Thanks For the Memories 2020's edition. Unfinished.

 

ACT I

 

Scene 1 : Prologue

Date Unknown

 

(As the audience finds their seats the world of our stage goes to black. A music box overture begins to play. A beat. Lights rise and we see Claire kneeling in front of an old beat up and vandalized gravestone with a weed problem. The Music box music continues to play as she stares at the gravestone. Images of Claire in her youth begin to flood the stage. They are images of her after the death of her parents, of isolation. Then images of her with friends begin to cycle through, then her with a single man, Elias, and finally the group all together. The images gain speed and appear as if the camera were shaking before finally a bright flash of white engulfs the stage. The camera switches to a video that appears to be an airport but whoever is filming is on their side on the ground. There are groans of pain as we see a bloodied man staring straight at the lens. He does not appear to be alive. The person behind the point of view reaches an arm out before collapsing. The video fades to black. The music box stops playing. Claire rises and starts to exit. A few faint music box notes are heard and voice says “Claire”. She stops and turns to the gravestone. Something is underneath the surface. Claire digs and pulls out a dirty old music box. Lights drop.)

 

(Lights immediately rise on Elias, who is walking down a St Louis sidewalk. He pulls a new shiny music box out of a shopping bag. Inspecting it he turns the crank a few times and the music begins to play. But in all his excitement Elias hasn’t realized another man, Alexander Roberts, has appeared behind him. Alex is dressed very incognito.)

 

ALEX

Mr. Beckett? Mr. Elias Beckett?

ELIAS

Yes?

 

(Alex pulls out a small notepad with his notes on Elias)

 

ALEX

The same Elias Beckett who wrote the thesis paper titled: “Religious Re-Introduction and the American Way.”

 

ELIAS

For my Masters, yes.

 

ALEX

And are you still a member of the Islamic Reunification League?

 

ELIAS

Oh no no no. It isn’t what it looks like.

 

ALEX

Neither is this.

 

(Alex pulls a small gun out of his pocket. Lights drop and the title “Thanks for the Memories” is projected across the stage)

 

 

Scene 2

Sunday June 3^rd, 2029

 

(Multi-Media scene. A shaky camera reveals the sign for Faust Park in Chesterfield, Missouri)

 

VIDEO ANDREA

How about you help me carry all this food to the tables over there and then you can fool around with the camera. Doing both is just embarrassing yourself.

 

VIDEO JUSTIN

I got it under control. I can set it on top of this box and—

 

(The Camera falls. Black screen. Lights rise on a park with a small picnic table. Andrea enters carrying a small basket full of disposable plates and silverware)

 

ANDREA

We lucked out. Not too busy here today.

 

(Justin enters, struggling to carry a milk crate filled with alcohol.)

 

JUSTIN

Where am I going? All these bottles are heavier than I thought.

 

ANDREA

I thought I told you to grab some food as well. Why would we need this much alcohol? Half of us have to drive.

 

JUSTIN

I wasn’t sure what people would want. You never know what jerk is going to order a white Russian.

 

ANDREA

You know darn well who would want a white Russian. Elias doesn’t drink anything simple.

 

JUSTIN

Trust me, I am well aware. You know, I tried to get him to drink a screwdriver one time and he told me that it was too pedestrian for his tastes. Whatever that is supposed to mean.

 

ANDREA

Is there going to be a problem between you two today? I thought that was through. She made her choice.

 

JUSTIN

And I’ll respect that. I moved on and so have they. Speaking of, where are they? Sammy too. This is a celebration. Our last night together for at least a year. I want to get so stupid you have to peel me off the floor, slap a sticker on my head that says “Fragile: Please send to Ethiopia” and throw me on the plane.

 

ANDREA

You better not. I am not dealing with you tomorrow morning. You go ahead and miss your flight. No skin off of my teeth. Not sure about everyone else though. Sammy is always late. I swear that kid can’t drive unless he’s smoked a bowl.

 

JUSTIN

It actually makes him a better driver. What about Claire and Elias?

 

ANDREA

Well if you hadn’t pre-gamed so hard you’d notice that they just pulled in. Really, you should really consider cutting back on the booze. It’s not very—

 

JUSTIN

Christian? Barking up the wrong --

 

ANDREA

--flattering. You may not see it but you’re getting a gut. When you pass out all sprawled on the couch I swear it looks like a frog on a tray in dissection class. One touch of that belly with something sharp and it would pop and spill out.

 

(Justin picks up the camera and accidentally turns it on. At this point it live feeds with the projector)

 

JUSTIN

Are you done? Seriously don’t want the first thing on this video to be a grotesque description of my gut.

 

ANDREA

Well its recording. The little red light is on. Probably got that whole thing. Ribbit. Don’t eat any frog legs down there. Basically cannibalism. 

 

JUSTIN

And all of that is going on the cutting room floor.

 

ANDREA

You’re bringing all that with you?

 

JUSTIN

You bet your holy righteous butt I am. I may have to pack a few things in your bag.

 

ANDREA

Like hell you are. You may be my best friend and roommate but I am not lugging all of your junk with mine.

 

JUSTIN

You love me and you know it… and now we have the big couple themselves! It took you long enough!

 

(Elias and Claire enter carrying some food and gifts.)

 

ELIAS

Sorry we got held up packing for the big day tomorrow. 

 

JUSTIN

I’m sure that’s what you were doing. Drinks?

 

ELIAS

A Tom Collins, please.

 

(Justin shoots Andrea a “I told you so” glance)

 

JUSTIN

I didn’t bring the good gin…

 

ELIAS

You wouldn’t know good gin if you had it or not. So surprise me.

 

CLAIRE

Man, you never realize how much junk you need until you start packing for a year away.

 

ANDREA

Tell me about it. You boys have it easy. Sorry Justin but my bra’s are more important than your camera lenses.

 

JUSTIN

Not as expensive though.

 

CLAIRE

You’d be surprised.

 

(Sammy (Young) enters undetected from another part of the park)

 

ANDREA

I dropped 70 bucks on the one I am wearing right now. It’s ridiculous. And that’s a CHEAP one.

 

SAMMY

Tell me about it.

 

(Everyone startles, not knowing Sammy is present.)

 

SAMMY

Try being on hormones.  You’re always having to buy bigger and bigger cups. I should just get implants and be done with it.

 

JUSTIN

One Tom Collins. A screwdriver for me. Water for Andrea. Claire?

 

CLAIRE

Just water for me.

 

JUSTIN

Sammy?

 

SAMMY

I’m good man.

 

JUSTIN

Then should I prepare a toast? Everyone. Tomorrow most of us, sorry Sammy, are about to embark on the largest humanitarian effort in recorded history. The food and AIDS vaccinations we will be distributing will go a long way towards the recovery of an entire continent of people. And even though Claire and Elias will be in Botswana while the rest of us are in Ethiopia we’ll all still be together in spirit. Let’s do some good. To the Africa Project.

 

ELIAS

And to new beginnings.

 

(They clank their cups and drink. Lights drop. At this point the party continues on video. Cut to Sammy, hand rolled “cigarette” in hand)

 

VIDEO JUSTIN (OFF)

So Sammy. You’re going to be by yourself here in the states. What are you going to do with yourself?

 

VIDEO SAMMY

Same thing I do every night. Try to take over the world.

 

VIDEO JUSTIN (OFF)

Try just getting that Art degree first.

 

VIDEO SAMMY

There’s a plot afoot. Don’t you worry.

 

VIDEO JUSTIN (OFF)

Fair enough. So any words of wisdom for the rest of us?

 

VIDEO SAMMY

I’m no wise man… man. Just be good people. And don’t be a hero if someone shows up with lots of guns.

 

VIDEO JUSTIN (OFF)

You hear that Andrea? If anyone is going to be a hero it’s her.

 

VIDEO SAMMY

For sure dude. Now give me the camera and eat the damn cake I brought.

 

VIDEO JUSTIN (OFF)

Is it… special?

 

VIDEO SAMMY

You know how much weed that’d take man? I’m not made of money. They tax the ever loving shit out of that these days.

 

VIDEO ANDREA (OFF)

Justin! Why are all the two liters mixed with VODKA!?

 

(Video cuts abruptly. Lights rise on Justin who is obviously drunk and trying to get his camera to work. He pops the side of it with his hand.)

 

JUSTIN

Oh the switch…

 

(The video appears to be live feed but is clearly in the park at sunset. Justin stumbles around a little and finally settles the camera on Elias and Claire, who are sitting on top of a picnic table in the distance. Justin zooms in on them. We see Elias hand Claire a wrapped package. She kisses him and opens it. It is the music box. She turns the crank and opens it. The faint tune echoes in the space. The box even glows inside. She is very excited and overjoyed by the gift. He pulls something out and puts it on her left hand. She says yes. They kiss once more, this time even longer. Justin zooms in as far as he can on Claire’s face. She turns and yells back to the group)

 

VIDEO CLAIRE

Hey guys! We just got engaged!

 

(Justin doesn’t rush towards them. The video zooms out as Andrea and Sammy move in to congratulate them. Justin zooms back in on her face. Black out.)

 

 

Dark Scene 1

 

(As with all “Dark scenes” this scene is audio only during a blackout. *This is designed to progress the story during any on stage scene changes*)

 

JUSTIN

I tOld yoU I’D waSH yer car.

 

ANDREA

And you’re going to get up early before our flight and wash it?

 

JUSTIN

Yes…. Stop asking.

 

ANDREA

We need to be at Lambert at 7 am. I have set 4 alarms. And your parent’s will be there to drive my car back home, right? I’m not paying for a year of car storage.

 

(Silence)

 

JUSTIN

I’ll call them right now.

 

ANDREA

Figures.

 

JUSTIN

I have a lot on my plate right now. Sorry. That engagement is just the tip of the iceberg.

 

ANDREA

I’m happy for them. Aren’t you?

 

(A definite plop onto a bed is heard.)

 

ANDREA

Justin?... Justin? … Looks like I’m calling your parents. Good night.

 

(Emergency vehicles can be heard in the distance. The sound grows louder and louder until it abruptly stops. End scene)

 

 

 

Scene 2

The “next” morning, June 2029

 

(Split scene. On one side we see Andrea and Justin’s boxed up apartment. It consists of small furniture pieces that they are sleeping on as their beds have been packed prior to their departure. In another part of the space we see the park as symbolized by a sign and small piece of art. Lights rise on Justin and Andrea who are still asleep. It is the middle of the morning very close to their departure time. The park is empty and the birds are chirping. Andrea, in her pajamas, sluggishly rises out of bed confused as to why her phone’s alarm did not wake her up. Realizing how late it is she panics and grabs the clock for confirmation.)

 

ANDREA

SHOOT! Shoot! Shoot! Shoot! Shoot! Justin, wake up. We are so unbelievably late!

 

JUSTIN

(Stirring awake)

…Huh? What’s that, Andrea?

 

ANDREA

Our flight leaves in an hour. GET. UP!

 

JUSTIN

(Still groggy)

….Wait. What?

 

ANDREA

THE PLANE. ONE HOUR. MOVE. Get your pants on. Our bags are in the car already.

 

(Justin snaps out of bed in a rush. He struggles and falls attempting to put on pants and slip on shoes at the same time)

 

JUSTIN

They have the boarding passes at the terminal, right?

 

ANDREA

All that is taken care of but we still need to go through security and it’s about a 15 minute drive there. Your parents are meeting us there to take the car.

 

JUSTIN

What about our Africa Project credentials?

 

ANDREA

On top of the TV.

 

JUSTIN

Try again.

 

ANDREA

On the counter by the fridge?

 

JUSTIN

(Goes off to look)

Nope. They are not by the fridge, on the fridge, or in the fridge. But we must’ve drunkenly restocked the fridge with some basics.

 

ANDREA

When did you have time to do that? I cleared it out before our little get together at Faust Park last night and I didn’t drink. I was on my best behavior, unlike yourself.

 

JUSTIN

Did I puke out your window again?

 

ANDREA

No… but we had a few close calls… oh you have got to be kidding me! Look at my shirt! What is that? Dried blood?

 

(She hold up a shirt that has quite a bit of dried blood on it)

 

JUSTIN

We didn’t get THAT crazy. I would’ve remembered that.

 

ANDREA

Are you bleeding anywhere? This is so weird. Look, those boxes weren’t there yesterday. They were over there. And why is my box of clothes opened?

 

JUSTIN

Andrea. Check this shit out.

(Justin rolls up his sleeve to reveal a large wrap around his upper arm. Some dried blood has soaked through)

 

ANDREA

Okay. This is officially weird. When did you do that?!

 

JUSTIN

I wish I knew. It hurts like a motherfucker.

 

ANDREA

I don’t doubt. Based on the blood that is quite a cut. Easily 20 stiches worth.

 

JUSTIN

I’d tell you but I am afraid to unwrap it. The gauze seems stuck to the wound.

 

ANDREA

We will have to clean it periodically. We can’t let that go unattended or it might get infected.

 

JUSTIN

Do you think they’ll stop me at security.

 

ANDREA

OH SHOOT. The airport. Sorry I got distracted. How much time do we have?

 

JUSTIN

…My watch says it’s Saturday.

 

ANDREA

That can’t be right.

 

JUSTIN

Phone says it too. Saturday June 9^th, 2029.

 

(Justin turns on the TV. A news channel is heard)

 

ANDREA

Then why are we still here? We should be half way around the world right now.

 

JUSTIN

CNN confirms it. Saturday and it looks like some shit really hit the fan.

 

ANDREA

Then why don’t we remember it?

 

JUSTIN

I don’t know, man. I really don’t know.

 

ANDREA

I’m going to call Elias and Claire. Maybe they are still in town as well. Try to shed some light on this mystery. Alexis, I need to make a phone call.

 

(Andrea goes over to the video phone. While Justin is glued to the TV)

 

PHONE

Welcome Amazon phone services. Please say the name of the party you would like to call or manually input the 10 digit telephone number.

 

ANDREA

Elias Beckett, home phone.

 

PHONE

I’m sorry the number you have dialed has been disconnected. Please dial a new number or try again later.

 

ANDREA

Elias Beckett, mobile phone.

 

PHONE

I’m sorry the number you have called has been disconnected. Please dial a new—

 

ANDREA

End call.

 

PHONE

Thank you for using Amazon phone services. Please feel free to rate your service. Other products you may be interest—

 

ANDREA

Alexis, end phone services.

 

PHONE

Have a good day.

 

ANDREA

Useless.

 

JUSTIN

He probably ended his service before we were supposed to leave.

 

ANDREA

But his cell too? That doesn’t make any sense.

 

JUSTIN

Try Claire. She always has her phone on her.

 

ANDREA

Alexis, call Claire.

 

PHONE

Welcome to Amazon—

 

ANDREA

Just place the call!

 

PHONE

(In Claire’s voice)

Hi! This is Claire. I am unable to answer my phone right now. Please leave a name and number and I will get back to you as soon as I can. Thanks!

 

(Beep)

 

ANDREA

Claire, give me a call when you get this. Thanks. Alexis, end call.

 

PHONE

Thank you for using—

 

ANDREA

OFF! Worthless. Those two ALWAYS have their phones on. Claire’s might as well be glued to her hand.

 

JUSTIN

Let’s try their social media. Those two are always on Facebook. If they have updated we may find some answers.

 

ANDREA

Good idea. You try Claire.

 

(The both check)

 

ANDREA

Ummm… Elias’s facebook has been deleted. All the pictures I tagged him in too. Even the ones I posted. Who can do that? Those are my pictures!

 

JUSTIN

Claire’s still exists but she hasn’t posted anything after our get together at the park. All it says is “Can’t wait for tomorrow” and then nothing. No pictures or anything involving Elias on the entire page.

 

ANDREA

Who could do that? The Facebook peeps? The Police?

 

JUSTIN

Both. Ever since President Trump passed that law making social media posts subject to libel laws and Government oversight.

 

ANDREA

We should call the Police then?

 

JUSTIN

Wouldn’t hurt. But check this shit out. Apparently there was a massive terrorist attack on Sunday. They are saying it was as many as 50 cities around the world. A subway bomb in Madrid. Poisoned water in Shanghai. Bomb under Parliament in London. This is insane. Might explain our flight getting cancelled.

 

ANDREA

No kidding. I’d cancel all flights as well. Did they say who was responsible?

 

JUSTIN

Apparently it was an alliance of several terrorist cells around the world.

 

ANDREA

So much for the victory in the war of terror. Alexis, phone.

 

PHONE

Welcome to Amazon pho—

 

ANDREA

Police.

 

PHONE

Directing you to St. Louis Metropolitan Police. District 2.

 

(Beat)

 

PHONE

We’re sorry but this telephone number has been tagged by the International Special Services Taskforce. Transferring your call. Do you wish to continue?

 

ANDREA

…Sure?

 

PHONE

Connecting to ISST Midwestern division St. Louis office.

 

BARNES VOICE

ISST. Lieutenant Barnes speaking.

 

ANDREA

Hi. Yes. I was wondering if you could help us. We were trying to find our friends and it said my number was tagged and transferred us here.

 

BARNES VOICE

Names?

 

ANDREA

Ours or our friends?

 

BARNES VOICE

Both please.

 

ANDREA

Well we are looking for our friends Claire Harris and Elias Becket—

 

BARNES VOICE

Really cute Andrea. You have some nerve. You and Justin were lucky. I could’ve easily arrested you for interfering with my case.

 

ANDREA

What case? What are you talking about?

 

BARNES VOICE

Look you smartass little shit. You know damn well what I am referring to.

 

ANDREA

Sorry. We don’t remember anything. We just woke up and thought it was the 4^th.

 

BARNES VOICE

So you convinced Dr. Leaf after all. I’m sorry I can’t help you.

 

ANDREA

Please, anything.

 

BARNES VOICE

You already gave us your memory scans for the past few months. There is nothing more I can do. I’m sorry for your loss.

 

ANDREA

So Doctor… who?

 

BARNES VOICE

Forget I said anything and move on. Best I can do for you. Sorry.

 

(Barnes hangs up)

 

ANDREA

I don’t say this very often but: what the fuck?

 

JUSTIN

The only Dr. Leaf I am able to find is the head of a research lab for Washington University. Here is her labs phone number and extension.

 

(Justin hands Andrea his phone / tablet)

 

ANDREA

I guess I’ll try this office then. You try to figure out what happened here.

 

JUSTIN

You mean other than our world on the verge of declaring war on itself? Sure.

 

ANDREA

Alexis call this number. Extension 1138.

 

PHONE

Connecting to Barnes Jewish research lab.

 

(The phone rings a few times before finally it is picked up)

 

SYDNEY’S VOICE

Research lab, Sydney speaking.

 

ANDREA

Hi. I’m trying to reach a Doctor Leaf. Do I have the right number?

 

SYDNEY’S VOICE

Umm… One moment please.

 

JUSTIN

Oh fuck. Congress is taking a vote on whether or not to declare war on North Korea, China, and Mexico.

 

ANDREA

Mexico? I thought we were on good terms with Mexico after Trump was voted out of office.

 

JUSTIN

I mean, that asshole left a generation of Mexicans to resent us. The Mexican exclusion act was kind of a declaration of war on Latin-America. So I’m not really surprised.

 

 

ANDREA

China was really just a matter of time.

 

DR. LEAF
Hello.