The Alligator Menace – Episode 1 – Hostile Reception

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Below we present the complete text of Hostile Reception; episode 1  of The Alligator Menace.

The Alligator Menace - Episode 1 of our Pulp Adventure Serial
The Alligator Menace – Episode 1 of our Pulp Adventure Serial
Parental Guidance Recommended: May contain content some parents may feel is inappropriate for younger children
Parental Guidance Recommended: May contain content some parents may feel is inappropriate for younger children

THE ALLIGATOR MENACE

EPISODE #1 – HOSTILE RECEPTION

by Philip Craig Robotham

Cover Illustration by Miyukiko

Edited by Margaret Wilkins

Copyright 2013 Philip Craig Robotham

Creative Commons Attribution Non-Commercial No Derivatives (CC BY-NC-ND 4.0) Edition.

CC by-nc-nd 4.0
CC by-nc-nd 4.0

This play is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution Non-Commercial No Derivatives (CC BY-NC-ND 4.0) International license. This play may not be commercially reproduced, performed, or sold.   Non-commercial production, performance, and reproduction are allowed under this license so long as attribution is maintained.  No derivative content or use is allowed.  It can be freely shared in its current form (without change) under this license.  If you would like to purchase one or more copies of this work (for your own personal non-commercial use, or to help financially support the author) then please return to https://www.weirdworlstudios.com and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

Other works by this author can be found at the author’s website: https://weirdworldstudios.com or through select, online book retailers.

Episode 1: The Alligator Menace

Trent Stone and Tess Carter are in Star City to participate as junior members in the League of Adventure Seekers annual dinner. However, when the dinner — and a number of other key events throughout the city — is broken up by a horde of remotely controlled albino sewer alligators, Trent and Tess are launched into a dangerous game of cat and mouse with an insane genius bent on controlling the city’s underworld. In order to overcome this villain, our heroes must navigate a dangerous world of organized crime bosses, gang war, exploding alligators, and weird science. Can they locate the villain before his plans reach their fruition? Tune in to “The Alligator Menace” and experience this exciting adventure for yourself.

Episodes in the Host Your Own “Old Time Radio Drama” series are designed to provide a fun dinner party experience for 6–8 participants. Read along, taking on the role of one or more of the characters in the story, and listen as the exciting drama unfolds. This is the theater of the mind, where the special effects are only limited by your imagination, and your participation will build a memory that you’ll treasure for years to come.

THE ALLIGATOR MENACE

CAST LIST

NARRATOR: The Narrator

MARTIN RODRIGUEZ: Industrialist and philanthropist

TEGAN RODRIGUEZ: Wealthy wife of Martin Rodriguez

TERESA CARTER: Our heroine and reporter

TRENT STONE: Our hero and adventurer

MIRIAM RIBBENSBERG: President of the League

NEWSBOY: A Newsboy

WEATHERBY: Butler to the Rodriguez

TONY WELLS: Detective and League supporter

ACT 1

SCENE 1: INT. THE RODRIGUEZ’ TOWNHOUSE — EVENING
(NARRATOR, MARTIN, TERESA, TEGAN, TRENT)

1. MUSIC: [80] (BRIDGE) OPENING THEME MUSIC — LET IT FINISH

2. NARRATOR: [CUE] Six pm on a cold January evening in Star City. Our heroes Trent Stone and Tess Carter have just arrived at the brownstone townhouse of wealthy industrialist Martin Rodriguez and his lovely young wife Tegan.

3. MARTIN RODRIGUEZ: Welcome, old boy. It’s wonderful to see you again… And this must be your… assistant?

4. TERESA CARTER: We’re equal partners. Tess Carter, reporter. Nice to meet you, Mr uh…?

5. MARTIN: Oh, just call me Martin. We’re all friends here. And any friend of Trent Stone is a friend of mine… though I do hope you will keep our private conversations off the record?

6. TERESA: Of course.

7. MARTIN: May I introduce my wife? Trent, Tess, this is my wife Tegan.

8. TEGAN: Enchanted. Martin has told me so much about you, Mr Stone. We greatly appreciate your coming. This city needs heroes, now more than ever.

9. TRENT STONE: I’m sorry to hear that. When a city has need of heroes, it rarely augurs well!

10. MARTIN: Too true. We’ve done well here, Trent, but the stock market collapse of twenty-nine was very hard on many in this city. I’ve been fortunate in having my money in things that are essential to the community but, even so, with so many people out of work and more flooding into the city every day in search of jobs that just aren’t there, the level of desperation is on the rise, and with it crime.

11. TERESA: I had no idea things were so bad.

12. TEGAN: Yes. The Police Commissioner has done a good job of keeping the worst of it out of the press, but people are scared, and we badly need a shot of hope if things are not to get worse.

13. MARTIN: Speaking of creating hope, I’m afraid we need to get going. Tegan and I are hosting a fundraiser for the city’s soup kitchens at the Pendleton Gallery tonight. As we’re counted among those who have not yet lost their fortunes in the ongoing financial crisis, Rodriguez Industries is trying to give a little back to the city and help stave off some of this growing misery.

14. TEGAN: I do hope you will excuse us ducking out on you so soon, especially after you have only just arrived… but I’m sure you have your own preparations to make. You’re attending the League of Adventure Seekers Dinner this evening, aren’t you?

15. TRENT: Yes, we are. And we understand perfectly regarding the fundraiser. We’re only grateful you agreed to put us up at such short notice. The hotels are completely full with all these heroes in town.

16. TEGAN: Yes, well. Don’t be too certain of your welcome outside these walls. The police are up in arms — they see you as a bunch of vigilantes — and the press have been on the warpath about your dinner all week.

17. TERESA: It’s understandable I guess, but if people only took a bit more responsibility for the protection of their communities, watched out for one another more, then maybe organizations like the League wouldn’t be necessary.

18. TRENT: Maybe, but not everyone is cut out to face down evil. And while people are afraid there will always be a need for those with courage to step forward and take up the fight.

19. MARTIN: Well said, old boy… but we must be going. We’ll see you in the morning.

20. TEGAN: Yes, good night. Please make yourselves at home. Our man, Weatherby, will be happy to get you anything you need, and the cook, Mrs Naismith, will be here for another hour if you need a bite to eat.

21. TERESA: Thank you and good night.

22. TRENT: Yes, good night.

23. SOUND: [14] DOOR CLOSES

24. TRENT: Well that sounded ominous.

25. TERESA: What? Rising crime? City in desperation? Opposition from the police and press? What else is new?

26. TRENT: True enough. Still, I think I’ll take a look at the papers… Hmmm… Corruption at City Hall… blackmail epidemic… pressure on the commissioner for trying to crack down on organized crime… an arms race between the city’s criminals… the League dinner… (WRYLY) filed in the crime section — the papers really don’t like us much… and, what’s this? Alligator sightings in the sewers?

27. TERESA: That old chestnut. Every big city seems to have a version of this legend doing the rounds. How does it go?… kids buy the animals as pets but once they get too large to care for, flush them into the sewers where they grow fat on the waste?

28. TRENT: Mmm. Something like that. Dr Fennimore — a local biologist from the University — shares your skepticism. He dismisses the rumors as utter nonsense: “The sewers would be unable to provide enough nourishment for one, let alone a colony of these animals. They simply could not survive down there.”

29. TERESA: Exactly.

30. TRENT: You’d think that after working together for all this time, and after all the things we’ve seen, you’d have developed a more open mind by now.

31. TERESA: Oh come on, you’re not giving credence to this malarkey are you? Sure we’ve seen a lot of strange stuff, but I’m still not going to buy into every urban legend that crosses our path.

32. TRENT: Fair enough, besides it’s starting to get late. Why don’t we get dressed for dinner. We’ve still got to catch a cab to the Regency Hotel.

33. TERESA: Okay. (BEAT) Hey, they’ve given me a key on the inside of my door. (ARCHLY) I guess Martin Rodriguez doesn’t quite trust you with a young lady in the house.

34. TRENT: I would have thought you’d gotten over your shyness after two weeks with me on a tiny boat in the Congo?

35. TERESA: Well, needs must… but this isn’t the Congo, buster, and I’ll be using the key.

36. SOUND: [15] DOOR CLOSES FOLLOWED BY THE TURN OF THE KEY IN THE LOCK

37. MUSIC: [71] (BRIDGE) NEUTRAL SCENE ENDER — LET IT FINISH

SCENE 2: EXT. THE REGENCY HOTEL (ON THE SAME EVENING)(TRENT, TERESA)

38. SOUND: [1] WALLA — SOUND OF CARS PASSING ON STREET; MURMUR OF EXCITED PEOPLE ENTERING HOTEL — ESTABLISH AND FADE UNDER

39. TRENT: Well, here we are. Star City’s famous Regency Hotel. What do you think?

40. TERESA: Hmpf. I think you’ve never looked more uncomfortable. Do you have our invitations?

41. TRENT: Yes, right here.

42. TERESA: I can’t believe you’re so nervous. I’ve seen you face down an Amazonian witch doctor in the company of six jaguars without blinking an eye — and one formal dinner has you quivering like a little girl.

43. TRENT: Well, I was never required to know which fork to use by any witch doctor of my acquaintance.

44. TERESA: Uhuh. Well if it comes to that, you can just follow my lead.

45. TRENT: (RESIGNED) Okay… but I’m blaming you for every faux pas.

46. TERESA: As if I’m the reason we’re here and not that telegram from Miriam Ribbensberg.

47. TRENT: True enough, but when the President of the League of Adventure Seekers asks you personally to dinner…

48. TERESA: Yeah, yeah. Come on, tough guy. The sight of all these heroic types in one place is starting to make me hungry.

49. MUSIC: [71] (BRIDGE) NEUTRAL SCENE ENDER — LET IT FINISH

SCENE 3: INT. THE REGENCY HOTEL DINING ROOM (MOMENTS LATER)
(TERESA, TRENT, MIRIAM)

50. SOUND: [2] WALLA — SOUND OF CROCKERY AND CUTLERY ETC.; MURMUR OF VOICES IN CONVERSASTION AROUND THE TABLE — ESTABLISH AND FADE UNDER

51. TERESA: Oh c’mon fella, this is amazing! Isn’t that Clark Vicious Jnr over there… and oh, isn’t that “The Silhouette” over there in that dark corner… and there, talking to the guy with the elephant gun, isn’t that Lord Greybroke? I heard he was raised in a jungle by wild pigs or something?

52. TRENT: Stop rubbernecking Tess, you look like a tourist.

53. TERESA: Can I help it if you never take me anywhere? This is the first time in nearly a year I’ve sat down to a meal where I didn’t stand to catch malaria. Let me enjoy the moment. Besides, I’m a reporter, I’m supposed to rubberneck.

54. TRENT: Fine, fine… but I’m only interested in identifying one guest, the guest of honor, Miriam Ribbensberg.

55. MIRIAM RIBBENSBERG: Well then, it appears you have done so. I’m Miriam Ribbensberg and you, of course, are Mr Trent Stone — it’s wonderful to see you again… and you, my dear, must be the charming Miss Tess Carter. It’s good to finally meet you..

56. TRENT: Miss Ribbensberg.

57. TERESA: Enchanted.

58. MIRIAM: I’m afraid I only have a moment before I have to deliver my keynote address, but I’m very glad you’re here, and I wish to speak with both of you urgently. Please come up to my suite after the dinner. I’m staying here in the hotel, Suite three, nineteen.

59. SOUND: [16] DINNER GONG BEING STRUCK.

60. MIRIAM: That’s my cue I’m afraid. Please excuse me, won’t you.

61. TRENT: Mysteriouser and mysteriouser.

62. TERESA: You didn’t tell me she was so beautiful.

63. TRENT: What? Oh yes, she is. I was forgetting that the two of you had never met. Most of us were recruited to the League by her.

64. TERESA: (IN MOCKING TONES) How quickly they forget! You recruited me yourself after that business in Mozambique, remember?

65. TRENT: Yes, I remember. The intrepid reporter with the flashing eyes and the penchant for getting neck deep in trouble. I’d have thought pulling you out of that slaver’s cage would have made you a little more cautious and, perhaps, a little more grateful too.

66. TERESA: Hmpf. You can talk! How many times have I saved your life now? (BEAT) …And (FLIRTING) what was that about my eyes?

67. TRENT: I can’t precisely… oh wait, the speech is starting.

68. TERESA: Hmmm.

69. MIRIAM: Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to the fifteenth annual League of Adventure Seekers Dinner. I am your hostess, and the current President of the League, Miriam Ribbensberg, and it is my pleasure to welcome you all here this evening.

70. SOUND: [17] POLITE APPLAUSE — FADE UNDER

71. MIRIAM: As you are aware, the League has suffered a number of sad losses in the last twelve months. The loss of our team in Nairobi, despite their success in curtailing the revolution, was a grievous blow, and a number of others have fallen from our roster due to misadventure in the far flung reaches of the globe. As is our custom, I would like to begin proceedings by proposing a toast to the memory of our fallen comrades, lost in the pursuit of peace, harmony, and knowledge during the last twelve months.

To absent friends.

72. SOUND: [18] THE TOAST IS ECHOED AROUND THE ROOM — UNDER

73. TRENT AND TERESA: To absent friends.

74. SOUND: [19] AT THIS POINT THERE IS A GREAT CRASHING AND LOW ANIMAL ROARING, CRIES OF PANIC, SCREAMS ETC. — ESTABLISH AND UNDER

75. TERESA: Good grief. Trent look, coming through the doorways.

76. TRENT: I see them. Alligators, huge pale alligators. Dozens of them, and they’re attacking the guests. Quick, grab a knife, some of them are coming our way.

77. SOUND: [3] WALLA — CRASHING NOISES, GRUNTS OF COMBAT, ALLIGATOR ROARS ETC. — ESTABLISH AND UNDER

78. TERESA: Trent, they’re heading for Miriam Ribbensberg. We’ve got to stop them.

79. TRENT: Damn it, you’re right. Wait… on their backs. Can you see those strange machines? I think they might be controlling the beasts. If I use this chair…

80. SOUND: [20] SOUND OF CHAIR SMASHING

81. TRENT: That’s it! The animal is scuttling away. Quick, grab Miriam and get her out of the room.

82. TERESA: You got it!

83. SOUND: [4] WALLA — SOUNDS OF FIGHTING CONTINUE — FADE UNDER

84. MUSIC: [72] (BRIDGE) ACTION SCENE ENDER — LET IT FINISH.

SCENE 4: INT. THE REGENCY HOTEL DINING ROOM (LATER)
(TERESA, TRENT)

85. TERESA: [CUE] (BREATHING HEAVILY) What a mess! I’d hate to be footing the clean-up bill after this.

86. TRENT: Yes, the property damage is likely to be quite expensive to repair. Hopefully the hotel has insurance.

87. TERESA: At least nobody was killed.

88. TRENT: From what I can see, most of the injuries are superficial, and we managed to bag a couple of the alligators.

89. TERESA: So what’s with those machines on their backs?

90. TRENT: I’m not sure. They seem to be plumbed directly into the creatures’ brains… controlling them somehow.

91. TERESA: Well, it’s a sure bet that the animals were under some kind of intelligent control. Did you notice the way they attacked?

92. TRENT: They exhibited almost military precision. Some distracting the heroes in the room, while others went for their real target, Miriam Ribbensberg.

93. TERESA: Speaking of whom. I left her once I got her out of harm’s way. Shouldn’t we be on our way up to her suite?

94. TRENT: What? Yes, I suppose so.

95. MUSIC: [71] (BRIDGE) NEUTRAL SCENE ENDER — LET IT FINISH

SCENE 5: INT. — MIRIAM RIBBENSBERG’S SUITE — A SHORT WHILE LATER
(MIRIAM, TERESA, TRENT)

96. SOUND: [21] KNOCKING ON DOOR – LET IT FINISH

97. MIRIAM: Ah, Mr. Stone. Miss Carter. Do come in.

98. TERESA: We weren’t sure you still wished to see us after your close call this evening.

99. MIRIAM: My dear, I would most certainly have wished to see you, if only to thank you for saving my life. As it is, I have other business with you as well. Please have a seat.

100. SOUND: [14] DOOR CLOSES – LET IT FINISH

101. TRENT: Thank you, Miss Ribbensberg.

102. MIRIAM: Please call me Miriam.

103. TRENT: All right then… Miriam… how may we… Great Scot!

104. MIRIAM: Please, don’t be alarmed. That is my sister, Marianne. She doesn’t speak, but it is on her account that you are here.

105. TRENT: Forgive me… it’s just that I can usually sense the presence of the occupants of any room that I am in. I didn’t sense her presence at all… in fact, I still can’t.

106. MIRIAM: Yes, Marianne has some unique abilities. Her capacity to fade into the background is one of them. She is a very powerful psychic and her abilities make her the League’s most carefully guarded secret. She and I have had a bond since childhood. She can speak directly into my mind and her premonitions of the future have been invaluable in helping the League deal with threats to the peace and stability of the world.

107. TERESA: Premonitions? You mean like seeing the future?

108. MIRIAM: Yes, exactly. Though, Marianne’s visions are imperfect. She sees the future as if it were a succession of blurry photographs. Usually, she can tell us where a new threat to the world will arise and who on our roster of members is best equipped to thwart it.

109. TRENT: I take it that this is the real business of the League — keeping the world safe from such threats?

110. MIRIAM: That’s right, and at this juncture, the League has need of you two. Tonight’s attack signals the beginning of the rise of a new threat to peace in the world. According to Marianne, you and Miss Carter are our best hope to nip it in the bud. I need to ask you to remain in Star City and look into this matter for us. Are you willing?

111. TERESA: Of course we are. With your sister on our side, how can we possibly fail?

112. MIRIAM: Please, don’t mistake me. My sister’s visions identify those in the League who are most likely to succeed in thwarting new threats, but, as the loss of our team in Nairobi demonstrates, the outcome is by no means assured.

113. TRENT: We understand Miss Ribbensberg… I mean Miriam. We’ll do our best.

114. MIRIAM: Then God be with you!

115. MUSIC: [71] (BRIDGE) NEUTRAL SCENE ENDER — LET IT FINISH

SCENE 6: EXT. THE REGENCY HOTEL — NIGHT
(NEWSBOY, TERESA, TRENT)

116. SOUND: [5] WALLA — SOUND OF CARS PASSING ON STREET — ESTABLISH AND FADE UNDER

117. NEWSBOY: (UNDER IN BACKGROUND) Extra. Extra. Read all about it. Alligators attack key points in city — Police HQ, Regency Hotel, and Society Fundraiser. Five members of the social set dragged into the sewers.

118. TERESA: What a night. What time is it, Stone?

119. TRENT: (YAWNS) About three in the morning, I should think. We’re just about in time for the early edition.

120. TERESA: Sounds like a special edition’s already hit the streets. What’s the kid saying?

121. NEWSBOY: (ENTERING) Extra. Extra. Read all about it. Alligators attack key points in city — Police HQ, Regency Hotel, and Society Fundraiser. Five members of the social set dragged into the sewers.

122. TRENT: Great Scot! Son, over here. I’ll take a paper, thanks.

123. NEWSBOY: That’ll be a nickel mister. (BEAT) Thanks.

124. TRENT: (READING) Hmmm… Police Headquarters attacked … gathering of heroes attacked at the Regency Hotel…

125. TERESA: Looks like we were right. There is a mind behind these attacks.

126. TRENT: Yes, and these first two attacks were intended to keep anyone who could intervene busy while the real target of the attacks was hit… here we are… (READS ALOUD) the Pendleton Gallery, home to last night’s gala fundraising effort hosted by Martin and Tegan Rodriguez, was attacked in the small hours by a further troupe of alligators, the third location to be targeted in last night’s raids. Rumors persist that at least five of the high profile guests were dragged away into the sewers, but a spokesperson for the Police refuses to confirm or deny the rumors.

127. TERESA: This is awful. Trent, we’ve got to get back to the townhouse and make sure Martin and Tegan weren’t among those taken!

128. MUSIC: [73] (BRIDGE) OMINOUS SCENE ENDER — LET IT FINISH

SCENE 7: INT. THE RODRIGUEZ’ TOWNHOUSE — MORNING APPROACHES
(TRENT, WEATHERBY, TERESA, WELLS)

129. TRENT: [CUE] Good morning, Weatherby. I’m sorry to wake you, but have your employers returned home yet.

130. WEATHERBY: Why no, sir, they haven’t. And I am beginning to worry. They were expected no later than two a.m.

131. SOUND: [21] LOUD KNOCKING ON DOOR

132. TERESA: Oh, thank goodness. That could be them now.

133. TRENT: I don’t think so, Tess. The Rodriguez’ would have their own keys. They’d hardly need to knock.

134. SOUND: [22] DOOR OPENS

135. WEATHERBY: Good morning, sir?

136. TONY WELLS: I’m sorry to disturb you good folks, but I’m glad you’re up. My name is Wells, Detective of Star City PD, and I have some bad news.

137. TERESA: Oh no!

138. WELLS: The Pendleton Gallery was the target of an attack last evening — I say an attack but we really don’t understand it fully — and Mr and Mrs Rodriguez have gone missing. We believe they were carried away by the perpetrators.

139. TRENT: Don’t bother trying to spare us the details, Wells. We’ve already seen the morning edition.

140. WELLS: Oh. Then you’ll understand that we are doing everything we can to rescue the Rodriguez’ and return them home.

141. TRENT: Yes, thank you, Detective… But isn’t it a little unusual for a police detective to deliver this kind of news? Usually that would fall to a junior officer I would imagine?

142. WELLS: True. Delivering bad tidings isn’t the only reason that I’m here. I understand you are members of the League with a direct connection to the missing.

143. TERESA: Right on both counts, buster. The Rodriguez’ are our friends.

144. WELLS: Good. Chief Doogan would have my hide if he heard me say this, but… frankly, we’re out of our depth. I was hoping you’d accompany me back to the Gallery and take a look. It’ll have to be on the Q.T. — you guys aren’t exactly the dish of the day in police circles — but anything you can turn up would be greatly appreciated.

145. TRENT: Then there’s not a moment to lose. Let’s go.

146. MUSIC: [73] (BRIDGE) OMINOUS SCENE ENDER — LET IT FINISH

147. MUSIC: [81] (BRIDGE) CLOSING THEME AND CREDITS – LET IT FINISH

CASTING SHEETS — MAJOR CHARACTERS

NARRATOR: Hello, I am your narrator. I introduce the cold stormy nights on which our stories take place, the dark alleys, and darker personalities who inhabit the lonely city. It is my job to set the scene and establish the serious tone of suspense and intrigue that will carry the story forwards. It is also my job to remind listeners of what came before in a calm, trustworthy voice, and ensure that everyone is oriented to where we are and where we are going.

TRENT STONE: Hello, I’m Trent Stone, Adventurer. I’m always in command of the situation (except perhaps, when it comes to Tess — who can easily throw me for a loop). I say things like “indeed,” “hmmm,” and “I see” a lot, and speak in a way that friends of Clark Kent would find very familiar. I’m smart, observant, and quick to use my fists when required (but never impulsive). I sound like Joe College but I’m blue collar through and through. My lack of higher education is something of an embarrassment to me (but I’d never let on).

I’m aware of Tess’s flirting, and occasionally I wonder if it’s more than just a way to keep entertained on the job — mostly I just ignore it and keep on working.

TERESA CARTER: Hiya. Everyone calls me Tess. I’m the take-no-prisoners sort who can hold her own in the man’s world that is the concrete jungle of Star City. I’m college educated but have a mean right hook. I’m a reporter by training and a stickybeak by inclination — this tends to get me in trouble. Curious, playful, and smart, that’s me! But I’m also painfully honest, easily moved by the troubles of others, and as protective as a tigress of my friends. I secretly have a thing for Trent (who’s a bit of a stuffed shirt and easily embarrassed by flirting). We both pretend it’s not there for the sake of the job, but I can’t help occasionally feeling a bit wistful.

MARTIN RODRIGUEZ: I’m a wealthy industrialist with a vision for the restoration and revival of our city. I am civic-minded and participate in all the philanthropy I can. I am an eternal optimist, always wanting to see the best in people, but this doesn’t mean I don’t understand money and hard work. I’m a sharp investor and I always do my “due diligence.” My financial wits have kept me from being swallowed up in the disaster of the depression and, despite everything, I have even been able to expand my business holdings somewhat.

TEGAN RODRIGUEZ: I’m Martin’s wife and extremely proud of him. He is running a business empire that provides goods, services, jobs, and hope to the people of Star City. He’s occasionally a bit soft-hearted and sometimes a bit too trusting, but no one’s got the better of him yet. For my part, I work with him as an equal partner. We discuss all his business affairs and I weigh in on all the major decisions. But this all happens in the background. In the foreground, I’m the dutiful wife and glamorous hostess of all of Martin’s major social functions. Be warned, however, while I can be extremely charming you don’t want to get on my bad side.

MIRIAM RIBBENSBERG: Good evening, I am Miriam Ribbensberg, the mysterious and beautiful President of the League of Adventure Seekers. While I display all the feminine graces, men are often surprised to discover I am a world-renowned aviatrix and coordinate an organization numbering almost 600 members. I am politically astute, unabashedly honest, and courteous in all circumstances. It is impossible to get me riled. If ever my enemies do succeed in killing me, I will die with composure and dignity.

TONY WELLS: I’m a detective in a city full of liars, cheats, killers, and con-men. You’d think that would have made me a cynic. And I guess it has a little. But underneath the hard-boiled exterior, I actually give a damn. I do this job because I want to keep people safe from the animals and predators who roam the dark side of the city. I believe in heroes, or at least I want to believe in them. I’m still not sure about Stone and Carter. They cross a lot of lines… but then so do I.

CASTING SHEETS — MINOR CHARACTERS

NEWSBOY: I’m just a kid really, hawking newspapers, all enthusiasm and energy. When I get a tip, that just makes my day.

WEATHERBY: I am Weatherby. Just Weatherby. I am prim. I am proper. I understand duty and discretion. Where others panic and lose their heads, I remain stalwart, reliable to the end. Should the time come when the barbarians stand at the doors you will find me doing exactly as I ought: serving tea and cucumber sandwiches.

BYSTANDER: I was just passing by see, and then, boom, free entertainment! Sirens, cops, fire trucks, ambulances. You name it. And here I am front and center for the biggest news event of the year so far.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Philip Craig Robotham grew up in a house full of books and has held numerous jobs as a teacher, computer programmer, graphic and web designer, an e-learning consultant and, most recently, writer. He currently lives in Victoria, Australia with his wife and two sons. When he was younger and fitter he enjoyed martial arts, but in recent years his hobbies have tended towards more sedate fare (board games, movies, books, and role-playing games).

He is extremely grateful for the encouragement he receives from his biggest fans — his wife and two boys — all of whom read and enjoy his scripts and, in general, make his life worth living.

You can contact the author regarding performance rights (or simply to say hello) through his website: http://www.weirdworldstudios.com.

THE END

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This post and all its content is copyright © 2013 Philip Craig Robotham and has been released under a Creative Commons Attribution Non-Commercial No Derivatives (CC BY-NC-ND 4.0) license. This play cannot be reproduced, shared, or performed commercially without the written permission of the author.  The production of derivative content, merchandise, or creative works and materials is expressly forbidden under this agreement. However you may share, reproduce, and perform this play freely so long as authorship is acknowledged, no money changes hands, and the play is not modified in any way.

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