Hunter

This is the writing prompt that I am working with for my short story. It is for a contest for VPSA (the online school I take course from).

“The lights were blinding—and hot, too. No one ever told me how hot it was on stage. I squinted into the audience to see if I recognized anyone. Thousands of shining eyes stared back at me. I refocused and the faces blurred together. The cameras bored into me, and the audience fell silent in anticipation. How did this happen, you ask? How did I, an ordinary 15-year-old student just a couple of days ago, get to become an overnight superstar? Well I’m glad you asked…”

For the contest, I have to write a 800-1000 word story about this theme. I am also gathering writing books and planning my writing schedule.

January 3

Writing prompt:

My writing begins here:

On the 4th of January, as I sat at my computer, my mind drifted aimlessly. Thinking first about my latest exploits in my favorite video game, Civilization 5, I stared off into space with my well-used MacBook Pro in front of me. Then, chewing a piece of gum thoughtfully, I pondered the truths I was learning from The Great Divorce. Tiring of this, I checked my iPhone to see if I had received any emails recently. My eyes refocused on my glowing computer screen, and I suddenly remembered the task at hand. I had to record, using my guitar and computer, my latest remake of “All in All” for the guitar lesson tomorrow. Sighing, I clicked the orange icon of a guitar to initiate the GarageBand program, which allows a user to record guitar tracks, add drum loops and even play a virtual bass guitar. As my semi-archaic computer sluggishly loaded the project file, I absently began rhythmically tapping the brushed aluminum body of my computer. Although I knew I had little time to complete my recording, I couldn’t resist using the musical keyboard feature to capture the beat that had been playing in my head for the entire day. As I played the new track back, I realized with shock that I had the beginnings of an original and captivating song.

Now wholly focused on my song idea, I began rapidly brainstorming the best instruments that would complement my drumbeat. Should I use my electric guitar with a screaming metal amplifier, or go for the more subdued tonality of an acoustic guitar? Unsure, I proceeded first to create a bass track that would fit in well with what I already liked about my beat. Head bobbing and mouth chewing as I energetically pushed the “H”, “K” and “L” keys to craft a bass track, I began to smile. I started to realize that this was the best musical idea I had ever had.

January 4

Now wholly focused on my song idea, I began rapidly brainstorming the best instruments that would complement my drumbeat. Should I use my electric guitar with a screaming metal amplifier, or go for the more subdued tonality of an acoustic guitar? Unsure, I proceeded first to create a bass track that would fit in well with what I already liked about my beat. Head bobbing and mouth chewing as I energetically pressed and released the “H”, “K” and “L” keys to craft a bass track, I began to smile.

Clicking the save button, I then sat back in my chair, listening to my emerging masterpiece. As my excitement grew, I tried to quickly invent some original lyrics to go with the song. I got up from my seat and rifled through a stack of papers with musical ideas that I had written down but never used. Critically examining each, I gradually eliminated all of them as possible candidates to be paired with the music. Some lyrics, like those for “The Drop” and “Helicopter Ride” seemed to go with with the Electronic Dance Music theme but were poorly written, containing an ambiguous or cheesy message. Others, like “The Conquest” and “Blinding Sun” spoke of deeper, more meaningful themes but would not fit at all with the electronic music style. As I despairingly tossed the stack of papers to the side. When I looked up to check the time, I noticed a paper with a poem that I had written before Calculus class sitting on my dresser. I rapidly walked over to it, and eagerly began examining it.

January 5

I decided to take a break from my short story to write an imitation propaganda piece based off of Sid Meier’s Civilization 5:

The war that America and Rome are just beginning will truly be epic, and will have major implications for the rest of the game. On the one hand, we have the Roman Empire. This empire has, so far, brought stability and peace to the turbulent world. Through its production of wonders that wow the world and friendly diplomatic relations with every civ in the game, Rome has truly managed to bring about the Pax Romana. It has, thanks to its peaceful, uninhibited growth, become the dominant empire in the game. Unlike SOME civs which found ridiculous numbers of cities and can’t seem to keep their hands off of other people’s lands, Rome has cultivated prosperity for all, sharing luxury resources freely from its small nation.

However, its serene existence is currently being direly threatened by the menace known as the American empire. Their greedy ruler, Rebel Commando, builds his massive empire to unsustainable proportions. As his ambitious, bloodthirsty mind leads him to bite off far more than he can chew, his poor subjects groan under his iron rod. As they get more and more unhappy, he shows his complete disregard for the well being of his nation by continuing to gain more cities, with more unhappiness. Now things have come to a head. Rebel Commandos citizens have revolted, attempting to cast off once and for all the mantle of tyranny and oppression. He cracked down with maniacal fervor on his own citizens, becoming more and more paranoid as he did so. In the height of his fearful madness, he heard a vague rumor about the roman army’s battle plans. With jealousy, Rebel Commados eyes gleamed red in the firelight as he marshaled his forces to face the Romans. Although the American advisors deem Rome an easy target, the American hordes will no doubt find opposition stronger than they were prepared to handle.

Cole marches on Cumae. Hunter raises his defenses. Meanwhile, Catherine slowly rises unchallenged in power in the west.

One army seeks to destroy the world, crushing it sadistically under its proverbial boot. One army wishes to preserve a world of peace and prosperity for all. Another, Russia, is strange and unclear in its plans.

The fate of the entire world hangs in the balance. This war will likely decided the outcome of the game. It will test the military skill (and cunning) of the leaders as they face off.
The Americans are eager for violence. And the Romans will be ready.

January 6

[image submitted on January 7, needs to be uploaded to Flickr]

January 7

On a relatively normal, mundane weekday, I decided to use some well-earned relaxation time to play my new favorite game, Sid Meier’s Civilization V. Little did I know that this time I would not only be playing the game, but living it as well. Clicking on the ubiquitous Roman numeral “V” icon, I launched the game. As Civilization loaded, I whipped out my iPhone and absently began texting my friend Garry.

“Hey, whts up?” I said.

“Nm, hub?” Garry responded.

“I’m playing Civ,” I typed. “Haven’t used the 3D gaming video goggles that you lent me yet though.”

“You should try them when you play Civ,” he replied. “They add many features to its gameplay in particular.”

“Like what?” I queried.

“Well, in addition to immersive, full 3D that makes you feel like you are in the game and excellent audio quality, there are a couple of other abilities it unlocks that you really need to play to understand.”

I actually didn’t see the last text until a day later, as Civ had already loaded, prompting me to “click to continue”. Doing so, I set up a new singleplayer game, deciding to choose for myself the Roman civilization with its leader, Augustus Caesar. Since I had only logged 12 hours so far, I made my selection much more based on my appreciation for Roman culture in history than the leader bonus. Setting the map to standard and leaving the default settings unchanged, I clicked the fateful “Start Game” button, not knowing the journey on which I was about to embark.

January 8

This game started out relatively normally. My starting position was at the bottom of the map, near the ice. Fortunately, there were the luxury resources furs, pearls, and gold all nearby, within reach of two cities. Sending out my warrior to explore, I founded Rome. I then chose to produce a monument, and to research archery. The next few turns flew by as I discovered ruins, where my warrior unit was upgraded to a spearmen unit, and finished my Monument. I set Rome to produce a Scout unit to find the other civs faster, and sat back in my chair as the AIs and barbarians took their turns. Real-world time seemed suspended as I eagerly governed the development of my fledgling empire. Only when I had entered the Classical Era did I remember to try out the 3D device that my friend had lent me.

Tearing myself away from the screen, I picked up the strange device. It consisted of a large, google-like contraption and plain, unadorned headphones. Strange, though, was the stretchy band with clear plastic bumps that was clearly meant to be worn on top of the head. The entire device was primer black, and had no branding of any kind except for the whirling, fiery logo of Firaxis airbrushed in orange-yellow on the front of the googles.

“I may as well give it a shot,” I said, plugging in the USB cord to my computer and donning the unusual headgear.

January 10

Tearing myself away from the screen, I picked up the strange device. It consisted of a large, google-like contraption and plain, unadorned headphones. The strange feature, though, was the stretchy band with clear plastic bumps that was clearly meant to be worn on top of the head. The entire device was primer black, and had no branding of any kind except for the whirling, fiery logo of Firaxis airbrushed in orange-yellow on the front of the googles.

“I may as well give it a shot,” I said, plugging in the USB cord to my computer and donning the unusual headgear.
The screen inside the goggles was entirely dark.
“Maybe I there is a connection problem between the computer and this device,” I said, leaning forward to unplug the USB cable from my MacBook Pro.
Suddenly, the screen lit up. Flashing colors swirled and pulsated centimeters from my eyes as the headphones emitted a throbbing electronic sound. Becoming dizzy and disoriented, I lurched forward, reaching for the table in front of me. Instead of a hardwood tabletop, however, I felt only air. With a gasp I began to lean into my chair as the lights and sounds reached a feverish pitch. When I had made contact with the back of my chair, I noticed that if felt hard and cold, more like a slab of stone than a wooden piece of furniture. Before I had time to collect myself, the screen was black again.

January 12

“Strange,” I muttered. “This must be a problem with the…”
Before I could finish my sentence, the screen flashed white, and then faded to black. I began to hear sounds of conversations and discussions seemed to be coming from the room around me, although they were mixed with the usual in-game Civilization soundtrack.
“This is getting weird,” I said nervously, reaching blindly for the USB cable that connected my computer and the headset. As I extended my hand, however, I felt nothing at all. I could not even seem to find the table that my computer was resting on. I noticed the conversations growing steadily louder.
“Lets make our barbarian neighbors go extinct,” said a gruff voice.
“Antium needs a worker to improve nearby tiles,” a cultured woman’s voice suggested.
Before I had time to process these comments, the screen of the googles fully came on. I blinked as I took in the surprising sight before me. Instead of the usual “normal view” that I expected to see, what I actually saw was an ornate, ancient-looking room filled with people who all were staring eagerly at me. Looking around in shock, I noticed that I was seated on a throne, and was clothed in a purple robe fit for an emperor. I observed four important-looking personages sitting on low chairs immediately before my throne. The first of these four was a woman with brown hair, clothed in a flowing red and yellow dress.
“She must be my economic advisor,” I realized. The next advisor was clad in metal armor, with his sword at the ready. His face was stern and unflinching, and exuded a noticeable air of authority. I soon guessed that he must be my military advisor. After him, a woman with a light shade of purple on her dress captured my attention. I surmised that she was my foreign advisor. Finally, I saw my scientific advisor, a long, lean man with glasses, who carried a scroll.
Behind my four advisors I saw a crowd of 23 citizens, each of whom seemed to await my orders.

January 13

Trying to hide my surprise, I began commanding my underlings, using the same strategy I normally used to play civ.
“Begin producing a Legion in Rome,” I said with as much of an air of authority as I could muster. Over a third of the assembled men saluted and talked in hushed voices to each other. “I want Antium to construct the Hanging Gardens,” I continued, my confidence growing. The detachment of citizens from Antium nodded in ascent. “Governor,” said I, indicating an important-looking man who stood at the front of the men from Antium. “Make sure that your citizen management aligns with the production focus,” I concluded. The governor bowed crisply. Relaxing a little, I sat back in my chair, pleased with myself. This immersive headset was certainly more powerful than I would have ever guessed. After about a minute, however, I noticed that the people were still standing in front of me, as if they were waiting for something else.
“Well,” I asked, “what other instruction do you want?” No one responded audibly, but each turned towards the corner of the room to the right of my throne. For the first time I noticed and blue glow emanating from that portion of the room. Striding briskly over to the source of the illumination, I saw a giant “Next Turn” button fixed on a raised pedestal. As I pushed the button firmly, my followers sprung into action, hurrying off to their cities. “This new way to play civ isn’t so bad after all,” I thought smugly to myself.

January 14

As the game progressed, I leveraged my resources to make myself the dominant empire in the game. Since I had already connected ivory, pearls, and gold to my trade network, in addition to completely abstaining from warfare, I had 15 total happiness. Because of this surplus, I decided to found two new cities, Cumae and Neopolis, placed in strategic locations to link more horses and iron to my trade network. I also made sure to locate these cities on hills, so that they would be harder to conquer militarily.
Now that I had my cities in order, I began to build my diplomatic relations. The scouts that I had told to auto-explore discovered several Indian cities directly south of Neopolis, so I decided to meet with their leader, Ghandi, in person. He seemed a magnanimous man, eager to please, so I suggested that we exchange opened borders and research agreements. After he accepted, I suggested a trade of dyes for spices, which would trigger “We Love the King” day in my capital. When he agreed to this, I requested a defensive pact, hoping to further cement our friendship. Ghandi agreed, and I felt confident in his sincerity. Once again, I was a new player then, and I had no idea of the treachery of certain AI personalities.

January 16

I worked on editing my Civilization story, and I rewrote the lyrics to a classic song:

“Proud To Be An Christian”
If tomorrow all the things were gone I’d worked for all my life,
And I had to start again with just my children and my wife.
I’d thank my God, for His awesome love for me,
‘Cause the cross still stands for freedom and they can’t take that away.

And I’m proud to be an Christian ’cause at least I know I’m free.
And I won’t forget the man who died, who gave that right to me.
And I’d gladly stand up next to you and defend Him still today.
‘Cause there ain’t no doubt that Christ saved me, may I serve the LORD well

From the lakes of Minnesota, to the hills of Tennessee,
across the plains of Texas, from sea to shining sea,

From Detroit down to Houston and New York to LA,
Well, there’s pride in every Christian heart,
and it’s time to stand and say:

I’m proud to be an Christian ’cause at least I know I’m free.
And I won’t forget the man who died, who gave that right to me.
And I’d gladly stand up next to you and defend Him still today.
‘Cause there ain’t no doubt that Christ saved me, may I serve the LORD well

January 17

January 20

In a few minutes, immediately after I had once more pressed the giant, glowing “next turn” button, a eager citizen tapped me on the shoulder.
“Excuse me, sir,” he said respectfully, but with veiled eagerness. “Antium has completed the production of the Hanging Gardens!”
“Excellent,” I said, smiling at my loyal underling. “I will come see this great wonder myself.” The citizen from Antium led me out of my throne room, along a dirt road. In less than a minute we arrived in Antium, and as its jubilant people threw open the gates and ushered me into the city, I made a mental note to find out which luxury resource Antium demanded, and acquire it through trade.
Deep in my thoughts, I did not look up for several seconds. When I did, my mouth dropped open and I inadvertently gasped. There, before me, was a towering building, a lofty structure composed of elegant pillars of white marble, bubbling fountains, and gorgeous green foliage everywhere.
“So this is the Hanging Gardens,” I said in awe, to no one in particular. In addition, a quick check to the constantly-updated diplomacy listing revealed that this wonder had catapulted Rome into first place.
When I returned to my throne room in my capital, I made sure to check in with my advisors. My military advisor seemed satisfied, saying that our military was close to or bigger than that of the other civs in the game. My foreign advisor, as always, was concerned about our rate of exploration (to find all players in the game).
“We need to produce more exploration units,” she said impatiently. Setting aside our concern, I waited to hear my economic and scientific advisors.

January 22

“Cumae has pearls in the water that we are not currently utilizing,” the woman in red and gold (my economic advisor) said. “We should built work boats to take advantage of this resource.”
“We are making 76 science with our population of 30,” said the scientific advisor. “Now that’s efficiency!”
Satisfied that my empire was moving in the right direction, I contentedly pressed the next turn button. As I did so, a notification popped up, informing me that I “am now in the medieval era.” I watched my citizens work meditatively, pondering my future moves. Although I had decided not to attempt a military victory, I chose to build up my strength through unit production to protect against the inevitable invasion that would surely come from at least one AI civ.
“How much gold are we making each turn?” I asked my economic advisor, wondering how many units I could afford to maintain.
“Currently, our per-turn income is 94 gold,” she said confidently. “Since our expenses total 36 gold, we add +58 gold each turn to the treasury.”
“Thank you,” I said. Now my plans became clear. I would produce several more legions, and accelerate the research of techs that could upgrade my military.

January 24

{It is a late night at the police compound. The Janitor sits in his cell, sipping from a yellow mug as an officer walks by. When the Janitor sees that the officer is distracted, he pulls out a key and begins silently unlocks it. As the two officers walk past, the Janitor slips out of the door and begins to run. We see a security camera’s light turn red as it tracks his movement}

{The scene cuts to a meeting in the police barracks. The three main characters (the chief and his two underlings) are sitting together at a table in the main room, which is the dispatching center and also the place were the security cameras are monitored}

Chief: This year so far has been relatively crime-free. It’s so much better than that year when we had to spend months tracking down Mr. Schmill, aka The Janitor.

Bob: Yeah, whatever. Harwin Schmill was just like any other criminal

Billy: {laughs, watching funny videos on his computer and not listening}

{alarms sound}

Random cop 1: Uhhhhh… Chief? *points to monitor which shows the Janitor escaping*

Chief: Thats… not good. Mobilize all units. Let’s stop him before he gets out of the complex

{We see the Janitor running down a hall. As he rounds a bend, he takes out one cop and then sees another firing at him. Turning around, he disassembles another cop before using his grappling gun to fire over a wall. As more cops arrive, the Janitor flips over the wall, landing on the grass that is on the other side. He quickly hides behind an old stone structure.}

{The camera shows the Janitor hiding behind the stone wall, and the police looking for him, to no avail. On policeman walks right past the Janitor but does not see him}

Random Cop 2: {talking into radio} I don’t see anyone around here

{The scene cuts back to the command room}

Random cop 1: We searched thoroughly, but found no trace of him.

Chief: Bill and Bob, we’ll have to track him down. I’ll take an unmarked car into LEGO city, where he is headed; I want you guys to review the the case file I put together for him this morning very thoroughly, and then join me. Most likely, he is going to pretend to be a Janitor, like he did last time. Remember, Harwin Schmill is a master of disguises and deception; you’ll need to have a good understanding of his criminal past to track him down.

{Scene cuts to alley outside the restaurant. we see Harwin Schmill putting his prison suit in a trash can and walking into the restaurant. As he walks in, we see him grab a broom and begin sweeping the floor in the main restaurant area. He walks near a table where two businessmen are talking and overhears this conversation:}
Biz. 1: I’m serious! I have $100,000 cash in these two briefcases; all I want from you is 10% equity. Trust me, you won’t regret making this deal.

Biz. 2: No deal

Biz. 1: I’ll even throw in…

Biz. 2: I’ve told you already, I don’t want to give up any equity in the company. Besides, I’m well off financially as it is.

Biz. 1: {angrily} fine. I’ll take my money and leave

{he walks out the door while the second businessman stays seated. The Janitor follows him into the alley.}

Janitor: We can do this the easy way, or the hard way. Give me the money or I’ll disassemble you before you can even think “911”

{business guy hands over briefcases. The janitor casually walks inside and the the business guy runs away}

{Scene cuts back to police station command center}

Bob: So, it looks like we’ll have to start all over to hunt down this guy. Let’s look at his case files.

Bill: Sounds good

Bob: {glances at files} Oh yeah, this is the guy who pretends to be a Janitor, then he beats people up or takes their benjamins. I remember this stuff from two years ago when we brought him in here last time.

Bill: Shouldn’t we read all of the information that our chief left? Maybe he added some additional stuff that is more relevant now.

Bob: Nah. If we don’t, I’ll be more efficient, and you’ll be have more time to watch funny videos

{scene cuts to outside of restaurant. Chief arrives and takes a seat, looking around to spot the janitor. He soon notices him, and when the chief sees the janitor follow someone into the alley, he discreetly stalks the janitor and look outside just as the janitor disassembles someone. The chief ducks back inside and radios the command center}

Chief: {radioing} Bob, can you meet me ASAP? I’ve found the Janitor and I’m about to make an arrest, but I need backup. I’m sure he’s still got a few tricks up his sleeves. Also, as you pull up, keep an eye out for the Janitor’s car. If you deflate the tires, he won’t get far

Bob: Sure, I’m on my way.

Chief: And Bill, I want you to drive to the house that is listed in the case file as a probably hideout location for Harwin Schmill. He might flee to there if Bob and I don’t catch him immediately.

Bill: {not paying attention, watching youtube videos} Hahaha

Chief: Bill!!! Did you hear me?

Bill: Yeah, sure. I’ll get in the car

{Bob and Bill leave. Random cop 2 walks over to the table and picks up the case material left behind by Bob}

Random cop 2: Oh wow. This picture shows Harwin Schmill’s getaway car. That could be very useful.

{Scene cuts to restaurant}

Chief: {radioing} Are you almost here, Bob? I’m about to make the arrest.

Bob: Yeah, I’m just pulling up

{Bob parks in between two other cars, one of which is the Janitor’s. Bob gets out of his car and pulls out a knife.}

Bob: I wonder which of these cars is the Janitor’s? I only glanced at the photo in the case file, and I don’t remember any specific details. Hmmmmm. This one looks fancier, so I’ll bet the other one is his. {walks over to the wrong car and cuts up its tires}

{Back inside}

Chief: {radioing} Bob, I’m going to make the arrest. Guard the alley in case he tries to flee that way

{The chief approaches the Janitor with handcuffs, but the Janitor escapes, sprinting out the side door into the alley. When Harwin sees Bob, he turn around and runs back inside, bowling over the chief who is not expecting the Janitor to come back in. The Janitor goes out the front door, and the two policeman give chase. Harwin Schmill then hops in his car and zooms away.}

Chief: Did you not puncture the tires?

Bob: Well, I slashed up some tires pretty good, but apparently not the right ones.

Random guy: AHHHHHH!!!! what happened to my car????

Chief: {disgusted} Head back to base and study the case files. You clearly aren’t prepared for this assignment.

{Scene cuts to Bill, who is driving in his cop car}
Bill: What am I supposed to be doing? I don’t remember. {he calls the chief on the radio} Hey chief, remind me again where I should be going.

Chief: Nothing has changed since we last talked. You’re supposed to be heading towards the Janitor’s hideout. I’m trailing him right now, and it looks like he is headed there.

Bill: Where is his hideout?

Chief: I told you, the address is in the case file. Don’t you have it with you?

Bill: Well, ummm… I left it back at base

Chief: Do you at least roughly remember where it is?

Bill: I think so, yes. Is it near the movie theater?

Chief: Yes. Head there and the house is right across the street.

{Chief chases the Janitor in a car through traffic}

Chief: {through radio} Where are you now?

Bill: I’m at Retro’s Drive In Theater. I don’t see any houses, though

Chief: WHAT?!?!?!? His safe house is near the Palace Cinema, not Retro’s drive in! That’s in the complete opposite direction! Anyway, I’m arriving now and the Janitor appears to be going in, so I’ll have to follow him. I’ll send you my location and you can plug it in your GPS.

{Chief sees the Janitor go into the seemingly abandoned house. As he walks in a few seconds later, he no longer sees the Janitor. Just as he is about to turn around, the janitor jumps out and sneak attacks, slicing off his arm with a sword/dagger. A fierce fight ensues, and just as the now one-armed chief is getting the better of it, the janitor scurries off into the house and the chief leaves.}

epilogue:
{The chief walks out of the house towards his car. Meanwhile, Bill arrives and as he is pulling up, he sees the chief.}

Bill: Oh, hi chief. {sees that chief’s arm is missing} Wait, what happened to your…{Bill isn’t paying attention and he crashes into the back of the chief’s car}

Chief: *sigh* I see we have some work to do if we want to bring the janitor to justice

January 26

(today I talked with Dad and rewrote the script in many places)

The Janitor 3 by greenbrickfilms

{It is a late night at the police compound. The Janitor sits in his cell, sipping from a yellow mug as an officer walks by. When the Janitor sees that the officer is distracted, he pulls out a key and begins silently unlocking the door. As the two officers walk past, the Janitor slips out of the door and begins to run. We see a security camera’s light turn red as it tracks his movement}

Chief: This month so far has been relatively crime-free. It’s far better than last November, when we had to spend so much of our time stopping Mr. Schmill, aka the “Janitor” and his horrible crime spree. *Possibly flash to headline or movie showing the Janitor’s misdeeds*

Bob: Yeah, whatever. Harwin Schmill was just like any other criminal

Billy: {laughs, watching funny videos on his computer and not listening}

{alarms sound}

Random cop 1: Uhhhhh… Chief? *points to monitor which shows the Janitor escaping*

Chief: What? I just finished compiling the information from the detectives for his court case. We can’t let him get away now!!! Mobilize all units. Let’s stop him before he gets outside!

{We see the Janitor running down a hall. As he rounds a bend, he takes out one cop and then sees another firing at him. Turning around, he disassembles another cop before using a grappling line and hook to prepare to scale the wall to the outside. As more cops arrive, the Janitor flips over the wall, landing on the grass that is on the other side. He quickly hides behind an old stone structure.}

{The camera shows the Janitor hiding behind the stone wall, and the police looking for him, to no avail. One policeman walks right past the Janitor but does not see him}

Random Cop 2: {talking into radio} I don’t see anyone around here

{The scene cuts back to the command room}

Random cop 1: We searched thoroughly, but found no trace of him.

{A week later}

Chief: Bill and Bob, we’ll have to track him down. I’ll take an unmarked car into the city, where he is likely headed; I want you guys to review the information that I compiled from the detectives, and then join me. Most likely, he is going to pretend to be a Janitor, like he did last time. Remember, Harwin Schmill is a master of disguises and deception; we’ll need to thoroughly understand the intel we have on him to be successful.

Biz. 1: I’m serious! I have $50,000 cash in this briefcase; all I want from you is a 10% equity stake. Trust me, you won’t regret making this deal.

Biz. 2: No deal

Biz. 1: I’ll even throw in…

Biz. 2: I’ve told you already, I don’t want to give up any equity in the company. Besides, we’re fully financed; you’re too late

Biz. 1: {angrily} fine. I’ll take my money and go

{he walks out the door while the second businessman stays seated. The Janitor follows him into the alley. He brandishes broomstick}

Janitor: We can do this the easy way, or the hard way. Give me the money or I’ll disassemble you before you can even think “911”

{Business guy hands over the briefcase. The business guy runs away and the janitor casually walks inside}

{Scene cuts back to police station command center}

Bob: So, it looks like we’ll have to start all over to hunt down this guy. Let’s look at the files that the chief has put together from the detectives.

Bill: Sounds good

Bob: {glances at files} Oh yeah, this is the guy who pretends to be a Janitor, then he beats people up or takes their Benjamin Franklins. I remember this stuff from three months ago when we caught him.

Bill: Isn’t there a lot more information from the detectives that we didn’t look at last time? The chief says they got of lot of intel about his hideouts, getaway cars, and other tips. According to the chief, we kind of got him on a fluke before, but there’s other important stuff to know.

Bob: Nah. I don’t need any extra help.

{Scene cuts to chief, who is walking into the restaurant}

Chief: {on radio, to Bob}: I’m working on a tip at the Millerville Cafe. I need backup, when you get here we’ll make an arrest. Keep an eye out for the Janitor’s car. Don’t let him get away.

Bob: Sure, I’m leaving now

Chief: And Bill, stake out Harwin Schmill’s main hideout. He might flee there if Bob and I don’t catch him immediately. Call me when you are in position.

Bill: {not paying attention, watching youtube videos} Hahaha

Chief: Bill!!! Did you hear me?

Bill: Yeah, sure. I’ll get in the car

{Scene cuts to restaurant}

{The chief walks in the door and goes up to the manager}

Chief: {talking to manager} Excuse me, sir; do you have a janitor at this establishment? 911 calls have indicated that someone was robbed at broompoint in the alley outside.

Manager: Uh, no… Wait, who is that guy?

Chief: That’s our man

Chief: {radioing} Are you almost here, Bob? I’m about to make the arrest.

Bob: Yeah, I’m just pulling up

Chief: {radioing} Bill, are you near the Janitor’s house yet?

Bill: {talking through the radio} Actually Chief, I was about to ask you where exactly I should be going.

Chief: Nothing has changed since we last talked. You’re supposed to be heading towards the primary hideout. I’m about to make the arrest, and if he escapes I need you to be there for support.

Bill: Where is his hideout?

Chief: The address is listed in the file. Don’t you have it with you?

Bill: Well, ummm… I left it back at base

Chief: Do you at least roughly remember where the hideout is?

Bill: I think so, yes. Is it near the movie theater?

Chief: Yes. Head there and the house is right across the street.

{Bob parks in between two other cars, one of which is the Janitor’s. Bob gets out of his car and pulls out a knife.}

Bob: I wonder which of these cars is the Janitor’s? Hmmmmm… {walks over to the wrong car and cuts up its tires} That ought to do it

{Back inside}

Chief: {radioing} Bob, I’m going to make the arrest. Guard the alley in case he runs

{The chief approaches the Janitor with handcuffs, but the Janitor escapes, sprinting out the side door into the alley. When Harwin sees Bob, he turns around and runs back inside, bowling over the chief who is not expecting the Janitor to come back in. The Janitor goes out the front door, and the chief policeman gives chase as Bob hangs out by what he thinks is the janitor’s car, ready to make an arrest. Harwin Schmill then hops in his real car and zooms away.}

Chief: You let him get away!!!

Bob: {sheepishly} Well, I slashed up some tires pretty good, but apparently not the right ones.

Random guy: AHHHHHH!!!! what happened to my car???? Help, police! Somebody slashed my tires!!!!

Bob: {drops knife} Ummmmm…. we’re chasing the criminal now. {runs to chief}

Chief: {disgusted} You slashed the… ughhhh. How could you make that mistake? That wasn’t even the right vehicle! The detective files clearly called out the Janitor’s primary getaway car. Head back to base and study the updated files. You clearly aren’t prepared for this assignment.

{Scene cuts to Bill, who is driving in his cop car}

Chief: {through radio} Where are you now?

Bill: I’m at Retro’s Drive In Theater. I don’t see any houses nearby, though

Chief: WHAT?!?!?!? His safe house is near the Palace Cinema, not Retro’s drive in! That’s in the complete opposite direction! I got to go.

{The chief walks out of the house towards his car. Meanwhile, Bill arrives and as he is pulling up, he sees the chief.}

Bill: Oh, hi chief. {sees that chief’s arm is missing} Wait, what happened to your…{Bill isn’t paying attention and he crashes into the back of the chief’s car}

Chief: *sigh*. We’re definitely going to have to be work as a team if we are going to catch this guy

January 27

The sun was setting as we trudged through the rotting sea grass out into the warm water. My seven fellow scouts and I tried to ignore the awful stench from the sargasm (as this dead plant was called) as slowly waded towards a very small floating dock about 400 yards from the shore. We were two days into our Out Island Adventure in the Keys at the Florida Sea Base, and already my crew from Troop 340 was thoroughly enjoying the adventure. Tonight, we carried long fishing roads and a bait cooler in our attempt to catch wild sharks.

After arriving at the dock and crowding aboard, we baited our hooks and let down a chum bag into the water to attract the sharks. As our Island Mate instructed us in the techniques of shark catching, we took turns casting our lines out into the dark water and hoping for a bite. The sun had completely vanished, and we felt very isolated on the open water, with no sound except for the occasional breeze coming from the ocean. The sharks, though, were not particularly hungry, and in the first few minutes our team noticed very few bites. Unbeknownst to us, however, a very different kind of animal was about to attract our full attention.

“What’s that?” asked Mr. McCullough, an adult leader, pointing to a glowing greenish cloud that had suddenly lit up in the water. We all looked, and saw the the light in the water slowly fade away.

“I wonder what caused that,” someone mused aloud.

January 28

Assuming this strange occurrence to be a temporary anomaly, we attended to our fishing (sharking, actually) line. As I looked at the water directly in front of me, however, I observed a tiny insect-like creature, comparable to an underwater firefly, rising from the depths.

“Look at this,” I said excitedly, pointing to the greenish glowing speck in the water. We leaned precariously over the edge of the floating dock, watching the spiraling, bioluminescent creature draw closer to the surface. It seemed to stay still for a minute, then pulsate a few times. In a second, we saw another greenish light approaching with rapid speed. The two lights, both brilliant green (although one seemed a bit yellower) spun around together in a tight dance, drawing closer and closer together. Suddenly, they vanished, and in their place a glowing cloud of green graced the water.

“Those are Bermuda Fireworms,” our Island Mate explained. “They normally live on the bottom of the ocean, but at certain times during the year, they rise to the surface to mate.”

We then looked out across the water, and saw tens, probably hundreds of these creatures brightening the water with a colorful explosion of green, giving us a spectacular natural fireworks show. Pyrotechnic experts do an excellent job with traditional fireworks on land, but personally, I much prefer God’s Bermuda Fireworms.

January 29

The Unexpected Underwater Light Show

The sun was setting as we trudged through the rotting sea grass out into the warm water. My seven fellow companions and I tried to ignore the awful stench of the Sargasm (the dead, smelly plant) as we slowly waded towards a very small floating platform moored 400 yards from the shore. We were two days into our Out Island Adventure in the Keys at the Florida Sea Base, and already our crew of eight was thoroughly enjoying the adventure. Tonight, we carried long fishing roads and a bait cooler in our attempt to catch sharks.

After arriving at the dock, we baited our hooks and listened to our Island Mate’s instructions. The sun had completely vanished, and we felt very isolated in the dark on the open water, with no sound except for the occasional breeze coming across the ocean all around us. The sharks, though, were not particularly hungry for the bait that we offered. Unbeknownst to us, a very different kind of animal was about to attract our full attention.

“What’s that?” someone asked, pointing to a glowing, greenish cloud that had suddenly lit up in the water. We all looked, and saw the light in the water slowly fade away.

Assuming this strange occurrence to be a temporary anomaly, we attended to our fishing (sharking, actually) lines. As I looked at the water directly in front of me, however, I observed a tiny insect-like creature, comparable to an underwater firefly, rising from the depths.

“Look at this,” I said excitedly, pointing to the greenish glowing speck in the water. We leaned precariously over the edge of the floating platform, watching the spiraling, shining creature draw closer to the surface. It seemed to stay still for a minute, then pulsate a few times. In a second, we saw another greenish light approaching rapidly. The two lights, both brilliant green (although one seemed a bit yellower) spun around in a tight dance, drawing continually closer together. Suddenly, they seemed to vanish, and in their place a cloud of emerald light exploded from a hidden source, shimmering in the clear water. The bioluminescent cloud’s diameter was about twelve inches, and it lasted for only a few seconds before disappearing.

“Those are Bermuda Fireworms,” our Island Mate explained. “They normally live on the bottom of the ocean, but very rarely, on a select few days of the year, they rise to the surface to find a mate.”

We then looked around, and saw hundreds of these creatures brightening the sea with colorful eruptions of radiant green, a spectacular natural laser show. Disney World has their own interesting light show, but personally, I much prefer the spectacular Bermuda Fireworms.

Creativity Labs