Copyright 1999 -- Robert Baer Jr. The Space Rovers -- "The Dance" DISCLAIMER Road Rovers characters, names, situations and the Road Rovers universe are the property of Warner Bros. I, nor this script/story are connected with Warner Bros. in any way, shape or form. This document may not be publicized or reproduced in any way, shape or form. It must remain fully intact and may not be altered in anyway. It is strictly used for not-for-profit entertainment purposes only, and is not intended to infringe on any Copyrights. This story is written by Robert Baer Jr and the characters Fydo, Boomer, Rasputin, Saundra, Alexander, Grunt, Daisy, Abdullah, Bob, Cactus Jake, Marie, Francis, Calypso, Sheena, Bruno, Molly, Deborah, Lady, Orchid, Dot, Ultra, King, Luigi, Sophia, Lao Zi, Su Li, Claudia, Numbia, Derby and Poncho are all Robert Baer Jr's creations, copyright pending, 1999, Cobber is a creation of Mike Browner. The Space Rovers -- "The Dance" The scene is in Persia's office, she is recording an additional log entry. PERSIA (into mic): Captain's log, supplemental. It has been a half hour since our battle with Ultra and his followers ended. The Canius Minor is currently being towed to Graum 7 by our Jurrassian friends aboard the Degalo, a journey that will take us one solar day. The three stranded pilots from Ultra's attack ships were picked up by Commander Zeldor's troops and will be sent to Graum to face punishment from the Willians. Many strange events occurred during our battle, many acts of heroism took place aboard this ship. Ensign Fydo personally rescued two of our children hiding in a breeched corridor, Cadet Deborah bravely saved Cadet Dot and Lt. Marie with her force field and, in turn, all three were rescued by Lt Bob's newly discovered teleportation powers. The greatest single act of heroism this day was performed by Lt Commander Grunt. Using cunning and amazing space flight skills, he almost singlehandedly defeated our enemies. Had it not been for Lt Bob, Grunt would have died. It's hard for me to condemn Grunt's actions because he did act to protect my ship and my crew. Calypso had scheduled a ship-wide formal dance party for later today, after careful thought, I decided that we should proceed with it. After discussing the matter with Damage Control officers Marie and Francis, it was decided our hull repairs would best be completed when we landed on Graum. This would not only give us access to Graum's fine repair facilities but would enable our damage control teams to work without wearing combersome space suits. Lt Molly insisted on working to repair our engines immediately, but I ordered her to cease repair procedures until we land on Graum. She didn't take the news well, and from the way she was ranting, raving and yelling, I suppose it's a good thing that I don't understand the Russian language. So at this moment, our crew is preparing for the big dance party, a chance for all of us to relax and enjoy ourselves. There is one lingering personal issue that I must deal with. In a rush of uncontrolled emotion, I admitted that I had feelings for a fellow crew member, Lt Commander Grunt. As the leader of the Space Rovers, I've always tried to keep a distinct 'distance' between myself and my crew. Now, that distance has closed when Grunt heard me confess my love for him, and I had feared for a long time that he also had feelings for me. I've called on Commander Alexander for advice, this is one situation that I have no experience dealing with ...... end entry. As Persia lowered her microphone, Alexander enters her office and quietly sits down. PERSIA (staring at the wall): Old man, I need your advice, there's a .....er ......... problem that I ..... ALEXANDER (smiling): You're worried about starting a relationship with Grunt, aren't you Persia? PERSIA (astonished): Hey, I'm the mind reader here, old man! How did you know? ALEXANDER: Persia, I have known you since you were a wee puppy! I could tell by the way you hugged Grunt on the bridge an hour ago that you have true feelings towards him, what's wrong with that? PERSIA (turns her chair away from Alexander): Because I'm the Captain! I have to keep my mind clear so I can lead this crew and make decisions. It's not proper for me to .... ALEXANDER (interrupting): It's not proper for you to fall in love? Persia, you're a Cano-Sapien just like the rest of us. You don't live in an ivory tower, you're not made of stone! Why are you fighting the emotions of your heart? PERSIA (sadly): I'm afraid of compromising my ability to command! I'm afraid that this affection for Grunt will harm my performance of my duties. ALEXANDER (walks over to Persia's chair): Persia, haven't you tried to teach Grunt how to relax, how to be more 'human' right? Why can't you take your own advice? Has your efforts to play cards with Grunt affected his job performance? Of course not! PERSIA (turns her chair towards Alexander): What if this affects the crew's morale? ALEXANDER (smiles): Persia, this is a small ship, word has already spread about you and Grunt. Everyone is happy for both of you! PERSIA (shaking her head): But what if this a big mistake? What if our relationship terminates? ALEXANDER (putting his hand on Persia's shoulder): Persia, you've always been like a daughter to me, and it's time I gave you some fatherly advice. Don't be afraid to fall in love. Pursue this relationship with Grunt, it will be good for both of you! Trust this old man on this one, Captain! PERSIA (stands up and hugs Alexander): Thank you, old man! I knew you would have the answer! ALEXANDER (smiles): Anytime, Persia! Elsewhere on the ship, it's nearing the time for the big dance to begin. Dot and Calypso are putting the finishing touches on the decorations in the lounge. CALYPSO (holding one end of a large banner): Dot, my girl, you seem to be acting a bit differently now, care to explain this to Calypso? DOT (holding the other end and climbing a long ladder): I don't understand what you're saying, ma'am CALYPSO (climbing a long ladder): I tink you do, lady dog! Since your rescue from that corridor, you be a different Dot! I hear no complaining, no angry backtalk, no growling when I ask you to do something. This be a shock to me system, Dot! Perhaps Calypso need to go faint now! DOT (giggles): Ok, ok, you're right! I never realized I was such a mean-spirited and selfish person before. If it hadn't been for Deborah and Lt Bob, I wouldn't be here now! He saved my life, after all the things I've done to him and all of those backhanded insults I hurled his way. It made me think about what Rasputin had tried to tell me a few days before .... CALYPSO (smiles): I see.... sounds to me like you be tinking good for a change! DOT (smiles): Yes, Calypso, I have been thinking. The Captain was right, I've really been rude and mean to others, especially to Bob and Fydo! CALYPSO (smiles): Well, it never be too late to be turning over new leaves, Dot! DOT (nods): Thanks, Calypso, for everything! CALYPSO (laughing): That be why I'm here, young lady! The scene shifts to the engine room, where Bruno is looking for his wife. BRUNO (calls out): MOLLY!!! WHERE ARE YOU???? He hears some faint tapping in the distance. BRUNO (calls out): MOLLY!!! I KNOW YOU'RE IN HERE!!!! STOP WORKING AND GET READY FOR THE DANCE!!!! He hears nothing, then out of the corner of his eye he sees the top of his wife's head, and giggles to himself. BRUNO (yelling out): WELL, I GUESS MOLLY'S NOT HERE!! OH WELL, I SUPPOSE I COULD DANCE WITH DAISY TONIGHT!! Bruno ducks as he sees a sonic wrench flying near his head thrown by Molly, who is running towards him. MOLLY (growling): BRUNO SITARFSKI, YOU TOUCH THAT BRAINY BLOODHOUND AND I'LL MAKE YOU BEG FOR MERCY!!!! BRUNO (laughs and points): I KNEW that would get you to come out, I was only kidding, honey, you know how much I love you! MOLLY (angry): NEVER JOKE LIKE THAT AGAIN!!! BRUNO (looks into her eyes): Molly, will you please come to the dance with me? The repairs can wait .... MOLLY (sadly): But these are MY engines, MY responsibility, I have to make them work! BRUNO (kisses Molly): The engines can wait, we need this time together, alright my love? MOLLY (smiles): Ok, we better hurry! I have to get ready for dancing! The scene switches to Flash and Daisy's quarters, each are getting ready for the dance. Flash is wearing a very bright red evening gown while Daisy is wearing a jet black mini-dress. Each are putting on makeup, looking at their wall mirror. FLASH (bubbly): This is SO excitin', ain't it, sis? DAISY (frowning): Well, I'm not so sure. I know you'll have a good time with Cactus Jake, but I want to be with Rasputin tonight! FLASH (putting on eyeliner): Well, why not just ask him? DAISY (frowns): Because Orchid wants him too! She's always throwing herself at him! FLASH (looking at Daisy): Now, you know that ain't true! Just because they work together in security doesn't mean... DAISY (growls): OH YES IT DOES!!!! She's probably kisses him all the time she's on duty with him! FLASH (brushes her hair): Now Daisy, you're just being silly! DAISY (frowns): Maybe you're right, sis...... The scene switches to Cactus Jake's quarters as he receives a visitor at his door. CACTUS JAKE (smiling): Hey, GRUNT!!! What can I do for you? GRUNT: GRRRRRRRRRRRR GROWL!!! GRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR CACTUS JAKE (smiles politely): You don't know how to dance? Hey, don't worry big buddy! It's all going to be slow danicng tonight, just let Persia lead and .. GRUNT: GRRRRRRRRRR GROWL? CACTUS JAKE (pats him on the back): Relax, Grunt, you'll do just fine! The start of the dance is approaching, the scene shifts to the lounge, where many of the Space Rovers are already gathered. Luigi and Sophia are already practicing their dance steps, Boomer holds Saundra's hand and admires her stunning blue evening gown. Marie and Francis soon arrive along with Bruno and Molly. Hans looks lovingly at Deborah, who is wearing a beautiful white chaffon dress. Dot and Calypso begin serving snacks and beverages. There was a live band assembled to play the music for the evening consisting of Cadet Derby, Lao ZI, Su Li and their two children. Derby played a chello, Lao Zi played the piano, Su Li and her sons played violins. As the music began to play, Claudia and Fydo enter the lounge area. Claudia looks very stunning in her white evening gown, Fydo looks very nervous in his tuxedo. FRANCIS (running over to Deborah): Deborah! How can I thank you for saving my Marie? DEBORAH (blushes): You're welcome, Francis. It was Bob who's the real hero, he got all of us out of there in time! FRANCIS (looks around): Where is he? I must thank him personally! HANS: I don't think he's here yet Molly and Bruno spot Fydo and Claudia who are about to enter the dance floor. MOLLY (hugs Fydo tightly): YOU'RE THE ONE WHO SAVED MY YURI!!!! FYDO (gasping for breath): Yes.....you're.........welcome............ BRUNO (with open arms): Now, Fydo, I will give you big bear hug! FYDO (smiling): Thanks, but could we just shake hands? Lt Bob enters the room, looking very unconfortable in a suit and tie. He walks over to Cactus Jake and Flash. BOB (fidgeting with his tie): Jake, are you sure this is how we're supposed to dress for a dance? CACTUS JAKE (smiles): Yes Bob, and you look great! FLASH (smiles): You sure do, Bob! BOB (smiles): Really? WOW!!! Ok, what do I do next? CACTUS JAKE: Well, when the music starts, find a female who isn't dancing with someone and ask her to dance. BOB (frightened): Does that work? FLASH (grins): It sure does, Bob! BOB (laughs): This is going to be fun! As the slow dancing music continues to play, the Space Rovers 'pair off" and began dancing on the main floor. Molly and Bruno were by far the most experienced dancers. swaying and turning to the music like they were floating on air. Boomer and Saundra danced close to each other, savoring every moment. Hans and Deborah danced a simple waltz step, looking deeply and lovingly into each other's eyes. Sophia tries to 'swing dance' with her husband Luigi but he doesn't know how and steps on her feet several times. Francis and Marie slow dance together as both glance to the far side of the room and watch their children dancing with the other Rover kids. Daisy enters from one side of the room, Orchid from the other, each searching the crowd for Rasputin, who had not yet arrived. They each see each other, and are shocked when they see that each the wearing the exact same black minidress! Meanwhile, Cactus Jake and Flash waltz together in the center of the dance floor. CACTUS JAKE (holding Flash): I wish they'd play something a little more peppy! FLASH (nods): I'm with you, darling! This city music sounds alright, but it ain't exactly hoe-down music! Persia (dressed in a blue evening gown) is walking down towards the lounge area but stops when she notices Rasputin, dressed in a tuxedo, on the other end of the hallway staring out a window. She walks over to him and can sense that something is wrong. PERSIA (smiles): Ensign Rasputin, what's the matter? RASPUTIN (sighs): I don't know what to do, Captain. PERSIA (puts hand on his shoulder): It's about Daisy and Orchid, isn't it? RASPUTIN (turns to Persia): Yes, Captain. I care deeply about both of them, and I really don't want to hurt either of their feelings, but ..... PERSIA (smiles): Ensign, it seems to me that you have a choice to make. Consider this choice carefully, look into your heart, trust your instincts. RASPUTIN (sighs): I wish it were that simple, Captain. Both Orchid and Daisy are very nice ladies. I could see myself with either one of them! PERSIA: Sometimes love is not so easy. All I know is that I'll bet Daisy and Orchid are both waitng for you in the lounge. Don't keep them waiting too much longer. RASPUTIN (smiles slightly): Thank you for your concern, Captain, I will be there shortly. (points down the hallway) it looks like your date has arrived now! Persia turns around and sees Grunt walking towards her. He's dressed in a tux two sizes too small. Persia wants to laugh but holds it in as he approaches her. GRUNT (nervous): GRRRRRRR GROWL!! GRRRRRRRRRRRR PERSIA (smiles): Grunt, I'm glad you came! Of course I will dance with you! GRUNT (sadly): GRRRRRRRR GROWL!! GRRRRRRRRRR PERSIA (smiles): Of course I will lead! And I know you've never danced before. (holds Grunt's hand) Don't worry, you'll do just fine! GRUNT (looks at Persia): Grrrrrrrrr Growl! PERSIA (smiles): Why thank you, Grunt! Nice of you to notice! Shall we go dance? Grunt nods and both enter the lounge area. When the other Rovers see Grunt, all of them immediately stops dancing, turns toward him and begins applauding and shouting his name. All this attention makes Grunt very frightened, he squeezes Persia's hand and growls softly. PERSIA (telepathicly to Grunt): Lt Commander Grunt, you are a hero, whether you consider yourself one or not. All of these people here are expressing their graditude for your valiant efforts to save their lives! Don't be scared, there's nothing to be afraid of. GRUNT (Persia reading his thoughts): You don't understand, Captain. We Cano-Mutants were only conditioned to serve, without any praise for our efforts. No one has ever shown me any appreciation like this. There is water forming in my eyes and I can't understand what I am feeling right now. PERSIA (telepathicly to Grunt): Grunt, those are called tears, and you're feeling a very deep joy and happiness that makes one cry. Don't be afraid to show your emotions. GRUNT (Persia reading his thoughts): Like you did when you saw me alive on the bridge when you thought I was dead, right? PERSIA (telepathicly to Grunt): Yes, Grunt, just like me! Grunt looks at the crowd and begins to weep. Many of the Rovers crowd around him to shake his hand or to pat him on the back. Even the 'band' stops playing long enough to pay their respects to Grunt. As the band takes a break, most of the couples sit down at tables and begin conversations. Hans, Deborah, Boomer and Saundra all sit together. BOOMER (happy, holds Saundra's hand): I can't wait till we get to Graum! We'll finally be married! SAUNDRA (beaming): YES! This time I'll be marrying the RIGHT man! DEBORAH (concerned): Are all the arrangements finalized on the ceremony? HANS (looking into Deborah's eyes): Don't worry, my darling! This is an official shipboard function, and with Calypso in charge of the arrangements, we'll have the greatest double wedding in the history of space travel! DEBORAH (happy): It's all so great! Soon I'll be married to the most wonderful dog in the universe! HANS (smiling): Deborah, you're a very special lady! I love you more with each passing day! Hans and Deborah kiss, while on the other side of the room, Bob is still standing near the exit. He's been watching the others dance, too afraid to ask anyone to dance with him. Dot, who has been refilling the buffet table notices him and runs over and hugs him tightly. DOT (in tears): Lt Bob, thank you for saving my life! BOB (surprised): You're....welcome...Dot..... DOT (looks him in the eyes): I have to ask you, why did you save me? I've always treated you so badly, like the time on Graum .... BOB (interrupting, smiling): Dot, I would never let any of my canine friends die! DOT (shocked): You....you consider me a friend? BOB (smiling): Of course I do! DOT (crying): But I've been so mean and rude to you.... BOB (hugs Dot again): It's alright, Dot, all is forgiven and forgotten. Would you care to dance with me? DOT (stunned): You would like to dance with me? BOB (smiles): Sure, why not? That red dress you're wearing is very pretty! DOT (blushes): Why, thank you, Bob! I'd like to, but I have to work now. I'm helping Calypso with the dance now. CALYPSO (tapping Dot on the shoulder): Dot, you have worked very hard tonight, I can spare you for a while so you may dance with Bob! DOT (smiling): Really, ma'am? CALYPSO: Sure ting, Dot! Calypso was young too once! You two go out der and have fun! DOT (hugs her): Thank you, thank you! BOB (pointing to the stage): Look, the band is returning! Let's get ready to dance! Bob and Dot walk over to the dance floor as more waltz music begins to play. Whitey and Abdullah walk into the lounge, and notice that Sheena is sitting alone at a table, looking very sad as she licks water out of the bowl in front of her. They go to her table to see if they can help. ABDULLAH (smiles): Sheena, I must say that is a lovely green evening gown you're wearing. Why aren't you out there on the dance floor? WHITEY (sternly): This is a social event, Dr Sheena, why aren't you socializing? SHEENA (sadly): I've been asked to dance, but I just can't! I miss Cobber! I want to dance with Cobber! He's on earth and I'm all the way out here in space! I hope he doesn't forget me .... ABDULLAH (holds Sheena's hand): My dear, I'm sure that Cobber feels the same way you do! Have faith in Cobber and yourself too! SHEENA (almost crying): Have either of you ever been in love? Have either of you been separated from the one you truly love? WHITEY (looks at Sheena): I must confess that I do understand, Doctor. When I was a cadet at the Academy, I admired a young white spitz lady from afar. There were times I had even thought of asking her out, but I refrained. My studies were more important, I thought, so I buried myself in my coursework, and eventually forgot about her. That was a few years ago, there are still times today that I wonder what might have been, wonder if she's happy, or if she's still seeing anyone at the moment. SHEENA (surprised): You, Whitey, had a crush on a female? I didn't think you were capable of having such feelings! Who is she, and is she still a Road Rover? WHITEY (sadly): Her name is Alethia, and she wasn't at Road Rover Mission Control the last few times we were on earth. She is so stunningly beautiful and smart, sometimes I even daydream of being with her .... SHEENA (smiling): So, you DO know what I mean, don't ya? WHITEY (sadly): Yes, I do Doctor. Why don't you try to contact Cobber now? Maybe that'll help both of you deal with your loneliness... SHEENA (jumps out of her chair): You're right, Whitey! I'll call him right now! As Sheena runs out of the lounge area, Rasputin finally walks into the room. Both Orchid and Daisy spot him and run over to where he is standing. ORCHID (grabs him by the arm): Rasputin! I thought you'd never get here! Let's dance! DAISY (grabs his other arm): Oh Rassy, honey! I'm so glad you're here! Now we can finally dance together! ORCHID (pushes Daisy): Stay away from him, bloodhound, he's mine! DAISY (pushes Orchid back): No, he's in love with me! You stay away! ORCHID (pushes Daisy down to the floor): NO! HE'S MINE! DAISY (trips Orchid with her leg, causing her to fall to the floor): Have a nice trip, see you next fall! Daisy and Orchid exchange punches, other Rovers stop dancing and surround the two warring females. RASPUTIN (steps between them): Ladies, please, stop this! Both girls stand up and stare at Rasputin. ORCHID (shouts): Rasputin, you have to choose one of us! DAISY (shouts): Yeah, honey! Which one of us do you want to dance with? RASPUTIN (sadly): Daisy, Orchid. I don't want to hurt either of you for the world, but if you're asking me to choose between the two of you, I'd have to choose .... ALEXANDER (grabs Daisy and Orchid by the shoulders): Ladies, they'll be no fighting here! You are both confined to your quarters till further notice! DAISY (screaming): But Rassy was about to tell us ...... ALEXANDER (motions for security personnel): Please escort Daisy and Orchid back to their quarters. They are to remain there until after the dance is over! Orchid growls as she is led away, Daisy simply sobs quietly to herself as she leaves the dance floor. Rasputin is so upset, he simply turns around and slowly walks out of the lounge. Meanwhile, Cactus Jake and Flash make their way to the stage as the band finishes their latest song. CACTUS JAKE (talks to Lao Zi and Derby): Hey guys, I have my guitar here, can I sing some country songs for the crew? DERBY (angry): I say, old boy, that's not exactly cricket, is it? LAO ZI (smiles): Sounds great, Mr Jake, you can count on my wife and sons to assist you! DERBY (stomps his foot): I will have no part of this uncivilized behavior! If you insist on singing, Cactus Jake, then I'm leaving! CACTUS JAKE (puts arm around Derby): Oh, c'mon Derby! What's wrong with some ..... DERBY (growls): I will not stand for this! As Derby takes his cello and leaves, Cactus Jake and Flash sets up microphones and prepare to sing. CACTUS JAKE (on mic): Ladies and Gentlemen! Flash and I have written a song for tonight's dance, would y'all like to hear it? All the Rovers cheer and clap, so Cactus Jake begins his song, the others in the band join in. CACTUS JAKE (singing): We're Space Dogs, good ole Space Dogs, a long long way from home .... As we cruise, the lonesome skyway, it's the place we want to roam..... We fight for justice, we fight with honor, and we hope to go home soon... When we'll all sit, and watch the sunset, then we'll all howl at the moon .... Cactus Jake and Flash begin howling, the other Rovers join in. CACTUS JAKE (singing): There's is nothing, like the feeling, of flying through the stars..... And we've been there, in the heavens, from Jurrassia to Mars... But we all long, for our homeland, and we hope we go there soon... When we'll all sit, and look up skyward, and start howling at the moon .... Cactus Jake leads the other Rovers in another round of howling, Grunt is confused as he watches all of the Rovers howl on cue. GRUNT (turns to Persia): Grrrrrrr GROWL!!! GRRRRRRRRRRRR PERSIA (smiling and clapping to the music): Grunt, howling to this song is fun! Try it on the next chorus, OK? Grunt nods his head as Cactus Jake and Flash sing the next chorus. When all the Rovers begin howling again, Grunt howls too, but he howls so loudly that his voice shatters some glass goblets and almost scares all the other Rovers. GRUNT (looks around at everyone staring at him): GRRRRRRRRRRR GROWL!! GRRRRRRRRRR???? Upon hearing this, the other Rovers burst out laughing. PERSIA (laughing): That's a good one, Grunt! 'Did I do that?' WOW!!! CACTUS JAKE (on mic): Let's all sing it again! And Grunt, howl a little lower, alright big guy? Ok, here we go! The other Rovers dance to the fast-paced singng of Cactus Jake and Flash for the rest of the evening. The night really goes well, Calypso, Fydo and Claudia put all the sleepy Rover children to bed. The dance continues late into the night, and everyone seems to be having a good time. The scene switches to Persia's quarters many hours later. She is recording another long entry before preparing for bed. PERSIA (into mic): Captain's log, supplemental. It appears that our 'big dance' was an exciting experience for all of us. Except for that fight between Cadet Orchid and Daisy, everything went very smoothly. We are now approximately ten hours away from Graum, and all of us are looking forward to it. They'll be a double wedding that I'll be performing, I hope I'm up to the task. Well, (yawns) I'm really getting sleepy now, tommorrow will be a busy day. End entry.. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------