Angel and May

G02-E01 - Two of Wands

Christian Sergeant / David Lomas / Graeme Zinck / Kylie Priest / Melanie Blizard / Nicholas Wilke / Vivien Braybrook Season 5 Episode 1

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An infestation of Ghost can spoil a meal, whilst over the road David and Rudi might be getting into hot soup.

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                    THE TAROT INTERVENTION -G02-E01-TWO OF WANDS

                 RUDI telling GANDER-DAVID that he is a stupid Earthworm.

                 The Two of Wands shows a man, dressed in a red robe and
                 hat, holding a small globe. The world is literally in his
                 hands, marking the enormous potential before him if he
                 can expand his horizons accordingly. He stands within the
                 confines of his castle, suggesting that while he is
                 contemplating significant opportunities, the man has not
                 yet left his comfort zone to pursue them; he is still
                 very much in the planning phase. His hand rests on an
                 upright wand, and a second wand is affixed to the
                 castle's wall, a further sign that he is still not ready
                 to venture out. In the background, the land is fertile
                 while also rocky, promising that he has a good chance for
                 success, so long as he can overcome the challenges that
                 will arise.



                 INT. VULCANO CON PEPERONCINO COMMERCIAL DOCKS -
                 PROPOSITION

                 This is the scene where GANDER-DAVID and RUDI meet up and
                 discuss what GANDER-DAVID is going to do from now on.
                 Establishment scene back to previous story arc and the
                 start of the soup carts idea.

                 Nestled on the corner of Founders Street, opposite the
                 dock ramps, the Vulcano con Peperoncino Cafe exudes the
                 warm and nostalgic charm of a bygone era. 

                 Step inside, and you'll be transported to a simpler time.
                 The interior is a delightful mishmash of Americana
                 memorabilia: vintage Coca-Cola signs, classic diner
                 stools with red leather seats, and run down Mexican
                 villa. Various models of space craft are mounted to the
                 walls.

                 The centrepiece of the cafe is a long, polished mahogany
                 counter, complete with chrome-rimmed barstools, where
                 patrons can sit and savour the aromas of freshly brewed
                 coffee and homemade apple pie. The air is filled with the
                 comforting scent of roasted beans, mingling harmoniously
                 with the sweet notes of baked goods. Discrete jazz plays
                 in the background.

                 The staff, are dressed in retro uniforms. 

                 RUDI comes around the corner carrying plates, see GANDER
                 DAVID sitting in one of the alcoves. She puts the plates
                 down on a trolley.

                 SOUND OF PLATES

                                        RUDI
                           So, Earthworm, I see you survived
                           MILTON's confidence trick?

                                        GANDER-DAVID
                           Shush! (Whispered) How the hell
                           did you know about that?

                                        RUDI
                           Dude, come on, MILTON and MOMO,
                           put it together! They're like
                           Sonny & Cher, do you think they
                           keep secrets from each other!

                                        GANDER-DAVID
                           Da Blin [Shit], It's not all
                           around the Bencubbin is it?

                                        RUDI
                           No, of course not. You do need to
                           be careful though, don't go
                           yapping it around!

                                        GANDER-DAVID
                           I nearly shit myself!

                                        RUDI
                           Relax! You're OK, if you can't
                           trust me, who the hell can you
                           trust!

                                        GANDER-DAVID
                           I worry about MILTON and BLACK
                           BEAR.

                                        RUDI
                           You shouldn't, they're totally
                           solid. Besides they're both
                           involved! Old BLACK BEAR is a wily
                           old bastard, and is difficult to
                           fathom, but for some reason he
                           likes you!

                                        GANDER-DAVID
                           I think, he liked my Dad, so it's
                           probably a carry over!

                                        RUDI
                           DAVID, you need to be careful! I'm
                           more worried about you wandering
                           around the Bencubbin, nothing to
                           do with the caper, it's just you
                           look conspicuous! The whole goth
                           thing shouts, 'come and kick me
                           hard'. JACINTA didn't think much
                           of your knife techniques, or
                           you're survival instincts!

                                        GANDER-DAVID
                           I sort of figured that out, she
                           alluded to my complete
                           incompetence in the street before
                           she delivered my battered body
                           into BLACK BEAR's.  I'm thinking
                           of asking if she could give some
                           lessons!

                                        RUDI
                           She might, but you would need to
                           grease the palms! Don't look like
                           that, its a street kid thing!
                           Always be making the cash!

                                        GANDER-DAVID
                           Yeah, that figures. She's a feisty
                           bugger, and her sister was
                           frankly, terrifying!

                                        RUDI
                           Only to those she doesn't like!
                           You might be OK, because you're on
                           our side! Bye the way, they're not
                           really sisters, just some street
                           kids my 'Mum' took in.

                                        GANDER-DAVID
                           They act like sisters, but I sort
                           of figured that out too!

                                        RUDI
                           I thought you might have decided
                           not to respond to my message.

                                        GANDER-DAVID
                           Why would you think that?  You're
                           my first friend in New London! 

                                        RUDI
                           I thought you might think I was
                           doing a shake down!

                                        GANDER-DAVID
                           Didn't even cross my mind RUDI!
                           Well, until you just mentioned it!
                           Now I'm wondering! (Pause) You're
                           not are you?

                                        RUDI
                           No, of course not, never!

                                        GANDER-DAVID
                           RUDI, my gut says to trust you!

                                        RUDI
                           So that's where you brain is. I
                           have to say though, the New
                           Londoner in me is having some bad
                           cognitive dissonance, helping an
                           Earthworm. (Chuckle and pause) So,
                           you going to order a coffee before
                           I get fired! 

                                        GANDER-DAVID
                           Get the big decisions out of the
                           way up front hah! (Pause whilst
                           looking at menu) I'll have that
                           little chocolate thing I had last
                           time. It was sooo good!

                                        RUDI
                           It's my secret weapon! How do you
                           think I get extra tips!

                                        GANDER-DAVID
                           I thought it was your good looks
                           and winning personality! 

                                        RUDI
                           Sure! The tip box is over there!

                                        GANDER-DAVID
                           Do you take Earth notes?

                                        RUDI
                           What wound did ever heal but by
                           degrees? Do I look like I'm going
                           to Earth! 

                                        GANDER-DAVID
                           Shakespeare was an Earthworm, so,
                           possibly! To be serious though, I
                           need some questions answered.
                           Questions that have been nagging
                           me since I got here! If I don't
                           find out I'm going to explode! So
                           I was hoping you might be able to
                           help?

                                        RUDI
                           If you're so full of these
                           questions, why don't you just ask
                           MILTON? 

                                        GANDER-DAVID
                           I don't want to look like a
                           complete back birth!

                                        RUDI
                           Probably too late for that, but I
                           get it! OK, what do you want to
                           know?

                                        GANDER-DAVID
                           Where the hell do all these street
                           kids come from?  It can't be from
                           the habitat population!

                                        RUDI
                           Good question! But this one is
                           seriously heavy, are you ready for
                           some sick shit!

                                        GANDER-DAVID
                           I think I can handle most things!

                                        RUDI
                           Well this is really unpleasant!

                                        GANDER-DAVID
                           What isn't around here!

                                        RUDI
                           Yes, but its not from around here
                           is it! These kids have nothing to
                           do with New London. It was Deshi
                           Matishita corporation, they
                           created them, literally!

                                        GANDER-DAVID
                           A corporation, what possible
                           reason could they have to clone
                           kids, it's illegal?

                                        RUDI
                           Look, being an Earthworm, I don't
                           think you really appreciate the
                           asteroid belt, no offence!  

                                        GANDER-DAVID
                           None taken!

                                        RUDI
                           Earth is a heavily regulated
                           place, whilst out here anything
                           goes, its the new wild west!
                           (Pause) So, generalised ship
                           maintenance, its a big problem!
                           A.I Is too expensive, the issues,
                           to convoluted, and you need small
                           intelligent robots with very
                           dexterous manipulators, those
                           crawl spaces are very tight. No
                           one wanted the job.  Deshi
                           Matishita had the terrible idea of
                           breeding children and then force
                           training them to become
                           maintenance slaves.

                                        GANDER-DAVID
                           My god! Thats horrible! How did
                           they get that past the
                           authorities? 

                                        RUDI
                           The usual, money, bribes, being a
                           long way from Earth.  Worked for
                           eight years, then it blew up.  By
                           that time there were about a
                           thousand victims. The wheels fell
                           off Deshi-Matishita when an
                           ambitious young politician got
                           wind of the story. Thought it
                           would make a good campaign.  He
                           was right, it made really good
                           clicks, got elected and then had
                           to do something.
                           Deshi-Matishita was easy meat,
                           being the evil corporation, and
                           they subsequently lost the
                           license, went bust, leaving the
                           kids high and dry. 

                                        GANDER-DAVID
                           How long ago was this?

                                        RUDI
                           About eight Earth Years. You see
                           the aftermath. We have all these
                           kids with no socialisation, many
                           with physical injuries, roaming
                           the streets.  Some join gangs,
                           others just die, and if they go
                           further afield they might get
                           scooped up by 'The Circus'. If
                           they're lucky, they end up with
                           us, in  "The Warren of the Found". 
                           They are called 'Aarushi'.  They
                           can take much physical hardship,
                           but that doesn't help with the
                           emotional and human aspects.

                                        GANDER-DAVID
                           Aarushi?

                                        RUDI
                           It means the first ray of light.

                                        GANDER-DAVID
                           Thats beautiful RUDI! Was JACINTA
                           a ray of light?

                                        RUDI
                           Actually not. She was a real
                           street kid, before the other lot
                           arrived. She was a ward of MOMO's. 
                           She actually suggested the idea of
                           a warren.

                                        GANDER-DAVID
                           Good for her! What about you, if
                           you don't mind me asking?

                                        RUDI
                           Well, it's a bit close to the
                           bone, but it's a similar story to
                           JACINTA, I was dumped at MOMO's by
                           my father, after he lost at cards.

                                        GANDER-DAVID
                           Shit, so you lost you Dad too?

                                        RUDI
                           Yes, and he was also killed by the
                           fucking GAMBINO's, this time for
                           unpaid gambling debts. MILTON told
                           me about you, when he knew you
                           were coming to New London, why do
                           you think I've been your hidden
                           fairy godmother?

                                        GANDER-DAVID
                           And I thought you just liked me!

                                        RUDI
                           You're a useless Earthworm
                           Gospondin! Normally I wouldn't
                           give you the time of day, but, I
                           actually do like you!

                                        GANDER-DAVID
                           Great, thats a real confidence
                           booster! 

                                        RUDI
                           JACINDA, MOMO and I formed the
                           first warren, its one of the
                           largest and best organised.

                                        GANDER-DAVID
                           One thing I don't understand is
                           why a circus would be in New
                           London?

                                        RUDI
                           It's not that sort of circus! Its
                           a street gang, the other side of
                           container city in the lost
                           Electric Dreams Fairgrounds.

                                        GANDER-DAVID
                           How could a space habitat get so
                           screwed up!

                                        RUDI
                           You think thats bad! Some
                           scientists found that the blood of
                           these Deshi-Matishita kids had
                           recuperative properties. Suddenly
                           some are kidnapped and then
                           drained of their blood like BLACK
                           BEARs and bile, we think its a
                           side operation run by the
                           GAMBINO's  

                                        GANDER-DAVID
                           What is wrong with people? Really?

                                        RUDI
                           A lot, especially here?  Which is
                           a sort of Segway into what I
                           wanted to talk to you about. I
                           have a proposition!

                                        GANDER-DAVID
                           Well, good for you, but as luck
                           would have I also have a
                           proposition? I need to utilise
                           some cash, I want to multiply it?

                                        RUDI
                           Stop right there, if you're trying
                           to launder money, that will cut
                           across the serious guys. I want no
                           part of that. I know what you've
                           been up to with MILTON, I don't
                           want any backwash!

                                        GANDER-DAVID
                           I haven't even told you what I
                           want you to do yet! Why are you so
                           suspicious?

                                        RUDI
                           Let me paint you a picture, from
                           my point of view! An unknown
                           Earthworm rocks up, a complete
                           nub! Nearly gets himself killed
                           every time he steps out of the
                           door! Then puff, magically there
                           is money and he wants to spend. 
                           Can you see how that might look
                           suspicious?

                                        GANDER-DAVID
                           It might look slightly dubious
                           from one point of view, I admit!

                                        RUDI
                           Then this Earthworm is suddenly,
                           in with the in crowd, hanging with
                           a known felon, a grifter no less.
                           Then whispers in the deep net on
                           the street that something went
                           down with the GAMBINO's.

                                        GANDER-DAVID
                           What's that on the street?

                                        RUDI
                           The deep net, don't worry, its
                           deep! Now, don't get me wrong, I
                           really hate those bastards and
                           admire any attempt to shaft them!
                           But I don't want to end up
                           swinging from a light post.

                                        GANDER-DAVID
                           Oh, my god, dial down the
                           paranoia, will you. I just want to
                           set up a small business. No
                           laundering, well unless the small
                           business happens to be a
                           launderette.

                                        RUDI
                           Come on, oh you're serious!

                                        GANDER-DAVID
                           I have some funds, yes, and I
                           admit the money was extracted from
                           the mafia, but due very careful
                           planning, by said dodgy grifter,
                           there are really are no comebacks.
                           The cash is in the bank!

                                        RUDI
                           No comebacks, now I know you're
                           going up on a light post! 

                                        GANDER-DAVID
                           No, I'm not and nor is MILTON, he
                           really did play a blinder on this
                           one.

                                        RUDI
                           It's the mafia dude, get real, you
                           can't hide from them, you can't
                           run from them!

                                        GANDER-DAVID
                           Yes, but they think we did them a
                           favour! Now grow some balls RUDI!
                           You say you hate them, but what
                           you really mean, is you fear them.
                           If you fear them that means they
                           own you.  You put on this tough
                           act, but your just running scared!
                           Well I'm not scared, I'm mad! They
                           killed my dad, Blyad [Fuck], and
                           let me tell you I'm going to kick
                           their arses out of the Bencubbin.
                           Now your either with me on this,
                           or you can stay serving coffee in
                           the Volcano forever. What's it
                           going to be?

                                        RUDI
                           Jeez, you've gone over to the dark
                           side! I like this version of you,
                           there's fire in your belly! 

                                        GANDER-DAVID
                           I am trying to build up so that I
                           can get the Inn. 

                                        RUDI
                           (Laughter) Good luck with that
                           then. (Shaking head and mumbling)
                           Your definitely fucked.

                                        GANDER-DAVID
                           No I am not! To fight the
                           GAMBINO's I need several things,
                           but the first is obviously money. 
                           One way to generate cash is to
                           start a business.  I thought that
                           this might be cheaper in the
                           Bencubbin.  That's where you come
                           in.  You live at MOMO's in the
                           Bencubbin, you know the place
                           inside and out!  Who better than
                           you to be my business partner.  I
                           need you, and you need me, its a
                           marriage made in heaven!

                                        RUDI
                           I'm not sure a want to get
                           married! 

                                        GANDER-DAVID
                           You said you had a proposition for
                           me?

                                        RUDI
                           Ironically, I also had an idea.
                           What do you think of some food
                           carts, run by the orphans, give
                           them something to do.

                                        GANDER-DAVID
                           I haven't seen anything like that,
                           which come to think of it, is a
                           little strange?

                                        RUDI
                           It's complicated, look I'll tell
                           you later. In the mean time the
                           bastard who runs this place is
                           starting to look in our direction!

                                        GANDER-DAVID
                           OK, meet up later perhaps?

                                        RUDI
                           Yeah, I'll be in touch! I probably
                           don't need to say this but keep
                           you mouth closed, don't go
                           spraying cash around.

                                        GANDER-DAVID
                           I've not spoken to anyone else and
                           I don't trust any one.

                                        RUDI
                           Good, you might last a little
                           longer then! 



                 INT. RETROGRADE KITCHENS - PHANTOM EXHALERS
               (EXECUTIVE CHEF ANDRE DUPONT, GANDER-DAVID, PASTRY CHIEF
               HENRI MOREAU, RUDI, VINCENT GAMBINO, VITTORIO "DON LEONE"
               GAMBINO)

                 This scene introduces the real 'Ghosts' of the Retrograde
                 which are starting to unsettle the kitchen staff. The
                 kitchen staff have been complaining of knocking noises
                 and say they feel like they are being watched by evil
                 spirits.  They have also reported heavy breathing and one
                 even felt something touching them. This is naturally
                 causing issues in the kitchens and word has travelled
                 back to VINCENT GAMBINO via the 'grapevine'.  He is not
                 happy and decides to mess with the CHEF to see what he
                 says!

                 A line of stainless steel prep tables stretches out, each
                 meticulously organised with cutting boards, knives, and
                 an array of ingredients neatly arranged in containers.
                 The unmistakable aroma of fresh herbs, spices, and
                 simmering sauces wafts through the air, creating an
                 intoxicating bouquet that awakens the senses.

                 Along one wall, an imposing range with multiple burners
                 and ovens stands ready for action, while a line of
                 stainless steel pots and pans hang above, each with its
                 purpose and place. The grills sizzle and hiss with the
                 promise of charred perfection, and a deep fryer
                 occasionally erupts in a burst of golden bubbles.

                 In one corner, a row of stainless steel sinks is manned
                 by diligent sous chefs washing, peeling, and chopping
                 with deft precision. The clatter of knives hitting
                 cutting boards forms a staccato rhythm, harmonising with
                 the hum of various kitchen appliances.

                 The centrepiece of the kitchen is a massive stainless
                 steel hood, its powerful ventilation system tirelessly
                 whisking away the billowing steam and intoxicating
                 aromas. A battery of hanging pots and pans adds a visual
                 flair, dangling like shimmering kitchenware ornaments.

                 At the far end, a plating station stands ready for the
                 final flourish. Plates are meticulously garnished with
                 herbs and sauces, each dish receiving a final touch of
                 artistry before being whisked away to awaiting servers.

                 The door opens and VINCENT GAMBINO enters and looks
                 around, the kitchen falls silent.

                                        VINCENT GAMBINO
                           Dai! CHEF, Come here.

                 The CHEF scurries over to VINCENT GAMBINO who is dining
                 with his father in the Retrograde private dining suite.

                 KITCHEN BACKGROUND COOKING

                                        EXECUTIVE CHEF ANDRE DUPONT
                           Yes, Mr GAMBINO, sorry monsieur, I
                           mean Mr VINCENT. Ow can I elp?

                                        VINCENT GAMBINO
                           Yes, yes, I know who you mean, get
                           a grip! We are running the
                           standard menu tonight, aren't we?

                                        EXECUTIVE CHEF ANDRE DUPONT
                           Well, sort of, wiss a couple of
                           additions!

                                        VINCENT GAMBINO
                           What! What did you change?

                                        EXECUTIVE CHEF ANDRE DUPONT
                           Eu eu euuu... (Stammering in
                           fright)

                                        VINCENT GAMBINO
                           Oh never mind! Is this why we have
                           all the hold ups?

                                        EXECUTIVE CHEF ANDRE DUPONT
                           Mr GAMBINO is not ze menu, is
                           somesing else, all I ave done is
                           add a couple of new items!

                                        VINCENT GAMBINO
                           Look, we have the Capo dei capi,
                           upstairs with VITTORIO, plus a
                           casino full of guests. It's the
                           busiest it been since Christmas.
                           Cazzo! What the fuck are you
                           playing at?

                                        EXECUTIVE CHEF ANDRE DUPONT
                           Sorry Mr GAMBINO, I posted ze new
                           menu on ze web, zat's what as
                           brought zem in!  zats why ze
                           casino is so busy! 

                                        VINCENT GAMBINO
                           Coglione! You did this without my
                           permission?

                                        EXECUTIVE CHEF ANDRE DUPONT
                           Mr Gambino, I was promoting ze
                           restaurant as a fine dining
                           destination. Zat's all, one of ze
                           critics stuck it to us last monf,
                           et zat killed our traffic. I just
                           called him out on is bad reviews!

                                        VINCENT GAMBINO
                           CHEF I don't care un catzo a stron
                           so! Tell me who he is, and I will
                           liquidate him and his family. That
                           will solve the problem!

                                        EXECUTIVE CHEF ANDRE DUPONT
                           I don't sink zat's advisable in
                           zis case MR GAMBINO.

                                        VINCENT GAMBINO
                           You think you can tell me what to
                           do?

                                        EXECUTIVE CHEF ANDRE DUPONT
                           No, monsieur, of course not, its
                           just zat ee is ze governors son!

                                        VINCENT GAMBINO
                           Porca madonna gli angeli in
                           colonna! (Speaking slowly and
                           carefully) Let me make this clear!
                           Any communications with the
                           outside world, in any manner, you
                           clear it with me in future!
                           Especially before you go picking a
                           fight with the Governors son! Hai
                           Capito? Froccio!

                 VINCENT GAMBINO pocks the CHEF lightly, whilst the CHEF
                 recoils and sweats!

                                        EXECUTIVE CHEF ANDRE DUPONT
                           We can't let zis be MR GAMBINO!  

                                        VINCENT GAMBINO
                           Yes we can. You jumped up little
                           cook, I decide who we pick fights
                           with, and when.  You get on the
                           web and make an apology.

                                        EXECUTIVE CHEF ANDRE DUPONT
                           Did you see what ee said Mr
                           GAMBINO! Zey just don't understand
                           French cuisine!

                                        VINCENT GAMBINO
                           I don't care!, Porco dio! Do I
                           need to remove your ears and serve
                           them up!

                                        EXECUTIVE CHEF ANDRE DUPONT
                           (Whimpering) Pardonnez-moi,
                           monsieur, I only wanted to elp!

                                        VINCENT GAMBINO
                           Well don't, just stay in the
                           kitchens. 
                           I make contributions to his
                           fathers campaign!  I don't give a
                           flying fuck about what he wrote in
                           his review.  Now get cooking or
                           you will take a short walk out the
                           nearest lock!

                                        EXECUTIVE CHEF ANDRE DUPONT
                           You want me to cook zee exact same
                           food! Putain! Zey ordered ze coq
                           au vin and zen zey said, "Why is
                           zis chicken in wine sauce? I
                           wanted chicken without sauce!" Mon
                           dieu! Zen ee, ee, ripped apart my
                           beautiful cuisine in is last
                           review?

                                        VINCENT GAMBINO
                           Ma cazzo, are you that dumb! This
                           casino isn't filled with critics!
                           Its filled with drunken loser's,
                           who have been eating your goddam
                           food for the last five years.
                           Porco dio!  They don't care!

                                        EXECUTIVE CHEF ANDRE DUPONT
                           But I care, and the kitchen staff
                           care! Et pour ca, we shall
                           continue to cook wis passion!

                                        VINCENT GAMBINO
                           Mannaggia la Madonna, so you're
                           suddenly an artist! Ehi, I
                           understand, I really do, I'm
                           Italian for fucks sake, but there
                           is a time and a place.  Its not
                           the right time! OK!

                                        EXECUTIVE CHEF ANDRE DUPONT
                           You said ze kitchen was my domain,
                           zat was ze deal when I joined. 
                           I've been cooking your shitty menu
                           for five years!  It's driving me
                           fucking crazy.

                                        VINCENT GAMBINO
                           A-au! I set the deals, if its not
                           right by tomorrow, there'll be
                           trouble.

                                        PASTRY CHIEF HENRI MOREAU
                           (Clearing of throat)

                                        VINCENT GAMBINO
                           Che vuoi! Not you as well. What do
                           you want!

                                        PASTRY CHIEF HENRI MOREAU
                           Tell im about ze, ze breazers!

                                        VINCENT GAMBINO
                           The what!

                                        EXECUTIVE CHEF ANDRE DUPONT
                           Zee staff are 'agitated' boss, zay
                           ave been earing breazing scraping
                           coming from behind ze walls. Zere
                           is somesing strange, something
                           spooky! Sometimes, ze pots and
                           pans, zey move on zair own! Zen we
                           find some scratch marks on ze
                           walls be-iynd ze grille, looks
                           like a atch.  zats why I shange ze
                           menu!  It was to shift their
                           focus, is not really about ze
                           critic, I ad to make a story, to
                           cover my tracks. Is really about
                           ze ghost.  Is getting worse! I ad
                           to do somesing ozerwise zey'll all
                           walk!

                                        VINCENT GAMBINO
                           E che cazzo? What's that got to do
                           with the f**kg menu.

                                        EXECUTIVE CHEF ANDRE DUPONT
                           Is a distraction, zem learning ze
                           new dishes. Mr GAMBINO forgive me,
                           I'm just trying to keep ze place
                           from falling apart. Ze ghost is
                           driving zem away!  One staffer
                           said ee felt like ee was
                           suffocatiG - Had marks around his
                           neck. (Exhales heavily) I do not
                           know, Mr GAMBINO. I tried talking
                           to ze ghost, but it just rattles
                           ze dishes even more! We've ad two
                           leave already, any more and zey
                           are all going to go! ze whole
                           situation is on a knife edge!

                                        VINCENT GAMBINO
                           So let me get this straight, you
                           are now saying that the kitchens,
                           are haunted, and this is why you
                           changed the menu! (Moving closer
                           to CHEF's face) Amico mio, you are
                           so close to seeing the station
                           from the outside!  Are you
                           completely fucking crazy! Get back
                           to the kitchen and sort things
                           out!

                 The CHEF stomps out and VINCENT GAMBINO wipes has mouth
                 with the serviette. He looks at his father!

                                        VITTORIO "DON LEONE" GAMBINO
                           Don't look at me, you picked him,
                           I've always said you don't have
                           good judgement when it comes to
                           staff. Your going to have to deal
                           with the 'Ghosts' (Chuckle) All
                           these idiots really believe. I
                           tell you, get the food out,
                           otherwise the Capi will get
                           suspicious, think I'm trying to
                           poison him!

                                        VINCENT GAMBINO
                           Che deficiente! That chef, the
                           only thing stopping me pushing his
                           face into the oven, is the thought
                           of dragging his fat culo to a lift
                           station!



                 INT. VULCANO CON PEPERONCINO COMMERCIAL DOCKS -
                 CONSIDER THE CART

                 This is the scene where DAVID goes back to RUDI and talks
                 through the idea for the food carts.  He finds out that
                 the ice cream vans are not just serving ice cream.

                 GANDER-DAVID enters the Vulcano con Peperoncino and sits
                 at the same table he was at on the first day and waits
                 for RUDI to see him.

                                        GANDER-DAVID
                           Well hello, how is cafe society
                           treating you?

                                        RUDI
                           How do you think its treating me,
                           it's a minimum wage gig!

                                        GANDER-DAVID
                           Oh, Sorry, but perhaps the future
                           will be brighter!

                                        RUDI
                           You think? So, you've come back
                           for more punishment!  

                                        GANDER-DAVID
                           Yes I have! You mentioned the idea
                           for these soup carts, so I've been
                           looking for rivals! The only
                           people I can find are two types of
                           ice cream vans, they have
                           different jingles. Why the
                           Bencubbin requires so much ice
                           cream escapes me, but there you
                           are!  

                                        RUDI
                           Nanofrag! Look they're not selling
                           ice cream they're bad! Do not
                           approach them!

                                        GANDER-DAVID
                           So the ice cream is contaminated? 
                           Must be the refrigeration? 

                                        RUDI
                           Oh jeez, you really are a rube.
                           DAVID, they're distributing drugs.
                           They belong to the GAMBINO's and
                           the ADINOLI families 

                                        GANDER-DAVID
                           Yo-moyo [Oh my God]! You're joking
                           right?

                                        RUDI
                           No! Dead serious.

                                        GANDER-DAVID
                           Is nothing, not run by the mafia
                           in the Bencubbin?

                                        RUDI
                           No, not really, well my Mum is
                           independent, but she's got most of
                           the politicians by the balls, and
                           the mafia leaves her alone, as
                           long as she doesn't encroach on
                           their drugs, booze and gambling
                           operations.

                                        GANDER-DAVID
                           So that means they wouldn't care
                           about food trucks? After all, its
                           not encroaching on their market?

                                        RUDI
                           Kind of, but it's activity in
                           their area of control. They'll
                           want a cut.  Any cart we make has
                           got to be slippery, difficult to
                           shake down. If they can't catch
                           the cart they can't steal the
                           cash. I'm thinking that we employ
                           a couple of street kids as runners
                           and look outs, they can take
                           orders from the shop keepers as
                           well, the cart controller
                           dispenses the goodies. First sign
                           of trouble and (whisking noise)
                           they're off!

                                        GANDER-DAVID
                           Sounds risky for a small return?

                                        RUDI
                           It depends if you consider just
                           the financial returns as the win.
                           It will give the street kids
                           purpose. If each cart even makes a
                           small profit, its still a social
                           and financial gain.

                                        GANDER-DAVID
                           I get that, but we can't build a
                           business purely out of social
                           points, business doesn't work like
                           that.

                                        RUDI
                           My thinking is we get a network
                           established, then start branching
                           out into other caverns. We need to
                           make each cart come with a fast
                           drive, make it extra robust. Give
                           the business a French name, that
                           sort of thing.

                                        GANDER-DAVID
                           Won't we need bribes to get into
                           the other caverns?

                                        RUDI
                           Absolutely, thats why we start
                           local, get some cash flow, then
                           build up.

                                        GANDER-DAVID
                           How much?

                                        RUDI
                           Well, the first cart could be
                           secondhand.  One of my contacts
                           runs a metal fab.  He said he is
                           willing to try and remodel model a
                           old Tesla robocab. 

                                        GANDER-DAVID
                           How much were you thinking?

                                        RUDI
                           Ten grand, maybe?

                                        GANDER-DAVID
                           That would kinda be my limit, it's
                           just a food cart after all.

                                        RUDI
                           It's more like a small truck, a
                           fast truck.  I can stump up two
                           grand if you can throw in the
                           rest.

                                        GANDER-DAVID
                           What'll it clear, once its up and
                           running?

                                        RUDI
                           I'm thinking six hundred a week.
                           It's not going to make us rich,
                           but its a good cause, and if the
                           orphans adopt it, you might be
                           surprised it could gain momentum!

                                        GANDER-DAVID
                           Needs to be legit, of course. Do
                           you know an accountant?

                                        RUDI
                           My mum can sort that out. She has
                           someone, on the hook!

                                        GANDER-DAVID
                           RUDI, if this tanks its a big
                           chunk of my savings.

                                        RUDI
                           Well, it's an even bigger chunk of
                           my savings. This will be
                           everything I own! (Chuckle) Relax, 
                           its a winner! Look we start with
                           one, and slowly work up.

                                        GANDER-DAVID
                           Where does this cart go at night?

                                        RUDI
                           Nowhere. Night time is going to be
                           the busiest time, especially when
                           they come out of the clubs.  The
                           kids will sleep by the cart to
                           protect it. You'll see!

                                        GANDER-DAVID
                           Where do we park it, it can't be
                           moving all the time?

                                        RUDI
                           Mum had a suggestion on that! Oh
                           and she wants to meet you too. 
                           Are you available tonight?

                                        GANDER-DAVID
                           I have a small job at a bar, extra
                           cash, I get off after eight, its
                           the early shift.

                                        RUDI
                           You're a dark horse, when did you
                           get that job!

                                        GANDER-DAVID
                           Just after the jewellery heist, I
                           thought it would be good cover!

                                        RUDI
                           I'm going to have to watch you,
                           you're a slippery one!

                                        GANDER-DAVID
                           (Laugh) You have no idea!



                 INT. RETROGRADE KITCHENS - MINESTRA MARITATA
               (CHEF DU CUISINE JACQUES GARNIER, EXECUTIVE CHEF ANDRE
               DUPONT, PASTRY CHIEF HENRI MOREAU, SOUS CHEF MIGUEL SANTOS)

                 This scene illustrates the consternation of the kitchen
                 staff and gives more details of the nature of the
                 haunting

                 EXECUTIVE CHEF ANDRE DUPONT is pacing and muttering under
                 his breath. Sighs deeply as he leans against the
                 stainless steel counter, his white chef's hat askew

                                        EXECUTIVE CHEF ANDRE DUPONT
                           HENRI, do you ever get the feeling
                           zat our talents are wasted ere?

                                        PASTRY CHIEF HENRI MOREAU
                           Ah, CHEF, you read my mind. Is
                           like we're crafting masterpieces,
                           but zose fucking GAMBINO's only
                           see it as coloured mush. But CHEF
                           you pushed im too far! I tell you
                           ee is unstable!  It runs in ze
                           family, is great grandfazer was
                           locked up in ze funny farm!

                 CHEF waving a ladle in frustration

                                        EXECUTIVE CHEF ANDRE DUPONT
                           Exactement! Look at zis Boeuf
                           Bourguignon, ze artistry in this
                           sauce, ze time spent perfecting
                           it. But all zey care about is ze
                           wine list. Zat fornicating playboy
                           VINCENT, ee couldn't cook an egg!
                           oo is ee to tell me ow to run my
                           Kitchen. I tell you I'm talking to
                           ze union.

                                        PASTRY CHIEF HENRI MOREAU
                           Et pour quoi?! Do zey even know
                           our names? CHEF I appreciate your
                           dedication to the craft, but zis
                           is the mafia, you cannot fight
                           zem, you cannot outrun zem, and
                           you cannot escape zem.  You're on
                           a closed habitat! 

                                        EXECUTIVE CHEF ANDRE DUPONT
                           Et alors, to zem we are "ze chef"
                           or "ze waiter." Is a sankless task
                           Henri, I know ziss, but zey make
                           me so mad!

                                        PASTRY CHIEF HENRI MOREAU
                           Oui, mais CHEF we're in deep caca,
                           what you need to do CHEF, is focus
                           on zee order number five, ozerwise
                           we are all going to get ze chop,
                           ghost or no ghosts. 

                                        EXECUTIVE CHEF ANDRE DUPONT
                           Putain, zis is worse zan I sought.
                           We're trapped in zeir web. I've a
                           good mind to walk out right now.

                                        PASTRY CHIEF HENRI MOREAU
                           I wouldn't recommend zat! The
                           mafia retirement plan is not so
                           generous!

                 CHEF slumps, completely defeated and lets out a big sigh!
                 He holds his head in his hands.

                                        EXECUTIVE CHEF ANDRE DUPONT
                           We must be careful, HENRI. We've
                           stumbled upon somesing very
                           dangerous.

                                        PASTRY CHIEF HENRI MOREAU
                           I don't know much, but I do know
                           zis, ze first sing you ave to do,
                           is to plate zat fucking order for
                           ze bosses, ze second is stop
                           fucking moaning to zem!  

                                        EXECUTIVE CHEF ANDRE DUPONT
                           Je'n peux pas! I can't take zis,
                           is too much! 

                                        PASTRY CHIEF HENRI MOREAU
                           You ave to take it! For all our
                           sakes. Look is not zat bad, serve
                           is shitty food, and zen leave when
                           ze fuss as died down. We will
                           escape zis place before it
                           consumes us, is not worth dying
                           for!

                 CHEF gathers the strength to continue and takes a breath,
                 he raises his head and moves out of his Kitchen cubby and
                 raises his voice!

                                        EXECUTIVE CHEF ANDRE DUPONT
                           MIGUEL, we need all ze stations
                           busy, where are ze staff? VITTORIO
                           GAMBINO is waiting!

                                        SOUS CHEF MIGUEL SANTOS
                           They're having a a smoko CHEF. the
                           breathing started again!

                                        EXECUTIVE CHEF ANDRE DUPONT
                           Mon dieu! Turn up ze extractors,
                           and get zem back.  Do you want to
                           face ze Gambino's and explain why
                           ze kitchen is not running?

                                        SOUS CHEF MIGUEL SANTOS
                           No, of course not CHEF, thats your
                           job!

                                        EXECUTIVE CHEF ANDRE DUPONT
                           Icroyable! sanks MIGUEL, well my
                           job is to kick your arse. So fix
                           it, allez!

                                        SOUS CHEF MIGUEL SANTOS
                           Yes CHEF!

                                        EXECUTIVE CHEF ANDRE DUPONT
                           MIGUEL, distract zem and tell zem
                           is ze decorators from next door,
                           or yard workers down spin-ward
                           doing maintenance, anything.  Say
                           ze sounds are transmitting srough
                           ze metal.

                                        SOUS CHEF MIGUEL SANTOS
                           You know thats not true!

                                        EXECUTIVE CHEF ANDRE DUPONT
                           Well, is more plausible zan
                           spirits coming back to scrape and
                           breaz on ze walls, non?!  Just
                           give zem reasonable doubt!

                                        SOUS CHEF MIGUEL SANTOS
                           They're not stupid, boss.

                                        EXECUTIVE CHEF ANDRE DUPONT
                           I know, mais, just do somesing.
                           zats what I ired you to do!  

                                        SOUS CHEF MIGUEL SANTOS
                           I can't stop zem talking Chef. You
                           know about ze rumours.

                                        EXECUTIVE CHEF ANDRE DUPONT
                           Oh lololo! Yes, of course, but its
                           superstition isn't it?

                                        SOUS CHEF MIGUEL SANTOS
                           Superstition has a powerful affect
                           boss, you can't deny that.

                                        EXECUTIVE CHEF ANDRE DUPONT
                           Et c'est qui? Oo is making ze
                           trouble?

                                        SOUS CHEF MIGUEL SANTOS
                           Its CHEF DU CUISINE. He heard it
                           first he was the one who couldn't
                           breath after he heard the
                           scratching.

                                        EXECUTIVE CHEF ANDRE DUPONT
                           Useless psychotic idiot. How did
                           he ear scraping over ze noise of
                           ze extractors?

                                        SOUS CHEF MIGUEL SANTOS
                           Well, it was metallic, like a claw
                           on metal, once you've heard it,
                           you can't un-hear it.

                                        EXECUTIVE CHEF ANDRE DUPONT
                           Tell, zem it's ze pipes expanding!

                                        SOUS CHEF MIGUEL SANTOS
                           I don't think so, its regular like
                           someone is knocking for help!  It
                           sounds like S.O.S.

                                        EXECUTIVE CHEF ANDRE DUPONT
                           Is just your imagination, you
                           hearing patterns in ze noise! 
                           Well S.O.S. Or not you better get
                           zis kitchen running or we will all
                           be fucked!

                                        SOUS CHEF MIGUEL SANTOS
                           Yes CHEF. (Walking then door)
                           People, come on, come on, we have
                           a full casino! This is a kitchen,
                           not a union office! CHEF DU
                           CUISINE You got a minute!

                                        CHEF DU CUISINE JACQUES GARNIER
                           I'm not going near zat haunted
                           range, is creeping me out.

                                        SOUS CHEF MIGUEL SANTOS
                           You need to stop talking this way,
                           or ANDRE will tell Mr GAMBINO
                           you're the reason why his
                           grandfather is going hungry!  

                                        CHEF DU CUISINE JACQUES GARNIER
                           I don't care, I'm more scared of
                           ze after life, I been trying to
                           ignore it but is getting worse.
                           Something about zis place gives me
                           ze creeps. I was down ere
                           yesterday sorting out ze grills,
                           and I sought I saw somesing move.

                                        SOUS CHEF MIGUEL SANTOS
                           Its just your imagination JACQUES,
                           space stations don't have ghosts!

                                        CHEF DU CUISINE JACQUES GARNIER
                           What about ze Maritsuba?

                                        SOUS CHEF MIGUEL SANTOS
                           Just stories, to keep children
                           awake at night! Grow up will you.
                           Worry about ze immediate sreat and
                           not about some ooooh, woo ghosts.
                           If zat grill doesn't fire up, we
                           are all going to meet ze staff of
                           the Maritsuba, personally! One to
                           one, face to face!

                 The kitchen springs into life with much clanging,
                 shouting, hissing, sizzling and banging as if they are
                 trying to drown out the ghostly emanations. The two
                 senior chef's move to the back of the kitchen and talk
                 quietly.

                 KITCHEN NOISES

                                        EXECUTIVE CHEF ANDRE DUPONT
                           Sérieusement! Zats ze second time
                           this month.  Is zis getting worse
                           MIGUEL, or is it my imagination?

                                        SOUS CHEF MIGUEL SANTOS
                           Every-time there is the slightest
                           creek or clang, (Ghostly voice)
                           it's the ghosts of the Maritsuba.
                           You know the stories. Yesterday
                           CAMERENA said she heard heavy
                           breathing behind her, when she
                           turned around there was nothing
                           there!  

                                        EXECUTIVE CHEF ANDRE DUPONT
                           Come on it's just er imagination,
                           one sing feeds on anozer!

                                        SOUS CHEF MIGUEL SANTOS
                           If it's imagination why did MARA
                           feel like she was being starved of
                           air, she couldn't breathe.  We had
                           to give her a spray of MARCO's
                           asthma medicine.

                                        EXECUTIVE CHEF ANDRE DUPONT
                           So what people get asthma all ze
                           time!  Its just auto suggestion!

                                        SOUS CHEF MIGUEL SANTOS
                           But she's not asthmatic CHEF!  To
                           tell you truth this is starting to
                           creep me out. This whole thing has
                           got to the stage where I have to
                           bring in extra cleaning staff. 
                           None of the regulars will work a
                           single shift or be in the kitchens
                           by themselves after hours.

                                        EXECUTIVE CHEF ANDRE DUPONT
                           I get it, but I can't go back to
                           ze boss again, you know what ee is
                           like.  

                                        SOUS CHEF MIGUEL SANTOS
                           If they start to quit, we will
                           have a chain reaction. They'll all
                           go.  We can't run the kitchens by
                           ourselves! Oh, and good luck
                           getting new staff. You know how
                           bad news travels around here!

                                        EXECUTIVE CHEF ANDRE DUPONT
                           Sanks, MIGUEL. You can be a bloody
                           pain in ze arse.

                                        SOUS CHEF MIGUEL SANTOS
                           Sorry boss, but that's why you're
                           the boss, and I'm the SOUS.

                                        EXECUTIVE CHEF ANDRE DUPONT
                           Perhaps if we bose go up with
                           recordings, ee might believe us,
                           ee's not immune to superstition
                           after all.  Did you ear ee has a
                           shrine in his bedroom. To his dead
                           mozer!

                                        SOUS CHEF MIGUEL SANTOS
                           How do you know that!

                                        EXECUTIVE CHEF ANDRE DUPONT
                           Cleaner TIGER LILLY told me. She
                           said she covers it up when she's
                           oovering.  Apparently it as little
                           miniature figures like a crib. She
                           says ze eyes are following er! Its
                           like voodoo or somesing!

                                        SOUS CHEF MIGUEL SANTOS
                           Creepy!  Well, he is Italian, they
                           love all that spiritual stuff! The
                           after life, incense, confessions.  

                                        EXECUTIVE CHEF ANDRE DUPONT
                           SOUS, how long ave we worked
                           togezer?

                                        SOUS CHEF MIGUEL SANTOS
                           Nearly five years, I think.

                                        EXECUTIVE CHEF ANDRE DUPONT
                           Well, if we don't find a solution
                           to zis, people will talk,  and ze
                           boss will be down ere, shouting
                           and screaming again and we will
                           definitely not get another five
                           years!

                                        SOUS CHEF MIGUEL SANTOS
                           Agreed, look I think you should
                           tackle this before it gets out of
                           hand. Tonight after the shift, and
                           if the knocking is continuing, I
                           think you should call him down. 
                           Let him experience the noise
                           directly, then he can't blame you!

                                        EXECUTIVE CHEF ANDRE DUPONT
                           I suppose zat makes sense. I sink
                           we also need to get a recording,
                           because wis my luck it'll stop ze
                           moment we bring him down!.

                                        SOUS CHEF MIGUEL SANTOS
                           I'm still not sure that will stop
                           him firing us, but at least he
                           will hear the ghosts for himself.

                                        EXECUTIVE CHEF ANDRE DUPONT
                           Merde, now you're talking as if
                           zey exist!

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