night?" Dana looked concerned. "I know
that I was in the hospital, but I don't know why."

"Casey, do you remember eating at all yesterday?" Casey thought, and then
shook his head no. "I don't remember eating the last couple of days."

"That explains it. You scared everyone to death Casey, don't do that again."
She tossed him a bag. "Dan brought these over for you. You can use the
shower. Dan said he'd be back in an hour to pick us up." Dana walked into her
bedroom.

It took Casey about ten minutes to shower and change. Dan was waiting in the
living room when Casey came out with his bag. "Feeling better?" Casey nods.
"Good, your ‘limo' awaits."

When they finally got to the office, everyone came up to Casey. "I'm fine
thanks for everyone's concern."  They quickly disbursed when Dan and Dana
walked into the newsroom. Dan followed Casey into their office, shutting the
door. "Are you really ok?" Casey nodded as he picked up the tape player. He
put the head phones on.

The song continued.

And how, how did I let her get away
Oh yeah, yeah, yeah
‘Cause love, love is so easy to feel
But the hardest thing to say....

The music droned on, Casey really wasn't playing any attention. His mind
wandered back to the first time he saw her.

They were walking into class, Casey and his roommate Mike, when someone in
front of them swore. When they reached the source, Casey smiled. She had
blonde hair cascading down her shoulders. It looked like someone had dumped
an entire soda on her. She stood there for a moment.

"Damn I'm going to miss my next class." She looked up to see an attractive
guy walking toward her.

"Can I help?" he asked.

"Not unless you've got a change of clothes with you. I smell like Mt Dew."

"I could loan you my sweater?" he said.

She looked at him surprised. She never dreamed that a guy like him would talk
to her.

"What's your name?"

She just stared. He asked again, "What's your name?"

"Dana, Dana Whitaker"

"Hello Dana, I'm Casey McCall." he handed over the sweater. She smiled and
headed for the nearest bathroom. She came out and Casey whistled.

"It looks much better on you than me."

"Thank you." They both headed into class.

After class ended, He tried to find her but had no luck. Mike walked up
behind him.

"Where's the sweater Lisa gave you?"

"Someone needed it."

Mike looks at his friend. He sees all the signs. "You'd better get it back
before Lisa finds out. You know how she gets."

Casey snaps back to reality. He's been dating Lisa for two months and he
loves her. But that was before he saw Dana.

In a message dated 6/30/1999 3:45:16 AM US Eastern Standard Time,
CSCNight@... writes:

<< Summary.....It's just basically the whole thing, like Dana and Casey
finally
  blow up at each other, but it ends like at the end....there's no kissing or
  anything like that.......anyways it's my first and probably last fan fiction
  story I will ever write, so be gentle in your critiques.......
   >>

You better write more! I loved it. I would have never thought to have Casey
say it on air - BRILLIANT!

Caroline
waiting for next story!

Okay this is my first time sending one out, so if I am doing this wrong,
don't hurt me

Disclaimer: Yes I know the characters belong to Aaron Sorkin, Imagine
Productions, ABC, yeah I know they don't belong to me, because if they
did---the Dana and Casey think---would have been resolved a long time
ago...yadda yadda yadda I don't want to be sued! (I don't have any money
anyways, all you would get is my collection of Sports Night tapes)

Summary.....It's just basically the whole thing, like Dana and Casey finally
blow up at each other, but it ends like at the end....there's no kissing or
anything like that.......anyways it's my first and probably last fan fiction
story I will ever write, so be gentle in your critiques.......


THREE MONTHS



C-Casey
D-Dan
DW-Dana
N-Natalie
J-Jeremy
I-Isaac
K-Kim
E-Elliot
C-Chris
W-Will
D-Dave



ANCHOR'S DESK
Casey and Dan going through scripts, getting ready for broadcast

C-Danny, let it go
D-Casey, all I'm saying is that is been three months
C-I know that
D- Three months
C-Thanks for sharing
D- One, two, three months
C-thanks, because I wasn't sure if I was capable of counting that high
D- Hey, I just wanted to remind you that Dana has been unattatched for three
months now
C-A task you have accomplished brilliantly by the way
D- So, if you want to make your move BEFORE the new millenium, I suggest you
start now
C- Actually, contrary to popular belief, the new millenium doesn't start
until 2001…it's just one of those things I know that everyone else doesn't
D- [looking incredibly annoyed] Whatever
C-I'll keep it in mind, thanks
E- 3, 2, 1
D- Hi, I'm Dan Rydell alongside Casey McCall, Those stories PLUS, an
undisputed miracle in the Big Apple….the Mets on a winning streak
C-You're watching Sports Night on CSC so stick around

FADE OUT

NEWS GATHERING AREA
Next Day
Dana going around to stations signing papers and looking through binders as
Natalie tags along

N-Dana, I need to talk to you
DW-What's the matter?
N-Huh?
DW- you said you NEEDED to talk to me-whats wrong?
N-nothings wrong
DW-it sounded like something was wrong
N-Dana, nothing is wrong
DW-then why do you need to talk to me?
N-Because it's been three months
DW-Since what?
N-since Gordon broke off your engagement
DW- (looking particularly confused) and you're reminding me of this because….?
N-Because you need to move on
DW-Move on? [laughs] I thought I HAD moved on
N- Find a new boyfriend
DW- Ah, a new boyfriend
N-I hear Casey is single
DW- [looking annoyed] <sigh> are we on this again?
N- on what again?
DW- The notion that I am in love with Casey
N-You're not in love with Casey
DW- [raising hands in praise] Thank You
N- You're secretly in love with Casey.
DW- [sighs and rolls eyes] I'm leaving
N- See, here's the good part….he's openly in love with you
DW- natalie, we've been through this…Casey only THINKS he's in love with me
because (BEAT) Why, did he say he was in love with me?
N- In so many words
DW- What words?
N- He said you were Smoky
DW-(contemplating for a second)  That's right
N- plus other things I know
DW- What things
N-Just other things he's told me
DW- this is obviously just a lie to get me to admit to you that I am in love
with Casey, which I'm not, so I am not going to play this game any
longer….I'm leaving
[Dana storms off……Natalie stays put……Dana comes back]
D-(curiously)  What things?

DAN AND CASEY'S OFFICE
Casey on computer…Dan laying on the couch

D- You know Michael Jordon?
C- Not personally
D- I know not personally, I was simply asking if you've heard of him
C- there's someone who HASN'T heard of him?
D- Not to my knowledge
C- then what are you talking about?
D- keep it up Casey, and you will never hear my story
C- Thank God
D- I heard that
C- I said it so you could hear it
D- Anyway, so you know Michael Jordon….
C- We've established that, yes
D- well does it seem odd  to you that he retires from a  sport that he is, I
don't know, The God Of, to play a sport that he basically sucks at, only to
return back 18 months later-only to retire again a few years later?
C- What?
D- I'm asking you if you think Michael Jordon is odd
C- Why?
D- Haven't you been listening?
C- No
D- I think he is odd
C- Why?
D- Because he retired
C- lots of people retire, Danny
D- Not Twice
[Natalie walks in]
N- Hey Dan, Casey
D&C- Hey Natalie
N- Casey, are you busy?
C- Suddenly, I'm not sure
N-I need to talk to you
C- About what?
N- Dana
C- Suddenly I'm busy
N- I'm serious
C- Me too
N- Dan-
D-I'm outa here
N- [sits down] You know it's been three months
C- you and Dan are talking way too much
N- Casey….Three months and she hasn't had a date…..three months…and you
haven't made a move yet…..when are you going to do something?
C- In another three months
N- Casey
C- I don't know…when the time is right…when I get a sign
N- a sign?
C- yes
N- what counts as a sign
C- Natalie
N- I'm serious-what counts as a sign
C- I don't know what counts as a sign
N- Make up something
C- Well Dana could come running into my arms telling me that she's been lying
about her feelings all this time, and that she is desperately in love with
me…..…that would definitely count
N- How about I just hit you over the head with a baseball bat? Would that
count?

ISAAC'S OFFICE
Isaac sitting at his desk writing…Dana walks in

DW-Hey Isaac
I-Dana
DW-[leaning in real close] Whatcha doin?
I- paperwork
DW- Lots of paperwork
I-lots of paperwork
DW- Oh,…..so I guess you're kinda busy?
I- Dana, what do you need
DW- Huh? I don't need anything
I-What's the problem?
DW-What problem?
I-Your problem
DW- I have many problems
I-DO you want to talk about it?
DW-No
I-Good
DW- You know why I don't want to talk about it?
I- No
DW- Cause its not a problem
I-Whats not a problem?
DW- You know?
I- What? That its been three months?
DW- Three months since what?
I-Since Gordon
DW- Is there some kind of office calendar or something?
I-Dana
DW- I don't want to talk about it
I-Okay
DW-(looking like she really wants to talk about it and she is about to burst)
I mean, I've like talked it to death with Natalie
I-That's good
DW- So I don't want to talk about it
I-That's great….now is it okay if I finish my work now?
DW- Oh, of course-Go ahead [starts to leave]
I-Oh, and Dana…
DW- [comes back] yeah?
I-sometimes, people deny things over and over until they almost believe it
themselves…but the only ones they are fooling ARE themselves
DW- [mock confusion] huh?
I-Goodbye Dana

CASEY AND DAN'S OFFICE
Natalie walks in again to find Casey still on his computer

N- Casey
C- Yeah?
N- what are you doing?
C- Whoa…Déjà vu
N- Why are you sitting here?
C- Because in a few hours, I am going on live to millions of people…..so I
found it the smart thing to do to work on my script for tonight's show
N- And THAT seems like the smart thing to do
C- It DID, yeah
[Dana walks in]
DW- Natalie, I need to talk to you
N-I'm busy
DW- No you're not
N- Why don't you talk to Casey?
DW- I don't want to talk to Casey…[looks at Casey] No offense
C- [sarcastically] Oh believe me....none taken
DW- what's that supposed to mean
C- It means nothing
DW- well why'd you say it like that?
C- Like what?
DW- Like that
C- I said [sarcastically] 'None Taken'
DW-Ah hah! Like that
C- Dana….you are crazy
[Natalie sneaks out]
DW- I'm not crazy….I'm just a little weird
C- Whatever works for you
DW- Whats your problem?
C- I don't have a problem
DW- YES,[laughs] you do
C- No I don't
DW- Yes you do
C- Where are we going with this
DW- Nowhere
C- Okay
DW- Okay, I'm going to find Natalie
C- Okay
DW- [hesitates] I'm going
C- That's fine
DW- I really am
C- By all means
[Dana leaves…but comes back in]
DW- Why are you mad at me?
C- I didn't say I was mad at you
DW- Because by any means, it should be ME being mad at YOU
C-And You've come the this conclusion, HOW?
DW-Because you slept with Sally
C-And YOU should be mad at ME? YOU were sleeping with Gordon
DW-Sally is after my job
C- So?
DW-[angrily] SO, sleeping with my enemy is even worse that marrying my best
friend!
C- (BEAT) Don't bring Lisa into this…that was a long time ago
DW-She was my friend Casey [Dana looks hurt…….silence….changes her tone into
mock calmness] Well I should go
C- [pleading] Dana…
DW-[trying to keep calm] no, Casey
C-I'm Sorry
DW- Yeah…well me too [hurried leaving….Casey watches her go]
[Dan walks in…sees Casey staring at Dana out the door]
D- What was that all about?
C- Huh? [Attention focuses] Oh….nothing

CONFERENCE ROOM
Dana walks in

DW- Okay people let's get this show on the road, let's get the ball moving,
let's get started--- Natalie~
N- Yo!
DW- what are we doing with the dead air in the four block?
N- we're adding something
DW- what?
N- We're not sure yet
D- how long is the dead air?
DW- [to Dan] 40 seconds……..[turns toward Jeremy] Jeremy-you got anything?
N- Today is his birthday
DW- [staring at Natalie says sarcastically] -Really? [turns to Jeremy who
just nods]……Natalie!
N- yo!
DW- something millions of sports fans would like to hear
C- [mockingly] Dan has an observation about Michael Jordon he might want to
share.
DW- That's wonderful. Elliot?
E- How about the miracle Mets.
D- we did them last night
E- they won again
D&C- wow.
N- do you think they have a chance at the playoffs?
E- [looks at her like she's an idiot] we're talking about the Mets.
DW- okay, well any other ideas?
E- what's wrong with the mets?
DW- other than the fact we already have highlights on the game? …..Dan,
Casey---anything?
C- I saw Dan and I do a follow up on our Holiday special
DW- Your holiday special?
D- Our holiday special
DW- I'm not deaf, I'm confused…..unconfuse me
C- For our Christmas show, we thanked the entire makeup, lighting, and
wardrobe crew.
DW- and you're going to thank them again?
D- no we're going to thank the people we forgot.
DW- who'd you forget?
D- You
C- Natalie
D- Jeremy
C- Kim
D- Elliot
C- Isaac
D- Will
C-Chris
D- Dave
[sally walks in unnannounced]
S- how's my favorite sports family?
D&C- [droning] Sally.
DW- Sally, is there something you need
S- Yes, I needed to pick something up from Casey
DW- You could have waited
S- I was bored………Casey?
[Casey hands Sally a set of keys]
S- thank you. Bye all! [Sally leaves as quickly as she arrived].
[ everyone looks at Casey, Dana looks particularly annoyed]
DW- [sternly] Casey, if you could please keep your personal life out of our
run downs, I'd really appreciate it.
C- [just as annoyed] No problem.
[Natalie looks back and forth between Dana and Casey]
DW- okay, so Dan, you think you guys can fill up forty seconds?
D- yep.
DW- good. This meeting is over, Dan and Casey will take care of our dead air,
good show everybody!

OUTSIDE OF CONFERENCE AREA
Dana in a hurry, walking, carrying papers….Natalie hurrying to catch up

N- Dana!
DW- Natalie, unless this is something about the show, I don't want to hear it
N- It is about the show
D- [stops to look at Natalie] This isn't about Casey?
N- No
DW- What's it about?
N- Okay, it's kind of about Casey.
DW- How much of it is about Casey?
N- all of it.
DW- [starts walking again] I don't want to hear about it
N- Well guess what?
DW- What?
N- I'm gonna tell you about it anyway.
DW- Not if I get a restraining order.
N- They're closed.
DW- Who's closed?
N- the police station.
DW- the police station?
N- yep.
DW- the police station doesn't close.
N- Right now, I am pretending that it does.
DW- Natalie,
N- [Cutting her off] Yo!
DW- [looks at her and stops]  whatever it is you want to say, you say it
fast, but I am telling you right now, I have heard all the stories, and I
choose not to believe them….you know why?
N- Why?
DW- Because I know Casey. I've known Casey for half of my life. Casey is
confused. Casey has tried this before, and CASEY is NOT in love with me…..He
is pretending he is so he won't feel lonely.
N- Dana, how do you know that?
DW- Because I do
N- No you don't
[Dana looks at her like she's at a dead end]
DW- [quietly] yes I do. [Dana walks away…Natalie watches her go].

DAN AND CASEY'S OFFICE

D- you ready?
C- ready? [looks nervous]
D- for our show, Casey
C- [sounding unsure] yeah of course
D- you okay there buddy?
C- yeah, I just got other things on my mind
D- Like what things?
C- Like things that don't concern you
D- Like Dana things.
C- (without looking up) Maybe.
D- Do you want to talk about it?
C- Nope. (getting up from the desk) because right now we got a show to do,
Danny.
D- You're in pre-show mode?
C- That's right partner.
D- I can handle that.
C- Great.
D- For I am Dan.
C- For you are.

CONTROL ROOM

DW- Yo! Jeremy!
J- Yo! You talk to Natalie too much.
DW- let me try this again--- Yo! Jeremy!
J-Yo! Dana!
DW- How did the Braves/Mets game go?
J- The Mets got their asses kicked.
DW- And there ends the Miracle Mets.
J- There it ends.
DW-Natalie-
N-(cutting her off) Yo!
DW- (looking at her) You and your boyfriend have serious problems.
N- I know
DW- You need to get them worked out.
J- She knows.
N- What do you need?
DW- nothing…..I just wanted to tell you that you and your boyfriend are
seriously messed up and you need help.
N-Thanks.

STUDIO

D- Are you sure you don't want to tell me?
C- I'm sure.
D- We got 60 seconds
C- That's nice.
D- We don't have our "Wires" on yet.
C- I'm not blind.
D- just pointing it out to ya, buddy.
C- Thanks Again.

CONTROL ROOM

W-Where's the tape?
C-Dave has it.
D- No, you have it.
W- Oh man.
DW- You guys don't have the tape?
C-Dave has the tape.
D-No, Chris has the tape.
N- Calm down, the tape is right there in front of you.
W- I'm surrounded by idiots.
DW- Good show everybody!

STUDIO

Voice- 3, 2, 1…..showtime
C-Hi I'm Casey McCall alongside Dan Rydell, We got those stories PLUS, The
Cubs, The Yankees, The Marlins, AND the Miracle Mets no longer so lucky.
D- You're watching Sports Night on CSC, so don't go far

CONTROL ROOM

W- Two minutes back.


CUT TO THE END OF THE SHOW

C- Well that's our show for tonight,…
D-But first, we'd like to take a few minutes to familiarize the rest of you
with the people who put this show on the air night after night, the people
who a responsible for us being able to talk to you now.
C- Like Will, Chris, and Dave, and they job they do……well -we're not quite
sure what they do…..other than  argue a whole lot.
D- Like Kim and Elliot who are responsible for gathering most of the
information you see on the air
C- To all the people in graphics….
D- Jeremy Goodwin…who is probably the smartest person on EARTH
C- Natalie Hurley, who makes an excellent exectutive producer
D- Isaac Jaffee who is like a father to all of us here, and has been up to
bat for us more times than any one of us can count.
C- And finally to the sexiest woman I know, Dana Whittaker. She is the only
woman who can produce this show, and no matter what she says, I am very much
in love with her.

THE CONTROL ROOM

[everyone is shocked and is looking at Dana, who is also stunned]

STUDIO
[Dan looks fairly stunned but tries to hide it]

D- Well that's it for us, I'm Dan Rydell alongside Casey MCCall….goodnight
everybody.

[Casey and Dan unwire, and head out of the studio]

D-(to Casaey) What the hell was that?

CONTROL ROOM

[Dana looking particularly peeved takes off her microphone as she gets up]

DW-[To No one imparticular] WHAT THE HELL WAS THAT?!!!

[Dana runs through the studio to find Casey…..they end up in the news room
between the conferrence room and Dan& Casey's office]

DW- CASEY!
C- (muttering) Here we go
DW- (yelling as everyone in the office looks on)  you want to tell me what
that was about?
C-(yelling also)  Well let's think about it Dana!
DW- What?! I wouldn't believe you before so you go and tell millions of
people across the country!? Are you crazy?
C- No!
DW- Then what was that about?!
C- Dana---
DW- (cutting him off) I mean where do you come off?! How dare you?! After
everything I went through before!
C- What are you talking about?!
DW- Don't be an idiot Casey! (Dana close to tears now) I loved you! I loved
you so much---and then you went and married Lisa! Do you know how much it
hurt to watch the two of you, so happy together---and I had to pretend to be
happy too, because you two were my closest friends in the world---so I
couldn't say anything!
C-Dana….
DW-(cutting him off again-crying now) Do you know what it is like to love
someone so much, and then watch, year after year, for TEN years as he was in
love with someone else?! DO you know what it is like?!?
C- Yes. I know what it felt like when you were going out with Gordon…
DW- Bullshit you knew what it felt like! (wiping tears from her face) I went
out with Gordon for , what?! Six months?!  Ten years, Casey!
C- I know….Dana, I'm sorry
DW- You're sorry? You put me through that, and now that you are divorced and
free, "Hey let's go after Dana, it's obvious she's in love with me!"
C- Damnit Dana! That's not how it is!
DW- Yes it is---
C-(cutting her off) No it's not! Now I will give you the fact that you've
experienced much more pain than I have----but don't try and tell me those six
months you were with Gordon was some sort of stroll through the park?! No! It
hurt everyday, and I can only imagine how much it hurt to go through that for
10 years---I don't know how you did it-because I couldn't have done it! But
don't think for one second that you are just some sort of rebound fling
affair----because you're not! I know how I feel, and I love you---and no
matter what you think or say---that will ALWAYS stand true

[Dana is speechless with tears still rolling down her cheeks….everyone else
is standing there watching in amazement]

DW- (quieter now, almost whispering)…What do you want from me Casey,…sympathy?
C- No. I want you to give me a chance. I want you to stop cutting me off just
so you can protect yourself. You know I love you and you've always known I
love you. Give me a chance.

[Casey and Dana move closer until they share a tight hug, Dana crying even
harder, and Casey squeezing her real tight……….and finally, the crowd gathered
to watch breaks into applause]

FADE OUT.

All standard disclaimers apply: "Sports Night" characters belong to Aaron
Sorkin and the songs; "If She Only Knew" and "I Do"are property of 98
degrees. No infringement is intended, I'm not getting any money for this
story: don't sue!

Summary: Dan and friends try to help Casey "become cool again".
Story enters somewhere after "the Apology"


Music lessons

	 Casey is not a person to become frustrated easily. After the Esquire
article, labeling Dan as the "cool one", everyone was trying to help Casey's
image. Monica and the wardrobe folks were changing his clothing styles and
Allison was working on his hair with the rest of the makeup staff.
	 With the exterior taken care of, Dan set to work on his best friends
musical selections. Casey stood by as Dan took all of his cassettes and
records and put them in a box. The shelves next to his stereo were so bear.
Without a word, Dan walked down to Casey's car. The "Starland Vocal Band" was
the next to go. Handing Casey a hammer, Dan set the "Time/Life Sounds of the
Seventies" on a concrete trash can. Stepping out of the way, Dan looked at
Casey. Reluctantly Casey swung the hammer. Dan waved goodbye to the last of
his friends "uncool" things.

"Now don't you feel better?" Dan asked as they walked into Casey's building.

"Actually – No. What am I suppose to listen to now?" Casey brooded.

"That's easy, but first we have to get rid of that antique stereo of yours."
Dan announced.

"You really know how to sting someone."

	 The next day after lunch, Casey walked through the newsroom toward
his office. He was wearing a pair of headphones.

"Casey!" Dana yelled. He didn't turn around. Dan walked up behind her tapping
her shoulder.

"Jesus Danny, you scared me." Dana vented. "What's with Casey?"

"Music Lessons" Dan said as he picked up a coffee mug. Dana looked puzzled.
Dan sat on the edge of the table. "I spent the weekend sending all of Casey's
records to a museum."

"He couldn't have been happy."

"Especially when I had him smash his ‘Time/Life Sounds of the Seventies.'"

"You don't take prisoners, do you Dan?" Dana mused.

"Not where my friends are concerned."
"So what music is he listening too?" Dana quizzed Dan.

"Not sure. Will, Dave, and Chris gave him a list. I also think Charlie and
Holly gave him some tapes."

Casey sat down at the desk. Holly was all wrong with this group. 98 degrees?
The first song was stupid. 4 minutes and 15 seconds later, The music started
again.

If she only knew
What I knew but couldn't say

Casey sat stunned as he listened to the words. "This song was about Dana and
me." he said softly.
He knew something about Gordon but he just couldn't tell her.

If she could just see
The part of me that I hid away
If I could just hold her in my arms again
And just say I love you

His mind was racing. "God if she only did know" he thought. Was Natalie
right, did he love Dana? He had to hear more.

If she could just feel
What I feel here in my heart
She'd know it was real
Pure and true right from the start

Natalie knock on the door but Casey didn't move. She poked him on the
shoulder. Casey jumped  hitting his knee on the desk as he pushed back. That
was going to hurt for a while.

"What do you need?" Casey asked rubbing his knee.

"Five minutes to air. Are you ok?" Natalie asked distressed.

"I'll be fine."

After the show, Casey limped back to his office. He had to hear the rest of
that song. He put his foot on the couch. Putting ice on his knee, he slipped
the headphones back on. Rewinding a little bit, the song picked up where he
had left it. He closed his eyes as he listened.

Pure and true right from the start
But I'm just a man who didn't understand
What she was going through
But she's gone away, maybe she'd stay
If she only knew


And how, how did I let her get away
Oh yeah, yeah, yeah
‘Cause love, love is so easy to feel
But the hardest thing to say

Casey turned off the tape. He wiped his eyes and tried to stand up but he
just fell back. Dan walked in at that instant.

"Are you ok?" Dan demanded.

"I'm fine, just got up to quickly that's all." Casey said as he tried to get
up again. This time he fell forwards. Dan caught him.

"Have you eaten at all today?" Dan asked as he helped Casey back to the
couch. Casey shook his head. "No wonder, I'll go get you a sandwich." Dan
walks toward the food tables in the studio. The caterer was putting things
away. Dan got a big plate of food and two drinks together. Jeremy walked
past.

"Need help Dan?"

"Thanks, Casey hasn't eaten all day and nearly collapsed in our office." They
get the plates and walk back to the newsroom.

There is a crowd of people standing around the doorway to his office when Dan
and Jeremy return. The staffers part to reveal Casey passed out on the floor
and Dana kneeling over him. Isaac was on the phone. Dan pushed the food in
Dave's arms.

"What happened Dana? He was fine a few minutes ago." Dan's face showed the
concern for his friend. "I just went to get him a sandwich."

"I walked around the corner, looked in and saw him on the floor." Dana put
her hand to Casey's forehead, "Isaac, he's burning up."

Isaac looked up. "The ambulance is on the way. Jeremy go downstairs and show
them the way up."

Dana looked to Natalie, "Get me a cold washcloth."

In a flash Natalie was back and handed several cloths to Dana. She had
Casey's head in her lap and she pressed it to his head. Dan stood back
helpless. It seemed like an eternity before Jeremy returned. The paramedics
stepped in and took over. Dan and Dana just stood there helpless. The
paramedic got on the radio.

"Base this is 47."

"Go 47 this is base."

"We got a 33 yr old male, unresponsive. Small contusion on the back of the
head. Stand by for vitals."

The paramedic gave the vitals. They were told to start an IV and transport as
soon as possible. They began to put him on the Gurney. "Where are you taking
him?" Dana asked anguished.

"St Luke's, you can follow us there."

"Dana, I'll drive." Dan said. He directs Dana toward the elevator. "He's
going to be fine Dana. It's just he hasn't eaten all day." She smiled weakly.


In the emergency room, the paramedics hand Casey off to the staff. They begin
to shout orders as they check him over. Casey slowly begins to wake up.
"What's going on?" he says as he tries to sit up. "Mr. McCall," the doctor
begins "You collapsed at work, we just need to make sure your ok." The nurses
push him back down. "Do you have pain anywhere?" asks the doctor.

"Just my head."

"Order a head CT and get him into an observation room. If the CT comes back
negative, we'll let you go."  The doctor leaves the room and the nurses go to
work. Dana and Dan reach the front desk at the same time as the doctor.

"We're looking for our friend, Casey McCall." The doctor turns to them. "And
you are?"

"I'm Dana Whitaker and this is Dan Rydell, we work with Casey."

"He hit his head." Dana nodded. "He's going to get a head CT and we'll see
what comes from that."

"Can we see him?" Dan asked.

"Just for a moment - he's still a little weak."

Dan shook his head.  "He eaten all day. We've been working hard on a story."

"He should been fine. Don't worry, just make sure he eats."

Casey is sitting on the Gurney. A nurse was checking his blood pressure. Dana
rushed to his side.
"Don't ever do that to me again." she scolded. She pushed hair out of his
eyes.

"Couldn't wait for my sandwich?" Dan asked. Casey just smiled. A nurse walked
in. "Mr. McCall, CT is ready for you. Your friends can go to the waiting
room" Dana let go of his hand as they pushed Casey out the door. Dan followed
a nurse to the waiting room. "I got to call Isaac, he's waiting of a report."

Dana paced back and forth. Dan got off the phone. "Isaac said that he'd pass
on the news to everyone." Looking at Dana. "Try to relax, he's fine. You know
Casey's got a hard head."

The doctor reaffirmed for Dana what Dan had said. "Your friend has a hard
head. Just keep an eye on him tonight. Wake him every couple of hours to
check him."

Dana thanked him. Quickly she said,  "He'll stay at my place tonight."

That seemed to shock Dan. "What about Gordon?"

"Dan, Casey told me that you sleep a little heavy. I sleep light, I can get
him up." With that Casey is wheeled out. He stands up and Dan grabs his arm.
Dana walks ahead with Dan's keys. They drove to Dana's apartment. Dan opened
the door and reached in for Casey's hand.

"What's going on? This isn't my apartment."


"Just for tonight, the doctor said you need to be checked every couple of
hours." Dana said holding open the lobby door.

"I'll stay with Dan."

"He sleeps too heavy. It's just for tonight." Dana said. She looked at him as
they rode up in the elevator. There was something in his eyes, something
really different. Was it just part of his injury? The elevator stopped with a
jolt. She guided him toward her apartment door.

"There's a spare bedroom around the corner, why don't you get some sleep."
Dana said has she picked up the phone. Casey left the door cracked just a
bit. Dana tried to muffle her voice so not to disturb Casey.

"Hello Gordon , I'm sorry but I've got to bail out tonight." She listens for
a moment. "No Casey was taken to the emergency room. He hit his head and the
doctor said he's got to be checked every two hours." She holds the phone out.
"Gordon, relax I sleep very light. He's one of my oldest friends and I want
to help him. I'll call you tomorrow."

Casey had listened at the door. Dana was going out limb with Gordon because
of him. He didn't want Dana to get hurt because of him. He got his coat on
and tried to slip out. Dana carried a cup of tea out to the kitchen. "Where
do you think your going?" Dana said as she set the cup down.

"I don't want to cause any trouble between you and Gordon." Casey said.

"Let me worry about Gordon, you need help tonight." Dana said as she took his
coat. Casey began to yawn as he was directed back to bed. "Good night Casey,
I'll check in on you later." With that Dana closed the door.

NO SPORTS NIGHT THIS WEEK:( IF YOU WANT YOU CAN PRINT THIS OUJT AND ACT IT
OUT!!!!


1:30am

Casey> Well it didn't take long for the story to break. The press are already
barking  down our door.

Dana>  Don't forget, Casey, we're also press. We also have a duty to
report the news. They are pretty damn annoying though--

(knock at door) Sally is outside

Sally> Dana. I was hoping to catch you before you left.

Dana> Sally, we aren't planning on leaving. At least not tonight, anyway.
Casey and I are going to defend  the fort from those vultures circling down
in the lobby.

Sally> Okay...  That's nice. Dana can I talk to you for a minute, in private.

Dana> You wanna talk to me? Not Casey? We'll by all means. Casey
		 will you excuse us for a moment.

Casey> Sure. I'll be in the conference room.

Dana> What can I do for you, Sally?

Sally> Its about the Chris Patrick situation.

Dana> Chris Patrick. What about Chris Patrick? Situation? When did
this become a situation?

Sally> Dana, its all over the news. The press is downstairs begging
to get some information.  I'm asking for permission to cover the story for
West Coast Update.

Dana>  West Coast Update  is in  half an hour.

Sally> Actually its in 26 minutes.

Dana> But that's still cutting it awful close. Nevermind that..It's also your
show. I can't tell you what you can and can not
report. Did Sports Center call me and ask if they could report on it? Did CNN?
No. I have received no phone calls asking for my permission to cover this
story.
No one has called. So, Sally, why do you show up at my door asking?

Sally> I'm aware no one has called. I'm also aware that local TV outlets have
broken the story. I feel since we are a media outlet we should report on it
as well. I also just want to make sure I don't step on anyone's toes here. It
was your staffer.... And your friend. I want to know if its ok.

Dana> Sally....Allright. But promise me one thing... you won't use her name


Sally> Of course. I would never dream of it. Dana.... Thanks

Dana> No problem. (Sally gets up to leave) Hey Sally, thanks for
asking.

Sally> Sure.

Dana> (calling after her) Have a good show.

At the Precinct.

Mary> Yes Judge Brown. Sorry to call so late. (listens)
Yes I know. (listens) Your honor, I have a pretty serious case in
front of me
right now. (listens) Yes. They're all serious.. This one involves
convicted felon Chris Patrick. (listens) Yes, another assault. (listens) A
women.(listens) Sports Night. (listens) Yes). the papers are on their way
right now. (listens) Thank you your honor. Good night. (hangs up) There. The
judge will sign the
papers.  He's staying at the Sheraton.

Jeremy> the Judge?

Mary> (annoyed) No. Patrick.

Issac> Thank you Mary. If there's nothing else...

Mary> I think I have everything I need. Ms. Hurley I'd like to see
you tommorow morning, if that's possible. Say around 10?

Natalie> Sure.

Mary> Well then, good night, and I'll see you later. (Jeremy Natalie and
Isaac get up) Oh, and Natalie?

Natalie> Yes?

Mary> Don't you worry. We'll get him.

Natalie> Thanks

Still at Precinct
Jeremy>Issac, the reporters have picked up on our trail and are
pretty sure someone's here right now. We should be careful
leaving.

Isaac> You're right, Jeremy. Natalie, I think you should come home
with me tonight. Ester will fix you a hot meal and we have a spare bedroom
for you to stay in.

Natalie> Issac, I don't want to impose. It's late, your
wife's probably sleeping...

Isaac> Nonsense Ester always waits up for me. Besides I called her earlier.
She's already mking a late supper.

(THEY HEAD OUT BACK DOOR. IT IS FREE OF REPORTERS, A LONE OFFICER IS STANDING
GUARD)

Officer> Good Night folks. Drive safely.

Isaac> Thank you. Good night. (Issac gets into car and drives away
  slowly a news van pulls up to the station)

Driver> Was that them?

Officer> Yeah, I'm pretty sure. They came from the direction
of the detective's office. Here is the prelim report.

Driver> Thanks.

Officer> Just keep it quiet.

Driver> As always.

(van pulls away following Issac)


Issac's car

Issac's car phone rings

Issac> Yes, this is Issac Jaffe

JJ> Issac this is JJ

Issac> JJ? You're up awful late

JJ> Damage control, Issac. You know how it is.

Issac> Actually I don't. (beat) What can I do for you?

JJ> Issac, is the 2am show gonna report  this story.

Issac> JJ, I don't control the 2am show. And why shouldn't they
report the story? They are a news gathering organiztion?

JJ> Well, I hope they don't release too much information. I plan to
	  hold a full briefing tomorrow morning.

Issac Then why are you calling me? Get on the phone to Sally. She's
	 in charge.

JJ> I'm just saying I hope your West Coast Update team knows what
	 they're doing. If they  release too much information, then
	 we'll be stuck between a rock and a hardplace tommorow morning. I
want the
	 cameras to glow on CSC and Sports Night, Isaac.


Isaac> JJ, I hope you're not using this as a public relations
coup.

JJ> Issac, you're breaking up. I'll call you first thing in the
	 morning.


Issac> JJ? JJ? I don't thing I trust him. Not one bit.


Back at CSC In the Newsroom. Sally is there with a few
staffers preparing the broadcast.

Staffer> Ms. Sasser You have a call one line one. It's JJ from the network.

Sally> Yes? This is Sally Sasser.

JJ> Sally this is JJ . Are you planning on running a story about Natalie
Hurley and Chris Patrick?

Sally> Yes.  I was going to tease it but I don't see what this has
to do with...

JJ> Sally, I know I can't tell you how to run your show, but I the whole west
coast is going to be watching to find out what CSC has to
say. The late news plays at the same time in the west as your broadcast.
People will want to hear the story first.Here's what I want you to do. Tease
the
assault at the beginning, By the time you get back from the second commercial
break, Patrick will have been arrested and the whole thing will be wide open
anyway.  We can gain a lot of credibility by being the ones to report this
first,
especially since it was one of our own. Look, the network is going to have a
press conference at 10 tomorrow morning, so that's when the official word
will be getting out.  Until then, we've got to do something to help keep the
record straight.


Sally> JJ, I don't know...

JJ> Sally, listen if you want to succeed in this business,
and here at this network, you have to step on some toes. We have
the home field advantage and I need you to help us win. Release the name and
the
network will be very pleased. It's up to you though. It's your show.

Sally> All right after the second break.

JJ> Good night Sally. I'll be watching.


Sally> Good night. (hangs up phone)

(TO STAFFER)

Sally> Go get me the guys.

(A few moments pass, Sally writes some notes down.)

Paul and Peter walk up

Paul> Sally, what's up?


Sally> Listen, I just received a call  from the network. After the second
break, report back on the story about Natalie (hesitates) Then relase her
name and this information about a
breifing.

Peter> Are you sure you want to do this?

Sally> Yes I am. Don't tell Dana or Casey. As a matter of fact
	 don't tell anyone.

Paul> Alright

(over PA) 5 minutes to air first team in the studio

	 West Coast Update is about to begin.

	 Jim> (direcotor) Roll VTR. 60 seconds live

	 Dana (walking into control booth) Hey Sally. Mind if I watch?

	 Sally> Not at all.

	 Jim> 30 seconds live

	 Casey>Dana  can I talk to for a second?
	 They step into the hall

	 Casey> I just got off the phone with Isaac. The warrant is about
	 to be signed and  Patrick is expected to be arrested at his hotel
shortly.
	 Issac is taking Jeremy home and Natalie to his place. He says
	 Ester will watch over her and she'll get a good night's sleep.

	 Dana> Thanks. You wanna watch the show?

	 Casey> No, I'm gonna try and take a nap in my office.

	 Dana> Ok

	 Jim> and in 3 2

	 Peter Lasker> I'm Peter Lasker and this is Paul Schapp
	 All that plus we'll take you to the late games where in Detroit
	 the Red Wings are trying to beat back the Bruins who launched a late
game rally and currently hold  Detroit in a 3-3 tie in Triple overtime.


Paul> We'll also preview tommorow's NBA matchups and look ahead to
	 this weekend's college football playoffs. You're watching  West
coast
	 Update here on CSC so come right back.

	 Jim> And we're back in two


	 Peter> Welcome back. First, West Coast Update is following a
	 devoloping story from our own rank and file. A member of the Sports
	 Night team was reportedly assaulted by football great Christian
	 Patrick  While we here at West Coast Update can not comment on the
status of
	 the investigation reports coming out of the NYPD say Patrick is
expected to be
	 taken into custody within the next few hours. We'll have more on
this
	 developing story later in our show. Paul?

	 Paul> Thanks Peter....


comments and suggestions can be emailed to SCott51882@...

Here is part 4 of the Sports Night Summer Story

OUTSIDE THE 23RD PRECINCT

Jeremy: Excuse me, what's going on?

Reporter: We got a tip that
someone from Continental Sports Channel. You know CSC? Well the reporter  was
assaulted by football player Christian Patrick. This is
the closest precinct to CSC studios.

Jeremy:Christian Patrick?

Reporter: Ya you know the guy who through his girlfreind down the flight of
stairs. (to himself) Oh what was her name??? OH! Mary Pat Shelby

Jeremy: Oh ok! What do you know?

Reporter:  All we know is someone saw Patrick assault a young
woman in the locker room. CSC then cancelled a scheduled interview with him.
We're pretty sure a CSC reporter is the victim.

Jeremy: Are you going inside?

Reporter: No, the police are already blocking the entrance. We'll stay out
here and hope for a statement.

Jeremy: Ok, thanks a lot.

Jeremy walks to the building.  He's met by an officer standing
guard outside.

Officer: Excuse me sir, do you have a purpose?  We
don't need any reporters crawling around our station.

Jeremy: Yes, my name is Jeremy Goodwin, I'm from CSC.
I was with Isaac Jaffe.

Officer: Ok, go on in.

INSIDE OFFICE

Desk Sergeant: The detective will be with you in one moment.

Isaac: Thank you.

Mary Jaffe opens the door.

Mary: Uncle Isaac, what a surprise!! Though I suspect this is not a social
visit.

Issac: No, I'm afraid not. This is Natalie Hurley.

Mary: Nice to meet you, Ms. Hurley. But why does this preliminary interview
have
your last name as Rosen?

Natalie: Well, I gave a false name in case it gets leaked to the press. It
will take them a while to figure out there is no Natalie Rosen.

Mary: Good thinking. Well, what happened?

Natalie: I was doing a typical locker room pre-interview with Christian
Patrick.  It didn't occur to me at first that we were alone.  But it was
just him and me.  He had taken a shower after practice... he was still
wearing a towel.  That's not unusual, either, for locker room interviews.
But he... after we had talked for a few minutes, he... he exposed himself to
me....  He said, "How much do you love me?"  He said he could tell I liked
it.  I tried to leave, but he grabbed me by my wrist.  He wouldn't let go...
he hurt me.

Isaac: Show her your wrist.

Natalie holds her wrist out to Mary.

Mary: That's quite a bruise.

Natalie: But it's just me against him, isn't it?

Isaac: Mary, this whole story was broken by a janitor who witnessed it.  If
we can find him --

Mary: Uncle Isaac, I watch the news, too, you know.  I've already got people
tracking him down.  So, it's up to you, miss.  Are you ready to file charges
against Patrick?

Natalie: Yes, I am.

Mary: I'll get the paperwork rolling.
THe judge will sign them. We'll arrest him at his hotel.

Natalie: And the press?

Mary: We'll only release that he's been arrested. But from there they'll be
bound to find you. His Lawyers will be quick to discredit you.

Issac: Don't worry, we'll help you.

BACK AT CSC

Dana: Casey, are you ready to leave?

Casey: Just let me grab my jacket.

Elliot: G'd night, guys.

Dana and Casey: Good night.

Casey's phone rings.

Casey: This is Casey McCall.

Person on phone: Yes, Mr. McCall, my name is David Pardo. I'm with WABC News
here
in New York. I was wondering if you could confirm or deny reports that
someone on the Sports Night staff was assaulted by football great
Chris Patrick.

Casey: I'm sorry, I can do neither. What I can tell you is to call tomorrow
morning and speak to our managing editor, Isaac Jaffe. I'm sure he can
answer
any questions you may have.

He hangs up.

Dana: What was that?

Casey: Reporter. Wanted to know if I could confirm or deny reports about
Chris Patrick.

The phone rings again.

Dana: Just ignore it

Casey: It could be Isaac.

He answers the phone.

Casey: This is Casey McCall.
(listens as person talks to him on phone)

Casey: It's Dan.  He has reporters outside his apartment building. His
answering machine is full of messages from news outlets wanting to know about
this Chris Patrick thing.

Casey: Hold on a sec. Dana, it's Dan. He says he's being hounded by
reporters.

Dana looks at her watch.

Dana: Maybe we'd better stay here.

Dan's phone rings.  Dana answers it.

Dana: Yes, this is Dana Whitaker

Person on phone: Ms. Whitaker, this is Greg down in the lobby, with
building security.  I've got a few  reporters setting up equipment. They're
all
asking to speak to someone from Sports Night.

Dana: Don't let them up. But don't knock yourself out trying to get rid of
them.  I'll call you back.

She hangs up phone.

Dana: The lobby is swamped with reporters. I think we'll stay here. Try to
get Dan back here.

In a message dated 6/8/1999 8:49:41 AM US Eastern Standard Time,
Scott51882@... writes:

<< This is Natalie Rosen >>
Hey Scott - Have you been looking at the original script?

Caroline

Hello!!
Very busy today so I'll be sending the installment early. Hope you don't
mind!!!!

ISAAC'S CAR

Issac: Damn traffic.  It's midnight for God's sake.  Doesn't this city ever
sleep?

Natalie: Isaac, don't worry about it. The station doesn't close.  It's only
two
blocks away.  We can walk

Isaac: Oh, no! You're not walking. Not at this time of night.

The phone rings.

Isaac: Yes?

Dana: Isaac. We just saw the late late news. It looks like the press has
picked up the scent.

Isaac: Have they called?

Dana: Not yet.

Isaac: Well, I have them both now. We're about two blocks away from the
precinct. Keep the press off our backs. Head out as soon as you can.

Dana: Yes, Isaac. How is she?

Nataile: Is that Dana???? What's wrong?

Isaac: She's her old self, Dana.  We're rounding the corner. Don't leave
work alone.
We'll see you tomorrow

Dana: Sure thing. Casey will wait for me. Good night, Isaac.

Isaac: Good night.

Natalie: That was Dana?  What did she say?

Isaac: The 12:00 news took our lead.  They know it was one of ours.

Jeremy: There's a 12:00 news?

Natalie: How?? So fast?? I mean, how could they have found out it was from
Sports Night?

Isaac: Someones talking -- uh oh.

OUTSIDE THE 23RD PRECINCT

Reporters are struggling to get their cameras out of their vans.

Isaac: We'd better use the back. Jeremy, get out here and see what they're
saying.

Jeremy: Sure thing.

He looks at Natalie

Jeremy: Will you be OK?

Natalie: Yeah, just meet us inside.

Jeremy exits the car.

Isaac brings Natalie in the back entrance.

Desk Sergeant: May I help you?

Isaac: Yes, I'd like to speak with Detective Sgt. Mary Jaffe, please.

Desk Sergeant: And you are?

Isaac: Isaac Jaffe, her uncle.  This is Natalie Rosen.  She would --

Natalie: I can speak for myself.  If you don't mind, sir.

Isaac: Not at all.

Natalie: I need to file a warrant for the arrest of Chris Patrick.

Desk Sergeant: THE Christian Patrick? I'll get the detective right away!

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

And now part two...
NIGHT -- OUTSIDE CSC BUILDING
It's raining.
  Natalie: Thanks for coming with me.
  Jeremy: No problem.  TAXI!!!
  Natalie: Doesn't it always seem that it's raining whenever you can't find a
taxi! OH TAXI!!!!!!
  Jeremy: I know, there are probably more taxis in this city than people and
we
can't seem to find one. TAA-- Oh, never mind.
  Natalie: Should we take the subway?
  Jeremy: Gee, I don't know. At this time of night?
A car pulls up.  The window rolls down.
  Isaac: Hey, guys, need a lift?
  Natalie: Yeah, thanks!
They get in the car.
  Isaac: I take it, Natalie, that you're headed to the police station.
Jeremy, why
are you going?
  Jeremy: Moral support.
  Isaac: Ahh, I see. You know, Dana was a little peeved that you let Jeremy
go
rather than her.
  Natalie: Dana worries too much. I only let Jeremy go so everyone would stop
bugging me.
  Jeremy: You mean you didn't want me to go?
  Natalie: Oh no, I didn't mean it like that. I just meant, you know....
  Jeremy: So if Dan or Casey or Kim asked before me they would have gone?
  Natalie: Well, probably
  Jeremy: I'm glad I beat them to it.
  Natalie (to herself): Me too, me too...
BACK AT CSC
  Elliot: Hey, guys, look at this
Casey, Dan, Kim join Elliot at the TV.
  Anchor Woman: This just in: unconfirmed reports allege that a female
producer for the cable sports highlight program "Sports Night" was assaulted
by football star Chris Patrick during an interview. We'll be following this
story all night long and hope to bring you more as it develops....
  Elliot: Looks like this will be bigger than we thought.
  Dana: Kim, get me Isaac's car phone.
TO BE CONTINUED!!!

I thought sending an e-mail to snfanfic_1_@onelist.com would subscribe me.
I was unaware that I was subscribed...anyhoo, just go ahead and ignore that
last message.

Thank you kindly,

--
Chris Howard
ICQ UIN (www.mirabilis.com): 943023
http://www.geocities.com/Colosseum/Midfield/8355/hockeytunes.html

--
Chris Howard
ICQ UIN (www.mirabilis.com): 943023
http://www.geocities.com/Colosseum/Midfield/8355/hockeytunes.html

Now lets all settle back and pretend we're switching to our local ABC
station. *CLICK*

The Spin City Credits are rolling...

NOTE:THIS WILL TAKE PLACE SHORTLY AFTER MARY PAT SHELBY AND HEAD COACH DINNER
AND THE MORNING MAIL

Dana> and we're clear. Great show everyone considering.... Um see you
tommorow night (Natile is quickly walking out of booth) Uh natile can i talk
to you for a second?

Natile> Dana. Hi I'd love to chat but I have to get to the precinct. I'll see
you tommorow

Dana> Do you want me to come?

Natile> NO THANKS (SHE CONTINES TO NEWS ROOM) Dana is left alone in the
corridor.

Casey> Do you think she'll be ok?

Dana> Ah! Geez casey don't come up on me like that. What?

Casey> Do you think she'll be ok?

Dana> I hope so...

Natile (IN NEWSROOM)

Jeremy> Hey natile

Natile> Jeremy Hi great show. sorry I can't talk I have to get downtown.

Jeremy> do you want me to come???

Natile> No I'll be fine

Jeremy> Are you sure. I'd love to go. Just in case you need a ride home, or
something.

Natile> .......Um ok

Jeremy> Great. Lets go (Head to elevator)

Dana> Why is he going. I should be going I'm a women. I'm her peer. We do
these things together

Casey> File Sexual Harresement Charges?

Dana> you now what i mean. Casey what does he have that i don't have?


Casey> I think she likes him

Dana> Jeremy?? What! Thats absurd!

Casey> No really Dana, I think that Natile and Jeremy are attaracted to each
other

Dana> I don't know where you men get your love theories But there pretty nuts.

Casey> Well your the one who asked

Dan> Hey guys whats going on?

Dana> Natile Likes Jeremy Better than me!

Dan> And your going to stand for this. Better get issac to fire him,. I think
he's looking out for your job!

Dana> Daniel! This is not the time to make jokes. GO home!

Dan> Well i was just about to thank you very much (walks to elevator)

In Elevator
Dan and Rebeca(a stranger to dan)

Dan> Hi i'm Dan. Dan Rydell

Rebbeca> (Semi-Ignoring him) Hi

Dan> So do you work here?

Rebbeca> Actually yes I do but I'm married

Dan> Oh my mistake (gets off at ground floor)

And Back upstairs

Issac> (WALKING UP) Hey guys. I'll see you tommorow good niight.

Dana> Issac do you think Natile will be ok?

Issac I hope so Dana. I hope so...


STAY TUNED NEXT WEEK FOR PART 2


I will not hold the Disney coporation, Arron Sorkin, ABC, or anyone associted
with the show, responsible for any of the material they read and use.

Friends and Other People


Disclaimer: The characters et all are the properties of Aaron Sorkin and ABC
television. I'm just borrowing them. This story is designed for my
entertainment and mental exercise only, I'm getting no money for this story.


	 Casey McCall considered himself to be a lucky man. He had a wonderful
job - co anchoring "Sports Night" with his best friend, Dan Rydell. He has a
great son, Charlie. Charlie wasn't athletic, but he was smart. On his last
report card - he received straight A's. Things were even going well with
Dana. They were talking and laughing like they used to. Why then did Casey
feel something was about to go wrong? As he walked into the newsroom,
everyone got really quite and scrambled in every direction.

"What's going on here?"Casey shouts. "For the past two weeks, I've been
coming to work and everyone's been talking behind my back."

  Dan walks in behind him. "Dude – you're just being paranoid."

He passes by Dana, and she smiles. Casey gets frustrated. "What is going on
between you and Dana?"

Dan takes off his coat. "Nothing is going on - I know you and Dana are dating
. . . "

Casey jumps in "We aren't dating, yet. Gordon dumped her just three weeks
ago. I'm just waiting for my chance."

Setting his coat on the rack, Dan turns to Casey.  "You've been waiting for
15 years. You wait much longer, and you'll pay for dinner with Social
Security checks."

Casey sits down at the desk as Dan grabs some tapes from a passing assistant.
"Speaking of dating, how's Bobbi?"

"She's in Dallas covering the Cowboys. She's coming in tomorrow." Dan started
dating Bobbi about three weeks after Rebecca left for California.

Recalling Dan and Bobbi's beginning, Casey asks "Did you remember to call
her?" Casey tries to muffle a snicker.

"You're a funny guy today Casey"

Jeremy walks past the office. Dan shouts "Jeremy, have you got the Notre Dame
/ Michigan score?"

Holding on to the frame, Jeremy leans in. "24-21 Notre Dame. They won it on a
last second field goal." Jeremy continues. "A 50-yard attempt that just
barely made it over the crossbar." Jeremy sees Dana by the conference room
and rushes to catch her.

"Luck of the Irish" Casey mutters as bends to get something out of a drawer.
"Damn it – Natalie!"

Dan looks confused. "What's going on?" Natalie asks as she catches her breath.

"Do you know how this got here?" Casey asks holding up a slim box.

"No - Is it her again?" Casey nods. "I'll go talk to Building Security."
Natalie turns to leave.

"Take this with you."  He tosses her the box. Casey returns to the computer.

Dan sits on the couch. "What's that all about?"

"It's nothing Dan." Casey says not looking up from the screen.

"When Building Security is involved, Casey it is something."

Casey looked up.  Setting down the pencil, he begins. "Remember the personal
appearance I covered the last month of your suspension?" Putting his
newspaper down, Dan nods. Casey says matter of  fact "Well it seems I've got
an admirer."

Dan jumps to his feet. "A stalker? When did it start and where was I?"

Casey began to tell Dan about the last four weeks. "It was two days afterward
- you were, how can I say it, distracted with Rebecca. To begin with, it was
just notes - I thought they were sweet. Then the gifts and flowers started
coming. She'd leave them in the lobby."

Dan looked stunned, "She was in the building?"

Trying to reassure Dan - and himself - Casey says quickly, "Yes - Security's
been able to keep her off this floor."

"Until today." Dan adds. He pauses -"Are you ok with this?"

Casey picks up a folder, "I'm fine Danny. Did you get the tape from Elliot on
the Mets?"

Dan nods. "Looks like they need more pitching."

Casey agrees, "Who doesn't?"

The phone rings. Casey picks it up. Into the phone, he says "Yes - I'll be
right there."

Dan looks up from his paper. "What's up now?"

Setting down the phone, Casey says "Impromptu meeting in Isaac's office. Just
Isaac, Dana , JJ, and me."

Dan waves as Casey walks toward Isaac's office. He walks past the conference
room. A strange feeling comes over him. He quickly turns around toward the
news room. People are working. Shaking his head, Casey continues to the
meeting.

Casey knocks on Isaac's door. "Come in."

Isaac is sitting at his desk. Dana is standing behind him. JJ is sitting by
the window. "Have a seat. Dana has been bringing me up to speed, you seem to
have a problem."

"You can say that again."

Dana walks out from behind Isaac. "I talked to Natalie, you got another box?"

Ringing his hands, Casey says "It was in a drawer when I got in this
morning."

"How many so far?" Isaac asks looking at Casey.

"26 but who's counting."

Dana turns to face JJ. "Any way to stop them?"

JJ returns her gaze, "Building Security is handling it."

Casey quips, "Building Security, now there's a contradiction in terms. JJ
this one got through."

Dana pulls a chair up next to Casey. "Have you told Lisa?"

"I was hoping I wouldn't have too."

Isaac looks at JJ. "Can you get some extra help?"

"Let me meet with Building Security before we get all excited." JJ gets up to
leave.

Dana stands with her hand on Casey's shoulder. "Make it fast JJ"

Casey looks out the window. Isaac gets up and walks to Casey's side.

"Don't worry, Casey. We'll take care of this." Casey smiles weakly.

"Is there anything else?"
Isaac sits on the corner of his desk. "No-get back to work."

Casey stands up and leaves the office. Dana and Isaac watch him as he goes.
"Keep an eye on him Dana, I'm sure this isn't over by a long shot."

Dana picks up her clip board, "No problem, (looking at her watch) I've got
that special meeting."

"Good - this maybe just what we all need."

Dana smiles. She leaves Isaac's office heading toward the conference room.
Dan and Natalie are waiting. Dana takes a seat.

"OK have we got everything?" Dan asks.

Natalie chimes in, "Jeremy has a crew for the decorating, Dave as the music,
and Will and Chris are collecting the gifts."

Dana looked down at her clip board. "I'm ordering the cake today." Dan gives
her a strange look. "Trust me Dan, I know what to do."

"What about the refreshments?"

"Isaac talked to the caterer, no problem" Dana answered.

  "Good that's everything."

Dana spies Casey coming around the corner. "Natalie, let's go make those
calls in my office." Casey walks in as Dana and Natalie walk out.

"I've got a new talent." Casey says.

"Oh, What's that?" Dan asks

"I can clear a room in 30 seconds or less. Been doing it all day." Dan
laughs.

"What was that about?"

"Nothing Casey, Dana just needed an update on a story Natalie is helping me
on."

Casey breathed easier, "For a second there, I though you were talking about
me."

Dan smiles, "Easy Case, you are getting paranoid." Dan stands pulling papers
together. "Are we doing tape work now?" Casey nods. "I'm out of paper, meet
you in editing?" Dan gives a warm smile and dashes toward the office.

Casey heads to the edit bay. He grabs some tape cases from a staffer on the
way into the room. In the studio, everyone is busy preparing the evening's
broadcast. So no one noticed the young woman watching Casey through the
window. Casey picked up a tape box. Her breath quickened as he opened it.
Without looking, he puts the tape in the machine. He notices the note on the
floor and bends to pick it up. As he rights himself, Casey watches the
screen.

Dan walks toward the edit bay and catches a glimpse of a woman he doesn't
recognize. She saw him and ran before he got to her. Dan opens the door and
picks up the phone. "Casey, don't freak out, I think I just saw your
stalker." Dan turns to look at Casey, realizing that he was too late. "Yes
this is Dan Rydell, I need security to stop a woman coming down in the
elevator". Dan nods, "She's about 5' 9' - wearing a green blouse and jeans."
Casey continues to watch the screen in stunned silence. He is still holding
the box.

Jeremy walked past the edit bay window. He looked in at Dan on the phone and
Casey sitting in the chair. Jeremy opened the door. Looking at Casey, he
asked Dan. "What's all the ruckus?"

Dan still on the phone, whispered to Jeremy "Can you get Dana for me please
now?"
Jeremy darted out the door. Casey's facial expression hasn't changed. Dan
puts down the phone. "They just missed her."

Dana runs in from the studio with Jeremy hot on her heels. "What's going on?"
The only thing Dan could say was "She was here." as he takes the tape out of
the machine. He hands it to Dana. She takes the case and note from Casey
scanning it quickly. Dana turns toward Casey. He still has a blank expression
on his face. "Jeremy, go tell Isaac that Casey and I are coming to talk to
him." She hands him the cassette. Jeremy runs out the door turning toward
Isaac's office. Dana takes Casey's arm, "Let's go, Dan can you finish for
Casey?"

Dan looks at his best friend, "Not a problem - let me know if I can help."

Dana nods taking Casey's elbow. They move though the studio, dodging staff
and equipment. Natalie tries to ask a question but Dana waves her off. They
reach Isaac's office.

Through the office door they can hear Isaac on the phone. "I don't care JJ,
I'm calling the police now."

Dana guides Casey toward a chair. She gets Casey a drink. Dana hands it to
him.  "Drink this." Casey drinks it - in one swig. Isaac looks at Casey.

"Dana, call in Bobbi Berstein she' sit in for Casey tonight."

Dana reaches for the phone, "She's in Dallas, I'll ask Sally to get Peter
Lasker to sub."
Isaac nods his agreement. They are standing near the window talking and
looking at Casey. He's finally snapping out of his trance.

"Hi Isaac," Casey whispers "she was here."
Isaac sits at his desk. "I know, I called the police. They're sending a
detective."

Looking at Dana, Casey speaks up "I told Lisa like you suggested - she's
going to take Charlie to her mom's for a few days."

Dana puts her hands on Casey's shoulders. "Good - Casey it's going to be all
right. After the detective is done, I'm taking you home."

Casey looks stunned, "What about the show?"

Isaac answers, "Casey, Peter Lasker is going to fill in for you. Sally is
Stepping in for Dana. You're off for tonight, we'll take tomorrow when it
comes."

Marcia, Isaac's secretary buzzes - "Isaac, JJ and a Detective are here.

"Send them in."

JJ is fuming, "Isaac, I told you that I would handle it."

This sets Casey off. He stands up and walks right up to JJ. They were
standing face to face. "She threatened to kidnap my son!"

That exchange caused JJ to step back, falling into a chair. Isaac hands the
tape to the detective.

"Where's your son now?" The detective asked putting the tape in an evidence
bag.

"My ex-wife took him to her mother's." Casey sits back down.

They talked for a little while longer. "Is there anyone who can stay with you
tonight?"

Dana chimes in, "I'm taking him to my home."

"Ok - I'll need to talk with Building Security. JJ stands up looking at
Casey. "I'll take you. Isaac, I'll brief Luther." They leave. Dana leans on
the corner of Isaac's desk.

"Casey, let me talk with Dan and Sally. We'll leave in about 10 minutes."

In Dan's office, Dana explains to Sally and Dan. "There's no way he's going
to be able to do the show tonight." Dana says closing the door. "Isaac and I
talked about it. I'm going to take Casey to my place tonight and Sally will
step in for me."

Dan asks, "Where is he now?"

"Isaac's office, talking to Charlie and Lisa."

An awkward moment of silence passes before Sally speaks. "She followed his
son?"

Dan nods. "If he needs to, he can stay with me tomorrow."

Dana smiles, "Thanks Dan, I'll tell him."

Dana and Casey waited until the show began to slip out. After a short cab
ride, Dana digs her keys out of her coat. "You look tired Casey, let me show
you the spare room."She guides him down the hall. Casey sits down on the bed.
Dana pulls out a blanket for him. She brushes her hand on his cheek. "Lay
down - get some rest. I'll be outside if you need me." She pulls the blanket
over his shoulders. She closes the door.

In the living room, Dana picks up the phone. "Hello Isaac, it's Dana. We just
got here." Dana sits on the couch. "Yes, he's resting. I'll call you in the
morning. Goodnight Isaac."

She puts down the receiver and turns to see Casey standing at the door. "I
can't sleep." he says like a little boy.

"Are you hungry? I was going to sit and watch the second half of the show."
He sits down and Dana goes to the kitchen. She brings out popcorn and drinks.
They watch Danny and Peter for a while.

Casey says out of the blue, "I'm sacred Dana."

"Casey, I know. Don't worry, your friends are going to help you through this,
trust me. You're staying with Dan tomorrow night."

"Thank you" Casey looks as if he's going to cry. Dana lowers his head to her
lap and strokes his hair. He falls asleep. Dana slips out placing a small
pillow under his head. She takes the blanket and covers him again. "Sleep
well" she whisper before giving him a small kiss on the forehead.

Dana is overseeing the noon rundown the next day. Checking her sheets, "We
got the whip around with what?"

Casey checks his notes, "Florida, New York, and Chicago. Dan's got Minnesota,
LA and Texas."

Dana looks at Jeremy, "What about features?"

Jeremy stands, "LSU Baseball team, Matt Stevens, and Florida Marlins bull
pen."

"Elliot where are we on time?"

Elliot looks surprised "we've actually 2 minutes under." Silence fills the
room. Natalie breaks the silence. "Well that's a first."

Dana smiles, "Let's re-check that again at 6:00"

Dan has been looking at Casey through out the entire meeting. "I'm fine Dan,
thanks."

"Want to do some tape work?" Casey nods.

"Let me go get something in the office first." Dan heads to the edit bay,
Casey to the office. He walks in and sees the box on the desk. He picks it up
and stares at it.

Dana walks past and sees Casey holding something. She walks in. "Casey, give
me the box."

Casey shakes his head. "I'm ok Dana."

Dana walks toward him, "I know that, just give me the box." Dana takes it -
Natalie walks past. Dana hands it to her.

Casey sits on the couch. "Dana, what's happening to me? I've been looking
over my shoulder for two days thinking some nut case is going to attack me. I
didn't do anything. I don't remember saying or doing anything to provoke
this." He stood up. "You read about all of those TV personalities being
hounded, I never thought it would be me."

Dana stands next to him. She gives him a hug. "Casey, you're stressed out.
Just relax - this isn't helping you."

Casey felt strong enough to do the show with Danny that night, but just
barely. He looked tired afterward. Dan and Casey headed to the elevators.
"Casey, we'll just go back to my place and relax, watch tv, drink a couple of
beers, maybe order a pizza - what do you think?"

Dana walks up behind them. "I don't want to see you before 10:00 am tomorrow.
Casey, I mean it. Get some sleep." Dan nods assuring Dana that Casey would
comply.

That next morning, Dana was in the office at 8:30 in the morning. She saw a
light coming from Casey and Dan's office. "Casey, I thought we agreed you
were going to come in late today."

"I snuck out of Danny's, couldn't sleep."

Come with me." He follows Dana into her own office. "Lay down, Casey." He
lays down on her couch. "Now you're going to sleep until 10:00. If I see you
out of this office before that time. I'll take you to the hospital and make
them sedate you." Casey tries to protest, but Dana wouldn't budge.

She closes the door. A staffer walked down the hallway. "What are you doing
right now?" The staffer looked nervous.

"Nothing Ms. Whitaker."
"Good, stay right here. Casey is in my office sleeping. Make sure no one goes
inside and that he doesn't come out. I'll be back at 10:00."

At 10 o'clock, Dana returned to her office. "Did he behave?"

"Yes Ms.Whitaker." the staffer reported.

She opened the door. Casey was still asleep. She sat her desk working
quietly.
Casey opened his eyes. "Feel better?" Dana asked.

"Yes, but you didn't need to leave a babysitter."

Dana smiles, "If you knew she was out there, I guess I did. Now get back to
work."
Casey left her office.

Dan watched Casey walk into the office. "Where have you been?"

Casey sat on the couch. "Dana made me sleep in her office."

"Good for her. She read me the riot act for letting you slip out on me." Dan
said.

"Can we change the subject? Where are we on the NFL preview show? First games
are a week away." Casey asked

"Jeremy and Elliot are working with Kim on it."

Casey nods and digs into the pile of paperwork in front of him.

After the noon rundown, Casey and Dana were talking in his office. Isaac
walks over to them. He's smiling. Dana looks confused "What's up Isaac?"

"The police called. Casey - they just caught her."

Casey's gaze shifts between Dana and Isaac.

"It's over?" Casey asks in disbelief.

"Yes it's really over. They found her at your apartment building. She was
trying to get in one of the windows." Isaac said. "The police went into her
van and saw hundreds of tapes. She's been following you for months." Casey
hugs Isaac. He smiles and heads back to his office leaving Dana and Casey
alone.

"I'm very happy for you Casey." Dana said.

"I don't think I could have made it through that first night without you."
Casey looked deeply into Dana's eyes. He decides to take a chance. He held
her chin and lowered his lips to hers. Dana closed her eyes and let Casey
take control. Quick as it began, the kiss was over.

Dana stepped back. "Well, I've got to get back to work." Casey watches her
leaves.

Before she gets to far, Casey asks "Have dinner with me tonight?"

Dana turns to look at Casey and smiles. "Sure I'll meet you back here." Casey
smiles and sits back at his desk.


"Five minutes to air, first team to the studio please."

Casey catches up with Dan outside the studio.

"You're in a better mood." Dan declares.

"The police caught the stalker." Casey announced.

"Excellent, where at?"

"She was trying to get into my apartment, my super called the police."

"That's great Casey." Dan says as he takes his seat. Allison and the rest of
the make-up crew converged on them. "So what are you doing tonight?" Dan
inquired as everyone cleared the stage.

"Dana and I are going out of dinner."

"Congratulations, you finally asked her out."

"No - it's just a thank you, she's done a lot for me. Come with us, I feel
celebrating."

Dan grins at Casey. "I got plans with Bobbi tonight. Besides I wouldn't want
to be a third wheel."

"That's enough Danny." Lucky for Casey, Dave's voice sound in their ear
pieces. "In 3,2,1"

After the show, Dan and Casey went back to wardrobe . Dan quickly changed
into his street clothes and left muttering, "See you later." Casey worked to
get the make-up off and changed into his street clothes. He said good night
to Monica and the others and headed toward his office. He didn't see them
dart down another hallway. Dana was waiting for him when he turned the
corner. The newsroom was deserted.

"Where did everyone go?" Casey inquires.

"Beats me, they all had plans I guess. Are you ready?" Dana asks, smoothing
out her skirt. Casey grabs his jacket. "Damn, I left my purse in the studio.
It'll just take a second."

The studio is pitch black. The only light was coming from the control room.
Dana ducks out of Casey's line of sight. He stands there for a moment.

"Dana where are you?" Casey tries to move forward, but he hits his foot on a
floor monitor. He swears. A snicker comes from the darkness. Mad, Casey
shouts, "Dana where are you?"

The lights come on and everyone yells , "Surprise!"

Dan hugs his friend, "Happy Birthday Casey." Natalie and Bobbi also give him
hugs. Isaac and Jeremy shake his hand. The crowd parts as Dan and Dana roll
up a large cake. Casey laughs out loud. The cake is chocolate with chocolate
frosting.  Everyone sings "Happy Birthday" Casey blows out the candles. Music
fills the air, Casey looks around for Dana. He sees her over by the gifts on
the anchor desk. She motions for him to meet her in the control room.

"So this is what's been going on the past few days." Dana nods smiling. "With
all that was happening, I forgot my own birthday." Dana steps toward Casey.
She puts her arms around his neck, pulling him toward her. The kiss began
tentatively then it grew.

When they finally separated, Dana spoke up. "I'm so sorry for everything
these past few months, Casey. It took a while, but I finally realized you
were trying to protect me."

Casey leans up against Dana's station. "Dana, I love you." Dana fall into his
arms.

"I love you too, Casey." He holds you close. "I guess Natalie was right."
They both start to laugh.

"Casey can we keep this quite for a while? I don't want to spoil it yet."

He smiles, "Ok we won't tell anyone. Not even Dan."

"And especially Natalie." Dana adds.

From the studio, they here shouts "Where's Casey? It's time for presents!"

Taking Dana's hand, Casey says "Let's get back to my party."

When the party finally wound down, Dana helped Casey carry everything down to
her office. He'd leave it there until Monday, when he was in shape to drive.
Dropping the last load behind her desk, he took her in his arms kissing her.
First lightly, then with more passion. She responds in kind, letting her
fingers move though his thick hair. She felt his hands move up and down her
back.

As they broke away, Dana spoke up. "I do love you Casey."

Casey drew Dana close to him. "I love you too, Dana. I'm not going to leave
you. I've waited fifteen years for this chance and I'm not going to blow it.

She fell into his embrace completely. Casey led her to the couch. As they
sat, Casey found Dana's lips warm and inviting. The kiss began slowly,
working it's way toward passionate. He felt Dana push his jacket off and he
slipped out of his shirt. Dana looked at him as he slowly and methodically
unbuttoned Dana's blouse one at a time. <This is torture.> Dana thought < Oh,
how I love it.> Dana slowly dropped to the couch letting Casey continue to
explore. She softly moaned his name as her fingers move though his hair. The
heat continued to rise inside Dana as Casey moved lower. She couldn't stand
it anymore. She pulled Casey's mouth to hers.

"We should continue this at my place." Dana said trying to catch her breath.

Casey agreed. They quickly dress and walked out of the office. When they
finally left, Casey took Dana's hand. < Yes> Casey thought to himself, < I am
a very Lucky man.> He interlaced his fingers with hers as they walked to the
elevators.