#554 QG 10-3-17

KING BEAST PLAZA, COMMON AREA
*Theo and Tina are sitting at a table. “So, are you going to your brother’s wedding tomorrow?” Theo asks. “I’m going to my friend’s wedding tomorrow. I’m not quite ready to call him my brother just yet.” Tina says. “Its understandable that you aren’t at that point yet. Give it time.” Theo says. “That is what everyone keeps saying.” Tina notes. “And for good reason. You’ll see.” Theo says. “I hope you’re right.” Tina says. Acerbi walks over to their table. “Doctor Douglas, Miss Gomez, just the two people I was searching for.” Acerbi says. “Olivia, what can we do for you?” Theo asks. “That is Doctor Acerbi to you, Doctor Douglas. Or Chief Acerbi, whichever you prefer.” Acerbi says. “But the hospital is closed, so we don’t technically work for you.” Theo says. “On the contrary. As of tomorrow, all hospital staff is to report back to work, with their normal schedules taking effect. The hospital is FINALLY reopening!” Acerbi says!

VICTOR'S OFFICE
*Victor is at his desk, on the phone. “Hold all of my calls, Carol, I’m leaving early today. I have a wedding to go to tomorrow and I want to make sure that I am well rested, thank you.” Victor says, before hanging up. Someone knocks on the door. “Go away.” Victor orders. The person knocks again, and Victor rolls his eyes. “Oh for god’s sake...alright, come on in! Just make it quick! I don’t have time to entertain idiots today.” Victor says. The door opens, and Sabrina walks in. “Wow, one would think that you would be nicer to your petite fille.” Sabrina says. “Sabrina!” A surprised Victor says. “That means Granddaughter, in case you didn’t already know.” Sabrina says. “I cant believe it!” Victor says. “Crois le. That means believe it, in French.” Sabrina says. “Not that I don’t enjoy watching you flaunt your knowledge, like a granddaughter of mine should.” Victor says. “Petite fille.” Sabrina corrects him. “Whatever. But, can you cut it out with the French and talk in a language that I can understand?” Victor asks. “Sorry Granddad, after living in France for so long, it kinda became a habit.” Sabrina says. “You and I both know that you aren’t talking like that out of habit. You were showing off, and I for one couldn’t be prouder.” Victor says. “Only you would praise me for being a show off. Never change, Granddad.” Sabrina says. “I don’t plan to. So, are you back for your Uncle’s wedding?” Victor asks. “When is Uncle V.J getting married?” Sabrina says. “Tomorrow.” Victor says. “Oh, I had no idea. But, no, I’m not back for the funeral-WEDDING! I meant wedding. Sorry, we can talk about my bleak view on marriage another time. Anyway, I’m moving back, for good.” Sabrina says!

THE ANCIENT JEWEL
*Andy and Lydia are sitting at a table. “So, have you heard back from Serena yet?” Andy asks. Lydia’s phone goes off. “Oh, there she is now.” Lydia says, before checking her phone. “What’d she say?” Andy asks. “She said she’ll be here in a few minutes.” Lydia says. “Great, imagine if she had said no?” Andy asks. “Then I would have ordered all of her favorites for nothing.” Lydia says. “Yeah, true. But, I think she will appreciate what we are doing for her. Giving her a nice prewedding dinner before she marries the love of her life, tomorrow.” Andy says. “She will definitely prefer this over a bachelorette party.” Lydia says. “Did you ask her about having one of those?” Andy asks. “I did, and she turned me down, which is why we resorted to this prewedding dinner. Truthfully, I think she didn’t want the party because she was afraid I was planning on hiring a stripper to go there.” Lydia says. “Were you?” Andy asks. “Yes.” Lydia says under her breath. “Lydia...” Andy says. “What? A lot of bachelorette parties have them! Bachelor parties, too!” Lydia says. “I didn’t have a stripper at the bachelor party I had before I married you!” Andy notes. “You didn’t? Oh, that makes me feel kind of bad...” Lydia says. “You did?” Andy asks. “To be clear, it wasn’t my idea, it was my mother’s.” Lydia says. “Really? Your mother doesn’t seem like the type to do that.” Andy says. “Oh, you’d be surprised. I remember that she got one of her servants to do the job. So, you really didn’t have one at your bachelor party before you married me?” Lydia asks. “No.” Andy says. “Okay, what about before you married Rebecca?” Lydia asks. “I didn’t have one before marrying Rebecca, because of how short notice the wedding was.” Andy says. “You didn’t even have one before the failed wedding at the Aqua Casino?” Lydia asks. “Nope, I didn’t see a point, just like Serena didn’t see one.” Andy says. “You people are no fun.” Lydia says. “Did you have one before you married Lucas? Or Dylan?” Lydia asks. “No, because much like your wedding to Rebecca, those weddings were kinda short noticed.” Lydia says. Serena walks over to their table. “Hey sis, you didn’t tell me Andy was going to be here!” Serena says. “That’s because it was supposed to be a surprise.” Andy says. “Surprise? Why?” Serena asks. “Just a little prewedding get together we are having. Brad couldn’t make it, so it’ll just be me, you, and your sister.” Andy says. “Aw, I appreciate it. Thank you.” Serena says. “Well, pull up a chair! Go on!” Lydia says. Serena pulls a chair over to the table. “No Lucas?” Serena asks. “I know that you aren’t Lucas’ biggest fan, nor is our other guest, so I thought it would be best if I came alone.” Lydia says. “Wise choice. You can never trust the mouth of that sister of yours. Who knows what she might’ve said if he came.” Andy says. Serena smiles. “Look, you don’t have to try and protect me from your relationship with Lucas. No, he might not have been my first choice for you, or my second, or my third, or my fourth, but, he is YOUR choice, and that is all that matters when it comes to YOUR life.” Serena says. “Aw, thank you.” Lydia says. “Hey, don’t forget who’s getting married.” Andy says. “Don’t worry, I was just about to return the favor to her.” Lydia tells Andy. Lydia grabs Serena’s hand. “I know that things haven’t always been sunshine and roses between us, but I am so grateful to have you in my life now, and I am so happy that you have found a man worthy of your beauty and your charm. If anyone on this planet deserves to be happy, its you, sis.” Lydia says. “That means the world to me, Lydia.” Serena says. “I sense a hug coming.” Andy notes. Lydia and Serena stand up, and hug.

ANDY AND REBECCA'S HOUSE
*Rebecca is in her living room, looking at Brody’s file, just as the doorbell rings. Rebecca stands up, and walks into the foyer. She opens the front door, and finds V.J standing there. “Oh, hi. Come in.” Rebecca says. “Thanks.” V.J says, before walking in. Rebecca and V.J walk into the living room. “Careful not to wake the baby.” Rebecca says. “I’ll use my inside voice.” V.J says. V.J notices the Brody file on Rebecca’s computer. “Why do you have his ugly mug on your computer screen?” V.J asks. “Oh, just a case I’m working on, that has to do with Brody. So, can I get you anything? Coffee? Tea? Maybe one of Ava’s little juice boxes?” Rebecca asks. “No thanks, I’m good. So, why did you want me to come over? You need a babysitter?” V.J asks. “Not at this very moment, but if you are willing, we can discuss terms at a later time. But no, this is police business.” Rebecca says. “How come we didn’t meet up at the station, then?” V.J asks. “Well, I’m working from home today, and Andy left me on baby duty, so, I just thought it would be easier if you came to me. I hope you don’t mind.” Rebecca says. “Course I don’t mind. So, what’s going on?” V.J asks. “First, have a seat. This is gonna take a minute.” Rebecca says. V.J sits on the sofa. “Okay, what’s going on?” V.J asks. “Well, for the past few months, I have been monitoring some suspicious activity down by the docks.” Rebecca says. “That isn’t anything new. There is always something suspicious going on down there.” V.J says. “This is different. It wasn’t a mugging or anything like that, we are talking drug trafficking. No, I don’t mean drug dealing, not that that isn’t a part of it, but I am referring to actual drug trafficking.” Rebecca says. “Andre used to be involved in drug trafficking back in the day, do you think its him?” V.J asks. “No, the thing is, I’ve already identified the kingpin. Ricardo Wilson.” Rebecca says. “Ricardo Wilson is dead.” V.J notes. “Maybe so, but his organization isn’t. Even with Wilson dead, and Gretta in prison, these people are keeping the operation alive. Yes, without proper leadership, the organization is crumbling, but it is still functional, and that is a huge problem.” Rebecca says. “Definitely. We don’t want those drugs getting in the hands of civilians. So, what are we talking here?” V.J asks. “A lot of different stuff. Cocaine and heroin, mainly.” Rebecca says. “That’s some pretty dangerous stuff.” V.J says. “I agree, which is why we need to shut what is left of this drug ring down. If we can do that, we will be rid of the drug trade in Fantastic City. Anyway, a source of mine has given be the inside scoop on the next shipment that is coming in. I need some of my best detectives down there, and ready to move. I want that shipment confiscated, and the crew apprehended.” Rebecca says. “Do you really think all of the crew is going to be there?” V.J asks. “I know for a fact that they are. With Ricardo dead, there isn’t much crew left. The only people who stuck around are either loyal to Ricardo, or desperate for money. So, considering how short staffed they are to begin with, everyone is going to be present when that shipment arrives, to make sure that everything goes off without a hitch.” Rebecca says. “Who am I working with, here?” V.J asks. “Don is going to be present at the stakeout, as is Detective Simms, and a few uniform officers.” Rebecca says. “Detective Simms?” V.J asks. “Jaz’s replacement. She is a transfer from New York.” Rebecca says. “Are you sure you want a newbie on this case?” V.J asks. “She might be new to the Fantastic P.D, but she isn’t new to law enforcement. I’ve looked at this woman’s records, and she is sounds quite competent. In fact, she seems to be particularly talented in firearm combat. So, if you guys find yourself in a pinch, Kaylie is the girl to get you out of it.” Rebecca says. “So, when is this stakeout?” V.J asks. “See, this is why the stakeout is optional for you...” Rebecca says. “Oh my god...you’re kidding.” V.J says. “I’m sorry to say, but I’m not. The stakeout is tomorrow, V.J.” Rebecca says!

TENNIS COURT
*Bethany hits the ball towards Kaylie’s side of the field, but Kaylie dives, and hits it right back. Bethany goes to hit it once more, but misses. “And, that’s a wrap!” Kaylie yells. “One more.” Bethany says. “Sorry, no can do. We agreed on a two out of three match, I won two, therefore, that makes me the winner.” Kaylie says. “No fair! You are a cop! Aren’t you supposed to stay in shape?” Bethany asks. Kaylie laughs. “Believe me, if you saw some of the cops that I used to work with in New York, you wouldn’t think that was the case.” Kaylie says. Bethany smiles. “Well, despite the fact that I lost again, and again, I really had fun with you today, Kay.” Bethany says. Kaylie smiles. “I had fun with you, too. It really brought back some old memories of us during Summer vacation. Mainly of me completely dominating you at tennis.” Kaylie says. “There you go, rewriting history. It ain’t gonna do you any good.” Bethany jokes. “Right, that’s what I’m doing.” Kaylie sarcastically says. “Bethany?” A voice asks. Bethany and Kaylie turn, and see Alexios. “Hey!” Bethany says. “Hi, what are you doing here?” Alexios asks. “I came to play tennis, why else would I be here?” Bethany asks. “I didn’t even know you played tennis.” Alexios says. “I did a little, back in high school. My skills are pretty rusty.” Bethany says. Kaylie chuckles. “What skills?” Kaylie asks, under her breath. Alexios turns towards Kaylie. “Hi, I’m Alexios Stanpatos.” Alexios says. Alexios turns back towards Bethany. “Aren’t you going to introduce me to your friend?” Alexios asks Bethany!

KING BEAST PLAZA, COMMON AREA
*”The hospital cant be reopening tomorrow! The building blew up, and what was left of it was demolished!” Tina says. “Perhaps. However, the board and I were all in agreement that the hospital could not remain closed for too long, and reconstruction of the building would not be completed for another...five years or so! So, the board members and myself decided to pool our resources, and purchase a new building.” Acerbi says. “When was this done?” Theo asks. “Right after the old building exploded. So, once the new building was purchased, we had plenty of time to move the equipment into the new facility. Due to my part in the hospital being moved, I wanted to rename it the Acerbi Hospital, in memory of my clinic in Phoenix, and myself, of course. But, the board members, being the tasteless muffin heads that they are, disagreed with me. So, I decided to hold a vote, and for some peculiar reason, everyone voted against me.” Acerbi says. “The horror.” Theo says. “Alas, it doesn’t matter. What matters is that the hospital is reopening, and we can all return to work as if Joe Fish never blew it up to begin with. Yes, Doctor Douglas, even you.” Acerbi says. “I’m glad that you are bringing me back on staff.” Theo says. “I am doing it for my daughter’s sake. She might not be here anymore, but she would want me to keep you employed. That is the ONLY reason you still have a position at my hospital. If not for that, you would most definitely be in the unemployment line. With all of that being said, I expect the two of you to report to the new location first thing in the morning.” Acerbi says. “Actually, I’m going to have to leave early tomorrow. I have a wedding to attend in the afternoon.” Tina says. “A wedding? Could you not be bothered to notify the hospital of your impending absence in advance?” Acerbi asks. “Um, no Doctor, I didn’t know that the hospital would be reopened in time for the wedding.” Tina notes. “Perhaps next time, you should ask, rather than assume that you have the day off just because you were under the impression that the hospital was now just a giant hole in the ground. Not to worry, for your lack of compliance with the rules of taking time off, I will be sure to schedule you for a DOUBLE shift next Saturday.” Acerbi says. “But, I don’t work weekends!” Tina protests. “You certainly do now. Good day.” Acerbi says, before walking off. “I cant believe she just did that!” Tina says. “Look on the bright side, at least we have our jobs back.” Theo says. “And the dark side is that we have to work with that...that woman again.” Tina says. Theo chuckles.

VICTOR'S OFFICE
*Victor is sitting at his desk, and Sabrina is sitting right across from him. “So, you mean to tell me you already graduated law school?” Victor asks. “That’s right.” Sabrina says. “Wow, time sure does fly. It seems like only three years ago, you were just a little infant. Its like you grew up overnight!” Victor says. “And yet you don’t look a day older than when I last saw you.” Sabrina says. “Flattery will get you everywhere with me.” Victor jokes. “So, how are you doing? I haven’t seen you since Aunt Molly’s funeral. How are you handling that?” Sabrina asks. “As well as I can. Its been a year, and you know that these kind of things get better with time.” Victor says. “Yeah, I know first hand.” Sabrina says. “I didn’t mean to bring that up.” Victor says. “No, its okay. I mentioned Aunt Molly, and you grieving for her, I should’ve expected that you might mention Dad, not that that is a bad thing.” Sabrina says. “About your father. Just to be clear, no matter what he tells you, Andre Stanpatos is NOT your father, do you understand? Yes, biologically, he might be your father, but he did not raise you, he did not care for you, hell, you weren’t even conceived the right way! You were the result of one of Lawrence Stanpatos and Olivia Acerbi’s experiments! Look, bottom line is, Dylan Stanpatos is your father, not Andre.” Victor reminds her. “I know, Granddad. Look, I don’t plan on going anywhere near that creep, Andre. Not after all of the terrible things he did to Dad, not to mention the rest of our family. I’m surprised that guy is still alive. How does he do it?” Sabrina asks. “That’s a good question, one that nobody knows the answer to, probably not even Andre himself. Enough talk about Andre, lets talk more about you.” Victor says. “Oh god, how boring.” Sabrina says. Victor laughs. “So, what made you decide you wanted to come back here?” Victor asks. “Well, my family is here, for one. Not to mention the fact that this city has great opportunities for a lawyer. As the D.A, you’ve seen how many criminals are in this city.” Sabrina says. “And you’ll be defending them.” Victor notes. “Don’t get all self righteous with me, Granddad, you defended them to before you became the District Attorney.” Sabrina says. “True, true, but you should know that you have some pretty serious competition on your hands.” Victor says. “Oh believe me, I’ve read ALL about Betty Thorne. Sure, she might have the reputation to back her up, but I have cheaper prices. How much does Betty cost for one meeting? Two human souls and a bucket of blood for her to bathe in? I’m much cheaper than that.” Sabrina says. “Well, for what its worth, I am proud of you. I had always hoped that one of my children would follow in my footsteps and become a lawyer. But, nope. V.J became a cop, Ciara became a con woman, and then a WPA agent, and Brady...well, I don’t even know what the hell Brady does. Private Investigator or something like that. In any case, I am happy that SOMEONE in this family has decided to follow in my footsteps, and I couldn’t have picked a better person to fill my shoes than you.” Victor says. “Aw, can we hug on it?” Sabrina asks. “No we can not.” Victor says. “Come on, Granddad, just this once.” Sabrina says. Victor groans. “Alright, but don’t tell anyone.” Victor says. “Yeah, we don’t want them to think you are a teddy bear or anything horrible and gruesome like that. Come here.” Sabrina says, as she stands up. Victor stands up, and they both hug.

THE ANCIENT JEWEL
*”You ordered me lobster?” Serena asks. “And everything else you love. You deserve to enjoy yourself during your last night of freedom.” Lydia says. “Hey now, marriage isn’t all that bad! I happen to enjoy being married to the woman I love!” Andy says. “I didn’t say it was! And for the record, I couldn’t be happier with Lucas.” Lydia says. “Well, for the record, I am happy that we are all happy. Seriously though, when was the last time there was barely any drama going around? Huh? Can anyone remember? Course not, because there hasn’t ever been a time like that!” Serena says. “She’s right. Usually, once you go to Fantastic City, your life goes down the tube and any happiness you might’ve had goes away.” Andy says. “So, why do we do it? Why do we stay when this place has all but been confirmed to be cursed?” Lydia asks. “Because despite all of that, its home. It might be cursed, but you could never accuse the city of not being welcoming. Once you come here, you usually don’t want to leave, even if your life does get ruined while here. I don’t know what it is that keeps us here, something in the water or something, I don’t know.” Andy says. “Maybe because this is where we met the people we love. I met V.J here, and Andy met Rebecca, and Lydia, you met Lucas, and Dylan before him.” Serena says. “Actually, I met Dylan on the outskirts of town.” Lydia says. “Well, you mostly got to know him here in Fantastic.” Serena says. “No, I mostly got to know him at that cabin up in the mountains, while I was nursing him back to health.” Lydia says. “Well, this is where the two of you got engaged. Or, did he secretly propose to you at that stupid mountain cabin too?” Serena asks. “Yeah, actually, he did.” Lydia says. “What?! Are you serious?!” Serena asks. Lydia cracks up laughing. “Just kidding. But, you should’ve seen your face.” Lydia says. Serena rolls her eyes. “Not funny! You had me seriously confused for a second!” Serena says. “Nothing new there.” Lydia jokes. The waitress brings by a tray of glasses, filled with wine. Andy, Serena, and Lydia each grab a glass. “So, who’s gonna do the toast?” Serena asks. “As the sister of the bride, I suppose that is my duty.” Lydia says. Lydia clears her throat. “To the most beautiful, funniest, most weirdest baby sister in the world, I wish you all of the happiness you deserve and then some, with your new groom, the great love of your life. Its not every day where someone finds a love life the one you and V.J share, but, you found it, and somehow, you’ve been able to hold onto it for the past three years, off and on, anyways. In any case, I hope you are really happy.” Lydia says, as she raises her glass. Andy and Serena’s glasses clash with Lydia’s. “Cheers.” All three of them say, while smiling. They each take a sip of the wine.

ANDY AND REBECCA'S HOUSE
*”I wouldn’t have asked you if I didn’t think you were the best man for the job. But, if you really don’t want to do it, I understand. I’ll just have Kaylie and Don go in. After all, you have a wedding, and I wouldn’t want to do anything to disrupt that.” Rebecca says. “What time is the shipment at?” V.J asks. “Its in the morning.” Rebecca says. “The wedding is in the afternoon. I think I have enough time to squeeze in a drug stakeout.” V.J says. “Are you absolutely sure?” Rebecca asks. “Yeah. It isn’t like this is one of those stakeouts that will take all day and all night. I’m waiting for their shipment to arrive, and once I catch them in the act, we pounce. I’ve just gotta make sure I’m back a half hour before the wedding starts so I have time to put on my tux.” V.J says. “Okay, but, just to be clear, you realize you are getting yourself into a life threatening situation, right?” Rebecca asks. “I can handle a few drug dealers.” V.J says. “I’m not talking about the drug dealers. I’m talking about your bride. Once she realizes you were part of a drug bust on your wedding day, she is gonna kill you.” Rebecca jokes. “Its for the greater good. Someone needs to take these guys down, and I’m happy that I’m gonna be part of the team that does it.” V.J says. “Thank you, and good luck tomorrow. Not just during the drug bust, but during your wedding, too.” Rebecca says. “Thanks. I don’t think I’m gonna need it. I have a feeling everything is gonna go smoothly.” V.J says.

TENNIS COURT
*”Hi, I’m Kaylie, Kaylie Simms.” Kaylie says. “Hi Kaylie, its nice to meet you. How do you know Bethany?” Alexios asks. Before Kaylie can answer, Bethany answers for her. “Kaylie is an old friend from high school.” Bethany says. Kaylie forces a smile. “Right, friend.” Kaylie says. “What are you doing here? Don’t you have a meeting?” Bethany asks. “I do. At the tennis court right over there. My lawyer is a big tennis fan, and nothing gets him thinking more than a thrilling tennis game.” Alexios says. “You should probably go over there and join him.” Bethany says. “Yeah, I’ll do that. It was nice meeting you, Kaylie!” Alexios says. “Likewise. I’ll see you around, Alexios.” Kaylie says. Alexios nods, before walking off. Bethany breathes a sigh of relief. “So, I don’t get it. Did you lie to your boyfriend because you didn’t want him to know that I am your ex? Or did you lie to him because you were embarrassed of the relationship we had?” Kaylie asks. “What? No! That isn’t it at all!” Bethany says. “Please, don’t act like you haven’t done that before. Your own mother never even knew we were together because you were too scared to tell her!” Kaylie says. “You don’t know my mother! She can be very judgmental at times, which is why telling her about us really could’ve sent her over the edge.” Bethany says. “If she is any kind of mother at all, she would’ve accepted you.” Kaylie says. “There is nothing to accept. I’m straight.” Bethany says. “I know. Well, I just hope that whatever reason you have for lying to Alexios is worth it. Because I know from personal experience that lying in a relationship is never a smart move, because one single lie could completely destroy the foundation of the relationship, and before you know it, the entire thing begins to fall apart. So, for your sake, I hope you know what you are doing. But, somehow, I doubt it.” Kaylie says, before storming off. Bethany sighs.