Thursday, September 30, 2010

Episode 84

The Mutual Broadcasting System brings you another episode of Life in Hyperion.

Today's episode: "An Act of Love", Part 3

Yesterday, Cy and company joined Polly and the Sidewinders for their all-day rehearsal for Polly's upcoming gig at Tom's Place.  Cy managed to tell Polly about his discovery about Renee.  Polly, as a typical Christian, said the usual things about homosexuals, with Cy countering that Renee and Stacy are in love, which is no sin.  Cy then said that he was forming a plan to help Renee.
As we begin, the day has again passed from Hyperion...

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That night, Cy lays in his easy chair, half asleep waiting to see if Renee sneaks out again. Sure enough, around midnight, Cy hears the closing of the bedroom door. He then sees the outline of Renee sneaking out of the front door. Around 3:00 am, Renee sneaks back into the house.

"Hello, lady." says a gruff voice in the darkness.

"Mr. Burroughs?" says Renee.

"Otherwise known as Cy Scott." says Cy as he turns on a light.

"I had a feeling that was you." says Renee.

"Now, you know, and now I know." says Cy.

"You're the kind of guy I thought you were." says Renee.

"My mother was an actress. That alone should have triggered any thought that she might have passed her talent down to me." says Cy.

"The way you act, I thought you might not use it." says Renee.

"You're right, I don't. My mother told me never to follow in her footsteps." says Cy.

"Hardly a redeeming quality in a New Yorker." says Renee.

"I haven't lived in New York since March of 2005, and that's a long time ago." says Cy.

"Do you ever plan on going back?" asks Renee.

"Sometimes." says Cy.

"New Yorker!" says Renee.

"Watch it. Don't wake up Liberty." says Cy, pointing to the dog, sleeping by the easy chair.

"You care more about that dog than me." says Renee.

"I care about you as a person." says Cy.

"You know what I am." says Renee.

"And I accept you regardless, and I wanna help you." says Cy.

"Why do you wanna help me?" asks Renee.

"Because I help other people, no matter who they are." says Cy.

"You don't wanna help me as a person." says Renee.

"You are a person, no matter what some people say." says Cy.

"How can you help me?" asks Renee.

"How about telling me what's causing you to awaken me in interesting fashions?" asks Cy.

"Because you're a New Yorker." says Renee.

"And that means that one is very responsible for your pain." says Cy.

"His name is Al and he's Stacy's boyfriend." says Renee.

"Does she go both ways?" asks Cy.

"She used to, until Al showed his New York colors." says Renee.

"What do you mean?" asks Cy.

"Me and Stacy used to go together. We were in love. Then, Al came in and threaten me to no end. Then, he told me to get out or he'll kill me." says Renee, breaking into tears.

"He sounds very mean." says Cy.

"And you're a New Yorker, just like him." says Renee.

"Don't put every New Yorker in the same pile. I live there for 15 years and I found every type of person there." says Cy.

"There's no difference." says Renee.

"There is every bit of difference." says Cy.

"You're lying, like the New Yorker you are." says Renee.

"I didn't lie about my mother. I would never do that." says Cy.

"Your devotion to your mother knows no bounds, it seems." says Renee.

"She taught to think of others first, and I always do." says Cy.

"Then where are the pictures of loved ones?" asks Renee.

"Because I don't have any right now." says Cy.

"You have that silly Joanne." says Renee.

"I haven't gotten around to her picture yet." says Cy.

"Stop lying. All you New Yorkers are alike." says Renee.

"In my life, I've never seen a city with more differences than New York." says Cy.

"Liar! You're nothing but a self-centered liar who uses his mother to hide his true feelings." says Renee.

"Trust me when I say, I'm nothing like that, and by the way, don't ever drag my mother down. She raised me for twenty-one years the best she could and you have no idea what she was like." says Cy.

"Maybe you're right about your mother, but I'm right about you." says Cy.

"The same goes for me. You have no idea who I am." says Renee.

"I have every idea who you are." says Renee.

"Just trust me." says Cy.

"It's hard to trust you." says Renee.

"Because of Al?" asks Cy.

"He just abuses Stacy. She's a sack of nothing in his eyes." says Renee.

"Well, it's not like Al has made good on his promise." says Cy.

"Tonight, he came in to find Stacy and found us two together." says Renee.

"Well, he's an abuser. He needs his victim." says Cy.

"He took out a gun tonight and promised to shoot me if he found us together again." says Renee.

"From the way he sounds to me, I don't doubt he'd pull the trigger without a second thought." says Cy.

"The two of us were planning my birthday when he found us." says Renee.

"Your birthday?" asks Cy.

"This Monday. I turn 24." says Renee.

"Birthdays to some people are very important." says Cy.

"Why does he do that?" asks Renee.

"Do what?" asks Cy.

"Abuse the people they love." says Renee.

"There is no reason to abuse anyone. It's an illogical thing that needs getting rid of." says Cy.

"And why does he go after me?" asks Renee.

"Because an abuser, when they select their target, always look out for things that would interupt the abuse. A guy like him is surrounded by thugs as a means of protecting himself." says Cy.

"You're right. Three guys act as his bodyguards." says Renee.

"He's probably has given them the same command he gave you." says Cy.

"And there's no way I'll see Stacy again." says Renee, who then runs away to her room, sobbing.

"Not if I can help it." says Cy to himself.

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Tomorrow, Polly has her gig, a plan moves forward, and a relationship takes a sharp turn into an area it needs to go.
 
Join us, won't you?
Yours truly, John Maxwell.
 
A production of WGN Chicago.  All rights reserved.

Wednesday, September 29, 2010

Episode 83

The Mutual Broadcasting System brings you another episode of Life in Hyperion.

Today's episode: "An Act of Love", Part 2

Yesterday, we began our eighth serial of the series with Cy finishing up relating his discovery that his boarder Renee is a homosexual and that she is love with a girl named Stacy Castle.  After he finished, he was interupted by a phone call from Tom Morgan, who asked if Polly could perform there that Saturday, which he accepted.
As we begin today, Cy has gathered the members of the Sidewinders and Polly for an all-day rehearsal...

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That afternoon, Cy, Conrad, and Joanne have gathered at 214 Third Street, where Polly and the Sidewinders are rehearsing for their Saturday gig at Tom's Place. Conrad has joined the group on his banjo. As they rehearse, Cy and Joanne watch from the line of chairs.

"They sound great today." says Joanne.

"That they do." says Cy.

"And Conrad's really playing." says Joanne.

"I asked him to join them because I need to hear a bigger sound." says Cy.

"Why do you need a bigger sound?" asks Joanne.

"Because I'm thinking of making a demo album of Polly and I need more than the Sidewinders." says Cy.

"Where are you gonna get the money?" asks Joanne.

"I think I'll ask my secretary." says Cy.

"I'll see about that." says Joanne as Polly, the Sidewinders, and Conrad finish their song.

"That was great." says Cy.

"I think we need some more rehearsal." says Polly.

"We have aww night." says Elmer.

"That we do." says Cy.

"I'll think I'll sit the next song out." says Conrad, putting his banjo down.

"After all that picking, your fingers must be tired." says Joanne.

"I do feel a slight cramp in them." says Conrad as he takes a seat next to Cy and Joanne.

Polly and the Sidewinders then launch into another song as the three of them look on.

"Cy, I forgot to ask you, how's your new boarder?" says Joanne.

"Renee? Let me tell you." says Cy.

"Here we go." says Conrad.

"Quiet. Anyway, it seems that Renee has a slight dislike for me." says Cy.

"She hit you with a newspaper." says Conrad.

"Twice, to wake me up. Then, the following day, she tried to bash my head in with a baseball bat." says Cy.

"What happened?" asks Joanne.

"Well, I found that each of these wake-up calls was proceeded by Renee sneaking out of my house. So, I decided to follow her, with the help of a disguise." says Cy.

"And a bit of those inherited acting skills." says Joanne.

"Anyway, I followed her to Tom's Place. There, she was met by a woman." says Cy.

"A friend of hers?" asks Joanne.

"A really close friend." says Conrad.

"How close, Cy?" asks Joanne.

"Very close, as in me and you." says Cy.

"You're kidding?" asks Joanne.

"No, I have been living with a female homosexual, and don't say the word often used for it, for it's also a citizen of a Greek island, and I don't wanna hear it mangled." says Cy.

"I can't believe it." says Joanne.

"Believe it. Through my acting skills, I managed a quick conversation with this other woman. Her name is Stacy Castle and it seems that these two are in love." says Cy.

"That must be, if she's so distressed after meeting Stacy, Renee would wanna kill you." says Joanne.

"Can you understand what I need to do?" asks Cy.

"I can't." says Polly, stopping the rehearsal.

"Polly, have you been ease-dropping?" asks Cy.

"Just a little, but I heard enough." says Polly.

"Remember what you said, Conrad, about those people who don't see it the same way as me?" asks Cy.

"Yes." says Conrad.

"Polly is one of those people." says Cy.

"I can't believe you would rent out a room to one of those people." says Polly.

"I didn't know when I rented, and the room was free." says Cy.

"Good thing it's free. I don't wanna hear you spending on them." says Polly.

"They are people, Polly, no matter what your book says." says Cy.

"Didn't your mother teach you anything?" asks Polly.

"Yes, she taught me not to judge people, or you yourself will be judged." says Cy.

"Homosexuality is a sin, and you should know better, Cy." says Polly.

"I do know better. I know better than to slander good people." says Cy.

"They're not good people." says Polly.

"Just because of two lines in a book?" asks Cy.

"You're speaking of the Bible, Cy. Don't say anything bad about it." says Polly.

"I would never say anything bad about it. Besides, we're not talking about a sin." says Cy.

"That is what homosexuality is." says Polly.

"Love is not a sin, and I know love when I see it." says Cy.

"She nearly killed you, Cy." says Polly.

"Because something must have happened to Stacy to set her off." says Cy.

"You have to ask about that thing. What is causing all of this?" says Joanne.

"You're right, Joanne. I must look into it." says Cy.

"A sin is a sin, Cy, no matter how you look at it." says Polly.

"Love is no sin. I know that fact very well." says Cy.

"Believe what you will, Cy, you'll never convince me." says Polly.

"And I don't plan to. Another thing my mother taught me was to respect what people believe. You may not like it yourself, but you must give it its due, for that is what keeps us together." says Cy.

"At times, Cy, I wish people could hear what you say." says Polly.

"Any comparsions in order?" asks Cy.

"No one can compare to Him." says Polly.

"Well, I learn from the best." says Cy.

"So, what's your plan?" asks Conrad.

"And can I join in?" asks Joanne.

"Well, the first thing is to confront Renee and get her to talk about it." says Cy.

"And how are you gonna do that?" asks Conrad.

"Just trust me. I know what to do." says Cy.

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Tomorrow, a midnight meeting takes place for Cy, and a plan soon rolls downhill, which starts an adventure that he will never forget.
 
Join us, won't you?
Yours truly, John Maxwell.
 
A production of WGN Chicago.  All rights reserved.

Tuesday, September 28, 2010

Episode 82

The Mutual Broadcasting System brings you another episode of Life in Hyperion.

Today's episode: "An Act of Love", Part 1

Yesterday, we ended our seventh serial of the series with Cy having a talk with Renee and her friend Stacy, and discovering that the two are, in fact, lovers.  The next day, Cy then begin to relate his discovery to Conrad and Phil, which is where we begin our eighth serial today...

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"Wait a minute? You mean, your new boarder is a homosexual?" asks Conrad.

"It's a surprise to me, but I accept it." says Cy.

"So, tell me, did you learn about that other woman?" asks Phil.

"I did. Her name is Stacy Castle and she looks very beautiful. I can see why Renee would love her." says Cy.

"Did you talk to her?" asks Phil.

"I actually, disguising my voice and saying I was Dallas Burroughs." says Cy.

"Did they catch on?" asks Conrad.

"They did not, although I think Renee was starting to. When I saw that, I got out of there." says Cy.

"So, why all the secrecy? Why not just tell you?" asks Phil.

"Because many people don't understand like I do." says Cy.

"Plus, I think a New Yorker besides Cy must be involved in this somewhere." says Conrad.

"My line of thought exactly. There's a force keeping these two apart." says Cy.

"It's hard to find a cause when part of this town wouldn't approve of this love connection." says Phil.

"I do, and I'll see to it that this connection stays connected." says Cy.

"Says Cy the Crusader." says Conrad.

"What are you saying now?" asks Cy.

"Maybe these two shouldn't be together if they're being driven apart." says Conrad.

"Darlene and Thomas are together despite your efforts." says Cy.

"Don't use that for an example." says Conrad.

"Okay then." says Cy.

"You're just dropping that?" asks Conrad.

"I have bigger things to attend to and have no need of this tired argument." says Cy.

"That's the spirit." says Phil.

Just then, the phone rings. Cy rushes over to it and picks up the receiver quickly.

"Hello?" asks Cy.

"Mr. Scott, you have a phone call." says Loni.

"Patch it in." says Cy.

"Okay." says Loni.

"Hello?" says the voice of Tom at the other end.

"Tom? What are you calling me at this time of the morning?" asks Cy.

"I need a favor from you." says Tom.

"It depends on the favor." says Cy.

"It's about Polly." says Tom.

"I feel that this call is about work for my client." says Cy.

"You feel correctly. Since you are Polly's manager, I feel it best to run this by you. My patrons want to hear Polly again." says Tom.

"She's a hit?" asks Cy.

"She's a star, and I need her to shine on Saturday." says Tom.

"This Saturday?" asks Cy.

"Can you pull it off?" asks Tom.

"I can do it. I thrive on challenge. I'm an Aries." says Cy.

"See you Saturday, then." says Tom, who then hangs up.

"Who was it?" asks Conrad, walking over.

"It was Tom. Polly's has a gig this Saturday." says Cy.

"You gotta work fast." says Phil.

"Watch my smoke." says Cy, who then starts dailing a number.

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Tomorrow, a rehearsal with music turns into a debate with words that define the concepts of love, sin, and the Almighty, all of which have interesting outcomes for Cy.
 
Join us, won't you?
Yours truly, John Maxwell.
 
A production of WGN Chicago.  All rights reserved.

Monday, September 27, 2010

Episode 81

The Mutual Broadcasting System brings you another episode of Life in Hyperion.

Today's episode: "In With The New", Part 7

Last week, Cy had problems adjusting to life with his new boarder, Renee.  The major problem ended up being morning attacks on Cy with a newspaper, which caused him to worry that his life was in danger.  Finally, taking a cue from his mother's life, he don a disguise and call on the acting skills within him to follow Renee to Tom's Place, where Cy makes an interesting discovery.
As we begin, a mysterious visitor is about to decend on a couple...

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"Excuse me, ladies." says Cy in a gruff voice.

"Who are you, good sir?" asks Stacy.

"I'm... Dallas. Dallas Burroughs. May I sit at this table?" says Cy.

"Yes, you may, Mr. Burroughs." says Stacy.

"Thanks. You know, I was sitted over there and I couldn't help but notice you two and your kiss. When I saw that, I said to myself, 'I better see the reason for that.'." says Cy.

"Must you know?" asks Renee.

"Relax, Renee. He seem trustworthy." says Stacy.

"You mind sharing the logic behind that kiss?" asks Cy.

"It is what you think." says Stacy.

"That you two love each other the same way a man and a woman love each other?" asks Cy.

"That's right, Mr. Burroughs." says Stacy.

"Do you have a problem with that?" asks Renee.

"I don't. I believe that love is for everyone of us and shouldn't be rationed to a lucky few." says Cy.

"You sound very worldly." says Stacy.

"I am, Miss... " says Cy.

"Castle." says Stacy.

"Well, with a name like that, I bet you're a strong-willed type." says Cy.

"That I am." says Stacy.

"Is that all, Mr. Burroughs?" asks Renee.

"That answers all my questions. Sorry to have troubled you." says Cy as he gets up from the table.

"I hope to see you again, Mr. Burroughs." says Stacy.

"I'm sure you will." says Cy, who then gets up from the table.

"He seems very nice." says Stacy.

"And very familiar." says Renee.

Cy makes his way out of the place and makes his way back home. When he arrives, he removes his disguise, puts it away, and makes his way to his easy chair, where he drifts off to sleep, hoping to head off the wake-up call at the pass.

The next morning, Cy makes his way to WHYP and the green room. When he arrives, he finds both Phil and Conrad. Conrad is playing another game of pinball and Phil is reading a magazine.

"Good morning, people." says Cy as he enters.

"Good morning, Cy." says Conrad, keeping his mind on the game.

"Good morning, Phil. I see you're in a happy mood." says Phil, putting down his magazine.

"That's because I have news." says Cy.

"What kind of news?" asks Phil, walking over to where Cy is standing.

"I think I may have solve the problem I have with my boarder." says Cy.

"What problem?" asks Conrad.

"Well, I might as well tell you. My new boarder Renee seems to have a dislike for me." says Cy, walking over to the pinball machine.

"And you're so easy to get along with." says Conrad.

"I hear sarcasm in that statement." says Cy.

"That's right." says Conrad.

"Conrad, Renee seems to have this dislike of New Yorkers, calling them stupid and only thinking of themselves." says Cy.

"And how do you know this?" asks Conrad.

"Because she woke me up two days in a row swatting me with a newspaper." says Cy.

"That does mean something." says Conrad.

"And then, she nearly killed me with a baseball bat." says Cy.

"That's serious." says Conrad, ending the game he was playing.

"Each time I stopped her, she would break into sobs and run away." says Cy.

"Something must be affecting her." says Conrad.

"Also, she has been sneaking out at night, and I suspect that something was happening because the beatings would follow afterwards." says Cy.

"Knowing you, you had to look into it." says Conrad.

"I did, with the help of a disguise beard and outfit, due to the nature of the investigation." says Cy.

"And what did you find out?" asks Conrad.

"I followed Renee to Tom's Place. There, Renee had a meeting with another woman." says Cy.

"A friend of hers?" asks Conrad.

"A really close friend, if you know what I mean." says Cy.

"How close?" asks Phil, walking over.

"Like two people in love." says Cy.

"You mean... " says Phil.

"That's what I mean." says Cy.

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Tomorrow, we begin our eighth serial of the series by continuing onward from Cy and his discovery of his boarder's love life, with plenty of opinions, as always.
 
Join us, won't you?
Yours truly, John Maxwell.
 
A production of WGN Chicago.  All rights reserved.

Friday, September 24, 2010

Episode 80

The Mutual Broadcasting System brings you another episode of Life in Hyperion.

Today's episode: "In With The New", Part 6

Yesterday, Cy, after receiving another attack from Renee, decided to tell his mother's life story, to answer a question from Renee if she was a New Yorker like him.  After the story was done, little had changed, althought Cy might rule victory as his mother is safe from Renee's attacks.
As we begin today, another day has passed...

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That night, Cy lays asleep in his easy chair. This time, he is deep in slumber. As he sleeps, Renee once again sneaks out of her room and makes her way to the front door. She soon makes it out the door.

The morning arrives once again. As Cy lays sleeping, he himself stirs from his slumber, as he feels something in the air. He opens his eyes. They take a moment to focus but when they do, he spies Renee, armed with a baseball bat over her head, aimed at his.

"Die, New Yorker, die." says Renee.

Renee then swings the bat forward and Cy stops it just in time.

"What are you doing?" asks Cy as Renee puts the bat down.

"I can't believe you New Yorkers, going after a loved one like that." says Renee.

"This is an argument that I have no idea what the other side is." says Cy.

"I know perfectly well what the other side is, seeing how you New Yorkers stick together and talk to each other and warn each other." says Renee.

"Okay, for my sake, let's just say I know what you're talking about. You mind giving me names?" says Cy.

Renee then breaks down into a sob and runs away once more, leaving Cy to ponder the conversation.

Some time later, Cy makes his way to the green room. As he enters, he finds Phil and Conrad. Cy then makes his way over to Phil.

"Phil, I'm close to my deathbed." says Cy.

"Whatever do you mean?" asks Phil.

"This morning, I awoke to find Renee with a baseball bat, aimed at my head." says Cy.

"Seeing how you're still here, you stopped it in time?" asks Phil.

"But I may not be lucky tomorrow. I think that she snuck out again." says Cy.

"Then why don't you follow her and see the cause of all of this. If you do, you might stop the wake-up calls." says Phil.

"That's a fine idea." says Cy.

"I'm just full of them." says Phil.

"I gave you the material." says Cy.

That night, Cy lays in his easy chair, dressed in his own idea of a disguise. His disguise includes a fake beard and long leather overcoat with a neckerchief tied around his neck, although he is still wearing his own cowboy hat.

"I hope this get-up escapes notice." thinks Cy.

Soon enough, Cy hears the closing of Renee's front door. He soon turns on his side, looking towards the mantle, hoping to escape being noticed. He soon puts on a quick snore as Renee sneaks out the door.

Quickly, Cy leaps from the easy chair and makes his way to the front door. Quietly, he manages to leave without alerting Renee and Cy soon follows behind quietly, watching her every step.

The trail that Renee follows soon leads to Tom's Place. The current time might be about 1:00 am, but the place is full of the late Thursday night crowd. Renee makes her way inside and Cy follows suit, making sure that his arrival doesn't alert Renee. Cy soon makes his way over to the bar while Renee takes a table.

Several minutes past as Cy orders a beer and Renee orders nothing, while acting like she's waiting for something. While all this is going on, another woman enters the place.

Her very appearence is very interesting, with hair alternating between blonde and brunette. Her dress include a low neck-line shirt and blue jeans, almost sending mixed signals to those around her. The woman makes her way over to Renee's table.

"Renee, nice to see you." says the woman.

"Sit down, Stacy." says Renee to the woman, offering a seat.

"Once again, we meet at Tom's Place." says Stacy as she takes a seat.

"We have to, or risk death." says Renee.

"How are you with that Cy fellow?" asks Stacy.

"Well, today, he told me that his mother was a famous actress." says Renee.

"Maybe I've heard of her." says Stacy.

"Her name was Debralee Scott, I think." says Renee.

"Doesn't ring a bell." says Stacy.

"Well, after our last meeting, I was feeling a bit angry over what Al had done to you, so I decided to take it out of Cy again." says Renee.

"I still think you're quick to judge Cy based on his origin." says Stacy.

"According to him, he was born in Burbank." says Renee.

"I think I believe that." says Stacy.

"Anyway, I found a baseball bat and I almost hit him with it while he was sleeping." says Renee.

"I hope he woke up." says Stacy.

"He did. I tried to explain but I was too overcome again. Besides, I don't think he would be on my side if I told him." says Renee.

"There you go again, judging him too quick. Give him a chance." says Stacy.

"I roamed through that house of his. I think I judged him right." says Renee.

"Well, he must have some redeeming qualities." says Stacy.

"He keeps his mother's ashes on his mantle." says Renee.

"There, you see. He must love people enough." says Stacy.

"Only himself, it seems. I've yet to see a picture of a loved one besides his mother." says Renee.

"Does he have a loved one?" asks Stacy.

"He's mentioned someone named Joanne." says Renee.

"He does love someone." says Stacy.

"I've never met her, and for all I know, she's a figment of his imagination." says Renee.

"She must exist, to him." says Stacy.

"I'm telling you, he only cares for himself." says Renee.

"Whatever you say, Renee. I love you despite your nature." says Stacy.

"I just wish some people could see that." says Renee.

"Show me your trust in me." says Stacy.

The two then lean in and they give each other a kiss.

"Get the idea?" asks Renee.

"I did. I can't believe Al would drive us apart." says Stacy.

"He has no right." says Renee.

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Next week, our seventh serial comes to a close and our eighth one begins with Cy relating his discovery at hand and deciding to take action, to the opinions of those around him, including a surprise opinion from Joanne, of all people.
 
Join us, won't you?
Yours truly, John Maxwell.
 
A production of WGN Chicago.  All rights reserved.

Thursday, September 23, 2010

Episode 79

The Mutual Broadcasting System brings you another episode of Life in Hyperion.

Today's episode: "In With The New", Part 5

Yesterday, Joanne shared with boyfriend Cy her dreams of becoming a great teacher, to the happiness and memory of Cy, who feels that he's one step away from Welcome Back, Shulman.  Meanwhile, another rain of blows lands on Cy, who tells of the attack to Conrad and Phil, who give their comfort to a worried man.
As we begin today, the day has passed from Hyperion...

------------------------------------------------------------------------

Night soon decends on Hyperion and Cy ends up in his easy chair. As he lays there, he alternates between sleep and awake, keeping one eye open as he tries to slumber in peace.

"If I see something like a brick, run." thinks Cy.

Cy then manages to drift a bit off to sleep, but five minutes later, he is stirred by a door closing. He opens one eye and spies the figure of Renee, moving around in the dark, slowly and quietly.

"I wonder what she's doing up?" thinks Cy.

Renee sneaks her way past the living room as she walks her way up to the front door. Then, quietly, she opens the door slowly and when it is wide enough, slips out of it. She then closes the door behind her.

"That's an odd thing to do." thinks Cy.

Cy then begins to wonder why Renee has left in the middle of the night, but decides against following her. He then drifts back to sleep, quietly, with nary a worry on his mind, except one, how will Renee wake him the next morning?

The following morning, Cy lays asleep, quietly dreaming. As the sun pours its early light into the window and onto Cy, the newspaper comes down on him. Cy quickly stirs from his slumber to encounter the same scene from yesterday.

"Take that, you New Yorker!" screams Renee.

"Renee, stop this at once." says Cy.

Renee then stops her attack. She then tries to speak but break down into a sob and runs away.

"This has to stop." says Cy.

Some time later, Cy makes his way into the green room. As he enters, he is met by Conrad, standing by the door, waiting for him.

"Good morning, Cy." says Conrad.

"So, you decided to come into work this morning?" asks Cy.

"I had to, so let's not get into a fight." says Conrad.

"Right, and I'm gonna help by talking to Phil this morning." says Cy.

"He's in the control room." says Conrad.

"I'll see you in a few." says Cy, who then makes his leave.

"That was odd." says Conrad.

Cy makes his way into the control room, where he finds Phil looking into the studio, observing Barry and Terry once again.

"Good morning, Phil." says Cy as he enters the room.

"The same to you, Cy." says Phil.

"I need to talk to you about a matter of importance." says Cy.

"What do you wish to discuss?" asks Phil.

"Once again, my new boarder Renee." says Cy.

"How did she wake you today?" asks Phil.

"The same as yesterday, but this time, her anger was more directed." says Cy.

"In what way?" asks Phil.

"Apparently, she has some hook-up on New Yorkers." says Cy.

"I wonder why." says Phil.

"That's not all. As I tried to sleep and keep an eye out last night, I saw Renee sneak out of the house." says Cy.

"That is interesting. Do you have an idea on where she went?" says Phil.

"I don't know, but it sure stirred her into hitting me again, and she broke down before she could explain." says Cy.

"That's also interesting." says Phil.

"I keep thinking to myself that I will live with Renee but I don't know what she'll use tomorrow to wake me up." says Cy.

"Don't worry, Cy. I'm sure she'll get use to you." says Phil.

"I don't know about that." says Cy.

"Trust me." says Phil.

Some time later, Cy returns home and finds Renee, standing by the mantle, looking at the urn with Debralee's ashes.

"Good day, Renee. I realize I didn't get to say it this morning when you were using the newspaper as an alarm clock." says Cy as he walks up to the mantle.

"Tell me, Cy, was your mother a New Yorker like you?" asks Renee.

"That depends on the question." says Cy.

"Was she born there?" asks Renee.

"Close to it. Elizabeth, New Jersey." says Cy.

"The same thing." says Renee.

"Then she moved to a town called Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania. There, she spent the rest of her childhood." says Cy.

"Then to New York." says Renee.

"Then to San Francisco, California, where she was cast in her very first movie." says Cy.

"She was an actress?" asks Renee.

"I think I may have mentioned it. Anyway, it was the classic Dirty Harry." says Cy.

"As what?" asks Renee.

"The naked corpse they pull from the sewer." says Cy.

"That's interesting." says Renee.

"She was also Hotsie Totsie on Welcome Back, Kotter." says Cy.

"That was set in New York." says Renee.

"Then she was cast as Cathy Shumway, the sister to the world-famous and apathic Mary Hartman." says Cy.

"Who cares about that?" asks Renee.

"She didn't mean that, Mama." says Cy to the urn.

"When did she move to New York?" asks Renee.

"After she decided to end her career, in 1990. I was around then, having been born in Burbank, on April 15th, 1983." says Cy.

"I don't care about that, or anything you just said. All I care about is what a New Yorker you are." says Renee.

"Don't drag my mother into this. She raised me right." says Cy.

"That's what you say, you... New Yorker!" says Renee, who then leaves the room.

"I hope it won't affect how I wake up in the morning." says Cy.

----------------------------------------------------------------------
 
Tomorrow, the son of the actress Debralee Scott resorts to the familiar skills in order to learn the reason for the blows he's been receiving lately.
 
Join us, won't you?
Yours truly, John Maxwell.
 
A production of WGN Chicago.  All rights reserved.

Wednesday, September 22, 2010

Episode 78

The Mutual Broadcasting System brings you another episode of Life in Hyperion.

Today's episode: "In With The New", Part 4

Yesterday, Elmer turned in his notice and left.  Meanwhile, Cy learned that his girlfriend Joanne is a would-be teacher, who has applied for her first teaching job, as a sub at Hyperion High School. 
As we begin today, Joanne has left her job interview...

---------------------------------------------------------------------

As Joanne makes her way out of the school, she hears a whistle. She stops in her tracks and looks around and finds Cy, leaning up against the building.

"How did you know to find me here?" asks Joanne.

"I first went to the usual place and your brother told me you were here." says Cy.

"I guess you're wondering why I was in there." says Joanne.

"The thought had crossed my mind." says Cy.

"If you must know, I'm gonna be a teacher." says Joanne, who then continues walking.

"A teacher, as in one who shapes people's minds?" asks Cy as he gets underway behind Joanne.

"That's right, Cy." says Joanne.

"'Don't so hard at that stuff, Cy, or it will happen to you.'." says.

"Who said that to you?" asks Joanne.

"My mother, and she's right." says Cy.

"Just because I'm gonna be a teacher doesn't mean you should worry." says Joanne.

"Did you go away to college?" asks Cy.

"Yes, I did." says Joanne.

"Did you return to teach at the high school?" asks Cy.

"Yes, I did." says Joanne.

"Then welcome back, Joanne." says Cy.

"Cy, is there anything else you wish to talk about?" asks Joanne.

"I could talk about my new boarder." says Cy.

"What happened to Thomas?" asks Joanne.

"That will require a long story." says Cy.

"Just tell me the short one." says Joanne.

"Well, it turns out his mother is still alive and he went to live with her." says Cy.

"That's interesting." says Joanne.

"So, I decided to put an ad in the paper for a free room and I got a bite." says Cy.

"And does this bite have a name?" asks Joanne.

"Renee Wesner." says Cy.

"And how she is doing under your roof?" asks Joanne.

"Doing well, but I think something is off with her." says Cy.

"What do you mean?" asks Joanne.

"When I got home, she was looking at my painting and she was acting abrasive to me." says Cy.

"That's a little interesting." says Joanne.

"That's not all. Before I left, she told me that all New Yorkers are all alike, that all we care about is ourselves." says Cy.

"But that's not you at all." says Joanne.

"She thinks it is." says Cy.

"I wonder what caused her to get that point of view." says Joanne.

"Who knows? All I know is that I have to live with her now." says Cy.

"Why can't she move out?" asks Joanne.

"Because she says she has no choice." says Cy.

"It sounds like her life depends on living there." says Joanne.

"And that's not a safe route to take when living with someone." says Cy.

"You're safe, Cy." says Joanne.

"For how long?" asks Cy.

The next morning, at Cy's own house, he lays asleep in his recliner. In his dream, he thinks of Joanne, sitting down, dressed in an outfit out of a 19th-century French painting, with Cy, dressed the way he always is, with his head in her lap, looking up at her face, or he would be if his eyes weren't closed.

"Ah, Joanne, my life is trouble. That Barry & Terry give me fits." says Cy to the dream Joanne.

"I know, my dear Cy. You were a wonderful human being." says the dream Joanne.

"I wish I could be with you all the time." says Cy.

"What's stopping you?" asks the dream Joanne.

"I hold you so high. I can't ask you to step down from your pedestal." says Cy.

"I am your love, Cy. Treat as you please." says the dream Joanne.

Just then, Cy feels a hard sensation on the side of his head. This hit confuses him in his dream. He then feels another hit on his head. He then stirs out of his dream as he feels another hit in rapid succession. He then opens his eyes to find Renee standing over him, swatting him with the morning paper.

"What are you doing?" asks Cy.

"Oh, you're awake." says Renee as she stops her blows.

"You did a fairer job of it than my alarm clock." says Cy.

"You stupid New Yorker. How can anyone stand you?" says Renee.

"You're calling me stupid?" asks Cy.

"You all are. Your stupid accent and your stupid adtitude and your stupid clothes and your stupid way of treating people you love." says Renee, breaking into a sob as she runs away.

Some time later, Cy walks down the hallway at WHYP, holding the side of his head as he walks into the green room, in which he finds Phil, who is alone inside the room, pouring himself a cup of coffee as Cy walks up to the coffee pot.

"Good morning, Phil." says Cy.

"What's wrong with your head?" asks Phil.

"I had the most unusual encounter with my new boarder this morning." says Cy.

"How does that relate to your head?" asks Phil.

"I was dreaming a fine dream as I lay aslumber when I felt a hit on the side of my head." says Cy.

"That's interesting." says Phil.

"I managed to wake up, where I found Renee hitting me over and over with the paper." says Cy.

"Did she stop?" asks Phil.

"The minute I woke up. She tried to say sorry, but she launched into this thing about how stupid New Yorkers are." says Cy.

"That accent must get to her." says Phil.

"She's the first, truly, to let my voice get under her skin." says Cy.

"You better not let her hear your mother's voice." says Phil.

"That's a Jersey accent, and she had it until the day she died." says Cy.

"Did anything signal you as to why she was hitting you?" asks Phil.

"She did say that we New Yorkers treat stupidly the people someone loves." says Cy.

"The people someone loves? Must be a clue." says Phil.

"How can I know when I'm risking certain death now?" asks Cy.

"Whatever do you mean?" asks Phil.

"I mean, today the newspaper. What if tomorrow, she upgrades to a brick? I wanna live past 27." says Cy.

"Don't worry, Cy. I don't think she's gonna kill you." says Phil.

"Your life isn't in danger, so leave the worrying to me." says Cy.

"Whatever you say, Cy." says Phil.

"By the way, where's my faithful radio sidekick today?" asks Cy.

"He called this morning and said that he was taking a personal day." says Phil.

"I guess he decided that the only way to avoid the daily argument is to not come into work." says Cy.

"I hope he's here tomorrow." says Phil.

"Well, for today, you're my faithful radio sidekick." says Cy.

"I hope Mr. Gold doesn't notice my appearences and Conrad's disappearences." says Phil.

"He's too busy wheeling and dealing with donors and sponsors to notice what goes out on the air." says Cy.

"That is true." says Phil.

"Today, it's the usual Tuesday hum-drum." says Cy.

"I love the Tuesday hum-drum." says Phil.

"I'll even let you read any police announcments, if I see Officer Grace's name in them." says Cy.

"You're a great pal to have." says Phil.

"Tell that to Renee." says Cy.

"Maybe I will." says Phil.

----------------------------------------------------------------------
 
Tomorrow, more blows come to Cy, who, in an effort to disfuse the situation, tells his mother's life story.  A tale just waiting to be told.
 
Join us, won't you?
Yours truly, John Maxwell.
 
A production of WGN Chicago.  All rights reserved.

Tuesday, September 21, 2010

Episode 77

The Mutual Broadcasting System brings you another episode of Life in Hyperion.

Today's episode: "In With The New", Part 3

Yesterday, the week began with Cy telling Conrad and Phil about his new boarder Renee.  Conrad still voiced a negative opinion while Phil offered a positive spin on it.  Meanwhile, the cleaning stuff at the Hyperion Police Station: Thomas, Polly, and Elmer, took a vote on who would quit, seeing as the staff had grown too big at three.
As we begin, the winner of the vote, Elmer, has decided to get it over with...

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

Elmer then walks his way over to Chief McIntyre's officer, to which the door is close, so Elmer gives it a swift knock.

"Come in." says Chief McIntyre.

"Hewwo, Chief." says Elmer as he walks inside.

"Ah, Elmer, what business do you wish to discuss?" asks Chief McIntyre.

"Chief McIntywe, I'm quitting." says Elmer.

"Why?" asks Chief McIntyre.

"Because I feew that thewe awe too many peopwe on the job as it is." says Elmer.

"That sounds like something Polly would say." says Chief McIntyre.

"I came up with this decision without Powwy's hewp." says Elmer.

"Elmer, I think it's fair to tell you that I often turn the intercom on to hear what's going on in the other room." says Chief McIntyre.

"How much do you know?" asks Elmer.

"I heard the thing you three just did." says Chief McIntyre.

"Can I stiww quit?" asks Elmer.

"Yes, you can." says Chief McIntyre.

"Goodbye, then." says Elmer, who then leaves the room.

"How did it go?" asks Polly.

"It went weww." says Elmer.

"Goodbye, friend." says Thomas.

"Same hewe." says Elmer, who then picks up his fiddle case and leaves the police station.

"He was a good worker." says Thomas.

"He never pushed this mop the whole time he worked." says Polly.

"You never let him." says Thomas.

"Remember that." says Polly.

At Cy's house, Cy himself is returning home. As he walks inside, he finds his boarder Renee, staring at his dining room painting.

"Nice work of art, isn't it?" asks Cy as he walks into the dining room.

"It looks nice." says Renee in a passive way.

"Don't begrudge this painting because of who painted it." says Cy.

"Who cares who painted it?" says Renee.

"The woman who painted this once was split into 16 different and separate personalities as the result of abuse no child should go through. It took the work of a dedicated pyschiarist to put her back together." says Cy.

"I still don't care." says Renee.

"You know, you're acting a little rough towards me." says Cy.

"You New Yorkers are all alike! You care about no one but your own." says Renee.

"What did I say to get that?" asks Cy.

"Just leave it alone!" says Renee, who then leaves the room.

"I've gotta get out of this house." says Cy.

Cy then makes his way to the front door and exits the house. Outside, he stops and ponders his next move. He then makes up his mind and proceeds forward. He makes his way over to the Shulman house. When he arrives, he walks up to the front door and gives it a swift knock.

"Yes, sir." says Joe III as he opens the door.

"Yes, I'd like to see your sister, Joanne." says Cy.

"She's not here at this moment." says Joe III.

"Then where is she?" asks Cy.

"She's over at the high school." says Joe III.

"I'll just go, then." says Cy.

"Thanks for coming anyway." says Joe III as he closes the door.

"I wonder what Joanne's doing at the high school." says Cy, before he takes off in the direction of the high school.

Over at the high school, Joanne is sitted in the principal's office. She looks around at the collection covering the sides of the office. The theme looks to be all about cows, with many things covered in the black-and-white spotted color scheme that covers most bovines.

"Where is that principal?" asks Joanne to herself.

"I'm here." says the principal as he enters the office.

"Hello there, Mr. Nixon." says Joanne.

"Same to you, Miss Shulman." says Mr. Nixon, who is reading a folder as he takes his seat behind his desk.

"I see you're reading my file." says Joanne.

"Yes, Miss Shulman, and I must say it's an interesting one." says Mr. Nixon.

"You can see my degree." says Joanne.

"Yes, a grad of the University of Michigan. I like that very much." says Mr. Nixon.

"And you can see my school file as well." says Joanne.

"A good student, through and through." says Mr. Nixon.

"So, what do you think?" asks Joanne.

"What do I think?" asks Mr. Nixon as he puts the file folder down.

"That's what I said." says Joanne.

"Miss Shulman, I read your file and find that you are good enough to teach here. The problem here is, is there room for you?" says Mr. Nixon.

"What do you mean, Mr. Nixon?" asks Joanne.

"I mean, I've been having a teacher shortage, but those still here have doubled their efforts and I don't know if they would slow down, just for you." says Mr. Nixon.

"I'll try my best to fit in." says Joanne.

"Miss Shulman, I think the best way to get you into this school is to hire you as a substitute teacher and then see which teacher first breaks under the strain." says Mr. Nixon.

"That's an interesting way to hire someone." says Joanne.

"Not really. I mean, I've always wanted to try that, and now, I get my chance." says Mr. Nixon.

"I'll be a great teacher." says Joanne as she gets out of her chair.

"That's the spirit. I have your number to call if a teacher goes bananas." says Mr. Nixon as Joanne walks to the door.

"Remember me." says Joanne as she walks out the office door.

"She'll be good." says Mr. Nixon.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------
 
Tomorrow, an interested person in Cy learns of his girlfriend's teaching dreams and we learn that some dreams have a message in them.
 
Join us, won't you?
Yours truly, John Maxwell.
 
A production of WGN Chicago.  All rights reserved.

Monday, September 20, 2010

Episode 76

The Mutual Broadcasting System brings you another episode of Life in Hyperion.

Today's episode: "In With The New", Part 2

Last week, we ended our sixth serial and began our seventh.  As the sixth serial drew to a close, Cy got the idea to open his home to boarders, which caused a lot of talk from Conrad, who felt that the idea was Cy's way around loneliness, to which Cy denied.  Meanwhile, Thomas moved in with his mother and learned that life with a hippie isn't easy.
As we begin this week, Cy has let in his first boarder, a girl named Renee Wesner, and now, the weekend has passed...

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

The following Monday morning, Cy makes his way into the green room. As he enters, he is met by Conrad, holding two cups of coffee.

"Here's your coffee, Cy." says Conrad, holding out a cup.

"Thanks, Conrad. Where's Phil today?" says Cy.

"He's in the control room, overseeing Barry & Terry." says Conrad.

"Our feared rivals." says Cy.

"So, how's your hunt for a new boarder going?" asks Conrad.

"Better than I imagined. I actually got one." says Cy.

"Your ad was in the paper for one day and it worked?" asks Conrad.

"I guess I'm more lucky than I thought." says Cy.

"Same here." says Conrad.

"Her name is Renee Wesner and she is about Joanne's age, if not a little more." says Cy.

"What did you do to get her?" asks Conrad.

"Nothing. She accepted right away." says Cy.

"Did she say why?" asks Conrad.

"She told me that she had no choice." says Cy.

"Sounds interesting." says Conrad.

"Not really. I'm the only one offering a free room these days." says Cy.

"Cy, are you sure this whole thing isn't an attempt to get out of being lonely?" asks Conrad.

"Maybe a little. I mean, no person should be alone, ever." says Cy.

"Good wisdom there." says Conrad.

"My mother taught me well." says Cy.

"Did she see the urn?" asks Conrad.

"Yes, and she also saw the painting." says Cy.

"I can't believe you actually bought that thing." says Conrad.

"I bought for its beauty, not for who painted it." says Cy.

"Still, she's seen your surprises." says Conrad.

"I just hope she doesn't have any of her own." says Cy.

Down at the police station, Polly is busy mopping a section of floor, as both Elmer and Thomas stand by, watching the scene. The two men look on in deep thought.

"I can't bewieve that she's wowking wike this." says Elmer.

"Me, neither, Elmer." says Thomas.

"You think that she wouwd ask one of us to hewp hew." says Elmer.

"It doesn't seem like it." says Thomas.

"Maybe it's because they are three people working at cleaning the floor." says Polly.

"What's that suppose to mean?" asks Thomas.

"It means that this job began with one but somehow increased to three." says Polly.

"Weww, I was given the job without asking." says Elmer.

"And I was hired to replace you when your music career take over the job." says Thomas.

"Which means that, somehow, things have grown past a nice size." says Polly.

"What is a nice size?" asks Thomas.

"About one person." says Polly.

"That's not the point. The point is that this job was once worked by one person and now, three people work for one job, with two of those people work in the stead of the other." says Polly.

"That's being redundant." says Thomas.

"And that leads me to the person who responsible for all of this: Cy." says Polly.

"What's wrong with Cy?" asks Thomas.

"He had my uncle hire you to replace me, like I wasn't doing my job right." says Polly.

"Polly, you and Elmer must work on your music career." says Thomas.

"What career? So far, I've only had two gigs and four rehearsals. I wouldn't call that a career." says Polly.

"It will take off, just wait." says Thomas.

"That's what Cy keeps saying." says Polly.

"Well, I trust him." says Thomas.

"So do I." says Polly, taking a break from mopping and walking over to where Thomas and Elmer are.

"Guys, it's obvious that one of us needs to quit." says Elmer.

"And which one of us is that?" asks Thomas.

"The one pewson who has nothing to wose fwom quitting." says Elmer.

"That leaves me out." says Thomas.

"All three of us have nothing to lose from quitting." says Polly.

"That's a good point." says Elmer.

"Now, one of us has to go." says Polly.

"How do we chose?" asks Thomas.

"I have no idea." says Elmer.

"We must look into what do we have to lose and the one who has the least to lose has to quit." says Polly.

"Well, I need a means to support me and my mother." says Thomas.

"And I need to work until my record deal comes through." says Polly.

"I guess I'm the one with the weast to wose." says Elmer.

"Now the loser has to go into Chief McIntyre and hand in his resignation." says Polly.

"See ya water, guys." says Elmer.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------
 
Tomorrow, Elmer gives his two-weeks notice and Cy is too weak to notice a streak in his new boarder's personality.
 
Join us, won't you?
Yours truly, John Maxwell.
 
A production of WGN Chicago.  All rights reserved.

Friday, September 17, 2010

Episode 75

The Mutual Broadcasting System brings you the 75th episode of Life in Hyperion.

Today's episode: "In With The New", Part 1

Yesterday, we ended the sixth serial of the series with Conrad's discussion with Darlene over the loneliness that Cy must be feeling in order for him to go forward with his plan: to open his home to boarders.  Meanwhile, Thomas learned one too many new things about his mother when he learned about her nighttime wardrobe: nothing. 
As we begin today, the seventh serial of the series, we continue the storyline from yesterday as Saturday dawns on Hyperion...

---------------------------------------------------------------------

The next day, around noon, Cy is busy reading a book from his collection silently in his easy chair when he suddenly hears the doorbell ring.

"Applicant #1" says Cy as he gets out of his chair.

Cy walks his way over to the door and opens it to find a woman, about in her early 20s, with brown hair, and eyes to match, dressed very plainly and interestly and carrying two suitcases.

"I came here about the room." says the woman.

"Please come on in." says Cy, gesturing inside.

The woman then walks into the house and walks into the living room as she looks around her.

"Where's the room?" asks the woman.

Cy then takes off in the direction of the bedroom, being followed by the woman all the way.

"Here's your new home, if you so choose." says Cy.

"Just one room?" asks the woman as she steps inside.

"Is it not to your liking?" asks Cy.

"No, it will do." says the woman.

"Then you're gonna take it?" asks Cy.

"I have no choice." says the woman.

"Then it's a done deal. Gee, I'll tell you, I thought this would be a long process but you just decide to buy it after one look." says Cy.

"As I said, I have no choice." says the woman.

"Would you mind telling me your name?" asks Cy.

"Renee. Renee Wesner." says the woman.

"Now, if you please, I must give you a tour of the rest of the house." says Cy, leaving the bedroom.

"Is this really necessary, Mister... Mister... " says the woman, following behind.

"The name is Cyrus McLean Scott, or Cy as is preferred." says Cy, re-entering the living room.

"Mr. Scott, I don't think I need to see the house." says Renee.

"Call me Cy, and I think you need to get acquainted with my area of the world if you're gonna live here." says Cy as he walks up to the mantle.

"Mr. Scott... Cy, I don't need to see every little trinket in your life." says Renee.

"This, right here, is no trinket." says Cy as he takes the urn off the mantle.

"I'm no state to handle anyone's remains." says Renee.

"This urn contains the remains of my dear departed mother, and don't ever badmouth her." says Cy.

"Thanks for the notice." says Renee.

"Now, let us continue to the dining room." says Cy, putting the urn back and walking away from the mantle.

"Cy, please stop." says Renee.

"This is the dining room, a prime centerpiece." says Cy as he enters it, along with Renee.

"I don't need this." says Renee.

"You're right, Renee. Much of this tour is unnecessary, so we will forego the rest, as long as you gaze at this." says Cy as he points to a painting, hanging on the wall.

"What's so special about the painting?" asks Renee.

"It's special because of who painted it." says Cy.

"That's nothing special." says Renee.

"It is when you consider the very fact of its existence is interesting." says Cy.

"Do you mind foregoing the mystery and telling me about the painting." says Renee.

"It was painted by Shirley Ardell Mason." says Cy.

"So? What's so special about her?" asks Renee.

"She's known to the world by another name." says Cy.

"And what, pray tell, is that name?" asks Renee.

"She's known to the world as Sybil." says Cy.

"Sybil? As in that person with mulitple personalities?" asks Renee.

"That's right. I bought it back in New York when a gallery held a sell and some of her artwork was up for grabs. I found it interesting and bought it." says Cy.

"So, you are from New York?" asks Renee.

"My accent isn't put upon." says Cy.

"Thanks for telling me." says Renee, who then walks away.

"I can tell she'll be fun to live with." thinks Cy to himself.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------
 
Next week, Cy learns about life with his new boarder Renee is anything but a cakewalk, but that alone will lead Cy into an adventure he never planned, but aren't all adventures unplanned?
 
Join us, won't you?
Yours truly, John Maxwell.
 
A production of WGN Chicago.  All rights reserved.

Thursday, September 16, 2010

Episode 74

The Mutual Broadcasting System brings you another episode of Life in Hyperion.

Today's episode: "Out With The Old", Part 7

Yesterday, Conrad and Phil weighed in on Cy's decision to open his home to boarders.  Conrad himself shared concerns with both Cy and Darlene, to whom Conrad admitted that in Cy's mind, this plan is to combat the idea that people keep leaving him.   Cy then shares his opinion with the both of them. 
As we begin, we check back in on Thomas...

----------------------------------------------------------------------

Evening soon falls on Hyperion, and at 221-B Baker Street, Thomas sits down at the dinner table as Mary mixes up some food to eat in the kitchen.

"Dinner has finally arrived." says Thomas.

"Another wonder meal as mother and son." says Mary as she puts some food on a plate.

"I can't wait to see what I get to eat today." says Thomas.

"I'm bringing it now." says Mary as she walks out of the kitchen with two plates.

"I can't wait." says Thomas.

"Here you go." says Mary as she sets down Thomas' plate, a collection of fresh vegetables and fruit.

"This is dinner?" asks Thomas as Mary sits down with her plate.

"It's what I eat, and it's what you're gonna eat." says Mary.

"I guess I have to." says Thomas.

"I don't blame your reaction. You were raised on all that unhealthy food." says Mary.

"I enjoy steak." says Thomas as he fiddles with a piece of broccoli.

"I don't expect you to give up those foods. I just want you to eat what I eat, for a change." says Mary.

"My palate went with Cy's endless recipes." says Thomas.

"Does he cook?" asks Mary.

"All the time, but he's letting Joanne cook a few meals." says Thomas.

"It's really getting serious between those two. The first time he was here, he couldn't talking about that kosher meal she cooked up for him." says Mary.

"Same here." says Thomas.

"And those stories he told about his mother." says Mary.

"Can't get enough of them." says Thomas.

"You're barely listening to me. You're just gazing at that food." says Mary.

"I can't help it. I'm still getting used to it." says Thomas.

"This is your second day here." says Mary.

"And I'm sticking around." says Thomas.

"So pick up that piece of broccoli and eat it." says Mary.

Thomas then picks up the piece of broccoli and puts it in his mouth. After a few strained bites, Thomas swallows it down.

"There." says Thomas.

"That wasn't so bad, now, wasn't it?" asks Mary.

"Sure. Let's go with that." says Thomas.

"Tell you what. I'll let you go the store tomorrow and you can buy whatever you want." says Mary.

"With whose money?" asks Thomas.

"Yours, of course." says Mary.

"I'm sure I can buy whatever I need with pocket change." says Thomas.

"Don't be like that. I'm sure your job is doing fine." says Mary.

"I only do my job when Polly has to play." says Thomas.

"You'll get lucky when she gets lucky." says Mary.

"When will that be?" asks Thomas.

"Just eat your food, for me." says Mary.

"Okay." says Thomas, who then pops another piece of broccoli in his mouth.

"You're learning." says Mary.

Just then, the phone rings.

"I'll get it." says Thomas, getting up from his chair.

Thomas then rushes over to the phone and picks up the receiver.

"Hello?" asks Chief McIntyre's voice on the other end.

"Hello, Chief McIntyre." says Thomas.

"Thomas, I know you've just started working for me." says Chief McIntyre.

"I know that very well." says Thomas.

"And I'm still wanting to see how well you do your job." says Chief McIntyre.

"That is true, sir." says Thomas.

"So, I've decided to hire you full time here at the station." says Chief McIntyre.

"Just like that?" asks Thomas with surprise.

"I know it's sudden, but I feel that if I had you around whenever Polly's musical career came calling, I'd feel better about her having one." says Chief McIntyre.

"That does seem to be a valid reason, sir." says Thomas.

"You start here on Monday. Same rates apply." says Chief McIntyre.

"Thanks, sir. You don't know how grateful you made me." says Thomas.

"See you on Monday." says Chief McIntyre, who then rings up the phone.

"What did Chief McIntyre want?" asks Mary.

"He's decided to hire me full time at the police station." says Thomas.

"See? You're moving up in the world." says Mary.

Some time later, Thomas heads into the bedroom and walks his way over to his sleeping mat that Mary set up for him.

"My second night, and still no bed." says Thomas as he walks up to it.

"I'll do." says Mary, walking in behind him.

"Well, at least no more surprises once bedtime rolls around." says Thomas as he lays down on the mat.

"Not quite." says Mary.

"What surprise do you have up your sleeve tonight?" asks Thomas.

"I thought I would save this until the second night, after we've spent a full day together." says Mary.

"What surprise would require that?" asks Thomas.

"When I slept last night, I didn't feel right." says Mary.

"What must you do to feel right when you sleep?" asks Thomas.

"This." says Mary, who then starts removing pieces of her outfit, going on until nothing is left and nothing else is on.

"You sleep... without clothes on?" asks Thomas.

"I've done it for a long time, and I feel it helps me sleep my best, for it's how people should sleep." says Mary as she walks over to her sleeping mat.

"I'll keep my clothes on." says Thomas.

"I didn't expect you to join me in this." says Mary as she lays down on the mat.

"I guess all that left is to say good night." says Thomas.

"Good night." says Mary, who then drifts off to sleep.

Thomas then sits up on the mat as he thinks over the last two days. His eyes repeatly gaze over at the naked body of his sleeping mother and he decides to head out on the town. He then gets off the mat and makes his way of the apartment and the building .

He makes his way down to Tom's Place, where the Friday night crowd is beginning to gather. At one table sits a woman, crying into a newspaper, looking over the classified section, looking for something.
 
---------------------------------------------------------------------
 
Tomorrow, we begin our seventh serial of the series with a answer to a question asked out of loneliness and another question, whose answer is a mystery to be found.
 
Join us, won't you?
Yours truly, John Maxwell.
 
A production of WGN Chicago.  All rights reserved.

Wednesday, September 15, 2010

Episode 73

The Mutual Broadcasting System brings you another episode of Life in Hyperion.

Today's episode: "Out With The Old", Part 6

Yesterday, Thomas finally moved into Mary's apartment to live together as mother and son.  However, things got off on the wrong foot as Thomas has to wait for Mary to stop meditating for a proper greeting.  Meanwhile, Cy finally told Conrad and Phil what idea he had earlier.  As we begin, he has told them that he is opening his home to boarders...

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

"Have you lost your mind, Cy?" asks Conrad as he ends another game.

"No, I have not, Conrad." says Cy.

"But this sounds crazy." says Conrad.

"Just because something sounds crazy doesn't mean it is." says Cy.

"What's that suppose to mean?" asks Conrad.

"I mean, just because you wish your sister to remain frozen doesn't mean it's a crazy idea." says Cy.

"I know you don't mean that." says Conrad.

"How can I be sure of your sanity?" asks Cy.

"What makes you think I'm insane?" asks Conrad.

"I think you know already." says Cy.

"Yeah, and it's driving me nuts." says Conrad.

"See, you admit it." says Cy.

"Cy, can we get back to your idea?" asks Phil.

"Yes. As I was saying, I've decided to rent out the bedroom to boarders, in the same manner as I did to Thomas." says Cy.

"I don't know about that idea, Cy." says Phil.

"I do, Phil. It's Cy's attempt to end his loneliness." says Conrad.

"It's nothing like that. I just feel like I need to do this." says Cy.

"I know why you're doing, so drop it." says Conrad.

"How much are you charging for rent?" asks Phil.

"The same rate I charged Thomas." says Cy.

"But he didn't pay any rent." says Phil.

"And that's the brilliant part of my idea. I'm gonna rent out the room for free." says Cy.

"And that proves that this is nothing but an attempt to end your loneliness." says Conrad.

"Conrad, you must be pretty lonely yourself if you keep pointing that out. Don't you have a sister to help with that?" says Cy.

"I do, but we don't have to be together always." says Conrad.

"You're so much for Darlene to re-freeze that you've actually broken contact with her?" asks Cy.

"I have not broken contact." says Conrad.

"Then talk to her like the human being she is now." says Cy.

"I can't do that, not without thinking about the past." says Conrad.

"Then forget the past." says Cy.

"If you knew the past, you wouldn't say that." says Conrad.

"I've been wanting to know but you haven't been forthcoming with that information." says Cy.

"Because it's none of your business." says Conrad.

"So you'll just fight against this without giving me your side of the battle." says Cy.

"Guys, can't you go one morning with attacking each other?" asks Phil.

"I'm beginning to wonder that myself." says Cy.

Later that morning, Conrad makes his way over to the library. As he walks inside, he spies Darlene gathering some books off one of the reading tables. He then walks over to where she is as she begins walking away from the table.

"Darlene, I have to talk to you." says Conrad.

"Again? Can't you be silent on your own time?" asks Darlene.

"I must talk to you about Cy." says Conrad.

"A nice change of pace." says Darlene as she and Conrad arrive at the front desk.

"I'm beginning to think that he's losing his mind." says Conrad.

"Just because of what's happened to me?" asks Darlene.

"No, because of what's come up with today." says Conrad.

"What has he come up with?" asks Darlene.

"He's decided to rent out his bedroom to boarders for free." says Conrad.

"That is a little weird." says Darlene.

"I know that, Darlene." says Conrad.

"Well, maybe he's just trying something out." says Darlene.

"You don't understand, Darlene. The reason Cy's doing this is that people keep leaving him." says Conrad.

"What do you mean?" asks Darlene.

"First his father was never around long enough, so he was practically gone. Then, his mother's finacee died, his mother died, and now Thomas has moved out. Face it, people do have a habit of leaving him." says Conrad.

"You're still here." says Darlene.

"That's not the point. The point is that Cy's been alone for the past five years and that Thomas' departure compels him to do this stupid plan to get out of being lonely." says Conrad.

"Is that what you think, Conrad?" asks the voice of Cy, behind Conrad.

"I didn't see you back there, Cy." says Conrad, turning around.

"I saw you come here and I thought I should see how you're contacting Darlene today." says Cy.

"He's not doing a good job of it." says Darlene.

"Don't you have anything else to do?" asks Conrad.

"Not really." says Cy.

"Cy, why don't just admit it?" asks Conrad.

"This is not to get out of loneliness. It's just that I enjoyed having a boarder and I feel I should have another one." says Cy.

"I'm the only one who can see through that." says Conrad.

"See what you want, Conrad. My idea is sound." says Cy.

"Like your idea to have my sister drink an entire bottle of whiskey?" asks Conrad.

"I only said drink from the bottle. I didn't tell her to drink the whole thing." says Cy.

"But it was your idea!" says Conrad.

"Guys, this is a library." says Darlene.

"Keep it up, Cy, or I'll leave you, too." says Conrad.

"I'm not afraid of that, so find something else." says Cy.

"When do you expect your first applicants?" asks Darlene.

"I called it in yesterday and they put it in today's paper, so I think tomorrow." says Cy.

"I wonder who will answer it?" asks Darlene.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------
 
Tomorrow, the sixth serial of the series comes to a swift end as the fallout from Thomas' decision to move in with Mary finally hits him square.
 
Join us, won't you?
Yours truly, John Maxwell.
 
A production of WGN Chicago.  All rights reserved.

Tuesday, September 14, 2010

Episode 72

The Mutual Broadcasting System brings you another episode of Life in Hyperion.

Today's episode: "Out With The Old", Part 5

Yesterday, Cy shared Mary's decision to allow her son Thomas to move in with her with Conrad and Phil, who reminded Cy again of his upcoming return to loneliness.  Thomas then packed up his stuff and moved out, leaving Cy alone, who then got an idea.
As we begin, we check in on Thomas...

----------------------------------------------------------------------

Some time later, Thomas makes his way inside the Baker Street Apartments. As he walks inside, he stops and looks around at his new home. He then continues forwards and makes his way to the door of Apartment B. Thomas waits a minute before giving the door a knock.

"Come in." says Mary's voice from within.

Thomas then opens the door and walks inside. There, he finds Mary, sitting on the floor, meditating peacefully.

"Good morning, mom." says Thomas.

"Quiet. Put your stuff down and remain silent as I meditate." says Mary.

"If you say so." says Thomas.

"Quiet." says Mary as Thomas moves around the apartment, trying to put his stuff down.

"I can't seem to find a place." says Thomas.

"Just put it down." says Mary.

"Okay." says Thomas.

Thomas then does so and proceeds to find a place to sit down. He finds a place at the dining table. He then stares at Mary as she meditates.

Two hours later, Thomas remains sitted as Mary stirs from her meditation and gets up off the room. She then walks over to the dining table, where Thomas is fallen asleep from waiting.

"Wake up, Thomas." says Mary.

"What?" says Thomas as he awakens.

"I'm here." says Mary.

"Finally came back to planet Earth at last?" asks Thomas.

"Don't get it wrong. Meditation isn't anything like that." says Mary.

"I don't know anything about that." says Thomas.

"Maybe I could teach you about it." says Mary.

"I don't think I should." says Thomas.

"Your father didn't want to learn either, and that's one of the reason I left him." says Mary.

"I'm not like my father." says Thomas.

"It's true, and I know it, for you're my son." says Mary.

"Last week, I thought I was no one's son." says Thomas.

"Now that has changed and if we are to live together, I think we should learn together." says Mary.

"Learn what?" asks Thomas.

"Whatever we can together." says Mary.

"I wonder what we could learn." says Thomas.

"I ask myself the same question and I hope together we will find the answer." says Mary.

"Is that what you did during your meditation?" asks Thomas.

"Did what?" asks Mary.

"Think of all that?" says Thomas.

"As I told you, don't get meditation wrong." says Mary.

"Then why do you do it?" asks Thomas.

"Because it helps one's mind if one explores it without problem." says Mary.

"Isn't that what thinking's for?" asks Thomas.

"Thinking rarely helps in the exploration of one's mind, for it always questions itself. Meditation gets around the questions." says Mary.

"You actually sound like you know what you're doing." says Thomas.

"I do, because I've been meditating since I was born." says Mary.

"How did my father ever put up with you?" asks Thomas.

"I'll tell you later." says Mary.

"You don't expect me to meditate with you?" asks Thomas.

"Not now, but if you ever ask, join me." says Mary.

"I'll take that under consideration." says Thomas.

"Come on, let me show you where you're gonna sleep." says Mary.

"Okay." says Thomas as he gets up from his chair.

"Follow me." says Mary as she makes her way to the bedroom.

Thomas follows Mary to the bedroom, where she stands, pointing to a mat on the floor.

"What are you pointing at?" asks Thomas.

"That's your new bed." says Mary.

"I'm sleeping on the floor?" asks Thomas.

"It's very natural." says Mary.

"I don't know if I wanna sleep on the floor." says Thomas.

"Trust me. If you wanna live here, you have to follow my rules." says Mary.

"I know you're my mother now, because you're talking like one." says Thomas.

"I believe it's time for lunch." says Mary, who then runs out of the bedroom.

"I'm starting to question my judgement here." says Thomas.

The next day, at WHYP, Cy happily makes his way into the green room, where he finds Conrad and Phil in the same places they were yesterday.

"Good morning, Cy." says Phil as he walks over with a cup of coffee.

"Thanks for the coffee." says Cy as he takes the cup.

"Cy, you're happy today." says Conrad, playing away at the pinball machine.

"I am, and do you know why?" asks Cy.

"Please tell me." says Conrad.

"Well, I was thinking yesterday about Thomas' departure." says Cy.

"That's interesting." says Conrad, sarcastically.

"Just keep your pinball in play, Conrad." says Cy.

"Leave me alone." says Conrad.

"You invited that, my friend." says Cy.

"I'll try to avoid it for the rest of the morning." says Conrad.

"Get off my case this morning, Conrad." says Cy.

"Make me." says Conrad.

"I will." says Cy.

"Cy, get back to your original conversation." says Phil.

"Okay, I was talking to Liberty about my loneliness." says Cy.

"You were talking with Liberty?" asks Phil.

"Don't worry, Liberty was talking like a dog does, with barks and woofs." says Cy.

"You had me going there for a second." says Phil.

"Anyway, I was talking with Liberty when suddenly, I got an idea." says Cy.

"What kind of an idea?" asks Phil.

"I should seek out ways of ending my loneliness." says Cy.

"What a brilliant idea." says Conrad.

"Leave it, Conrad. Anyway, I went into my study and thought about it for a while and then, I found it." says Cy.

"Found what?" asks Phil.

"I've decided to rent out my bedroom to boarders." says Cy.

---------------------------------------------------------------------
 
Tomorrow, Conrad and Phil discuss Cy's idea, with plenty of negative opinion, mostly from Conrad, but then, what is new?
 
Join us, won't you?
Yours truly, John Maxwell.
 
A production of WGN Chicago.  All rights reserved.

Monday, September 13, 2010

Episode 71

The Mutual Broadcasting System brings you another episode of Life in Hyperion.

Today's episode: "Out With The Old", Part 4

Last week, we ended our fifth serial of the series with Thomas deciding that, since he now has a living relative in his mother, he should live with her.  Thomas soon shared this decision with her mother as the sixth serial of the series began, who, after some time, allowed Thomas the pleasure of moving in with her.  As we begin this week, the next day has begun and we make our way over to WHYP...

----------------------------------------------------------------------

The next morning quickly for Cy as he makes his way down the hallway to the green room. As he enters, he is spotted by Phil, who is walking over with a cup of coffee in his hands.

"Good morning, Cy. Here's your coffee." says Phil, handing the cup over.

"Thank you, Phil. You're a lovely intern." says Cy.

"So, how was your first night along in weeks?" asks Conrad, playing a game of pinball.

"That's tonight, I got a reprive yesterday." says Cy.

"How did that happen?" asks Phil.

"Well, Thomas went over to Mary's place and asked if he could move in. She told him that she would think about it and give her answer at dinner." says Cy.

"Sounds interesting already." says Phil.

"Mary then invited me and Darlene to that dinner." says Cy.

"Must be an important decision to include you two." says Phil.

"Anyway, the three of us then meet at Mary's place for a hippie dinner and her answer." says Cy.

"I can guess that her answer was yes." says Phil.

"You guess correctly." says Cy.

"You finally gonna be alone again, Cy." says Conrad, finishing up his game.

"I'm not gonna be alone. I have Liberty to keep me company." says Cy.

"A dog can't talk to you when you need it, Cy." says Conrad.

"At least I won't be lonely." says Cy.

"You mean, for long?" asks Conrad.

"What does that mean, Conrad?" asks Cy.

"It means that you will feel alone eventually, even with Liberty." says Conrad.

"I'll be happy, just the same." says Cy.

"Face it, you'd thought you had filled that void left by your mother's passing, but again, it's gone." says Conrad.

"Stop digging at my past, seeing how I can't dig at yours." says Cy.

"What does that mean?" asks Conrad.

"It means you keep mentioning something in Darlene's past that made her freeze and that's what you do when I ask you about it." says Cy.

"Because it's none of your business." says Conrad.

"Is that so?" asks Conrad.

"Guys, will this fighting over Darlene ever end?" asks Phil.

"I wonder that question myself." says Cy.

"Ditto. I don't know what to do." says Conrad.

"How about accepting it?" says Cy.

"Leave it alone, Cy." says Conrad.

"Leave what alone, Conrad?" asks Cy.

"You know what I mean." says Conrad.

"Do I?" asks Cy.

"Guys, quit it." says Phil.

"I guess we can once again hold our arguement until after the show." says Cy.

"We never get back to it after the show." says Conrad.

"Not going after it this time." says Cy.

The rest of the morning and the show soon pass and Cy makes his way home. When he gets there, he finds Thomas, making his way out of the front door with his belongings.

"Hello, Cy." says Thomas.

"Don't you mean goodbye, Cy?" asks Cy.

"I guess I do." says Thomas.

"Good thing you waited until I got home to leave." says Cy.

"I wanted to give you the chance to say goodbye." says Thomas.

"Goodbye then." says Cy.

"Take your time with this one." says Thomas.

"I don't know what to say." says Cy.

"Say something." says Thomas.

"Something." says Cy.

"You know what I mean." says Thomas.

"Thomas, I remember when you came to the green room a few weeks ago, looking for Phil." says Cy.

"And you met me, too." says Thomas.

"A lot of things happened to you here your first week back in Hyperion." says Cy.

"I tried to go back home and I ended up in jail." says Thomas.

"Where I bailed you out and gave you a home for a while." says Cy.

"And I'll never forget that." says Thomas.

"So why the disappearing act?" asks Cy.

"For the longest time, I felt I had no family to call my own. Now, I find I have a living mother and I own it to myself to move in with her and learn more about her." says Thomas.

"I guess I can't hold it against you for wanting that." says Cy.

"Tell the truth, if you found that your mother was still alive, would you move in with her?" asks Thomas.

"In a cold minute." says Cy.

"Now you see my point." says Thomas.

"I guess I do. Remember what I taught you, and what you plan to do." says Cy.

"I will." says Thomas.

"Maybe you and your mother can move back into that old house." says Cy.

"Maybe. Gotta go now." says Thomas.

"See you later." says Cy.

"Ditto." says Thomas, who then walks away.

Cy then makes his way into his house as Thomas walks his way down the street. As Cy enters, he spies Liberty, waiting for him.

"Hello, Liberty." says Cy.

"Arf!" says Liberty.

"Well, it's now just you and me." says Cy.

"Woof!" says Liberty.

"Just you and me and my mother." says Cy, gazing at the urn on the mantle.

"Woof!" says Liberty as Cy walks over to the mantle.

"Mama, I'm alone again. How do I become unalone again?" says Cy to the urn.

"Arf!" says Liberty.

"Thanks, Liberty, but I need human contact." says Cy.

Then, Cy gets an idea in his head. He looks over at the mantle, down at Liberty, and around the living room. Then, he grabs onto the idea and then runs into the study, along with Liberty.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------
 
Tomorrow, we learn what idea has entered Cy's head, and Thomas settles into his home, with a few pains along the way.
 
Join us, won't you?
Yours truly, John Maxwell.
 
A production of WGN Chicago.  All rights reserved.

Friday, September 10, 2010

Episode 70

The Mutual Broadcasting System brings you another episode of Life in Hyperion.

Today's episode: "Out With The Old", Part 3

Yesterday, Thomas managed to tell his mother that he was gonna move in with her.  Rather than answer right off, she told him that she would give her answer at dinner that night, and also invited Cy and Darlene to attend.  As we begin, evening has decended on Hyperion and Cy, Darlene, and Thomas have arrived at the Baker Street Apartments and Apartment B...

----------------------------------------------------------------------

Thomas slowly opens the door and the three of them step inside. As Cy walks inside, his nose detects an interesting smell in the air, reminding him of a certain plant as he takes it in. Meanwhile, Mary is standing by the dining table, with four settings already put down and filled with food.

"Wasting no time with the food, I see?" asks Thomas.

"Right on the money." says Mary.

"I smell that you spent some time elsewhere without going anywhere." says Cy.

"You have a very sentitive nose, Cy." says Mary.

"I had a few friends who take trips in this manner." says Cy.

"Cy, let's just sit down." says Thomas, making his way over to the dining table.

"Thomas, settle down. Let us take some lettuce before Mary imparts her decision." says Cy as he follows again, with Darlene doing the same.

All three and Mary sit down at the table and take a look at their plate, loaded with fresh veggies and fruit.

"Nice food." says Darlene.

"It's the hippie national diet, Darlene. Hers is a culture as well." says Cy.

"Very good, Cy." says Mary.

"When will give your decision?" asks Thomas.

"Thomas, can't I impart some dinner conversation on ourselves first?" asks Cy.

"What subject have you in mind?" asks Mary.

"I think I will impart my knowledge of the hippie culture itself." says Cy.

"And what knowledge do you have on my people?" asks Mary.

"Just that there are about three generations of hippies living today." says Cy.

"Interesting." says Darlene.

"And I know that you're a second-generation hippie, raised by those of the first generation. Of course, each generation adds its own cultural and tries their best to pass those on, while encouraging new traits." says Cy.

"Cy, I wanna hear what Mary has to say." says Thomas.

"Then I shall tell you." says Mary.

"What is your decision then?" asks Thomas.

"I've decided to let you stay with me." says Mary.

"That's great." says Thomas.

"But we must discuss this first." says Mary.

"Good idea." says Cy.

"You keep out of this." says Thomas.

"I think Cy should be involved. After all, it is Cy's house you will moving out of." says Mary.

"Thanks for including me on this." says Cy.

"No problem." says Mary.

"That's just great. I'm moving out and I need to consult you." says Thomas.

"You're moving out just in time, because cabin fever seems to have set in." says Cy.

"I agree with you, Cy." says Mary.

"Me, too." says Darlene.

"I guess I have no choice." says Thomas.

"What are your points on this, as we continue this strain of dinner conversation?" asks Cy.

"First, I wanna ask you if this request is based on really wanting to move or to move out?" asks Mary.

"Doesn't the last couple of minutes answer that question?" asks Cy.

"I wanna move in with you. Until a few days ago, I thought I was alone in the world." says Thomas.

"That's true. Next question, how will you live if you move in here?" asks Mary.

"What does that mean?" asks Thomas.

"It means that where will you sleep in here and how will you live." says Mary.

"I've got some work, filling in for the janitor at the police station." says Thomas.

"How often is this job?" asks Mary.

"Whenever her music career overtakes her job." says Thomas.

"What music career?" asks Mary.

"I guess this is where I jump in. The current janitor happens to be my client, Miss Polly McIntyre, future country music star." says Cy.

"I see, and when her career comes calling, Thomas steps in?" asks Mary.

"I got him that job after Chief McIntyre, her uncle, ask me to get a replacement as he felt that Polly was spending too much time on her career." says Cy.

"That's interesting." says Mary.

"Can we get back to the subject at hand?" asks Thomas.

"Okay. Next question: how soon can you move in?" says Mary.

"How about tomorrow?" asks Thomas.

"It's a deal." says Mary.

"Great. I guess tomorrow I'll be evicting you from my home." says Cy.

"I guess you will." says Darlene.

"Thomas, I'm officially evicting you from my home." says Cy.

"I accept those terms." says Thomas.

"Can we get back to Cy's topic that we started with?" asks Darlene.

"Well, I guess it would be nice, but I feel another topic coming on." says Cy.

"And what topic is that?" asks Mary.

"Your namesake, so to speak." says Cy.

"I don't think you've ever said anything about your mother's show that wasn't a point to be made." says Darlene.

"Well, since we're in the company of a Mary Hartman, we should talk about the Mary Hartman, who lives in Fernwood, Ohio with husband Tom and daughter Heather." says Cy.

"Do go on." says Mary.

"Well, where should I begin?" asks Cy.

"Maybe you can start with when your mother was hired." says Darlene.

"Well, that would take me back to 1974, to a small apartment in Los Angeles, Cailfornia. I believe it was another Cailfornia day... " says Cy as he begins to speak.

--------------------------------------------------------------------
 
Next week, Thomas finally moves out of Cy's home, who then makes a plan to combat loneliness, which will lead to a person, who will lead to an adventure, which will lead to...
 
Join us, won't you?
Yours truly, John Maxwell.
 
A production of WGN Chicago.  All rights reserved.

Thursday, September 9, 2010

Episode 69

The Mutual Broadcasting System brings you another episode of Life in Hyperion.

Today's episode: "Out With The Old", Part 2

Yesterday, we began our sixth serial of the series with Cy telling Conrad and Phil about Thomas' decision to move out to go live with his mother.  Both reminded Cy that he would alone again, while Cy defended himself, saying that new dog Liberty was company enough.  As we begin, we head across town from the WHYP green room...

---------------------------------------------------------------------

Inside Apartment B at the Baker Street Apartments, Mary is waking from her sleep, from her usual place, the sleeping mat in the bedroom, decorated the same as the rest of the apartment. As she awakens, she hears a knock on the door. Curious, she slowly makes her way to the front door, which she opens to find Thomas.

"Good morning, my son." says Mary.

"Good morning, mom." says Thomas.

"Please come in, Thomas." says Mary.

"Mom, I've got an idea I wanna share with you." says Thomas.

"Well, what is it, son?" asks Mary.

"I wanna move in with you." says Thomas.

"Already? We just got back together, Thomas." says Mary.

"I know this is sudden, but I feel I need to do this." says Thomas.

"Are you sure, Thomas?" asks Mary.

"I think I am." says Thomas.

"That's what your father said when he asked me to marry him." says Mary.

"It's nothing like that." says Thomas.

"It is, because I asked him to move in with me and he told me he wasn't gonna go that way." says Mary.

"I'm nothing like my father." says Thomas.

"Why not? You were raised by him and look where you ended up." says Mary.

"I made a few bad choices." says Thomas.

"Because your father never told you of the good ones." says Mary.

"It's my fault, not his." says Thomas.

"Give him some of the blame for what happened to you." says Mary.

"You still haven't answer my question." says Thomas.

"Let me think about it, Thomas." says Mary.

"When can I expect an answer?" asks Thomas.

"Tonight. I'll have you, Cy, and Darlene for dinner and I'll tell you my decision." says Mary.

"It's a deal." says Thomas.

A few hours later, as Cy enters his house, he finds the figure of Thomas, standing near the hallway that leads to the study. Thomas' appearence surprises Cy.

"I thought you were gone." says Cy.

"What made you think I was gone already?" asks Thomas.

"From what you said this morning, I felt you'd already were moved out." says Cy.

"I told you that I was moving out by the end of the week." says Thomas.

"You left here this morning, telling me that you were gonna ask Mary if you can move in with you." says Cy.

"That I did." says Thomas.

"And what did she say about it?" asks Cy.

"She told me that she would think about it." says Thomas.

"Did she tell you when she would have an answer for you?" asks Cy.

"Tonight, at dinner." says Thomas.

"I'd take it that she is inviting you over for another dinnertime meeting." says Cy.

"And she has invited both you and Darlene." says Thomas.

"And why not? The two of us helped in the reunion of a mother to her son." says Cy.

"Don't go overboard on this." says Thomas.

"I'll be a kind and gentle dinner guest, as always." says Cy.

"And so will Darlene." says Thomas.

"Speaking of which, I feel that my friendship with Conrad is starting to strain." says Cy.

"I thought it was already strained." says Thomas.

"It was taut, which is different from strained. At first, we just didn't see eye to eye, then we disagreed, and now, we're on opposite sides of this battle." says Cy.

"I still don't know you to follow." says Thomas.

"You should pick one, if you feel you're gonna continue dating Darlene." says Cy.

"I have to admit, me and Darlene's relationship is growing cold a bit." says Thomas.

"Is the ice re-forming?" asks Cy.

"No. Just that it's starting to lose its appeal." says Thomas.

"That happens. All relationships calm down." says Cy.

"I guess it's normal to feel like it was a fling." says Thomas.

"A fling? Is that how you see it?" asks Cy.

"I guess I do." says Thomas.

"Maybe it'll heat back up soon." says Cy.

"I hope so. I don't know if me and Darlene are meant to be together." says Thomas.

"You'll find out in time." says Cy.

The evening soon arrives in Hyperion, and over at the Baker Street Apartments, Cy, Thomas, and Darlene make their way inside the building itself.

"I wonder what Mary's answer will be." says Darlene as the trio make their way down the hallway to Apartment B.

"Ditto here, Darlene. I mean, this is a big decision, because it affects me." says Cy.

"You mean me, don't you, Cy?" asks Thomas.

"That's what I mean." says Cy.

"That's not an answer, Cy." says Thomas.

"It's all I have." says Cy.

"Guys, this decision that Mary is making is not something to be taken lightly." says Darlene.

"She's right, Thomas. I mean, you've nowhere else to live since you got back in this town, and now you do." says Cy.

"We don't know that yet, Cy." says Thomas.

"I know, but we must use every outcome to further our goal." says Cy.

"This is all mine, Cy." says Thomas.

"And the outcomes are yours, as well. Remember that." says Cy.

"I will, Cy." says Thomas.

"Here we are, guys." says Darlene as they reach the door.

"Once again, Thomas, you knock." says Cy.

"Okay." says Thomas, who then gives the door a good knock.

"Come in." says Mary's voice from inside.

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Tomorrow, another fateful dinner decends on 221-B Baker Street.  If only Sherlock Holmes was around to see his home a center of mystery again.
 
Join us, won't you?
Yours truly, John Maxwell.
 
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