**
*Episode 17: Slideshow:
http://tinyurl.com/gem9m<http://s57.photobucket.com/albums/g230/ronbella/EPISODE\
S_WEEK%204/?action=view¤t=SP_EP_17.gif>
*
Raxl is still using the tarot deck. Vangie and the Conjure Man are also
working with them. Both set of cards are identical. "Just as Raxl said from
Maljardin." Vangie tells her father. "Before I die my daughter the truth
about Jean Paul Desmond and those around him must be told. As the truth
about the devil. Read them to me." The Conjure Man tells Vangie. "Father,
the Knight of Pentacles sits on the right hand by the Ace of Cups. The Queen
of Cups is upon her left. The King of Scepter lie upon the Queen and the
Ace. The Ten of Swords is shadowing the Ace and the Knight." The Conjure
Man picks up the fool. "And this, the foolish one?" "Your hand holds
Lamaur, the symbol of divine folly, the perfected spirit approaching the
one. This is the minister, Mathew Dawson. He's already on the Island to
conduct a burial service for Jean Paul Desmond's wife." Vangie tells her
father. "The one that is frozen?" the Conjure Man asks. "In the cryonics
capsule. But you told me death is decided by the one. Whenever man doesn't
seem spiritual, he brings upon himself the icy wings of retribution. And the
evil fires of hell." "Can you see what the cards tell us?" the Conjure Man
asks. "I've been seeing it for the last week father." "You must see that
the King of Scepters is no longer Jean Paul Desmond. He's another,” says the
Conjure Man. "The one that brings harm to the innocent child. And also the
sister of the wife of Jean Paul Desmond. Death. Thank God for the fool. But
he'll need help. We must bring the Madge of Coins to the Island. How?"
Vangie asks. "If there is no other way we must use levitation. There is no
other way." "Only a believer can be moved,” says Vangie. The Conjure Man
walks across the room carrying a robe. "You must try." "But I am
powerless." she tells her father. "The one that wears this will have
powers." Vangie shakes her head no. "I command you." The Conjure Man hands
the robes to Vangie. "I must contact Raxl,” he says turning towards the
altar. After lighting the candles he holds his arms out. "Raxl, daughter of
the Priestess, keeper of the faith it is I the Conjure Man calling." Raxl
hears him. "Oh yes oh powerful one." "No more, the Serpent is calling me
home." "No, not yet! Not yet! The devil is loose again!" "How was he
freed?" "The Master, Jean Paul he innocently pulled the silver pin from the
temple of the conjure doll." "The Prince of Darkness must be stopped before
he can destroy. Where is the doll Raxl and the pin?"
In the Great Hall Jacques portrait becomes blank. With a smile Jean Paul
walks from the Great Hall to the crypt. "Conjure Man." Raxl falls to her
knees. "I plead with you. Help me find the doll and silver pin." "I cannot,
the Serpent is calling me home. But I will send my daughter!" "No wait
Conjure Man, wait." Raxl gets up to her feet. "All alone Raxl?" Jacques
asks her. "Yes Master." "Just you and the caged bird. That's strange I
could have sworn I heard voices. It wouldn't be you would it?" he asks the
bird. "Or have you developed possibly a resident baritone. I doubt it. Poor
little birdie in a cage, all you have is poor Quito who has no voice for you
to parrot." Jacques looks at Raxl. "Who was here?" "You can see that no one
is here." Raxl tells him. "I can see no one but who can you see?" He walks
to the table. "Ah, tarot cards. Are these cards Quito’s?" Jacques asks while
collecting them. "Mine Master." "Correction Raxl, mine." he then hands
them to Raxl. "Here you are, amuse yourself with them. But don't overplay
your hand." Jacques then walks away. Raxl walks over to the birdcage. "He
knows Chako, he knows. The devil knows everything." "Poor Raxl, fear has
driven her to card tricks only I hold the joker." Jacques says as he stands
on the steps of the crypt.
Jean Paul is lying on the couch asleep. Raxl comes up from the crypt
carrying the tarot cards. Seeing Jean Paul she walks over to him. She looks
at him shaking her head then walks away. "No wonder you're weary. A body
built for one carrying two, how tiring it must be. Especially when the devil
is gallivanting about." Jacques wakes Jean Paul. "Now listen, never again
are you to go to the Main Island. You fool, to leave Dan Forrest there." "No,
no." Jean Paul says to him. "You should have brought him back with you, to
join the others as your guest. Now when the day of truth arrives." Jean
Paul sits up. "What day of truth?" "When the dead shall rise, on that day
there will be many sacrifices. But the choice will be mine." Jean Paul
comes to his feet. "Leave me alone, leave them alone!" he shouts "Leave me!"
"If I leave you where will that leave me, and poor sweet Erica?" "No!" Jean
Paul cries out turning away. Alison is walking in the door carrying
flowers. She rushes over to him. "Jean Paul, are you all right?" "I'm
sorry. I must have been asleep. A bad dream. Did you here me speaking
aloud?" he asks putting his hand to his forehead. "I heard something, but I
couldn't understand it." Alison tells him. With his hand on the back of his
head, Jean Paul walks across the Great Hall. Taking a seat he says. "My
dreams are becoming as impossible as my life these days and nights." Alison
walks over to Jean Paul. "Jean Paul, have you been taking your
tranquilizers?" "When I remember." "When was the last time?" "I don't
remember, Alison please." "If you don't take them you'll have a breakdown.
You have to take them regularly." "Look don't talk to me as a child, I
won't be treated like one." Jean Paul says. With a shake of her head Alison
says. "I haven't the slightest idea how to treat you. Now where are your
pills?" she asks pouring a glass of water. "I'm all right." Jean Paul tells
her. "Please I don't need them." He sees the flower and picks them up. "Your
flowers could use a little revitalization. They are so sad and wilted." "Like
everything on this Island. Dead or slowly dying." "Then why did you pick
them?" "Because Erica loved flowers and I thought they belonged at her
service." Alison tells him. "Reverend Dawson is still undecided, although
I'm certain we can bring him over to our way of thinking. The flowers will
be freshly cut and brought over. I will see to that. Uprooted flowers on
Maljardin are assured for death." Jean Paul picks up the flowers from the
table. "For them I mean." "Death is in all our destinies." Alison tells
him. "Are you on that again?" "Yes, for your good and Erica’s. And I'll
keep coming back to it, to convince you that death is the only positive
finality." "But not for Erica and I'll try to convince you." Alison puts
her hands on the back of Jean Paul's chair. "There aren't that many women in
the world so blessed to have a man to love them so devotedly, that he would
deny..." "The will of God. Jean Paul adds. "He forced me to, by denying me
the right to Erica." "I fear for you Jean Paul." "I fear for each and
everyone of us." Jean Paul tells her. Alison shakes her head and walks up
the stairs to her room. On the top landing she glances back at Jean Paul. He
is still sitting in a chair. Alison then walks away. Jean Paul reaches out
and picks up the flowers. He stands and sticks them into a glass of water.
Then walking to the stairs he looks up. "Oh she's lovely, delightful and
unattached." Jacques tells Jean Paul. "Pity you are so attached to Erica.
Pity for you that is, not me." "Be quiet!" Jean Paul shouts as he spins
around spilling his glass of water. "You can't destroy me that way, we have
been through that before. And if you could, just think. You might be
destroying all about you, perhaps even yourself." With a laugh Jacques tells
him. " Aren't I the devil?" Jean Paul turns and heads up the staircase
tiredly. Thunder starts rumbling outside. Jean Paul is warming his hands at
the fireplace in the Great Hall when Raxl comes down the stairs carrying lit
candelabra. It's still thundering and lightening. "Looks like something or
someone brought down quite a storm Raxl." Jean Paul stands. On his hand is
Jacques ring. "Well I think you should get yourself back up to bed. Or
should I..." he reaches out to Raxl. "No, no leave me alone." Raxl pulls
back from him. "Or perhaps you would like a pill so you can sleep better?"
Jacques asks, taking the bottle of tranquilizers out of his pocket. "With
the devil roaming, how can I?" Raxl says as she quickly walks away. Jacques
is standing watching Raxl with a grin upon his face.
Back on the Mainland the Conjure Man prepares Vangie. "Oh Spirit, hear me,
immortal fire you are truth. Speak." The Conjure Man is standing over Vangie
who is kneeling. "I am she, hater of evil." "I am he, whose force be
cleansed!"
"I am she giver of light." The Conjure Man takes a necklace shaped with two
serpents entwined and places it around Vangie's neck. He then clutches his
chest and falls. "No, no!" Vangie cries moving quickly to her father.
On Maljardin Alison runs up from the crypt. "No, no!" "Alison, Alison
you're all right." Jean Paul says as he puts his arm around her shoulder and
leads her to the couch in the dark. "Now, what happened?" "The lights went
out in the crypt." "Why were you in the crypt?" he asks as he squats behind
the couch. "I wanted to take some flowers to Erica." she says. "Dead
flowers? Were you trying to put a hex on our beloved Erica?" he says with a
laugh. "I'm sorry Alison, that was a very bad joke wasn't it?" Jacques
stands. "Well maybe we can solve it with a bit of good brandy. Would you
like a little?" He pours Alison a drink and brings it to her. "It will help
warn you and ward off the ghosts on Maljardin and all their offspring."
Jacques tells her as he kneels on the couch to hand the glass to Alison. "What
an eerie remark." Alison says. Jacques stands and walks to the fireplace.
Facing Alison he crosses his arms "It's a statement my dear." Jacques looks
over at his portrait. "He's memorizing isn't he,” Alison stands and walks
toward Jacques portrait. "He's so real. So serious. Born three hundred years
ago, yet so lively as if..." "It's the light or the lack of it. I do wish
someone would repair the generator so we could see our way around... Ah."
(The lights are back on.) "Speak of the devil." Jacques says. "You know
I've decided after the service I am going to leave Maljardin." Alison tells
Jean Paul. "But why? You promised to stay." "Well I've changed my mind."
Alison says. "But I haven't changed mine. As a matter of fact I have made
up my mind, I wouldn't like to loose you too." "What?" Alison asks shocked.
"Only until Erica returns of course."
Back on the Mainland the Conjure Man is laying on his bed. He tells Vangie
"You are a Conjure Woman now my daughter. Cherish the name." "Why me? Why
only me? Vangie asks sitting on the side of his bed. "Because only you have
the gift." "But I don't want it." Vangie tells him. "You can't rid
yourself of it." "Rest father please." Vangie tells him. "I have an
eternity to rest. It's you who will get no rest until you send Jacques Eloi
Des Mondes back to hell, the eternal hell he brought upon himself." The
Conjure Man closes his eyes. "Papa? Papa!" Vangie cries. "I go to eternal
peace, don't weep." "I'll try." Vangie tells him. "I go to the shadow of
the Great Serpent." Again Vangie calls her father. "When ever you need me,
call me. I will answer. I will never be to far away. Love you my daughter."
"I love you." Vangie answers him back. The Conjure Man passes away.
On Maljardin Jean Paul says. "I love Erica so much. I know it's frightening
for you enough to make you want to leave the Island." Jean Paul (himself
again) and Alison are standing in front of Jacques portrait. "It's not your
love that frightens me, it's the strange things it forces you to do." Alison
says. Jean Paul turns away from Alison. "Jean Paul you're tired, you need
a rest, a change, something complete and absolute, after the service
tomorrow why don't you leave too. Leave this place with its morbid
atmosphere and sad memories." "My whole life is here." Jean Paul says with
his back to Alison. "Well take Erica with you." Jean Paul turns and looks
at Alison. "And disturb the entire cryonics process? And assure her eternal
death, I can't do it and I will not." "She'd want you to. I know." Alison
tells him. "No I know what I must do." Jean Paul says as he walks away from
Alison. He sits on the couch. "And leaving here is no answer." Alison walks
up to him. "Well I'm leaving Jean Paul." "You can't!" "Are you physically
going to restrain me?" Alison asks. Jean Paul looks up at her. "You
wouldn't go that far,” she says. Jean Paul comes to his feet and stands in
front of her. "Please Alison, please stay." "You don't understand. It's
very difficult for me to stay." "Look after tomorrow things will be
different." Jean Paul tells her. Alison turns away. "It will never be any
different no matter how many tomorrows come and pass." Alison says as she
turns and looks at him. Jean Paul walks up to her. "Don't you understand
why you must remain?" he reaches out to hold her by the arms. "Why I can't
go, why no one else can go until Erica is returned to me. Then I will see
her and you will see her. But until then her secret, the secret of her
temporary death must never leak out. Can you imagine the fuss over the
cryonics process, the headlines, the feature stories, the ugly rumors, the
disrespect to your sister. And to my darling wife." "I can't stay here
forever." Alison tells him. Looking down at her. "Why not?" Alison looks
up at him, then brushes past him. "Goodnight Jean Paul." She walks up the
staircase to her room. Watching her go Jean Paul walks away from Jacques
portrait. Stopping in front of a chair he covers his face with his hands,
sitting down he lowers his hands. "Msieu Desmond?" Raxl walks up to
him. "Yes,
what is it Raxl." "The storm is over. Is it to late for Quito to leave for
the Mainland?" "That's not what you came to say Raxl. Speak what's on your
mind." Jean Paul says to her. "I'm afraid Msieu, I'm afraid the Conjure Man
is dead." Jean Paul looks up at her. "Vangie's father? I am sorry." "So
may we all be. Please Msieu take Doctor Carr and all the others and do as
she asks. Run from this accursed place before it is too late!" Thunder
rattles the house. Jean Paul looks up. "Looks like the storm is starting all
over again!" Raxl walks quickly away.
Summary by Debby Graham & Slideshow by Ron Janick
--
Ron and The Boston Babes:
Bella & Daisy
"God is great, beer is good,
and people are crazy."
...Billy Currington
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
**
*Episode 18: Slideshow:
http://tinyurl.com/zamdk<http://s57.photobucket.com/albums/g230/ronbella/EPISODE\
S_WEEK%204/?action=view¤t=SP_EP_18.gif>
*
Holly is asleep on the couch in the Great Hall. Jean Paul comes down the
steps, seeing Holly he smiles and walks over to her. He takes a blanket and
covers her. "Hi dad, I had a dream and I thought that..." Holly says in her
sleep. She awakens and sees Jean Paul kneeling behind the couch. "Mr.
Desmond?" "Yes Holly, what's the matter didn't you like your bed?" Jean
Paul asks with a smile. "You're going to think I'm pretty weird but I guess
I just conked out for a while. I thought I was at home waiting for my dad to
come." Holly tells him. "I know. I know the feeling only to well. Sometimes
you know when memories haunt dreams, nightmares can follow." Jean Paul
stands then walks around the couch to the front. "Now what you need is a
good cup of coffee." "To down the bumpy feeling that comes in the night."
Holly says as Jean Paul helps her up. "Well if we are going to do that the
coffee is going to have to be extra hot." Jean Paul says before kissing her
hand.
Back on the Mainland Vangie is pouring two cups of coffee. "Good morning
Dan." she says as Dan comes into the room. "It's to early, let's wait and
see." "Have some coffee, maybe it will help." Vangie tells him. Dan sits
down. "Two cups? E.S.P, clairvoyance or witchcraft?" "Observation. I saw
you heading up from the docks." "Let's hope this coffee is better than
usual." Dan says picking up the cup and sipping from it. "It can't be any
worse. Perhaps today will also be an improvement." Vangie says. "I never
realized how short my temper fuse really is. I've toured every dock on this
Island and I can't find a single soul who will run me over to Maljardin."
Dan tells her. "To treacherous, to dangerous and to superstitious. The
channel trip and the belief in that order." Vangie tells Dan. "I can't
accept that nobody runs that channel except Quito and Jean Paul Desmond." :
Some have tried. And have died." Vangie tells him. "You're saying there is
a jinx of some kind?" Dan asks taking a sip from his coffee. "There's a
fear..." "That's it, fear not fact. That's what's infuriating." Dan
says. "Combine
the two, fact and fear. That channel is a cross between a tide and a
tornado. It's full of rocks and other underwater dangers. Actually it hasn't
been properly charted. Maybe it's Jean Paul's protection against a world
trying to beat a path to his door." Vangie tells Dan. "A door that seems
locked always from the inside. Now, all right that channel is tricky. Why
can't some native run it by instinct?" "It's the instinct that prevents
them from even trying. Dan, it's no accident that Island is called
Maljardin." Vangie says. "Yes the old Garden of Evil legends. That goes way
back to Jean Paul's ancestors, back almost three hundred years." Dan tells
Vangie. "It's the history of death that keeps being updated." Vangie says.
"Oh come on Vangie, it's to early in the morning for me to buy that." Vangie
lowers her head. "What is it? Did someone else over there die?" Dan
asks. "Someone
controlled by what goes on there. Haven't you heard about my father?" Vangie
asks.
Back on Maljardin Jean Paul and Holly sit on the couch drinking coffee.
"Since my father's death everything has become so complicated." Holly says.
"I know but that was some time ago Holly." "But not enough time." Holly
tells him. "Yes but enough time to make an adjustment, don't you think?"
Jean Paul says. "That's strange coming from you. You, yourself won't make
an adjustment about your wife's death. You think you can give her a chance
to make the scene again. You really believe that?" "I do. Erica will return
again." Jean Paul looks at Holly. "I'm sorry that your father wasn't given
the same chance to return to you. Well I must be off." Jean Paul stands then
carries his coffee cup to a table. Putting it down he tells Holly. "Quito
and the boat are waiting. I have to go to the Mainland to pick up some
flowers for the service today. You will attend wont you?" "If Matt Dawson
is conducting it, no thank you." "I'm asking for Erica’s sake. Will you
come?" Jean Paul asks looking down at Holly. "I guess I'm kind of on a
swing that pushes me out then pulls me right down again." Holly says. "Well
if your attitude levels off then the swing will stop and you'll be better
off for it." Jean Paul tells her. "Please, don't you play the good padre
to. One's enough." Holly says as she stands and walks away." "You've already
hung Matt Dawson around my neck." She stops and looks back at Jean Paul. "Now
that wasn't my doing, Doctor Carr asked that he be brought over for the
service for her sister." Jean Paul says walking up to Holly. "And you
agreed?" "Well yes, to ease her mind." Jean Paul says. "And your
conscience?" "It's no trouble I assure you. What I'm doing for Erica is
correct." "I don't know about ceyronics." Holly says. "No cryonics." Jean
Paul corrects her. "Cryonics, I sure dig the idea. If you can bring your
wife back to life go to it." "Nothing on earth or in heaven will stop me."
Thunder and lightening, rumble and flash. The lights go out. Holly turns to
Jean Paul. "It's alright it's just the generator. It's about as
temperamental as the weather." The lights come back on. "Temperamental? Wow
I promised to pose for Tim this morning. I better get going or he'll throw a
tantrum." Holly tells Jean Paul, then turns and runs up the staircase. Jean
Paul watches her go. "Generator indeed, that inanimate I'm not. Now that
little thunder and lightening show was to change the subject so that sweet
child will prepare to pose for dear Erica's portrait if it's to be
finished." "It will!" "Unless the artist or his temporary model is
finished first. Dear me, it does pose a dilemma Pose, portrait, dilemma. A
little play on words. But I assure you I'm not playing games." Jacques says.
"I warn you, even the devil can go too far." Jacques says. "Warn me, let me
warn you to never warn me again or the lights may go out forever. Now where
were we? Oh yes you were on the way to the Main Island. Get a move on and
don't just bring back flowers." Jacques tells Jean Paul. "That's all I
need!" Jean Paul says angrily. "How about Dan Forrest? The one loose end
that needs to be tied." "He doesn't work for me!" Jean Paul says angrily. "I
want to be sure he doesn't work against you." Jacques tells him.
Back on the Mainland "Forces of evil are at work." Vangie says. Dan is
standing. "Your father and Erica dead. Are you certain about her?" "The
tarot cards do not lie." Vangie tells him. "You mean these fortune telling
cards? I thought you would use something more concrete." Dan says. "I do.
Erica Desmond is dead." "Based on your bag of E.S.P. tricks. I'm a lawyer,
I need substantial facts." Dan tells her. "Let's start with these. For over
a week now, death on that Island has been flashing warnings and signs of
more to come." Dan sits down. "Come on Vangie purely circumstantial." "Then
how do you explain why the minister was taken there? Why Doctor Menkin died?
Why Mrs. Desmond's sister Alison Carr never returned and why she wrote a
letter asking for help? And why was Holly, the little stowaway kept there?
Why was her mother taken there to join her? And why were you fired? Answer
one and you answer all." "A series of unique happenings which will probably
clarify themselves." Dan says. "A convenience of unconvincing conclusions
that would be thrown out of court." Vangie says. "Along with E.S.P." Dan
adds. "Before my father The Conjure Man died he told me." "You know that
little evidence wont stand up before a judge either." Dan says. "Except the
Almighty." "Do you mean to say that when Alison and I first came down here
it already had happened? Dan asks. "I believe it already had." "Then why
didn't Jean Paul tell us when he saw us here?" "If it was Jean Paul?"
Vangie says to him. Dan laughs. "Who else could it have been?" The man who
signed your document, Jacques Eloi Des Mondes." "Why, he's been dead for
three hundred years. My office researched it and history proves it." Dan
tells her. "My father feared and I fear, to that he walks again." "Ghosts,
reincarnation are we back to that?" Dan asks. "Transmutation, perhaps he is
trying to possess Jean Paul's body." "If he does, and mind you I don't for
a minute believe it. What happens to Jean Paul?" "And everyone on
Maljardin? That's why they all need help." Vangie lays down a card and
points to it. "This way a man of immense wealth and prestige and power in
the world. Reverse it." Vangie turns the card upside down. "It becomes the
traditional card of ill-omen. The devil himself." She picks up the card.
"Jean Paul Desmond or Jacques Eloi Des Mondes." Dan looks at the card then
looks away.
On Maljardin Jacques laughs. "Card tricks but fascinating aren't they."
Dan looks at Vangie. "All I know is that I'm going over to that Island and
get some answers." "You should be warned though, your mission is a
dangerous one." Vangie tells him. "I've faced that before." "When you can
see your enemies that's one thing." "Search and destroy, that's a modern
technique of warfare." "Or be destroyed." Vangie says. "You can't frighten
me anymore Vangie, I'm already as frightened as I can get." "The boat from
Maljardin should be over here." Vangie says. "And I'm going to on it on the
return." Dan tells her standing. "I've got to find out what's going on over
there."
Back on Maljardin Tim is working on the portrait. Holly is posing in her
chair. "Hey, don't squirm." Tim tells her. "My neck is killing me." Holly
says. "Some model. I wonder if Whistler had as much trouble with his
mother?" "I wish my mother was on canvas instead of always being on my
back." "Cool it Holly will you." Matt Dawson walks down the staircase
"Capturing all her beauty?" He asks as he walks up to Tim "May I?" "No you
may not, no admittance while under construction." "All right." Matt says
with a smile. "You have a real talent for butting in where you don't
belong." Holly tells him. "Cool it Holly." Tim tells her. "Well he just
knocked me that's all." "I didn't intend anything." Matt apologizes to Tim.
"That's not the picture I get Reverend." Holly says.
Back on the Mainland. "And when you get the picture of what's going on over
there. Then what?" Vangie asks Dan. "I'll take whatever steps as
necessary." Dan says walking back to Vangie. "Provided your still on your
feet."
Back on Maljardin. "Take a walk Reverend. Tim and I have work to do." Holly
tells Matt. "I belong just where I am Holly." Walking over to Holly. "I've
decided to conduct the service for Mrs. Desmond after all. I think her
husband would appreciate cessation in all our hostility." "Temporary."
Holly says. "The Reverends right, let's pack it in. Better clean up." Tim
says. "I didn't mean any disrespect." Holly says, then looking at the
Reverend she stands. "At least not to Mr. Desmond." Holly leaves and heads
upstairs. Tim looks at the Reverend as he covers up the portrait.
"Underneath the pretty blond hair and protective armor she's really a nice
kid." "We don't have any quarrel Tim there is no need to defend her to me.
It seems we both know Holly. It's a pity she can't learn to know
herself." Moving
the portrait out of the way, Tim asks. "You ever met Erica Desmond?" "No."
"I really wish I were painting Holly instead of substituting her for a dead
woman." "They say that Mrs. Desmond was very beautiful." "Oh yes she was
a knockout alright. Just like Holly who is a very much alive knockout, isn't
she." "You are the artist." Matt says with a smile. "You're a man." "And
a minister, and I know my place." You know it doesn't feel right what I'm
doing. It's like going to one of those county fairs. You stick your head
through a hole with a painted body beneath it, it all comes out distorted."
"Like death. Here you are painting a portrait of a dead woman and here I am
planning to conduct a service for her. Both at the bidding of Erica
Desmond's husband, who is positive she will live again." Matt says. "Strange
isn't it." "Strange enough to make me wonder if what I'm doing is right or
wrong." "You mean conducting the service?" "I can command a soul to God. I
can comfort a bereaved man, but I can also condemn his actions." "You mean
you think what Mr. Desmond is doing may spoil his wife's chance for eternal
rest?" "A welcome to God's heaven, no. No the question is Mr. Desmond
himself." "He doesn't think so. His rent isn't due, like he owns half the
world." "An obsession more powerful than all his little world." Matt says,
"You know enough about cryonics to doubt his faith in it? It's success?" "I'm
only trying to understand it and it's a great strain. It might be to much
even for Jean Paul Desmond." Matt says as he and Tim walk out of the
room. Jacques
portrait goes blank.
Back on the Mainland Jacques takes over Jean Paul's body as he walks into
the French Leaf cafe. "Well, well, well Dan Forrest as I live and breath.
You look as though you lost your last friend." Jacques says walking up to
Dan's table. "I thought I had. You." "That was yesterday, today clasp
friends in friendship." Jacques says extending his hand. Dan stands and
shakes hands. Jacques lays his left hand over their clasped hands. "Or
whatever." Jacques says. "Jean Paul answer a question. Is Erica dead?" "Now
you know why I wasn't really myself yesterday." They both sit down. "Vangie
guessed it. I couldn't believe it. Why didn't you tell me?" "Well I just
can't dispense sorrow and gloom all the time. Isn't there anyone to decant a
little cheer me up?" "They aren't open yet. Anyway for a man so recently
bereaved, you seem almost to cheerful." "Purely a pseudo. Inside I assure
you I'm in proper mourning." "Knowing how much you loved Erica, I can
appreciate your courage." "Well it was either that or letting myself go to
the devil." "You have to much at stake, to much ahead of you." Dan
says. "That's
what enables me to go on, and on, and on." "It must have been very sudden?"
"What?" Jacques asks. "Erica's death." "Oh yes, it was a terrible shock to
all of us. Me especially." "I still can't believe it." "I know sometimes I
have to pinch myself to make sure it's not just a hellish dream." "I can
understand that." "Can you really?" Jacques says with a smile. "Well Erica
wasn't my wife but I think I can imagine how I would react." "Well,
sometimes it's beyond the wildest imagination some of the things I've been
through and what lies ahead of me." "Well all our futures are unknown,
except perhaps to Vangie Abbott." "Yes but if one of her cards or all of
her cards should tear or burn she would be just as much in the dark."
"Provided
one believes in witchcraft for beginners." "Don't you?" Jacques asks. "Do
you? Dan asks back. "Well for years I've doubted it." "You mean you don't
anymore?" "After what's happened to me, I can't gamble on doubting
anything." "No it hasn't been easy for you has it? Even with all that
you've got, because you no longer have Erica." "I will have her again."
Jacques says. "Vangie thinks something funny is going on at that Island of
yours." "Funny? I assure you no one is laughing." Jacques says. "Well I
was ready to break down the wall to get over there to see just what is
happening." "Why bruise yourself, be my guest." "Exactly what I've been
waiting for. It'll be my pleasure." Dan says. "Believe me the pleasure will
be all mine. Well, I came for some flowers for a little service for Erica.
Why don't you pick up your bags and meet me at the dock." Jacques tells him.
They both stand. "I will, thank you." Dan tells him then walks away. Jacques
takes a couple of steps; he knows Vangie is coming up behind him. "Did you
hear it all Vangie?" With a smile he asks, with his back to her. "Enough to
make me wonder if I should contact the newspapers. Let find out really the
kind of man you are." Jacques no longer smiling nods his head, turning
towards her he says. "You wouldn't do that, because you are afraid of my
power." "In this world or the next?" "Next world? What are you talking
about?" he says with a laugh. "You have been playing cards to much, it's
dulling your senses." "My father is dead. I am now the Conjure Woman. My
senses are greater than ever. There is evil roaming on Maljardin. It must be
destroyed." "Vangie, you and your witchcraft. It will be the death of me
yet." he says grinning. "I'm after the devil." Jacques with a serious
look, nods. "And he's after you." He turns and walks away.**
Summary by Debby Graham & Slideshow by Ron Janick
--
Ron and The Boston Babes:
Bella & Daisy
"God is great, beer is good,
and people are crazy."
...Billy Currington
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
You'll love this...http://www.youtube.com/user/MuppetsStudio
--
Ron and The Boston Babes:
Bella & Daisy
"God is great, beer is good,
and people are crazy."
...Billy Currington
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
Man, this took some digging! According to IMDb, Dawn Greenhalgh, the lovely
Paisley Maxwell, Vivian Reis and Tudi Wiggins all appeared on a weekly Canadian
daytime drama called "Paul Bernard, Psychiatrist." The show ran from 1971-72.
Dawn Greenhalgh played Alice Talbot, Paisley Maxwell played Mrs. Roberts, Vivian
Rice played Mrs. Wilkins and Tudi Wiggins played Mrs. Howard. It aired from
Sept. 13, 1971 to Nov. 29, 1972. It revolved around the case studies of Bernard
and his female patients, many of whom reappeared on a regular basis.
Congrats, SPRules! You continue to be our reigning trivia champion. You are
absolutely correct with you info regarding PAUL BERNARD, PSYCHIATRIST. Give me
a shout if you'd like to claim another DVD. In the meantime, I'll have another
trivia question up on Friday to tease everyone's brains. I hope you all had a
great Thanksgiving!
--- In strangeparadise2@yahoogroups.com, sprules_1999 <no_reply@...> wrote:
>
>
> Man, this took some digging! According to IMDb, Dawn Greenhalgh, the lovely
Paisley Maxwell, Vivian Reis and Tudi Wiggins all appeared on a weekly Canadian
daytime drama called "Paul Bernard, Psychiatrist." The show ran from 1971-72.
Dawn Greenhalgh played Alice Talbot, Paisley Maxwell played Mrs. Roberts, Vivian
Rice played Mrs. Wilkins and Tudi Wiggins played Mrs. Howard. It aired from
Sept. 13, 1971 to Nov. 29, 1972. It revolved around the case studies of Bernard
and his female patients, many of whom reappeared on a regular basis.
>
**
*Episode 19: Slideshow:
http://tinyurl.com/kouav<http://s57.photobucket.com/albums/g230/ronbella/EPISODE\
S_WEEK%204/?action=view¤t=SP_EP_19.gif>
***
Back on Maljardin Raxl lays flowers on Erica's capsule. "Little bird, I
hope the flowers are the last thing you look upon before your soul departs
to the Great Serpent." Quito comes in carrying a flower also. "I remember
that flower. I watched it grow. You cut it for her?" Raxl asks. Quito nods.
"Let's hope the little bird sees it, if her soul is to be freed this
morning." "You don't seem to have faith in the last rites of Christianity,
Raxl." Jean Paul says from the steps. Alison is with him. They are both
carrying flowers. "Good morning Msieu, Doctor. Since the little Mistress
believed in the new religion, let their language be used." Raxl says. "New
religion?" Alison asks Jean Paul. "The worship of the Serpent goes back to
before the recorded history of the bible. To Raxl and Quito ours is the new
religion." "Ours? Didn't you deny God?" Jean Paul lays the flowers over
the capsule. "I'm not denying Erica a Christian service, which you wanted!"
Jean Paul says angrily. Alison also lays her flowers on the capsule. "I
would prefer a complete service and burial. I'm sure Erica would be more at
peace, beneath the ground." Jean Paul turns to Alison. "She will be beneath
the ground. This crypt is. But as long as I draw breath she will never be
put in the ground. She will be brought back to life. To me!" Jean Paul walks
to Raxl. "Raxl, Quito the service will begin. Alison, may I have a few
moments alone with Erica?" "Of course." Alison says then walks away. Raxl
walk up to Jean Paul. "We will be at your service if we are needed." Raxl
and Quito also leave. Jean Paul stands next to Erica's capsule.
Alison walks into the Great Hall. "Reverend Dawson, I think everything is in
order." "We will begin when ever Mr. Desmond likes." "Mr. Desmond would
like a few moments alone. He seems so close to breaking. She tells the
Reverend sitting against the back of the couch. "He'll pick himself up, in
all the time I have worked for him I never saw a problem that was to tough
for him." Dan says walking over to Alison. "A loss of a loved one is harder
to bear than a loss of a corporation Dan." Alison tells him. "I didn't mean
it the way it sounded Alison. You know that." "Of course, it's going to be
a very difficult day for all of us." "Especially you." Dan tells her. Alison
stands. "Reverend Dawson, answer a question will you." "If I can." "It's
about the religion practiced by Quito and Raxl." "It's quite not in my
books so to speak." Matt tells her. "Well perhaps I can shed some light on
it. I've been told by Vangie that the worshipers of the Great Serpent regard
Christians as heretics. Harsh words but maybe they consider our beliefs as
an infringement on theirs. Quito and Raxl loved Erica, I know that. But if
we are heretics they can't and won't take part in the service for her." Dan
says. "But they will be there?" Alison asks. "Out of respect I guess,”
says Dan. "In silence of course. Raxl too, she'll be there with her jaws
clamped all through the service." Alison says with a smile. "It will be a
very short service Doctor Carr." Matt says then walks away. "The length
isn't important Reverend. It's the fact that matters I can't say how
grateful I am." Alison says walking up to Matt. "No please don't...”, the
Reverend says. "Please let me say it. There's not many men in your church
who would do what your doing this morning." "I'm simply following the
dictates of my conscience, although I do admit I did consider exactly what I
should do." Matt says. "If I followed the dictate of my conscience I'd have
prevented this madness of Jean Paul’s in the first place." says Dan. Jean
Paul comes up from the crypt. He sees Holly walking down the staircase from
her room. She passes Tim and her mother. "Morning dear, did you sleep
well?" Elizabeth asks. "Mother could you please try to be yourself today of
all days." Holly looks at Tim. " How are you feeling today?" "Like an
uninvited guests." "At least you knew Mrs. Desmond." Holly says. "Just
long enough to do one sketch. She was a beautiful woman." "She probably
still is. How comforting it must be to know your body will never change.
Even after death." Elizabeth says. "You would like that, wouldn't you? Good
for your complexion." Holly says then walks over to the Reverend. "Got a
minute Matt?" "If it's Matt again, certainly. What is it?" "Look just
because I need some advice doesn't mean I believe why you followed me down
here." "All right, what can I do for you?" Matt asks. "What do you think
Mr. Desmond would do if I didn't go to the service?" "I think he would be
hurt." "I didn't even know his wife." Holly says. "Come on Holly what's
the real reason?" "After the horror of my father's funeral I told myself
the next one I go to would be my own." "You're not to be frightened of the
Lords will Holly." "Look Reverend, you are going to think this is way off
but last night I had a very strange nightmare." "What about?" Matt
asks. "About
me. Like some kind of warning." they sit down on the couch.
Raxl is standing in the crypt with her arms folded, she nods at Quito. He
draws a pattern in a small sand box. "It appears she is one of us Quito.
Poor child." After Quito draws, Raxl smoothes it with her hand. Quito hands
her a match. Raxl set a dish of powder on fire, it smokes. In the small box
of sand a picture forms. "I will tell the Master that all is ready for the
ceremony."
Holly is telling the Reverend about her dream. "Suddenly there was this
woman like a Priestess. She seemed to be in a temple, she was standing over
me with a strange kind of headdress and she looked like my mother." "Your
dreams are beginning to sound like a B movie. Go on." "Then she said 'Those
who are part of this evil must pay the price'. What do you think it means?"
"I interpret the bible, not dreams Holly. I don't know, but you're a little
over emotional. We are all under a great strain. Dreams can have many
meanings. What may seem valuable to a psychiatrist may seem useless to us
and visa versa." "What you're saying is I should go isn't it?" "Out of
respect to Mrs. Desmond, yes, and with regard to yourself, you cannot
continue to run from things Holly." "Why is it every time I talk to you I
end up doing something I don't want to do?" Holly says as she stands and
walks away. Jean Paul is standing next to the staircase when Raxl walks up
to him. "If you're ready Reverend." Jean Paul says. The Reverend walks
over to Jean Paul. Jean Paul leads the way. The Reverend, Elizabeth, Tim
then Holly follow. Dan and Alison stop. "Strange procession." Alison says.
"Strange proceedings. The reformer and the reformed. The temptress and the
tempter, the mysterious and the mute, the artist and death, and you and I.
Are you ready?" Dan asks. "As ready as I'll ever be for my sister's
service." Dan takes Alison's arm and they follow the others in. They form a
half circle around the capsule. Raxl and Quito stand in the background."
The Reverend begins the funeral service. After the service Jean Paul leads
the group away. Reverend Dawson is the last to leave except Raxl and Quito.
Quito starts to move away, but Raxl stops him. "It's not over. Not by just
saying a few words. It's just the beginning."
Coming up from the crypt Jean Paul leads Alison out first, the others
follow. "Thank you, Jean Paul, at least now Erica has had a Christian
service." Alison says. "I prefer to remember the marriage ceremony and the
vows we took." "Of course, but you can't deprive her of a decent finality.
So again thank you." Alison says. Reverend Dawson comes up from the crypt.
"And thank you Reverend." Alison tells him. "For answering my calling? In
my point of view the soul is far more important than the body. If it isn't
I'm in the wrong business." "If yours is the right business, I wonder if
I'm in the wrong business? I try to save lives not souls." Alison says with
a smile. "I don't think were in enemy camps. In fact I think we're aligned
in the same defense. Care to toast that with a cup of coffee?" Matt asks
then walks away. Elizabeth and Tim are standing together. Holly is sitting
by herself on the couch. Quito passes out coffee. "Poor Holly there, she
looks like she needs some bolstering up." Alison says aloud." "I'll see
what I can do." the Reverend tells Alison and Jean Paul. The Reverend sits
next to Holly. "Was it that bad?" "No, not really but that's because I
believe the worst is yet to come." "You're a free agent, why don't you
leave here?" Matt asks her. "Sure with my mother hot on my trail. No, I'll
stay here as long as Mr. Desmond wants me to model for the portrait. Even
longer than that if he will let me. But he probably won't." "Why do you say
that?" Holly looks back at her mother and Jean Paul. Jean Paul is sitting
at the table. "Look how she is cozying up to him. Whose future do you think
they are discussing? Not mine, that's for sure." Matt glances at Elizabeth
and Jean Paul. Elizabeth is standing next to Jean Paul's chair. "I was very
moved by the service Jean Paul. I almost felt like I knew your wife." "Only
I knew her." Jean Paul replies. Raxl is standing behind Jean Paul with the
coffee tray. "I just meant that Reverend Dawson drew such a vivid picture
of her." "Reverend Dawson has never met her. He merely went ahead with the
information I supplied for him. Something Tim Stanton cannot do. Paint a
picture from words." "I'm sure the boy is trying." "Ah yes, as we all seem
to be trying." Jean Paul says as he stands. "Mrs. Marshal, excuse me
please." He walks over to Raxl. "Thank you Raxl. Why no cream or
sugar?" "Sweets
on this day?" Raxl says. "Perhaps you're right, only for me today was
bitter sweet." Jean Paul walks away. Dan walks up to him. "It was a nice
service Jean Paul. And now that it is over I was wondering." "Wondering
what Dan?" "Now that Erica has been laid to the only kind of rest you will
permit her. What happens to the living?" Dan gestures with his arm. "And
what about the dead trying to control the living?" Raxl asks Quito. "Well
the living go on living of course." Jean Paul says. "What I mean is where?"
Dan asks. "Why where they choose I suppose." Jean Paul says walking away
from Dan. "In that case if you don't mind I will take the evening flight
back to New York. I'm job hunting remember." Jean Paul turns and stares at
Jacques portrait. It goes blank. "Did you hear me Jean Paul and I'm taking
Alison with me." "Raxl." Jacques calls. She walks up and takes his coffee
cup. "Tell Quito to open the bar. Now that the service is out of the way I
feel like a new man. Let my guests have anything they please." Jacques says
happily. "Does that apply to me to?" Dan asks. "Of course. After the
Borgias, name your poison." "Don't evade the question. Are we all free to
leave?" Jacques laughs. "I can't understand why you would want to go." He
walks toward Elizabeth. "Mrs. Marshal." "Have you forgotten my name
already?" she says. "Of course Elizabeth, how stupid of me. Mr. Forrest and
I were just discussing my guests. I trust your room is adequate?" "Oh far
more than that. It's quite comfortable." Elizabeth says. "I hope you wont
consider leaving so soon?" "Not at all. I wouldn't dream of going back to
New York without Holly." "She seems happy here." Jacques says. "With your
permission sir, I would like to propose a toast. To the departed. To Mrs.
Desmond." Tim says. "Cheers, I mean thank you. Enjoy your stay as long as I
like." Jacques says. "You mean as long as I like." Tim says. "Isn't that
what I said?" Jacques looks at Dan. "Well so far the consensus seems to be
that Maljardin seems to be the vacation spot of them Caribbean. I’ll see
what my sister in-law has to say about her plans." Alison is sitting in a
chair. Jacques sits on the arm of it. "I trust the sherry is satisfactory,
Alison?" "Soothing anyway." she tells him. "I hate to broach the subject
at this particular time but I was wondering about your plans." "Well, I
haven't made any." Alison says. "On the contrary I think you have." "Oh."
She looks up at him. "Well didn't you give me your word that you would stay
on if I arranged a Christian service for Erica? Now I kept my part of the
bargain." "I can't stay here forever." Alison says. "Well I think your
exact words were I believe 'for a time'." Jacques says. "Well let's let it
go at that." Alison says. Jacques stares at her. "Why do I feel the need to
stay here?" "Thank you Alison, if you need anything for your work you will
get it. The laboratory I equipped for Doctor Menkin is at your disposal. If
you suddenly have an irresistible urge for research." "Well I have a
surprising coincidence to report Dan. Not one of my guests have the
slightest desire to leave." Jacques tells him. "Well this one has." Dan
says. "Would you have Quito run that dangerous passage to the Mainland and
back just for you and without the proper light?" "Yes I would." "We shall
see." Jacques says. "I want to know now, I don't like the feeling of being
trapped. Look Jean Paul, are we free to leave or not?" "I already told you
no one wants to leave." Jacques tells him grinning. "That's not an answer."
"I'm sorry, that's all the answer you'll get." Raxl walks up as Dan says.
"Then we are prisoners." "Well not exactly, you can always try to get out
on your own. But it's a tough swim. Now if you don't mind I'll look in on
Erica." He turns and heads for the crypt. Everyone in the Great Hall look at
each other.
Jacques reaches Erica's capsule. "You know I sensed your husband was about
to make a grave mistake, now no pun intended. I think Dan Forrest’s
speculation is correct don't you? Every person on this Island is a
prisoner,” he says with a smile. "As are you Erica and your beloved Jean
Paul. Why is it he always brings out the devil in me?"
Summary by Debby Graham & Slideshow by Ron Janick
--
Ron and The Boston Babes:
Bella & Daisy
"God is great, beer is good,
and people are crazy."
...Billy Currington
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
**
*Episode 20: Slideshow:
http://tinyurl.com/had47<http://s57.photobucket.com/albums/g230/ronbella/EPISODE\
S_WEEK%204/?action=view¤t=SP_EP_20.gif>
*
Jean Paul walks down the stairs to the crypt; walking over to Erica's
capsule he touches the end of it with his hands. "This is our own private
requiem, Erica my darling. A requiem for the living not the dead. The
service that Reverend Dawson conducted was for your sister Alison’s peace of
mind. Mine will come when you are free of this capsule and returned to life
once again to me. Everyone here on Maljardin doubts that cryonics will be a
reality in my lifetime. That is the only hope that keeps me alive. I love
you and I shall continue to love you as long as we will be together again."
Upstairs in the Great Hall Elizabeth and Alison are sitting. "My poor dear,
you must be exhausted." Elizabeth tells her. "Exhausted Mr. Marshal?
Emotionally strung out, very nervous." Alison says standing up. "You have
every right. It's been a shattering day for you, and Mr. Desmond." Elizabeth
also stands. " His darling wife and your dear sister, but it was a lovely
service." "Lovely, that's hardly a word I would use for a service of the
dead." Alison says. "Perhaps you're right. It was a poor choice. Tasteful?"
Elizabeth asks. "There are no words to ease sorrow Mrs. Marshal, only time
will do that." "And it will. Why don't you take yourself to bed Doctor
Carr? You can certainly do with the rest." "Not until I have spoken to Dan
Forrest." "And Mr. Desmond of course." Elizabeth says. "No, not Jean Paul.
No I think it best he be left to himself. To his own personal sorrow. For
the moment that is." "Poor man, he has so much and yet so little,” says
Elizabeth. "It seems without Erica he has nothing." Alison says. "Where is
he by the way?" asks Elizabeth. "He's in the crypt with my sister." "Do
you mind if I keep you company until he comes back?" "You're his guest Mrs.
Marshal, not mine." Alison says with a smile. "And this is his house. I
couldn't object if I wanted to, which I don't. But I must warn you he's been
known to spend the whole night down there with her." Elizabeth sits down
and looks up at Alison. "The entire night? In that dismal place." "Erica’s
is there; to Jean Paul it's not dismal. She's the one and only love of his
life. She still is." Alison says.
Dan walks in from a side door. "Alison I was wondering... Oh Mrs. Marshal,
good evening." Dan says as he walks across the floor. Elizabeth stands.
"Mr. Forrest. I assume you two would like to be alone." "On for a purely
legal matter, yes." Dan tells her. "Suddenly I'm quite weary. Nothing to do
with the company of course. Good night." Elizabeth walks away. Dan and
Alison watch her go up the staircase. Elizabeth stops and says. "As a matter
of fact I'm half asleep already." "What did you find out?" Alison asks Dan.
"That I have a weak back and sore feet. Crawling along those docks to find
us a boat to get out of here is a job for a younger man." "But if Jean Paul
says you can leave whenever you want to. Why are you so cloak and daggers
about it?" Alison asks. "Because I suspect he is going to change his mind,
if he hasn't already. And an alternate plan is good policy." "It isn't a
good plan unless you can navigate the channel, even the natives fear to
challenge."
Back in the crypt Jean Paul is talking to Erica. "I don't challenge the
almighty Erica dear. I simply challenge his right to take what is rightfully
mine. You my darling wife."
"You can't be serious Dan that's sure death." Alison says. "That channel is
no more dangerous than Jean Paul, or whatever possesses him to think he is
all powerful."
"No power from the present or from the past or unknown to the future, no
being real or imagined will stand in the way of our new life together. For
your life I will sacrifice all others if need be." Jean Paul tells Erica.
"Why so harsh on Jean Paul after all these years together?" Alison asks. Dan
walks over to Alison carrying two glasses with brandy. "Because I believe in
at least a teaspoon of honesty every twenty-four hours." he hands Alison a
drink then sits next to her. "And now that I am no longer associated with
him, I intend to follow that prescription closely." "You're no longer with
him? Since when?" "Didn't you hear? I got myself fired day before
yesterday. That's forty-eight hours on the unemployment line." "What
happened?" "I dared to question the Almighty." Dan tells her. "God." "The
man who thinks he is." Dan replies. "Well if you're on the outs, why did he
bring you here?" "Oh on the pretext on letting bygones be bygones. Perhaps
he didn't have any choice. You see I had him over a barrel." "Skeleton in
the family closet?" "No, a letter you wrote which he thought was never
delivered." "You mean it was mailed after all?" "No but Vangie saw Jean
Paul trying to burn it. So she accidentally, on purpose bumped into him. She
doused the flames, rescued the remains, became alarmed by it and called me."
"I wrote that letter before I understood Jean Paul's obsession." "You mean
to say that now you do understand it?" "No, not really but I'm beginning to
understand Jean Paul a little bit better. That was why I was almost glad
when he told me the letter hadn't been mailed." "Almost but not sure? He
admitted he hadn't mailed the letter?" Dan asks. Yes, don't you know why he
wanted to keep it a secret on the Island about Erica and the cryonics
capsule?" Alison asks. "Well you're the doctor on the Island. I’m only
trying to cure the legal ills. Now don't tell me your sold on this cryonics
process?" Dan asks. "No but lots of people are. I can't say I can be
counted as one of them. No, it's Jean Paul himself that I'm interested in."
"Oh, now I understand." Dan takes a drink. "No you don't Dan." Alison tells
him. "Perhaps I should have said that I'm concerned." "So am I. If you ask
me Jean Paul is prisoner number one on this Island." "Yes but a prisoner by
his own choice." Alison says. "Which we aren't." Dan says. "Because he
must keep his secret on the Island!" "A self appointed regent with
unwilling subjects. If you ask me the man faces revolt and when that time
comes I am going to be one of the leaders." Jean Paul is standing at the
doorway on the steps to the crypt. He is listening to Alison and Dan's
discussion. "You know, I just can't read him Alison. He switches from hot
to cold like a temperamental hotel shower." Dan says. "There are two sides
to all of us Dan." "The blessed and the damned. Yes I know the philosophy."
Dan replies. "There are times we all sit on a razors edge. Fortunately we
slip we can be cut." "Why bleed Alison if we can prevent it?" "I'm not
leaving him Dan, he needs my help." "I want to help him to, but not by
aiding and abetting a wrong doing." "But he thinks what he is doing is
right." Alison says. "Unfortunately for him and for us," Dan says. Jean
Paul walks up through the doorway.
"Do you know what you're saying?" "Yes, that Jean Paul is a dangerous man,"
Dan says. "That's brutal and totally wrong." "Not by my instincts and not
by his actions. You're not going to tell me you think he is in total control
of himself?" "Councilor, may I speak in my own defense?" Jean Paul asks. He
is standing on the side of the staircase. Alison and Dan stand. Jean Paul
walks toward them. "I should be allowed to testify,” he says. "How much
have you heard?" Dan asks. "Enough to know my friends and my enemies." "We
are both your friends Jean Paul." Alison says to him. "In spite of what
I've heard I'll accept that for the time being." "Well now what's that
supposed to mean?" Dan asks. "The facts will eventually speak for
themselves Dan. As an attorney you should know a case can be won or lost on
a poor presentation of facts. I had to discover love and companionship were
not on the buyers market. It was especially difficult for me since people
would trade friendship for money, particularly woman. And then I met Erica.
She could have had a career for herself in the theater. Public adulation,
everything she wanted. But she only wanted me. Just me and I wanted her. She
gave up everything for me and I likewise will give up everything to prevent
anyone, anyone from stopping me." Jean Paul tells Dan. Alison and Dan
glance at each other then look back at Jean Paul. "No matter what it
entails nobody stops me." Jean Paul says then walks away from them. "Well,
well, well best speech I've heard since Et tuo Brute. Now don't stare so.
Your guests will think you are enamored of me. And with your back to them
you might end up as Caesar with a knife in it. Unless you beat them to the
punch." Jacques tells Jean Paul. Alison walks over to Jean Paul with Dan
behind her. "What's the matter with you Jean Paul? You suddenly act as if we
weren't even here." Alison says. "Or so you hoped we weren't. What comes
over you all a sudden that affects you so strangely?" Dan asks. "Look Dan
if you want to leave go, but you must promise me to say nothing about what
has happened on this Island." Jean Paul tells Dan. "I'm not sure I can
promise that." "For old times sake!" "For the old Jean Paul I wouldn't
even have to be asked." Dan says. Jean Paul and Alison at each other. "I
too would like to see Erica live again, but that's not possible. So I have
to see that you live again because that can happen. Good night." Dan turns
and rushes up the stairs case." "It hasn't been an easy day for any of us."
Jean Paul tells Alison. Alison shakes her head no. Jean Paul yawns and
stretches. "Where are all the others?" "Asleep I presume." Alison says as
she follows Jean Paul. "Mrs. Marshal tried to fight that potent wine we had
at dinner. But finally she had to give in to it." "You managed it though."
Jean Paul says as he sits on the couch. "That's because I managed to stay
away from the wine." Alison says. "You also managed to stay away from your
dinner." Jean Paul says. "I wasn't very hungry." "Well it wasn't exactly a
day for a feast was it?" says Jean Paul. "No it certainly wasn't for me. It
wasn't for you either. You didn't eat anything." "I know I couldn't help
seeing Erica at the end of the table." Jean Paul tells her. "Jean Paul, you
have to get a hold of yourself!" Alison says. "I try, unsuccessfully but
today was impossible." "The service?" Alison asks. "I loathed it
especially because it was for my only love." Jean Paul tells her "I almost
wish I hadn't asked for that last decency for my sister." "Last is so
final, Alison." "So is death." Jean Paul turns toward Alison. "I'm not
going to try to convince you anymore. Now please don't attempt to change
me." Jean Paul says. "You must stop driving yourself." Alison tells him. "It's
the most important thing, that I must drive myself. I drove myself to give
you a service for Erica because that is what you wanted." "But she's my
sister, I thought she deserved some type of memorial." "That's exactly what
it was. Not a burial." says Jean Paul. "She's sealed from life." "Until
cryonics brings her back again. All that is important to me is that Erica
lives again. Nothing else matters. So the world can be shut out." "And all
your guests shut in." Alison tells him. "Well to have love again it might
be necessary to be hated." Jean Paul says. "Your guests don't hate you,
they're afraid of you Jean Paul." "Dan Forrest isn't afraid." "Yes, he is
afraid for all of us here." "Perhaps, but primarily for you as I'm afraid
anything might go wrong for Erica." "I'm just beginning to realize how very
deeply you can love." Alison says. "Are you?" "Yes, I think so." "Except
we're to close together Alison. I find my senses are..." "Good night Jean
Paul." Alison says after looking at him. She stands and heads for the
stairs. Jean Paul stands and rushes after her. He looks up at her. "Alison,
Alison please wait." he grabs her hand. "Please let me go." Alison cries
out and pulls her hand away. Jean Paul turns away and takes a couple of
steps. "Faint heart, aw was it hers or yours." Jacques says with a chuckle.
"Had I been in your place." Jean Paul spins around. "Look the last thing I
need tonight is you." "You need me day and night. Unless you don't need
Erica. Or are you perhaps beginning to think you need her sister."
Alison goes into her room. Looking in her mirror. "What's the matter with
you, that's Erica's husband." Alison cries out to herself.
"What are you doing to me?" Jean Paul cries out. He is facing away from
Jacques portrait. "I'm not a vital throbbing woman, Alison is as Erica
was." Jacques tells him. "Erica will be again!" "But until then?" Jacques
asks him. "You are a devil!" Jean Paul whispers. "Don't you wish you were,
or are you?"
Alison is asleep but restless. She opens her eyes and climbs from her bed.
She walks like she is in a trance to her mirror. Jacques appears beckoning
her as she walks forward. "Madame and Msieus, I know that you will forgive
me but my wife is indisposed. So if you will pardon me, us." Raua takes
Jacques hand. They are once again in Jacques time. Jacques sends away his
guests and grabs Raua. (She looks identical to Alison) "Oh Raua I thought
they would never leave." "You didn't give them much choice,” she says. "I
had to be alone with you." "We shouldn't." Raua pushes him away and rushes
around the staircase. Jacques runs up and across the first landing, then
down the stairs. He grabs her hand. "I must." "But Huaco, my sister." "Long
since abed, sleeping." "I didn't mean that. She is your wife." "Unhappily."
says Jacques kissing her hand. "Jacques don't." "Just a little pleasantry,
no wrong in that." "But it's so cruel." she leans towards him then pulls
away rushing across the room. He catches her. "You're enough of a woman to
need a man." "But I love my sister." "Of course you do." He holds her
standing behind her. "No it's so wrong." She again pulls away and rushes
into the dining room Jacques follows her. "Between a man and woman there is
no wrong only need. And you are mine." He takes her in his arms and kisses
her. Raua pulls away. "I should be ashamed but how can I. Who am I? Your
woman, that's all that matters." Jacques comes up behind her; he kisses her
on the neck. Raua pulls away. "But I must take my leave." Jacques puts his
hand out. "Come my sweet, come back." he reaches out with both arms. "Come
back to my arms."
Alison is sleeping in bed, she reaches out with both of her arms. Her eyes
open, she quickly sits up wrapping her arms around herself.
Jean Paul looks up, he is still in the Great Hall. "Your conscience will be
the death of both of us. To coin a phrase why fight it." Jacques laughs.
Alison is sitting on the edge of her bed. She gets up and walks to the
mirror. "What's the matter with me? The dream was so powerful. The name and
the costumes are only in my conscience. That portrait haunts me more than
Jean Paul himself. Or is it just my way to disguise my true feelings. How
can I want my sister's husband?" she cries out to herself.
Jean Paul stumbles across the room. "How can you want your wife's sister?
It's simple because you are a man." Jacques says to him. Jean Paul tries
turning away, trying to ignore Jacques words. "Or are you becoming the man
I was? Or have you always been?" Jean Paul looks at the portrait. "I don't
know, I don't know!" "I do but I’m not telling." Jean Paul turns and tries
to run up the stairs. He trips and stumbles. "Whoop, don't trip or Hades
forbid you could brake our leg." Jean Paul runs up the rest of the stairs.
Summary by Debby Graham & Slideshow by Ron Janick
--
Ron and The Boston Babes:
Bella & Daisy
"God is great, beer is good,
and people are crazy."
...Billy Currington
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
Howdy, Strangers! Well, I took last weekend off for the Thanksgiving holiday,
but I'm back this week with a new challenge. Unlike in previous weeks, I freely
admit that this new question is probably not covered on either
www.strangeparadise.net or www.maljardin.com. However, it's one that anyone can
ferret out without too much Googling, and it's holiday-themed. So without any
further ado, here's this week's challenge:
With careers spanning multiple decades, many of the STRANGE PARADISE cast
members have appeared in holiday productions. However, two alumni of SP lent
their talents to Christmas CLASSICS without being seen. One was a vocal
performance only, and the other was a role which wound up on the cutting room
floor (though the performance has been documented in a number of places). Give
me the titles of the two Christmas classics in question and the name of either
of the actors, OR name both actors and one of the two productions.
Be the first to post a correct answer, and you can claim our prize of your
choice of one week's worth of SP episodes on DVD. This question is a little
odd, so best of luck with it. Happy holidays!
Hi Curt is the answer Rudolph The Red Nose Reindeer with Peg Dixon starring as
Mrs. Donner and Christmas Story with Colin Fox as Ming The Merciless.
Debby
--- In strangeparadise2@yahoogroups.com, "Curt" <strangeparadiselibrary@...>
wrote:
>
> Howdy, Strangers! Well, I took last weekend off for the Thanksgiving holiday,
but I'm back this week with a new challenge. Unlike in previous weeks, I freely
admit that this new question is probably not covered on either
www.strangeparadise.net or www.maljardin.com. However, it's one that anyone can
ferret out without too much Googling, and it's holiday-themed. So without any
further ado, here's this week's challenge:
>
> With careers spanning multiple decades, many of the STRANGE PARADISE cast
members have appeared in holiday productions. However, two alumni of SP lent
their talents to Christmas CLASSICS without being seen. One was a vocal
performance only, and the other was a role which wound up on the cutting room
floor (though the performance has been documented in a number of places). Give
me the titles of the two Christmas classics in question and the name of either
of the actors, OR name both actors and one of the two productions.
>
> Be the first to post a correct answer, and you can claim our prize of your
choice of one week's worth of SP episodes on DVD. This question is a little
odd, so best of luck with it. Happy holidays!
>
Well done, Debby! I thought that was a bit of a toughie, and you knocked it out
of the park. If you'd like to claim your prize, please just drop me a line. In
the meantime, I hope everyone in our group is having a great holiday season. If
I can come up with any other Christmas-oriented trivia questions, I'll trot them
out soon. Catch you guys for the next trivia challenge on Friday! -Curt
--- In strangeparadise2@yahoogroups.com, "debby1847" <dnt61350@...> wrote:
>
> Hi Curt is the answer Rudolph The Red Nose Reindeer with Peg Dixon starring
as Mrs. Donner and Christmas Story with Colin Fox as Ming The Merciless.
>
> Debby
>
> --- In strangeparadise2@yahoogroups.com, "Curt" <strangeparadiselibrary@>
wrote:
> >
> > Howdy, Strangers! Well, I took last weekend off for the Thanksgiving
holiday, but I'm back this week with a new challenge. Unlike in previous weeks,
I freely admit that this new question is probably not covered on either
www.strangeparadise.net or www.maljardin.com. However, it's one that anyone can
ferret out without too much Googling, and it's holiday-themed. So without any
further ado, here's this week's challenge:
> >
> > With careers spanning multiple decades, many of the STRANGE PARADISE cast
members have appeared in holiday productions. However, two alumni of SP lent
their talents to Christmas CLASSICS without being seen. One was a vocal
performance only, and the other was a role which wound up on the cutting room
floor (though the performance has been documented in a number of places). Give
me the titles of the two Christmas classics in question and the name of either
of the actors, OR name both actors and one of the two productions.
> >
> > Be the first to post a correct answer, and you can claim our prize of your
choice of one week's worth of SP episodes on DVD. This question is a little
odd, so best of luck with it. Happy holidays!
> >
>
*Strange Paradise: Episode 21*
* Episode 21: Slideshow:
http://tinyurl.com/ju33k<http://s57.photobucket.com/albums/g230/ronbella/EPISDOE\
S_WEEK%205/?action=view¤t=SP_EP_21.gif>
*
Jean Paul walks slowly down the staircase from his room. He puts his hand to
his head. Coming to the bottom of the steps he hears Jacques. "Psst, psst.
Come here. What happened last night?" Jean Paul shakes his head no.
"Please." "You were alone last night, you fool you didn't have to
be." "Please!
Can't you see I have a splitting headache?” He puts his hand to the side of
his temple. "You deserve to have it split, and your emotions. You love your
dearly departed Erica, yet you yearn for her newly arrived sister." He
laughs. "And they call me a devil." Jean Paul walks back to the stairs and
stops. He rubs his forehead with his fist. Alison walks down the stairs.
Putting her hand on his shoulder she calls his name. Jean Paul jumps.
"Alison." "What's the matter?" "A headache." "A severe one?" she asks. Jean
Paul nods his head. Alison puts her hand to Jean Paul's forehead, then
checks his pulse. "Did you have it very long?" "Yes, since you found me in
the state I am."
"Come and sit down." She helps him to a chair. "It's your nerves you know.
You insist on driving yourself so." After she gets him seated. "Where are
your tranquilizers?" "I can't spend my life popping pills into my
mouth." "You
will do what you must do." Alison says. "I know what I must do and pills
are not the answer." "Where are they?" she asks. He points to the table. "If
these headaches keep persisting I will have to prescribe something
stronger." "When Erica returns to me so will my strength." His face
contorts with pain. "Now look I'm a doctor and a useless one unless I can
prescribe properly. Now more important what I prescribe is to be brought
over here and taken." "If it's necessary Quito will bring something over
from the Mainland. Now really I'm feeling much better." "You're evading the
issue. You can't spend your life doing that Jean Paul." She is pouring water
and getting his pills ready for him to take. "I don't intend to." She
hands him the glass and tries to give him the tranquilizers. "Here, take
this." He looks up at her. "I'm not accustomed to taking orders." "But
it's a request. Please. It'll make you feel better." Jean Paul takes the
pills and swallows them. Looking at her. "Why are you so concerned?" "Because
I took an oath to help who ever needs my help." Alison walks around the back
of Jean Paul's chair. "To cure if possible. To make as comfortable as
possible. And I can help you if you'll permit me." "Mmmm, such a delightful
bedside manner." Jacques says to Jean Paul. "Why not let her operate?" Jean
Paul starts getting upset. Alison watches him. "Obviously I have to
prescribe something stronger. If I can only get a hold of some analgesics."
"Doctor Menkin had a laboratory here. Would he have had anything?" Jean Paul
asks. "He might have. Where is it?" "Morning." Dan says as he comes down
the stairs. "Good morning." Alison replies. "Weather wise." Dan says, then
he walks up to Jean Paul. "Ah, you look like you spent the whole night
brooding." "Dan can't you think of something pleasant to say just once?"
Jean Paul says. "I say what I think has to be said." "But this time Dan
your talking out of turn." Alison says. "Oh I'm beginning to get the
picture." "It's all out of focus and blurred. Jean Paul has a migraine. I'm
just trying to ease it for him. And that is all you can develop from what
you think you saw." Alison tells him. "Sorry." Dan looks at his watch. It's
early for you to be up isn't it?" "I couldn't sleep,” she tells Dan. "Perhaps
the reason your up at this hour is to jump at the intrigue that your
imagination is building." Jean Paul says. "For all our sake I hope it is my
imagination. Look, I didn't sleep last night either. I have a luxurious
bedroom up there but it's like a six by six jail cell. This whole place is
reminiscent of an armed fortress. And the only way to defend ourselves is
potshots. That's no way to win a war." "Have you declared war Dan?" "I for
one just want out before someone else gets hurt. Unless you have a better
reason for keeping us here than just secrecy?" Alison looks at Jean Paul.
He is rolling the glass across his forehead. Jacques portrait goes blank.
Jean Paul stands up. "Well certainly you must have breakfast before you go."
Jacques says with a smile. "Now if your room is a prison cell and you are a
prisoner, well I invite you to have your last hearty meal." Smiling Jacques
clasps Dan's shoulder with his right hand. He walks away from Dan then
grinning walks up the steps to the bottom landing on the staircase. Dan
smiles at him. "But that's only for prisoners condemned to death." Jacques
looks at him. "Remember you said it," he says with a smile. Jacques rubs
his hand over his face and with a small smile watches Alison walking over to
him. "Do you realize Jean Paul what you are implying." "I think Dan does
though. I have no plans for implementation. I'm purely on the defensive. The
councilor here has already declared a state of war." Jacques says
happily. "Lets
cut out the flim flam and get down to facts." Dan says. "How far down?" "Down
to the root of the problems here." Jacques puts his hand to his temple.
"Well you see, it's this headache, the pain is really severe. I feel I lost
my power, my faculty to think." He walks past Dan and peeks through his hand
looking back at Dan. "Or to rationalize." He lays down on the couch. "Dan
couldn't you hold everything till later, until Jean Paul is more himself?"
Alison asks. "That's just the point, lately he's been more and more unlike
himself."
Raxl is walking down the steps to the crypt. She walks over to Erica's
capsule. "Little Mistress, what are we to do? The Conjure Man is dead. Your
husband refuses to believe that you too are dead. The evil of the devil is
finally here. Jacques Eloi Des Mondes seems to be everywhere and yet his
image remains chained to a canvas."
Jacques is sitting up. "It's the most severe pain I have ever known. And
I've been through hell on occasions, but it would be unreasonable for me to
expect you to share the burden of my sorrow and pain." Jacques says. Dan
and Alison are standing behind the table that is set near the couch.
Raxl walks to Jacques crypt. "Jacques Eloi Des Mondes may you suffer the
torture and pain of the conjure doll with the silver pin driven through its
temple."
Jacques raises both hands to his temple. "It feels like someone is poking
pins and needles into my very being." He looks at Dan dropping his hands.
"Now perhaps Dan, you are trying to put a hex on me." "Look Jean Paul I'm
sorry you're not feeling up to par. I have no desire to see you suffer
anymore than the rest of us should be made to suffer. But a hex?" "That was
a very bad attempt at humor. Forgive me." Jacques says to Dan. "Well I
won't forgive you unless you help me to find something to alleviate the
torture you're going through." Alison tells Jacques. "Oh and I thought you
were getting ready to leave me alone floundering in my agony." Jacques says.
"Neither Alison or I intend that." Dan says. "Well it's been very bad
tempered of me, please understand my moods, my temper. No one is a prisoner
here, no one. Now you wouldn't run out on me now." Jacques looks at Dan. "I'm
not running out, though it seems you have run out on me. I was fired,
remember." "But rehired, remember." Jacques points at Dan with a smile. "Well
in that case I better leave this Island so I can begin to look after your
world wide interests again." "Dan, you're only part of the organization.
Why don't you let some of the others pitch in?" "I wasn't only thinking of
the business matters. It seems there is a small legal snarl you are involved
in." "Legal snarl?" Alison asks. "As tragic as it may seem I have to be
the devils advocate." Dan says. "You? Well where does that leave me?"
Jacques asks. "In a lot of trouble." Dan says. "You know, that could be
true enough." "What sort of trouble Dan?" Alison asks. "It's a matter of
an unreported death." Dan says. "Unpublicized, It was medically reported by
Doctor Menkin before his unfortunate demise>" Jacques says twisting his
ring. "That too, can be a problem." Dan says. "Dan are you acting for the
defense or the prosecution?" Jacques asks him. "Are you holding Jean Paul
accountable for the accident?" Asks Alison. "I want to prove that it was an
accident so that no one will be held responsible."
Raxl calls for help in her Temple. "Oh Priestess of the Serpent. Free us all
from the curse of the demon. Return him from whence he came and all here on
Maljardin from whence they came. Free us before the binds that hold us
tighten and strangle the will to resist."
Jacques tells Dan. "It seems you think someone deserves a noose around the
neck." "Jean Paul, Dan is just trying to be helpful." Alison walks around
the couch and stands in front of Jacques. Then she sits on the edge, Jacques
is stretched out. "You should be thankful." "I'm sorry, it's the migraine."
Jacques says with his hand against his temple. "Now where is this lab?"
Alison asks. "I'll show you,” says Jacques. Alison helps him stand up.
Jacques puts his hand on her shoulder. "Oh Alison, how could I ever manage
without you?" Alison takes his arm. "Lets go." Jacques puts his other hand
to his temple. Dan walks up. "Oh no, it's all right. We will manage."
Jacques reaches out for Alison. "An analgesic will perform miracles."
Alison tells Jacques. He nods his head, then they walk by Dan.
"I Raxl from the line of Priestesses of the Serpent look for the miracle
that is only in the power of those much greater than I. Send it to me. Send
it to me!" Raxl has her arms raised holding a torch. Lowering her arms she
repeats. "Send it to me!"
Alison and Jacques are walking when he clutches his head and bows in
pain. "Still
throbbing badly?" Alison asks. "It's like the devil,” he tells her as he
straightens up. Arriving in the lab, Alison looks around. There is a
counter with round glass containers and test tubes on it. Around the room
are upper cabinets with glass doors. On the side is a refrigerator, then
more cabinets top and bottom. "This is extremely well stocked." Alison
tells Jacques. He is leaning on the refrigerator watching Alison. "Now
this should be locked." Alison tells him opening a top cupboard.
"Why?" "Amphetamines,
barbiturates, morphine there are enough drugs here to swing the entire
hippie generation well on its way to flower heaven." "Are you taking
inventory or helping me?" "I'm sorry, come and sit down." Jacques walks
around the counter and sits on a stool. "Was Doctor Menkin in the habit of
giving you a needle?" Alison asks. "I have an absolute horror of needles."
Alison walks to Jacques and rubs his temple. "Let me see." "Oh please, your
not going to put a needle in my temple?" "Don't be foolish, that would kill
you." Jacques mumbles to himself. "Don't I know it?" Alison is opening a
file cabinet. "I wonder if he had a file on you?" "A file of what?" Jacques
turns on the stool facing Alison. "Your medical history. That would help
before I administer treatment." Alison pulls out a file. "I'd be more than
interested to see it myself." Jacques says standing and coming up behind
Alison. "I don't think you'll understand it." "You may find it a bit of a
challenge yourself." Jacques says.
In the Great Hall Dan starts to pour himself a cup of coffee. Raxl walks in.
"Oh Msieu, let me help you." "Coffee I can almost manage." Dan tells
her. "Could
I get you something to go with it?" she asks. "Oh just some information."
Dan says as he sits down. "About what, Msieu?" "Raxl I am one of your
Masters oldest friends and I only have his best interest at heart. Will you
believe that?" "There are things I am given to know." Raxl replies. "Good
then would you answer some questions?" "If they are permitted." "I know
how hard his wife's death has hit him." Dan says. "It has destroyed us
all." "It seems to be my fate to trample on everyone’s feelings, but I must
ask you. Have you noticed a change in Mr. Desmond since his wife's
death?" "Everybody
has." "What I mean is did it occur since her death or before?" "Oh no
Msieu, before he was as happy as one man could be." Dan stands and walks
behind the chair. "And the business of freezing, the cryonics process. Was
that a sudden decision?" "I don't know." Raxl tells him. "Was it Doctor
Menkin’s idea or Jean Paul’s?" "Not Doctor Menkin, that I know. There are
many things I can tell you but I dare not. So please... " Raxl turns
away. "Raxl
you have nothing to fear from me." Turning back to Dan. "You are not the
devil!"
Jacques puts Jean Paul's folder down. He has taken off his jacket. Alison
prepares a syringe. "I apologize. Of course you can understand it. You were
in excellent health in the last examination. Except for a few minor problems
with migraine headaches, which we are about to relieve now." Alison tells
Jacques. Jacques is rolling up his sleeve and giving Alison a pained look.
"Must we use the needle?" he asks looking at it. "For injections, of
course." Alison smiles. "Don't tell me you're afraid?" "What, Jean Paul
never." he smiles and sits back down on the stool. "Only do you mind if I
don't look." He covers his eyes with his hand. His ring fades away. Jean
Paul is once again in control. "This won't hurt a bit." Alison says. Jean
Paul looks at Alison after glancing at his arm. "Go ahead." "I thought you
said you didn't want to look?" "Why should I?" asks Jean Paul. "Well
that's an about face, you seem like a different man." Jean Paul looks away.
"Fair is fair. I got my needle centuries ago now it's his turn." Jacques
says from the Great Hall.
"In a few minutes you'll feel like a new man." Alison tells Jean Paul as she
puts his folder back in the cabinet. Jean Paul watches her. Alison walks
around the lab. Jean Paul is still watching her. "It's all yours" "What?"
Alison asks with a smile. "The lab I mean." "Well it's certainly well
stocked. No, I don't belong here." "Yes, yes you do. Your sisters home is
also your home." "How's the headache, is it better?" Jean Paul puts his
hand to his head and smiles. "Gone thanks to you." He stands and picks up
his jacket. "It's only temporary Jean Paul, you know that." "I know." Jean
Paul slips into his jacket. "Until some cure or medical breakthrough." says
Alison. "Well isn't that your field, research? Why couldn't it be
discovered right here? In this laboratory by you along with..." Alison sits
down and smiles. "What?" "Genetics." Jean Paul says. "That incomplete
experiment of mine in that laboratory at home?" "Work on it here." "Why?"
Alison asks. "So you can help me to find a way to bring Erica back." "Jean
Paul, why do you persist in these hopeless dreams?" Jean Paul slams his
hand ion the table. "It's not hopeless. Now you know as well as I do that
someday some doctor will find a way to synthesize life in a laboratory. Now
why shouldn't it be you?" "Even if that were possible what good would it do
Erica?" "Look once it is discovered what it is that killed her and a cure
is affected, even if some of the cells are beyond redemption we
could..." "It's
utter nonsense." Alison says. "Even if we were able to create a living cell,
it would take years before we could teach it to reproduce itself. Years
before we could create even the simplest of organisms, let alone a complex
thing like a human body." "I'm not asking you to create a whole body, only
the part that killed Erica." "If she died of Eclampsia, I must tell you the
damage is severe and extensive." "Then you will not face the challenge."
Jean Paul asks. "I am facing a challenge." Alison stands up. "Trying to
bring you back to yourself!" "I'll only return to myself when we bring
Erica back!" Jean Paul says angrily, then walks out the door of the lab.
Dan is sitting drinking a cup of coffee, Raxl is serving him. Jean Paul
comes angrily through a side door. He's heading for the staircase to his
room. Dan jumps to his feet. "Oh Jean Paul." Jean Paul turns and looks at
him. "Leave me alone. I am going upstairs to rest Raxl, and I do not wish to
be disturbed." he says angrily. "Yes, Msieu." Raxl leaves as Jean Paul
heads up to his room. Alison rushes up, from the lab. "What's got into him
all of a sudden?" Dan asks Alison. "It must have been the after effects of
that shot I gave him. Alison steps up on the stairs. "What ever it was I'm
not sure it helped him." Dan says. "That's why I must stay here a little
bit longer." Alison says. "But I thought you and I..." "I'm sorry. Please
Dan, I feel I must stay." she rushes up the stairs to go to Jean Paul. Dan
is left standing next to the staircase. Raxl walks over to him. "Msieu." "Yes
Raxl." "Don't do what Doctor Carr says. Do not stay. Run, all of you. Run
as fast as you can, while you can."
Summary by Debby Graham & Slideshow by Ron Janick
--
Ron and The Boston Babes:
Bella & Daisy
"God is great, beer is good,
and people are crazy."
...Billy Currington
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
*Strange Paradise: Episode 22*
*Episode 22: Slideshow:
http://tinyurl.com/k4crc<http://s57.photobucket.com/albums/g230/ronbella/EPISDOE\
S_WEEK%205/?action=view¤t=SP_EP_22.gif>
*
Thunder is cracking outside the mansion. Holly rushes in from the outside,
she runs up the staircase to her room covering her ears with her hands.
Alison is in her room looking in her mirror when Jacques image appears. "No,
no please!" Alison holds her head. "Get out of my mind before I loose it
completely! NO, help!" Holly runs in Alison's room clutching her head.
"Doctor Carr, help me!" Holly cries out to her. Alison lowers his hands and
spins around towards Holly. "Holly? Holly what is it?" "This storm, this
place, this Island!" Holly cries out covering her ears. "It won't last long,
it will pass." Alison says. Jacques is in Jean Paul's secret room watching
them. He is wearing the outfit from the portrait.
"I have to get away from here!" Holly cries. "So do we all. But how?"
Alison says. Jacques turns off the monitor grinning. He takes the
microphone and records a message. "Now hear this Jean Paul Desmond. It seems
you have a beginning of a mutiny on your hands. Now we can't have that can
we? Or you shall never have your lovely Erica back again."
"I must speak to Jean Paul before we all lose control." Alison tells Holly
with her arm around Holly's shoulder, "Oh please soon, I just can't take
this place anymore. But if you did speak to him how do you know it's really
he?" Holly asks.
Jean Paul himself again is in his secret room rewinding the recorder. He
hears Jacques message. Angrily he turns the recorder off. He turns the
monitor on; it shows the crypt and Erica's capsule. Picking up the
microphone he leaves a message for her. "You see. You see the problem Erica
my darling. Since I tried to play God I freed the devil instead. I promise
you this, no one, but no one will leave this Island alive until you are
brought again alive to me and leave here with me." he says angrily. Alison
passes out a cup of coffee for Holly and herself. "Are you all right now
Holly?" "Yes but I'm more determined. I stowed away to get to this horrible
Island and I can leave the same way." "No you can't. We are being closely
watched. It's to dangerous." Alison sits down on a chair. Holly sits on the
bed. "Isn't it more dangerous to stay here?" "I can't argue that." "What
are we going to do?" Holly asks. "Nothing unless we're forced to."
Jean Paul walks down the staircase into the Great Hall. He squats in front
of the fireplace. "You get my message?" Jacques asks him. "Oh come, come,
you don't have to kneel in my presence. On your feet man we have work to
do." Brushing his hands off Jean Paul angrily comes to his feet. "I will
not align myself with the devil." "For dear Erica’s sake you have little
alternative. Unless you find that conjure doll and pierce its temple with
the silver pin. But that's witchcraft. Not quite your cup of tea is it? Or
should I say the devils brew is not for you. You see us doesn't rhythm, and
I feel so poetic this morning." Jean Paul looks at Jacques portrait. "How
did you find my secret room?" "Secret? Between you and me. You know
sometimes I honestly believe you have slipped your mind." Jean Paul looks
away. "You're enough to drive anyone to insanity." he says angrily. "Nonsense,
I'm here to help, not hinder. So Erica can be free and in your arms again
unless you'd rather she remains in that cold, drab, dismal capsule." "You
mentioned a mutiny. Who?" Jean Paul asks. "Oh then you did get my message."
"Who I said. Tell me who!" "Who or should it be whom? Now why don't you go
back to your little play room and peek around and I'll tell you when you are
hot. Dear me it seems I always am" Jean Paul spins around. "If it's the
last thing I do I'll help Raxl find that doll and pin!" Jean Paul says
angrily. "I'll tell you what, I'll give you both a sporting chance. I won't
tell you where they’re hidden."
Alison and Holly start down the staircase. "Whoops man the guns, we're
being invaded. See you later. I can't stand the sight of blood." Thunder and
lightening continues outside. Jacques laughs. "Just a little goody to light
your day." "Jean Paul please, may I speak with you?" Alison asks. "Later,
please there is something I have to look after first." he says then quickly
leaves the room. Holly and Alison walk the rest of the way down the stairs.
"He acts like he has just seen a ghost." Holly tells Alison. "It's as if I
have just seen one." Alison says. They walk to the fireplace. Alison is
warming her hands. "This place gives me the shivers." Holly says. The
power goes out. Alison spins around frightened.
Jean Paul enters his secret room. He turns on the monitor to the crypt, then
picks up the microphone. "Oh Erica. Erica how am I going to ever free myself
of that devils control? And if I do will it mean I will never see you again
in this life? I'm not going to gamble that. And I wont!" Looking at the
screen he flips a switch. Jacques appears. "Well what are you looking at me
for? I'm on your side." Alison and Holly are sitting in the Great Hall.
Alison passes Holly a handkerchief. "Here blow." "Thank you. You know when
I first came here I thought Mr. Desmond was the living end. Now I'm not so
sure." "Well he has changed I can't deny that. He's so unhappy and so
unsure." Alison says. "Unsure of this cryonics jazz?" "Yes and what to do
about all of us. "I think he should round us up and ship us back to the
Mainland, pronto." Holly says. "Well he can't, at least he doesn't think
so. He's made it absolutely clear that he intends to keep everything that's
happened here completely secretive. If word about this were publicized, a
man of his reputation would be held for ridicule. And Dan Forrest thinks
even an infraction of the law." "What a mess I've gotten myself into."
Holly says. "Proving when you run away from trouble you run into it again."
"I'm afraid every page of my biography will be filled with trouble." "Some
of it is self-written." Alison says. Angrily Holly stands. "Well what does
that mean?" Alison also stands. "I mean your mother isn't your only problem
Holly." "Aw now, here it comes the big establishment pitch. Oh look at life
Holly, face life, face yourself." "So I'm the establishment, so what. I'm
talking about something completely different." Alison walks away. "I guess
I have to give you an A for originality." Holly says as she walks up to
Alison. "What something different?"
Jean Paul is in his secret room watching and listening to the discussion
between Alison and Holly.
"I'm talking about Matt Dawson." Alison tells her. "He's a person, not a
thing." Alison turns towards Holly. "Then why don't you respect him as a
person?" Holly turns away from Alison. Elizabeth Marshal and Tim Stanton
are coming down the staircase. Holly rushes up the stairs. Tim stops her.
"Hi Holly, ready to put in a days work."
Later." Holly turns around and rushes back down the stairs. She stands off
to the side of the staircase sulking. "What got into her?" Tim asks Alison.
"Some sense I hope. Good morning Mrs. Marshal." "Doctor Carr." Elizabeth
greets her as Alison starts up the staircase. She looks over at Holly. "Good
morning dear." Holly rushes up the staircase, not answering her
mother. "How's
the portrait coming along?" Elizabeth asks Tim. Tim is setting up his easel
and the paint box. He looks at her. "Slowly.” "Holly isn't much help is
she?" "Sitting in for a dead woman isn't the easiest job in the world." Tim
says. "Well I agree that live flesh is more appealing." Tim looks at her.
"Artistically I mean." Elizabeth says. "I wasn't sure,” says Tim. "Take it
as you wish Tim." "Now I'm not sure what that means either." "Canvas is
inanimate, you will agree to that." Elizabeth says standing next to Tim with
her arms crossed. "Yea, but I met some people with about as much vitality
as a ten cent character." They both laugh. "Present company accepted I
hope. I'd love to see some of your other work Tim. They say a painting
expresses the artist." "Like a novel or a symphony is an authors way to
communicate? " Tim says. "Exactly, that's why I'm certain your pictures
would be most exciting." "But Mrs. Marshal, I'm a comparative neophyte." "You
mean young. But not to young."
Jean Paul is watching Tim and Elizabeth in his secret room on the monitor.
"Now that's the second time you got me confused." Tim says. "I'll try to be
more specific in the future she tells him. Jean Paul is turning knobs below
the monitor. "Psst, psst over here." Jacques portrait comes on the screen.
"I've spent many life times wooing and worrying, but that Elizabeth Marshal.
She's really on the advance. Have to keep an eye on her before she gets in
the way of our little personal war for the kingdom of the mind." Jean Paul
turns his back on Jacques, then takes a few steps away from the monitor. "I
wish it were an easy fight for your sake and Erica’s." Jean Paul turns back
towards the screen. "But it's so much fun to a long battle, don't you
agree? Even though more may die as a result."
Alison is in her room when Holly knocks. Alison lets her in and they sit
down. "I didn't mean to be rude, that's what I came back to tell you."
Holly tells Alison. "I understand, we're all edgy with good reason." "Still
I do apologize." "Oh forget it Holly, I do understand." Alison says to her.
"I wish I could, about myself I mean. Here I am almost twenty-one and I want
to hide in a closet during a thunderstorm." "I'm way past twenty-one and I
hate thunderstorms to." "You know they never seem to stop." Holly
says. "Here,
hurricanes and storms come out as much as the sun. But when the sun does
come out it's appreciated." "Meaning there are bright sides to life." Holly
says. "I've seen you smile, why don't you do it more often." Alison tells
her. "I wish there was more occasions to smile." "You can make those
occasions Holly." "You know that's what's wrong with this weird life. No
one makes a real stand for their happiness." Holly says. "Well that's step
number one for you to take." Alison says as she stands and walks facing the
mirror. "Why do you think I ran away?" Holly asks coming up behind Alison.
Alison turns. "Well I don't know, you brought all your armature and your
chips on the shoulder. Your feelings about the Reverend with you." "Why did
you have to bring the good padre into it again?" Holly asks. "Because he's
concerned about you." "More about himself. I read him as much as he reads
his bible." "Yes but I think he is able to digest it better than you are."
"What are you, a medical doctor or a head shrink?" Holly asks. "I'm just a
researcher. And you’re not a very difficult problem, you just think you
are."
"You know you may have me pegged." Alison pulls Holly in front of the
mirror. "Just look at yourself. What do you see?" Down in the Great Hall
Tim is covering his painting. Elizabeth is walking around. "I can't see how
you can get so excited about pictures you have never seen." Tim says. "But
I do want to see them." "If we ever get off this Island maybe you will."
Tim tells Elizabeth. "I look forward to that." She touches his arm. Tim
looks at her. "Mrs. Marshal something is about to blow wide open." "I don't
understand." "Don't kid me, you’re only out here for your own pleasure." She
looks at him. "Oh I admit I got a little desperate too when I got a sniff
of Mr. Desmond’s loot. But at least I'm working for my take. Your only work
is being on the take from your own daughter and in a different way from me."
Tim turns away. "Forget it." "I started out thinking you were a nice young
man. Now I'm convinced you are the most offensive and impossible and prone
to taking words to the lowest level!" Elizabeth yells at him. "The bargain
basement is even at a lower level, why don't you try shopping there." Tim
tells her. "You are absolutely immoral." "Stuff that in the dead letter
office, you've been cancelled out Mrs. Marshal!" Tim says. "Really!"
Elizabeth walks away, then walks back. "Really!" Tim replies. Elizabeth
angrily leaves the room.
Jean Paul is watching the entire exchange between Tim and Elizabeth. Jacques
portrait fills his screen. "I like that young man, he has a cold steel
quality. But the woman, oh the epiphany of evil. The spirit within all of
mankind irrepressible and irresistible. And unpredictable." Jean Paul turns
away from Jacques portrait. "Like me." Jacques says. Jean Paul turns and
looks back at Jacques.
Elizabeth is laying on the couch when Holly walks down the stairs. "Holly."
Elizabeth calls out. "Well hello." Holly answers. "Where have you been
hiding yourself?" asks Elizabeth. "I haven't been hiding. Do I have to
account to you for every minute of my time?" "No, of course not dear."
Elizabeth stands up and walks over to Holly. "Where have you been though?" "Up
on the roof reaching for the stars, except they are never out when it shines
and they are never out when it storms." "I'd like to ask you to do
something for me." "What? Drop dead." Holly answers. "No please I'm trying
to be sincere." "Well that's difficult isn't it?" Holly tells her
mother. Elizabeth
walks away from Holly. "I must warn you about that artist." "Tim?" "He's
not the nicest sort or have you noticed?" "And you want me to steer clear."
Holly says walking up to her mother. "For your own good." "Leaving the
field wide open for you." "Oh come off it Holly, he's a boy." She turns
towards Holly. "And not a very nice one." "What about Jean Paul Desmond,
he's not a boy. Why should I stay away from him?" "He does seem to have an
eye on you my pet." "Like my father did. You resented that to." Holly says.
"That's not true and you know it. Actually I'm flattered that he likes my
daughter." Elizabeth has her back to Holly. "Are you? Are you really,
mother? I can sense a slow burning coming on. Like who needs a daughter to
foul up her play." "Don't be ridiculous Holly, we can scarcely be rivals."
"Oh don't count on it. Baby Jane has blossomed. But I wouldn't throw myself
in front of the first man or boy as you call Tim." "Holly, just be certain
that Baby Jane doesn't wither on the vine before she has a chance to grow."
"Oh, are you keeping your fingers crossed for that. Look, lets level with
each other. You're after Mr. Jean Paul Desmond and his millions,
correct." "How
dare you!" "How dare I be honest. You're down on Tim because he obviously
turned you on while you turn him off. Anybody but a blind man could see the
play you make for Mr. Desmond. Well, why not? He's attractive, rich and
available. Your only competition is from a dead woman. She has more without
turning an eyelash than you could ever have!" says Holly. Then she turns and
quickly walks away. Elizabeth angrily walks over to the staircase. Alison
is coming down the stairs. "Hello Mrs. Marshal." "Doctor Carr." "Where's
Holly going?" "Holly is always on her way to nowhere." "And you?" Alison
asks. "Why? I'm her mother and I might add a worried one." "Well you have
every right to be. Forgive me for speaking frankly but there is something
about this strange air that prompts one to speak frankly about which
otherwise you keep hidden." "What are you trying to say, Doctor Carr?" "As
we are going to be on this Island for quite a while, why don't you make some
effort to be what you claim to be." "What is that?" asks Elizabeth. "A
mother. Holly needs one." "Instead of what you're afraid I might be. A
rival."
Jean Paul is listening when Jacques portrait fills the screen. "Jean Paul
Desmond, your dear Erica would turn in her grave if she was in a grave, if
she realized your romantic appeal is still at its peak. I can't wait to get
into your act." Jean Paul turns away upset. "Because when I do I'll act."
Jean Paul angrily turns the monitor off.
Summary by Debby Graham & Slideshow by Ron Janick
--
Ron and The Boston Babes:
Bella & Daisy
"God is great, beer is good,
and people are crazy."
...Billy Currington
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
*Strange Paradise: Episode 23*
*Episode 23: Slideshow:
http://tinyurl.com/e92oq<http://s57.photobucket.com/albums/g230/ronbella/EPISDOE\
S_WEEK%205/?action=view¤t=SP_EP_23.gif>
*
Jean Paul turns his monitor to the crypt. He then picks up the microphone.
"Erica my darling. I do know what is right and wrong, and to be with you is
always right for me. I cannot control either though, for is it wrong to want
you alive again. Is it wrong for me to want to give up my life for yours if
need be. Because the devil will not have my soul! If it means freeing you
from the capsule I will. We will destroy each other so that at least we will
share our eternity together." Jean Paul glances at the monitor, he sees
Reverend Dawson next to Erica's capsule. "So give her peace my lord and
rest in thy kingdom. Have mercy on her loved ones, who are so troubled at
loosing her. Grant them also peace. In thy name of great compassion. Amen."
Reverend Dawson offers a prayer. Jean Paul is watching him.
Before Matt leaves he walks over to the other crypts. A shadow comes over
him. He turns. "Quito, you startled me." The Reverend looks at the name
plaques. "A store house of the past, generation by generation. But you are
the one I must see." Quito turns away, the Reverend grabs his arm. "I want
to leave to, but how? Not unless you help me leave and not just the crypt,
but Maljardin." The Reverend walks around Erica's capsule with his back to
Quito. "Your boat. If I can use it to get to the Main Island." he turns back
and walks towards Quito. "He is deaf." Raxl says as she walks into the
crypt. "He may not be able to talk, but Quito can hear Raxl." "He cannot
help you leave Maljardin. No one can." "Can not or will not?" "You must
not leave for her sake." Raxl tells him.
Jean Paul is watching the exchange between the Reverend and Raxl.
"Who? Holly, Doctor Carr, Mrs. Marshal?" He glances at the capsule. "Or
her?" Quito reaches out towards the Reverend. Raxl stops him. "If I must
not leave Raxl I have a right to know why." "There is danger here to all."
"And by staying, by not trying to leave. What can I do about it?" says the
Reverend. "You are a man of the church of the Christian God." "Yes." Matt
replies. "Even so I think perhaps you will understand." Raxl says. "I'll
try Raxl, trust me." He puts his hand on Raxl's shoulder. "You need to trust
someone, I can sense that. You have a great need. Why Raxl?" "Evil walks in
this place." Raxl says turning away.
Alison is looking through her files in the laboratory. She checks the
bulletin board, then the cupboards. "Alison I've looked everywhere for you.
I'm beginning to feel like a one man bureau of the missing." "Oh please
Dan, don't bother me. I'm busy." "What's got into you? Slamming doors,
snapping peoples heads off. That's not the patient persevering Doctor Alison
Carr I used to know. Or are you changing too?" "You talk about..." Alison
says.
"Evil!" Matt says to Raxl. "Of danger but not how I am to fight them." "God,
the Christian God. He is good?" "He is love Raxl." "So you are good." "I
am his servant." "It is not enough when evil walks. The soul is lost. The
sorcerer calls for it to return to the body." "And is a soul lost in this
place Raxl?" "Most easily it returns here and here." Raxl touches Matt’s
hands then his temple. "These are the holes in the body. When it departs it
goes from there. When it returns the magic of the Curren Detto is a favorite
belief of my people. Do you understand?" "That which you no longer
believe." Matt tells her. "I believe the Christian God is good." "And I
his servant can help you with this matter of the soul." Matt tells
her. "Someone
must. Please help us! Help us, someone must!" Raxl cries out clutching
Matt's arm, then pulls away crying. The Reverend puts his hands on Raxl's
shoulders. "I'll try Raxl. Perhaps I can, but in order for me to help you,
you must help me. You must tell me what..." "Not here." Raxl says quietly
looking away.
Jean Paul is watching them very closely.
"What?" the Reverend asks. "We must not stay further in this place. Quito,
the Temple." She walks to Quito. "Come Reverend." "Where?" "You will see."
Quito stands and blocks Jean Paul view from the monitor. "Quito, the secret
door." Raxl tells him. Quito pushes the door open. Raxl enters with the
reverend following. They both carry torches. Quito closes the door. Quito
opens the second doorway to the Temple. Raxl walks forward, then stands in
the circle of the pentagram. "I've read about many ancient Temples but this
one is..." "Secret and sacred. The Temple of the Serpent." Raxl tells Matt.
Raxl holds her arms out, then Raxl and Quito pass their torches from hand to
hand. "Ancient people who years ago lived on Maljardin, they are the Island
people. For three thousand years they were one with the earth." "Farming
people?" the Reverend asks. "Not warriors, not dealers in the devils
business of death. This was our temple. Is our Temple." Raxl and Quito bow,
Raxl places the torches in holders. The Reverend steps forward and looks
around. "The Christian God is not displeased?" Raxl asks. "God believes
that each may have his own belief. Is this what I think this is?" Matt is
touching a table with dark stains on it. "Basin of the blood sacrifice."
Raxl replies.
Jean Paul rushes down the stairs to the crypt. He looks around. Then
walking to Erica's capsule he says. "Erica, oh Erica if only you can speak.
If only you can see. And tell me Raxl and Quito’s secret. But someday,
someday soon you will. You will my darling." He quickly walks away.
Matt takes his hand away and clenches his fist. "God would not be pleased
with this." "Only the priest used it. And only to please the Gods of
fertility." "But sometimes humans were sacrificed." The Reverend says. "As
others have sacrificed. You know the Quetzalcoatl, the feathered
serpent." "Yes."
Matt says looking back at Raxl. "He gathered bones from other worlds, when
he returned he sprinkled his own blood upon them." "And thus created his
man." Matt tells Raxl. "This is the belief." "Did you bring me here to
talk about ancient tribal history Raxl?" "Tribal? It was, it is the highest
culture." Raxl tells him. "Right, but what about this danger the evil that
rumbles around here?" "You scorn what I have said. I see it in your face
and in your eyes. Your presence corrupts the Temple. It was wrong of me to
bring you here! To trust you!" Raxl turns away towards the entrance. "Wait!
you must trust someone, trust me." Raxl turns back. "I scorn nothing about
this Temple. It's a place of worship. I respect as I would my own. If I seem
impatient with past history, it's only that the present concerns me more."
Matt turns away. "Yes." Raxl walks up to Matt. "I think evil does walk in
this place." He turns to Raxl. "Say what you brought me here to say." "Before
you came to Maljardin you knew of Jean Paul Desmond?" "Yes, he has become a
living legend." "Living, once yes." "What?" the Reverend says. "Luck
smiled on him and all the gifts it gave him, the greatest was his bride. My
Madame, my little bird." Raxl says sadly. "He loved her very much." "They
were so happy together." Raxl says. "But the service for Erica, why did he
close his ears to my words?" "You were speaking of the dead. He has made a
bargain against death." "A bargain? I don't understand." "Msieu the Gods
have the power of life and death, but there is another who also has such
power." "Another?" Matt asks. "The devil! I fear the devil possesses my
Master. And it will destroy all of us!" Raxl cries out turning away.
"Unless." "Unless what Raxl?" He puts his hand on Raxl's shoulder and turns
her around. "Unless someone powerful enough on Gods side will help us to
help you. Help us to help him for if he is destroyed we will all be doomed
with him."
Jean Paul is sitting in the Great Hall. He stands "I believed in a simple
eternity once. Do I believe in it still?" Jean Paul says to himself. "Are
you asking or telling?" Jacques speaks to Jean Paul. "You swear to bring
Erica back, when?" Jean Paul turns to ask Jacques. "You want a timetable,
go to your local bus depot. You want me to help you don't make me punch a
time clock. Why don't you be a good little man?" Jacques says. Jean Paul
points his finger at Jacques portrait. "I am still my own man and don't you
forget it!" "Until I decide, your my man or should I say our man." says
Jacques. Jean Paul turns away angrily. "Meanwhile remember always we're
both from the same side of the barricade, against those who hope to defeat
our plan for dear Erica’s return. Can't have that, can we?" Jacques says. Jean
Paul walks quickly away from Jacques, almost running up the stairs to his
room.
In the laboratory Alison sits on a stool. Dan is standing talking to
her. "You're
a hard person to keep tabs on Alison. And even more difficult to figure
out." "Oh no, not really. It's just I'm so frustrated. I can't find it
anywhere." "What are you looking for?" Dan asks. "Erica’s medical case
history." "Maybe Doctor Menkin didn't keep a record on it." "No, he was
meticulous and far to professional. And look at all these notes, he
conducted hundreds of experiments. You're going to tell me he didn't keep
notes on Erica." Alison says. "Well your sister wasn't an experiment
Alison." "But she was his only patient." "In which case if he was going
to take any notes at all, he'd begin with her case." Dan says. "Exactly, so
why didn't he?" Alison asks. "Maybe he did." "No, I've searched for them
everywhere." Alison stands and walks around. "I've turned this lab inside
out." "Jean Paul took them." Dan says as he looks at Alison. "No he
didn't, I asked him." "Do you believe him?" "Of course I do." Alison says.
With a smile Dan tells Alison. "Mind you, I’m not calling him a liar." "It
sounds as if you are." Alison tells her. "You're quick to jump to his
defense."
Jean Paul is in his secret room watching Dan and Alison on the monitor.
"He's my brother in-law and a friend." Alison tells him. "And that's all?"
" Oh please Dan, not that again." "I'm sorry but you have to admit he's not
the Jean Paul we have all known all these years. He's completely different,
like a man neither of us have known. Like two sides to a bad coin. First
he's harassed, then the next minute he's serene and happy. Neither whom we
know at all. You have noticed?" "Oh course I have and I don't like it."
Alison says. "Neither do I or being on this Island. The thing is it's up to
Jean Paul to arrange to send us back to the Mainland." Dan tells Alison. "Not
us Dan, you." Alison sits on a stool. "Why not you?" "We've been through
this before. Jean Paul needs me, he needs a friend and he needs a doctor.
And Erica’s sudden death, the cause of it needs careful study. My specialty
is research and obviously it was also Doctor Menkin’s. And I want to know
what he found out." "Alison what good will that do now?" Dan asks. "It
will help matters in the future. Erica died of Eclampsia and that disease is
very seldom fatal. This time it was. Why? Doctor Menkin must have kept a
case history." Alison says as she turns toward Dan. Dan walks towards her.
"Well if you can't find it and Jean Paul didn't take it?" "Listen, maybe I
found it. Maybe Doctor Menkin’s experiments had to do with Erica's case.
Maybe these notes are his attempt to save her or find a cure for her. If my
supposition is correct her medical history is right here." Alison points to
the notebook she is holding. "All I have to do is dig it out." "Well that's
quite a long-shot." Dan says. "Life and death are a long-shot and
long-shots do come in occasionally." "All right, if you stay I stay." Dan
tells her. "But there is one thing, wouldn't Doctor Menkin have told Jean
Paul that is what he was doing. If he was?" "I would think so." "In that
case I have a question to put to Jean Paul and another one." Dan says. "By
all means do so." Jean Paul says as he walks into the lab. He has an angry
_expression on his face. "Now what was that question again Dan? What is it
you wanted to know?" "It's my question really more than Dan’s." Alison says
walking around the counter towards Jean Paul. "What is your question?" Jean
Paul asks Alison. "I can speak for myself Alison." "Your turn Dan." Jean
Paul says. "When was Erica’s death reported?" "Why?" Jean Paul
asks. "Because
I don't believe it ever was." "The cryonics people saw Doctor Menkin’s
issued statement. Now they wouldn't have put Erica in cryonic suspension if
they thought otherwise." "They saw it and who else?" Alison asks. "Like?"
says Jean Paul. "The authorities." Dan asks. "I can't answer for Doctor
Menkin, he is no longer alive,” says Jean Paul. "But a death has to be
reported. It's the law, don't you know that." Dan tells Jean Paul. "I'm the
only law on this Island,” says Jean Paul. "You've got to be kidding." Dan
says as he sits down ."On the other hand, look; Doctor Menkin could have
reported it before his death. The secrecy of it still must be maintained.
Can you imagine the public knowledge and what that would mean?" Jean Paul
walks around the room as he talks. "You can't rewrite the law for your own
convenience." Dan tells him. "I'm only thinking of Erica, and Alison will
tell you if some overly officious medical examiner wants an autopsy, what it
would mean." "Well the capsule would have to be opened." Alison tells Dan.
"Exactly and all of my hope of Erica being restored to life would be
completely destroyed." "Maybe everything is in order, though I can't find
Erica’s case history. I do have Doctor Menkin’s research notes." Alison
tells Jean Paul. Dan stands. "Did Doctor Menkin tell you these experiments
have anything to do with Erica?" "We never discussed his experiments." Jean
Paul says walking across the room. "Alison thinks there might be a
connection,” says Dan. "I can't answer,” replies Jean Paul. "You mean you
endorsed him in all this." Dan sweeps his hand around the room. "And yet you
were not concerned with his experiments. Is that it?" "My only concern and
need of Doctor Menkin was for Erica’s care. If he wanted the laboratory to
remain here, I gave it to him. And I want to rehire you Dan if you'll
except." "But you did on the Main Island before we came back here. At least
you said let bygones be bygones and I assumed." "Of course, my mind has
been cloudy understandably." "Well since I can't get off the Island to take
a retainer from anyone else. Agreed, again." Dan smiles, then walks around
the counter and puts his hand out for a handshake. "I may need you more
than you imagine." Jean Paul says then shakes Dan's hand. "Well lunch should
be ready, after you." Alison and Dan leave the room. Jean Paul opens a
glass cupboard door; he reaches in and takes out a bottle. "Are we eating
alone?" Dan asks, he is standing in the doorway. Jean Paul keeps the bottle
out of sight. "No, I'll be right along." He closes the cupboard door and
pockets the bottle. He then follows Dan. Alison and Dan walk into the
dining room; Jean Paul stops in the Great Hall and takes the bottle back
out. "So you think you have the solution in the palm of your hand?" Jacques
says. Jean Paul turns toward Jacques portrait. "If you think I lack the
courage." Jacques laughs. "It will finish you,” says Jean Paul. "And
you." "No, I no longer matter." "To Erica you matter, if she is ever to
rise again. So be a good boy and store that away for another day. Now join
your guests, eat slowly and digest what I have said very carefully."
Summary by Debby Graham & Slideshow by Ron Janick
--
Ron and The Boston Babes:
Bella & Daisy
"God is great, beer is good,
and people are crazy."
...Billy Currington
* **Strange Paradise: Episode 24*
*Episode 24: Slideshow:
http://tinyurl.com/j4zjf<http://s57.photobucket.com/albums/g230/ronbella/EPISDOE\
S_WEEK%205/?action=view¤t=SP_EP_24.gif>
***
In the Temple of the Serpent Raxl and Quito are performing a ceremony. "I
Raxl daughter of the Priestess of the Temple of the Serpent offer my humble
thanks and those of Quito’s, and the man of the Christian God." Raxl and
Quito bow. Raxl turns to Reverend Dawson. "You are a minister of Jean Paul
Desmond’s God, will you let the devil possess him?" "My job has always been
to fight the devil. But only man can save himself with proper guidance." the
Reverend says holding a torch. "Then we must convince my Master of the way
to free himself from the demon." Raxl says. Matt walks toward the doorway.
Raxl stops him. "You must tell no one of this place." "Does Jean Paul not
know about it?" "This is the place that he and Jacques Eloi Des Mondes must
never find. No one must find it." Raxl says. "I will not betray you or your
beliefs." Matt tells her.
Tim is working on the portrait with Holly sitting for him. Holly is talking
about Jean Paul. "He's who he is and he lets you be who you are. That's rare
man." "Stop squirming." Tim says walking to Holly and pulling her chin to
the side. "Just hold it about there." "Hey, what's bugging you?" Holly
says. "You're yapping too much that's all." Holly stands. "Well you could
take a few lessons in courtesy from Mr. Desmond. He's not only kind, he's
mature." "Holly, do me a favor." "What?" "Just can it."
Raxl leads the way from the Temple. "Not only my Master is in danger, there
are others here who need help. Doctor Carr, the little one." "Holly?" "Yes,
it's all spelled out in the cards." "Of course, the tarot cards. Vangie
Abbott forecast my arrival here." Matt tells Raxl. "The cards never lie."
Holly is still moving restlessly. "There you go again." Tim says. "Sorry,
I had an itch." "This a complete waste of time." Tim is angrily wiping off
his brushes. "Look, I said I was sorry didn't I? Okay so maybe I'm not the
greatest model in the world. I've never done this before you know." "Neither
have I in painting a sit in for a dead woman." Tim says. "Okay then get
yourself another model! Holly angrily gets up. "Alright. Wait I'm not
annoyed with you." Tim says. Holly stops and turns back. "Well you're sure
taking it out on me." "It's just that... Remember what this all started out
to be? Sun and fun." "A payment of a debt." Holly adds.
"Yea and that's taken care of. But not this." He shakes his head. "Lousy."
Tim says. "Tim it can't be that bad." "By a degree in comparison, but it's
not that good." "Let me see." Holly asks. Tim quickly covers the portrait.
"Take my word for it." "Tim Stanton, you're too much. That was a beautiful
sketch you did of Erica at the French Leaf Cafe." "But she sat in for it
not you." "Oh there you go again." Holly points her finger at him. "All
right, all right you know what I mean." Tim says. "Yea, you're too much of
a perfectionist. Tim, don't get hung up in that bag. Mr. Desmond will love
the portrait." Raxl and the Reverend come up from the crypt. "If he
doesn't?" Holly says. "Then what?" "If he doesn't just have the Reverend
get you a road map to the home for wayward artists. He's a specialist for
putting away unwanted people." Holly crosses her arms. "He's a specialist
in giving help which isn't always understood." the Reverend tells Holly.
"What was this you were saying of wayward artists?" "The portrait caught a
snag." Tim says. Raxl walks to the staircase. She drops tarot cards on the
floor. "Come off it Tim. It seems to have joined Jean Paul’s league, he
wants it to come alive." Holly says. "Want me to judge?" Matt asks. "Sorry
to be cliché Reverend, but this one is my cross to bear." "In that case."
the Reverend turns away. "Look Tim, you're going to paint until the light
goes, you got that." Holly says to him. Matt Dawson finds the tarot cards
and picks then up. "Danger or death." he says looking at the cards. Holly
turns and sees Matt holding something. "What's that?" "Raxl dropped two
cards." "Hey these look like the cards Vangie Abbott uses for fortune
telling." Holly says. "The tarot pack?" Tim asks. "I brought them to Raxl
from Vangie." says Matt. "Whose the man?" Holly asks pointing. "According
to Vangie, the King of Scepters. The traditional card of ill omen. The other
the Queen of cups." Matt tells Holly. "Whose she?" Holly asks holding both
cards. "I, I don't know." Matt says. "Hey, Vangie and her E.S.P. Let's see
if I can find out the answer." Holly says. "Hey, come on let's knock it
off,” says Tim. "Come on Tim we're on a break aren't we?" Holly asks. At
the Mainland Vangie is giving a fortune reading for a young couple. "It
sounds great but you don't expect us to believe any of that do you?" the man
asks Vangie. "I don't expect you to do anything. Nevertheless what I have
told you is what will be." Vangie says. "I don't know how you know some of
those things. But you just make up fortunes, don't you?" the woman asks
Vangie. "You can believe that if you wish, but time will convince you
otherwise,” says Vangie. "As I said, what I told you is what will be. It's
all here in these cards. It's been given to very few to be able to read
them. The gift of believing them is given to all. Providing we choose to
accept it. But nevertheless the cards do not lie." Tim says. "Well let's
just get on with it. What's all the fuss about anyway, so Raxl dropped a
couple of cards by accident." "I'm wondering if it was by accident." Matt
says. "What do you mean?" asks Holly. "Vangie says the cards are symbols
that are made to represent the individual. Then the fortune can be told."
Matt walks around Holly. Raxl is listening from the top of the
staircase. "What
individual do these represent, if any? You mean Raxl dropped them on
purpose?" Holly asks. Raxl walks down the stairs. "Speak of the devil,
Raxl did you drop these?" asks Holly. Raxl rushes over and takes the cards
from Holly. "Raxl, what so they mean to you?" Matt asks. "Is it my
fortune? Tell me." Holly says. "No" "Come on Raxl, tell me just for
kicks." "No, no." Raxl gets upset and walks away from the three of them
leaving the room. "Sometimes I don't think she likes me very much." Holly
says. "Or anyone at all. Hey Tim, I'll be back in a few minutes." "At the
most ten minutes more of decent light and she has to split it." Tim
complains. "I gather you don't buy it then?" The Reverend says walking up
to Tim. "Buy what?" "That Raxl was trying to tell us something, warn us."
"With a couple of tarot cards. If she had something to say she'd come out
and say it wouldn't she?" "Maybe not Tim." "She doesn't strike me as the
shy type." "She could be frightened." Matt says. "She's not alone." Tim
tells him. "Then you sense something about this house, this Island.
Something evil and perhaps dangerous." "You want an honest answer?" Tim
asks. "What else." "Well I sure don't dig the cryonics bit of freezing a
body and storing it for the future. Other than that, I'm scared stiff. But
if it's one person here who can take care of themselves, it's Raxl."
Quito opens the Temple for Raxl. "The ancient powers will have to use all
their strength to fight the evil we face Quito. Reverend Dawson must realize
his help is needed also. When the devil is afoot we are all in danger." Raxl
and Quito move forward to the circle. They pass the torches slowly from one
hand to the other. "Here me bearer of light, princess of radiance, region
of the realm beyond time. The mild zephyr shall conquer the mist, the
cooling wind draws heat, bright light dispenses the sirocco, fire burns out
the darkness and clear water blows away the vapors. Conjure Woman you are
needed in this place. Prince of Darkness cast his shadow before him and you
are called forth. Come, come! Oh bearer of light come forth, come forth!"
"Well that's it, you stalled long enough for the light to be gone. Class
dismissed." Tim tells Holly. Holly stands. "Can I see?" She looks at the
portrait. "So it stinks." Tim says. "Well your sketch was better, but it
does have a certain quality." Tim looks at her. "That's a terrific way of
putting it." Tim turns away. "Oh come on Tim, I know it will." "When Jean
Paul Desmond brings his wife back to life so she can sit for me." "How can
you joke about am thing like that?" Holly gets upset. "About a man who is
doing such a beautiful thing for his wife." "Beautiful? What's so
beautiful about it?" Tim asks. "His love for her, that's what." Holly says.
"And that's so what's weird. Maybe, maybe those tarot cards can help."
"I place my destiny and all those on Maljardin in the gracious arms of the
Priestess of the Temple of the Serpent." Raxl and Quito bow. Raxl turns.
"Come Quito." She leads the way from the Temple. "He bugs me that's all."
Holly says as she helps Tim put away the art supplies. "Mr. Desmond?" "No,
the Reverend Matt Dawson." "Oh I thought your saint has turned to plaster."
Tim says. "Jean Paul’s not my saint. Have you ever met anyone quite like
him?" "I can't say I have." Tim is walking away from Holly. "I don't think
anyone has." "Is that sarcasm?" "Yea and fact." "Tim don't you see what
he trying to do for his wife?" Tim looks at Holly. "Except I don't think
love has anything to do with it."
Raxl and Quito exit the door to the Temple. "Light the torches Quito," Says
Raxl. Reverend Dawson walks into the crypt. "What are you doing Msieu?"
Raxl asks. "Looking for you. I must know about those cards you dropped.
Tell me, who do they represent?" "I do not read the cards alone." Raxl
says. "I guess the king represents Jean Paul Desmond. But the queen? Who?
Holly, is she in danger?" "All are in danger." "You didn't drop those
cards by accident. You wanted to tell me something. What?" Matt asks. "All
I know is the little one is in danger. The cards never lie. Please, that's
all I know." Raxl says as she walks away. Matt stops her with a hand on her
shoulder. "Then you must learn more and tell me." "Because you’re hung up
about your work don't take it out on Jean Paul and me." Holly tells Tim. Tim
is standing, leaning on the post to the railing of the staircase. Holly
sits down on the stairs. "Look I said I was grateful didn't I" Tim says as
he sits next to Holly looking straight ahead. "You think he's flipped,
don't you." Holly asks. "I don't know what to think. Except that I made a
bad deal." "Well call it off." Tim looks at Holly. "I can't do that. The
money is gone, I've got to deliver." "Tim, let's split." "You and me? No
that's not my style." Tim turns away. "Well what is your style? Hanging
around being uptight all the time. Reaching for impossible things." Holly
says angrily. "Maybe." He looks at Holly. "How about you?" "I could find
my lucky star if only people would leave me alone." "Me, your
mother?" "Reverend
Matt Dawson especially."' Holly says as the Reverend walks into the
room. "Well
what a coincidence. Are your ears burning Reverend?" Holly asks him as he
stops next to them. "Why?" "Your name just passed from my lips and there
you are. Or did I call. I didn't call did I?" "You may one day Holly." Holly
shakes her head. "Not while you live." "My chief concern is to see that you
do. In happiness." Holly stands. "I'll never need you for that, ever."
Holly starts up the staircase. "If you change your mind just yell for help.
I'll hear Holly." Tim stands and says to Matt. "She's going through this
identity thing. Running eventually knocks the wind out of you, doesn't it
Reverend." "It's my decision and my life, okay!" Holly says. "Well good
luck." He turns to Matt. "And good luck to you. She's really a groovy kid."
Tim walks away. Holly starts to follow him, "Holly, believe me. I'm worried
about you,” the Reverend says walking up to Holly. "I don't want to hear
about it." She tries rushing away. "Wait. Wait!" Matt yells. "If you want
to or not, you’re going to." Matt stands on the first landing looking down
at her. "Go on, I'm listening." she says with her arms crossed and her back
to him. "No your not. You get behind that wall of hostility where no one
can reach you. Holly I'm afraid for you. Afraid your life may be in danger."
"Me?" Holly asks looking at him. "Yes." "In danger of what?" asks Holly. "If
we can talk, really talk without hostility and you deciding I'm wrong before
I open my mouth." "Go ahead." "I'm your friend Holly, you must believe
that." Matt says. "I'll try." The Reverend walks down the stairs to stand
in front of Holly. "Well?"" Holly asks. "What am I in danger of."
Raxl is in the crypt. "The Christian God can truly guide this man. Help him
Little Princess to help those who are doomed to suffer at Maljardin. The
cards speak of an evil force." Raxl says.
"The Queen of Cups?" Holly says. "Raxl didn't say that was me did she?"
Holly turns away. "She didn't have to say it Holly." "All of a sudden your
a fortune teller." "I know that everything is terribly wrong on this
Island. We're all prisoners in this house, don't you understand?" "Jean
Paul wouldn't do that. He said we can leave." "But he refuses to say when."
The Reverend walks around to face Holly. "There's a sickness on this Island
Holly and Jean Paul is part of it. It's a threat to all of us and I'm afraid
especially for you." "You're saying I'm in danger from Jean Paul Desmond?
Oh padre you're way off." "I hope." Matt says. "Well he's the most
wonderful man I know. I trust him as I do my father." "If he's worthy of
that trust." "Why do you say that? Because he's sick, is that why?" "It's
not a medical sickness Holly. It isn't something you can isolate and treat
like measles or appendicitis. What I'm talking about is a spiritual
sickness. Dark cloud of evil." Matt says looking around the Great
Hall. "Reverend,
you know something you're too much!" Holly says as she tries to rush away. The
Reverend walks after Holly. "Look if Jean Paul says anything to you,
anything strange or unusual I want you to tell me about it." Matt says as
Holly stops and looks at him. "I'll tell you something, I'm going to ask
Mr. Desmond to ship all of you off the Island! Except maybe Tim and me,
that's how much of a danger I think he is." Holly turns and runs up the
staircase.
Raxl is in the crypt. "Help, the Bearer of Life to hear me Little Princess.
Help the Prince of Darkness to step aside to give way to the region of the
Realm of Light. The mild zephyr will conquer the mist, and the cooling wind
draws heat."
On the Mainland, Vangie is sitting looking at the tarot cards. One of the
cards seems to worry her. Then she hears Raxl's voice. "The bright light
dispenses the sirocco. The quickening fire burns out the darkness and clear
water blows away the vapors. Come Princess of Light, come Conjure Woman!"
Raxl calls. "You are needed on Maljardin. You are needed on Maljardin!" Vangie
sits like she is in a trance, then slowly she lays the card down. "Come
Quito, say goodnight to our Little Mistress." Raxl calls to Quito. "When we
go together to stand at the alter of the Great Serpent and beg him to
deliver us the Princess of Light to destroy this devil and release our poor
Master." Raxl bows then turns to Quito. "Quito the Temple." Quito pushes
open the door as Raxl gathers the torches.
Summary by Debby Graham & Slideshow by Ron Janick
--
Ron and The Boston Babes:
Bella & Daisy
"God is great, beer is good,
and people are crazy."
...Billy Currington
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
*Strange Paradise: Episode 25*
*Episode 25: Slideshow:
http://tinyurl.com/g8o7k<http://s57.photobucket.com/albums/g230/ronbella/EPISDOE\
S_WEEK%205/?action=view¤t=SP_EP_25.gif>
*
On Maljardin a storm is hitting the Island with thunder and lightening
booming outside. Jean Paul sits on the couch with his head bowed and his
hands clasped. He stands and walks over to the table to pour himself a
drink. When he finds out there is no ice he rings for Raxl. Quito
appears. "Quito,
I need more ice. And Raxl, where is she?"
Raxl is in the Temple using the tarot cards. Backing away she raises her
arms, then drops to her knees, crossing her arms she bows.
Vangie lays down the tarot cards. Crossing her arms she says. "If my fathers
gift is strong in me and if the Great Serpent so wills it may I be lifted to
the ancient Temple to help in the fight against evil." Vangie is wearing the
Conjure robes. She lies down upon a bed.
Jean Paul in the Great Hall seems agitated. "You're very quiet tonight but
not Mother Nature. I wonder what is disturbing her so?" Jacques asks. "Maybe
you are. Maybe she's declaring war on all demons." "Tsk, Tsk wooing and
warring, a family heritage." says Jacques. "I could do without the family
heritage and ancestors like you." Jean Paul turns toward Jacques
portrait. "Without
me you may be doing without yourself. Who knows, you and I could be one and
the same." "I am not a devil!" says Jean Paul turning away. "Self
declaration, self incrimination." says Jacques. Jean Paul raises his glass
to his mouth. "And don't drink so much. It dulls the senses." Angrily Jean
Paul turns around. He draws his hand back to throw the glass when Quito
walks in with the ice. "You would have missed anyway." Jacques tells
him. Quito
settles the ice bucket on the table. Jean Paul puts his glass down near the
stairs as Holly walks down the staircase; She's dressed for bed. Quito
holds up a glass. Holly tells him she would like a ginger ale. Jean Paul
looks over at Holly, then down at his glass. He picks it back up. Quito
hands Holly her drink. She thanks him. "You make an excellent bartender."
"But it's only ginger ale." Jean Paul says as he walks up to her. "Anything
stronger and I couldn't sleep. Not that I do sleep anyway." Holly says as
she walks to the couch and sits down. "Sleepless nights seem to be the
vogue around here." Jean Paul says. "I'm afraid." Holly tells him. "Of
what?" Jean Paul asks as he squats behind the couch. "Of going to sleep.
Every time I come close to closing my eyes I think about the weird dreams
I've been having lately. Then all of a sudden I'm wide awake and scared all
over again." "If Doctor Carr is still up, I'll se is she can suggest a
sleeping pill for you." Jean Paul says standing, then walking towards the
staircase. "No thank you, I'm not much of a pill taker." Holly says. Jean
Paul walks to the table and pours a drink. "Here try this." He hands her the
glass. "What is it?" "Just a little sherry. To sleep and not to dream." "You
know you remind me more and more of my father. Shakespeare was one of his
favorites too and that line was one of his favorite lines." "Strange isn't
it. I too have had to live with some bad dreams. Shakespeare and all the
great writers have been a sort of comfort to me." Jean Paul says as he pours
himself another drink. "You seem to have everything that money can buy. I
guess even possessions don't make a man sleep easy do they." Holly
says. Jacques
portrait goes blank. With a smile Jacques asks. "Do you my fair child? It
all depends whether the man is the possessor or the possessed." He sits next
to Holly. "I think I know what you mean. I don't even have that money yet
and it's already caused me trouble." "Well why don't you wait child. If you
really want to sleep I have something for you." Jacques pours liquid into
Holly’s drink. "What is it?" she asks. "Oh just a family brew for what
ails you. Now if this pending inheritance is such a burden to you why are
you so determined to prevent your mother from controlling it?" "I think if
she controls it she controls me to." "Your mother strikes me as a perfectly
delightful woman." says Jacques. "To each his own." Holly lifts her glass
to Jacques in a toast. "Is that Shakespeare?" "Updated by Holly Marshal."
says Jacques. Elizabeth is standing on the staircase watching Holly and
Jacques. "Let me put it this way, if I appear to be witchy, it's only
because I am." Holly says standing. "But what a lovely little witch." "But
only about my mother. Everything she has if I can take it I will." Holly
tells him. "Fair or foul as they say." Jacques says as he takes a drink. "I
guess you think I'm a pretty crummy daughter. Well you're right. I just
can't seem to help myself." Jacques sits back down with a smile. "When you
get down to the nitty gritty I guess that's it all right. Anything my mother
wants I'll take it from her if I can and visa versa." Holly tells him. Jacques
stands next to Holly and puts his drink on the fireplace mantel. "That
sounds like total declared war to me." "Would you like to see my
scars?" Jacques
laughs. "Well lead us not into temptation, no that isn't from Shakespeare,
is it?" Elizabeth stands and listens to Holly. "For one so lovely, you
seemed to have developed the ability to hate very well,” says Jacques.
"Practice
makes perfect." "But one who hates can also love." "I haven't had much
practice in that department." Holly says. "Well you'll learn." "I'm sure
my daughter will make an army of fortune hunters very happy when she does
learn." Elizabeth tells them from the stairs. "Mrs. Marshal, does insomnia
seem to be occupying the entire household." Jacques says as he walks toward
her. Elizabeth walks the rest of the way to meet Jacques. "Elizabeth, Mr.
Desmond." "Forgive me. Can I offer you something to help calm the nerves?"
Jacques asks. "What ever Holly is having is fine with me." "I see. Mother
and daughter share the same tastes." Jacques fixes her a drink. Holly walks
up to them. "You get zero on that one Mr. Desmond." "But we could call it a
bulls-eye couldn't we. They both look the same. A drink Madame, ah
Elizabeth." Jacques hands the drink to her. "If you don't mind I think I'll
drink mine in my bedroom." Holly says then walks away. Elizabeth steps
toward the staircase watching Holly rush up the stairs. Turning she says, "I
must apologize for Holly." "Please don't, for one so young she is truly
delightful." Jacques says walking up to Elizabeth. "But we should bear in
mind Holly is young." says Elizabeth. "Well is youth a disadvantage?" "It
has its handicaps." Elizabeth says sitting down on the couch. "Well let’s
drink to us." Jacques says sitting next to Elizabeth. "Who have overcome
those handicaps?" "Drink to my old age before I reach it?" she asks
him. Jacques
laughs. "To the fact that you are no longer a child." "I'll drink to that."
Elizabeth says. As they raise the glasses to their mouths a loud scream
comes from upstairs. Holly runs down the staircase. "I opened my door and
he was right outside." Holly says as she leans on the railing. Quito is
behind her on the stairs. "Quito come here! What were you doing? Why were
you outside Miss Marshals door?" Jacques asks. Quito crosses his arms, his
hands are in fists. "Guarding her." Quito nods. "Against what?" Quito
shakes his head and shrugs. "He doesn't know and I don't think we should
believe him anyway." Holly says. "Nonsense Holly, why should you doubt
Quito?" Elizabeth asks. "Oh, perhaps he and Raxl believe that the devil is
roaming around this great house." Jacques says. "I'll believe it when I see
it." Elizabeth says. Jacques turns to her and smiles. "Now I'll drink to
that. A toast to the devil." Holly and Quito glance at each other.
Elizabeth looks away with a stunned look. Jacques shrugs. "Or whatever." He
takes a drink looking at Elizabeth.
Elizabeth walks to the couch after Holly goes back to her room. Jacques is
standing in front of the fireplace. "Poor girl, she was exhausted."
Jacques says. "Or acting it. Ever since her father died, virtually overnight
she changed from a sweet shy child to an impossible shrew. We were really a
very happy family before..." "Holly told me you did lots of things
together. That you traveled a great deal." "Yes of course, even then I
suppose there were signs. Winter before last she refused to go on vacation
with us. Wanted to spend Christmas in the cold snow instead of the warm
sand. So we went on ahead without her. But of course she ruined the trip for
us." Elizabeth tells him. "How unfortunate." Jacques says. "Couldn't we
change the topic of conversation from the no-no generation. I'm very board
with their beads, bells and songs of love." "Elizabeth you sadden me."
Jacques says walking towards her and sits down. "A woman as lovely as you
should be so stoic of matters of the heart." "I was talking about the
young. To them it's a matter of to much to soon." "Ah then you'd make rules
for them but not for us?" "You and I are old enough to make our own rules,
Jean Paul." Jacques puts his arm around Elizabeth.
In the Temple of the Serpent, Raxl is still bowed down to the floor; she
rises up to her knees, then raises her arms outward. Vangie appears on the
sacrificial altar. She uncrosses her arms and holds them upward.
Jacques ring disappears. Jean Paul jerks his arm away from Elizabeth's
shoulder. "Jean Paul, Jean Paul what is it that seems to mesmerize you?" Jean
Paul quickly stands. "Forgive me." He stands and holds his head. "Are you
not feeling well?" "It's nothing really. It's a sudden migraine. Three
hundred years ago that's what they called it." "Migraine?" "Migraine
today." Jean Paul says in pain. "You poor man, is there anything I can do
to help?" Elizabeth asks walking up to Jean Paul. "If it persists Doctor
Carr will give me another analgesic." he says turning away. "Fortunately,
generally it doesn't last too long." "Until then?" Elizabeth asks. Jean
Paul looks at Elizabeth. "There's nothing anyone can do."
Raxl helps Vangie from the altar. Vangie turns and looks at Raxl. "Why have
you summoned me? You know the cards have warned me my death will come on
Maljardin." "But I could not come to you. Together we may have the strength
enough to fight off all danger." Raxl says. She walks over to a small fire
with a cup of herbs and potions. "This will give you strength." "But I want
to live. I've given up the old ways." Vangie tells Raxl. "There are times
when the way of the ancients are the only way to protect us,” says Raxl. "From
what?" "We will know the answer to that tonight. This I do know, the evil
that walks on Maljardin does not walk alone. I think this night it might
have found a mate." Raxl says then raises the cup. "Drink!"
Elizabeth holds a glass out to Jean Paul. "Drink, it may help." Jean Paul
looks away from Elizabeth.
"Drink or we are helpless." Raxl tells Vangie. Vangie reaches out and takes
the cup.
Jean Paul turns then walks to Jacques portrait. As he is starring at it, it
goes blank. Elizabeth watches Jean Paul with concern. Jacques stretches.
"You know sometimes I really feel, if one can inhabit another body one can
get rid of a headache completely." he says then walks towards Elizabeth.
"The headache of course, not the body." "Well I can see you got rid of
yours." "Completely as if I had taken over another body." Jacques
says. "Don't
the natives believe that such things are possible?" Elizabeth asks. "Oh
some are so superstitious they believe men can turn into wolves. But that I
have to see." Jacques says as he walks away. "Surely some superstitions
must have some bases in fact." Elizabeth says walking toward Jacques. "Well
if there was any foundation in this case, my name isn't Jean Paul Desmond."
"I wonder. Could I ask a great favor of you?" "A favor?" Jacques asks. "You
know my daughter respects you very much. A word from you can be worth more
than a thousand from me." "Just what word do you have in mind?" "You know
so much about money and the responsibility of it." "Yes." he says watching
her. "I think you can convince Holly to allow you to lift some of the
burden of it from her shoulders." Jacques turns towards Elizabeth. He leans
on the fireplace. "May I ask why? Or is that a pertinent question, or have
you a mind that the money burden should go to your shoulders. You carry it
if I can carry it off." Elizabeth looks away.
Down in the Temple Raxl talks to Vangie. "Ever since my Little Bird died the
Master has not been himself. He seems to be wearing the face of two
men." "There
have been many strange tails told about the death of Jacques Eloi Des
Mondes,” says Vangie. "Who is to say what is true. Just as the past forms
the present, the present may alter the past,” says Raxl turning away. "Well
it's true, you've seen Jean Paul when he seems to be not himself." Vangie
says as she walks up to Raxl. "Many, many times. But it is only when evil
is in the room. Evil that is spreading across Maljardin. Ever since the
silver pin was released from the conjure doll's head. I can control it no
longer." "I am here now. I'll give you what strength I can. But it may be
the last time." "But you are the Conjure Woman!" "My father gave me all
the strength he could, but I am not as strong as he. My Island needs me too,
there are many strange vibrations." "But evil is everywhere! I can not do
it alone!" Raxl says. "Our spirits will be fused through the tarot cards
and the pentagram. But more than that I cannot promise. You must find your
help here on Maljardin, not only from the outside." "Well if it must be, it
must be." Raxl walks to the altar. "Do you see what the cards say?" "I see
two protectors, Mathew Dawson and Dan Forrest." "But they are not as strong
as this one." Raxl points to a card. "Who is she?" asks Vangie. "I can not
tell. Your powers of the cards are much stronger then mine. Who, who?"
Turning to Vangie. "Please take my hands. Together we will have the strength
to find out." Raxl and Vangie hold hands "we must have the strength. As
they concentrate, through the candle comes the image of Elizabeth Marshal
standing in the Great Hall. "The witch is..." says Raxl. "Yes, the mother
of the blond child. Elizabeth Marshal. Watch her carefully Raxl, she's
dangerous."
Elizabeth tells Jacques. "The danger I face is your misunderstanding my
intent for Holly." "Perhaps, but you must forgive me Elizabeth I'm not
feeling quite myself this evening." "I'm trying to understand these changes
in you." Elizabeth says walking away. He walks behind her. Elizabeth starts
up the staircase. "By tomorrow I'm sure you will." Jacques says. Elizabeth
stops on the steps. "Hopefully. Goodnight." Jacques looks at his ring.
Thunder and lightening rumble and flash. He turns and walks toward his
portrait. He releases Jean Paul. "Jacques Eloi Des Mondes, I want to speak
to you." "I am in possession now, and I shall wear the body." "It seems
the powers have shifted, you've gone back to where you belong against your
will." Jean Paul says. "A slight skirmish, but the war is just beginning.
Nighty night, sleep fitfully. It's bad for the nerves." Jean Paul walks to
the staircase, he looks angrily back at Jacques portrait.
Summary by Debby Graham & Slideshow by Ron Janick
--
Ron and The Boston Babes:
Bella & Daisy
"God is great, beer is good,
and people are crazy."
...Billy Currington
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
*Strange Paradise: Episode 26*
* Episode 26: Slideshow:
http://tinyurl.com/k86yo<http://s57.photobucket.com/albums/g230/ronbella/EPISODE\
S_WEEK%206/?action=view¤t=SP_EP_26.gif&refPage=&imgAnch=imgAnch1>
*
Jean Paul is in the crypt talking to Erica. "Fresh flowers my darling, I
brought them from the Main Island just for you because I remember how much
you loved them. Their sweet smell reminds me of you my sweet. There will
even be more sweet things to remember when we are back together again. As
sure as I stand here talking to you it will happen." Dan walks down the
stairs into the crypt. He stands listening to Jean Paul He shakes his head.
"Jean Paul!" he says walking up to him. "Dan are you spying on me
again?" "No,
just observing a man with an obsession that's going to kill." "Your powers
of perception are your weak points Dan. I am not going to die, Erica is
going to live." Jean Paul says then turns away to check the gauges for the
cryonic chamber. "You may not have any faith on the future of cryonics. I
do." "Someday perhaps. Freezing a body and eventually returning it from the
dead may work, but I'm an attorney and not a scientist. I can't say and
since you're not either, surely you can't predict it." "I can predict that
Erica will have every chance that science and money can offer." "I know
your great devotion to your wife. But she was equally devoted to you and the
last thing she would want is to have you drive yourself to death trying to
prolong a life God has already claimed." Dan tells Jean Paul. Jean Paul
walks back to where Dan is standing. "On this Island I am God." "You're a
fool." Dan says looking away. "Dan, any husband would be an imperfection of
a man if he did not lay his life on the line to save that of the woman he
married." Jean Paul walks back to the gauges. "Boil it down, if your right
and I'm not admitting you are, all I'm saying is I am fighting for the woman
that I love. Now I'd like to continue this conversation elsewhere so Erica
will remain undisturbed." Jean Paul walks to Erica's capsule. "I love you my
sweet." Then he leads Dan to the staircase. "Jean Paul? You've always had a
knack for rationalizing but bending facts and fantasy won't work." Dan tells
Jean Paul. Jean Paul stops on the stairs turns and looks at Dan. Angrily he
turns around and walks out of the crypt. Raxl is carrying the coffee tray
when Jean Paul walks into the room. "Your coffee Msieu, the breakfast buffet
is all set. If I'm no longer needed may be excused?" "Naturally Raxl." Jean
Paul tells her. Dan follows Jean Paul into the room. "And I too Jean Paul.
There are some papers I must look to." "Look to, or look for?" says Jean
Paul. With a smile Dan says. "And you say I'm building intrigues. See you
later." Dan walks away. Jean Paul pours himself a cup of coffee, then walks
around the Great Hall. "With friends like Dan Forrest, I hesitate to face
the enemy." Jacques says. "You serve very well in that capacity." Jean Paul
says looking at Jacques portrait. "Except you are your own worst enemy,
which makes you mine. Because you and I are like one." "Oh no, you are the
demon that spreads evil before you!" "And after. You never know who may be
sneaking up with a doll and pin to curse me." Jean Paul turns around. "Not
now. It was purely an _expression, voodoo got you to. But your optimism
about it concerns me. Lightening never strikes twice in the same place."
Thunder and lightening crash outside. "I hope." says Jacques. "Why don't
you leave me alone? Why must you continuously harass me? Why must I be
harassed by one who doesn't even seem to be there?" "Say, are you only
talking to yourself? Careful, they put people away for things like
that." "You're
enough to drive any man out of his senses!" Jean Paul tells Jacques. "Msieu
Desmond?" Raxl walks in with flowers for the table. "What is it Raxl." Jean
Paul asks looking at the portrait then at Raxl. "To whom were you talking?"
"See now she thinks the bats are flapping in your noggin." says Jacques. "Shut
up." "Msieu all I said was..."Raxl says to Jean Paul. "I wasn't talking to
you Raxl." "Now you did it." Jacques says. Jean Paul glances nervously
over at Jacques’ portrait. "Not to me?" Raxl looks around then back at Jean
Paul. "See the little man who isn't there, is." Jacques tells Jean Paul. Raxl
is staring at Jean Paul. "Hold still, I'll get us out of this." Jacques
portrait goes blank. Jean Paul is now grinning. Jacques has taken over Jean
Paul. "Perhaps I should call Doctor Carr for something to ease your
nerves." Raxl says to Jacques. "Perhaps you should call Doctor Carr down to
breakfast Raxl. She must be famished." He says then turns toward Raxl. "As I
am, are things set?" "But Msieu, not half an hour ago I told you about the
buffet." "Of course, oh yes kippers and porridge and bacon." says Jacques.
"Kippers? You haven't touched them in years." "It's about time that I did.
Go fetch them, fix them up. I'll force them down." "Yes Master." Raxl bows
then leaves the room as Dan walks down the staircase. "Well Dan, are you
going to join me in some kippers this morning or haven't you finished
fishing for the day?" Jacques asks crossing his arms and looking up at Dan.
"Just lowering the line and I'm afraid you're going to get hooked." Jacques
laughs, then turns and picks up his coffee cup. "Never. It would be a nasty
experience being hooked." Dan walks up to him. "So is compounding a
felony." "Did you break the law Dan? Or am I on the hot seat?" Jacques
turns and looks at Dan. "It's beyond me how you can change like day and
night and disregard the welfare of others." Dan says. Raxl walks in. "Let's
keep it to ourselves shall we." Jacques lightly punches Dan in the shoulder.
"Doctor Carr asked to be excused, she's busy but she said your tranquilizers
are..." Raxl says. "Busy? Doing what? Jacques asks. "I don't know Msieu.
She's in the laboratory if that will help." "Ah, maybe she's concocting
some witches brew. Perhaps we should look in on her Dan." "Interrupt Alison
and her work and there will be the devil to pay." Dan says. "He'll get his
due either way." Jacques says smiling. "You'll get yours." "Same thing. Oh
I mean, well what did you mean?" "Detaining people on this Island against
their will. The penalty will be the same. But that's not all I want to talk
to you about." Dan says. Jacques looks at him and nods his head, then walks
to the table to pick up his coffee cup. "There's more? Oh come, come Raxl
the kippers." Jacques looks at Raxl. Raxl leaves the room. "Sorry go on."
he says before drinking his coffee. "Your wife has been dead approximately
ten days now. Who signed the death certificate?" "Oh my dear Dan, here we
go again on the merry-go-round. Doctor Menkin did." "You say. But now I'm
reaching for the brass ring. It's time for everybody to get off." Dan tells
him. "The Island? Asks Jacques. "Exactly." "I just can't let them do it."
Jacques walks by the staircase and turns facing Dan who was following him.
Jacques leans against a table. "Now the whole situation completely explained
to me by you and Alison that if word of Erica's death became public
knowledge. Which has yet has not; there would undoubtedly be an autopsy. And
you know I can't have that because then it would lead to Erica being taken
from cryonic suspension. And that would be tantamount to murder. Now that
would really be compounding a felony." Dan shakes his head. "I can't figure
you out, not when you're like this. You make me want to..." Dan paces in
front of Jacques. Stopping he folds his arms and shakes his head. "Most of
the time I can't read you or believe a word you're saying, but it's so
frustrating I could..." "Murder me?" asks Jacques. Dan turns, "Yes, I do
have murder on my mind but not yours." "Oh whose?" "Apart from your
professed love, did you have any other reason for freezing Erica?" Dan asks.
"How can you dare to imply that of me!" "Because most of the time you don't
act like a man who has just suffered an agonizing loss", Jacques strolls
away from Dan. "Not everyone should wear his heart on his sleeve. Dan, if
the death certificate should have gone astray couldn’t we simply ask Alison
to sign another one." He says turning to Dan. "She's a doctor." "Msieu, be
careful the dish is very hot" Raxl says as she carries in a plate. "Hopefully
so are the kippers. We will discuss this after breakfast." Jacques says
lifting the lid with his bare hand. "Mmm they smell vile, like all good
kippers should." He puts the lid back on then walks to the dining
room. Looking
at the dish. "My poor Master." Raxl says. "I can't waste any sympathy on
him today." Dan says. "I'm waiting to be served Raxl." Jacques calls her
from the dining room. "I too am confused with his changes of late." Raxl
tells Dan. Dan stands with his arms crossed. He then walks into the dining
room. "Mmm these are good, they are devilishly delicious Dan." Jacques
says. "You get marks for these Jean Paul, they are good." Dan tells him
after trying the kippers. "Mmm, I haven't tasted anything so enjoyable for
ages. But for my taste things around here should be much hotter." Jacques
says taking a bite.
Alison is working in the lab when Jacques playfully sneaks in and scares
her. "So this is where you're hiding. You missed breakfast,” says
Jacques. "I've
been so engrossed with Doctor Menkin’s medical library that I don't think I
have any room, but food for thought." Alison smiles at him. "It seems Dan
has been doing a lot of thinking to. At least he manages to eat." "Well
perhaps I'll have something later. I'm so fascinated with this." Alison
tells him. "And you're fascinating yourself." Jacques tells her. Alison
looks away from him. "And all this. Let's see, the affects of hypothermia of
cerebral damage resulting from cardiac arrest." Jacques reads the title from
a book. "Yes." Alison smiles and shows him another book. Coming to her feet
she walks to the filing cabinet. "What does all of this suggest to you?"
Alison asks. "That you're even more attractive when you're flushed with
excitement." Jacques says walking over to her with his arms crossed. "Jean
Paul stop it."
Jacques walks back to the center counter and leans on it. "Go ahead, tell me
what do you find fascinating." "Well, all of these books belong to you."
she says walking over to him. "My literary taste usually runs to something
hotter, not necessarily heavier. No the money that I provide bought the
books, but the books are not mine. Why do you ask?" "Well anyone interested
in cryonics would be interested in these. Or was it Doctor Menkin’s idea to
put Erica in a cryonics capsule?" Alison asks. "Well it certainly wasn't
mine. I'm glad someone thought of it." "Did it come out of something that
happened with her condition? Alison asks. Jacques shrugs. "I haven't the
faintest idea. I'm not a doctor, just a man in love." "And about what you
told me about he death being so sudden and unexpected." "To me it was."
says Jacques. "If Erica’s death was brought on by ecliptic convulsions, why
Doctor Menkin’s sudden preoccupation with all this?" Alison asks touching
Doctor Menkin’s notes "Genetics, cellular reconstitution and geriatrics."
Alison asks. "Well if he were here we could ask him." Jacques says with a
smile. "You shouldn't make a joke about a man who's dead." "Sorry."
Jacques says. "I even found some notes he made in my field on organ culture
and regeneration." "You mean the replacement of the human body?" Jacques
asks. "In a very general sense. Doctor Menkin?" "Yes." Jacques asks. "Well
I've searched this entire place. I found a lot of projections of experiments
but no details about them. Lots of notes on failures though, but where are
the experiments and the results? I've looked everywhere but what's more
important where's the file on Erica? I know there must be one." "Why?"
Jacques asks. "Because I'm not sure Erica’s death was sudden. Think back."
Jacques walks around the counter. "Are you sure there was no forewarning?"
Alison asks. "Not to me. Would I lie to you?" "Well you have in the past,
when you concealed my sisters death." "Some days I'm just not myself,” says
Jacques. "Will you answer one thing truthfully?" "If I can be truthful, of
course." Jacques says. "You took a bottle of cyanide from this lab." "I
did?" "There is a bottle missing." Alison tells him. "Well if you saw me
take it then there must be a double of me roaming around here." "I didn't
say I saw you, I just said there was a bottle missing. Just that it would
put my mind at ease. I was afraid." "Afraid? Of what?" Jacques leans
forward on the counter. "That I'd take my own life? No Alison, don't be
afraid. That's one thing that didn't come that easily." "Well I'm relived.
Erica’s death is more than I can bear." "It hasn't been that easy for
either of us I may say that..." Jacques says. Dan walks into the lab. "I
have nothing to say at the moment." Jacques stands and walks towards the
door. "Well, have you managed to talk her into that idea of signing the
death certificate?" Dan asks. He says with a smile. "I haven't managed to
talk her into anything. Although an idea did pass my mind." Jacques says
then leaves the room. "How do you figure him?" Dan asks. "I think he is
either a very good actor or he's another man." says Alison. Dan crosses his
arms. "Well they say each of us has a double. Jean Paul’s goes back three
hundred years. According to the legend, voodoo jinxed him." "Legends are
not facts, Dan." "Neither are ghosts that are three hundred years old." Says
Dan.
Jacques smiles and walks into the Great Hall. He stops at a table and picks
up a piece of fruit. "Well Dan is not one of the believers. Alison is a
charmer, the plot thickens. Keep the home fires burning, I'll be there
later." Jacques says. "You know you're the best wheeler and dealer this
side of the Great Channel." Dan smiles. "Ordinarily I'd chuckle over that
Dan, but right now I'm to shook. Oh well, when you think of it, it's the
only answer. The only way out." Alison says. "For Jean Paul?" "Yes, and
for the rest of us. And for Erica." Alison tells Dan. "Erica?" "Well any
other way she would need a postmortem. And that would ruin all her chances."
"Oh come on now, don't tell me you're falling for that cryonic fable? Or is
it Jean Paul who has you under his spell?" he touches her shoulder. "Oh Dan
please. That's enough of that." Dan drops his hand. "All right. When it
comes to that death certificate I..." Dan says as he crosses his arms. "Doctor
Menkin did sign the death certificate, Jean Paul told me. He only asked me
to sign it to alleviate your concern about it." Alison says. "All right
then, as a lawyer I am going to call for an adjournment." Dan says smiling.
"Ask for the same privilege." Alison says to him as she walks to the center
counter. "And still the mystery prevails." "I can't deny that. Even in
this simple lab there is more than one mystery and I intend to find out
about them." Alison says. "In this lab?" Dan asks. "In this lab, in this
house and on Maljardin." "Well if you stay, I stay." says Dan. "You know
suddenly I feel hungry, come on." Alison tells Dan. "For another breakfast?
No thank you, one's my capacity. I think if you don't mind I'll stay here
and poke around a bit." "There's nothing around here that will interest
you,” says Alison. "There's a lot that interests me. Some may confuse me
but what's one more confusion?" Jacques is sitting on the top of the back
of a chair with his feet resting on the arms of the chair. "To many cultured
toils." He jumps off the chair and walks to the table to pour a cup of
coffee. "To many questions." Walking up the staircase carrying his cup of
coffee he stops and turns. "The time has come to make a definite move."
Turning he continues to Jean Paul's bedroom.
Summary by Debby Graham & Slideshow by Ron Janick
--
Ron and The Boston Babes:
Bella & Daisy
"God is great, beer is good,
and people are crazy."
...Billy Currington
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
*Strange Paradise: Episode 27*
*Episode 27: Slideshow:
http://tinyurl.com/fwp6d<http://s57.photobucket.com/albums/g230/ronbella/EPISODE\
S_WEEK%206/?action=view¤t=SP_EP_27.gif>
*
Holly rushes down the staircase heading for the dining room. She stops when
she sees Quito, he helps her be seated. He signals the sign for eating. "Just
coffee, thank you." Holly says quietly. Quito pours it for her. He walks
behind Holly, reaches out his hands and touches Holly's head. Holly cries
out, jumping to her feet she tries to get away from Quito. Jean Paul is at
the bottom of the staircase. "Quito!" Holly runs to Jean Paul. He puts his
arm around her. "Quito, that was foolish and childish. I don't want to see
it happen again!" "I thought he was going to strangle me." Holly tells Jean
Paul. "It's all right, it's all right. I can assure you he meant no harm."
Jean Paul looks at Quito. "You can go." Quito leaves the room covering his
mouth with his hand. He is upset. "I guess I lost my cool didn't I?" Holly
asks. Jean Paul releases her. "He's really like a child, but I don't blame
you for being upset. I was beginning to get that way myself." Jean Paul says
then pulls a chair out for Holly. "Until I acquired a few house guests." "Is
that why you're keeping us here?" Jean Paul takes a seat. "Well I would
rather it was otherwise." "You mean you wish we weren't here?" "I'd rather
you were all here under happier circumstances." says Jean Paul. "The loss
of your wife must have been a real blow to you." "My wife is still with
me,” says Jean Paul." "Oh yes of course, but it's quite not the same
thing."
Quito walks down to the crypt. He checks the gauges of the capsule. He then
arranges the flowers and kneels down next to the capsule, leaning on it he
cries.
Jean Paul says. "I have the past to look back on and the future to look
forward to." He reaches for the coffee pot and pours a cup. "When my father
was alive I'd get up practically at the crack of dawn to be with him." "You
were very fond of your father." "We were very fond of each other. We used
to do so many things together. We used to have a language all our own.
Mother couldn't understand it and it used to make her so furious." Holly
says with a smile. "Yes and that special language, you still have all your
own." "You only think that way because you're over thirty. I talk that way
because it's the in thing to do and if I didn't I'd be a real drag." "Then
your childhood isn't all as terrible as you suggested." Jean Paul says. "The
part with my father was great, but my mother was a witch and will always
be." "Well may I join this tet a tet?" Elizabeth asks as she is coming down
the stairs. "An extra head in a tet a tet deserves to get bumped." Holly
says. Jean Paul stands as Elizabeth walks to the table. "My it's nice to
have company at this hour." Says Elizabeth. "My sentiments exactly." Says
Holly. "May I assume that you'll be..." says Jean Paul. "Clear the decks
for action or that witch will make a clean sweep even without her broom."
Jacques says. Jean Paul glances toward the Great Hall then back at
Elizabeth. "Did you say something Jean Paul?" Elizabeth asks. "After a
fashion yes, you see I have a secret of my own too,” says Jean Paul still
standing. "Well someone let me in on the secret." says Elizabeth. "Then it
wouldn't be a secret,” says Jean Paul. "You make it sound ominous."
"Sometimes
things happen beyond ones control." Jean Paul tells her. "Like a man and
his conscious or a woman who has no conscious at all." says Jacques. Jean
Paul again glances to the Great Hall. He turns and stares at Elizabeth, then
taking his seat they serve themselves breakfast. "It's a lovely morning,”
says Elizabeth. "Yes, I think it will be when the sun breaks through the
haze." Jean Paul says then rings the bell. "I used to love to walk in the
morning mist." Elizabeth tells him. "You were generally staggering on your
way home." Holly tells her mother. Quito comes into the room walking up to
Jean Paul. "Have the cryonic gauges been checked for order?" Jean Paul asks
Quito. Quito nods. "Make sure they are checked again in two hours. And
take the mail to the Main Island and make sure to see if we have mail to
pick up." Quito nods and walks away. "He's just like a faithful puppy
dog." Elizabeth says. "He loved my wife as I do." "I meant no harm Jean
Paul, you know that." "It just comes out that way doesn't it naturally?"
Holly says. "Holly behave yourself please." Elizabeth says. "Why don't we
both." says Holly. Jean Paul stands. "If you'll excuse me." He leaves the
room. "Have you been making a pest of yourself with Mr. Desmond? Elizabeth
stands and asks. "He made no move to cut out until you arrived on the
scene." Holly says standing up and rushing away. "Holly, I'm talking to
you." Elizabeth follows Holly to the Great Hall. "Holly do you hear me? I'm
talking to you! Well?"
Jean Paul walks into his room and closes the door.
Holly and Elizabeth both glance up the staircase. "You must not bother him
with your silly talk. The man is grieving and needs to confide in adults."
Elizabeth tells her daughter. "Like you maybe." "Well I've known grief,”
says Elizabeth. "Ha, your mascara didn't even get damp at Dad's funeral.
Only time you felt grief is when you found out you lost out on the
money." "You
have a nasty, mean little mind!" "It runs in the family,” says Holly.
In his bedroom Jean Paul looks out his window. Putting his hand to his head
he rubs his forehead. Walking over to his bed he lies down closing his eyes.
"Thinking of Erica? Hmm ok she is charming beyond belief, but also
temporarily beyond your grasp." Jacques says to Jean Paul. "She will live
and she will be with me again." Jean Paul says. "If you do as I say, since
I'm forced to live my life in your body. Allow it some of the pleasures of
the flesh. I feel stilted,” says Jacques. "What part of my life you
control, you'll live my way." Jean Paul tells him. "Why torment us both,
Elizabeth Marshal has charm. And you would have to be blind not to see that
she's willing. I might even say eager." "You want me to substitute a woman
like Elizabeth Marshal for my beloved Erica? Never!" says Jean Paul. "Then
may I remind you that Erica's blood flows in Alison Carr’s veins." Jacques
tells him. "You disgust me,” says Jean Paul. "You disappoint me. So many
blossoms to be plucked and you lie there dreaming while the whole world goes
by. I can't have that." Jacques portrait goes blank.
Jacques in Jean Paul's body sits up and stretches. Standing he walks over to
a chair and sits down smiling. Looking at the bookcase Jacques stands and
walks over to it. On the third shelf down he removes the last three books.
He pushes a button that is against the side of the bookcase. The bookcase
swings inward and with a smile Jacques puts the books back. Stepping inside
the door closes.
Holly walks up the staircase, she walks up to Jean Paul's bedroom door and
knocks. "Mr. Desmond? Mr. Desmond it's me Holly." She opens the door and
enters. Walking in she looks around. She sees a small table with a globe on
it, the bed, and a chair sits next to the bed. She glances at the bookcase,
turning she leaves closing the door. Standing outside the door she says out
loud. "But I saw him go in there." "All right lady, you're under arrest."
Tim comes up and grabs Holly's arm. Holly jumps and pulls away. "Tim that
isn't funny! There are enough creepy things around here already." She turns
and rushes down the steps. She stops on the first landing. "Wait, clue me
in. What's wrong?" Tim asks following Holly down the steps. "Well I saw Mr.
Desmond go into his room not more than ten minutes ago. He couldn't have
left without me seeing him Tim, he isn't in there now." "Well maybe there's
another entrance." Tim says. "There isn't, I wasn't just spinning my wheels
when I said there was something creepy about this place." Holly says walking
down the rest of the staircase. "Come on, I'll protect you. You can watch
me have breakfast. How about that for an attraction?" "No thanks; I'll skip
that one. My mother is probably in there. You're welcome to her if you’re
that hard up for company." "Doesn't that continual cat fight you keep
carrying on make you both miserable." Tim asks. "If you have any advice,
give it to Lady Macbeth." Holly says turning away from Tim. Elizabeth is
sitting at the dining room table when Tim walks in. "Oh I thought you were
Mr. Desmond." she says to him. "So your fading smile told me. Is he
upstairs?" Tim asks taking a seat. "He went up a few minutes ago. Why?" "You
would have seen him if he came down?" Tim asks. "Of course. You make it
sound so mysterious.
Jacques in Jean Paul’s secret room watches Tim and Elizabeth. He turns the
monitor off and picks up the microphone. He turns on the recorder. "Now hear
this Jean Paul. When I hold control over this body of yours there must be
livelier times around here. The choice between Alison, Elizabeth and yes
even that little morsel Holly (he hold up three fingers one at a time) and
all their tricks to win my favor. That must prevail. Why do you have to be
such a dull fellow? Dull and foolish." Jacques smiles and turns off the
recorder. He then turns on the monitor. The crypt shows up on the screen. "
Hello, are you there Erica? Well of course you are. Take heart Jean Paul
will be joining g you after I take what is mortal of him. And lead a merry
life in place of his dreary existence. Aw, poor Erica, all his hopes that I
will help him with all my dark arts to restore you to life on this planet
are but or could be but idle dreams. For he is good and I am not. But I have
more fun." Jacques laughs.
In the Great Hall Tim says. "I've been studying the snapshots of Erica so
long I’m beginning to think of her as living. But I can't get it down on
canvas." he is talking to Elizabeth. Tim is working on the portrait,
Elizabeth is standing near him. "Could it be your confusing your living
model with a dead one? My daughter isn't exactly the figure of delicate
grace, that Jean Paul tells us his late wife was." "Well there's a real
delicate grace about your daughter Mr. Marshal. It's just a shame you can't
see it that's all." Tim says. "It's a matter of opinion." Elizabeth
says. "Well
there's another opinion I want to pass to Holly. That her mother isn't quite
the monster she thinks she is or I thought she was." "And I have an
opinion. That you show an inclination to meddle where you don't belong."
Elizabeth tells him. "Have it your way." Tim says turning away. "I
pretended I didn't know what you were getting at when you asked about Jean
Paul having left his room. I overheard what Holly told you. And you believed
her?" "Believed her about what?" Tim asks. "About Mr. Desmond not being in
his room when you caught her leaving it." "Yes I believed her." Tim
says. "How
little you know about my daughter. Your blind to the brazen way she's been
throwing herself at Jean Paul." Jacques is watching Tim and Elizabeth.
"Well it looks like we have to be careful don't we Jean Paul, of one
Elizabeth Marshal. I give you back your body." Jacques says recording the
message. Jean Paul covers his face in pain with one hand; the other is
holding the microphone. The recorder is still running. Jean Paul looks at
the monitor then turns it off, then turns and turns off the recorder.
Turning he quickly leaves the secret room.
Holly is walking by Jean Paul’s room when the door opens. "Mr. Desmond,
you're in your room." "Is that so amazing?" "Well you weren't in your room
a few minutes ago." Holly tells him. "I wasn't, I of course I must have
been taking a shower." "But I didn't hear the shower running, or did I? I
even called your name. Oh well as long as you are okay." Holly turns and
walks back down the staircase. Jean Paul turns and walks back into his
bedroom. He puts both hands to his temple. Walking over to the table with
the globe he places his hand on it. "Jacques Eloi Des Mondes, don't be
encouraged by these lapses of mine. After each one I discover more about the
tricks you use and soon I'll discover them all." "We'll find out eventually
whose resources are the more numerous." Jacques says. "We shall see about
that. If science refuses to return my Erica to me I will be perfectly
willing to join her." "In due time, as I wish it not you. I'm perfectly
capable of countering any move you may make. Be sure of the that." Jacques
tells him. "I'll find the silver pin and the conjure doll, be just as
assures of that." "Not where I hid them." "We'll soon see." "Lie down
will you please. I'm tired." Jean Paul has trouble keeping his eyes open,
he falls onto the bed. "Now who's the boss?" Jacques asks. Jean Paul
quickly sits up; he gets off the bed and runs from the room, down the
staircase to Jacques portrait. Jacques laughs. "Did I ring for you?"
Summary by Debby Graham & Slideshow by Ron Janick
--
Ron and The Boston Babes:
Bella & Daisy
"God is great, beer is good,
and people are crazy."
...Billy Currington
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
*Strange Paradise: Episode 28*
*Episode 28: Slideshow:
http://tinyurl.com/qrke4<http://s57.photobucket.com/albums/g230/ronbella/EPISODE\
S_WEEK%206/?action=view¤t=SP_EP_28.gif&refPage=&imgAnch=imgAnch3>
*
Holly and Tim walk down the staircase. Tim is carrying the canvas and his
paint supplies. "Oh, oh we have company on the way down. Now change that
stare on your face to a smile. Try to be nonchalant. If they see you talking
to me they'll think your commiserating with yourself. Which in reality you
are, aren't you. Or are you?" Jacques tells Jean Paul in the Great Hall. "You
know as well as I do, this can not go on much longer. Sooner or later I
will... "Jean Paul whispers. "Wrong!" Jacques says loudly. "Sooner or later
I will. Meanwhile swing around or swoon. They are almost on your back." Jean
Paul glances back. "Hi." Holly says. "Mr. Desmond." Tim greets Jean Paul.
"Well you have good light for your work Tim. I wont get in your way." Jean
Paul says walking quickly away; he heads up the staircase to his room. "It's
like I didn't even exist, and I thought he liked me." Holly says after they
watch Jean Paul head up the staircase. "Jean Paul Desmond, a man of many
moods and most of them mysterious." Tim says as he puts his arm on the
railing. "Well settle for me. I like you." Holly walks away. "You make it
sound as romantic as..." "Casanova." Tim cuts in. "Dead as he is he would
be more convincing." ."Dead as Erica Desmond is. I have to bring her to
life on this canvas." Tim walks to his painting. "So up on your perch and
try to be a model. Tim says to Holly as he uncovers his painting. Holly sits
in a chair in front of Tim.
Dan is in the lab reading books when Alison walks in. "Dan? Are you still
here?" "Yes and getting more engrossed every minute. Have you seen
this?" "What?"
asks Alison. "This." he holds up a book. "Yes." "When?" Dan asks. "Just
now when you held it up." Alison says. Dan laughs. "If you mean have I seen
what's inside it, I'm afraid you're going to have to give me more than just
a cursory glance." Alison tells him. Dan hands her the book. "Yes I have
seen it. And now you too will know that one day mankind will create an
artificial liver that will be completely gin resistant." Dan laughs "Oh
that interests you?" Alison says. "I'm a sherry man myself." Dan says
taking the book. "Same difference, a body with the toxic varies and
adversely its pressure and so on." "That's all medical text book stuff. I'm
schooled in Johnson reversal and high court rulings." Dan tells her. "Law
has its rules and so does science." Alison says. "But not what's going on
around here." Dan says standing up from the stool. "Do you mean all these
books add up to bringing the dead back to life? To Jean Paul freezing
Erica's body and clinging to the pathetic hope that she will just, tomorrow
snap out of it and be alive again." Dan says. "I can't fault his hopes Dan.
Or that one day cryonics will be a fact instead of fantasy." Alison says as
she walks to the pile of books on the counter. "I think this place is
beginning to get to you too. As for me it's a never-never land, where a man
almost begins to believe anything." Dan says walking up to Alison. "Well if
you believe in love your just going to have to accept it, Jean Paul's
devotion to Erica that leads..." Oh I believe in love alright, except
there are some people who sell me short in that direction." Dan says looking
at Alison. "Take you for example." "I was just speaking abstract here, I
wasn't talking in a personal way." "I was." Dan says leaning towards
Alison. "I still am. It seems love in the classic sense now days seems old
fashion and outmoded as if all the sentiment was somehow filtered out of
it." Alison says. "Well you could make a sentimentalist out of me." "I'm
just trying to make you understand a particular man and his love. A man we
both are very fond of." "Well Jean Paul aside and all these scientific
achievements, I'm very much afraid that he's on the verge of stepping beyond
the edge of reason." Dan says. "Dan, that's not fair." "Well neither is it
fair for him to hold us here as hostages because he fears of public
knowledge of Erica's death. And of his having frozen her body would mean an
autopsy and an end to his cryonics experiment." says Dan. "It just seems
that you don't understand and cannot accept anybody risking anything for
love." Alison tells him. "Well maybe that's my problem. But never mind,
what I don't understand do you honestly believe that..." Dan is saying. "Erica
Desmond will be brought back to life." Tim is talking to Holly. "For Jean
Paul’s sake I hope they can and will." Holly says. "He's like a science
fiction writer jumping the gun. Except who knows, there's so much in life
today that nobody understands. Tell me do you honestly hope that someone can
be reborn?" asks Tim.
"Yes I honestly do believe it can happen. But not in our lifetime." Alison
tells Dan.
In the Great Hall Jacques portrait goes blank. He takes over Jean Paul's
body as Jean Paul comes down the staircase. "Bringing it back to life Tim?"
Jacques asks. Tim covers the portrait. "Trying to sir." Jacques nods his
head smiling, he then turns and walks outside. "He did come from his room."
Holly stands looking at the front door. "When I went to look for him he was
like the man who wasn't there." she turns back to Tim. Pointing at her with
his paintbrush. "Now you're beginning to believe in ghosts” Holly stares at
Tim after they both glance at the front door. "Hey, cut it out will ya."
Tim tells her. She still stares at Tim. "I said knock it off." Tim says
taking a few steps away, then walking back. "He could have come out of his
room without you seeing him." "Yes but did he?"
Elizabeth and Jacques walk in the Great hall. He shows her around the
portrait gallery of his ancestors. "This is Aunt Tiezz." "A very beautiful
woman." says Elizabeth. "And brutal, she strangled her husband with a
drapery cord." He says holding one in his hand. "How ghastly." "Yes, he
gurgled a lot, but I wasn't there so I'm not really sure." Jacques walks on
showing more portraits. "And this dour old fellow is Ohla Ettiere." "And
what dire deed did he commit?" "Oh he was born, he died and very little in
between." "It's hard to imagine how anyone so undistinguished could have
been born to your family Jean Paul." Elizabeth says. He was born on April
the second, only a day away from being a fool. Or was he?" Jacques looks
over at Tim. "Ah, well we must see how my darling Erica's portrait is coming
along." Jacques walks away from Elizabeth. Elizabeth reaches out and grabs
his arm. Jacques stops. "They are so hard at work why disturb them." "Look
at that." Holly says to Tim. Tim turns around. "What's your problem chum." "My
ever-loving mother, she's all over him like a tent." Jacques and Elizabeth
are talking and smiling. They walk away. "So they are old enough to know
what not to do. And you, keep it down to a dull roar." Tim tells Holly. "I
better split before I begin to bite." Holly walks away. Tim turns around
and grabs her arm. "Hold it Holly. Your mother is a grieving widow and Jean
Paul is in the same state. So come on, let's concentrate on this," He points
at the portrait. "Instead of that." He points at Jacques and Elizabeth.
Elizabeth walks up to Jacques portrait. "And who was his wife?" "Huaco, but
her charm doesn't grace the family gallery." "I never cease to be amazed
how much he resembles you." "Yes and my resemblance to him." Jacques says.
"The eyes are identical,” says Elizabeth. "And the smile." says Jacques
moving closer to Elizabeth. "And the charm." "And the need." Jacques says.
"Please, you're making me melt." Elizabeth tells him. Jacques reaches out
his hand and runs it over he hair. "It's the fire that burns." Elizabeth
walks away, Jacques follows. She walks over to Tim. "Tim what spell do you
have over my daughter? I haven't seen Holly sit so still in as long as I can
remember." Tim covers the portrait. Jacques puts his hand on the top of it,
then tries raising the cloth. "Please don't look sir. It's completely out
of cadence." "Why, what's wrong?" Jacques asks. "Everything, I can't seem
to bring it to life." Tim tells him. "It or her? My wife I mean." Jacques
stands with a smile. He then releases Jean Paul and enters his portrait. "I'm
sorry Mr. Desmond but if you would like to see what I mean." Tim starts
lifting the cloth. "No, under the circumstances I would rather not." "Well
there's not much more I can do today anyway." "Then get it out of the way."
Jean Paul says, walking away. Elizabeth grabs his arm. "Don't be upset Jean
Paul." Jean Paul looks at her hand. "What do you expect me to be?" "Try to
be yourself as you were a few minutes ago." Elizabeth tells him. "As I
was?" He jerks his arm free. "The way I am, the way I always will be. A man
who lost a woman who meant the whole world to him. If she can't come back to
me I don't want any part of life!" Jean Paul says angrily then heads up to
his room. Elizabeth turns to Tim. "You fool!" "I know I guess I put my
foot in my mouth but..." says Tim. "I can't stand idly by and watch the
slow disintegration of Jean Paul."
Dan tells Alison. "And yet you accuse him of compounding a felony." "The
laws the law and not even he is privileged to break it," says Dan. "The
Cryonics Society would never had put Erica in suspension if they hadn't seen
a death certificate." "I'll believe it isn't a forgery when I see it." "Let
me see it." Elizabeth tells Tim. "Lay off mother, Tim doesn't want anyone
to see the portrait." Holly says from her chair where she is sitting for Tim
as his model. "Are you ashamed of your work?" Elizabeth asks. "As a matter
of fact, yes." Tim grabs the easel. "Maybe I'm over my head,” he says
angrily. "Why do you have to make a federal case out of everything?" Holly
asks as she stands and walks over to her mother. "Mr. Desmond was deeply
disappointed. I felt badly for him." "What about Tim? He has feelings too."
Holly tells her mother. "I'm not going to conduct myself for the benefit
for you or Tim." "If you did it would be the first time. All you care about
is you!" Holly tells her mother. "Well I'm entitled to a degree of
happiness." "By depriving others of theirs? Not only me and Tim but Jean
Paul too. Why don't you leave him alone before you ruin his life too!" Holly
says angrily. "Why don't you mind your own business." Elizabeth says
walking away from Holly. Holly grabs her. "He lost the one thing he loved
in the whole world. If you weren't so anxious to replace her, you would give
him time to properly mourn her." Holly says letting go of her mother's arm.
"Sooner or later he will need a woman, especially since his hope in the
cryonics is not likely one to be fulfilled." "You would like that wouldn't
you?" Holly says. Elizabeth smiles. "I don't find the man unattractive." "I
mean you would like it now!" Holly says. "And what about you, Little Miss
White Riding Hood." Elizabeth turns and starts up the staircase. Holly runs
in front of her and blocks her exit. "Why don't you ever finish what you
start out to say." "If I do it may be the finish of you dear daughter."
Elizabeth says angrily. Trying to push Holly out of the way. "May I please
pass!" She walks up the staircase. "Come on Holly, let's go for a walk."
Tim says coming up to her. "Leave me alone." Holly says in tears and walks
past him. "One of these days I'm going to hold all the cards." "As far as
I'm concerned you do already." Tim says walking up behind her. "But if you
and your mother only let up on each other maybe you'll be able to smile once
in a while." "Some pal you are." Holly tells him. "Well I'm not beating
any drums for her." "For yourself then?" Holly glances back. "I don't want
to be a pal, if that's what you mean. Holly turns. "You're making a play?"
"You're just beginning to notice?" asks Tim. "First of all Matt Dawson, now
you. Well what are my irrestible charms that seem to sweep men off their
feet!" she says angrily as she slams the lid on Tim's paints. "Keep going
that way and you'll be asking the same question when you're a shriveled up
old spinster. Excuse me maybe I better move this before you start throwing
it." Tim picks up his paint case. Holly turns and sits on the steps; she
covers her face with her hands and bows her head.
Dan is walking around the lab looking into cupboards. "Ah it's frustrating."
"What?" asks Alison. "This door, it's locked. How can I get the poison to
do away with myself?" Dan asks laughing as he walks back towards
Alison. "Don't
kid about things like that." "You're down on me because I'm down on Jean
Paul. Well I was kidding is he, about that bottle of cyanide that's
disappeared." "That's what worries me. I'm constantly afraid that one day
in his dark moods he might..." says Alison. Elizabeth walks in. "Well Mrs.
Marshal, this is a surprise." Alison tells her. "Really Jean Paul has
everything doesn't he, to a fully equipped clinic. That's what this is,
isn't it?" asks Elizabeth. "Well a laboratory would be more accurate,” says
Alison. "Oh course, sterile things all about. That's your area isn't it
doctor?" "But not mine." Dan says as he throws his hands up. "If you don't
mind, I'll leave you ladies to your own devices." He says as he leaves the
lab. "Thank you Dan." Alison says. "So strange to find a fully equipped
laboratory in a private home. I wonder why?" Elizabeth asks. "Well my
sister was pregnant and this Island is isolated. I think Jean Paul wanted to
afford her every protection." "Very rich and very strange isn't he?"
Elizabeth says. "Well that depends on your point of view. No what I mean is
his moods are hard to follow. Is it a matter of understanding then Mrs.
Marshal?" " Do you?" "I try." Alison tells her. "I think I understand him
as well as anyone but." "What is it you want to know? If it concerns Jean
Paul don't ask me, ask him." Alison tells her.
Jean Paul is lying on his bed. He has a hand across his forehead deep in
thought. There is a knock at the door. Hearing it he jumps up and grabs his
jacket, then starts putting it on. "Who is it?" "It's Dan, could I talk to
you?" "No Dan not now." Dan stands outside, shakes his head then walks
away. Jean Paul finishes putting his jacket on, buttoning it. He walks to
the bookcase, he enters his secret room. Walking over to the recorder he
turns it on. He picks up the microphone and turns on the monitor. He records
a message for Erica. "Erica my darling, your sister Alison and Elizabeth
Marshal are discussing my many moods. They don't know what it is that
possesses me to keep changing, but you know my sweet. As that demon Jacques
Eloi Des Mondes, what would I do if I cannot get you back to this world?
What do I do of what is left of mine? Who do I turn to?"
Holly walks up the staircase and knocks on Jean Paul's door. Elizabeth comes
up to her. "What are you doing?" Elizabeth asks Holly. "I wanted to talk
to Mr. Desmond." "Really you can't just throw yourself at the man." says
Elizabeth. "But you can." "I'm not a child. I'm a woman." Elizabeth turns
and Holly follows her down the stairs.
Jean Paul pushes a few buttons; Holly and Elizabeth come on the monitor
screen on the staircase.
"When will you stop calling me a child?" Holly asks. "When you stop acting
like one." "You began acting like one when I became to old to be your
daughter. Then you started treating me like a rival. Well I don't buy that
scene,” says Holly. "Just leave Jean Paul alone. He is going to belong to
me." Elizabeth tells Holly.
Jean Paul shakes his head. "No Erica I will be yours again or no
ones." Jacques
portrait comes on the screen. "Wrong again Jean Paul. You are mine to
control."
Summary by Debby Graham & Slideshow by Ron Janick
--
Ron and The Boston Babes:
Bella & Daisy
"God is great, beer is good,
and people are crazy."
...Billy Currington
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
*Strange Paradise: Episode 29*
*Episode 29: Slideshow:
http://tinyurl.com/q9peh<http://s57.photobucket.com/albums/g230/ronbella/EPISODE\
S_WEEK%206/?action=view¤t=SP_EP_29.gif&refPage=&imgAnch=imgAnch4>
***
Alison is in the lab looking in the cupboard where the cyanide was kept. She
picks up a book when a shadow and movement behind her makes her jump. "Oh
Quito." she says. Quito turns away. Alison reaches her hand out to stop
him. "No, don't go away. Maybe you can help me. Do you remember seeing a
bottle of cyanide?" She turns and points into the cupboard. ."It used to be
over here." Quito stares ahead. "Wait it probably had some letters on it
that looked like this." She draws on a sheet of paper, then shows it to
Quito. He nods. "You've seen this bottle?" Quito nods again. "What happened
to it?" Quito signs to Alison, then he walks to the cupboard. "Quito I
don't understand." Again Quito signs. "I still don't understand. Where is
the bottle?" Quito signs that he will leave to find someone. Leaving the
lab he starts up the staircase and meets Raxl coming down them. He signs to
her. Taking her hand he leads her towards the lab.
"Everyone is getting into the act. Looks like double trouble on Maljardin."
Jacques says from the portrait.
Raxl walks into the lab with Quito behind her. "You wanted me Doctor?" "Oh
no." She then sees Quito. "I was asking Quito a question and I didn't
understand his signs. I think he has brought you along to interpret." Quito
nods his head. "I asked him if he had seen a bottle that used to be right
over there in the cupboard." Alison points to it. Raxl looks at the
cupboard. Quito then signs. "He said the Master took it." "When was this?
The day before yesterday?" Alison asks. Quito counts it off on his fingers,
he holds up two fingers. "Two days ago, look Raxl." she hands her the paper
with the symbols on it. "Have you seen that bottle?" "I remember a bottle
like this, it had a skull with bones crossed beneath it," says Raxl. "It's
poison, it could prove deadly for Mr. Desmond. Now when did you last see
it?" Alison asks. "When I cleaned in here. But it was still in its own
place then." Raxl points at the cupboard. "Thank you Raxl. Thank you
Quito." Quito starts to leave when Raxl stops him. "Doctor, Quito says the
Master took it, but I fear he was under a spell of that accursed Jacques
Eloi Des Mondes." "A man three hundred years from the past." Alison says. "A
devil who refuses to remain dead." "I came here to help but slowly I'm
beginning to feel helpless." Alison tells Raxl. "It's the poison that demon
spreads through the air." "Right now I'm more interested in a realistic
poison. Do you remember how much liquid there was in that bottle?" Raxl
walks to the cabinet and picks up a bottle. "About this much." (The bottle
is almost full) Alison looks upset. "Is that bad?" asks Raxl. "Enough to
kill us all." Alison tells her. Raxl moves her arms, then clasps her hands
and bows her head slightly. "And a thousand men besides." Alison says then
she walks over to Quito. "Is it possible that Quito could be mistaken?"
Quito shakes his head no. "If he is ordered Quito will make no sign at all.
But he could not lie, he will not." Raxl says. "Mr. Desmond denies taking
that bottle." "Sometimes the Master is like two beings in one. Controlled
by a power he can not seem to defeat." Raxl says. Alison walks a couple of
steps forward. "If Jean Paul took that bottle it can be for only one
purpose. To kill just himself." Alison says. "It must not happen, but his
wife, your sister is dead and Doctor Menkin is dead. Who is there to tell us
how they stopped breathing?" Raxl asks walking up to Alison. "Doctor Menkin
is dead, but he may still speak to us,” says Alison. "I didn't know you
believed." Raxl says. Alison puts her hand on Raxl's shoulder. "No, no
Raxl. I don't mean that." Alison walks away. "These files here, records,
experiments, notes on everything except Mrs. Jean Paul Desmond. If we can
just find her medical history we might have the answer." Raxl walks up to
Alison. "There are many hiding places in this house. Where are the conjure
doll and the silver pin that once pierced the brain of Jacques Eloi Des
Mondes, that gave us safety from the devil? Where is the missing bottle of
poison? Where is the record of my poor Mistress who is sealed in a cryonics
capsule? Will she ever live again as the Master hopes?" That answer would
take a medical miracle." Alison says. "Raxl, did you search the Master's
room?" "That is one place I dare not." "Raxl you must." "No." Raxl looks
away. "For Jean Paul’s sake. For all our sake before it's to late."
Downstairs Quito is looking out the window, he has opened it. "Quito." Raxl
calls out to him. He turns and looks at her. "No one is here? I have found
nothing, not the bottle or the file in the Masters bedroom. While the Master
walks with his guests in the garden I can go to the Temple and call the
Conjure Woman." Quito shakes his head no. "But she will help us." Raxl
tells him. Quito follows Raxl. "No Quito. Thirty heartbeats, when I am
downstairs. Then you will follow." Quito nods. He walks back to the window
and holds his hand over his heart, then silently he counts the heartbeats.
Walking into the crypt Raxl picks up a torch, then a second one. Quito comes
down the stairs Raxl hands him a torch.
Alison runs out of the lab calling for Raxl. She is standing on the
staircase leading to the bedrooms when Matt walks in. "She seems to be
among the missing. And you seem to need her urgently." Matt says. "Yes, she
was running an errand for me." "I came in to play errand boy, a drink for
Elizabeth Marshal." "Oh, are you two smoking a peace pipe?" Alison
asks. "Just
trying to keep the war down to minor skirmishes." Matt says walking a few
steps from the staircase. Alison joins him. "It seems everyone in this
place is at each other throats." "Not you and I." "Oh Reverend I'm not
about to argue with a man of God. In this eerie place I need all the moral
and religious support I can get."
Back in the crypt. "The Temple door Quito." Raxl says. Quito pushes open the
door using his back to push. Raxl enters and Quito closes the door.
"Maybe Mrs. Marshal is beginning to see the light,” says Alison. "Only if
she can find what she rightfully believes is hers. Even if it's a wrongful
belief." Matt says pouring a drink. Alison walks up to him. "Reverend!" she
says looking at the glass. "All things in moderation." "Aristotle said
that,” he says still filling the glass. "But I don't think Mrs. Marshal has
read the old philosopher." "Well today even Aristotle would have to agree,
some things can not be taken even in moderation." "I agree. I don't approve
in sin, even in moderation. But..." "I'm talking about cyanide." Alison
says. Matt looks over at Alison. "Poison?" "Death." Alison says. "What
are you talking about Doctor? Who has the poison?" "That's just the point,
I don't know. But I do know there is enough to kill a regiment in someone’s
hands." Alison says sitting down. "Someone here?" Matt asks putting the
drink down. He walks around the chair. "In this house?" "Exactly." Alison
says looking up at him. "Do you have any idea who?" "Yes but until I'm
certain I'd rather not say." "If anyone wanted to..." Matt says looking
away. "That's just what I'm afraid of.”
Raxl with her arms crossed bows then she raises he arms outward. She then
lowers them and steps forward. The tarot cards are on the altar. She lays
out more cards. Then she backs away. "Tarot, it is as Evangeline Abbott
said, now with the help of the Great Serpent I will summon her." Raxl raises
her arms as Quito beats a drum. “Your servant has a message to convey."
She signals Quito to beat the drum slower. "We have much before us Quito,
the Conjure Woman no longer has the strength of her father."
In the Great hall "You must answer my question." Matt says. "As I've just
said I'm not certain. Raxl also has suspicions." Alison tells him. "Suspicions
or superstitions?" "Her beliefs are as real to her as your are to you." "I
don't argue that except religion is one thing and superstition is another."
Matt says. "Okay so you don't believe in witchcraft." Alison says as she
stands and walks behind her chair to face the Reverend. "And you do?" he
asks. Alison walks around him. "I certainly wasn't brought up to believe
it, but there are so many strange things happening around here." "I don't
argue with that either, but Raxl’s fear of Jacques Eloi Des Mondes is
stretching the point a bit." "So you think you are the only one with a
special pipeline do you?" Alison asks as she pours herself a cup of coffee.
"Just put out your cup and turn on the tap and out pours the essence."
"There's
a difference between an open mind, a deep conviction and a belief that a man
who has been dead for three hundred years walks the halls of this house."
Matt says angrily. "So you do know what I fear?" "Yes, Jacques Eloi Des
Mondes, Raxl’s devil from the past." says Matt. "And Jean Paul’s double.
But you don't believe in witchcraft, so you don't believe in possession. You
don't believe the soul possessing another body." Alison says sitting
down. "You're
right. I can't believe in that either." "Well you should read your own book
again." Alison says looking up at him. "You'll find all the formulas for
exercising devils and demons right in it." "Oh I admit it's there, but it's
ancient." Matt walks around Alison's chair. "No one has believed in the
existence of a devil who has to be cast off since..." "Of course we don't
believe in them now, but the prayers are still there aren't they?" "Yes." "So
whether were talking in terms of witchcraft or possession or religion. Or in
terms of modern psychiatry, Jean Paul seems like two men not one." Alison
says. "I must admit his actions have given me that same feeling,” says
Matt. "If our fears are founded, which world is Jean Paul? And who is his
other being?" "There is only one world and what controls him is what we
must learn." Matt says.
In the Temple the drums are pounding faster. Raxl is kneeling with her arms
crossed in the circle of the pentagram. She is rocking her body.
Alison stands. "But what controls him? Or who?" "That was my question.
You're absolutely sure the bottle contained potassium cyanide? And it's
definitely missing?" Matt asks. "Two things are missing. Not only three
hundred grams of potassium cyanide but the case history of Erica Desmond." "I
have a thought that might be worth a try." "What?" asks Alison. "You said
that Raxl could not find the poison even in Jean Paul's room." "Yes." "And
the rest of the house was searched thoroughly?" asks Matt. "Yes, or so she
said." "Including the crypt?" Matt asks. "I would imagine so, she's
virtually there everyday. Which doesn't leave any other place to search." Matt
stands in thought as Alison looks at him. "Just one, but I'm not sure I can
get in there." Matt says.
Quito is still pounding the drum. Raxl is kneeling in the circle with her
eyes closed, arms crossed and swaying to the drums. Reverend Matt Dawson
walks down the stairs to the crypt, looking around. "Come Conjure Woman,
take your place on the alter of the Great Serpent." Raxl calls out.
Matt walks up to the entrance to the Temple. He runs his hands over the
bricks, then puts his ear to the wall.
"Conjure Woman take what strength is left from the soul of your father, and
use it. Use his strength. Use him!" Raxl turns to Quito and tells him to
continue beating the drum.
Matt is still trying to listen at the door. He runs his hands over it again,
then turns and leaves.
"I can feel her Quito. I can feel her. She still has the strength to come to
us. Faster Quito, beat faster." Raxl says to Quito.
The Reverend walks up from the crypt. He walks toward Alison and takes a
seat in a chair. Alison is sitting on the couch. "Well, what happened?"
Alison asks. "What doors are closed to me I suppose I have no right to
open." "Now what does that mean?" "I've been sworn to secrecy. I can not
violate my word." "All you have done is add to the mystery around here."
Alison tells him.
Quito is pounding the drum swiftly and loudly. "Come, come Conjure Woman."
Raxl calls out. Vangie appears on the altar. "When I die, it will be on
Maljardin. Why did you call?" Quito puts the drum down and helps Raxl to
her feet. "If I had not called many more would die." says Raxl. Vangie has
climbed down from the altar. "Help me,” she says weakly. They help her to
stand. "Is the battle over?" Vangie asks. "Not yet." "Then I must be
brought here some other way." Vangie says. "How?" "When the Master of the
house is no longer the Master of his soul, the house needs a Mistress."
Summary by Debby Graham & Slideshow by Ron Janick
--
Ron and The Boston Babes:
Bella & Daisy
"God is great, beer is good,
and people are crazy."
...Billy Currington
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
*Strange Paradise: Episode 30*
*Episode 30: Slideshow:
http://tinyurl.com/rkhp2<http://s57.photobucket.com/albums/g230/ronbella/EPISODE\
S_WEEK%206/?action=view¤t=SP_EP_30.gif>
*
Holly screams and tumbles down the staircase. Jean Paul rushes over to her.
"Holly, what happened?" "Holly." Matt calls and rushes down the stairs to
Holly and Jean Paul. "What happened Holly?" They help her to sit up. "Somebody
pushed me down the stairs." "Somebody?" Matt looks at Jean Paul. Jean Paul
glances at the staircase. "Lets get her up." They hold on to her to get her
down the rest of the stairs. "Are you sure you didn't fall?" Matt asks. "No,
someone pushed me deliberately." "Did you see who did it?" Jean Paul asks.
Holly shakes her head no. "There's no one there now,” says Matt. "You were
Reverend." Jean Paul says to him. Matt helps Holly to sit down. "Jean Paul
Desmond, next thing you know someone might go off the cliff." Jacques says.
Jean Paul looks at the portrait then glances at Holly and the Reverend. "You
demon." he whispers turning away.
In the Temple of the Serpent Vangie stands next to the sacrificial alter.
Quito and Raxl are behind her holding torches. "Unless the demon is caged
in his eternal doom, death will soon visit Maljardin again." Vangie says.
She has her hands at her temple.
In the Great Hall Holly is laying on the couch. Matt sits next to her with
Jean Paul standing next to a chair. Matt looks up. "Mr. Desmond I resent
your insinuation. Why should I want to harm Holly?" "Or kill her." Jean
Paul says as he walks up to them. "You can't be serious!" says Matt. "Who
ever pushed me was." Holly tells him. "But I followed you down here to help
you not hurt you." "Or to have her." says Jean Paul. "You are serious."
Matt says looking at Jean Paul. "Your adoration is about as obvious as her
pretty face." Matt stands and faces Jean Paul. "I have had enough of your
insinuations I am going to take. All right, I do care about her deeply." He
kneels down next to Holly. "Can't you believe that I would be the last one
who would want to harm you?" "Or the first because I don't care for you."
Holly tells him. Jean Paul turns away, he takes a couple of steps then
turns back. "All right, there you have it Reverend. You stay clear of Holly
or you'll have me to answer to." Matt stands, looks at Jean Paul then
Holly. He starts to leave but stops in front of Jacques portrait. "Raxl
calls him the devil. (Pointing to Jacques portrait) but you have the evil
mind." he says to Jean Paul.
In the Temple Raxl walks forward to the altar, bows then extends her arms.
"Oh stamp out all evil Princess of the Serpent. Lead me to the conjure doll
and the silver pin so the devil's brain may be pierced and his power crushed
for eternity. Answer me. Answer me!"
"You will have a great deal to answer for Mr. Desmond. Keeping us all here
virtually prisoners in this place filled with sin and evil." Matt again
points at Jacques portrait. "Raxl says he is the devil but he isn't the only
demon on this Island." Matt says then quickly walks away. Jean Paul strides
forward. As he turns towards Jacques portrait it goes blank. He puts his
hand to his temple; with a smile he lowers it. "Now how the Reverend can
concern himself with Jacques Eloi Des Mondes, a man who has been dead for
three hundred years is a sad testimony to the belief in which he was
schooled." says Jacques. "The Reverend himself is a sad case." Holly says.
Jacques walks over to the couch sitting next to her. "Are you feeling
better?" "Scared stiff." Holly tells him. Jacques stands and grabs Holly's
hands pulling her to her feet. "Have no fear Cherie, I will protect you."
Jacques says putting his arm around Holly as she leans against him.
In the Temple Raxl and Vangie step forward. They cross their arms and bow.
Vangie holds a small bottle in her hand. "You must find an opportunity to
drop this into his food or drink." She hands Raxl the bottle. "It is not to
kill, but to prevent more killing. It is a conjure brew to free his mind to
make it more responsive to mine." "But if Jacques Eloi Des Mondes still
possesses his soul?" "Then we must separate good from evil before we
destroy, or Jean Paul Desmond may also be destroyed. Now I must return."
Vangie says. "Quito." Raxl says pointing to the altar. Quito helps Vangie
onto the altar. Vangie clasps her hands. "Leave me." "May you have a safe
journey Conjure Woman." Raxl says. Quito stands at Vangie’s side. "Pray to
the Priestess of the Serpent for I must not risk this again soon. For one
day on Maljardin I too will die. Now leave me." "Quito, the torches." Raxl
tells him. Quito follows Raxl, then hands her a torch. A bright light
surrounds Vangie. Her body lifts then disappears. Quito is frightened; he
reaches out and touches the altar. Then he clutches Raxl's hand. "It's all
right Quito, the Conjure Woman has found her way home. They turn and walk
down the passageway for the doorway.
The Reverend is walking down the stairs to the crypt. He looks around then
walks to the wall of the entrance for the Temple. Quito is on the other side
walking to the doorway. Raxl takes both torches as Quito starts opening the
doorway. The Reverend is running his hands over the blocks as Quito starts
pulling the door towards him. Matt puts his back against the door; Quito
seeing the Reverend grabs him. "I was not trespassing in your sacred Temple
Raxl,” he says struggling to free himself from Quito. "Leave him be Quito.
What brought you here Reverend?" Quito releases Matt. "A search to find a
means to save your Master." "You know of the Temple because I showed it to
you. A man of your..." says Raxl. "I have not betrayed its sanctity,” says
Matt. "You must never betray its secret because I too must save Jean Paul
Desmond. And it is in the Temple I will find the strength. She hands her
torch to Quito after he closes the Temple door. "Quito and I searched for
the conjure doll and silver pin to pierce the devil's temple and return him
to the eternal flame. That will save my Master. And you Reverend, for what
do you search?" Raxl asks stepping away from Matt. "Doctor Carr is very
concerned about a bottle of poison that disappeared from the laboratory.
Since everywhere here has been searched ..." Matt says walking a few steps
away. "I searched the Master's room myself." Raxl says walking up to Matt.
"If he knew he would never forgive me." He turns towards her. "You did it
for his own good. There is enough cyanide in someone’s hands to kill all on
this Island and thousands beside." "I fear it could happen,” says Raxl. "It
has already begun. Holly was pushed down the stairs in the Great hall a few
moments ago." Raxl walks near Quito. "Is she dead?" "No but your Master
and Holly believe someone wanted her dead." "Who?" asks Raxl. "They seem
convinced it was I." "But you love the child." Raxl says. "Has it been
that obvious?" Matt asks. "To all." Raxl says. "If Jean Paul Desmond did
take the poison we fear that he may use it only on himself." "And now, what
do you fear?" "After what happened to Holly, two things." Matt walks in
front of Raxl. "That someone else has the cyanide or if indeed Jean Paul
does have it he will use it on all of us here." "No, my Master would never
kill." "Unless he was controlled by a power stronger than his own
conscience." Matt says. "The devil!" Raxl says stepping forward. "Or
whatever controls and possesses Jean Paul Desmond to act as strangely as he
does. Since the poison has not been found, is it possible that it could be
in the Temple?" Matt asks walking up to Raxl. "That's one place it could
not be. Secret of the Temple was born hundreds of years ago. And no one, not
even the Master or the devil Jacques Eloi Des Mondes knows of its existence.
Only Quito, myself, the Conjure Woman and you." Raxl walks away then looks
back at Matt. "Are you sure Reverend that the child Holly was not pushed
down the stairs by you?" Matt walk up to her. "It seems I am the only one
that is sure." Raxl walks up the stairs, the Reverend follows her. Quito
looks around then also follows.
Jacques is sitting in a chair reading a book. Raxl and Matt walk up to him.
He closes the book. "Msieu, the child Holly how is she?" Raxl asks. "Resting
but her escape was a narrow one,” he says as he stands. Matt walks away and
heads up the staircase. "Do you suspect the Reverend?" Raxl asks. "There
is no one beyond suspicion." Jacques says turning towards Raxl. Quito is
walking through the Great Hall. "Quito we go to the Main Island, get a boat
ready." Jacques says walking away. "Quito, have the Conjure Woman talk to
him even without this." Raxl says taking the bottle out of her pocket and
showing it to Quito. "Raxl there will be two missing for lunch." Jacques
says. Raxl bows. Matt is standing on the staircase. "Make it three. I think
it was time I was leaving too." Matt says walking down the stairs. Jacques
shakes his head no. "I wouldn't think of losing you." He says walking
towards Matt. "Meaning you will not take me with you?" Matt asks. "Of
course not. Today is a rather special trip for a lady and myself. I'm sure
you understand that." Jacques says walking around Matt. "Mrs. Marshal?"
Matt asks turning toward Jacques. "Oh so you do understand." "And you have
no fear that she might reveal that your wife is dead and in cryonic
suspension?" Matt asks. "There is no one dead here that I don't pronounce,”
says Jacques angrily. He turns and heads up the staircase. "You are like
two men." Matt says. Jacques stops on the steps. "And more and more it
seems that neither of you is able to be saved." Matt tells him. Jacques
leans forward looking at Matt over the railing. "Take care of your own soul
Reverend, before the devil takes it away." he says angrily then heads the
rest of the way up the staircase.
Jacques walks into the French Leaf Cafe. Vangie sees him and walks over to
him. "I was expecting you Mr. Desmond." Vangie says. Elizabeth walks in and
puts her hand on Jacques shoulder. "But not me." "Frankly no." Vangie tells
her. Elizabeth looks around. "Not much business, is that also unexpected?"
"I read tarot cards Mrs. Marshal and palms." "The future?" asks Elizabeth.
"Vangie claims to have some powers to read the past." Jacques says taking
his sunglasses off. "Then you must know how tiring the trip was over. May
we sit?" asks Elizabeth. "Of course." he shows he to a table, and seats
her. "Would you like a waitress?" Asks Vangie. "If she can supply us with
two cooling drinks." says Jacques.
Holly limps down the staircase. Raxl is walking through the Great hall.
Seeing Holly she rushes over to her. "Miss Holly, I'm happy it wasn't a
serious accident." "You mean accident on purpose." Holly says turning away.
Raxl walks up to her. "Perhaps a cup of tea would relax you." "If nobody
poisons it." "I'll make it myself." Raxl says then walks away.
Jacques and Elizabeth receive their drinks. Picking up a glass Jacques says.
"A toast to a longer life." "Preferably a happy one." Elizabeth adds. They
touch glasses. "Meaning short and sweet." says Jacques. "Destiny is beyond
our control so I prefer to make the most of every waking moment." says
Elizabeth. "That's my philosophy exactly, who knows what tomorrow may
bring." says Jacques. "Shakespeare?" asks Elizabeth. "No I think it goes
back to much before that." Jacques tells her. "You're in a strangely happy
mood." Elizabeth says to him. "Well I was sitting here just wondering how
you can take your daughters accident so lightly. By the way how much is
Holly's inheritance worth exactly. Assuming you will receive the money when
or if Holly should die?" "Oh come now Jean Paul, Holly needs attention and
she will go to any extreme to get it." He laughs. "Oh come now Elizabeth
you're not saying she was not pushed?"
Holly is sitting on the couch. Raxl is pouring her a cup of tea when Quito
comes up from the crypt. "Here drink this, but be careful." Raxl hands Holly
a cup. "It's very hot." Looking at Quito Raxl asks. "Did the Master come
back with you?" Quito shakes his head no. Raxl sits down next to Holly. "If
it means my mother stayed there, good." Holly says before taking a sip. Quito
is carrying two boxes, he puts them down. In his hand is a pebble. He walks
over to Holly and shows it to her. "He wants you to take it." Raxl tells
Holly. Quito nods. Holly looks at Raxl. "Now what?" Quito signs. "He said
it sparkles." Raxl tells Holly.
"Yes it does, kind of." "It seems you have made another conquest,” says
Raxl. "Who? You mean Tim Stanton." "No, I mean Quito." Holly lowers her
teacup.
Elizabeth lays her hand over Jean Paul’s hand. "You know I'm beginning to
care very..." "Would the lady like her fortune told?" Vangie asks. "No the
lady would not like." Elizabeth says. Jacques draws his hand away. "You Mr.
Desmond?" She throws the tarot cards in front of him. Jacques smiles. "Why
Vangie I could hardly better my fortune..." A look of discomfort comes over
Jacques. "The king of Scepters." he clutches his temple in pain. Jean Paul
reaches for the card. "What happened, I thought you were having a stroke?"
Elizabeth asks worriedly. "Of good fortune Mrs. Marshal." says Vangie. Jean
Paul throws the card back on the table. "You dropped a card Vangie." "I
scarcely think you’re interested in fortune reading than I." Elizabeth says.
"On the contrary, Vangie would you read my future?" Jean Paul says to
Vangie.
Quito signs to Holly. "He's trying to tell you that you and the rock are
very pretty." Raxl says. "Oh thanks." The Reverend walks into the room and
joins them. "Here." Holly tries giving the rock back to Quito. "He wants
you to keep it." Raxl says. "She'd be delighted Quito. It's a lovely
present." Matt says. Holly stands up. "Why don't you..." She tips over her
cup of tea. "It's your day for causing accidents isn't it? Why do you always
have to but in?" Holly asks. "Because I must talk to you,” he tells her.
Quito and Raxl leave the room. "Jean Paul warned you to stay away from me."
Holly tells him turning away. "I must warn you." He rushes towards Holly
who has stopped. "About him." "He didn't push me down the stairs. Somebody
wants me dead." Holly tells Matt.
Vangie lays out the tarot cards. "You can predict life and death?" asks
Elizabeth. "The cards predict, I only read them." "It's like looking into
a persons soul,” says Elizabeth. "It's not always pleasant is it Vangie?"
Jean Paul says. "As life itself isn't always pleasant." Vangie tells them.
Holly you must believe me." Matt tells her. "No, no, no!" Holly yells
covering he ears.
Raxl and Quito are down in the crypt. "It appears you are not the only one
rejected Quito,” says Raxl. Holly had given Quito back the rock. "Since I
didn't have to use this for the Master, perhaps I should give it to Holly."
Raxl looks at the bottle that Vangie had given to her. "Open her eyes to
life." Raxl and Quito walk to Erica's capsule. "Or the little dead
Mistress, if she could return from this." Quito starts to cry.
At the cafe. "Mrs. Marshal may I have this reading alone." Jean Paul
asks. "Well
I guess I could use a little freshening up." She says coming to her feet. Jean
Paul also stands and sits in Elizabeth's chair, sitting closer to Vangie.
"Vangie before you read my fortune I want to know about Erica. Her life is
held in cryonic suspension, as are my hopes. Now can you do me a favor?" "If
I can." "I must be with her again, to talk to her, to have her." "Perhaps
it's possible but that's for the distant future." "For the present I want
contact with her,” says Jean Paul. Vangie looks at him with an upset
_expression. Jean Paul nods. "Through spiritualism. You are a medium." "Yes,
I have psychic ability, if you are willing to risk whatever truth it brings
back from the other side." "I will risk all, and if necessary everyone."
Summary by Debby Graham & Slideshow by Ron Janick
--
Ron and The Boston Babes:
Bella & Daisy
"God is great, beer is good,
and people are crazy."
...Billy Currington
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
Hi, Strangers! Sorry that the holiday season has had me a little off-schedule
with the trivia challenges, but I have one ready for this weekend. Since
Christmas is a time for family, I'll ask an SP question with a family slant.
Let's get right to it:
During the nine month run of STRANGE PARADISE, a total of eleven characters from
the series are parents. Name any eight of the SPers who are either shown to be,
or said to be, parents and you'll win our prize of one week's worth of episodes
on DVD.
Good luck with our latest challenge, and happy holidays to everyone!
Hey, gang! I just found out that on December 10 the Pacific Cinematheque in
Vancouver hosted a screening of an independent film which features what is
probably Sylvia Feigel's first performance before a camera. The film is titled
THE SWEET AND THE BITTER, and was written and directed by bestselling novelist
James Clavell. Here is a link to the Cinemathecque's announcement of the
screening:
http://www.cinematheque.bc.ca/michael-turner-presents-james-clavell%E2%80%99s-sw\
eet-and-bitter
Shot in 1962, but not released until 1969, the film saw little distribution at
the time, and is virtually unknown today. Sylvia must still have been a
teenager when she worked in a supporting role in this production. Apparently,
the theater also managed to get some 16mm behind-the-scenes footage shot during
the production of the film, so the audience probably got to see a little candid
footage of Sylvia in addition to the feature. If by any chance one of the
Canadian members of this list was lucky enough to attend this event, please
write and tell us about it!
Speaking of Sylvia Feigel...does anyone know what happened to her? Where is she
today? Also Angela Roland (Vangie) - any information on her out there??
It's my understanding that Bryan Gruszka has interviewed Angela Roland for his
upcoming SP book, so she's still somewhere up in Canada. But Sylvia Feigel
seems to have vanished. Being one of SP's youngest cast members, I suspect she
is still with us, but no one seems to know where. The last anyone seems to
have heard from her was sometime in the early 1980s. Here's hoping she'll
surface again sometime soon.
--- On Fri, 12/18/09, sprules_1999 <no_reply@yahoogroups.com> wrote:
From: sprules_1999 <no_reply@yahoogroups.com>
Subject: [Strange Paradise] Sylvia
To: strangeparadise2@yahoogroups.com
Date: Friday, December 18, 2009, 11:21 PM
Â
Speaking of Sylvia Feigel...does anyone know what happened to her? Where
is she today? Also Angela Roland (Vangie) - any information on her out there??
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
*Strange Paradise: Episode 31*
* Episode 31: Slideshow:
http://tinyurl.com/zckwl<http://s57.photobucket.com/albums/g230/ronbella/EPISODE\
S_WEEK%207/?action=view¤t=SP_EP_31.gif&refPage=&imgAnch=imgAnch1>
*
In the crypt the cryonics chamber starts hissing. Dan is down in the crypt,
he sees steam pouring out of the cylinder with the gauges. Dan tries
stopping it, but turning knobs doesn't stop it. He rushes out of the crypt
into the Great Hall, to the staircase, hollering for Alison. When she
doesn't answer he rushes to the laboratory. "Alison!" he yells rushing
through the doorway. "What is it? What's wrong?" "Erica! The cryonics
capsule, something’s happened to it." "No, no!" Alison rushes past Dan,
heading for the crypt. Alison and Dan rush into the crypt. Alison works on
the chamber. Finally the hissing and steam stops. Quito watches them from
across the room, he is hidden by an alcove. "There was a short I think."
Alison tells Dan. "Is it ruined?" "The cryonics freezing?" "Yes." Dan
says. "I don't know, we will soon find out. If it is ruined and Erica is
doomed to eternal death Jean Paul will hold us all accountable! What were
you doing down here?" "I was looking for the missing poison." "But I told
you Raxl already searched the crypt for the missing cyanide." says
Alison. "That's
what she says, but I don't know if I trust her or that zombie." Quito walks
out of his hiding place, he clenches his hands into fists. Dan and Alison
walk out of the crypt to the Great hall. "First Holly Marshal is pushed down
the stairs by some character unknown and now maybe the same one has tampered
with the cryonics capsule." Dan says to her. "Perhaps you inadvertently
crossed the wires." 'You're saying one thing and implying another." Dan
says walking away. Alison follows him. "Look Alison, I did not deliberately
do it!" Dan stops and faces her. "Then this must have been a malfunction."
Alison walk to the doorway that leads to the lab. Quito has come up from
the crypt. He is standing next to the staircase watching Dan and Alison. Dan
stops Alison. "I don't buy that either. We are all in danger here, even the
dead." Alison and Dan walk through the doorway. Quito is still watching
them.
On the Mainland Vangie is talking to Jean Paul. "Even the dead are being
disturbed by your strange obsession." "I must have Erica back. Don't you
understand that Vangie? The cryonics process is my only hope." "But
everyone has told you it's success if ever is in the far distant future." Jean
Paul nods. "And now even you are telling me." "Perhaps there is a
possibility for a new life for Erica but..." "It will happen. I made that
vow the day my darling wife was stricken in spite of God!" "Thereby
releasing the evil from the past." says Vangie. "Witchcraft? Vangie
sometimes I wonder if it all isn't too real."
Raxl stands in front of Jacques portrait. "If Mr. Forrest did not tamper
with the Mistresses capsule, then this devils evil is growing even more
powerful." Raxl turns to Quito. "Quito we must find the doll and silver pin
before Jacques Eloi des Mondes possesses us all!" Quito covers his face with
his hands in fear. Raxl reaches up to his hands. "The Master must be
protected from all demons. From the past and in the present, especially the
witch who seeks to own him."
Elizabeth walks back to Jean Paul's table. "So if you want contact with
Erica now, spiritualism can reveal the truth from the other side." Vangie
tells Jean Paul. "Would you be willing to go to Maljardin to conduct a
séance? Even though you feel that there is where you will eventually die?"
Jean Paul asks. "Many others beside me has died fighting evil. Some
offering good, some sort of..." Vangie tells Jean Paul as she notices
Elizabeth standing near the table. Vangie stands. "I must make
arrangements." Jean Paul also stands. "Excuse me." Vangie says then leaves.
"Did I hear something about a séance? How exciting." Elizabeth says taking a
seat. Jean Paul looks at her. "It is not a game Mrs. Marshal." He sits
down. "The two of you seemed to be in another world. I didn't want to
intrude. Perhaps I should have Quito take me back right now." "He has
returned to the Island. We have no alternative but to wait." "Otherwise you
would let me go." asks Elizabeth. "Back to Maljardin only." Jean Paul tells
her. Elizabeth looks away.
Raxl is walking down the staircase to the Great Hall, she then walks through
the doorway to the lab. Alison is at work in the laboratory. She takes notes
from a drawer when a small notebook falls out of them and lands on the floor
at her feet. She bend and picks it up. As she is looking through it Raxl
walks through the doorway. Alison sits on a stool reading the notebook as
Raxl walks up to her. Alison jumps. "Oh Raxl, I was expecting Mr.
Forrest." "It is he I have come to talk of." "Why?" asks Alison. "His
continuing arguments with the Master. Prying about where he should not be."
Raxl looks away. "There are many things around here Raxl that needs
explaining, Mr. Forrest is just looking for some answers." Raxl looks at
Alison. "In the crypt? The dead do not speak." "He was looking for the
cyanide." "But I have searched! Or does he not trust me? Quito
heard." "Raxl,
now listen. So many things have been happening around here that we're all at
the point none of us can take another’s intention for granted. Good or bad."
Raxl looks at Alison. "Not even Mr. Forrest?" "Do you think he purposely
tried to ruin the cryonics process?" "I looked, you know those gauges are
carefully checked and accidents like this just do not happen." "It's a
machine Raxl. It can break down!" "Or can be made to." "I know Mr.
Forrest too well to even remotely suspect him to do such a thing," Alison
says getting upset. "I don't know Mr. Forrest that well nor does
Quito." "Why?
Is Quito going to do him some harm?" Raxl doesn't answer. "Where is
Quito?" Alison rushes past Raxl. She stops when Raxl answers her. "Double
checking the gauges to be sure nothing like that ever happens again." Dan
walks in the doorway, he walks up to Raxl putting his hands in his pockets.
"Hello Raxl, I didn't know you were interested in lab experiments too." Raxl
turns and looks at Dan. "I'm interested in all experiments." she says then
quickly leaves the room. With a smile Dan tells Alison. "I've never seen
her like that before." "Neither have I. Dan, do me a favor Don't make
anymore waves around here."
Quito is in the crypt checking the gauges. "Quito before you return for the
Master and Mrs. Marshal we must trace our every step until the conjure doll
and silver pin are recovered. We will begin here with the devil himself,
Jacques Eloi Des Mondes." Raxl walks over to Jacques crypt. Quito pulls the
casket out.
"Let Raxl think whatever she wants! I'm after facts!" Dan says angrily. "If
the cryonics process is ruined, Jean Paul will be after you!" Alison tells
Dan. "I did not do anything to the capsule!" "Well I think we adjusted it
in time." Alison says in a calmer voice. "It's bad enough I'm a prisoner on
this Island. Now I'm being regarded as a criminal!" Dan says angrily then
leaves the room.
Jean Paul looks at Elizabeth. "Excuse me." He stands. "I have to check if
all the supplies were picked up by Quito." As Jean Paul walks out he passes
Vangie. Vangie walks around the room when Elizabeth stops her. "You know
Mr. Desmond so much better than I." "Yet I barely know him at all." says
Vangie. "You also find him a man of strange complexities?" asks Elizabeth.
"Because he lost the woman he loves more than life itself. More than
anyone’s life."
Raxl is in the Great Hall searching the fireplace. Not finding anything she
stands and walks through the room. Quito walks in. "No success?" Raxl asks
him Quito shakes his head. "No doll and no pin in the fireplace." Raxl looks
back at the fireplace, then looks at the staircase. "The rooms, all of
them." she tells Quito rushing up the staircase. Quito follows.
Alison is in the lab looking over the notes from the small notebook. Dan
walks in coming up to her. "I came to apologize Alison. I'm sorry I blew up
the way I did." He says putting his hands on her shoulders. "Oh that was
all right, we're all on the verge of explosion." Alison says. Dan drops his
hands. "Dan, look at this." Alison hands him the notebook. "What is it?"
asks Dan handing it back. "Doctor Menkin's notes. Erica was my sister, but
I'm beginning to wonder if I'm loosing my memory?" "Well, what does it
say?" "Perhaps I'm making to much of this. You know Doctor Menkin was
working on cellular chemistry, reproduction, construction and so on. Well he
made a lot of experiments here, they were mostly failures." "Failures at
what?" Dan asks sitting on the stool. "Look I'm a lawyer, you have to brief
me." "Well you see a living cell can multiply and differentiate. In fact it
can recreate a whole body that it feels it belongs to. From these notes here
Menkin was trying to discover the process of recreation of the human body."
"But he died before succeeding." Dan says. "Well all I know is he didn't
discover anything six weeks before Erica’s death." "But why stop there?"
Dan asks. "Because every experiment and note from there on, is missing." Dan
glances at the notebook, then looks up. "Cyanide missing, experiments
missing, Erica dies, Doctor Menkin dies. And you tell me not to make waves."
Dan stands up and walks over to Alison. "What do you think is going to be
missing next and who do you think will be the next to die?" "Dan the
intrigue you build is beginning to frighten me." "It's not intrigue it's
truth." "There's got to be a file . It's got to contain the story of
Erica’s death." Alison says walking up to the file cabinet. "What are you
saying, now you're not sure how she died?" Dan asks walking up to her. "Well
I don't know. I never saw the body." "You're not talking about murder again
are you?" "I'm just saying I don't know. But I do know I'm going to stay
here on Maljardin until I find out." Alison tells Dan. "You think Jean Paul
is concealing something?" "No comment." Alison says walking away from Dan.
She leans on the center lab counter. "Well if there was a candidate for
murder, Doctor Menkin was the lucky one." Dan says standing next to Alison.
"I don't know. I never saw his body either. And I'm not sure he wasn't
murdered."
Raxl and Quito walk down the staircase to the Great Hall. They walk to
Jacques portrait. "Where is the doll and silver pin that curse you? Jacques
Eloi Des Mondes, the evil you are spreading belongs sown in your soul for
all time. And it will be. It will be!" Thunder and lightening crash on the
Island.
On the Main Island Vangie hears the thunder and jumps up. "If there is a
storm coming up our trip will have to be delayed." Elizabeth stands and
walks up to Vangie. "And the séance?" "Perhaps the spirits are not willing
yet." "Or is the flesh weakening Miss Abbott?"
In the Great Hall Alison and Dan walk in. "I need a drink." Dan says picking
up a decanter. "Dan that's brandy not sherry." Alison tells him. "The
stronger the better. Want one?" "No thank you. My mind is clouded enough as
it is." Alison says sitting down. "You know if I were a doctor I would want
to look into Raxl's brain to find out what she really believes, thinks and
knows." Dan says. "I am a doctor and I'd hesitate." "Afraid of what you'll
find out?" "Exactly." says Alison. "Like where the missing cyanide is, or
Doctor Menkin's notes." Dan says walking to the fireplace, carrying his
drink. "Dan, don't joke about things like that." "That's just what I'm not
doing, although you seem to think I'm going around doing the whole cloak and
dagger bit." "Dan, supposing Erica was murdered?" Alison asks rising to her
feet and standing next to Dan. "And Doctor Menkin." "Why do you think I
made such an issue of Erica's death certificate? To this day we're not sure
one was ever filed." "Jean Paul said that Doctor Menkin issued one and he
said that more than once." says Alison. "There is only one way to make
certain and that is to inquire with the authorities. Which is exactly what
I'm going to do just as soon as I get off this blasted Island. If I ever
do." "Your doubts grow." "Two deaths, what's one more. Especially to a man
with a power fixation." Dan tells Alison walking around her. "You seem more
and more convinced Jean Paul is at fault." "Whether he can control it or
not is what I'm concerned about." "I'm not sure I follow your convictions."
Alison tells Dan. "Are you certain you're not or is it no comment
again." Alison
turns away. "Dan, there are some sea caves about five hundred yards from the
cove." she says walking a few steps. "When did you find that out?" "In a
book of legends that Raxl leant me. It would make a good hiding
place." Walking
up to Alison, Dan says. "In a sense we're going in a search to a place that
Raxl chooses to send us to." "Dan why must you insist on making everything
seem like some sinister trap?" "Because everything seems to have a sinister
aspect to it."
Jean Paul and Elizabeth are sitting drinking coffee. "Do you think she will
be long?" Elizabeth asks, then looks at Jean Paul. His mind seems to be far
away. "Jean Paul?" "Hmm, what?" he answers looking at her. "Do you think
she will be long?" "Well the storm has subsided, we're in no rush. Quito
hasn't returned yet, and Vangie needs time. She needs to pack for a few
days." "Oh, just for a few days?" Jean Paul looks at her. "That seems to
please you." "It should complement you." "Should? Why?" "I feel already I
have enough competition on Maljardin." "Competition? For what?" Jean Paul
asks angrily lowering his coffee cup. "For you." Jean Paul looks away. "Or
rather for your attention." "I haven't that much attention to give." Jean
Paul says putting his cup and saucer on the table. "I feel I really haven't
had a fair chance to attract it." Jean Paul clutches his temple in pain.
Jacques ring appears on his hand. As Elizabeth watches him she becomes
upset. Jacques smiles as he lowers his hands. "What was it, I thought you
were ..." "It's all right, it's just a headache my darling." Forgive me,
now what was it you were saying?" Jacques says. "That I really haven't had
an opportunity to attract your attention." Jacques smiles. "Oh I assure you
will. And the pleasure will be all mine." "I was worrying about Miss Abbott
and that séance." "Ah yes, she seems to fancy that she can make contact
with Erica." "You mean you really don't believe in that sort of
thing?" "Disembodied
spirits?" Jacques laughs. "I'd stake Jean Paul Desmond’s life, virtually
every day." "You talk as if you're another person." "Well what's one more
life more or less. It doesn't even matter whose life. Take your daughter for
example. Before she's twenty-one and inherits all those millions." Elizabeth
looks at him, shocked at his comment.
Summary by Debby Graham & Slideshow by Ron Janick
--
Ron and The Boston Babes:
Bella & Daisy
"God is great, beer is good,
and people are crazy."
...Billy Currington
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
*Strange Paradise: Episode 32*
*Episode 32: Slideshow:
http://tinyurl.com/kfurb<http://s57.photobucket.com/albums/g230/ronbella/EPISODE\
S_WEEK%207/?action=view¤t=SP_EP_32.gif>
*
"Jean Paul your inference that I would harm my daughter to take her fortune
for my own is insulting and in bad taste. Something I never expected from
you." Elizabeth says in anger. "Your strong defense against a simple
inquiry lends credence to a simple supposition." Jacques says with a smile.
Elizabeth stands. "I've taken all I intend to take." She angrily walks away.
Vangie is in the doorway. "Leaving?" Vangie asks. "You do have extra
sensory perception Miss Abbott." Elizabeth says as she stops and tells her
angrily. Jacques gets to his feet and follows Elizabeth. "And an excellent
sense of timing. Vangie you've interrupted Mrs. Marshal's dramatic exit from
which there might be no return. And we do have that séance to perform, don't
we?" "Unless you prefer not to reach your wife." Vangie says to him. "I'm
not such a coward to back down from Erica or the past, or the future Mrs.
Marshal. Oh yes I control my own destiny." Jacques says Vangie lets out a
scream. "The cryonics capsule, something is wrong." Vangie says.
In the crypt on Maljardin, Raxl is checking over the gauges for Erica's
capsule. She turns to the capsule. "Little Mistress, there are those who
want to see you sealed in this capsule forever. And there are those who want
Jean Paul Desmond to be forever possessed by the devil."
Jacques puts his hands to his temple in pain. He cries out. "Jean Paul I
thought you were..." Elizabeth says to him "Vangie you said something
about the capsule. What?" Jean Paul asks turning towards Vangie. "I had a
vibration and..." "Everyone is staring at us!" Elizabeth whispers. "These
violent spasms and strange moods that come over you Jean Paul. It makes you
seem like two people! What happens to you?" she whispers very upset. Then
turning to Vangie. "And you?" Jean Paul walks a couple of steps foreword.
"The question is, what happens to who ever tampers with Erica's resting
place? And the answer is death." he says angrily.
Raxl checks the gauges again.
Jean Paul rushes into the mansion. Looking at Vangie after he lays her
suitcase down. "Quito when he comes up from the deck will show you to your
room Vangie. Excuse me." Jean Paul rushes to the crypt. Elizabeth and Vangie
are left standing in the Great Hall.
"Oh Msieu you're back." Raxl says rushing up to Jean Paul. "What went wrong
Raxl?" "No one knows. There were strange hissing sounds and puffs of smoke
coming from the gauges, but they all seem to be in order now." Raxl says
following him to the equipment. Jean Paul starts checking over the gauges.
"Who discovered the breakdown?" "I hesitate to tell you." "But you will."
Jean Paul says turning towards Raxl. "Mr. Forrest." "Dan! Why was he down
here?" Jean Paul asks. "There is some cyanide missing from the laboratory,
he was searching for it or so he said." "He said. You doubt him?" asks Jean
Paul. "All I know is Mr. Forrest doubts me and Quito, and he is
continuously disputing you and all this." "All this!" Jean Paul says
angrily swinging his arm around to include the whole crypt. "Is what is
preserving Erica until she can be brought back to life! Everyone questions
my changes of mood. Now I must question changes in others. Where is Mr.
Forrest?" "I observed he and Doctor Carr heading for the cove." "There's
danger there too." says Jean Paul. "But they are searching for the poison
they consider more dangerous. and it is Master." Raxl says. "There is
danger hiding everywhere on Maljardin. It has a history that has plagued the
family, and who will plague all who pry into my affairs!" Jean Paul says
angrily.
"You seem to devise much in life Miss Abbott, why don't you tell my
fortune." Elizabeth says to Vangie. "Did you bring your tarot cards?" Vangie
stands looking at Elizabeth. "I'll pay." says Elizabeth. "I don't require
the pack to read you Mrs. Marshal." Vangie says stepping away. "Really how
then, palmistry?" Elizabeth asks showing her palm to Vangie. "I have been
told I have a very interesting palm." "Interesting, but not surprising."
Vangie stands with her arms crossed. "What is it?" "I don't believe you
would want to know." Vangie says turning away. She looks back at Elizabeth.
"Leave Jean Paul Desmond alone Mrs. Marshal. His troubles are great enough."
"I think I understand. I know the same kind of grief. His wife, my husband."
"You don't understand. There are varying degrees of love. Your kind at one
end and Jean Paul’s at the other." "Oh that's what you're getting at. I
know Jean Paul has to live his own life." says Elizabeth. "No ones life is
safe because of Jacques Eloi Des Mondes. There is only one way to return him
to his eternal doom and save us all from his curse." Raxl says looking at
Erica's capsule, she turns to Jean Paul. "The conjure doll and silver pin.
Where are they?" "I don't have them Raxl!" "His effigy must be pierced!"
Raxl shouts to Jean Paul. "Now even you begin to doubt me. What are we
coming to!" Jean Paul asks. "I fear it will not be good, as long as evil
remains free to poison to poison the air." Raxl says stepping away. "From
this moment on Raxl, Erica's capsule and all those cryonic gauges must be
checked even more frequently and carefully! Jean Paul says pointing at the
gauges. "It will be done." Raxl says stepping away from Jean Paul. "Or my
will , will be done." Jean Paul threatens coming up behind Raxl.
Elizabeth turns to Vangie. "Of course I do think I find Jean Paul a
frightening man. He's extraordinary." Elizabeth says walking towards Vangie
carrying a drink. "He wouldn't be one of the most powerful men in the world
if he wasn't both those things." says Vangie. "That's why he's a creature
of moods." asks Elizabeth. "We all have them." says Vangie. "Not like he
does." "You don't impress me as a woman who frightens easily." says Vangie.
"I'm not usually." "Do you find it a frustration?" asks Vangie. "What?" "To
be afraid of a man who is wealthy and widowed." Vangie tells her. Elizabeth
looks at Vangie, then away. "I understand his wife was a very beautiful
woman." "And completely devoted to him." Vangie tells Elizabeth. "Which of
course explains his devotion." "To her, yes." says Vangie.
Jean Paul is standing next to Erica's capsule. "Erica my darling, there are
some people here on our Island who would destroy the process by which you
will be returned to me and fill my arms again. But I promise you no one, no
one under any consequences will live if he or she causes you to remain
forever dead!"
"So by means of a séance you're going to help Jean Paul reach his wife?"
Elizabeth asks Vangie. "It is possible you know." "Provided you're
qualified, with the power I mean." Vangie looks angrily at Elizabeth. "My
father man was the Conjure Man. He passed his strength on to me." "Enabling
you to reach the life from beyond." says Elizabeth. "Jean Paul believes
so." "Do you?" Elizabeth asks. "There's no guarantee in any life except
this one below." Vangie says with a smile. "And what guarantee does it
hold?" "That death is sure to follow." says Vangie. Elizabeth walks away.
"It's inconceivable to me how anyone can subscribe to mystic beliefs." "Your
religious beliefs are based on a heritage." says Vangie. Reverend Matt
Dawson is walking down the staircase carrying his bible. "A heritage Vangie
which is duly recorded." says Matt. "In the good book I know." Vangie says
walking over to the Reverend. "No miracle Reverend?" "Oh yes, but no
magic." Matt tells her. "If this is going to develop into a sermon than I
think I'll freshen up." Elizabeth says putting her drink down and starts
leaving the room. "Oh by the way Reverend, have you seen my daughter since
her unfortunate accident?" "Accident on purpose is how Holly termed it."
Matt says walking up to her. "I believe she's in her room." "Sulking more
than suffering I'm sure." Elizabeth says walking away. Matt turns to
Vangie. "Waiting to hear I presume." "And you don't want to tell." Vangie
says walking up to him. "Holly fell down the stairs, claims she was pushed.
Jean Paul and she are convinced it was by me." "Is that your convention?"
Vangie asks. Matt shakes his head. "Theirs and in no uncertain terms." Vangie
stares at the Reverend, walks around him then leaves.
Raxl talks to Jean Paul. "And for your own safety and those of your dear
Erica. We must watch very closely all those on Maljardin, Reverend Dawson,
Dan Forrest and Elizabeth Marshal. Only the priestess of the serpent knows
what is really on their minds." Jean Paul stares at Erica's capsule while
Raxl is talking. He turns away from the capsule. "I'll find out. You have
said many times the worshipers of the Great Serpent subscribe to human
sacrifices." Raxl walks away from Jean Paul. "The blood basin of the altar
has been dried for centuries. Since the time of Jacques Eloi Des Mondes." "But
if his evil can rise again as you fear." "No please, Msieu no." Raxl turns
to Jean Paul. "I will do what has to be done Raxl. Nothing more, nothing
less!" Raxl signs to her God. The Serpent Staff appears then disappears.
Raxl walks away. Jean Paul walks up to Erica's capsule, he grips a flower in
his hand then lays it back on the capsule. Raxl is behind him watching. She
shakes her head then walks from the crypt.
The Reverend is in the Great Hall when he sees Raxl. She is heading up the
staircase to the bedrooms. "Raxl." "Yes Reverend." "I have searched all
over this place, it has many rooms hasn't it?" Raxl walks down the steps,
then walks over to the Reverend. "I have never counted them." "Perhaps
there are some rooms no one even knows about." says Matt. "If there are
such rooms they are a secret to Raxl." Raxl tells him. "Things don't just
disappear into thin air." says Matt. "The poison. I have searched all the
room I know of." "It must be hidden somewhere." "The mysterious ways of
Maljardin have confused from generation to generation." Raxl says. "How?
From some trick of black magic?" Matt asks. "I do not know." Raxl says
turning away. "But you do know the legend. Tell me." Matt says walking up
to Raxl. "Where there is evil, there is magic. Where there is magic strange
things happen, but first there must be evil." They both look at Jacques
portrait. "And there is." Raxl says. "When did this legend of Maljardin
first begin?" Matt asks turning back towards Raxl. "Before the time of
Jacques Eloi Des Mondes. When this house first stood it was a palace of
kings and there were many people here until this Island became his." She
looks at Jacques portrait. "Then the natives all left?" Matt asks. "Only
the greedy and foolish remained. And none that left ever returned. There is
a curse here Reverend, him the devil." Raxl and Matt turn towards the
portrait. "But three hundred years is a long time to fear a man long dead."
says Matt. Raxl looks away and tells Matt. "To some of us three hundred
years is but a life time." Matt looks at Raxl. "A single what?" "It has
happened, it is happening." Raxl says with a smile. Raxl starts walking
away. "I can tell you no more." "But what of the natives left behind?" "They
died very soon, it was the curse on Maljardin. Have you ever seen a man who
has lost his soul Reverend? Their eyes down, the fishermen no longer fish,
the children cease to play. They do no more than sit and wait." "For what,
death. Like an epidemic." "Of evil yes. Think what you like Reverend but
since that time no native has ever tried to settle on Maljardin." "With
Jean Paul Desmond playing God they couldn't even if they wanted to." Matt
says. "Unless one travels on the wings of the Great Serpent and there is
one who has the magic to come and go. Powers that are not of this earth. The
Conjure Woman." "Vangie Abbott, she has come to Maljardin." "Where she may
will be the next to die, if the Great Serpent so desires. The tarot cards
told us both death will come to her on Maljardin." Raxl says to Matt. "But
the tarot cards did not say when I'll die." Vangie says from the staircase.
"All our destinies are written in the book of life." Matt says. "Even yours
Reverend and let me warn you not only by your God." Raxl says. Vangie walks
down the staircase as Matt leaves the room.
"In the crypt Jean Paul walks up to Erica's capsule. "More and more Erica my
darling it seems I must fight not only the devil but those he brought here
to serve his will. My love for you are my only ally. Together you and I have
more power than all of them put together. We will win and we will be back
together again." Jacques voice comes to Jean Paul. "Of course you will. A
family that works together lives together." "Get out of here!" Jean Paul
yells. "Suppose we just whisper so dear Erica may sleep." "Can't you even
respect the sanctity of her resting place?" Jean Paul says angrily. "Temporary
resting place, isn't that what we call it? Until we free our darling from
the darkness that surrounds her." says Jacques. "I will free her!" "Of
course you will. We will. That's the pact we made, the pact you are going to
keep. For my life I give you back your woman, remember. Remember it well!
And one parting word, séances come and séances go but death goes on forever.
The choice is yours. Or should I say ours." "Erica my darling don't let the
evil of that devil cause you apprehension, we will conquer..." says Jean
Paul. "Or die trying." Jacques tells him. Jean Paul backs away from
Erica's capsule and rushes up the staircase.
Vangie is walking down the stairs. Raxl is in the Great Hall "Conjure Woman,
what are we going to do?" Raxl asks. "Talk to Erica Desmond." Vangie says
walking up to Raxl. "To learn if it's her wish that Jean Paul mourn her
frozen body for the rest of his life." "He will not accept that. He will
fight even you." Raxl tells her. "The fight has already begun. There will
be a séance." "What ever words come across, the Master might find peace."
says Raxl. "We might not have any words at all." says Vangie. "The Conjure
Man's power is still within you. Your father will guide the joining of
hands." "I must touch the capsule before the first attempt Raxl." "Come."
Raxl leads Vangie to the crypt. Vangie and Raxl stand in back of the
capsule. Jean Paul is watching them from the shadows Vangie holds her hands
out then raises them palms outward over her forehead. "What are you doing?"
Jean Paul asks walking towards them. "Please Msieu, the Conjure Woman is
trying to help." Raxl walks over to him. Jean Paul walks over to Vangie.
"Only for a séance Vangie. Erica must remain undisturbed." Vangie lowers
her hands, then touches the capsule. "And if you don't like what you learn?"
Jean Paul nods his head. "I'll face that when the time comes, and you." he
says angrily then leaves the crypt. Raxl walks up to stand behind Vangie,
she crosses her arms. Vangie again raises her arms, then places her finger
against her forehead with her palms facing outward.
Jean Paul rushes into the Great Hall. He turns around looking around the
room. "Question Jean Paul." Jacques asks him. "I'm the one to ask the
questions." Jean Paul tells him. "Belligerent, aren't you." "Why can't you
stop turning people against me! You must stop it!" "Blowing the whistle on
me is that it? Think Erica will hear it? The whistle I mean." "Leave her
out of this!" Jean Paul tells Jacques. "She's so much a part of us. Do you
think it's chilly for her where she lies?" "Stop it!" Jean Paul yells. "As
you wish, but there go the chances for dear sweet Erica to ever warm up
again." "If it's the last thing I do I'll free myself from the fight to
possess me." "We're merely sparring now, when we really get into the battle
someone has to die." "Perhaps it will be you." Jean Paul tells him. "Or
you Jean Paul Desmond. Or will you be preceded by one of our guests, now let
me see a likely candidate could be..." Jacques laughs without finishing the
sentence. Jean Paul turns away angrily.
Summary by Debby Graham & Slideshow by Ron Janick
--
Ron and The Boston Babes:
Bella & Daisy
"God is great, beer is good,
and people are crazy."
...Billy Currington
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
*Strange Paradise: Episode 33*
*Episode 33: Slideshow:
http://tinyurl.com/zenwx<http://s57.photobucket.com/albums/g230/ronbella/EPISODE\
S_WEEK%207/?action=view¤t=SP_EP_33.gif&refPage=&imgAnch=imgAnch3>
*
In the crypt Quito brings fresh flowers for Erica. He kneels down and leans
against the capsule.
In the Great Hall Tim is working on the portrait. Holly is sitting in a
chair as Tim’s model. "So I threw myself down the stairs and nearly broke my
neck just for laughs I suppose." Holly tells Tim angrily. "Or for
attention." Tim tells her Holly turns her head to look at him. "Your mother
said it was to win the sympathy of Jean Paul Desmond." Holly jumps up and
walks over to Tim. "I said I was pushed and I was." "Will you just sit
down. Every time you bounce up like that I have trouble bringing Erica
Desmond to life." Tim says to her. "How am I suppose to sit still when I
know someone tried to kill me! Which is what you're trying to do!" Holly
says then rushes for the staircase. Tim goes after her. "Holly what are you
talking about?" Holly stops and looks at Tim. "Aren't you trying to turn me
into a dead woman on that canvas?" Holly says pointing to the portrait, then
turning she runs up the staircase. "Holly." Tim says chasing her.
Quito stands and backs away from Erica's capsule. He bows, then turns and
leaves. He walks into the Great Hall and sees Erica's portrait uncovered. He
walk over to it, reaching out he touches it and collapses.
Alison and Dan are walking to the front entrance of the mansion. "This whole
Island is as frightening as the things that are happening in this house."
Alison tells Dan. "And as mysterious. Doctor Menkin’s notes disappear, so
does a bottle of cyanide. Holly gets pushed down the stairs and Erica's
capsule nearly fails." Dan says. "The secrets must be hidden somewhere.
Perhaps that cove we searched for was too good a hiding place." says Alison.
"Or no hiding place at all." Alison opens the door and they both
enter. "Meaning
the secrets are hidden in this house?" asks Alison. "That gets my vote. But
not the séance that Jean Paul wants Vangie to conduct here." Dan says. "Well
I'm game for anything that will clear up the strange things happening in
this house." Alison says walking away. "Alison, you're not saying that you
believe communication with your sister in the after life will resolve some
of the mysteries of this life." Dan asks grabbing Alison by the shoulders
and turning her around. "Well Jean Paul wants contact with Erica." Dan
drops his hand. "Well I want some solutions to..." Dan says turning and sees
Quito laying on the floor. "Quito!" Alison calls out. They rush over to
him. Dan and Alison kneel next to him. "Quito!" Alison says then puts her
ear against his chest to listen for his heartbeat. "What's wrong with him?"
Dan asks. Alison looks up at Dan but doesn't answer. "Quito is the last
one that I'd expect to be the next to die." Dan says. Alison checks for a
pulse in his wrist. She then checks his eyes. Dan and Alison stand. "He is
dead." says Dan. "There is no heartbeat, no pulse. Alison says "And Raxl
with her belief in witchcraft had us believe that Quito would get up and
walk away when the wolves howl or the sun sinks. Or however they do it on
Maljardin." Dan says. "Dan we have to do something for him." "There is
nothing left to be done. Except bury him, if Jean Paul will permit
it." "What's
going to happen next? What killed Doctor Menkin? Who pushed Holly down the
stairs? What killed my sister Erica and now Quito?" Alison asks. "Well
we'll find out everything at Vangie’s little séance wont we?" Dan says. "I
think it's time the police were called in. If we ever get off this cursed
Island to notify them." Alison bends down and puts her ear to Quito’s
mouth. "Dan, he's breathing!" Dan quickly kneels down next to Alison. "No
pulse and no heartbeat." says Dan. "But he is breathing." "He's not dead."
Dan says looking at Alison. "He can't be. I don't get." Alison says
excitedly. "You once called him a zombie, he really is." Tim and Holly walk
down the staircase. "I must go to the lab, stay with him." Alison tells
Dan. Tim sees Quito. "What happened?" "Either a living end or a deadly
beginning, I don't know." Dan says rushing towards the crypt doorway. "Keep
an eye on him until Doctor Carr gets back." "Where are you going?" Holly
asks. "On a search." Dan says leaving. Tim kneels down next to Quito. "He
sure looks dead." he says to Holly. Holly looks at the portrait of Erica
and covers it up. She kneels down next to Quito.
Dan rushes into the crypt checking the walls, the cryonic gauges, he then
looks around Erica's capsule. He then walks into Quito’s room. He starts
checking drawers when he hears a scream.
Alison rushes into the Great Hall. Reverend Dawson runs down the staircase.
Holly stands and looks at Quito in terror. Quito stands and walks towards
Holly. She backs up between Dan and Tim. "Make him stay away!" she cries
out. Dan tries stopping Quito, he gets pushed out of the way. Then Tim and
Matt try to stop Quito. Quito pushes them also away as he stalks Holly.
Alison rushes up in front of Holly. "Quito! Stop!" Alison shouts. Quito
halts then shakily walks back to Erica's portrait. He pulls the sheet off.
Alison walks over and looks at the portrait, then she looks at Holly. "Is it
Holly, or my sister Erica? I can't tell." She looks back at the portrait. Tim
steps forward. "Quito, we thought you were dead." Quito points to the
portrait, then places his hands against his heart. Tim shakes his head. "Only
Raxl can tell what he is trying to tell us," says the Reverend. "No
Reverend, any woman can tell." says Alison. "A soulless man in love with
who?" Dan asks. Quito points at Holly. "No!" Holly cries out. Quito
glances around at everyone, covers his face and quickly leaves. Matt walks
to the portrait. "He knew Erica was on this canvas. His beloved Mistress, it
must have seen so real to him." "Yes and the shock, the feeling that
somehow his Mistress was still alive That's what he saw here, that's why he
collapsed.' Alison tells Matt. "If you couldn't tell if it was Holly or
Erica?" "That's why he was so confused. That's why he pointed at you."
Alison tells Holly. "I have to get away from here." Holly says, then runs
into the Dining room, she stops and stands in the doorway. Matt follows
her and lays his hand over hers. Holly jumps and pulls her hand away. "It's
all right now." says Matt. "I have to get away from you too. Oh it's so
revolting. I couldn't stand to look at him when he was there on the floor
even though I felt sorry for him. Then he reared up and came at me.' Holly
says to Matt. "It seems now there are veiled and sinister powers even in
the paintings on Maljardin." Dan tells Tim. He is standing on the bottom
step looking at down at Tim. "If you mean I'm some sort of magician, forget
it. There is no magic in me." "Quito sees something of Erica Desmond in
you." Matt tells Holly. "He meant no harm, I'm sure of that." "Holy Joe
rides again. You can talk up a storm for the spiritual but you sure don't
dig sensitivity." Holly says then walks away. In tears she walks to the
couch gripping the back of it. Alison walks up to her. "Holly if you would
just try to understand Quito. And he wants you to." Alison tells her laying
her hands on Holly's shoulders. Holly jerks upright. The Reverend walks up
to them. "A monster who lunges at people. maybe he pushed me down the
stairs." Holly says to them. "I doubt it." says Matt. "Why because you
did?" "Are we back at that again?" Matt asks. "Drag, drag, drag. The
Reverend Mathew drag." Holly says to him then walks away. Matt walks over
to Dan. "What do you really make of it all?" Dan asks. The Reverend turns
away from Dan leaning on the banister for the staircase. "As I said Quito
sees something of Erica in Holly." "A transference?" asks Dan. "An attempt
at it. With all his strength, Quito’s reasoning powers are practically nil."
The Reverend says looking at Dan. "What if someone else were able to see
this aura that Holly has in common with Jean Paul Desmond’s wife." Dan asks
walking down the steps to Matt. Alison also walks over to the two men. "You
mean Jean Paul himself." Alison says. "You said it Alison, I didn't." Dan
tells her. "The implication is obvious." Alison tells him. "Tension that
is growing between us is leading to great sorrow." Matt says. "For all of us
here." "Except Jean Paul Desmond our host and jailer, who may or may not be
able to bring back his beloved Erica from the dead. And if he can't there's
a handy substitute present isn't there?" "Dan! You're impossible." Alison
tells him. "Bur what I said is quite probable." Dan says then walks over to
Erica's portrait. Tim is standing next to the portrait, with his foot
propped up on the stand. "I did a sketch of Erica Desmond before she dies.
To me this looks nothing like her." "To Quito it did." Dan says. "Well
he's no critic that's for sure." Tim says. "You can paint. You could have a
future if you can get off this Island. Think about it." Dan says to Tim.
Holly is sitting on the couch. Alison and Matt are standing together across
the room. "If we can only make a point with Holly." Alison says. "I'm
certainly the last person she would listen to." Matt tells her. "It's
rather sad isn't it. A simple minded creature finds something lovely in her,
something she can not even see in herself." Alison says looking at Matt. The
Reverend takes a few steps. "Holly fears Quito will kill her one of these
days. With all his loving kindness."
Quito stands in the doorway of the Great hall, then turns and walks into the
crypt. He leans against a wall with his cheek against the blocks.
"It was like Quito literally rose from the dead." Alison says. Matt turns
and looks at her. "I hope it's not so he can kill." Alison says. Tim stands
holding the portrait staring at it. Holly walks up to him. "Admiring your
jigsaw. When Mr. Desmond hears about all the commotion we caused he'll
probably chop off all our heads." "You know, if I had all this to do over
again." Tim says. "You wouldn't" asks Holly. "Wrong." Tim smiles and
releases the portrait. "Because I wouldn't have met you." "Cool it Tim."
Holly sits looking away. "I don't know who turns me off the most, you or the
padre." Holly says, then she turns and walks away. "Holly, you just can't
keep rejecting people. Especially those who have feelings for you." Holly
stops and turns towards Tim. "Who are you speaking for?" "For your own
good." says Tim. "Otherwise I go down a flight of stairs again." Holly
says.
Quito is checking the gauges on Erica's capsule. Finishing he walks to his
room, he stop in front of the bird cage. He touches the cage lovingly, he
turns and notices his cloths are messed with the drawers open.
Matt and Dan walk down the staircase towards the Great Hall. "You know, all
though we don't see eye to eye on everything I've come to the opinion that
if there is an iota of mental and emotional balance on this irrational
Island. You and I have it." Dan says. They both stop walking. "You forget
I'm accused of pushing Holly down these stairs because of my hopeless love
for her." "I'm accused of tampering with Erica's cryonics capsule. So let
us at least keep our heads." Dan says. "I'm inclined to think that we
better put them together.' says Matt. "Or loose them." says Dan. "Is that
what you think?" Throwing his arms up he shakes his head no, then walks
down the rest of the stairs. Matt follows him. Dan pours a drink. "You know
there hasn't been anyone as loyal to Jean Paul Desmond than I." "Past
tense?" Matt asks sitting down. "I admire the man, but not some of the
things he does." Dan sits. "As keeping his wife in cryonics suspension.
Holding us here as virtual prisoners and what's confusing most of all are
his continuing mood changes Do you know what a Stanford B A IQ is?" Dan
asks. Matt nods. "Jean Paul's is 187." "And this Stanford B A 187 keeps his
dead wife in a freezer in the hope of bringing her back to life. And in
order to protect the secret from some prying coroner he detains us here
until Erica is back in his arms." Matt says. "Those are the hard facts.
What do they suggest to you?" "A man suffering from a deep and sudden
loss." Matt tells him. "A man part way over the edge." Dan says standing
up. He walks to a table and sets his glass down. "It's going to take both of
us even to cope with him. Do you know what his next little game is?" "Game?"
the Reverend asks. "One that's going to push him all the way over. And
Maljardin will inherit all of us. And we will inherit the good earth
Reverend. Six feet of the Garden of Evil." Matt looks at Dan stunned by his
words.
Quito is straightening his dresser. He looks at his bird then raises his
hands to his head with a silent cry.
Dan is standing in front of Jacques portrait. "It may have made sense to
that Machiavellian ancestor of his, Jacques Eloi Des Mondes three hundred
years ago but anyone who believes in séances today..." "I'm not about to
question anyone’s beliefs, If I did I would have to start with my own. I've
seen Vangie Abbott at work, she really believes in those tarot cards. And I
sense that's just the beginning of her powers." Matt says looking up at Dan.
the Reverend is still seated. "Raxl to for that matter, they can make you
believe anything. And I think that's just what they are going to do with
this séance." Dan says then sits against the arm of the couch. "I'd like to
feel their both on the side of good." Matt says. "How can you? You're a
dedicated Christian." Dan says. "Communication with a lost loved one.' "You
mean you believe in that?" Dan asks. "I mean I'm sympathetic to anyone who
has to escape from the real agony of loss." "Well that's very generous of
you but it will not help you one bit or any of us if Jean Paul completely
looses his control." Dan says "I doubt a man of his convictions and will,
will ever loose control." "You're faith in mankind may be the death of
you." says Dan. "You're speaking in generalities, I hope." "I'd like to
think that I am." Dan says.
Quito sits on his bed with his head down, his hands covering his face.
Holly walks down to the crypt and approaches Erica's capsule. Quito hears
something, gets up and sees Holly He stands and watches her. Holly drops to
her knees next to Erica's capsule. Quito steps forward watching Holly. "Mrs.
Desmond, I want to say something to you. I don't know if you can hear or not
but I'm so afraid. Afraid of Quito, my mother, the Reverend, Mrs. Desmond.
Someone wants to kill me." Quito looks at Holly sadly shaking his head no.
"And your husband, I love him the way I love my father. But I'm so lost and
so alone. Please help me, I want to know what it was that Quito saw in the
picture." Holly hears shuffling sounds behind her. She turns and sees Quito.
Standing she backs away from him. "No please no, please don't." Holly
quietly cries out to him. Quito has his hands out walking towards Holly. She
screams and runs off.
Jacques portrait shows up right before Holly yells. "Come down here
everybody, come and see this. Come everybody see what you've done!" Matt
and Dan rush down the stairs. Alison runs in from a side door. Tim comes
down the staircase behind Matt and Dan. "Look, look at this. There's your
spirit of love." Holly cries out. Erica's portrait is slashed. "Or is it
hate." says Holly.
Summary by Debby Graham & Slideshow by Ron Janick
--
Ron and The Boston Babes:
Bella & Daisy
"God is great, beer is good,
and people are crazy."
...Billy Currington
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
*Strange Paradise: Episode 34*
*Episode 34: Slideshow:
http://tinyurl.com/nua2m<http://s57.photobucket.com/albums/g230/ronbella/EPISODE\
S_WEEK%207/?action=view¤t=SP_EP_34.gif&refPage=&imgAnch=imgAnch4>
***
Raxl and Vangie are in the Temple. "Guide us High Priestess of the Serpent.
In the Conjure Woman’s strength beyond life." says Raxl. "Jean Paul
Desmond’s will can not be denied. He wants contact with his beloved wife
from beyond the dark curtain." Vangie call out to the Serpent God. "He has
commanded, he will not be denied. The Conjure Woman will penetrate beyond
the veil of death to bring to him the voice of the spirit of the loved one
who is dead, Erica Desmond my little Mistress." Raxl says. "I the Conjure
Woman knows of the danger, and I am powerless to refuse his will. Guide me.
Guide us." Vangie says as they both raise their arms and make the sign to
their Serpent God. The staff sits in front of them. "Salt of the sea,
phosphorescence of fish. A knife! A knife, a knife! Vangie cries out cutting
across her face with her hands. "No Great Serpent, no!" Raxl cries out.
In the Great Hall Holly looks at Erica’s slashed portrait. "Look at that.
The picture of Erica Desmond slashed with a knife. Only it isn't Erica
Desmond, it's me Holy Marshal. I posed for that picture and I get the
message." Reverend Dawson and Elizabeth Marshal stand near the portrait.
"It's incredible! Why would anyone do a thing like that?" Matt asks. "Because
someone wants me dead." says Holly. "Now you're falling under the spell of
witchcraft. It was the painting that was slashed, not you." Elizabeth tells
Holly. "Look, first someone pushed me down the stairs. Well I got that
message, but I'm still alive. So now he or she goes after the picture of
Erica Desmond. Well I don't know, maybe it looks like Erica Desmond I've
never seen her. All I know is that I posed for that picture!" Holly says
then walks away. "I can understand her feelings." Matt says. "I'm more
concerned about Jean Paul Desmond’s anger when he sees what happened."
Elizabeth says. "More concerned! Holly is your daughter!" Matt says angrily
turning towards her. "And Jean Paul holds all our destinies in the palm of
his hand!" Elizabeth tells him. "And you're frightened, is that it?" "At
times." says Elizabeth. "Then think how much more justified Holly is to be
frightened." Matt tells her. Elizabeth steps away then quickly runs up the
staircase. The Reverend walks over to Holly. "Holly if you have any idea."
Holly turns towards the Reverend. "Sure I've got ideas. Maybe it was you,
maybe it was my mother and maybe it was the devil that Raxl keeps talking
about. But somebody wants to tell me something, and I'm scared. And I hope
whoever it was is very happy." Holly says then rushes up the staircase. Matt
walks to the staircase watching her go up the stairs then turns away.
"The psychometric transference." Vangie whispers running her hands over her
cheeks. "I felt that knife as if it were my own face." "I don't understand,
and the Great Serpent does not tell you." Raxl asks. "Just about the
knife." Vangie says lowering her hands and walks closer to Raxl. "Not about
who carries it." "There are many things on Maljardin that defies
understanding." says Raxl. She looks back at Quito. "Some may think it was
Quito with the knife." "Who, the young girl Holly?" asks Vangie. "Perhaps
the woman Elizabeth Marshal another who is a danger to the Master." "She
has her designs, I warned her! I tried to warn him." Vangie says. "Oh
neither will listen." "Many will be blamed and if Mr. Desmond has his way
all will be guilty! And some will die!" Vangie says. Quito covers his face
with his hand.
Jean Paul walks into the Great Hall. "Jean Paul, there's a smell of death
around this place." Jacques says. Jean Paul freezes and looks at Jacques
portrait. "Remember when you threatened to slash me to bits?" "I still
may." Jean Paul says angrily. "You may be the one to bleed, so may I
suggest extreme caution or is precaution the word?" Jacques says to
him. "The
only word for you is evil!" "From the amorphous to the real. It touches us
all only in some it lingers and in others it's caressed. What category best
fits you? I'll let you know after I’ve decided." say Jacques. Jean Paul
turns away and leaves the room. Holly is standing looking out an open
window. The Reverend sees her and walks over to her. "Everyone can't be
guilty Holly." Matt tells her. Looking across the land Holly tells Matt.
"Someone is, I'm afraid to stay alone in my room and afraid to be down here.
I'm afraid someone will leap out of the fireplace at me. Looking back at the
Reverend. "How about that eh, and I'm suppose to be so tough." Holly walks
away from the window. Matt follows her. "You're suspicious of
everyone." "Everyone
but Jean Paul Desmond." Holly says. "The very one who keeps you here a
prisoner. And vulnerable to things that could lead to..." "My death, Oh no
Reverend. Jean Paul Desmond is like a father to me, not the lover you want
to be." Holly says turning away from him. "I said I love you. I didn't ask
for anything more." "And don't expect it." Holly says heading for the
staircase. The Reverend follows her. "Can't you see what the Garden of Evil
is doing to us. To all of us. You think I tried to kill you because I love
you. Isn't that strange thinking? And you think even your mother is the
guilty one." "Strange Reverend? Should I tell you my very first memory." It
was a sunny day, a sandy beach. My father was helping me to build sand
castles, then he went to get me some ice cream. I fell into the water when
he was gone right beside my mother. and she didn't lift a finger to help me
up. It was shallow water but I was very small. She didn't try to help me at
all until finally she did and I could see why. It was because my father was
coming back." Elizabeth walks out to the landing on the staircase. Matt
sees her. "Oh no, she wouldn't try to kill me. But unless she does, unless
I die in the next few months she looses all my money." Holly says then walks
away. Elizabeth walks down the stairs to the Reverend, they watch Holly
walk off. "No progress Reverend?" she asks walking a few steps foreword. "The
obvious is not always the truth is it Mrs. Marshal?" Matt asks walking up to
her. "Few things are true on Maljardin.' says Elizabeth. "Did you know
someone has stolen poison from the lab? Enough to kill us all." "Yes
cyanide I believe." "A woman’s weapon isn't it?" "In fiction and motion
pictures it's arsenic." "But this is real life." the Reverend says. "Proving
that life is as strange as fiction. Well if you want to know what I believe,
I think Holly did it." Elizabeth says walking around the room. "She is the
one who found the picture. Elizabeth sits down and says to Matt. "And who
wants to draw Jean Paul's attention to herself." "But she looks upon him as
a father." Matt says bending down to talk to Elizabeth. "She also accused
you remember . What does she look upon you as Reverend?" Matt stands and
looks away.
Quito walks into the mansion carrying a bundle he has collected. Vangie
meets him as he heads to the crypt. "Salt and phosphorescence?" she asks.
Quito nods. "Very good Quito, the Conjure Woman approves. Now Raxl will show
you what to do. Be sure you do so very carefully."
Elizabeth had been watching Vangie and Quito from the top of the staircase.
she walks down as Vangie walks away from Quito. "Oh Miss Abbott." I don't
like to intrude on séance preparations but there is something I must ask
you." Vangie leads them to chairs in the Great Hall. "A very delicate
matter in which I don't trust my own judgment. Let me put it this way, Jean
Paul Desmond and my daughter both seem convinced it was Reverend Dawson who
pushed Holly down the stairs." "They have their beliefs, I have mine."
Vangie says. "Then you don't concur?" Elizabeth asks. "I didn't say that.
Do you?" "Holly did reject the Reverend, very wisely I must add. Perhaps he
was moved by jealous frustration. He did give up his church to follow her
down here." "Which could define a true not a frustrated love." Vangie says.
"Perhaps you could judge it for me." "Another reading of your palm for
which you will pay.' "I'm sorry if I offended you. I have a great
admiration for your powers of telemetry. You sensed there was danger in that
cryonics machine encasing Erica Desmond’s body. Did you also sense something
of the destruction of her painting?" "No I didn't at the time but it is a
possibility beyond the original act." Vangie says rubbing her cheek. "When
Holly discovered the slashed painting and called out I distinctly felt when
I looked down from the balcony that Reverend Dawson was lurking in the
dining room. That he had gone there from the Great hall and I didn't see
this of course but I had a distinct sensation that he was putting back a
knife which he had held in his hand. Now what do you make of that?" "This.
You sensed Reverend Dawson cut the portrait only because that is what you
want to believe. Or that is what you want me to believe." Vangie tells
Elizabeth. Elizabeth stands with her back towards Vangie. "I'm not in a
position to make accusations. But some strange and terrible things have us
all very frightened. And if we could discover the cause or the
person..." Vangie
stands and walks up to Elizabeth. "We shall find out the truth soon. Very
soon." "When?" "At the séance when Jean Paul Desmond talks to the dead."
Vangie tells her then walks away.
The Reverend walks down the stairs that lead to the crypt. Quito puts his
arm out, blocking him. Matt jumps startled. "Quito, I'm looking for Raxl.
Is she down here?" Quito doesn't answer. The Reverend tries going around
Quito. Quito stops him. "Quito you don't understand I must talk to her. It's
very important." Matt tries again to get past Quito. He is pushed back.
"Quito! I'm a minister of my faith. Remember I was shown the secret of the
Temple by Raxl herself. I promise I will not touch the cryonics capsule or
do anything to Erica Desmond." Matt says then walks by Quito. Quito grabs
him, dragging him towards the stairs. "Quito, what's the matter with you!
Quito." Matt cries out struggling to free himself. "Quito! Raxl yells at
him. Quito releases Matt. "Quito is only carrying out Jean Paul Desmond’s
orders." Raxl says. "No one is to be down here." Raxl tells Matt. "I had to
see. I have a suspicion who is behind the fear mongering and sinister acts
here on Maljardin." Matt says moving towards Raxl. Again Quito blocks
him. "But
you have already trusted me with the secret of your Temple." Matt says. "There
is no more trust. Jean Paul Desmond has spoken the word." Raxl says turning
away from the Reverend. "Word. What word?" Matt asks. Quito still keeps him
blocked in from walking towards Raxl. "Death." says Raxl.
Quito is in the Great Hall pushing and checking panels in the wall. Raxl is
and searching the room. "Oh Quito, there is no secret hiding place here. We
must find the conjure doll and silver pin in order to trap that devil and
return him to his eternal flame. They are the only thing that will save our
Master, Quito from Jacques Eloi Des Mondes who would seek to destroy him,
and all else here. I said search everywhere Quito. But you have failed. Does
the devil work through you now?" she asks. Quito shakes his head no.
Leaning
against a table Raxl notices that the top is loose. She removes the statues
carefully. Quito removes the lid. There is a wooden box hidden inside. Raxl
lifts it up and opens it. It's empty. After she puts it back, Quito puts the
lid back on the table. Raxl shakes her head then turns and walks up the
staircase, Quito follows. The Reverend walks into the Great Hall, Holly is
coming in from the other direction. "Holly." Matt calls her name. "Get
lost." She turns away she reaches out and puts her hands on the back of a
chair. "We will all be lost unless you listen." Holly turns around.
"What's happened now?" "It's what I fear will happen next. Raxl has changed
almost as Jean Paul has changed. Both are talking of death!" "And I'll be
the first one to go." Holly says turning away. "Not if I can prevent it." "I
don't believe you." Holly says. "It doesn't matter. You will come to
believe me in time. What does matter is what Dan Forrest and Alison Carr
have begun to suspect." "Suspect?" Holly asks. "They believe that Jean
Paul Desmond himself is doing all these things!" Matt tells her. "That's
not what I heard." "Why do you suppose he invited Vangie Abbott here?" Matt
asks. "For a séance." says Holly. "So he can contact his dead wife." "Sure
what's wrong with that? He loves her, he wants to hear her voice if he can."
Holly tells him. "And if he can't who can predict what he might do? We must
all get away from this Island. Dan Forrest and I are convinced that we must
all do it together." "Well I'm not. And I told you to leave me alone. How
many times do I have to tell you." Holly says rushing away from the
Reverend. "Can't you see how this house is changing everyone who sets foot
in it!" Matt yells. "Even you and the way you're acting now." "Holly!"
Matt grabs her. "Holly I feel terrible things I've never felt before. I'm
ashamed of the surprising fears and pressures I can not cope with!" Holly
sees Quito on the staircase. Matt turns and looks at Quito, he releases
Holly, then heads up the staircase. He stops at the top and looks at Raxl,
she is standing at the top of the stairs. He then continues to his room. Raxl
walks down the steps and stops next to Quito. "We must caution everyone.
Death is in the air. But who will be the first to die?" Raxl and Quito look
at Jacques portrait. "You demon!" They leave the room and head to the crypt.
Holly is sitting watching them, peeking around the side of the chair.
Quito stands at Erica's capsule silently crying. Tears are running down his
face. Raxl and Vangie walk up to him. "I'm going to ask you some questions
Quito, and you will answer" Raxl says to him. Quito nods. "I will ask about
earlier in the day when you fainted. The painting of the Mistress that was
later destroyed. Did you uncover the painting?" Quito nods his head then
shakes it no. "I mean the time you fainted." Quito nods yes as he cries.
"You were not the one that uncovered it? When you saw the painting you
thought it was the Mistress alive again?" Quito has audible sobs coming
from him. "There is your answer, I told you Raxl." Vangie says. "Open the
door to the Temple Quito," says Raxl. Still sobbing Quito does as he is
told, first grabbing the torches. "I don't understand it." Raxl says to
Vangie. Vangie slowly shakes her head no. "Is the devil now working through
Quito to strengthen his hold on the Master? Oh we have many questions
Conjure Woman." "We will seek the answers." says Vangie. Quito pushes the
door open using his back. Vangie and Raxl collect a torch from Quito, then
follows him into the passageway. Raxl turns to Quito. "You will remain here
to make sure the Masters will is not violated." Quito steps outside the
Temple. Raxl and Vangie walk to the altar. "Above all, reveal." Raxl says
as Vangie raises her hands, puts them to her head. "When we gather with the
Master to make contact with his wife from beyond." says Raxl. Vangie lowers
her hands and clasps them in front of her. "Continue Raxl." "No, when the
Master talked of the blood basin, an ancient custom of human sacrifice was
it the Master who spoke or another voice?" Raxl asks walking closer to the
sacrificial table. Vangie raises her hands again. "I'm told there will be
no séance." "But there will be!" Raxl says. "But there will be... there
will be sorrow." Vangie says. She lowers her arms as Raxl lowers the torch.
Summary by Debby Graham & Slideshow by Ron Janick
--
Ron and The Boston Babes:
Bella & Daisy
"God is great, beer is good,
and people are crazy."
...Billy Currington
*MERRY CHRISTMAS!*
*Strange Paradise: Episode 35*
*Episode 35: Slideshow:
http://tinyurl.com/jo3ds<http://s57.photobucket.com/albums/g230/ronbella/EPISODE\
S_WEEK%207/?action=view¤t=SP_EP_35.gif&refPage=&imgAnch=imgAnch5>
*
Jean Paul walks down the staircase to the Great Hall. "Mesmerized by my
ancestor Reverend Dawson." says Jean Paul. Matt is standing, looking at
Jacques portrait. "It seems everyone is or at least the evil Raxl fears he's
spreading." "And you?" Jean Paul asks. Matt turns away from the portrait
and walks up to Jean Paul. "There is evil here Mr. Desmond. But I don't
believe in devils, I attribute it more realistically to a live active human
being." Jean Paul and Matt stare at each other then Matt turns away. Raxl
and Quito come from the crypt to join Jean Paul. "It is foretold that the
Conjure Woman will find death on Maljardin." Raxl tells Jean Paul. Jean
Paul angrily turns away. He sees Vangie entering the room. "Vangie, if
you're afraid to conduct this séance..." "For you I will risk it." Vangie
says then walks away. "It's for Erica. I must talk to her." The Reverend
walks up to Jean Paul. "In essence it is for you that she takes the
risk." "Master,
in the Temple of the Serpent the Conjure Woman was told that this séance
must not take place. The spirits have spoken." Raxl tells Jean Paul walking
up to him. Jean Paul looks at Raxl then the Reverend, he steps away then
turns towards them. "On Maljardin only I speak! He walks away heading for
Jacques portrait. "I must have contact with my darling." "We will try."
says Vangie. Jean Paul turns towards Vangie as Alison walks in from the
lab. Alison walks through the Great Hall, she sees Jean Paul, stops and
turns towards him. "So you really mean to have the séance Jean Paul?" "Are
you trying to persuade me not to Alison? I’m not afraid to communicate with
my wife." "I was trying to avoid disappointment." says Alison. "I
sympathize with you Mr. Desmond. Even though you might not deserve it. If
there are no results from the séance you have already suffered a great
deal." Matt says walking up to Jean Paul and Alison. "Are you sure it's
only my feeling about what may not happen that concerns you? Or would you
care to join us. Create an undesirable element that would assure it's
failure. Well you will join us Reverend in order to learn that I am stronger
than you." Alison gives Jean Paul an angry look when Jean Paul turns
towards her. "And you Alison, as a scientist not concerned with speaking to
your beloved sister but out of curiosity . And the theologian, not because
he believes in the soul but because..." "Because he is tolerant Mr.
Desmond!" Matt says angrily. "Tolerant of what? My madness perhaps." Jean
Paul asks. "I did not say that." "Are you prepared to face the dead?"
Jean Paul asks. He then turns and walks over to Vangie. "Now Vangie who will
be in the circle?" "They have not yet been chosen." Vangie says. "Then I
will choose them." "Not if you wish to speak to Erica." says Vangie. "All
right then you choose them." Jean Paul tells her. "Nor is it up to me to
choose. But they will be chosen." Vangie says walking to Jean Paul, she
stares at him then does the same to the Reverend and Alison. She then turns
and walks to Raxl and Quito, turning she looks back. "Do not touch anything
. Everything must be cleansed, first the physical then the mind." "Vangie?"
Alison calls out to her, then walks over to her. "I want to take part in
spite of what Jean Paul thinks." "You went to the cove with Daniel Forrest.
Did you find the missing cyanide or Doctor Menkin’s notes?" Raxl asks
Alison. "How do you know about the missing experiments?" Alison asks. "What
experiments?" Jean Paul asks walking over to Alison. "That may reveal the
way in which our little Mistress might be restored to life." says Raxl. "Be
honest with me Raxl, how did you know about those missing experiments?"
Alison asks Raxl. "How could I not know? You and Mr. Forrest spoke of them
so often." "In private only." "Why were you and Dan down in the cove?"
Jean Paul asks Alison. "You just heard Raxl, to find the cyanide and Doctor
Menkin's notes." "Not to hide them?" Raxl asks. "You don't even trust me’"
says Alison. "I trust no one." Jean Paul says then walks up the staircase
to his room. Raxl, Alison and Vangie look at each other, then Vangie and
Raxl leave the room and head to the crypt. Quito follows. Alison walks over
to the Reverend. "I am accused of pushing Holly Marshal down the stairs! Dan
Forrest is accused of tampering with the cryonics capsule! Mrs. Marshal is
accused of trying to kill her own daughter! And you are accused of
concealing Doctor Menkin’s notes that might bring Erica Desmond to life
again!" Matt says angrily. "Or explain how she died." Alison says angrily
looking at Matt. The Reverend turns away. "Even that is suspect." He walks
over to a table. "Now a séance. Who knows what new accusations we will hear
and against whom. And I wonder who will make them?"
In the crypt Raxl and Vangie are preparing to enter into the Temple. "The
spirits will tell us Little Bird who is worthy and who is not so that you
may speak without danger." Raxl talks to Erica's capsule. "Or speak at all,
the Gods have warned us of danger in trying to make contact." Vangie
says. "The
Master or the Little One who rests here?" Raxl asks. Vangie walks to
Erica's capsule. "I've thought about that." "Who could it be Conjure Woman?
Only she who sleeps knows the secret of what would destroy that demon,
Jacques Eloi Des Mondes." Raxl says. "If tonight we call forth her spirit
to speak we may doom that devil." Vangie says raising her arms over Erica's
capsule. She lowers them to her side. "Unless she speaks through others.
One, some, all. Quito the secret door to the Temple." Raxl says grabbing
torches. Standing with his back against the doorway Quito pushes the door
open. Raxl hands Vangie a torch and they enter. Quito closes the door, then
follows them. Raxl and Vangie enter the pentagram. "Holly circle, the
séance must be strong. Anyone who silences the voice from beyond, anyone
could admit the devil. Which one?" Raxl says then she calls for Quito to
beat the drum.
Jean Paul walks down the staircase, he walks to Jacques portrait. "A man can
now control his own soul and body Jacques Eloi Des Mondes. You are silent
now, why? Here I am!" Jean Paul raises his arms outward. "Talk to me, try.
Or are you also afraid what you may learn tonight?" Jean Paul walks away
from the portrait and heads to the table to be used for the séance. The
Reverend and Alison walk into the room. "Aren't they ready yet?" asks Jean
Paul. "I haven't the slightest idea of what they are doing down there."
says Matt turning away, he takes a few steps towards the crypts
doorway. "Don't
make another move Reverend." Jean Paul says walking to Matt. "Oh yes, Raxl
said you threatened death to all who intrude." Matt says stopping and facing
Jean Paul. "It's Erica's life I'm thinking of. She will not be disturbed
until that becomes possible through the process of cryonics." "Or we die.
Do you mean that Jean Paul? " Alison asks stepping forward. "Does it upset
you that I want to protect your sisters return?" Jean Paul asks as he turns
away. "It upsets me." Matt says. Jean Paul turns towards him. "We never
know from one moment to the next what you will do, say or think! You say
we're guests here but we are prisoners and victims of all the strange things
happening here. You're turning us against each other! Divide and conquer is
that it?" Matt says angrily. "And now you threaten death." Alison tells him
walking up besides the Reverend. "While Raxl and Vangie are down there
seeking guidance for further accusations for all I know." Matt says.
"Accusations
Reverend, judgment. Or do you fear to face your judgment day?" Jean Paul
asks Matt.
"I Raxl, daughter of the High Priestess call upon your aid for the conjure
Woman, who wears your mantle." says Raxl standing with her hands clasped.
Vangie stands next to her. Vangie holds her hands slightly out with the
palms facing upward. "Let us hear what we should know. Give her the courage
to conduct the séance and contact Erica Desmond." Raxl calls out. "Where
thy strength. Where thy weakness. I hear." Vangie says. Quito beats the
drum. Vangie raises her hands to her temples. "I hear." "The girl Holly
Marshal, she is good, she is young, she is pretty. She is disrupting. The
Reverend Mathew Dawson has confessed his love for her. The artist Tim
Stanton is enamored with her. Her emotions intrude. She may not attend. I
hear." says Raxl. "I hear." Vangie says. "The lawyer Daniel Forrest. I
hear." says Raxl' "I hear." Vangie also says. "Our Mistress can not trust
him, he brought danger to the cryonics capsule that preserves Erica Desmond.
He keeps bringing up the recording of her death. He may not attend. I hear."
"I hear." Vangie says. "Quito, Quito!" Quito looks at Raxl then continues
pounding the drum. "I hear." says Raxl. "I hear." Vangie says. "Quito
loves her. His heart is in the sacred circle. The woman doctor says he
breaths but has no heart beat. Some say he has no soul, therefore no
reasoning. Quito is loyal, he obeys none but his Master Jean Paul Desmond.
He guards the Mistress. Quito may attend. I hear." "I hear." Vangie
says. "Jean
Paul Desmond who will call to the other side to reach the woman he loves.
Jean Paul Desmond!" says Raxl. Vangie clutches her head and falls to the
floor.
"Hear me. Be a little god on your insane Island. Manipulate our lives, play
games with our reason. Be both judge and jailer! Yes raise the dead, walk on
water! That will be next. Crucify yourself but remember you too will be
judged!" Matt yells angrily pointing at Jean Paul. Jean Paul is sitting in
a chair watching the Reverend with an angry look on his face. Alison stands
behind the chair.
"Conjure Woman!" Raxl kneels next to Vangie's body. "Is it the prophecy. Must
it be now?"
"Jean Paul angrily gets to his feet. "I will be judged here. By who? And
how?" Jean Paul asks walking away. "Are you blind to that. Can you be such
a fool?" "Matt, please." Alison says. Both men have their backs to Alison.
"Don't, he's under a terrible strain tonight." "Don't, don't! Jean Paul is
under stress. Why is it that no ones feelings are to be considered? Only
his!" Matt says, then walks up to Jean Paul. "Only yours! There is no one it
seems in all the world that has ever suffered except Jean Paul Desmond! No
one has ever lost a loved one only Jean Paul Desmond! And his unique sorrow
for his beloved Erica!" Matt says angrily. Jean Paul turns. "You didn't
answer me. I asked you how am I to be judged?" "How else by the
consequences of your acts." "The consequences of my acts are no concern of
yours. I accept them fully and I need no one to lecture me!" Jean Paul says
walking away. "Did you hear that? We are the consequences of his acts, our
fears, our confusion the danger in which he has put all of us! And yet it's
no concern of ours! We wondered whether if we had seen him change into
another man! One man one moment another man next. Now we are seeing the real
man." Matt yells angrily. Jean Paul spins around. "What is the real man?" "A
man who ignores the suffering of others, who's indifferent to the pain he
inflicts upon them. Who is willing to imprison them for all their lives for
the sake of an impossible experiment of bringing back the dead! In getting
what he wants because he suffers, because he is willing to punish the whole
world in order to get what he wants! Out of blind selfishness masquerading
as strength, this selfish thing! So great is his love of himself which he
calls love for his dear Erica!" "Matt please, now stop it." Alison says
walking up to Jean Paul and the Reverend. Jean Paul turns towards Matt. "I
did not bring you here. I did not pursue a young girl in the name of God and
good works. I did not beset and harass a young child out of a sick desire.
And I did not strike the girl unseen and secretly fling her down the stairs
because she knew. Knew what you were! You are not the consequences of any
act of mine Reverend Dawson. I suggest you become a man and carry your own
load!" Jean Paul then turns to Alison. "And you Alison, am I to inherit your
errors and omissions." "Jean Paul, you have changed." Alison says looking
at Jean Paul. She turns away. "Circumstances change Alison. If I relent
from my purpose for one moment everything will be lost!" Jean Paul says
angrily. "Lost? How?" Alison asks turning to Jean Paul and facing him. Jean
Paul glances at Matt. "In a way the Reverend is right. I am responsible for
you all, and Erica." Jean Paul says then turns away and takes a couple
steps. He sees Quito carrying Vangie. Quito walks by them carrying Vangie.
Matt, Alison and Jean Paul look on in shock. "It seems Jean Paul Desmond
your responsibilities grow. Now you have the soul of Evangeline Abbott on
your hands." Matt says. Jean Paul stands next to the séance table then
turning away, he starts pacing. Vangie is laying on the couch with Alison
checking her over. Raxl stands next to them. Quito is standing next to the
staircase. Jean Paul walks up to the couch. "Well Alison, what is it?" Jean
Paul asks. "I think she is going to be all right." says Alison. Jean Paul
sighs in relief. "She believed she was going to die on Maljardin, I almost
thought she had." He bends down behind the couch. "Vangie, Vangie it's Jean
Paul Desmond. I need you now, your friend needs you. Do you hear me Vangie?"
"Master don't make your old friend suffer please." Raxl tells Jean Paul. Jean
Paul stands and looks at Raxl and Alison. He then glances down at Vangie.
She starts stirring, then opens her eyes. She looks up at Jean Paul, he's
very blurry in her vision. When it clears she becomes frightened. Then she
recognizes him. "Jean Paul." Jean Paul leans down. "It's all right Vangie."
"Jean Paul I saw death." "It's all right, it's all right now there is no
danger" he says taking her hand. "Raxl tell her there will be nothing wrong
now." Jean Paul says. Quito walks up to them. "Tell her Raxl. There will
be no more séance, no more danger to her." "The death I saw was not my own
ending." Vangie says. "Whose?" "A figure, it wasn't clear. Raxl did you
see it?" she asks sitting up. "I saw nothing." Raxl replies. "A man, that
man!" Vangie points at Jacques portrait. "The devil!" Raxl cries. Quito
covers his face with his hands in fear. "Jean Paul, you're quite right. The
séance will be to dangerous. Vangie can't go through with it. Not after what
just happened." Alison tells Jean Paul. "Now the scientist believes in the
devil." says Jean Paul. "I don't have to believe in the devil to know this
woman could be destroyed." Jean Paul nods his head. "You don't have to
believe in the devil." Jean Paul stands up and walks to Jacques portrait. He
turns towards them. "Perhaps, but not on Maljardin. I decide what is
necessary on Maljardin. Now Vangie this figure you saw, the devil. Does that
mean death?" Vangie nods. "But not to you?" Vangie nods. "But perhaps to
that devil! Who looks so much like you." Raxl says. "Vangie there will be a
séance! I must contact my Erica." Jean Paul says walking over to the séance
table.
Summary by Debby Graham & Slideshow by Ron Janick
--
Ron and The Boston Babes:
Bella & Daisy
"God is great, beer is good,
and people are crazy."
...Billy Currington
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