Life in Hyperion

Episode 110

2010-11-05T14:30:00.001-04:00

The Mutual Broadcasting System brings you the final daily episode of Life in Hyperion.

Today's episode: "Why Not Your Baby", Part 8

Yesterday, Thomas arrived for dinner and saw that Darlene had dollied herself up for it. Meanwhile, Cy served up the dishes to be ate. The dish he made was one of his own design, one which he dubbed Chicken Debralee after his mother.
As we begin today, the dinner is about to become business...

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"Now, let's get down to the business at hand." says Conrad.

"What business at hand?" asks Thomas.

"The news." says Conrad.

"Can't we start eating?" asks Cy.

"We could." says Conrad.

"Good idea." says Cy as he puts a bite of food in his mouth.

"No, Conrad's right. I should tell you the news." says Darlene.

"What news?" asks Thomas as he swallows a bite of food.

"Thomas... I'm pregnant." says Darlene.

"What?" says Thomas after a moment of shock.

"I'm pregnant." says Darlene.

"Whose baby is it?" asks Thomas.

"Yours." says Darlene.

"Mine?" coughs Thomas as he tries to swallow another bite of food.

"Easy, Thomas. No use dying now." says Cy.

"Are you sure it's mine?" asks Thomas.

"You're the only man she's been with during the necessary period of time." says Cy.

"The only one, period." says Conrad.

"Darlene, why didn't you tell me earlier?" asks Thomas.

"Because she didn't wanting you leaving town." says Conrad.

"Conrad, keep out of this." says Cy.

"I wasn't sure how you would handle it." says Darlene.

"Darlene, I love you. You're the first one, besides Cy, to see more to me than an ex-con." says Thomas.

"Good one." says Conrad with a chuckle.

"Conrad, one more remark like that and I'll shove that plate down your throat." says Cy.

"Do you mean that?" asks Darlene quietly.

"I do." says Thomas.

"Remember that phrase." says Cy, taking a bite of food.

"Darlene, you mean a lot to me." says Thomas, getting out of his chair and walking over to Darlene's chair.

"I do?" asks Darlene.

"Yes. I know that you have one baby and now, we've made another." says Thomas.

"By the way, where is little Debralee?" asks Cy.

"Quiet." says Thomas.

"Okay." says Cy.

"Darlene, I wanna be by you during this, no matter what." says Thomas.

"You mean that, as well?" asks Darlene.

"With all my heart." says Thomas.

"I can't believe this." says Conrad to Cy.

"Believe what?" asks Cy.

"That Thomas loves her, if though she's carrying his child." says Conrad.

"I don't catch your drift." says Cy.

"Thomas should have left the very second he heard about that baby." says Conrad.

"Why would you think that?" asks Cy.

"Because that's what happened with you." says Conrad.

"My father was a truck driver." says Cy.

"This is your fault." says Conrad.

"What?" asks Cy.

"You brought these two together. He de-flowered my sister, knocked her up, and all you've done is to increase the damage." says Conrad.

"Increase the damage?" says Cy.

"You're ruining my sister and you know it!" says Conrad, who then gets up from the table and leaves the room.

"Touchy." says Cy as he takes another bite of food.

The next day, Cy is walking his way down the hallway to the green room. Where he gets there, he finds Phil on the green room phone, talking to someone.

"Fine. I'll tell him." says Phil, who then hangs up.

"What is this now? Replacing Loni?" asks Cy.

"I was just talking to Conrad." says Phil.

"Oh, yes. Did he tell you about last night?" says Cy.

"I managed to get a objective view out of his rant about it." says Phil.

"I thought I had damaged his sister, when it was only for the greater good." says Cy.

"Say, what happened after Conrad left?" asks Phil.

"Well, Darlene and Thomas spent the rest of the dinner talking about the baby and how to go about things." says Cy.

"And what did they come up with?" asks Phil.

"That he would stay around and move into his old house, so Darlene can move in with him and raise both little Debralee and her future sibling together." says Cy.

"That's a good plan." says Phil.

"I know it is. I just ate while they planned." says Cy.

"Conrad told me about that Chicken Debralee." says Phil.

"It's a wonderful dish. Remind me to give you the recipe sometime." says Cy.

"When did you come up with that?" asks Phil.

"When I was bored once making dinner. I just made it up and since it had a tendency to remind me of my mother, I named it for her." says Cy.

"I must try it sometime." says Phil.

"I make some for you." says Cy.

"Thanks." says Phil.

"Say, when did Conrad say he would in?" asks Cy.

"Oh, he said that he was not coming into work today." says Phil.

"Oh, more sickness?" says Cy.

"No, he told me he wasn't work with you ever again." says Phil.

"What?" asks Cy.

"He said that as long as you work here, he won't." says Phil.

"I guess this business of keeping our personal arguement off the air has failed." says Cy.

"I'm your new co-host, aren't I?" asks Phil.

"You are, until Conrad comes back." says Cy.

"But when will that be?" asks Phil.

"Leave that up to me." says Cy.

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This concludes the daily series of Life in Hyperion. Tune in three weeks from today on Friday at 8:00 pm to see the first weekly episode of the series, which follows from this point in the storyline. Tune in and see how Cy fixes his friendship with Conrad.

Join us, won't you?
Yours truly, John Maxwell.

A production of WGN Chicago. All rights reserved.

Episode 109

2010-11-04T14:30:00.001-04:00

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

Today's episode: "Why Not Your Baby", Part 7

Yesterday, Darlene invited Thomas to join her for dinner, with the promise that Conrad will keep himself in check. Meanwhile, Cy, having caught wind of it, has made his way over to Darlene and Conrad's house to prepare dinner while Darlene gets ready.
As we begin today, the day soon passes...

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The evening soon arrives, and in the kitchen, steam comes out of a couple of pots and pans scattered on the stove as Cy moves around and stirs and smells the dinner he is making.

"Perfecto." says Cy as he smells from a pot.

"How's dinner coming along?" asks Conrad from the living room.

"Just fine. Everything is set." says Cy.

Suddenly, the doorbell rings.

"There's the guest of honor." says Conrad.

"I'll get it, Conrad." says Cy as he rushes out of the kitchen and to the front door.

"If you insist." says Conrad as Cy opens the door to reveal Thomas.

"Cy? What are you doing here?" says Thomas as he enters.

"I decided to keep an eye on Conrad while you're here." says Cy.

"Good idea." says Thomas, who then smells the aromas from the kitchen

"Smell that?" asks Cy.

"That I do." says Thomas.

"That's my work you're smelling." says Cy.

"You can cook?" asks Thomas.

"That I can. Excuse me while I attend to my work." says Cy, who then rushes back to the kitchen.

"Welcome to our home." says Conrad.

"Thanks. Looks nice." says Thomas.

"Have you been here before?" asks Conrad.

"Once." says Thomas.

"I see. I must have been out." says Conrad.

"Good thing you were." says Thomas.

"What's that suppose to mean?" asks Conrad as Thomas takes a seat on the couch.

"Nothing. It means nothing." says Thomas.

"It better mean nothing." says Conrad.

"Okay, guys. The food is ready to be served." says Cy as he walks out of the kitchen.

"What's on the menu?" asks Conrad.

"That's a secret until serving time. There's a theme I wish not to spoil." says Cy.

"What else is new?" says Conrad.

"You know, we've got time until Darlene comes down, so let's talk." says Cy.

"About what?" asks Thomas.

"Anything that's on your mind." says Cy as he takes a seat on the couch.

"I don't have anything, really." says Thomas.

"I have something." says Conrad.

"We don't need to hear it." says Cy.

"How can you be certain?" asks Conrad.

"Trust me. I know." says Cy.

"Hello, boys." says the voice of Darlene from the stairs.

The three men's heads turn to see Darlene, dressed in a revealing black dress, posing herself on the stairs.

"Hello... " says Thomas.

"I can't watch." says Conrad.

"Then turn your head." says Cy.

"You first." says Conrad.

"Hello, Thomas, you hunk of man, you." says Darlene in a velvet voice.

"Darlene, nice to see you." says Thomas.

"Same here, Thomas." says Darlene as she walks slowly down the stairs.

"What's with the get-up, sis?" asks Conrad.

"I just thought I would dress up a bit." says Darlene.

"I'm feeling this strange combination of interest, sex, and incest." says Cy.

"I get the first two, but incest?" says Conrad.

"Look under Oedipus, my friend." says Cy.

"Let's save that for later." says Conrad, moving off towards the dining room.

"It must be big news if you're dressed like this." says Thomas.

"The tightness of that dress should leave no clue." says Cy to himself as he moves towards the kitchen.

"Darlene, you didn't have to do this." says Thomas.

"Trust me, I did." says Darlene as she reaches the bottom of the stairs.

"Why?" asks Thomas.

"You'll see." says Darlene as she walks towards the dining room.

"Must be big if Darlene is all dressed up like that." says Thomas as he follows behind.

"Ready to eat?" asks Conrad as Darlene and Thomas enter the dining room.

"I hope you are." says Darlene as she walks up to her chair, which Thomas pulls out for her.

"What a gentleman." says Conrad.

"I agree on that." says Darlene as Thomas takes his seat.

"Here's your dinner, all prepared by me, your master chef for the evening." says Cy as he wheels in a dinner cart with food on it.

"Oh, joy." says Conrad, sarcastically.

"Now, when I was planning tonight's menu, I was stumped." says Cy.

"Interesting." says Darlene.

"First, I thought about making each of you a separate dish." says Cy.

"What an idea." says Conrad.

"But I decided against it, so I turned on my thinking cap." says Cy.

"And what did you come up with?" asks Darlene.

"This." says Cy as he puts a plate down in front of Darlene.

"That looks nice." says Thomas.

"You should be. It's a dish of my own design." says Cy as he puts a plate down in front of Thomas.

"And what, pray tell, is your plate?" asks Conrad as he gets his plate.

"The name of this dish is Chicken Debralee." says Cy as he puts his plate down at his spot on the table.

"A dish named for your mother?" asks Thomas.

"One of my best ideas." says Darlene.

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Tomorrow, we conclude the daily series with a discussion and news, the usual stuff that happens at a dinner table, or so it goes.

Join us, won't you?
Yours truly, John Maxwell.

A production of WGN Chicago. All rights reserved.

Episode 108

2010-11-03T14:30:00.001-04:00

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

Today's episode: "Why Not Your Baby", Part 6

Yesterday, Darlene told Cy and Conrad that she was pregnant, with Thomas as the father. Conrad goes into a panic as he fears that Thomas has shamed his sister, while Cy gives his congrats while also thinking back to his own creation and fearing a repeat of events.
As we begin today, we head back downtown...

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Back at the library, Darlene walks her way into the area behind the reception desk, where she takes a seat at a table. As she sits, she breathes a sigh. She then reaches over and grabs a phone and begins dialing.

At the police station, Thomas is busy mopping up a section of floor in the main office area as Polly sits on a nearby desk, picking out notes on her guitar with her fingers.

"You're a great finger picker." says Thomas.

"I've had lots of practice." says Polly.

"Then why let Cy put the Sidewinders behind you, when your picking alone can accompany you?" asks Thomas.

"He hears only my voice." says Polly.

"Well, the next time you see him, make him hear your playing." says Thomas.

Suddenly, the phone on the desk starts ringing. Quickly, Polly picks up the receiver.

"Hello?" asks Polly.

"Hello, Polly. May I speak to Thomas?" asks Darlene at the other end.

"Who's calling?" asks Polly.

"It's me, Darlene." says Darlene.

"Thomas, it's Darlene." says Polly as she hands off the receiver to Thomas.

"Darlene?" asks Thomas as he puts the receiver to his ear.

"Thomas, I've called you to ask you over to my house tonight." says Darlene.

"What for?" asks Thomas.

"I need to talk to you about something." says Darlene.

"What?" asks Thomas.

"I'd rather saved that until tonight." says Darlene.

"Are you sure Conrad won't mind?" asks Thomas.

"He'll have to mind." says Darlene.

"When should I be there?" asks Thomas.

"At 7:00 pm." says Darlene.

"Got it. Be there." says Thomas.

"Goodbye." says Darlene, who then hangs up the phone.

"What did Darlene want?" asks Polly as Thomas hands back the receiver.

"She wanted me to come over to her house tonight." says Thomas as Polly put the receiver back on the phone.

"What for?" asks Polly.

"She didn't say." says Thomas.

"It must be important." says Polly.

"I just hope Conrad can stand me in his home." says Thomas.

"I'm sure he will. He may dislike you but he must treat you as a guest." says Polly.

"I hope so." says Thomas.

That afternoon, Conrad is sitted in the living room easy chair, reading the newspaper as Darlene makes her way inside the house. She then sneaks into the living room, making her way over to where Conrad is.

"Hello, Conrad" says Darlene in a sweet voice.

"Hello, sis." says Conrad, still reading the paper.

"How did your show go today?" asks Darlene.

"It went well, as it always does. Don't you listen to it?" says Conrad.

"I work in a library. Not a good place to listen to the radio." says Darlene.

"Well, how was your day?" asks Conrad.

"It went well. You were there today, remember?" says Darlene.

"Oh, yeah. I remember it well, even the part about me becoming a uncle, again." says Conrad.

"I didn't mean to make you feel that way." says Darlene.

"And, yet, I do." says Conrad.

"Well, I'm gonna make it up to you." says Darlene.

"How?" asks Conrad.

"Well, I'm gonna invite Thomas over here tonight." says Darlene.

"What on earth for?" asks Conrad.

"Well, I'm gonna tell him that he has a baby on the way." says Darlene.

"There's no need to tell him. Besides, he'll leave town on that news." says Conrad.

"He will not." says Darlene.

"How can you be sure?" asks Conrad.

"How can you be so negative?" asks Cy, entering the room.

"What are you doing here, Cy?" asks Darlene as he arrives at the easy chair.

"Thomas called me and told me about the special dinner he was having here tonight." says Cy.

"Why did he call you?" asks Conrad.

"Because he wanted to make sure you would behave around him." says Cy.

"Thank goodness you're here anyway." says Darlene.

"Darlene, I've decided to cook up that dinner, so you may get ready." says Cy.

"Thanks, Cy. You're worth a million." says Darlene, who then darts up the stairs.

"Tell me the truth, Cy. Thomas just told you about it." says Conrad.

"He did, but I felt you needed watching over, so as to not spoil the evening." says Cy.

"How could I spoil the evening?" asks Conrad.

"I can think of a few things." says Cy.

"Like what?" asks Conrad.

"Like telling Thomas the news and not Darlene." says Cy.

"He needs warning." says Conrad.

"He needs to hear it from Darlene, not you." says Cy.

"Name another way I could spoil the evening." says Conrad.

"Just your general personality right now. It's known to spoil a few things." says Cy.

"Leave me alone." says Conrad.

"I'm helping Darlene tell Thomas this news the best way she can, and I thought I would help by doing two things." says Cy.

"What two things?" asks Conrad.

"By making the dinner and keeping you in line." says Cy.

"How can you cook dinner?" asks Conrad.

"I'm an expert cook. Comes from constant viewings of the Food Network." says Cy as he walks from the easy chair.

"And many hours in New York's finest restaurants." says Conrad.

"I can't help that." says Cy.

"Sure you can't." says Conrad.

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Tomorrow, Thomas arrives for the dinner as Cy finishes cooking and Conrad finishes fuming over it. What a night this will be.

Join us, won't you?
Yours truly, John Maxwell.

A production of WGN Chicago. All rights reserved.

Episode 107

2010-11-02T14:30:00.002-04:00

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

Today's episode: "Why Not Your Baby", Part 5

Yesterday, we began the final week of daily episodes with Officer Grace telling Cy that Darlene has been made the permanant mother of the foundling, which was Cy's plan all along with the temporary parent scheme, which Conrad struck out against after hearing about it. Cy and Conrad then went down to the library to tell Darlene the good news.
As we begin, Darlene has just told the duo that she is pregnant...

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"You're what?" asks Conrad.

"Pregnant." says Darlene.

"I think that's what she said." says Cy.

"Keep out of this." says Conrad.

"Why should I?" asks Cy.

"Quiet. Are you sure?" says Conrad.

"Well, my friend was a little late, if you know what I mean." says Darlene.

"I get the idea." says Cy.

"Well, I took a test this morning, and it was positive." says Darlene.

"That's wonderful!" says Cy.

"That's terrible." says Conrad.

"Why is that terrible?" asks Cy.

"Because she already has one." says Conrad.

"The more the merrier, they say. Darlene told me that she wanted a sizable family." says Cy.

"When did this happen?" asks Conrad.

"There's only one man I've been with in the required time." says Darlene.

"Good ol' Thomas. He's the father." says Cy.

"That ex-con? He's the father?" asks Conrad.

"He has to be." says Cy.

"You keep out of this!" says Conrad.

"I have every right to be part of this." says Cy.

"You could have prevented this." says Conrad.

"How can I prevent this?" asks Cy.

"You could have left Thomas in jail." says Conrad.

"Thomas is a human being, same as your sister." says Cy.

"My sister's been volated by that man. Don't dare to pass it off now." says Conrad.

"Conrad, I believe you're losing it." says Cy.

"And why not? Thomas knocked her up and now, he's left her to raise it alone." says Conrad.

"Thomas is still with her, Conrad." says Cy.

"Actually, we haven't been together since that first date." says Darlene.

"So, is the relationship over?" asks Cy.

"It must be." says Darlene.

"I don't like the sound of that." says Cy, getting up from the table.

"Believe it. It's the truth." says Darlene.

"Excuse me. I must make my leave." says Cy, who then does so.

"I wonder why he left?" says Darlene.

"Who cares? Your honor is at steak!" says Conrad.

"My honor?" asks Darlene.

"People respect you. You don't need to have these children." says Conrad.

"Leave me alone, Conrad!" says Darlene, who then walks away, leaving Conrad alone.

Some time later, Cy arrives at his home. As he walks inside, he hears the sounds of Renee and Stacy coming from the study. He makes his way to the study to find them making out some, sitted on a small stool.

"Good day, ladies!" says Cy.

"Cy, why are you interupting our time together?" asks Stacy.

"I'm sorry. My mind's on something." says Cy, who then leaves.

"It must be serious." says Stacy.

"Keep out of this, Stacy." says Renee.

"I can't help it." says Stacy.

"It's none of our concern." says Renee.

"He helped us, Renee." says Stacy, getting up from the stool.

"Don't push it with him." says Renee.

"How can I push him? Nothing seems to get to him." says Stacy as she begins to leave the room.

"Until now." says Renee as Stacy exits the room.

Stacy walks into the living room to find Cy staring at the picture of his mother over the mantle. She stops and watches as he begins to speak to the picture.

"I fear that a cycle of events is starting all over again, Mama." says Cy.

"What cycle?" asks Stacy.

"Oh... nothing." says Cy, turning around.

"It must be something if you're telling your mother about it." says Stacy, walking forward towards Cy.

"I like to talk to her, so I don't feel alone." says Cy.

"What about Liberty, your dog?" asks Stacy.

"This requires a human response." says Cy.

"I'm a human." says Stacy.

"I guess you're right." says Cy.

"So, what's on your mind?" asks Stacy.

"A friend of mine is pregnant." says Cy.

"That's a wonderful thing. I don't know why you're so lackluster about it." says Stacy.

"I'm just remembering how I came into the world." says Cy.

"How do those two subjects relate, besides the obvious?" says Stacy.

"Stacy, I was the product of a basic one-night stand." says Cy.

"Really?" says Stacy.

"My mother and my father were together during a mutual bout of loneliness, so they decided to cure it with each other." says Cy.

"And what happened after that?" asks Stacy.

"Well, they moved on but soon, my mother found out that... " says Cy.

"The same thing happened to this friend of yours?" asks Stacy.

"It's starting to, but I feel I can do something about it this time." says Cy.

"As long as you believe that, it will happen." says Stacy.

"I hope so. My mother was always happy she had me. It could have been different." says Cy.

"I've met your father, and he's a good reason to love you." says Stacy.

"How's that?" asks Cy.

"Well, if things hold out, you'll turn out just like him." says Stacy.

"To me, that's part insult and part complement." says Cy.

"Nice to know that." says Stacy.

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Tomorrow, an invitation to a dinner is given, with the idea that big news will occur from it, if everything goes right, all to plan.

Join us, won't you?
Yours truly, John Maxwell.

A production of WGN Chicago. All rights reserved.

Episode 106

2010-11-01T14:30:00.002-04:00

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

Today's episode: "Why Not Your Baby", Part 4

Last week, Darlene welcomed an addition to her family in the form of a baby, found outside the police station by Cy. Cy, who didn't feel the baby belonged in foster care, handed it to Darlene as part of a new job he invented: temporary parent. Darlene soon took the baby home and gave it the temporary name Baby Debralee, after Cy's mother.
Also, last week, we announced that this week will be the final one for the daily series, and that the series will be re-formatted into a weekly show. So, let's begin this final week with continuing from where he left off, as Cy and Conrad engaged in another argument...

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"Well, your sister was, and you're next as her sibling." says Cy.

"I'm not turning into a human iceberg!" says Conrad.

"Excuse me, Cy?" asks the voice of Officer Grace at the door of the green room.

"Yes, Grace. What info do you bring us?" says Cy.

"It's about Darlene." says Officer Grace.

"She's gone crazy, hasn't she?" asks Conrad.

"Shut up, Conrad." says Cy.

"It's about her temporary parent role." says Officer Grace.

"What about it?" asks Cy.

"It's been upgraded to permanant." says Officer Grace with a smile.

"What do you mean?" asks Cy.

"Chief McIntyre has decided not to file with the county adoption agency and just awarded custody of the newborn to Darlene." says Officer Grace.

"What for?" asks Conrad.

"Because it has to go to someone and after seeing her and the baby yesterday, he decided to give it to her." says Officer Grace.

"So, Darlene's now a real mother?" asks Cy.

"That she is." says Officer Grace.

"I knew it!" says Cy.

"What did you know?" asks Officer Grace.

"Well, I thought that if I got Darlene off the bat, I could help her in her need of a child." says Cy.

"You planned this whole thing?" asks Phil.

"That I did." says Cy.

"Whoa! Cy, you're the best." says Phil.

"He played my sister." says Conrad.

"Now, I wouldn't say that." says Cy.

"There was a chance that Chief McIntyre would report it to the county adoption agency and take the baby out of her hands." says Conrad.

"I bet that he wouldn't. I know Chief McIntyre after spending so much time with Polly. Chief McIntyre is a first-come, first-served kind of guy." says Cy.

"That's right." says Officer Grace.

"That was quite a gamble." says Phil.

"I knew it would pay off." says Cy.

"Gotta go." says Officer Grace, who then leaves.

"Cy, I can't believe you." says Conrad.

"I sure can believe it. Cy's ruse worked and Darlene is now a mother." says Phil.

"For good, this time." says Cy.

"I can't believe you played my sister like that." says Conrad.

"I didn't play her. I only helped her." says Cy.

"In a way that could have killed her, which wouldn't be the first time." says Conrad.

"Stop bringing up that birthday party!" says Cy.

"Is that guilt talking?" asks Conrad.

"That's annoyence talking." says Cy.

"I think it is guilt." says Conrad.

"This whole thing is annoying." says Cy.

"Ditto here." says Phil.

"Conrad, when are you ever gonna let go of this?" asks Cy.

"Not until Darlene gets back to normal." says Conrad.

"She is normal." says Cy.

"I mean the way she used to be." says Conrad.

"You want an iceberg as a sister?" asks Cy.

"If it means keeping her safe from harm." says Conrad.

"Everyone gets harmed." says Phil.

"Don't I know it?" says Conrad.

"One day, you're gonna tell me what is keeping you from accepting this human Darlene." says Cy.

"I'll never tell." says Conrad.

"I know one thing." says Cy.

"What, Cy?" asks Conrad.

"I'm gonna tell Darlene the good news." says Cy.

Later that morning, Cy and Conrad silently enter the library.

"I would've been happy to tell her." says Conrad.

"I think it would sound better from me." says Cy.

"Why is that so?" asks Conrad as they near the stairs.

"Because I helped her get that baby." says Cy.

"Hey, guys." says Darlene as she walks out from a row of books.

"Hello, Darlene. Where's the baby?" says Cy.

"At home, asleep." says Darlene.

"That's just like her namesake. She like to sleep, too." says Cy.

"What are you doing here?" asks Darlene.

"Darlene, I come here with important news." says Cy.

"I could tell her myself." says Conrad.

"I wouldn't be the same from you." says Cy.

"What wouldn't be the same?" asks Darlene.

"It concerns Baby Debralee." says Cy.

"What about her?" asks Darlene.

"She's all yours." says Cy.

"What do you mean?" asks Darlene.

"Chief McIntyre has awarded custody of the baby to you, Darlene." says Cy.

"That's... great." says Darlene.

"I thought you would be happier." says Cy.

"I am happy." says Darlene.

"Something's bugging at you." says Cy.

"How can you know?" asks Darlene.

"I just can tell. Call it a way of reading people." says Cy.

"Cy, Conrad, I have something I wanna tell you." says Darlene.

"Should we sit down?" asks Cy.

"Yes, please." says Darlene, followed by Cy and Conrad sitting down at a table next to them.

"Now, please tell us what's on your mind?" asks Conrad.

"This seems familiar to me." says Cy.

"Maybe it's just your method of thinking." says Conrad.

"Quiet, please. I'm trying to say something." says Darlene.

"You will, if you please just tell us." says Cy.

"Cy, Conrad... I'm pregnant." says Darlene.

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Tomorrow, Cy and Conrad question an expectant mother about the origin of her baby, beyond the obvious, of course.

Join us, won't you?
Yours truly, John Maxwell.

A production of WGN Chicago. All rights reserved.

Episode 105

2010-10-29T14:30:00.001-04:00

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

Today's episode: "Why Not Your Baby", Part 3

Yesterday, Cy, Conrad, and Darlene made their way to Darlene's room, where she gave the baby a new home. As they sat around, the two discussed baby names, after Cy's suggestions that the baby should get one. After some talk, the baby named up being named after Cy's mother, being dubbed Baby Debralee by Darlene.
As we begin, we make our way to the following morning...

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The next day, Cy and Conrad walk quietly into the WHYP green room, where Phil is pouring himself a cup of coffee. He sees the two enter the room.

"Good morning, you two." says Phil.

"Good morning, Phil." says Cy with a smile.

"What's with you this morning, Cy?" asks Phil.

"Well, let's say that a friend of ours has entered the world of parenthood." says Cy.

"You?" asks Phil.

"Not me, althought I won't turn down the opportunity if it happened." says Cy.

"It's my sister." says Conrad, putting a coin into the pinball machine.

"She's knocked up?" asks Phil.

"No, she's a temporary parent of a newborn foundling." says Cy.

"Temporary parent?" says Phil.

"A county babysitter, so to speak." says Cy.

"That's Cy's big idea." says Conrad, beginning a game of pinball.

"I can tell." says Phil.

"Now, all we have to do is tell the world about my idea and the baby in order for it to work." says Cy.

"Not in that order, I hope." says Conrad.

"I'll mention the baby first." says Cy.

"What about the baby?" asks Phil.

"You know, Conrad, I think it's time we give Phil a lesson in radio copy." says Cy.

"What's radio copy?" asks Phil.

"It's what radio personalities read off of when doing their show." says Cy.

"Like a script?" says Phil.

"Like that, but with less notation. All that written down is the points to mention and it's up to the radio personality to make it flow." says Cy.

"I should write out the information and you'll deliver it on the air?" says Phil.

"That's the idea." says Cy.

"I'll start now." says Phil as he runs over to the green room table and grabs a piece of paper and a pencil.

"Oh, brother." says Conrad to himself.

"The first think you need to write down are the words 'baby found'." says Cy.

"Writing it down." says Phil.

"Next, you write down that it is a girl." says Cy.

"A baby girl. As I write, I learn more about this child." says Phil.

"The next step is to write down that it was found outside the police station." says Cy.

"Got it." says Phil.

"Next, it was left under safe haven laws." says Cy.

"That's interesting." says Phil.

"Next thing was that the baby girl has been placed in the hands of a temporary parent." says Cy.

"Working your idea in." says Phil.

"And that this baby is now up for adoption." says Cy.

"That's great." says Phil.

"And wait until you hear what name is being used for it." says Conrad.

"What name?" asks Phil.

"I felt that this baby needed a placeholder name so she can be referred to without problem." says Cy.

"What name did you choose?" asks Phil.

"Darlene decided to name it Baby Debralee." says Cy.

"A namesake for your mother." says Phil.

"Isn't it absurd?" says Conrad.

"I think that's a wonderful way to honor your mother, Cy." says Phil.

"I can't agree with that." says Conrad.

"Accept it anyway." says Cy.

"What posessed you to give this baby to Darlene?" asks Phil.

"Yesterday, she told me about her desire to have children." says Cy.

"What brought that on?" asks Phil.

"Who knows, but she really wants to have children." says Cy.

"How many?" asks Phil.

"About three or four." says Cy.

"She really doesn't want just one. As an only child, I don't see the point in having a sibling." says Phil.

"I'm an only child, as well, and with Conrad, I feel I already have a brother." says Cy.

"If that's true, then Darlene must feel like a sister to you." says Phil.

"Only recently did I feel that way." says Cy.

"I see your point." says Phil.

"When are we gonna get to the negative side of this?" asks Conrad as he ends his pinball game and walks over to where Cy and Phil are.

"What negative side?" asks Phil.

"Cy is making this temporary. If she loses that baby, I wonder what damage it will do to her." says Conrad.

"Stop worrying. Everything will be fine." says Cy.

"Are you actually trying to kill my sister?" asks Conrad.

"Are you actually trying to question my judgment?" says Cy.

"You're ruining my sister and this baby thing might actually do it." says Conrad.

"Do what?" asks Cy.

"Just destroy her." says Conrad.

"Darlene wants children." says Cy.

"But making her a temporary parent must be affecting her, even now." says Conrad.

"It's making her happy." says Cy.

"Happy or crazy?" asks Conrad.

"Can't you two ever get off this subject?" asks Phil.

"I don't think Conrad can. In fact, I think I see some ice on his surface." says Cy.

"I'm not turning into a human iceberg." says Conrad.

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

Next week, many surprises are in store as life in HyThe next day, Cy and Conrad walk quietly into the WHYP green room, where Phil is pouring himself a cup of coffee. He sees the two enter the room.

"Good morning, you two." says Phil.

"Good morning, Phil." says Cy with a smile.

"What's with you this morning, Cy?" asks Phil.

"Well, let's say that a friend of ours has entered the world of parenthood." says Cy.

"You?" asks Phil.

"Not me, althought I won't turn down the opportunity if it happened." says Cy.

"It's my sister." says Conrad, putting a coin into the pinball machine.

"She's knocked up?" asks Phil.

"No, she's a temporary parent of a newborn foundling." says Cy.

"Temporary parent?" says Phil.

"A county babysitter, so to speak." says Cy.

"That's Cy's big idea." says Conrad, beginning a game of pinball.

"I can tell." says Phil.

"Now, all we have to do is tell the world about my idea and the baby in order for it to work." says Cy.

"Not in that order, I hope." says Conrad.

"I'll mention the baby first." says Cy.

"What about the baby?" asks Phil.

"You know, Conrad, I think it's time we give Phil a lesson in radio copy." says Cy.

"What's radio copy?" asks Phil.

"It's what radio personalities read off of when doing their show." says Cy.

"Like a script?" says Phil.

"Like that, but with less notation. All that written down is the points to mention and it's up to the radio personality to make it flow." says Cy.

"I should write out the information and you'll deliver it on the air?" says Phil.

"That's the idea." says Cy.

"I'll start now." says Phil as he runs over to the green room table and grabs a piece of paper and a pencil.

"Oh, brother." says Conrad to himself.

"The first think you need to write down are the words 'baby found'." says Cy.

"Writing it down." says Phil.

"Next, you write down that it is a girl." says Cy.

"A baby girl. As I write, I learn more about this child." says Phil.

"The next step is to write down that it was found outside the police station." says Cy.

"Got it." says Phil.

"Next, it was left under safe haven laws." says Cy.

"That's interesting." says Phil.

"Next thing was that the baby girl has been placed in the hands of a temporary parent." says Cy.

"Working your idea in." says Phil.

"And that this baby is now up for adoption." says Cy.

"That's great." says Phil.

"And wait until you hear what name is being used for it." says Conrad.

"What name?" asks Phil.

"I felt that this baby needed a placeholder name so she can be referred to without problem." says Cy.

"What name did you choose?" asks Phil.

"Darlene decided to name it Baby Debralee." says Cy.

"A namesake for your mother." says Phil.

"Isn't it absurd?" says Conrad.

"I think that's a wonderful way to honor your mother, Cy." says Phil.

"I can't agree with that." says Conrad.

"Accept it anyway." says Cy.

"What posessed you to give this baby to Darlene?" asks Phil.

"Yesterday, she told me about her desire to have children." says Cy.

"What brought that on?" asks Phil.

"Who knows, but she really wants to have children." says Cy.

"How many?" asks Phil.

"About three or four." says Cy.

"She really doesn't want just one. As an only child, I don't see the point in having a sibling." says Phil.

"I'm an only child, as well, and with Conrad, I feel I already have a brother." says Cy.

"If that's true, then Darlene must feel like a sister to you." says Phil.

"Only recently did I feel that way." says Cy.

"I see your point." says Phil.

"When are we gonna get to the negative side of this?" asks Conrad as he ends his pinball game and walks over to where Cy and Phil are.

"What negative side?" asks Phil.

"Cy is making this temporary. If she loses that baby, I wonder what damage it will do to her." says Conrad.

"Stop worrying. Everything will be fine." says Cy.

"Are you actually trying to kill my sister?" asks Conrad.

"Are you actually trying to question my judgment?" says Cy.

"You're ruining my sister and this baby thing might actually do it." says Conrad.

"Do what?" asks Cy.

"Just destroy her." says Conrad.

"Darlene wants children." says Cy.

"But making her a temporary parent must be affecting her, even now." says Conrad.

"It's making her happy." says Cy.

"Happy or crazy?" asks Conrad.

"Can't you two ever get off this subject?" asks Phil.

"I don't think Conrad can. In fact, I think I see some ice on his surface." says Cy.

"I'm not turning into a human iceberg." says Conrad.

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

Next week, many surprises are in store as life in Hyperion gets used to the new baby, and a conversation happens that changes the very nature of the series forever.

Join us, won't you?
Yours truly, John Maxwell.

A production of WGN Chicago. All rights reserved.

NOTE: Next week will mark the final week of the daily series of Life in Hyperion. Starting on November 26th, after a three-week haitus, the series will return on Friday night at 8:00 pm as a weekly series, with new episodes being presented at that time.

Episode 104

2010-10-28T14:30:00.001-04:00

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

Today's episode: "Why Not Your Baby", Part 2

Yesterday, we began our 11th serial of the series with Darlene taking the baby to her living space in the house: the attic. Meanwhile, Conrad has been voicing his opinion on the whole temporary parent issue, mostly in his usual negative tone.
As he begin today, Cy and Conrad are about to enter Darlene's room...

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

Cy and Conrad enter Darlene's attic loft of a room and Cy is taken in by the furnished trapping of the room itself. The room is filled with a writing desk, a brass bed, a table, and some chairs.

"This room is fit to live in." says Cy.

"It was my sister's choice to live here." says Conrad.

"Back when she was a human iceberg and needed a place to remain frozen. A cold attic is the right place." says Cy.

"I've made a few changes since then." says Darlene as she takes the sleeping baby out of the box.

"I can see them. Attempts to warm the place up, so to speak." says Cy, looking around.

"How are you gonna raise a baby up here?" asks Conrad.

"I'll figure that out." says Darlene.

"This is one big learning experience. I hope you're ready for it." says Cy.

"I know I am." says Darlene.

"That baby hasn't uttered a word since she was found." says Cy.

"Maybe it's dead." says Conrad.

"No, babies are well-known for being sound sleepers. They can sleep for up to 20 hours, which is why they keep their parents up for the same amount of time when they're awake." says Cy.

"Wonderful observation." says Darlene.

"I know it is." says Cy as he sits down at the writing desk.

"How long will this baby stay here?" asks Conrad.

"Just until a permanant home can be found." says Cy.

"You know, I'm getting tired of hearing this child not being refer to by name." says Darlene.

"That's because she doesn't have one." says Cy.

"She needs one." says Darlene.

"Shouldn't the real parents name the baby?" asks Conrad.

"I'm making up the role of temporary parent as I go along and I think the temporary parent should use a placeholder name until adoption." says Cy.

"So, what kind of name should we use?" asks Darlene.

"Names are very important. They reflect something about a person." says Cy.

"Is that so, Cyrus McLean Scott?" asks Conrad.

"Any ideas, Conrad Phillip Harris?" asks Cy.

"None comes to mind." says Conrad.

"It should be a girl's name. I think I have an idea." says Cy.

"We're not naming this baby after your mother, Cy." says Conrad.

"Why not? My mother was very proud of her moniker, for she was the only one to have it." says Cy.

"How did she get that name, Cy?" asks Darlene.

"If I remember, and seeing how you've forgotten since I rarely tell it, it was my grandfather who gave her that name." says Cy.

"How did he do that?" asks Darlene.

"Well, as I recall, one suggestion was Debra and another was Lee. Both are perfectly valid names and both were tied for the baby's name. My grandfather, always inventive, just combined the two and made the name Debralee." says Cy.

"A wonderful story." says Conrad with a sneer.

"At least it's a true story." says Cy.

"Baby Debralee." says Darlene.

"That's what my grandmother said when my grandfather first said it, only as a question of his sanity." says Cy.

"No, that's the name I give this child." says Darlene.

"Once again, a Debralee has entered the world." says Cy.

"But only temporary, remember?" says Conrad.

"I know that. I'm glad someone took it. I've passed that as a baby name suggestion for five years of writing to old friends, who have their own broods, with not a member sharing that name." says Cy.

"Baby Debralee, welcome to the world." says Darlene as the baby finally awakens in her arms.

"Look, she likes that name." says Cy.

"She's also awake." says Darlene.

"I noticed." says Cy.

"She hasn't utter a cry yet." says Conrad.

"She's happy to see me." says Darlene.

"If we're lucky, she'll always think of you as her mother and forget what has happened until now." says Cy.

"I'm your mama, little Debralee." says Darlene.

"That name still rings sweet in my ears." says Cy.

"Now, how are we gonna tell the both of them apart, Cy?" asks Conrad.

"Who cares? Darlene's a mother now." says Cy.

"She's a temporary mother and who knows what's gonna happen tomorrow?" says Conrad.

"A dark streak has entered your mind and making everything you say negative." says Cy.

"Quiet. Don't disturb the baby." says Darlene.

Taking a hint, Cy and Conrad make their leave of the attic and close the door behind them as they walk down the stairs to the second floor.

"Now that we're outta earshot, now maybe you can get what's off your chest." says Cy.

"What's on my chest is this whole Darlene as a temporary parent thing." says Conrad.

"What about this is eating you?" asks Cy.

"The fact that if someone other than her adopts that baby, the effects on her mind will be terrible." says Conrad.

"I'm sure Darlene will pass with flying colors." says Cy.

"What makes you so sure?" asks Conrad.

"I'm betting on certain things." says Cy.

"What things?" asks Conrad.

"Let's just leave it at that." says Cy, who then walks away and down the stairs and out of the house, leaving Conrad to think over what has been said.

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

Tomorrow, we end the week with a trip to WHYP, where Cy delivers a lesson in radio to young intern Phil, while Conrad offers only more opinions on things.

Join us, won't you?
Yours truly, John Maxwell.

A production of WGN Chicago. All rights reserved.

Episode 103

2010-10-27T14:30:00.001-04:00

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

Today's episode: "Why Not Your Baby", Part 1

Yesterday, we ended our tenth serial with Cy and Darlene telling Conrad that he is the temporary uncle of a new-found baby. Conrad voices a little distrust but he is letting it roll off his back. However, as we begin today, Conrad is letting his opinions get their voice again...

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

Cy and Darlene make their way over to the stairs. Meanwhile, Conrad is getting out of the easy chair and making his way towards them.

"I can't believe you're really doing this." says Conrad.

"Me, neither, but we're doing it." says Cy.

"Aren't you happy for me?" asks Darlene as she, Cy, and Conrad begin to walk up the stairs.

"Are you, Conrad?" asks Cy.

"Maybe." says Conrad.

"Want us to give you a minute?" asks Cy.

"Listen, Cy. I just know you put my sister up to this." says Conrad.

"Why must you blame me for what your sister has done?" asks Cy.

"Because of what you did on her birthday." says Conrad.

"I swear, Conrad, this whole thing is stuck on you like flies on the wall." says Cy.

"But you admit it." says Conrad.

"I admit that what happened has helped her." says Cy.

"And how does turning her into a drunk help her?" asks Conrad.

"She doesn't drink that much anymore, I believe." says Cy.

"I think she is drinking more." says Conrad.

"How do you know? You never talk to her anymore." says Cy.

"Quiet, you guys. You'll wake up the baby." says Darlene.

"There, she's acting like a mother already." says Cy.

"What makes you think she can take care of a baby?" asks Conrad as they reach the second floor.

"She can. I know she can." says Cy.

"That's your opinion, Cy." says Conrad.

"Can you take care of one?" asks Cy.

"I don't know." says Conrad.

"Then don't judge Darlene because she wants to prove herself as a warm and loving mother to a little baby who's had a rough entry into the world." says Cy.

"Don't make this into a grand thing, Cy. After all, your father might have something to do with this." says Conrad.

"How can my father have anything to do with this?" asks Cy.

"He must have pushed your buttons enough to make you go into this without looking ahead." says Conrad.

"You're actually starting to doubt me, aren't you?" asks Cy.

"I might be, Cy. After all, your actions lately haven't been up to snuff." says Conrad as they reach the stairs to the attic.

"Here we are, little girl. Your temporary home." says Darlene as they walk up the attic stairs.

"Listen to how she is to that baby, Conrad. I can tell she's a good mother." says Cy.

"What makes you an expert? Wait, don't tell me, your mother." says Conrad.

"I've also seen bad mothers setting bad examples, both personally and second-hand." says Cy.

"And that makes you an expert?" says Conrad.

"You know, your behavior is starting to get on my nerves." says Cy as he stops on the stairs, causing Conrad to also stop.

"Maybe it's because of what your behavior is making you do." says Conrad.

"You tolerated it before. I know, because this is nothing new." says Cy.

"Maybe it's because of what you've done to my sister." says Conrad.

"What I did to your sister or did not do must have really gotten to you, because it happened over a month ago." says Cy.

"Maybe you have that kind of affect on people." says Conrad.

"Guys, come on up here." says Darlene from the attic.

"Let's go see the baby in its temporary home." says Cy as he resumes going up the stairs.

"Let's do that, let's do that... " says Conrad as he follows behind.

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

Tomorrow, we see the place where Darlene has made her home in the one she shares with Conrad, and the baby gets its name. Can you figure out what it is?

Join us, won't you?
Yours truly, John Maxwell.

A production of WGN Chicago. All rights reserved.

Episode 102

2010-10-26T14:30:00.001-04:00

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

Today's episode: "The Temporary Parent", Part 6

Yesterday, we began the week with Cy delivering Darlene to report as the first temporary parent, in charge of the foundling. Darlene manages to win the job and she takes the baby into her arms and gives her the love every child need. However, Darlene is worried how brother Conrad will take to sudden unclehood, along with Cy.
As we begin today, we head to the Harris house...

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

At Conrad and Darlene's house, Conrad sits in the easy chair, reading the newspaper as Cy silently opens the door and walks inside. He spies Conrad and quietly walks over to where Conrad is.

"Hello, Conrad." says Cy.

"Hello, Cy. What brings you here?" says Conrad.

"Something." says Cy.

"What something?" asks Conrad.

"Something interesting." says Cy.

"How interesting?" asks Conrad.

"Very interesting." says Cy.

"How very?" asks Conrad.

"Very." says Cy.

"Out with it, Cy." says Conrad.

"You think you're ready?" asks Cy.

"You're leading up to something." says Conrad.

"I might be." says Cy.

"I think you are." says Conrad.

"Well, I guess you're right." says Cy.

"I knew it." says Conrad.

"What I'm leading up to is very important, it seems." says Cy.

"What are you leading up to?" asks Conrad.

"It concerns your sister and housemate Darlene." says Cy.

"What about Darlene?" asks Conrad.

"Oh, she's doing fine." says Cy.

"Is she becoming her old self again?" asks Conrad.

"You know that her re-freezing is not a happy thing." says Cy.

"So, it's a happy thing?" asks Conrad.

"For her. For you, I'm not sure." says Cy.

"What would happy for her but not me?" asks Conrad.

"What makes you think that it might not be happy for you?" asks Cy.

"Because of what you just said." says Conrad.

"It could be happy for you. All I said that I wasn't sure it would be." says Cy.

"Cy, you're circling around something." says Conrad.

"Oh, am I?" asks Cy.

"I think you are." says Conrad.

"I might be doing that." says Cy.

"Cy, I'm not in the mood for riddles." says Conrad.

"How about one?" asks Cy.

"Go ahead, if it will help me." says Conrad.

"What's in a box and makes a lot of noise?" asks Cy.

"That's not a riddle." says Conrad.

"It is to me. Come on, give me an answer." says Cy.

"I give up." says Conrad.

"A baby in a box." says Cy.

"What an answer." says Conrad.

"And yet, that answer is the center of of what I'm leading up to." says Cy.

"That doesn't make any sense." says Conrad.

"Then, perhaps another riddle. What do a baby in a box, your sister, and you have in common?" says Cy.

"I give up, Cy." says Conrad.

"That all share the same house." says Cy.

"What does that mean?" asks Conrad.

"It means that this afternoon, I happened upon a abandoned baby girl that was left at the police station. I took her inside and felt like she's needed someone to take care of her." says Cy.

"And where does my sister come in?" asks Conrad.

"Well, she told me that her material instincts had kicked in and that she wanted a baby so badly." says Cy.

"Left me finish. So you had Darlene take the baby home with her." says Conrad.

"Only temporary. An idea I'm trying out." says Cy.

"What idea?" asks Conrad.

"Temporary parents. Sort of like a 24-hour babysitter for the county or state. They take care of children until real homes can be found for them." says Cy.

"That idea is among the most interesting I've ever heard out of you." says Conrad.

"Darlene is my test case. If she works out, I may consider popularizing my idea and make it an official job." says Cy.

"What if the temporary parent can't let go of their charge?" asks Conrad.

"They can adopt their charge, when it needed." says Cy.

"How do you prevent large families?" asks Conrad.

"I'm thinking on putting a limit on how many charges a temporary parent can adopt." says Cy.

"Have you thought up a number?" asks Conrad.

"I'm thinking four charges in total." says Cy.

"Sounds like a credit card bill." says Conrad.

"Don't belittle this idea, Conrad." says Cy.

"I didn't like your birthday dare idea." says Conrad.

"Darlene challenged me, so I responded. Besides, I like the result." says Cy.

"Let's not get back on that track." says Conrad.

"Conrad, you're gonna be a temporary uncle. The decision has been made." says Cy.

"Sometimes, I wonder if you do think of others first when you offer these ideas." says Conrad.

"Is that a pointed question?" asks Cy.

"It might be." says Conrad.

"Now cut that out!" says Cy.

"You gave me the royal run-around." says Conrad.

"It doesn't work in reverse, brother." says Cy.

"I'm not related to you." says Conrad.

"But Darlene is, so show some common sense around her." says Cy.

"Is it safe to come in now?" asks Darlene as she enters the house.

"It is. I think Conrad is calm enough to handle it." says Cy.

"Conrad, meet your temporary nephew." says Darlene.

"I can't believe this is happening." says Conrad.

"Cheer up, Conrad. It's only temporary." says Cy.

"But how temporary?" asks Conrad.

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

Tomorrow, we begin another serial with the baby being taken to its brand-new home, and with Conrad voicing his opinion of the whole thing, which should be interesting.

Join us, won't you?
Yours truly, John Maxwell.

A production of WGN Chicago. All rights reserved.

Episode 101

2010-10-25T14:30:00.001-04:00

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

Today's episode: "The Temporary Parent", Part 5

Last week, we had our 100th episode of the series. We also saw Cy discover a baby outside the police station, left under the safe haven laws. As the police department gathered around the child, Cy decided, rather than let the kid being moved around like a box, to enlist the services of what he called a temporary parent.
As we begin this week, Cy has just asked his prototype temporary parent, Darlene, if she would accept the job, which she did, and the two are on their way to the police station...

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

Cy and Darlene arrive at the police station and find that only Officer Grace is still at the desk, where the baby lays sleeping.

"Where's everyone?" asks Cy.

"Doing their jobs." says Officer Grace.

"I'm still around." says Thomas, sitting in a chair, next to the desk.

"I brought the temporary parent." says Cy.

"Darlene Harris, at your service." says Darlene.

"The doctor hasn't arrived yet. When the baby is deemed healthy, Chief McIntyre will allow you to take it home." says Officer Grace.

"Is there any paperwork to sign?" asks Darlene.

"Cy invented the role of temporary parent. It'll take awhile before someone invents the paperwork." says Officer Grace.

"That's when you know that an idea has taken off, when there's paperwork for it." says Cy.

"Is that the baby?" asks Darlene, pointing at the box.

"Yes, it is." says Officer Grace.

"She looks beautiful." says Darlene, looking in the box.

"That she does." says Officer Grace.

"Hi there, little girl. I'm your temporary parent." says Darlene to the baby.

"Look at that, already connecting." says Cy.

"I just hope the connection can be cut." says Chief McIntyre as he walks up to the desk.

"This is Darlene Harris, the first temporary parent." says Cy.

"Nice to meet you, Ma'am." says Chief McIntyre.

"It's great to have the honor of watching over this baby, for a while." says Darlene.

"Remember that, Miss Harris." says Chief McIntyre.

"Also remember that Darlene is to be in the running for adoption." says Cy.

"I keep that in mind." says Chief McIntyre.

"Thank you for this, Cy." says Darlene.

"No problem." says Darlene.

Some time later, the doctor from the county has arrived and is examining the baby quiet throughtly as Cy and company watch around the desk.

"How is she, doc?" asks Cy.

"She's doing fine. Did you give her any fluids?" says the doctor.

"I gave her a little milk." says Darlene.

"That's good. Just treat her right and she'll be fine." says the doctor.

"I can't believe whoever she came out of didn't want her." says Cy.

"Not many people want children." says Officer Grace.

"That's no excuse for throwing them away. Babies are people, not trash." says Cy.

"At least whoever it was was nice enough to leave it here." says the doctor.

"And that's the only good thing that happened to this baby so far." says Cy.

"What about me?" asks Darlene.

"I forgot. I do that sometimes." says Cy.

"I know." says Darlene.

"Well, she's healthy and ready to go." says the doctor.

"Nice to know. Now, I can take it home." says Darlene.

"What?" asks the doctor.

"An idea Cy came up, a temporary parent." says Chief McIntyre.

"What's a temporary parent?" asks the doctor.

"It's like a 24-hour babysitter. They have all of the responibilities of a parent but the job isn't permanant." says Cy.

"That sounds like a good idea." says the doctor.

"Also, the temporary parent can be considered a candidate for adopting their charge." says Cy.

"That could lead to large families quickly." says the doctor.

"Maybe we can install a limit once the idea gets off the ground." says Cy.

"We'll work on it, rest assured. I now release the child into the hands of the temporary parent." says the doctor.

"Thanks, sir." says Darlene.

"I'll explain this to my superiors." says the doctor.

"Include a letter of explaination from me." says Chief McIntyre, who then produces an enevlope from his pocket.

"Why give me this?" asks the doctor.

"Because any idea of Cy should include a letter explaining it." says Chief McIntyre.

"Thanks." says the doctor, who then leaves.

"The baby's all yours, Darlene." says Chief McIntyre.

"Good." says Darlene, who then picks up the box.

"I'll help you guide the baby to her new home." says Cy, who then leaves with Darlene.

"I hope Cy's idea doesn't ruin Darlene." says Chief McIntyre.

"In what way?" asks Officer Grace.

"I hope she'll be willing to give up the baby if she isn't selected to adopt the baby." says Chief McIntyre, who then retreats back into his office.

"Same here." says Officer Grace.

Meanwhile, Cy and Darlene are walking to her home. The walking slows down when Darlene decides to stop Cy in his tracks.

"I think we should discuss something." says Darlene.

"What about?" asks Cy.

"Conrad." says Darlene.

"I forgot about him. How are we gonna explain this to him?" says Cy.

"Do you have any ideas?" asks Darlene.

"Let me think for a minute." says Cy.

"Hurry up, before the baby awakens." says Darlene.

"I've got it." says Cy.

"What is it?" asks Darlene.

"I'll go in ahead of you and explain this to Conrad. When he's accepted it, I'll signal you to come in." says Cy.

"Great idea." says Darlene.

"I know that another part of my legacy will be surviving Conrad's reaction to him being a temporary uncle." says Cy.

"If you do." says Darlene as both get back underway.

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

Tomorrow, we end another serial with Conrad being told of his new status in life, that of a temporary uncle for the county, and we'll see what he says about it.

Join us, won't you?
Yours truly, John Maxwell.

A production of WGN Chicago. All rights reserved.

Episode 100

2010-10-22T14:30:00.001-04:00

The Mutual Broadcasting System brings you the landmark 100th episode of Life in Hyperion.

Today's episode: "The Temporary Parent", Part 4

Yesterday, on our 99th episode, Cy, walking his way home, saw someone leave a box outside the police station. Looking into it, Cy found that the box contained a living baby, left under safe haven laws. Cy then took the baby inside and all inside are trying to figure out what to do with the foundling.
As we begin the 100th episode, Cy has just an a brainstorm of an idea...

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

"What is it?" asks Officer Grace.

"Someone told me today that they would like to have a child." says Cy.

"Who is it?" asks Officer Grace.

"Conrad's sister Darlene." says Cy.

"Why her?" asks Officer Timmy.

"She told me today that her material instincts have finally kicked in overtime and she wants a child so bad." says Cy.

"Wait a minute, Cy. You wanna give this baby to someone who might not let go of her if someone else adopts her?" says Chief McIntyre.

"Where do you get that idea?" asks Cy.

"You just told us that she wants a child very badly. How do we know that she won't try to keep it?" says Chief McIntyre.

"Maybe you should have Darlene as one of the potential adoptive parents of the baby." says Cy.

"There's a thought. I keep it in mind." says Chief McIntyre.

"Do you also mind if I bring in Darlene for a look-see?" asks Cy.

"I don't mind at all. It'll be nice to see someone get this child on the right track." says Chief McIntyre.

"And then let someone else take over?" asks Officer Timmy.

"Just keep watch." says Chief McIntyre, who then retreats back into his office.

"I'll go get Darlene." says Cy, who then leaves the building.

"Cy's concern over this baby is a little unfounded." says Polly.

"What do you mean?" asks Thomas.

"I mean, he just offered Darlene up as a parent out of the blue when he ran out of us as parents." says Polly.

"So what, Polly?" asks Thomas.

"He should have let the county take the baby in until a parent could have been found for it." says Polly.

"Maybe he has the baby's interests at heart." says Thomas.

"I don't think Cy's being a humanitarian over this child. Cy's gist in this whole thing is tilted somewhat." says Polly.

"Cy's actions seemed normal to me." says Thomas.

"And yet, he seems to want this baby to go home with someone and he didn't even volunteer himself for the job." says Polly.

"According to him, he's got two boarders and a dog in that house of his. Trust me, there's no room for a baby." says Thomas.

"And his father until yesterday." says Polly.

"He was only here for two days." says Thomas.

"And he seems to have stirred Cy somewhat. I mean, if his father hadn't been here yesterday and the day before, you think that Cy would even be behind this baby?" says Polly.

"Maybe you should leave him alone. After all, he's bringing in what he calls a temporary parent to the baby." says Thomas.

"Is it just temporary?" asks Polly, who then moves off.

At the library, Darlene is overseeing those in the children's area. The kids are playing and reading as quietly as most kids are, so there is a slight din to the room. Darlene sighs as she see the children.

Cy then enters the library, walking a little fast. He looks around and makes his way over to where Darlene is. He then tries to speak and can't say a word. He then thinks a little about he is going to say.

"Hello, Cy." says Darlene in a depressed manner, causing Cy to snap out of his thinking.

"Hello, Darlene. See that our conversation didn't help you." says Cy.

"I can't help it. Every time I look at these kids, I just wanna have one of my own. A child to hold and feed and change and all of that." says Darlene.

"Well, I might have an answer to that." says Cy.

"What answer can you give that will help me?" asks Darlene longingly.

"As I was walking home, I saw someone leave something next to the police station. When I checked on it, I found that it was... a baby." says Cy.

"Are you kidding?" asks Darlene.

"You think that I would kid you about that?" says Cy.

"How old is it?" asks Darlene.

"It's a she and she's only a couple hours old. Let me tell you, it's a hard way to enter the world." says Cy.

"Why did you come here and tell me about the baby in the first place?" asks Darlene.

"Because I've decided to make you the baby's temporary parent." says Cy.

"Temporary parent?" asks Darlene.

"Yeah, someone who takes care of a child until real parents can be found for it." says Cy.

"Aren't those called foster parents?" asks Darlene.

"This is different. A foster parent is a real parent, for they adopt the child. A temporary parent is only acting in place of the state until a real home can be found for it, like a 24-hour babysitter." says Cy.

"Like a live-in social worker?" says Darlene.

"That's the idea. If your run as a temporary parent works out, I may popularize the idea." says Cy.

"How long is temporary in my case?" asks Darlene.

"Until someone comes around and adopts the child, althought in your favor, I have asked Chief McIntyre to make you a candidate for adopting the baby." says Darlene.

"And if I lose?" asks Darlene.

"I will have to give up the child to its real parents. Remember, the baby is a loan, not something to keep at this time." says Cy.

"I'll try hard to take care of the baby and hope that my time as a temporary parent will help in my selection as the baby's real parent." says Darlene.

"If no real candidate is approved by the county, the baby will be yours." says Cy.

"That's nice to know." says Darlene.

"The baby is down at the police station now. Would you like to see your temporary daughter?" says Cy.

"I would." says Darlene.

"Shall we leave?" asks Cy as he makes his way to the door.

"Let us do." says Darlene as she follows suit.

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

Next week, we end our tenth serial and begin our 11th serial with Darlene's first day as a temporary parent for Van Buren County and the City of Hyperion, and that, my friends, is quite a mouthful of a title to give someone.

Join us, won't you?
Yours truly,
the All-Mighty Executive Producer, Writer, Director, and Creator of The Show,
John Maxwell

A production of WGN Chicago. All rights reserved.

Episode 99

2010-10-21T14:30:00.001-04:00

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

Only one more to go until the 100th episode!!

Today's episode: "The Temporary Parent", Part 3

Yesterday, Darlene told Cy all about her real desire to have a child of her own, after being such a hero to the children of Hyperion have stirred her maternal feelings inside. Cy then went over her options, which didn't seem to strike her too well and he departed, with Darlene still thinking of motherhood. Meanwhile, Officer Grace and Timmy shared a talk on being police officers.
As we begin, we head outside...

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

Back downtown, Cy is walking up the streets, his mind lost in a sea of thought over what had Darlene said. Suddenly, he sees something interesting off in the distance ahead.

After a moment, he sees that it's someone walks slowly over to the police station and leaving something by the door and walking away. Cy takes in the sight and decides to see what was left behind.

Cy quietly continues his walk. When he reaches the police station, he quietly turns onto the walkway up to the front door. When he reaches the front door, he looks around and sees that a box has been left behind.

Cy walks up to the box and looks inside. There, he is stunned to find that the box contains a small baby, covered in blankets and fast asleep. Cy then picks up the box and knocks on the door.

"I wonder who that is?" says Officer Grace as she gets up from the desk and walks over to the door.

"Be careful, it could be a murderer." says Officer Timmy.

"Murderers don't knock." says Thomas, walking by the desk with a broom in his hand.

"Keep sweeping." says Officer Timmy as Officer Grace opens the door.

"Good day, Cy. What brings you here?" says Officer Grace.

"This box." says Cy.

"What's in the box?" asks Officer Grace.

"First, may I enter?" asks Cy.

"You may." says Officer Grace as Cy then steps inside the station and heads over to the desk where Officer Timmy is.

"Hello, Officer Timmy. Arrested any civilians today?" says Cy.

"May you joke about the law?" asks Officer Timmy.

"If I answer, can I plead the fifth?" says Cy.

"Cy, show us what's in the box." says Officer Grace as she walks over.

"Here." says Cy as he opens the box.

"Is that a baby?" asks Officer Timmy.

"Don't arrest it." says Cy.

"It looks cute." says Officer Grace.

"That's a girl, or a she." says Cy.

"How can you tell?" asks Officer Grace.

"I've seen my mother's baby pictures. Trust me, I know." says Cy.

"How old is she?" asks Officer Grace.

"Seeing how pink she is and remembering a few television shows, I would guess just a few hours old." says Cy.

"What a way to enter the world." says Officer Grace.

"I'll go get Chief McIntyre." says Officer Timmy as he leaves.

"I hope it's not so he can arrest the baby." says Cy.

"Put your paranoia away for now, Cy." says Officer Grace.

"I will. Welcome to the world, little girl. I promise you that this isn't a good way to start out in life." says Cy.

"I wonder who left her here?" asks Officer Grace.

"I can't imagine anyone who wouldn't want a child." says Cy.

"It happens, Cy." says Officer Grace.

"It shouldn't. Babies should be welcomed, no matter what, and taken in, not thrown away as garbage." says Cy.

"This baby was left under the Safe Haven Law." says Chief McIntyre as he arrives at the desk.

"Good day, Chief McIntyre. I found this one outside your door. I thought I would bring it inside before the sun got to her." says Cy.

"Once again, you've done right." says Chief McIntyre.

"I was lucky enough. By the time this kid woke up, it could have been night and she would have died." says Cy.

"Ease up, Cy. The baby is safe." says Chief McIntyre.

"What are we gonna do with it?" asks Polly, standing behind Officer Grace.

"Well, I guess the main goal should be to find the lady a home." says Cy.

"First, let's call a doctor and see how healthy she is." says Chief McIntyre.

"Then get on the phone." says Cy.

"If you insist." says Chief McIntyre, who then walks away.

"This baby needs a home right away." says Cy.

"Relax, Cy. I'm sure the county will take her in until someone adopts her." says Officer Grace.

"That may be fine for you, but I think that someone ougtha watch over the baby with only the attention a parent can give." says Cy.

"The county hosiptal will take care of little Baby Doe just fine." says Officer Timmy.

"Baby Doe? That's another thing." says Cy.

"What's wrong with Baby Doe?" asks Officer Timmy.

"That's a bad name to give a newborn." says Cy.

"Standard practice is to let the adoptive parents name the child." says Officer Timmy.

"Maybe the baby can use a temporary name until she gets an offical name." says Cy.

"That's an interesting idea, Cy." says Polly.

"Maybe you would like to carry it out?" asks Cy.

"No thanks. I don't need any distractions from my career." says Polly.

"Do it for me." says Cy.

"No. Find someone else." says Polly.

"Officer Grace, my intern's girlfriend and noted friend to yours truly." says Cy.

"Your butter won't work on me." says Officer Grace.

"Any fathers?" asks Cy.

"No, Cy. I have enough trouble with my mother to deal with a baby." says Thomas.

"I don't need a baby on my record. I wish to remain unattached." says Officer Timmy.

"And I sure don't want it." says Chief McIntyre as he returns from his office.

"I'm still determined to get the baby a temporary parent until someone adopts it." says Cy.

"Why don't we just wait for the doctor to show up and give the baby an examination?" asks Chief McIntyre.

"Wait! I think I have an idea." says Cy.

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

Tomorrow, on our 100th episode, we find out what Cy's brilliant idea is, and as we all know from experience, Cy's ideas tend to lead to great adventures, don't they?

Join us, won't you?
Yours truly, John Maxwell.

A production of WGN Chicago. All rights reserved.

Episode 98

2010-10-20T14:30:00.002-04:00

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

Only two more to go until the 100th episode!

Today's episode: "The Temporary Parent", Part 2

Yesterday, we began our tenth serial of the series with storytime at the local library with Darlene, who has become a hero to the children of Hyperion. Cy, still stewing over the departure of his father yesterday, comes for a visit and is taken in by the treatment Darlene gives the children, very different from the times she tried to ban them as a human iceberg.
As we begin today, a topic stews in Darlene's mind...

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

"Cy, can I confide in you?" asks Darlene.

"I'm sure you can." says Cy.

"I've been reading to the kids for a while, and helping them." says Darlene.

"I know that." says Cy.

"And it's awakened some feelings in me." says Darlene.

"I get it. Your long-domant material instincts are alive and well." says Cy.

"I just wanna have a kid of my own." says Darlene.

"It would be a good step in your return to humanity to raise a child." says Cy.

"I just I could have one." says Darlene.

"Well, there are three ways to get one. One, you can go the usual nine months, either by man or sperm donor." says Cy.

"What's the second way?" asks Darlene.

"Just take one, and if you go that way, I'll alert Officer Grace to a children count in case one turns up missing." says Cy.

"And the third one?" asks Darlene.

"Adopt." says Cy.

"But I wanna a baby to hold in my arms." says Darlene.

"It's rare that an adoption agency has a child under six months of age." says Cy.

"But then what is a mother to do?" asks Darlene.

"You're not a mother yet, Darlene." says Cy.

"One day, I will be." says Darlene.

"Why the rush to motherhood?" asks Cy.

"Because I'm 30 and I have no children." says Darlene.

"My mother was your age when she had me." says Cy.

"And only you. Remember that, Cy." says Darlene.

"How many offspring are we talking about here?" asks Cy.

"A nice-sized brood. About three or four." says Darlene.

"Don't worry. If you stick with Thomas, I'm sure he can help you with that." says Cy.

"Me and Thomas haven't really seen each other for a while now." says Darlene.

"All relationships go through a cooling-off period. It's normal." says Cy.

"Has it happened to you and Joanne yet?" asks Darlene.

"We had a touch of it, but me and her are in it for the long haul, it seems." says Cy.

"You sound like your father." says Darlene.

"Long haul means more than my father." says Cy.

"Tell me you never felt the urge to roam." says Darlene.

"Maybe once, but I quietly buried it." says Cy.

"You talk about your mother and never your father. I feel something wrong with that." says Darlene.

"Just because you want kids doesn't mean you can adopt me as yours." says Cy.

"I never even got to see him this time and show him the melted me." says Darlene.

"Maybe he'll head back this way soon, but I doubt that." says Cy.

"You and your father should get along better. To me, you seem alike." says Darlene.

"I'm not like him in the least. I stay in one place." says Cy.

"Then why all the talk about Polly and her career. Sounds like you're looking for an excuse to leave." says Darlene.

"Perhaps I better leave here." says Cy.

"See you around... Mitch." says Darlene as Cy makes his leave.

Down at the police station, Officer Grace is sitted at a desk as she fills out some paperwork. Meanwhile, Officer Timmy walks over to where the desk is, adjusting his belt as he walks.

"What a day, I say." says Officer Timmy.

"Right that you are." says Officer Grace.

"The sun is out and about." says Officer Timmy.

"I can see it." says Officer Grace.

"Just another day in the city." says Officer Grace.

"Trying to be a poet, Officer Timmy?" asks Officer Grace.

"Very funny. It's our job to keep an eye out for crime." says Officer Timmy.

"Seems to be very calm today." says Officer Grace.

"Just a few days ago, we learned that a dangerous man had taken up residence in our town." says Officer Timmy.

"But Cy put a stop to that." says Officer Grace.

"I hear you're dating one of his co-workers." says Officer Timmy.

"His name is Phil." says Officer Grace.

"Is he a shady character?" asks Officer Timmy.

"He's a very nice man." says Officer Grace.

"Well, be careful, he might be a shady character." says Officer Timmy.

"With you, I can see Cy's paranoia about cops." says Officer Grace.

"The way he puts cops is the way a cop should be. They shouldn't let their feelings cloud their judgement, not for a second." says Officer Timmy.

"That paranoia comes from cops like that roaming the streets of New York City." says Officer Grace.

"Trust in cops should be kept as much as trust in a deity." says Officer Timmy.

"I'll never be like that, and I hope to God I never see your side of the coin." says Officer Grace.

"What side of the coin?" asks Officer Timmy.

"The unfeeling, by-the-book cop that cares more about the law than the people. Cy has a name for it, 'Sergeant Friday Syndrome'." says Officer Grace.

"The day I care less about the law, may I be struck dead." says Officer Timmy.

"Then I better have you transferred." says Officer Grace.

"What for?" asks Officer Timmy.

"So you don't stink up the place when you die like that." says Officer Grace.

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

Tomorrow, Cy makes another important discovery, which leads to more important changes to those around him, as he always does when he makes discoveries, like Columbus.

Join us, won't you?
Yours truly, John Maxwell.

A production of WGN Chicago. All rights reserved.

Episode 97

2010-10-19T14:30:00.001-04:00

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

Only 3 to go until the 100th episode!

Today's episode: "The Temporary Parent", Part 1

Yesterday, we concluded our ninth serial with the conclusion to the whole storyline begun in our sixth serial, with Renee and Stacy offering final thoughts on Al and Renee's thoughts on Cy, to which Stacy and Officer Grace commented on. Meanwhile, Mitch, Cy's father, tried his best to get a conversation out of his son, to no avail.
As we begin, Mitch has made his departure and left Cy to stew for a day...

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

It's another day at the library as Darlene sits in a chair, facing a group of children, sitted cross-legged on the floor. In her hands is a story book. Its open pages are facing the children as she reads them a passage.

"'The brave soldier faces the mighty... ' what?" says Darlene.

"Dragon." says one of the kids.

"Very good. Now, what is the soldier holding in his hand?" says Darlene.

"A sword." says another kid.

"Good. 'He then faced the dragon in the... ' what?" says Darlene.

"Face?" says the first kid.

"No." says Darlene.

"Eye?" asks a third kid.

"That's right. 'He then told the dragon, 'I must slay you.' Now, tell me, what does 'slay' mean?" says Darlene.

"It means to kill." says the first kid.

"Very good. Now, we turn the page and find the brave soldier charging at the dragon. 'He ran as fast as he could, looking at the dragon the whole time.'." says Darlene.

As Darlene reads the passage, Cy enters the library. As he looks around, he sees the sight and looks on with delight as the brave soldier in the story pierces the dragon's skin.

"Ouch." says Cy to himself.

"'The brave soldier then watched as the dragon breathed his last fiery breath. He then stood over the body, his sword held in triumph. The townpeople came up and saw the dead body of the dragon and carried the soldier back into town for a celebration of his deed.'." says Darlene, who then closes the book.

"That was great." says Cy.

"Okay, kids. Go off and read some more." says Darlene as the kids scatter around the children's area.

"Good story." says Cy as Darlene gets up from the chair.

"Thanks, Cy. What are you doing here?" says Darlene as she walks over to the main desk.

"I'm here to find something to do since my father left yesterday." says Cy.

"I can't believe he did that without meeting the rest of us." says Darlene.

"That's the first time you've cared about my father's departures." says Cy.

"Cy, I just love reading to those kids." says Darlene.

"And after all those years of snearing them and nearly banning them from this place." says Cy.

"Proof anyone can reform." says Darlene.

"Ain't that the truth?" says Cy.

"It has been wonderful." says a man as he walks over to where the two are standing.

"Hello, sir. Cy, this is the head librarian, Mr. Edward." says Darlene.

"That makes you Mr. Ed." says Cy.

"That it does. Miss Harris, your performance over the last couple of weeks has been marvelous." says Mr. Edward.

"Really?" asks Cy.

"Yes, Darlene has geninue feelings for our young readers now. She has read them stories and she has become their hero." says Mr. Edward.

"A hero to the younger set. I'm impressed." says Cy.

"I enjoy every minute of it." says Darlene.

"That so?" asks Cy.

"Yes, she does." says Mr. Edward.

"Mr. Edward, what are you doing here?" asks Darlene.

"I came here to ask if you would like to read to the kids some more." says Mr. Edward.

"I would be delighted." says Darlene.

"Pardon my ignorance, but who might you be?" asks Mr. Edward.

"I'm Cyrus McLean Scott, local radio personality." says Cy.

"I listen to you every morning. Ever think of writing your mother's life story?" says Mr. Edward.

"Always looking out for new books for the library?" says Cy.

"You caught me." says Mr. Edward.

"When Random House gives me a call, I'll get out the typewriter." says Cy.

"The world has Bennett Cerf to thank for the world's best literature." says Mr. Edward as he walks away.

"And What's My Line for his fame." says Cy.

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

Tomorrow, Darlene offers up a topic that must be made in order to keep the human race going year after year. Offer your two cents to it when it comes.

Join us, won't you?
Yours truly, John Maxwell.

A production of WGN Chicago. All rights reserved

Episode 96

2010-10-18T14:30:00.001-04:00

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

Only 4 episodes left until the 100th episode!

Today's episode: "The Truck Driving Man", Part 7

Last week, we saw the arrival of Cy's father, long-haul trucker Mitch Jones, in Hyperion. As Mitch meet Cy's friends, Cy himself proved very cold to his own dad, as memories of the past came back to him and Cy tried to deal with it the best he could. By the end of the week, we saw Cy take his father on a tour of the town, which ended at Tom's Place.
As we begin this week, we continue as the aftermath of Cy's adventure is still being looked over...

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

As Polly, Thomas, and Officer Grace scatter to various parts of the room, Renee and Stacy remain by the desk.

"I can't believe this whole thing is over." says Renee.

"Me, neither." says Stacy.

"I never thought that I would ever see you again." says Stacy.

"Same here." says Renee.

"Aren't you happy about this?" asks Stacy.

"Yes, I am." says Renee.

"The way you're talking to me, it doesn't seem so." says Stacy.

"I am happy." says Renee.

"You really oughta think Cy for getting us back together." says Stacy.

"I didn't ask him to do it." says Renee.

"He didn't have to." says Stacy.

"Did you hear what his father called him? Mac, just like every other New Yorker." says Renee.

"Isn't that his middle name? You told me the name once, Cyrus McLean Scott." says Stacy.

"That may be so." says Renee.

"And it's what truck drivers often refer to each other." says Stacy.

"You have an explanation for everything about him." says Renee.

"Why are you still against him, even after everything he's done?" asks Stacy.

"Because I still think he did this for his own benefit, not ours." says Renee.

"He doesn't strike me as self-centered." says Stacy.

"I told you, he doesn't have pictures of loved ones, only his mother." says Renee.

"Doesn't his mother count as a loved one?" asks Stacy.

"She just raised him." says Renee.

"Doesn't sound like that. She's very important in his life." says Stacy.

"You never even heard of her." says Stacy.

"I went online when Al wasn't looking and I found some info on her." says Stacy.

"And what did you find?" asks Renee.

"She was an actress and she was in a couple of good films." says Stacy.

"That doesn't mean a thing." says Renee.

"I also learned what she was like and she reminds me of you, pretty and tough."

says Stacy.

"She also raised Cy." says Renee.

"Who's a very intelligent person and I don't think Debralee would have accepted anything less from her offspring." says Stacy.

"Cy has a large painting of her above the fireplace and her urn. He's always surrounded by reminders of her." says Renee.

"I think, after seeing Cy in action, the whole world needs reminding and Cy does that well." says Stacy.

"I guess he must be more than the son of Debralee Scott." says Officer Grace, walking over to the desk.

"You've been overhearing our conversation?" asks Renee.

"Yes, and I've heard many opinions on Cy but never self-serving. As you said yourself, Stacy, his mother would not accept anything less than someone who knows right from wrong." says Officer Grace.

"Many people would say what we do together is wrong." says Renee.

"It's not wrong to Cy." says Officer Grace.

"You're right, Officer." says Stacy.

"I'm starting to see your point, but I'll need more." says Renee.

"Just tune a radio to WHYP weekday mornings and you'll get it." says Officer Grace, who then walks away.

"Maybe I should do that sometime." says Renee.

"I'll join you, tomorrow." says Stacy.

"It's a date." says Renee.

Back at Tom's Place, Cy and Mitch continue to sit and drink beer, as Cy continues not to offer much in talking.

"Mac, you haven't said much to me in the last 30 minutes." says Mitch.

"I haven't?" asks Cy.

"There you go again. You know, if you have something to say, say it." says Mitch.

"I don't feel like it." says Cy.

"You must feel like something." says Mitch.

"I feel fine, Dad." says Cy.

"Your feeling has gone down today since this morning." says Mitch.

"How nice of you to notice." says Cy.

"C'mon, Mac. From what I hear, you just had a great adventure. Lighten up." says Mitch.

"Maybe I should." says Cy.

Suddenly, a cell phone on Mitch's belt rings, with a old-fashioned phone ring-type ringtone, rings out.

"Excuse me, Cy." says Mitch as he answers the phone.

"Take all the time you need." says Cy.

After a minute of talking, Mitch hangs up the phone.

"Cy, listen. I've gotta tell you something." says Mitch.

"What is it, Dad?" asks Cy.

"I've just gotten an order to go to Kalamazoo to pick up a shipment and take it to Baton Rouge." says Mitch as he gets up from the bar stool.

"Dad, wait." says Cy as he gets up from his bar stool.

Cy and Mitch make their way out of the place and make their way back to Cy's house.

"Hate to drink and run, Mac, but I must go." says Mitch.

"If you say so." says Cy as he and Mitch reach the driveway.

"Explain to everyone else about my sudden departure." says Mitch.

"I will, Dad." says Cy as they reach the truck.

"I promise to back this way soon, Mac." says Mitch as he gets inside.

"Take your time." says Cy.

"If you say so." says Mitch as he closes the door behind him.

"Goodbye, Dad, again." says Cy as Mitch pulls the truck out of the driveway.

Cy then stares as the truck makes its way down the street, leaving Cy with a misx of emotions as Stacy and Renee make their way up to the house.

"I see Mitch is leaving. Where's he going?" says Renee.

"Off to Kalamazoo, then Baton Rouge, then to parts unknown." says Cy.

"A trucker's life. We didn't even get to say goodbye." says Stacy.

"With him, you never do." says Cy.

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

Tomorrow, we begin our tenth serial of the series with a visit to the local library and the children's reading hour, hosted by.... well, just tune it and find out.

Join us, won't you?
Yours truly, John Maxwell.

A production of WGN Chicago. All rights reserved.

Episode 95

2010-10-15T14:30:00.001-04:00

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

Only 5 episodes left until the 100th episode!

Today's episode: "The Truck Driving Man", Part 6

Yesterday, Cy took his father on a tour of Hyperion. Their stops included the police station, where Mitch meet Polly, Thomas, and Officer Grace, who made Mitch, a trucker, enemy to highway patrols, feel at home. Their stops also included Tom's Place, where Cy worked out a deal for Polly to perform there every week, which went well.
As we begin, Cy and Mitch are sitting down to a celebratory drink...

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

"Mac, let's talk." says Mitch.

"About what?" asks Cy.

"Your life." says Mitch.

"What about my life?" asks Cy.

"How's it been these past five years?" asks Mitch.

"As well as can be." says Cy.

"It was hard to lose your mother." says Mitch.

"That's true." says Cy.

"Debralee meant a lot to me as a friend, but it must have been hard on you." says Cy.

"Here's your beers." says Tom, handling them to Cy and Mitch.

"Thanks. Tell me something I don't know." says Cy.

"Are you upset about somethin'?" asks Mitch.

"Nothing. Nothing at all." says Cy.

"C'mon, Mac. Tell your dad here what's on your mind." says Mitch.

"There's not much to tell." says Cy.

"There must be, seeing what friends you have 'round." says Mitch.

"They're nice people." says Cy.

"I know that. Anyone you don't like?" says Mitch.

"My rivals Barry and Terry." says Cy.

"I don't appeal to me, either." says Mitch.

"You've heard them?" asks Cy.

"I've may have listened to them and they don't really do much." says Mitch.

"You've been this way more than once." says Cy.

"Really, Mac... " says Mitch.

"You've been this way in the last five years and you've never detoured my way?" says Cy.

"I was always on a run, I couldn't." says Mitch.

"All right. I accept that." says Cy.

"Good. You're a very forgiving person." says Mitch.

"I know that." says Cy.

"Sometimes, Mac, you do remind me of your mother. She was a very forgiving person at times." says Mitch.

"Except when something stuck with her." says Cy.

"Is something stuck with you?" asks Mitch.

"I told you, nothing at all." says Cy.

"There must something buggin' ya this much." says Mitch.

"Just drink your beer." says Cy.

"If you say so." says Mitch.

Back at the police station, Stacy is finishing her testimony to Special Investigator Mason. As Stacy leaves the office, Officer Grace, Renee, and Chief McIntyre are standing around a desk while Polly and Thomas have moved to a corner of the room.

"You done with Stacy?" asks Chief McIntyre.

"I believe that with Ms. Castle's testimony, along with the testimonies of Ms. Wesner, the three goons of Mr. Turnan, and Turnan's own testimony, I think I can make a case." says Mr. Mason.

"That's great." says Renee.

"I can't believe what he did before he came here." says Officer Grace.

"He was running a pretty good racket and I think we can attach him to a unsolved murder." says Mr. Mason.

"That's interesting." says Polly, walking up to the desk.

"To think, we wouldn't have him if it wasn't for that Scott character and from the testimonies I've gathered, he risked life and limb to bring Turnan to justice." says Mr. Mason.

"Cy has a heart of gold, even if it is misplaced at times." says Polly.

"What do you mean?" asks Mr. Mason.

"Risking life for two sinners. I mean, you two are good people, but if you're better, you'd abandoned this business." says Polly.

"Miss McIntyre, what these two do is not important to us. What is important is that we brought a criminal to justice." says Mr. Mason.

"Something, Polly, two wrongs do make a right." says Thomas, walking his way over.

"Maybe. Cy is a trustworthy person." says Polly.

"And this city should thank him." says Mr. Mason.

"Would you like to collect your prisoner?" asks Chief McIntyre.

"I've sent for a special wagon. It'll been here any time now." says Mr. Mason.

"Maybe I should re-think my opinion of Cy." says Polly.

"Perhaps you should. After all, he did risk his life." says Thomas.

"How should I think?" asks Polly.

"Think about his mother and how she taught him right from wrong." says Thomas.

"How does that help?" asks Polly.

"What felt wrong to him enough to help?" asks Thomas.

"Chief McIntyre, the mayor's office will hear of Mr. Scott's efforts, I'll make sure of that." says Mr. Mason.

"I'm sure our mayor will honor him enough." says Chief McIntyre.

"If his mother were still alive, her praise would be enough for him." says Polly.

Just then, a honking noise is heard from outside.

"That must be the transport. Chief McIntyre... " says Mr. Mason.

"I'll get him." says Chief McIntyre, who then makes his way over to the jail cell room.

"Do I have to go?" asks Stacy.

"No, but we'll need you for the trial." says Mr. Mason.

"When will that be?" asks Stacy.

"We'll need some time to set up. We'll let you know." says Mr. Mason.

"Will you call Cy as a witness?" asks Polly.

"We might, depends on what we need." says Mr. Mason.

"Cy's standing in the world is growing." says Thomas.

"It must be. I can't recall when Cy was at the center of things." says Officer Grace.

"He deserves a medal, that's for sure." says Thomas.

"He'll probably get one." says Officer Grace.

"I wonder what plans he now has for my career?" asks Polly.

"Okay, Mr. Turnan, here you go." says Chief McIntyre as he walks out of the jail cell room with Al.

"Mr. Mason?" asks one of two guards as they enter the building.

"There's your prisoner." says Mr. Mason, pointing at Al.

"Come on, Mr. Turnan." says the other guard as they take Al from Chief McIntyre.

"I'll come with you." says Mr. Mason as he, the guards, and Al leave the building.

"It's all over." says Chief McIntyre.

"For now." says Officer Grace.

"Now, back to work." says Chief McIntyre as he retreats back in his office.

"Come on now, Polly, you heard what the man said." says Thomas.

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

Next week, one serial ends and another begins, where a course of events occurs that will change the lives of all involved, but then again, it's just life in Hyperion, as we all know it.

Join us, won't you?
Yours truly, John Maxwell.

A production of WGN Chicago. All rights reserved.

Episode 98

2010-10-14T14:30:00.001-04:00

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

Only 2 more to go until the 100th episode!

Today's episode: "The Temporary Parent", Part 2

Yesterday, we began our tenth serial of the series with a visit to the local library and storytime with Darlene, who has become the hero in the eyes of the children of Hyperion. Cy, still stewing over his father's departure the day before, came for a visit and notices the attention she gives those she once shunned as a human iceberg.
As we begin today, a subject swirls in Darlene's mind...

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

"Cy, can I confide in you?" asks Darlene.

"I'm sure you can." says Cy.

"I've been reading to the kids for a while, and helping them." says Darlene.

"I know that." says Cy.

"And it's awakened some feelings in me." says Darlene.

"I get it. Your long-domant material instincts are alive and well." says Cy.

"I just wanna have a kid of my own." says Darlene.

"It would be a good step in your return to humanity to raise a child." says Cy.

"I just I could have one." says Darlene.

"Well, there are three ways to get one. One, you can go the usual nine months, either by man or sperm donor." says Cy.

"What's the second way?" asks Darlene.

"Just take one, and if you go that way, I'll alert Officer Grace to a children count in case one turns up missing." says Cy.

"And the third one?" asks Darlene.

"Adopt." says Cy.

"But I wanna a baby to hold in my arms." says Darlene.

"It's rare that an adoption agency has a child under six months of age." says Cy.

"But then what is a mother to do?" asks Darlene.

"You're not a mother yet, Darlene." says Cy.

"One day, I will be." says Darlene.

"Why the rush to motherhood?" asks Cy.

"Because I'm 30 and I have no children." says Darlene.

"My mother was your age when she had me." says Cy.

"And only you. Remember that, Cy." says Darlene.

"How many offspring are we talking about here?" asks Cy.

"A nice-sized brood. About three or four." says Darlene.

"Don't worry. If you stick with Thomas, I'm sure he can help you with that." says Cy.

"Me and Thomas haven't really seen each other for a while now." says Darlene.

"All relationships go through a cooling-off period. It's normal." says Cy.

"Has it happened to you and Joanne yet?" asks Darlene.

"We had a touch of it, but me and her are in it for the long haul, it seems." says Cy.

"You sound like your father." says Darlene.

"Long haul means more than my father." says Cy.

"Tell me you never felt the urge to roam." says Darlene.

"Maybe once, but I quietly buried it." says Cy.

"You talk about your mother and never your father. I feel something wrong with that." says Darlene.

"Just because you want kids doesn't mean you can adopt me as yours." says Cy.

"I never even got to see him this time and show him the melted me." says Darlene.

"Maybe he'll head back this way soon, but I doubt that." says Cy.

"You and your father should get along better. To me, you seem alike." says Darlene.

"I'm not like him in the least. I stay in one place." says Cy.

"Then why all the talk about Polly and her career. Sounds like you're looking for an excuse to leave." says Darlene.

"Perhaps I better leave here." says Cy.

"See you around... Mitch." says Darlene as Cy makes his leave.

Down at the police station, Officer Grace is sitted at a desk as she fills out some paperwork. Meanwhile, Officer Timmy walks over to where the desk is, adjusting his belt as he walks.

"What a day, I say." says Officer Timmy.

"Right that you are." says Officer Grace.

"The sun is out and about." says Officer Timmy.

"I can see it." says Officer Grace.

"Just another day in the city." says Officer Grace.

"Trying to be a poet, Officer Timmy?" asks Officer Grace.

"Very funny. It's our job to keep an eye out for crime." says Officer Timmy.

"Seems to be very calm today." says Officer Grace.

"Just a few days ago, we learned that a dangerous man had taken up residence in our town." says Officer Timmy.

"But Cy put a stop to that." says Officer Grace.

"I hear you're dating one of his co-workers." says Officer Timmy.

"His name is Phil." says Officer Grace.

"Is he a shady character?" asks Officer Timmy.

"He's a very nice man." says Officer Grace.

"Well, be careful, he might be a shady character." says Officer Timmy.

"With you, I can see Cy's paranoia about cops." says Officer Grace.

"The way he puts cops is the way a cop should be. They shouldn't let their feelings cloud their judgement, not for a second." says Officer Timmy.

"That paranoia comes from cops like that roaming the streets of New York City." says Officer Grace.

"Trust in cops should be kept as much as trust in a deity." says Officer Timmy.

"I'll never be like that, and I hope to God I never see your side of the coin." says Officer Grace.

"What side of the coin?" asks Officer Timmy.

"The unfeeling, by-the-book cop that cares more about the law than the people. Cy has a name for it, 'Sergeant Friday Syndrome'." says Officer Grace.

"The day I care less about the law, may I be struck dead." says Officer Timmy.

"Then I better have you transferred." says Officer Grace.

"What for?" asks Officer Timmy.

"So you don't stink up the place when you die like that." says Officer Grace.

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

Tomorrow, a discovery is made by Cy, which he involves Darlene, who involves Conrad, who involves... well, you'll get the picture soon enough.

Join us, won't you?
Yours truly, John Maxwell.

A production of WGN Chicago. All rights reserved.

Episode 94

2010-10-14T14:30:00.000-04:00

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

Only 6 episodes until the 100th episode!

Today's episode: "The Truck Driving Man", Part 5

Yesterday, Cy told Conrad of how his father's visit was starting to get to him, even though it had only been a day. Conrad then told Cy to just grin and bear it. However, the minute he got home, he found himself unable to let it roll, so he decided to take his father on a tour of the town.
As we begin, we head to downtown...

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

Some time later, at the police station, Polly is mopping up a section of floor in the main office area as Thomas looks on, with a broom in his hands. He looks on with wide eyes.

"Enjoying my work today?" asks Polly.

"Same as every day." says Thomas.

"The day has been more than mopping." says Polly.

"I've noticed." says Thomas.

"Thank God they put him in jail. I was getting tense around him." says Polly.

"Me, too. He looked at you wrong a few times." says Thomas.

"How can you look at someone wrong?" asks Polly.

"You just can." says Thomas.

"That Cy has been a bad influence on you and the way you think." says Polly.

"What's wrong with my way of thinking?" asks Cy as he, Stacy, and Mitch enter the building.

"Nothing." says Polly.

"I'm here to give my statement to the special investigator." says Stacy.

"He's in with Renee, getting her statement." says Polly.

"Where?" asks Cy.

"In Chief McIntyre's office." says Polly.

"Who's the guy with you, Cy?" asks Thomas.

"He's my father, Mitch Jones." says Cy.

"This is your father?" asks Polly as she walks up to where he is standing.

"Long-haul trucker, my lady." says Mitch.

"So nice to meet you." says Polly.

"You have an interesting voice." says Mitch.

"I was born in West Virginia." says Polly.

"I'm from a little south of you, in Tennessee." says Mitch.

"Charmed." says Polly.

"I hope that will help." says Chief McIntyre as he, a man, Officer Grace, and Renee leave his office.

"I'm waiting for Ms. Castle's testimony." says the man.

"Hello, Chief." says Cy.

"Hello, Cy. I see you brought Stacy with you." says Chief McIntyre.

"She needed an escort." says Cy.

"This man here is Special Investigator Mason." says Chief McIntyre.

"Nice to meet you, Ms. Castle." says Mr. Mason.

"So, how are things in Paw Paw?" asks Cy.

"Mr. Mason isn't from Paw Paw." says Officer Grace.

"Then where is he from?" asks Stacy.

"He's from Kalamazoo." says Chief McIntyre.

"When Chief McIntyre here called Paw Paw yesterday on Mr. Turnan, they referred him to us because of his activities in our city." says Mr. Mason.

"And you came here to collect him." says Cy.

"Well put, Mr... " says Mr. Mason.

"Scott, Cy Scott." says Cy.

"Ms. Castle, if you please into the office, I shall take your statement." says Mr. Mason, making his way back to it.

"Excuse me, gentlemen." says Stacy as she goes into the office.

"Cy, who's the extra guy with you?" asks Officer Grace.

"This is my father, Mitch Jones, long-hauler. Dad, this is Grace Baker of the Hyperion Police Department and Phil's girlfriend." says Cy.

"Is she a good cop?" asks Mitch.

"A very good one, in skill and personality." says Cy.

"Long-hauler, as in truck driver?" asks Officer Grace.

"That's right." says Cy.

"Mr. Jones, nice to meet you." says Officer Grace.

"This is your father, Cy?" asks Chief McIntyre.

"And you must run this place?" asks Mitch.

"I do, and I'll make sure to be kind to you. Cy here is a very well-behaved citizen." says Chief McIntyre.

"I know that." says Mitch.

"Come on, Dad. We have some more business to get to." says Cy.

"All right, Mac." says Mitch as he and Cy leave the building.

"Nice man, Cy's father." says Officer Grace.

"And to think, he's never mentioned him before." says Polly.

Some time later, Cy and Mitch are walking into Tom's Place, where a late morning crowd has gathered. Cy and Mitch are spotted entering by Tom.

"Hello, Cy. Who's with ya?" says Tom.

"This is my father, Mitch Jones. He's a truck driver." says Cy.

"That's a fair number of my customers." says Tom.

"That's nice to know." says Mitch.

"Cy, what brings you to my place so early in the day?" asks Tom.

"It's about Polly." says Cy.

"Say, that was a great concert we had here Saturday night." says Tom.

"How would like more of those?" asks Cy.

"What do you mean?" asks Tom.

"I mean, I would like to arrange some weekly concerts here." says Cy.

"What an offer! How can I turn that down?" says Tom.

"They would start this Saturday." says Cy.

"Go right ahead. I would not deny my customers their favorite singer. I get requests every week to make her a regular feature here." says Tom.

"And now, she will be." says Cy.

"They'll be happy to hear that." says Tom.

"Mac, let's have a drink to celebrate." says Mitch as he sits down at the bar.

"I guess I could use a drink." says Cy.

"Tom, two beers here." says Mitch.

"Coming right up, and there's on the house." says Tom.

"The best rate I know." says Mitch.

"Don't I know it." says Cy.

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

Tomorrow, a conversation starts between Mitch and Cy, and the aftermath of Cy's adventure becomes known to those involved.

Join us, won't you?
Yours truly, John Maxwell.

A production of WGN Chicago. All rights reserved.

Episode 93

2010-10-13T05:01:00.001-04:00

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

Only 7 episodes until the 100th episode!

Today's episode: "The Truck Driving Man", Part 4

Yesterday, Thomas and Polly take stock of Cy's adventure to save Stacy as they look upon the cuffed Al, with Thomas coming to Cy's defense for his actions. Meanwhile, Cy's father Mitch parked his big rig in Cy's driveway as he waited for his son to come home, which he does. As Cy lets Mitch into his home, he's worried about how his father will take Renee and Stacy.
As we begin, Mitch has met Renee and now, Stacy enters the picture...

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

"The same, once again." says Mitch.

"Let me explain." says Cy.

"Hello, dear sir." says Stacy as she enters the living room.

"Stacy, this man here is Cy's father, Mitch Jones." says Renee.

"Are you the owner of that big rig outside?" asks Stacy.

"That's mine all right." says Mitch.

"A truck driver?" asks Stacy.

"A long-hauler. Been that way since 1970, cruising the highways and the byways of this here great country." says Mitch.

"How interesting." says Stacy.

"Dad, let me tell you." says Cy.

"Is Stacy another boarder?" asks Mitch.

"No, she's... Renee's girlfriend." says Cy.

"In what way?" asks Mitch.

"The romantic way." says Cy.

"Well, that doesn't bother me." says Mitch.

"I thought you would flip your lid." says Cy.

"Have you forgotten what I am? I'm a trucker, and on the road, there is no discrimination, except to the police." says Mitch.

"Then are you in for a surprise when you really meet Phil." says Cy.

"I don't follow you." says Mitch.

"I'll leave it to Phil." says Cy.

"I wanna hear about your time on the road." says Stacy.

"I'll be glad to impart my life to your ears." says Mitch as he makes his way to the dining room, with Stacy and Renee following behind.

The next day, Cy is making his way to the green room. When he arrives, he finds only Conrad, playing a round of pinball.

"Conrad, I need to talk to you." says Cy.

"Please do." says Conrad, still playing.

"My father is making his presence very well-known." says Cy.

"How so?" asks Conrad.

"He met my boarder and her lover." says Cy.

"How'd he take it?" asks Conrad.

"I forgot how open-mined he was. Anyway, he then spent the day telling them about his life on the road." says Cy.

"He is always ready to do that." says Conrad.

"Conrad, I need something to do." says Cy.

"What can you do?" asks Conrad.

"I have no idea." says Cy.

"Me, neither. Why don't we talk about something else?" says Conrad.

"Fine with me." says Cy.

"I wanna talk about Polly's concert last Saturday. It was great." says Conrad.

"Your banjo was superb." says Cy.

"I wonder when the next show is." says Conrad.

"Beats me." says Cy.

"I hope it's soon. I wanna know what else you're gonna put in the band." says Phil as he enters the room.

"Knowing Cy, his mandolin is next." says Conrad.

"That's it. I know what to do." says Cy.

"With what?" asks Phil.

"The time he wants to spend away from his father." says Conrad.

"Remember the reason I put Conrad in the band in the first place?" asks Cy.

"So you could needed to hear a bigger sound." says Conrad.

"Why the bigger sound?" asks Cy.

"Because you wanted to make a demo album." says Conrad.

"And I think it's time we make it." says Cy.

"Check your hairline, Cy." says Conrad.

"Why do you say that?" asks Cy.

"I think you know why." says Conrad.

"It's nothing like that at all." says Cy.

"Why don't you spend more time with your father, Cy?" asks Phil.

"Because those two are estranged." says Conrad.

"Why can't a father and son ever get along?" asks Phil.

"There's nothing wrong between me and my father." says Cy.

"Then spend more time with him." says Conrad.

"I guess I can hold on the demo album until I've increased the sound some more. I'll talk to Tom about a few more Saturday concerts." says Cy.

"Good idea, and you can show your father around Hyperion." says Conrad.

"If you say so." says Cy.

Later that morning, Cy makes his way inside his home. As he does, he hears the sound of Mitch's voice in the dining room, talking to Stacy.

"I was making my way up a steep incline. In those days, the CB was a trucker's best friend, and there had been reports of smokies and traps in the region, so I carefully made my turn as I rounded the corner." says Mitch.

"Hello, dad." says Cy.

"Well, Mac. How was your show?" says Mitch.

"Just another Tuesday on the air." says Cy.

"That's great. I was just telling Stacy here about the time I made my way from Roanoke to Parkersburg." says Mitch.

"That's a great tale. Listen, dad, I decided something." says Cy.

"Well, what is it, Mac?" asks Mitch.

"I've decided that today, I'm gonna take you on a tour of Hyperion." says Cy.

"That's a great idea. I've been waiting for you to do that." says Mitch.

"That's helpful. I've make a statement down at the police station. Someone from Paw Paw." says Stacy.

"Renee's there now." says Mitch.

"Of course. I believe the county is gonna throw their weight at Al." says Cy.

"The things he did to me and to others." says Stacy.

"Let me take you downtown, then I'll take dad on the tour." says Cy.

"Good idea." says Mitch.

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

Tomorrow, Mitch has his tour of the downtown area, including a stop at the police station and a drink at Tom's Place. What a tour!

Join us, won't you?
Yours truly, John Maxwell.

A production of WGN Chicago. All rights reserved.

Episode 92

2010-10-12T14:30:00.000-04:00

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

Today's episode: "The Truck Driving Man", Part 3

Yesterday, Cy's father, Mitch Jones, awakened from his sleep and stepped out from his truck to greet the gang gathered around it. All gave him a warm welcome, except Cy, who proceeded to give the cold shoulder to his own father, which amazed Phil, who wondered how a son could act this, considering the lengths he go to for his mother.
As we begin, Phil has expressed in allowing everyone else to meet Mitch, who Cy feels isn't a fit anywhere. We now head across town...

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

Down at the police station, Al sits in a chair, his hands hand-cuffed behind him, as Thomas and Polly look on at the sight before them.

"I can't believe what I'm seeing." says Polly.

"Believe it." says Thomas.

"He actually did what he say he'd do." says Polly.

"Cy never really lies." says Thomas.

"I thought he was." says Polly.

"When Cy lies, it's called acting." says Thomas.

"Another trait from his mother." says Polly.

"After what he did, he's the world's greatest." says Thomas.

"Don't say that. He was just lucky." says Polly.

"You heard that guy's story. Cy had him in a virtual staring contest for five hours." says Thomas.

"He could have been shot." says Polly.

"Not Cy. He managed to get the better of that guy." says Thomas.

"Al could have shot him." says Polly.

"Cy knew he wouldn't, because I know that when faced with a gun, you wait for a reason to shoot." says Thomas.

"Just having a gun pointed at you is reason enough." says Polly.

"The reason you wait for is when it stops being murder and starts being self-defense." says Thomas.

"That's a reason?" asks Polly.

"I know because I can understand his thought process." says Thomas.

"Probably from all that time spent living with Cy. Now, he has two sinners in his home." says Polly.

"They're not sinners. They're in love." says Thomas.

"It's not love in my book." says Polly.

"It is in Cy's book." says Thomas.

"His mother wrote it for him." says Polly.

"Polly, he is his own person." says Thomas.

"I guess so. He's gone out of his way to begin a music career for me." says Polly.

"That's true. I mean, he's see potential in you that no one else has really seen." says Thomas.

"Did you see it?" asks Polly.

"The moment I first heard you sing, I heard the potential." says Thomas.

"Anything else?" asks Polly.

"What do you mean by that?" asks Thomas.

"I've seen the way you look at me sometimes." says Polly.

"What kind of look are you looking at?" asks Thomas.

"A certain look, with a feeling behind it." says Polly.

"What kind of feeling would that be?" asks Thomas.

"I think you know, Thomas." says Polly.

"Maybe once or twice, I looked at you that way." says Thomas.

"Maybe I'll see it again." says Polly.

"Maybe today." says Thomas.

"I can hear you over here." says Officer Grace as she walks over to where Thomas and Polly are standing.

"We were just talking." says Polly.

"Sounds to me more than talking." says Officer Grace.

"What did it sound like to you?" asks Thomas.

"The sound of Cupid's arrow in the air hitting something." says Officer Grace, who then walks away.

Later that morning, Cy is making his way home as he walks up to the driveway of his home. Already parked in it is Mitch's big rig, which sticks out among the more natural markers in the neighborhood. Mitch is leaning up against the truck, looking around.

"Hello, Mac." says Mitch as Cy walks up.

"Hello, dad. What are you doing outside the house?" says Cy.

"I was waiting for you to show up and let me inside." says Mitch.

"That's very kind of you." says Cy as he continues to make his way to the front door, now with Mitch following behind.

"I didn't wanna ruin anything inside." says Mitch.

"Nothing much inside, although I should tell you about a few things." says Cy as he reaches the front door.

"Spill 'em, Mac." says Mitch.

"Well, I've recently got a dog." says Cy as he unlocks the front door.

"That's nice. A dog to keep you company." says Mitch.

"That's not all that's keeping me company." says Cy as he opens the door.

"What else is keeping you company?" asks Mitch as he and Cy walk inside the house.

"I think I should let you find out yourself." says Cy as he closes the door.

"Suit yourself." says Mitch.

"I think the first thing you should see is what on the mantle." says Cy, pointing towards it.

"Thanks, son. I think I should see how Debralee is doing." says Mitch as he makes his way up to the mantle.

"She's doing fine." says Cy.

"I still can't believe that I'm still here and she isn't." says Mitch.

"Believe it." says Cy.

"'One of these days, Mitch, you're gonna make a bad turn.' she once said to me." says Mitch.

"'Not with my rig.' That's what you said about that." says Cy.

"You remembered that." says Mitch.

"It was said during one of your many goodbyes." says Cy.

"Cy?" says a voice from the bedroom.

"Is that a woman's voice I hear?" asks Mitch as he makes his way back over to where Cy is standing.

"That's another thing keeping me company." says Cy.

"Who is that man?" asks Renee as she enters the living room.

"The same to you." says Mitch.

"This is Renee Wesner, my boarder." says Cy.

"Where does she sleep?" asks Mitch.

"In the bedroom." says Cy.

"Then where do you sleep, Mac?" asks Mitch.

"In that easy chair." says Cy.

"Why?" asks Mitch.

"I have no idea." says Cy.

"Well, nice to meet you, Renee." says Mitch.

"Cy, who is this man?" asks Renee.

"This is my father, Mitch Jones." says Cy.

"Nice to meet you." says Mitch.

"Who is that?" asks another voice.

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

Tomorrow, Mitch meets Stacy, and Cy waits for his father's reaction, which is one Cy himself, the judge of human character, did not expect.

Join us, won't you?
Yours truly, John Maxwell.

A production of WGN Chicago. All rights reserved.

Episode 91

2010-10-11T14:30:00.001-04:00

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

Today's episode: "The Truck Driving Man", Part 2

Last week, we ended our eighth serial of the series with Cy's daring adventure to save Stacy from Al and reunite her with Renee. Eventually, all went well, Al ended up into custody and Renee and Stacy are together again. However, Cy's mood was ruined when he spotted a big rig in the WHYP parking lot, which happens to belong to his father, Mitch Jones.
As we begin this week, Cy, Conrad, Phil, and Joanne have gathered around the truck, with the sleeping Mitch inside...

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

Just then, a figure appears in the forward cab. The figure looks out and spots the group outside the rig. The driver's side door then opens as the figure steps out of the cab. The man is dressed in a trucker's traditional wear, complete with cap. His hair shows signs of brown, grey, and white. His face shows a million miles wore upon it.

"Good morning, people." says the man in a southern accent.

"Good morning, dad." says Cy.

"Howdy do, Mac." says the man.

"Phil, Joanne? I want you to meet Mitch Jones, truck driver." says Cy.

"A long-hauler man." says Mitch.

"This is your dad, Cy?" asks Joanne.

"Who is that pretty lady next to you?" asks Mitch.

"This is Joanne." says Cy.

"Charmed." says Mitch.

"He seems like a nice guy." says Joanne.

"That's his southern charm." says Cy.

"I'm drownin' in it." says Mitch.

"I'm Phil Turner, WHYP's lone intern." says Phil.

"Nice to meet you, Phil. You one of Cy's friends?" says Mitch.

"Since I started here." says Phil.

"He must be teachin' you a lot 'bout the radio business." says Mitch.

"As much as he can." says Phil.

"Conrad, it's sure nice to see you again." says Mitch.

"Nice to see you again, Mitch." says Conrad.

"And how's that sister of yours?" asks Mitch.

"Dad, let's save that for later." says Cy.

"Why, Mac?" asks Mitch.

"Because it's a touchy subject for Conrad now." says Cy.

"I don't care, I just wanna see my son." says Mitch as he walks over to where Cy is standing.

"Dad, I don't have time for this. I have to plan my radio show." says Cy.

"Say, Mitch, how did you find Cy? I mean, he's doesn't really talk to you." says Conrad.

"Well, I had been wonderin' that myself. One day, I heard a trucker tell me he heard someone with your name on this here radio station. When I had a chance, I ran up this way and I heard your voice." says Mitch.

"How long do you have until you have to go back on the road?" asks Cy.

"A few days. My next assignment is due to come in then." says Mitch.

"So, that means we get a chance to really enjoy your father, Cy." says Joanne.

"And I get to meet all of his friends." says Mitch.

"Don't expect Cy to lead the way." says Conrad.

Just then, Mr. Gold walks up to the station and spies the scene going on.

"What's going on here?" asks Mr. Gold as he walks up to where the group is standing.

"Nothing, Mr. Gold. We were just welcoming my father. Dad, this is my boss, Mr. Gold." says Cy.

"Mitch Jones, long-haul trucker." says Mitch.

"So, you're Scott's father?" asks Mr. Gold.

"That's right." says Mitch.

"And that is your truck, I presume?" asks Mr. Gold.

"That's right." says Mitch.

"You mind moving it out of my parking lot?" asks Mr. Gold.

"Better do as he says, he holds my job in his hands." says Cy.

"But I have nowhere to move it to." says Mitch.

"Why don't you park it at Cy's house?" asks Phil.

"I don't think that's a good idea." says Conrad.

"I don't mind. You can park it in my driveway." says Cy.

"Thanks, son. I'll move in now." says Mitch.

"Another good idea." says Mr. Gold as Mitch gets inside his rig.

The truck then roars to life and pulls out of the parking space. It then makes its way out of the parking lot with ease.

"Your father seems like a nice guy. I can't understand why you don't mention him more often." says Joanne.

"I'll explain later." says Conrad as Cy quietly heads inside the radio station.

"Must be a touchy subject." says Phil.

"Wait, Cy." says Conrad as he goes inside the building.

"Leave me alone, Conrad." says Cy as he makes his way to the green room.

"Can't we talk?" asks Conrad as he catches up to Cy.

"Not when my father stopped by." says Cy.

"So he's gonna be here a week. It's not that bad." says Conrad.

"I just had a great adventure where I helped two people. Then, when I'm actually enjoy my success, my father shows up." says Cy.

"He is your father, Cy." says Conrad.

"Then where was he during my childhood?" says Cy as he and Conrad arrive at the green room.

"That's no excuse." says Conrad.

"What can I do? I practically invited over to my house, where two women are engaged in romantic activities, my father, who might not be as open-minded as I." says Cy.

"Cy, be a good son, for at least a week." says Conrad.

"How can I?" asks Cy.

"Just think, with your mother gone, it's done to you and him." says Conrad.

"Don't remind me." says Cy.

"Hey, Cy." says Phil as he enters the room.

"Hello, Phil." says Cy.

"I never thought I would meet your father, Cy. He seems nice." says Phil.

"That's what everyone says." says Cy.

"That must be why your mother liked him." says Phil.

"So it seems." says Cy.

"I just wonder why you never really said anything about him." says Phil.

"Because you have never asked." says Cy.

"I never asked about your mother, yet I feel I know her." says Phil.

"That's true, Cy." says Conrad.

"I can't wait for him to meet the rest of us." says Phil.

"Sure, you can." says Cy.

"What's that supposed to mean?" asks Phil.

"You'll find out." says Cy.

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

Tomorrow, Cy's father makes his home at Cy's house, where inside, two lovers are reuniting, which causes Cy to think how his father will take it.

Join us, won't you?
Yours truly, John Maxwell.

A production of WGN Chicago. All rights reserved.

Episode 90

2010-10-08T14:30:00.001-04:00

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

Today's episode: "The Truck Driving Man", Part 1

Yesterday, we concluded our eighth serial of the series with the daring escape from Al's house of Cy, Joanne, and Stacy, which ended in front of the police station, where Al was taken into custody. Cy then took Stacy back to his house to be reunited with Renee.
As we begin today, Cy and Joanne have arrived at the radio station and are relating their adventure to Conrad and Phil when Cy spies something...

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

Out of the corner of Cy's eye, he spies a big rig, parked in the parking lot. He stares at it for a minute before speaking.

"That's an odd thing." says Cy.

"What's odd?" asks Joanne.

"That big rig over there." says Cy.

"So what?" asks Conrad.

"It looks old." says Cy.

"That it does." says Phil.

"I wonder who would park a 18-wheeler in a radio station's parking lot?" asks Conrad.

"I have no idea." says Cy.

"I guess we should ask the driver." says Joanne.

"'Doe River Rambler'." says Cy, reading the lettering on the driver's side door.

"Nice name for a rig." says Phil.

"And a familiar one." says Cy as he starts walking over to the truck.

"What's he talking about?" asks Phil.

"It's familiar to me, too." says Conrad as he follows behind Cy.

"Do you have any idea?" asks Phil to Joanne.

"No idea, but Cy and Conrad must have one." says Joanne as she walks towards the rig, with Phil following behind.

"Guys, this truck is important to me." says Cy.

"Why is that, Cy?" asks Phil as he and Joanne arrive next to the truck, where Cy and Conrad are already standing.

"Because this truck belongs to someone important." says Cy.

"Please tell me." says Phil.

"This truck belongs to my father." says Cy.

"Your father?" asks Joanne.

"Yes. I had to have one, you know?" says Cy.

"I know, but I didn't know he was a truck driver." says Phil.

"You never asked." says Cy.

"I was beginning to think that he was like your mother, dead." says Phil.

"He's alive and well inside this rig." says Cy.

"'Doe River Rambler'?" asks Phil.

"He's from Elizabethton, Tennessee." says Cy.

"Can we meet this man?" asks Joanne.

"It is morning." says Cy as he walks over to the driver's side door.

"He's fast asleep in that thing." says Conrad.

"I know." says Cy as he knocks on the door.

"I can't believe we get to meet your father, Cy." says Phil.

"I never even heard of him, but I will enjoy meeting him." says Joanne.

"You'll be the only ones." says Conrad.

"What do you mean?" asks Phil.

"Maybe I should wait until Mitch is here." says Conrad.

"His name is Mitch?" asks Joanne.

"Mitch Jones, long-haul trucker since 1970." says Cy.

"That's a long time." says Phil.

"And that rig has been with him since the beginning." says Cy.

"Why get off a winner?" says Phil.

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

Next week, Cy's father makes his first visit to Hyperion, as those who meet him are taken in by his southern charms... except son Cy, who wants little to do with him.

Join us, won't you?
Yours truly, John Maxwell.

A production of WGN Chicago. All rights reserved.

Episode 89

2010-10-07T14:30:00.000-04:00

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

Today's episode: "An Act of Love", Part 8

Yesterday, Cy and Joanne began their plan to free Stacy by gaining her trust by explaining their presence in the house. Soon, they were met by Al's personal bodyguards, who were defeated one by one by the judo skills of Joanne, who earned her part in the proceedings.
As we begin, the plan soon hits a wall as Al has pointed a gun at the gang...

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

"What are you doing, Al?" asks Stacy.

"I'm merely protecting what's mine, and if your friends wish to live five minutes, I suggest they step away from the door." says Al, which the trio then do.

"You're no match for me." says Cy.

"Fight this yourself." says Joanne.

"What are you saying?" asks Cy.

"I save this one for you." says Joanne.

"Nice gun you have there." says Cy.

"Thanks. It's a means of protection." says Al.

"I have one, myself." says Cy, taking his own gun out of his coat.

"I don't think shooting anyone will help you, for every shot you fire, I fire back." says Al.

"I wasn't suggesting a shootout, my friend." says Cy.

"What were you suggesting?" asks Al.

"I was suggesting something that would prove yourself a man in Stacy's eyes." says Cy.

"And what are you suggesting?" asks Al.

"I'm suggesting that we have a duel." says Cy.

"What kind of a duel?" asks Al.

"The kind we're having now." says Cy.

"Spell that out for me." says Al.

"I've got my gun pointed at you, and the same for you." says Cy.

"That's right." says Al.

"So, why don't we keep it that way?" asks Cy.

"What do you mean?" asks Al.

"I mean, the two of us will keep facing each other without firing our guns." says Cy.

"What happens when we fire them?" asks Al.

"That person who fires first wins." says Cy.

"You're on, and no tricks." says Al.

"How can trick someone like you?" says Cy.

Time slowly moves by as Cy and Al continue their duel. The two eye each other. All looks for a reason to fire, while Cy just stares. Meanwhile, Stacy and Joanne look on, wondering who will fire first.

"I can't believe he's doing this." says Stacy.

"I trust Cy. He knows something." says Joanne.

"What can he know?" asks Stacy.

"I have no idea, Stacy." says Joanne.

"How long have you been with him?" asks Stacy.

"Several weeks." says Joanne.

"Me and Renee have been together since high school." says Stacy.

"That's a long time." says Joanne.

"One of these days, we would like to get married." says Stacy.

"First, the law has to change." says Joanne.

"Maybe Cy can change it." says Stacy.

"He's told me that he's staying out of politics." says Joanne.

"Too bad, he would make a great president." says Stacy.

"So it would seem." says Joanne.

Five hours later, the sky turns to pre-sunrise colors as Cy and Al continue to stare away in their duel. Al is beginning to tire, while Cy seems very refreshed.

"It's been five hours already, time to end this." says Al.

"You're right. It is time." says Cy.

"So, who's gonna fire first?" asks Al.

"I did say that the first who fires wins." says Cy.

"And I'm the winner." says Al.

"Correction." says Cy, who then fires his gun in the air.

With speed, he, along with Joanne and Stacy, exit the house. Al follows in quick pursue and the trio, led by Cy, leads Al down the street and into the downtown area as the sky turns sunrise colors before the sun peeks over the horizon. As the sun begins to peek, Al corners them in front of the police station.

"I got you now." says Al.

"Remember, I won the duel." says Cy.

"You did not win, because you didn't shoot me." says Al.

"I told you that the first who fires is the winner." says Cy.

"And I'm the winner." says Al.

"I fired first, so I won." says Cy.

"How can you win?" asks Al.

"Simple, all I have to say is, 'Officer Grace!'." says Cy.

"Yes, Cy?" asks Officer Grace as she steps outside.

"Remember what I said?" asks Cy.

"I did, and I saw what he was about to do." says Officer Grace as she walks over to Al with handcuffs.

"You out-smarted me!" says Al as Officer Grace cuffs him.

"Right now, I think you should observe your right to silence." says Cy.

"Miss Castle, can you tesify against this man?" asks Officer Grace.

"Does my right eye say it all?" asks Stacy.

"Come with me." says Officer Grace as she leads Al inside.

"You did it!" says Joanne.

"I am my mother's son, a genius." says Cy.

"Where do I go now?" asks Stacy.

"Follow me." says Cy as he and Joanne walk away, with Stacy following suit.

As the sun rises, Cy and Joanne lead Stacy over to Cy's house. Cy then leads Stacy inside, where he hears the bedroom door opening. As Renee enters the living room, he spies Stacy, standing by the door.

"Thank you, Cy." she says before she runs over and hugs Stacy.

Cy then makes his leave as he heads back over to where Joanne is standing.

"Time to work." says Cy as he moves on, with Joanne following.

The two soon reach the radio station, where they find Conrad and Phil going inside. The two then run up, excited as they can be.

"Good morning, guys." says Joanne as they stop.

"Good morning, Cy and Joanne." says Conrad.

"Conrad, you won't believe me, but I just had the adventure of a lifetime." says Cy.

"How did your plan to help Renee and Stacy go?" asks Conrad.

"It went very well. I actually outsmarted Al and now, he's behind bars for now." says Cy.

"Good for you." says Phil.

"You're my hero." says Joanne.

"And you're my loved one." says Cy.

"When can I give you my picture?" asks Joanne.

"Whenever possible." says Cy.

"One might say that you had a grand adventure." says Conrad.

"That I did, that I did." says Cy as he spies something out of the corner of his eye.

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

Tomorrow, we begin the ninth serial of the series with a discovery that someone from Cy's past has finally arrived in Hyperion.

Join us, won't you?
Yours truly, John Maxwell.

A production of WGN Chicago. All rights reserved.

Episode 88

2010-10-06T14:30:00.001-04:00

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

Today's episode: "An Act of Love", Part 7

Yesterday, Cy and Joanne had their discussion, where they discuss their relationship and how Cy skipped over Joanne when Thomas left and left room for her to move in with Cy. Cy explained that he doesn't wish to remove Joanne from her world. Cy then managed to get the relationship back on track with a few words and a promise for a picture.
As we begin, Cy and Joanne have arrived at Al's house and have begun their plan to free Stacy from his grasp...

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

Cy and Joanne quietly walk their way up to the house, Cy keeping an eye open for the bodyguards. Instead of walking to the front door, where the bodyguards are gathering, Cy leads Joanne to an open window on the side of the house.

"That should teach you to mess with me!" says the voice of Al from within as he leaves the room.

"Now's our chance." says Cy.

"For what?" asks Joanne.

"To talk to Stacy." says Cy.

"You're not asking me to climb in through the window?" asks Joanne.

"No, I'm merely suggesting." says Cy.

"Then I'll take your suggestion." says Joanne as Cy raises the window up quietly enough to allow someone in.

Quietly, Cy manages to climb through the window. When he's done, he pulls Joanne through the window. All this catches the attention of Stacy, who continues to sit.

"There. Told ya." says Cy.

"Some doubt, but not enough." says Joanne as Cy looks over at Stacy.

He sees that her face has a black eye and a couple of bruises.

"What has Al done to you?" asks Cy.

"You're not gonna hurt me, are you?" asks Stacy.

"We're not friends with Al." says Cy.

"But you sound like him." says Stacy.

"Being from New York, I have a certain quality in my voice." says Cy.

"What are you doing here?" asks Stacy.

"We're here to save you." says Cy.

"Save me from what?" asks Stacy.

"From Al." says Cy.

"I don't need saving. I'm fine." says Stacy.

"That black eye says differently." says Cy.

"What black eye?" asks Stacy.

"Joanne, help me out here." says Cy.

"Gladly." says Joanne.

"I'm telling you, I don't need help." says Stacy.

"Listen, you may think you deserve what he gives you, but no woman does. It's always wrong, no matter how you look at it." says Joanne.

"What do you know?" asks Stacy.

"I've seen a lot of women hurt by the one they love." says Joanne.

"But I don't love him." says Stacy.

"Then why stay with him?" asks Joanne.

"You've seen how this town works." says Stacy.

"These are very open-minded people at times." says Cy.

"It doesn't matter. I've lost Renee forever." says Stacy.

"Perhaps I haven't told you my name." says Cy.

"What is your name?" asks Stacy.

"I'm Cy Scott and Renee's my boarder." says Cy.

"And you must be that Joanne character." says Stacy.

"That I am." says Joanne.

"Renee thinks terribly of you." says Stacy.

"She tried to kill me for just being a New Yorker." says Cy.

"You don't have to do this." says Stacy.

"If my watch is right, it's after midnight and therefore Monday." says Cy.

"Today's Renee's birthday." says Stacy.

"And I've decided to make you my birthday present to her." says Cy.

"Don't you care what will happen to you if Al or his bodyguards catch you?" asks Stacy.

"That's like asking if a firing squad is made of good people." says Cy.

"I don't care, let them come." says Joanne.

"I'm not sure that's the attitude you should have right now." says Cy.

"Is there a streak of yellow on your back?" asks Joanne.

"Let me find a mirror and check, maybe one in Pittsburgh?" says Cy.

"We can fight them." says Joanne.

"Yeah, we can. Bring them on." says Cy.

"Here comes one now." says Stacy as the front door opens.

As it closes, Stacy sees that it is Gene, coming in for a quick break.

"Nice to take a break... " says Gene as he enters the living room.

"Hello, buddy boy." says Cy.

"Well, what do you know, a victim." says Gene.

"Not if I have anything to say about it." says Cy.

"You know, I see a young girl ready to be picked." says Gene.

"You take one stop toward my girl... " says Cy as Gene takes out a gun.

"Quiet as I pick the fruit off the tree." says Gene.

Gene walks slowly up to Joanne, with Joanne trying to back away with no success. Gene finally gets close to her and just as he is about to begin, Joanne's expression turns from worry to anger as she then punches Gene in the face.

She then starts hitting Gene all over, with Gene trying to fight back with no success. Cy and Stacy look on as Joanne manages to subdue Gene and cause him to fall to the floor.

"I didn't know you had it in ya." says Cy.

"A couple of years of Judo. Made black belt." says Joanne.

"And you gave him two black eyes." says Cy.

"Here comes another." says Stacy as the front door opens again.

Joanne manages to finish off the two other bodyguards. First Mike, and then Reese comes in and gets the same thing. In ten minutes, all three bodyguards are now on the floor, not dead but just in very bad shape.

"Those three were no match for Judo Joanne." says Cy, looking over the mess.

"And now, we can sneak Stacy out of here." says Joanne.

"Come on, Stacy." says Cy.

Cy, Joanne, and Stacy soon makes tracks for the door but as Cy starts to open the front door, he hears the cocking of a handgun. The three soon look behind him and see Al, covering them with a gun.

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

Tomorrow, the eighth serial of the series comes to a close with a duel to end all duels, and a plan with a finish you won't believe.

Join us, won't you?
Yours truly, John Maxwell.

A production of WGN Chicago. All rights reserved.

Episode 87

2010-10-05T14:30:00.000-04:00

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

Today's episode: "An Act of Love", Part 6

Yesterday, Cy began his plan to help Renee and Stacy. However, things took a turn right off when Joanne joined up, against Cy's idea that she stay out of it. They soon make their way to Tom's Place, where a helpful gives the location of Al's house, and presumebly Stacy.
As we begin, Cy has headed back out, where Joanne stopped their progress with something on her mind...

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

"We have to keep moving. We have a lot to do." says Cy.

"Cy, there's something I need to get off my mind." says Joanne.

"Can't this wait?" asks Cy.

"No, I need to talk to you and I'm not moving until you do." says Joanne.

"I'm close, and yet so far, it hurts me." says Cy.

"I don't care, we need to talk." says Joanne.

"Just tell me what's on your mind." says Cy.

"I just wanna talk about how you're going out of your way for a boarder." says Joanne.

"I think we've covered that." says Cy.

"I mean, that's not my point." says Joanne.

"Then what is your point?" asks Cy.

"My point is that you went out of your way to get a boarder." says Joanne.

"As Conrad might say, I was fighting loneliness." says Cy.

"Then why didn't you ask me to fight it?" asks Joanne.

"What are you talking about?" asks Cy.

"When you first told me about Thomas moving out, I thought I was getting a chance to move in, but then you went and got that boarder." says Joanne.

"Why would want to move in with me?" asks Cy.

"Because I love you." says Joanne.

"Well, I love you, too, and that's why I didn't ask." says Cy.

"What did love do to make you not ask you to let me move in?" asks Joanne.

"Because I've seen where you live." says Cy.

"That has nothing to do with that." says Joanne.

"It does, for I don't want you to give it up." says Cy.

"What am I giving up?" asks Joanne.

"The rich life you lead. Your upbringing." says Cy.

"What about your upbringing, Cy?" asks Joanne.

"My upbringing is different." says Cy.

"That's not the point. The point is, how much do you love me?" says Joanne.

"That's a hard question to answer." says Cy.

"Well, answer it." says Joanne.

"I consider you a loved one." says Cy.

"Does that mean anything?" asks Joanne.

"Renee said that, besides my mother, I didn't have a picture of a loved one." says Cy.

"Is that true?" asks Joanne.

"Yes, it is." says Cy.

"What about my picture? You never asked me for mine." says Joanne.

"I never did." says Cy.

"Maybe I should give you my picture." says Joanne.

"That would be a good idea." says Cy.

"Now, shall we get underway?" asks Joanne as she walks forward, with Cy silently following behind.

The duo, in the midst of the cold, dark night, make their way to the southern portion of town, the seedy part. The houses strike of decaying ruin. Before long, Cy and Joanne have arrived at Bowman Street. Once there, the two roam up the street, looking at the house numbers before arriving at number 137.

"There is it, our target." says Cy, hiding behind a nearby bush with Joanne.

"It's just a house." says Joanne.

"But inside that house is the key to Renee's happiness." says Cy.

"We need a plan." says Joanne.

"Well, there's no car in the parking lot, so we've got time." says Cy.

"Yeah, if they're gone for two weeks." says Joanne.

"Joanne, would you like to give an idea, for I love you much and like to see what kind of knowledge you're gonna teach our youth?" asks Cy.

"I think I might have an idea." says Joanne.

"And what idea is that?" asks Cy.

"We wait until they come home." says Joanne.

"Then what?" asks Cy.

"Then it's your turn for the idea." says Joanne.

Five minutes later, the roar of an engine herald the arrival of a car into the driveway of 137 Bowman Street. When it comes to a stop, five people get out. Four of them are men and the other is Stacy.

"There they are. Stacy and Al." says Cy.

"And Al's bodyguards." says Joanne.

"Now it's time for my idea." says Cy.

"Think as hard as you can." says Joanne.

"That's easier said than done." says Cy.

"I'm sure you've got one." says Joanne.

"I'm sure, too, but I have no idea for my idea." says Cy.

"What a thinker you are." says Joanne.

Meanwhile, inside the house, Al, a tough-looking Brooklyn-accented man, is talking to his bodyguards.

"Guys, I think I scared the hell outta that Renee." says Al.

"You did good with her." says Mike, one of the bodyguards.

"Same here." says Gene, another bodyguard.

"Ditto." says Reese, the last of the bodyguards.

"You three guard the house until morning. I'm gonna make my last pitch to Stacy." says Al, who then moves away from the group.

The bodyguards then leave the house and begin searching around the house. Meanwhile, inside the living room, Al sits down on the couch next to the depressed Stacy.

"Stacy, how about a kiss?" asks Al.

"Not now, Al." says Stacy.

"Are you sad? Let me help you." says Al.

"I don't need your help, Al." says Stacy.

"What are you thinkin' about, baby?" asks Al.

"Nothing. Just nothing." says Stacy.

"It better not be that Renee. I told you, that kind of love is wrong. What we have is right." says Al.

"What's wrong and what's right?" says Stacy.

"Come over here, babe, and let me love you." says Al, moving himself over on the couch.

"Don't you come near me." says Stacy.

"You're mine, Stacy, all mine." says Al.

"I belong to no one." says Stacy.

"We'll see about that." says Al as he raises a hand in the air.

Back in the bushes, Cy continues to think hard.

"I think I have an idea." says Cy, after ten minutes of thinking.

"What's your idea?" asks Joanne.

"We sneak past the bodyguards and into the house." says Cy.

"It took you ten minutes to think of that?" asks Joanne.

"Well, it was my first idea, but I didn't think you'd go for it." says Cy.

"Well, for lack of a better idea." says Joanne.

"Follow me then." says Cy.

Cy then moves along the bush until he reaches the sidewalk. He then views the still-circling bodyguards and follows their movement.

"What's the next move?" asks Joanne.

"We carefully walk up to the house without being seen." says Cy, moving slowly forward.

"I envy your mind right now." says Joanne, following behind.

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

Tomorrow, a fight for freedom begins, with a unexpected fighter leading the charge as Cy continues his plan for freedom.

Join us, won't you?
Yours truly, John Maxwell.

A production of WGN Chicago. All rights reserved.

Episode 86

2010-10-04T14:30:00.001-04:00

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

Today's episode: "An Act of Love", Part 5

Last week, we ended our seventh serial and began our eighth with Cy's discovery and relaying of the news that his new boarder is a homosexual and in love with a girl named Stacy, who has a would-be boyfriend named Al, who abuses Stacy, causing Renee pain. After learning that Al has threaten Renee with death if she sees Stacy again, Cy decides to do something.
As we begin this week, Sunday has arrived in Hyperion and Cy rolls his plan into action...

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Sunday night soon rolls around and as the sun sinks beneath the horizon, Cy waits around for his time to sneak out. As he waits, he spies Renee, roaming the house, not saying a word to Cy. Soon enough, Renee heads off to bed and 10:00 pm rolls around.

Darkness surrounds the house as Cy, dressed in his Mr. Burroughs disguise, minus the beard, quietly makes his way out of the house. He sneaks down the stairs, looking around for anyone as to not be spotted.

As he makes it to the bottom, Joanne, dressed in a coat, covered the top of a long nightgown, with her hair covered by a kerchief, creeps up from the side of the stairs and walks up behind Cy.

"Hello, my darling Cy." says Joanne, startling Cy.

"Joanne, what the hell are you doing?" asks Cy, stopping him in his tracks.

"I've decided to help you." says Joanne.

"I can see you thought about it." says Cy.

"I just couldn't stand it. I tried to stay out of it, but I don't wanna see you hurt." says Joanne.

"Don't worry. You were my contact number in case of injury." says Cy.

"That's reassuring." says Joanne as Cy gets back underway.

"Cy, think about this for a moment." says Joanne, following behind.

"What do I have to think about?" asks Cy.

"How about the fact that you have no idea where to begin." says Joanne.

"That is a problem." says Cy.

"Renee could have come from Kalamazoo." says Joanne.

"No, it has to be local. Otherwise, Al would have noticed right away." says Cy.

"So, what if you're right? You can't fight this." says Joanne.

"See this," says Cy as he pulls a gun from his coat, "a couple of shots with this, and he'll never do it."

"Think for another moment." says Joanne as Cy returns the gun to his coat.

"Yesterday, you were all for this." says Cy.

"I was for the both of us doing it, not you alone." says Joanne.

"What part can you play in this whole thing?" asks Cy.

"I can defend myself and maybe talk to this Stacy character and help her as well." says Joanne.

"You are so selfless." says Cy.

"I know." says Joanne.

"I wouldn't think so, considering your upbringing." says Cy.

"Well, you're not an actor." says Joanne.

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

"Cy, where are you going?" asks Joanne.

"Where am I going?" says Cy.

"That's right. If you're gonna help Stacy and Renee, maybe you should figure out where to go first." says Joanne.

"Let's start with Tom's Place." says Cy.

"Are you sure it's open?" asks Joanne.

"I asked Tom yesterday, and he told me that he likes being open every night." says Cy.

"You sure get around." says Joanne.

"I have my powers, and you have yours, Ms. Shulman, teacher of young minds." says Joanne.

"Not yet, Cy, not yet." says Joanne.

The duo soon arrive at Tom's Place. The place is packed with a rougher crowd than most nights as Cy and Joanne walk inside.

"This place is covered with riffraff. There should be someone who knows about Al and Stacy." says Cy.

"I trust your mind." says Joanne.

Cy and Joanne walk their way up to the bar and sit down.

"Now, we ask around for some information." says Cy.

"How do we do that without revealing ourselves?" asks Joanne.

"Easy, I'm Dallas Burroughs and you're... Marie." says Cy.

"Interesting name." says Joanne.

"Excuse me, can you tell me anything about a guy I'm looking for?" asks Cy to a man next to him in his gruff voice.

"What guy are you looking for?" asks the man in a Sheldon Leonard-type voice, with a matching look.

"A man named Al and his squeeze Stacy." says Cy.

"Al Turnan and Stacy Castle? I think I've heard of them guys. Why you ask?" says the man.

"I need to know a little about them." says Cy.

"Well, he's a very tough man. He grew up in Brooklyn and it shows." says the man.

"How well?" asks Cy.

"He surrounds himself with toughies, but they aren't like him. That makes him feel very powerful." says the man.

"I need to know where he is." says Cy.

"He live in the south part of town, the seedy part. A brown house on Bowman Street, number 137." says the man.

"Thanks for your time." says Cy as he gets up, along with Joanne.

"No problem, sir." says the man.

"Now, we got a place to go." says Cy as he and Joanne exit the place.

"You did all the talking, Cy." says Joanne.

"Now, we have to make sure we find Stacy and not Al." says Cy.

"A wise choice." says Joanne.

"This makes getting a boarder all worthwhile." says Cy.

"Cy, I have to talk to you about that." says Joanne, stopping in her tracks.

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

Tomorrow, Cy and Joanne have a much-needed discussion on love, pictures, and how that affects us in life. What a talk!

Join us, won't you?
Yours truly, John Maxwell.

A production of WGN Chicago. All rights reserved.

Episode 85

2010-10-01T14:30:00.002-04:00

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

Today's episode: "An Act of Love", Part 4

Yesterday, Cy confronted his boarder Renee about her relationship with Stacy, and reveals the existance of Stacy's would-be boyfriend Al, who chased Renee away and abuses Stacy for not loving him. Cy tried to give his best comfort to Renee by pointing out that Al and him are different, despite being from the same place, but Renee doesn't believe him.
As we begin, Saturday has arrived in Hyperion...

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Saturday night rolls around and down at Tom's Place, the Saturday night crowd is beginning to pour in as Polly and the Sidewinders set up on the stage. Cy himself is busy helping Conrad set up his banjo.

"Are you sure you want me to play?" asks Conrad.

"I wanna hear this sound in front of an audience." says Cy.

"How big a sound do you want?" asks Conrad.

"Big enough to put on record." says Cy.

"Well, how big is that?" asks Conrad.

"I'll decide." says Cy.

"You know, during rehearsal yesterday, I began to notice something about all this." says Conrad.

"What did you notice?" asks Cy.

"If I were you, I'd check my hairline." says Conrad.

"I think I see Thomas. Gotta go." says Cy, walking away.

"I hope I'm good enough." says Conrad.

"Hello, Thomas." says Cy as he walks up to Thomas' table.

"Hello, Cy." says Thomas, taking a sip from a bottle.

"How's life with Mary Hartman?" asks Cy.

"I don't know how to tell you." says Thomas.

"Tell me anyway. I'll get it no matter how you put it." says Cy.

"It's been a little below how I like to live." says Thomas.

"Do go on." says Cy.

"First, my diet is nothing but fruits and veggies. Second, I found that she likes to sleep in the nude." says Thomas.

"That's something that the other Mary never really done." says Cy.

"Well, it's been gettting to me. I think I've spent every night here drinking my cares away." says Thomas.

"Careful, Thomas. We don't wanna lose the use of our liver." says Cy.

"Can I move back in?" asks Thomas.

"Sorry. When you left, I opened my house to boarders and I have one." says Cy.

"How's that working out for you?" asks Thomas.

"Ask me later." says Cy, who then walks back to the stage.

"I saw you talked to Thomas. I hope he's taking life with his mother well." says Polly, setting up a microphone.

"As well as he can do." says Cy.

"That's good to hear." says Polly.

"Meanwhile, I have a problem that needs fixing." says Cy.

"Not your boarder again." says Polly.

"I confronted her about what was going on and she told me about this guy named Al, who's a boyfiend to Stacy and has threaten to kill Renee if he sees her with Stacy again." says Cy.

"Even I don't agree with that." says Polly.

"Which part, I ask you?" asks Cy.

"The killing. Killing is a sin." says Polly.

"But which sin is the worse one? That way, I can please my client." says Cy.

"Sins are all equal." says Polly.

"Are you sure about that, Polly?" asks the voice of Joanne, behind Cy.

"Hello, Joanne. How much of my problem did you hear?" says Cy.

"Just enough." says Joanne.

"If you have any idea, please tell me." says Cy.

"I trust that you'll find a way." says Joanne.

"I don't know why he should help those two commit a sin." says Polly.

"I must tell you, it's Renee's birthday on Monday and I'm trying to figure out a way to bring them together on that day." says Cy.

"Why on Earth for?" asks Polly.

"Because no one should spend a birthday alone." says Cy.

"Any part of your mother in this?" asks Joanne.

"She always made sure never to be alone on her birthday, all 52 of them." says Cy.

"I still think what you're doing is wrong." says Polly.

"I can't change your beliefs, but I think I can change your mind." says Cy.

"You can't even change that." says Polly.

"I wish I could bring those two together without earning the wrath of that Al character. He sounds like he means everything he says." says Cy.

"Maybe you can fight him, because you can lie." says Joanne.

"It's called acting and maybe you have something there, Joanne." says Cy.

"What idea is forming in your head?" asks Joanne.

"I think I can fight Al and free Stacy from his grasp. Then, she and Renee would be free to be in love for the rest of their lives." says Cy.

"You can't fight anyone." says Polly.

"Are you saying I'm weak?" asks Cy.

"No. I'm just saying that you would lose against someone like him." says Polly.

"I'll fight and I'll win. I know how to beat him." says Cy.

"Can I join you?" asks Joanne.

"No, it's too dangerous. Al has bodyguards and I don't wanna risk a hostage situation." says Cy.

"I can defend myself against those fools." says Joanne.

"I can't take the chance. I must go it alone." says Cy.

"Whatever you say, Cy." says Joanne.

"Time to begin." says Cy.

"Luck, Polly." says Joanne as she leaves the stage.

"Good evening, people," says Cy as he walks up to the microphone, "Ladies and gentlemen, Tom's Place, with the help of the management and certain parties, have managed to bring back the sensation that sweeping Hyperion. Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome Miss Polly McIntyre!"

As Cy runs off the stage, the Sidewinders and Conrad launch into a song, with the help of Polly's guitar. Polly then walks up to the microphone and starts singing up a song.

"Polly's gonna do well." says Joanne as Cy arrives at her table.

"I'll keep my eye on Conrad, see if he can keep up." says Cy.

"He's doing well. By the way, when are you gonna fight Al?" says Joanne.

"Tomorrow night." says Cy.

"You seem so sure." says Joanne.

"I must be a better actor than I thought." says Cy.

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

Next week, the adventure of a lifetime decends on Cy, who receives an unexpected companion for the adventure, who gets Cy to speak his piece on a subject he's been avoiding. Sounds exciting, doesn't it?

Join us, won't you?
Yours truly, John Maxwell.

A production of WGN Chicago. All rights reserved.

Episode 84

2010-09-30T14:30:00.002-04:00

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.

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

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.

Episode 83

2010-09-29T14:30:00.001-04:00

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...

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

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.

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

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.

Episode 82

2010-09-28T14:30:00.002-04:00

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.

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

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.

Episode 81

2010-09-27T14:30:00.002-04:00

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.

Episode 80

2010-09-24T14:30:00.002-04:00

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.

Episode 79

2010-09-23T14:30:00.001-04:00

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...

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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.

Episode 78

2010-09-22T14:30:00.001-04:00

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...

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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.

Episode 77

2010-09-21T14:30:00.001-04:00

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...

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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.

Episode 76

2010-09-20T14:30:00.002-04:00

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...

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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.

Episode 75

2010-09-17T14:30:00.002-04:00

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.

Episode 74

2010-09-16T14:30:00.000-04:00

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.

Episode 73

2010-09-15T14:30:00.001-04:00

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.

Episode 72

2010-09-14T14:30:00.002-04:00

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.

Episode 71

2010-09-13T14:30:00.004-04:00

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.

Episode 70

2010-09-10T14:30:00.001-04:00

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.

Episode 69

2010-09-09T14:30:00.001-04:00

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.

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

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.

A production of WGN Chicago. All rights reserved.

Episode 68

2010-09-08T14:30:00.001-04:00

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

Today's episode: "Out With The Old", Part 1

Yesterday, We ended the fifth serial of the series with Thomas' announcement that, after a few weeks of living with Cy, that he was gonna move out and move in with his mother. As we begin the sixth serial of the series, Cy has gotten over the shock and has made his way to work...

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

As Cy walks his way down the hallway at WHYP to the green room, his mood is that, not of happiness, or sadness, but something in the middle. As he walks into the green room, he spies Conrad and Phil on opposite sides of the room.

"Good morning, people." says Cy.

"Good morning, Cy. You seem a little down." says Phil, walking over with two cups of coffee.

"Thanks for the coffee. It looks like my house will be returning to a population of one." says Cy as he takes a cup for himself.

"Thomas is moving out?" asks Conrad.

"Just told me this morning. I've been thinking it over ever since." says Cy, who then takes a sip.

"He was with you for, I think, four weeks." says Phil.

"That was time well spent, Phil." says Cy.

"Did he tell you why he was moving?" asks Conrad.

"It all relates to what happened two days ago." says Cy.

"You mean, that other Mary Hartman?" asks Phil.

"The one and the different. It took him a day but he finally caved in." says Cy as he sits down in the green room easy chair.

"It must have been hard on him." says Conrad.

"Believe it. I mean, when he came in after his second visit yesterday, his head was on Mary's shoulder." says Cy.

"That still doesn't explain why he's leaving." says Phil.

"He just told me this morning, out of the blue, that he was gonna move in with Mary." says Cy.

"That's logical." says Conrad.

"How is that logical?" asks Cy.

"Tom and Mary Hartman must be together." says Conrad.

"I hadn't thought it that way, and I think I know why." says Cy.

"He's gonna change his last name sooner or later." says Conrad.

"I prefer later, when I can accept it." says Cy.

"He doesn't live with you anymore." says Conrad.

"Not until the end of the week." says Cy.

"If I'm right, he'll be gone by the end of the day." says Conrad.

"I hope that you're wrong." says Cy.

"You really fighting this idea of you being alone again." says Conrad.

"I am not fighting loneliness. I just wanna get things settled before he leaves." says Cy.

"Face it, he's leaving you alone like your mother did." says Conrad.

"And how's that?" asks Cy.

"Suddenly and quickly." says Conrad.

"Thomas told me he was leaving. That is a different thing." says Cy.

"It's the same thing. The only difference is that you have warning, unlike last time." says Conrad.

"My mother laid down to rest and never opened her eyes again. No one can predict that." says Cy.

"You're nit-picking now, Cy." says Conrad.

"At least I'm allowed to nit-pick." says Cy.

"What does that mean?" asks Conrad.

"Just that with your sister, you think to yourself that you don't nit-pick with what's going on with Darlene, but you keep doing it every time we talking about it." says Cy.

"Leave it alone, Cy." says Conrad.

"Now that's nit-picking." says Cy.

"Guys, don't fight here, unless you want the listening public to know what's going on." says Phil.

"Phil's here. We'll pick up after the show." says Cy.

"Deal." says Conrad.

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

Tomorrow, Thomas shares the news with his mother, who offers her own view of it. That, alone, should bring you back for part two.

Join us, won't you?
Yours truly, John Maxwell.

A production of WGN Chicago. All rights reserved.

Episode 67

2010-09-07T14:30:00.000-04:00

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

Today's episode: "Believe Me When I Tell You", Part 13

Yesterday, Thomas returned to Mary's apartment to confront her about what she had told him about being his mother. Mary's side was merely bringing up a time when the two had met before and soon, Thomas' resolve disappeared at the sound of the memory, leaving him in tears, comforted by someone who loves him.
As we begin, the scene now shifts to Cy's house...

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

Back at his house, some time later, Cy is sitting in his easy chair, with Liberty laying by his side, asleep. As he reads, he hears the sound of the door opening and closing. Cy turns to see Thomas, Darlene, and Mary, with Thomas' head on Mary's shoulder.

"How is he?" asks Cy.

"He's fine now. he believes me now." says Mary.

"That I can see." says Cy.

"Never leave me again." says Thomas.

"Never, as long as I live." says Mary.

"You can go home now." says Thomas as he takes his head off her shoulder.

"I'll stay here with Thomas." says Darlene.

"Thank you. He's all yours now." says Mary, who then departs.

"Must have been an interesting time." says Cy.

"Don't ask." says Thomas.

"Unlike you, I can only dream of my mother." says Cy.

"To think I believed a lie for most of my life." says Thomas.

"We can't help but believe the stories of our youth. It comes with being young." says Cy.

"You're so helpful. You believed in this." says Thomas.

"I had to, until you did." says Cy.

"I spent my whole work day thinking this over before I went over there." says Thomas.

"I hope you got paid." says Cy.

"I did." says Thomas.

"How much did you get?" asks Cy.

"Never you mind." says Thomas.

"Just asking. It's nice to see you went along, Darlene." says Cy.

"I was his moral support, so to speak." says Darlene.

"How long did he go before he went?" asks Cy.

"He went not as quickly." says Darlene.

"It took a little, didn't it?" asks Cy.

"I had to scream before he went." says Darlene.

"You must have a quite a voice. I mean, I heard it last Friday." says Cy.

"It got him to listen, and down he went." says Darlene.

"The more women in Thomas' life, the more he become adjusted to the outside world." says Cy.

"Joanne must be having an effect on you, as well." says Darlene.

"She must be. I ate some of that kosher food last week and now, I feel kosher." says Cy.

"Do you still eat bacon?" asks Darlene.

"I do." says Cy.

"Give her time." says Darlene.

"I hope I can resist. I just enjoy ham." says Cy.

The next morning soon arrives and Cy awakens from his easy chair at his usual time, with Liberty still asleep by his side. Cy thinks to himself what kind of dog he now has and how much he is like his master. As he gets out of his chair, he sees the figure of Thomas standing by the writing desk.

"Good morning, Cy." says Thomas.

"Good morning. What brings you up?" asks Cy.

"I need to talk to you." says Thomas.

"What about?" asks Cy.

"I've decided to move out." says Thomas.

"Move out? You've actually decided to move back into your old house?" asks Cy.

"No, I'm gonna move in with my mother." says Thomas.

"You just met her." says Cy.

"I realize now that I have family and I'm gonna live with them." says Thomas.

"I can't stop you from moving." says Cy.

"Good. I'm movng out by the end of the week." says Thomas.

"Give me time." says Cy.

"I must go now." says Thomas.

"Where?" asks Cy.

"To ask my mother if I can live with her." says Thomas.

"Say hello for me." says Cy.

"I will." says Thomas, who then starts for the door.

"Thomas, good choice." says Cy.

"Thanks." says Thomas as he then heads out the door.

Cy then continues to sit there, thinking over what has just been said, that after five weeks, his boarder will be moving out. With each turn of the thought, the loneliness that Cy had been feeling before comes back to him as he wonders who will keep him company now.

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

Tomorrow, we begin our sixth serial of the series with the fallout of Thomas' announcement of moving out, where all those told weigh in.

Join us, won't you?
Yours truly, John Maxwell.

A production of WGN Chicago. All rights reserved.

Episode 66

2010-09-06T14:30:00.002-04:00

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

Today's episode: "Believe Me When I Tell You", Part 12

Last week, interesting and shocking news decends on Cy's boarder Thomas when he is told by a hippie named Mary Hartman that she is his mother. Soon, the news passes around and reaches Conrad and Phil, who feel that Thomas needs time to process the news.
As we begin this week, Thomas has enlisted Darlene to join him as he heads back to the Baker Street Apartments, location of Apartment B, home of Mary Hartman...

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

In her apartment, some time later, Mary, fresh from her meditating, is making herself a leafy dinner. As she tears apart a lettuce leaf, she hears a knock. Curious, she makes her way to the door and opens it to find Thomas, along with Darlene.

"Hello, Thomas. Who's your friend?" says Mary.

"I'm Darlene Harris. I'm Thomas' girl." says Darlene.

"May I come in?" asks Thomas.

"Please do." says Mary as Thomas and Darlene step inside.

"The place hasn't change since I was last here." says Thomas.

"You were only here yesterday." says Mary.

"Cy told me to say that when I got here." says Thomas.

"I could tell his mark on it." says Darlene.

"I wasn't here. This is a nice place." says Darlene.

"Thank you, Darlene." says Mary.

"How have you been?" asks Thomas.

"Fine as can be. I've been meditating all day." says Mary.

"I wish I could that." says Darlene.

"Don't you ever work?" asks Thomas.

"I sell flowers at the farmers market during the summer. I earn enough money for a year." says Mary.

"I'm a librarian myself." says Darlene.

"That sounds like a good job." says Mary.

"It is. I mean, it's a great job to have. Maybe I could get you a job there." says Darlene.

"No thanks. I have no need to be around books all day." says Mary.

"I know what you mean. I get that feeling myself at times." says Darlene.

"But it's your job." says Mary.

"I used to be indifferent to it, but then again, I was indifferent to everything." says Darlene.

"Do go on." says Mary.

"I was what Cy termed a human iceberg. Cold, unfeeling, and uncaring." says Darlene.

"What happened to you?" asks Mary.

"Cy, for my birthday for the past five years, has given me a bottle of whiskey." says Darlene.

"Sounds like him already." says Mary.

"Anyway, on my last birthday, after I told him off with his mother... " says Darlene.

"That's a bad idea." says Thomas.

"Quiet, Thomas." says Mary.

"He dared me to drink the latest one." says Darlene.

"And did you?" asks Mary.

"The whole thing in one swallow. After I finished, I fainted." says Darlene.

"What happened after that?" asks Mary.

"Several hours later, I came to, and I felt different. I felt warm and kind and human." says Darlene.

"My guess is you never felt like that before." says Mary.

"That's right. As it turned out, the whiskey had melted my icy core and turned me human." says Darlene.

"A wonderful story, and it's all true?" asks Mary.

"That it is." says Darlene.

"I wish I could with people like you." says Mary.

"Maybe you should open a flower shop." says Thomas.

"I have no idea how to run a business." says Mary.

"Me, neither." says Thomas.

"I could help you. I know a couple of books on that." says Darlene.

"Thomas, can we get around to why you came here." says Mary.

"I came here to see if you are who you say you are." says Thomas.

"Thomas told me about that happened yesterday." says Darlene.

"I wish you could convince him for me." says Mary.

"Me, too. I mean, it sounds so interesting. Thinking that your mother is dead when she is actually alive?" says Darlene.

"You can believe it all you want, but I won't." says Thomas.

"I am your mother, Thomas. I've watched you grow." says Mary.

"I've seen you before in my life." says Thomas.

"Yes, you have." says Mary.

"When did I ever see you?" asks Thomas.

"A few times, when you were little. The last time is when you were about seven." says Mary.

"I still don't remember." says Thomas.

"It was at the little park down the street from where you lived. I talked to you about your behavior with a little boy." says Mary.

"That must be Phil. He works with Cy now." says Thomas.

"You must remember what I said to you." says Mary.

"I do remember talking to someone, but it couldn't be you." says Thomas.

"It was me. You told me that I wasn't your mother and I wasn't able to tell you what to do, just like you're doing now." says Mary.

"What a terrible thing to say about your mother." says Darlene.

"It was true then and true now." says Thomas.

"It is true and you know it. Otherwise, why did you come here?" says Mary.

"Please, Thomas. Believe what she says." says Darlene.

"I can't believe it and part of me doesn't wanna believe it." says Thomas.

"You mean, the part of you that takes after your father?" asks Mary.

"I'm nothing like my father!" says Thomas.

"After what you told me, I think so now." says Darlene.

"You are, because he felt I wasn't able to raise our son, so I left." says Mary.

"My mother died giving birth to me!" says Thomas.

"I'm your mother and I'm alive." says Mary.

"Thomas! She is your mother!" says Darlene at the top of her lungs.

"It's not true! It's not true! It's... not... true... " says Thomas as his solid resolve disappears.

"That's better, Thomas." says Darlene.

"Believe me when I say that I'm your mother and I love you very much." says Mary.

Thomas then grows silence and makes his way over to where Mary is standing. There, after a moment, he buries his head on Mary's shoulder, sobbing as he does.

"I love you, too." says Thomas.

"There, there, baby. My mommy's here, for good." says Mary as the two then embrace and comfort each other.

"I'm here for you, too." says Darlene.

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

Tomorrow, we end the fifth serial of the series with an interesting announcement from Thomas, which starts off events that will lead adventures beyond.

Join us, won't you?
Yours truly, John Maxwell.

A production of WGN Chicago. All rights reserved.

Episode 65

2010-09-03T14:30:00.002-04:00

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

Today's episode: "Believe Me When I Tell You", Part 11

Yesterday, Cy imparted the news that Mary had told him, that she was Thomas' mother, to Conrad and Phil, who gave their opinions on the news, but also on her name. Phil manages to even suggest that Cy's life is turning into the famed show more and more. Also, Conrad apologized for his behavior towards Cy at the library and Cy accepted.
As we begin today, Thomas has begun his first day as janitor for the Hyperion Police Department...

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

Down at the police station, Thomas is mopping the floor next to a desk where Officer Grace is sitting, where she is reading a folder. Meanwhile, Chief McIntyre watches from the doorway that connects to his office. Eventually, he goes to where Thomas is mopping.

"You're doing a good job for your first day." says Chief McIntyre.

"Work is work, that's how I see it." says Thomas.

"Great, great. I'm be in my office, Officer Baker. Keep in an eye on our new employee." says Chief McIntyre, who then goes into his office and closes the door.

"You heard the man, Thomas. Don't do anything wrong." says Officer Grace.

"How can you mop a floor wrong?" asks Thomas.

"You've been living with Cy too long. You're starting to sound like him." says Officer Grace.

"He does grow on you." says Thomas.

"Phil says that he often finds himself doing Cy-type activities." says Officer Grace.

"What is a Cy-type activity?" asks Thomas.

"You know, acting outside yourself. It also can be useless comments, wearing out-of-date clothing, and talking about one's mother constantly." says Officer Grace.

"Don't get me started on that last one." says Thomas.

"Touchy subject, is it?" asks Officer Grace.

"For most of my life, I believed my mother was dead." says Thomas.

"So's Cy's, if you haven't heard him every day refer to her in the past tense." says Officer Grace.

"Yesterday, a woman came over to the house and invited me and Cy over to her place, where she tells me that she's my mother." says Thomas.

"That's interesting. Is it true?" says Officer Grace.

"Cy believes it is." says Thomas.

"That's another Cy-type activity: believing in things beyond the facts at hand." says Officer Grace.

"What do I do about this?" asks Thomas.

"I have no idea." says Officer Grace.

"I wouldn't exactly go with Cy's beliefs on this. I mean, the woman's name is Mary Hartman." says Thomas.

"Mary Hartman? I can see your point." says Officer Grace.

"Just don't tell Cy." says Thomas.

"Maybe he truly believes in it despite her name." says Officer Grace.

"I would like some help in this." says Thomas.

"Don't look at me." says Officer Grace.

"Maybe I could go see her after work. What time do I get off?" says Thomas.

"6:00 pm." says Officer Grace.

"I hope I get paid well for a 12-hour work day." says Thomas.

"You will. You're the only one here with set work hours." says Officer Grace.

"That's nice to know." says Thomas.

In her apartment across town, Mary sits on the floor, turning her thoughts inward on her own mind as she meditates. As she continues to meditate further, a memory within her surfaces and her mind takes her through it as well as it can.

It is December of 1994 and little Thomas Cinder is playing in the snow-covered park just down the street from his house. Standing in front of him is his usual target, the young Phil Turner, cowering from Thomas, as he always does.

"Please don't harm me, Thomas." says Phil.

"I won't. It's too cold to get you today." says Thomas.

"That's good to know." says Phil.

"But when the holidays are over, I'll be back to do you in." says Thomas.

That comment sends Phil running away fast. Thomas gives out a laugh as he watches the sight unfold.

"That wasn't very nice." says a voice behind him.

Thomas turns around and sees Mary, standing behind him with her arms crossed, who has been watching the scene between Thomas and Phil.

"So, who are you and why should you care?" asks Thomas.

"You should care about what your father gonna say about it." says Mary.

"He has no idea I do this. I don't think his parents believe him if he ever tells them. They never do." says Thomas.

"Tho... young man, you shouldn't do that to people. You should always respect them." says Mary.

"You're not my mother! You can't tell me what to do!" says Thomas.

"I can if I want you." says Mary.

"I shouldn't be even talking to you, you're a stranger." says Thomas.

"Maybe I am, maybe I'm not." says Mary.

"I don't want my father to see us talking. He's very hard on strangers." says Thomas.

"Is he hard on you?" asks Mary.

"He is, but he has to be. My mother's dead and he has to raise me." says Thomas.

"And is raising you well?" asks Mary.

"I don't wanna answer that." says Thomas.

"Then you don't have to." says Mary.

"Thanks." says Thomas.

"You're welcome." says Mary.

"I'm going home." says Thomas, who then walks away.

"Can't you stay longer?" asks Mary.

"I have to get home before my father comes looking for me." says Thomas.

"I understand." says Mary.

"I hope to see you later." says Thomas.

"Me, too." says Mary.

"I must go now." says Thomas.

"Take care... " says Mary as Thomas walks away, adding, " ...my son." as soon he is out of earshot.

"I wonder who that lady was." thinks Thomas to himself.

Mary's mind then returns her to the present day, where she is still meditating. Her mind returns itself to its inner calm but Mary herself can't get over the memory and relives it once more, as if to punish herself.

The evening decends on Hyperion and inside her house, Darlene sits back in her chair, resting from a hard day. As she tries to relax, a knock is heard at the door. Curious, she makes her way to the door and opens it to find Thomas.

"Thomas, what are you doing here?" asks Darlene.

"I need your help." says Thomas.

"Can't it wait?" asks Darlene.

"No, I need it now." says Thomas.

"Well, come in and tell me." says Darlene.

"Thanks." says Thomas as he walks inside.

"What must I help you on?" asks Darlene as she closes the door.

"It's about a certain houseguest I had yesterday." says Thomas.

"Mary Hartman? What about her?" asks Darlene.

"Well, when I got back home yesterday, she invited us to her place for dinner." says Thomas.

"And did you go?" asks Darlene.

"Yes, I did, and when I go there, she actually told me that she was my mother." says Thomas.

"It is very interesting, but how can I help?" asks Darlene.

"I need you to come with me to her place." says Thomas.

"I just got in, and you want me to go out there again?" asks Darlene.

"I'm sorry, Darlene." says Thomas.

"Why not? I guess I should meet this woman who should be your wife." says Darlene.

"What?" asks Thomas, not catching the hint.

"Never mind." says Darlene.

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

Next week, we finished up the fifth serial of the series with the last two parts, which feature Thomas' visit to Mary's place, where he confront what she has said and the past he has behind him. We then moved into our sixth serial of the series with news that will change Cy's life forever, for it leads to adventure and so much more.

Join us, won't you?
Yours truly, John Maxwell.

A production of WGN Chicago. All rights reserved.

Episode 64

2010-09-02T14:30:00.001-04:00

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

Today's episode: "Believe Me When I Tell You", Part 10

Yesterday, Cy and Thomas' dinner with Mary Hartman the hippie took an interesting turn when she revealed to Thomas that she was Thomas' long-thought dead mother. In total shock, Thomas soon made his leave. Cy, after a while, followed behind and gave Thomas a chance to reflect on the news as he headed off to work, the both of them.
As we begin today, Cy has arrived at WHYP...

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

Some time later, Cy is walking down the hallway to the green room at WHYP. As he enters, he finds both Conrad and Phil on opposite sides of the room. Conrad is playing pinball and Phil is getting a cup of coffee.

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

"Is the coffee in my hands yet?" asks Cy, holding a hand like a cup was already in it.

"No. I've just gotten it." says Phil.

"Then put it in my hand." says Cy.

"Okay. Here we go." says Phil as he puts the cup in the ready hand.

"Thank you, Phil." says Cy, who then takes a sip.

"Good coffee?" asks Phil.

"Yes, it is. Boy, what a day yesterday was." says Cy.

"You had a busy day?" asks Phil.

"Not so much as busy as life-changing." says Cy.

"Do tell, Cy." says Conrad with a hint of sarcasm.

"Don't mind Conrad. He was part of it." says Cy.

"I'm sure I'll have something to say when the time comes." says Conrad.

"Go ahead, Cy." says Phil.

"It started when I was leaving the building here." says Cy.

"Here we go." says Conrad.

"Anyway, Me and Conrad saw that Mr. Gold was messing with a stray dog." says Cy.

"People aren't enough for him?" asks Phil.

"Let me continue." says Cy.

"Please do." says Phil.

"After hearing Mr. Gold saying that he would turn the dog over to those who would put it to sleep after seven days and shoo-ing it away, I told him I would take it." says Cy.

"What a start." says Phil.

"It gets better. As I started to walk home, the dog pulled alongside, like it heard me. So, I could the dog home, but that's not all." says Cy.

"There's more?" asks Phil.

"Yes. As I was walking home, I was met by Chief McIntyre outside the police station." says Cy.

"What did he want?" asks Phil.

"He wanted me to get Polly's career in order by getting someone to sub for her when her new music career takes over her job from time to time." says Cy.

"Then what happened?" asks Phil.

"I got home to find that Thomas had company." says Cy.

"What's so unusual about that?" asks Phil.

"It wasn't Darlene. It was a relative of his named... Mary Hartman." says Cy.

"Mary Hartman? I'm sorry." says Phil.

"Don't worry, I've decided to not fight it, and to think, I thought it was always strange that they did that." says Cy.

"What happened next, Cy?" asks Phil.

"Anyway, I found that Mary had gone on a trip without moving, if you know what I mean." says Cy.

"That I do." says Phil.

"Moving on, I managed to talk Thomas into coming with me to become the fill-in janitor at the police station, since Chief McIntyre told me to get one for tomorrow." says Cy.

"That's quick." says Phil.

"Thomas got the job, which he started today, but the day doesn't end there." says Cy.

"What happened next?" asks Phil.

"Me and Thomas went to the library to check on Darlene and we found Conrad trying his best to converse with her." says Cy.

"And there's my cue." says Conrad, walking away from the pinball machine.

"When Conrad got around to me, he proceeded to scream at me." says Cy.

"I was a little ticked-off at your behavior." says Conrad.

"You basically called your sister a drunk and a whore, each made by me and Thomas, in that order." says Cy.

"That was anger talking." says Conrad.

"What are you, Sybil? Anyway, Conrad does leave and we head back home to find Mary, safely back on planet Earth." says Cy.

"So, Cy Scott and Mary Hartman finally meet." says Phil.

"And that meeting featured an invite to her place, Apartment B at the Baker Street Apartments." says Cy.

"A trip to 221-B Baker Street." says Phil.

"But instead of Sherlock Holmes, we found a hippie crash pad belonging to Mary. After finding Mary meditating on the floor, we sat down to eat a hippie dinner." says Cy.

"Leafy greens and anything out of the ground." says Phil.

"During the dinner, Mary tells us that she wants to talk to Thomas about his childhood and his own mother." says Cy.

"Close relative to discuss that." says Phil.

"Moving on, Thomas tells her that his mother died giving birth to him." says Cy.

"I know, and so do you." says Phil.

"But Mary added that the information is a lie. Then, she reveals to Thomas that she herself is Thomas' mother." says Cy.

"You mean Thomas' mother is an old hippie?" asks Phil.

"Old but not dimmed in spirit. Anyway, Thomas doesn't wanna believe. Eventually, he just storms out of the place. I talked to him about it this morning but he has no idea what to do." says Cy.

"Maybe he could accept the fact his mother is now alive." says Phil.

"He's not like me. Unlike him, I know my mother is dead, but he had to rely on what his father said and the way he tells me, his father is very proud of himself, enough to lie." says Cy.

"It'll be hard to accept." says Phil.

"But he will. I know he will." says Cy.

"I'm just interested that you met someone named Mary Hartman." says Conrad.

"I just told you, she's no housewife from Ohio." says Cy.

"Still, you should consider something else." says Conrad.

"What should I consider?" asks Cy.

"What if Thomas finally believes it and he changes his last name?" says Conrad.

"I don't... I get it." says Cy.

"Get what?" asks Phil.

"His name would be Thomas Hartman, which is a short walk to Tom, and that was Mary's husband." says Cy.

"I get it now. Your life is more like that show all the time." says Phil.

"Don't remind me. " says Cy.

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

Tomorrow, Thomas begins his first day as janitor for the Hyperion Police Department with interesting things on his mind and another flashback to December 1994 reveals something more interesting.

Join us, won't you?
Yours truly, John Maxwell.

A production of WGN Chicago. All rights reserved.

Episode 63

2010-09-01T14:30:00.002-04:00

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

Today's episode: "Believe Me When I Tell You", Part 9

Yesterday, Cy and Thomas arrived at the Baker Street Apartments and the home of Mary Hartman, the hippie. Once inside, the two saw the trappings of the hippie life. They then sat down to dinner when they saw the food of the hippie diet. As we begin today, Cy has just explain the meaning of Mary's name in his ever-complicated life...

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

"Let us talk about another subject." says Thomas.

"I was hoping to get to you." says Mary.

"I was just hoping you and Cy would move on." says Thomas.

"But I wanna talk about you. We have a deep connection." says Mary.

"Just being relatives doesn't help." says Thomas.

"We're more than just relatives, Thomas." says Mary.

"We are?" asks Thomas.

"Tell me something, Thomas. Do you remember your childhood?" says Mary.

"I do. Why should that matter?" says Thomas.

"Do you remember your mother?" asks Mary.

"She died giving birth to me, or so I'm told." says Thomas.

"Who told you?" asks Mary.

"My father, when I asked about her one day when I was three." says Thomas.

"And are you sure that's the truth?" asks Mary.

"My father was a liar but I doubt he'd lie about that." says Thomas.

"I remember your father. He was stubborn about things and didn't see eye to eye with your mother." says Mary.

"What else do you know about my father?" asks Thomas.

"I know he was a man who came from Kentucky, looking for work and met up with a young woman, looking for love." says Mary.

"Sounds like a good story." says Thomas.

"Anyway, the two soon married and had a young son." says Mary.

"And the mother died giving birth to him." says Thomas.

"No, she lived through the delivery of her son and spent the next three months with him." says Mary.

"But she died... " says Thomas.

"That's what your father told you. She left him after three months because he just couldn't get used to being with a hippie for a wife." says Mary.

"What a story." says Cy.

"Your mother's still alive, Thomas." says Mary.

"She is? Where is she?" asks Thomas.

"Right here." says Mary.

"Where right here?" asks Thomas.

"In this room." says Mary.

It takes a moment for Thomas to get the idea. When he does, he just grows silent, along with Cy, who stops eating.

"You mean... you are Thomas' mother?" asks Cy.

"I am, and it's so nice to finally see my son again." says Mary.

"You can't be my mother. She's dead." says Thomas.

"I just told you, your father lied about that." says Mary.

"That she did, Thomas." says Cy.

"You keep out of this. How can you be my mother?" says Thomas.

"I am. I know it and I think Cy knows it." says Mary.

"I think I get it." says Cy.

"I told you to keep out of it." says Thomas.

"Thomas, this woman just told you that she is your mother. Don't you think you could break down into tears?" says Cy.

"I don't, because it's not true." says Thomas.

"Believe it." says Cy.

"Listen to your friend there, Thomas. I am who I say I am." says Mary.

"How can I believe you? We just met today." says Thomas.

"It took me a long time to get back to you." says Mary.

"Yeah, long enough for me to go to prison and long enough for me to believe I was alone in this world." says Thomas.

"Calm down, Thomas." says Mary.

"I can't. I've just been told by someone I don't know that they are my mother. If you excuse me, I must go." says Thomas, who then takes his leave.

"You think he would be happy to have his mother again." says Cy.

"Well, he's right. Maybe I should have done it differently." says Mary.

"You did the best you could." says Cy.

"From you, it's very helpful." says Mary.

"Unlike Thomas, I'm sticking around to finish my dinner. Pass the lettuce." says Cy.

"Thank you for staying." says Mary.

The morning sun has yet to peek itself over the horizon as another day begins for Hyperion. At Cy's house, Thomas sleeps as the alarm clock reads 5:30 am and goes off, stirring Thomas from his slumber. As Thomas exits his bedroom, he runs into Cy, standing in front of him.

"Good morning, Cy. You're supposed to be asleep in your easy chair." says Thomas.

"I would be, if it weren't for what happened last night." says Cy.

"Cy, do you actually believe what that woman said?" asks Thomas.

"I do, because it sounds to be the truth." says Cy.

"Cy, there's no way that woman is my mother." says Thomas as he moves past Cy.

"Sometimes, we must put aside our views of the world to welcome information that doesn't fit to make it fit." says Cy.

"Don't use that double-talk. I have to go to work today, so please go back to your easy chair." says Thomas.

"Thomas, don't you know how many times I wish my mother was still alive?" asks Cy.

"That doesn't make sense in my case." says Thomas.

"It does, because after years of believing her dead, she turns up alive. You should be happy about that." says Cy.

"I don't know what to think." says Thomas.

"I'll leave you to your thoughts." says Cy as he departs for his easy chair again.

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

Tomorrow, Cy shares the news with Conrad and Phil, who offer their advice on Thomas, his mother, and her name, all repeated as all things are in soap operas.

Join us, won't you?
Yours truly, John Maxwell.

A production of WGN Chicago. All rights reserved.

Episode 62

2010-08-31T14:30:00.002-04:00

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

Today's episode: "Believe Me When I Tell You", Part 8

Yesterday, we began the week with Cy and Thomas at the library, interupting another of Conrad's attempts to talk to Darlene as a human. After that, Cy and Thomas made their way home, where they found Mary, who had ended her trip. She then issued an invite for Cy and Thomas to join her for a dinner at her place that night, which was accepted.
As we begin today, the day soon passes...

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

Evening soon decends on Hyperion and Cy and Thomas make their way to the Baker Street Apartments. The building has aged since its heyday and the front of the building shows off its age as Cy and Thomas make their way inside.

"This place has seen better days, apparently." says Cy.

"You've never been here before, Cy." says Thomas.

"I know that, but places do change all the time." says Cy.

"That's seems to be the state of things." says Thomas.

"More than you know, Thomas. This is the place." says Cy as they reach the door marked B.

"Who's gonna knock first?" asks Thomas.

"You should. After all, she is your relative." says Cy.

"But her name means more to you." says Thomas in a slight mocking tone.

"My line of reasoning is correct, unlike yours." says Cy.

Thomas then knocks a couple of times on the door. After a moment, a voice inside says, "Please, come in."

Cy then turns the knob and finds it unlocked and pushes it open. As he and Thomas walk inside, the sounds of "In-da-Gadda-da-Vida" can be heard. The very inside is decorated like something out of the 1960s, complete with a slight haze in the air.

"What a place." says Thomas.

"And you're related to her." says Cy.

"Don't drag me into this, Cy." says Thomas.

"You walk over here willingly." says Cy as he and Thomas continue inside and close the door.

"Where's Mary?" asks Thomas.

"I'm sure she's somewhere on this planet." says Cy.

"I'm right here." says Mary.

The two look around and find Mary, lying down on the floor, eyes closed, and deep in thought.

"Meditating?" asks Cy.

"Just reaching into the deepest areas of my mind." says Mary.

"I know all about that." says Cy.

"You meditate, Cy?" asks Mary as she gets off the floor.

"No, but my mother told me about it a few times." says Cy.

"She do it herself?" asks Mary.

"Only a few times in the early seventies." says Cy.

"We must talk about her." says Mary as she makes her way to the kitchen.

"Now is the time." says Cy.

"Thomas, don't you have anything to say?" asks Mary.

"Not really at the moment." says Thomas.

"I'll speak for him until his brain can understand his surroundings." says Cy.

"It's my life. I live for my youth." says Mary.

"So did my mother, but a decade before." says Cy.

"When was she born?" asks Mary.

"1953." says Cy.

"Why did you ask about that?" asks Thomas.

"Nothing. Just thought I would ask." says Mary.

"Let's talk about something else." says Thomas.

"What about you shall we talk about?" asks Mary as she emerges from the kitchen with a large tray.

"There's nothing about me to talk about." says Thomas.

"Thomas, I think dinner is served." says Cy, pointing to the small table near the window.

At the table, Mary sets down the large tray. On the tray lays three plates, filled with the staples of the hipple diet, including leafy greens.

"You're right, Cy. Please sit down." says Mary, pointing at two extra chairs at the table.

Cy and Thomas then makes their way over and take their places at the tables and are served their meals.

"Just what I like, hipple food." says Cy.

"I haven't eaten meat since I was born." says Mary.

"So, you were born into this whole hipple life." says Cy.

"You might say that. My parents were in on it from the beginning and it wasn't long before they had me." says Mary.

"Were your parents in any way from Ohio?" asks Cy.

"No. They're were from Hyperion. Why do you ask?" says Mary.

"Maybe it's the time my mother entered the picture." says Cy.

"Please tell me. I've been dying to know since our paths crossed." says Mary.

"My mother was a famous actress." says Cy.

"Do tell more." says Mary.

"Her career was the best in the seventies. She had potential, if only someone had really noticed." says Cy.

"She sounds very interesting to me." says Mary.

"She was on a series that featured someone with your name." says Cy.

"That explains it. I thought I had some idea." says Mary.

"You watched that show?" asks Cy.

"I did. My parents felt it was good to me." says Mary.

"And the fact that their daughter shared a title with it didn't bother them?" asks Cy.

"No, not at all." says Mary.

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

Tomorrow, over a plate of vegetables and other such items, a piece of dinner conversation leads to information that changed the nature of the dinner, and of Thomas' life.

Join us, won't you?
Yours truly, John Maxwell.

A production of WGN Chicago. All rights reserved.

Episode 61

2010-08-30T14:30:00.002-04:00

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

Today's episode: "Believe Me When I Tell You", Part 7

Last week, a strange woman arrived at the doorsteps of Cy's house, where Thomas lives and who was the subject of the woman's visit. The woman, with the moniker of Mary Hartman, said she was a relative of Thomas' and proved to be very interesting to Cy.
Meanwhile, Cy added to his household when he took in a stray dog that had been annoying Mr. Gold. On the way to the dog's new home, Cy was met by Chief McIntyre, who told him to get someone to sub for Polly for when her career overtook her job.
Cy soon found a person in Thomas when he got home and saw Mary on a mental vacation, so to speak. Cy then took Thomas down to the police station to apply for the job. After some talking and worries from both sides, Chief McIntyre soon awarded the job to Thomas, who was happy to actually have a means of employment.
As we begin this week, Conrad has been having his own flashback to Christmastime 1994 as he tries again to talk to sister Darlene...

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

"Hello, Conrad." says Darlene when she catches sight on Conrad, catching him off-guard and snapping him back to the present.

"Hello, Darlene." says Conrad.

"Making another attempt to talk to me, after what happened two Fridays in a row?" asks Darlene.

"I guess you could say that." says Conrad.

"Third time's the charm, they say. Maybe this time, we can have an actual conversation." says Darlene.

"Only if I can find a topic." says Conrad.

"Then find one, Conrad. How about this book?" says Darlene, before she hands over the work to Conrad.

"What Are Sisters For? Sounds like something Cy's mother might say." says Conrad.

"There's a topic we can also discuss." says Darlene.

"I don't think the wisdom of Debralee is up for discussion by anyone else but Cy." says Conrad.

"Another fine topic." says Darlene.

"Cy is not a topic." says Conrad.

"He can be. I've recently found his own wisdom quite interesting." says Darlene.

"Ever since you melted?" asks Conrad with a sarcastic tone.

"That's one topic we shouldn't bring up, for it's a touchy subject for you." says Darlene.

"It is not. I just don't want an alcoholic for a sister." says Conrad.

"I am not an alcoholic." says Darlene.

"How much do you drink a day?" asks Conrad.

"I won't answer to your spite." says Darlene.

"I know you think that you're better as a human, but it hurt you before." says Conrad.

"Let us not bring up that much history." says Darlene.

"I will, if it will get you to stop drinking." says Conrad.

"If Cy were here, he would get you to see my side." says Darlene.

"Cy is here and I've tried." says the voice of Cy behind Conrad.

"Cy, what are you doing here?" asks Conrad.

"I'm here with Thomas. I'm also here to return this book I borrowed back when your sister was frozen." says Cy as he takes the book from his inner jacket pocket.

"That was the day before my re-birth." says Darlene, taking the tome from Cy.

"That it was. I felt it wise to return it. I had actually forgotten it until you left my house a week ago." says Cy.

"When a week ago?" asks Darlene.

"After your date with Thomas here." says Cy.

"Must you bring that up?" asks Conrad.

"Is everything not living up to your higher-than-always standards?" asks Cy with a mocking tone.

"You're turning my sister into an alcoholic and Thomas' turning her into a whore!" screams Conrad.

"I will not have Darlene compared in that manner, Conrad." says Cy.

"Then do something." says Conrad.

"I'll just talk to Darlene." says Cy, who then moves away from Conrad.

"Must you go after Cy like that?" asks Thomas.

Conrad doesn't answer before he storms out of the library.

"Conrad and me used to be friends. Now, we're just co-workers." says Cy.

"I hope your friendship doesn't turn into something like you and Barry." says Darlene.

"I hope so, neither." says Cy.

"Can we go home now?" asks Thomas.

"What for? Don't you wanna stay and help me read this book?" asks Darlene.

"Nice title. Sounds like something my mother would say." says Cy, seeing it in Darlene's hands.

"That's what Conrad said about it." says Darlene.

"I guess the two of us aren't that apart yet. Anyway, Thomas wants to get home so he really introduce me to someone." says Cy.

"Who might that be?" asks Darlene.

"I'll tell you, but don't repeat it after I say it." says Cy.

"I won't, Cy. Tell me." says Darlene.

"It's a relative of Thomas' named... Mary Hartman." says Cy.

Darlene stands there a moment before saying, "Mary Hartman?"

"I told you not to do that." says Cy.

"I just wanna see your face when I said it after you." says Darlene.

"Well, she's currently on a trip without moving, if you get my meaning." says Cy.

"I get it." says Darlene.

"Let's go, Cy." says Thomas.

"I must depart, but remember my face." says Cy.

"I'll try to at least remember the nose." says Darlene as Cy and Thomas leave the library.

Some time later, Cy and Thomas arrive back at Cy's house. As they enter, they hear high-pitched giggles of laughter from the living room. As they walk into the living room, they see Mary, sitting on the floor, petting Liberty, and having fun with him.

"Hello, Mary." says Thomas.

"Hello, Thomas. Who's your friend?" says Mary as she gets off the floor.

"This is the owner of the house, Cy Scott." says Thomas.

"Hello, Mrs. Hartman." says Cy.

"That's Miss Hartman, Mr. Scott." says Mary as she walks over to where Cy and Thomas are standing.

"Call me Cy. It's how my mother called me." says Cy.

"Thomas here pointed out her picture over there." says Mary.

"Did Thomas say anything else?" asks Cy.

"Not really. He told me that you would explain." says Mary.

"Well, I do prefer to introduce my mother to other people, who might not have heard of her." says Cy.

"Please do explain." says Mary.

"Maybe I should hold off on the introduction until later." says Cy.

"That reminds me, I must go." says Mary.

"I hope not because of me." says Cy.

"No. I have food to find." says Mary.

"After your trip, you need it." says Cy.

"I like this guy. Thomas, I do wish to invite to my apartment for dinner." says Mary.

"He accepts, as long as I can come along." says Cy.

"You may come over." says Mary.

"I guess I could use some more time out of this house." says Thomas.

"I live at the Baker Street Apartments. I live in the one marked B." says Mary.

"221-B Baker Street? Sounds catchy." says Cy.

"I know. See you there at 7:00 pm." says Mary, who then makes her leave.

"You know, I feel that there's more to her than just being a relative." says Cy.

"Another one of your feelings?" asks Thomas.

"Just call it a hunch." says Cy.

"I trust your hunches by now." says Thomas.

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

Tomorrow, a small dinner becomes the scene of some big news, which will change not only Thomas' life but Cy, if he thinks about it hard enough.

Join us, won't you?
Yours truly, John Maxwell.

A production of WGN Chicago. All rights reserved.

Episode 60

2010-08-27T14:30:00.002-04:00

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

Today's episode: "Believe Me When I Tell You", Part 6

Yesterday, Cy took Thomas down to the police station to have him apply for the job that Chief McIntyre told him to fill. After some talking and some worry, Thomas got the job and another chance to prove himself.
As we begin today, Cy and Thomas are about to make their leave...

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

Back at the police station, Polly continues her mopping, Elmer continues to tune his fiddle, and Cy is quietly pacing back and forth as he waits for Thomas' interview with Chief McIntyre to end. Eventually, Thomas steps out of the office, followed by Chief McIntyre.

"I've got the job!" says Thomas.

"He's the only one who applied for it, so I had to give it to him. You start tomorrow at 6:00 am." says Chief McIntyre, who then retreats back into his office.

"You're officially a member of the work force." says Cy.

"And I'll do my best." says Thomas.

"Just remember to keep this place as clean as I would." says Polly.

"Come on, Thomas, let us make our way home." says Cy as he begins a path to the door.

"What if Mary's still on her trip?" asks Thomas as he follows behind.

"We'll take the scenic route home." says Cy as he opens the door.

"What's the scenic route?" asks Thomas.

"You'll see." says Cy as he and Thomas step out the door and close it.

"Thomas seems to have taken the place of Conrad." says Polly.

"That's youw opinion, Powwy." says Elmer.

"Cy and Conrad's friendship seems to be on the outs, even since Darlene's icy core melted." says Polly.

"I was thewe at Tom's Pwace on Fwiday." says Elmer.

"It's something more than that, I'm afraid. I wonder how long Cy and Conrad can keep working together before their distance shows up on radio?" says Polly.

"That's a good question, too, Powwy." says Elmer.

At the library, Darlene is standing at the reception desk, staring her eyes not at the people, but in the pages of an old book. As she reads the lines in the book, her eyes are glazed over somewhat with passion for the characters within.

As she continues her reading, Conrad, quietly and slowly, makes his way into the library, looking around for Darlene. He eventually finds her at the reception desk and slowly makes his way over to it.

He then stares at Darlene for a minute. As he does, his mind springs backwards in time, as if for no other reason then to remind himself of what Darlene once was.

It is December of 1994 and Conrad is just returning home from walking home with Cy, who has continued on his way. As he enters, he hears the sounds of his mother and father talking away, standing around the Christmas tree.

"That seems to be a bit much tinsel." says Mr. Harris.

"It's just enough." says Mrs. Harris.

"Hi, mom. Hi, dad." says Conrad.

"Hello, son. Nice to see you made it again." says Mrs. Harris.

"I was with Cy." says Conrad.

"I still don't get what you see in that boy." says Darlene, walking into the room.

Her appearence is a younger version of her iceberg outfit, very conversed and very covered, looking like she stepped out of a 19th century painting.

"Hello, sis." says Conrad.

"Hello, my brother." says Darlene.

"How was your day?" asks Conrad.

"It was a usual day." says Darlene.

"It's Christmas, Darlene. Why don't you lighten up?" says Conrad.

"You've spent too much time with Cyrus." says Darlene.

"He's a nice guy, and so is his mother." says Conrad.

"That Debralee. I wonder what values she's giving her son." says Mr. Harris.

"Good ones, I bet." says Mrs. Harris.

"I know that. She's always kind to people." says Conrad.

"I'd mind him, if it wasn't for that father of his." says Darlene.

"He's a trucker, Darlene. He spends his time working for both himself and others." says Conrad.

"That's what Cyrus told you, but I don't believe it." says Darlene.

"He says the truth. His mother told him never to lie." says Conrad.

"If she wanted the best for her son, he'd be sent to a private school." says Darlene.

"No one can be like you, Darlene." says Conrad.

"He has his nerve to call me a human iceberg." says Darlene.

"You are a little cold, Darlene." says Conrad.

"Still, I am the best." says Darlene.

"If you say so." says Conrad.

"I always know so, my brother." says Darlene.

"I worry, honey." says Mrs. Harris.

"Why do you ask?" asks Mr. Harris.

"She hasn't called Conrad by his name in a few months." says Mrs. Harris.

"It's just a phase, dear. She'll grow out of it." says Mr. Harris.

"I've barely forgiven her for what you did to her." says Mrs. Harris.

"But you have just the same." says Mr. Harris.

"That's what worries me, dear." says Mrs. Harris.

"Let's get back to the tree, Lola." says Mr. Harris.

"I guess I have no choice." says Mrs. Harris.

"Sis, why don't we help them?" asks Conrad.

"It's a waste of time, my brother. Therefore, I will take my leave." says Darlene, who then leaves the room.

"I'll help you." says Conrad as he runs up to the tree.

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

Next week, a mystery cloaked in the past appears before Thomas, and the newest janitor for the police station finds it more than he can bear, or so he thinks.

Join us, won't you?
Yours truly, John Maxwell.

A production of WGN Chicago. All rights reserved.

Episode 59

2010-08-26T14:30:00.001-04:00

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

Today's episode: "Believe Me When I Tell You", Part 5

Yesterday, as Cy, Conrad, and Cy's new dog were walking past the police station, they were met by Chief McIntyre, who told Cy to get someone to fill in for Polly for when her growing musical career overtakes her job. Cy and the dog soon made it home, when Thomas filled him in on the strange woman and her identity. After some thought, Cy decides to leave the house and take Thomas with them.
As we begin, Cy and Thomas have begun their walk to an interesting locale...

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

Down at the police station, Polly is doing her usual bit of mopping, as Elmer looks on, pulling the fiddle bow across the strings as he tries to figure out a tune. The melody he is playing echoes inside the main office area and slightly annoys Chief McIntyre.

"Must you do that during work?" asks Chief McIntyre.

"I must keep my fiddwe in tune." says Elmer.

"He is the leader of my backing band." says Polly.

"Don't talk like that, Polly." says Chief McIntyre.

"It's my career." says Polly.

"You have a job to do." says Chief McIntyre.

"I didn't like how you threaten Cy earlier." says Polly.

"I didn't threaten him. I only told him to straighten out his priorities with you." says Chief McIntyre.

"It suwe sounded wike a thweat." says Elmer.

"Get back to your fiddle-tuning, Elmer." says Chief McIntyre.

"I see that inter-departmental relation are going well." says Cy as he enters with Thomas.

"Hello, Cy. How's my manager today?" says Polly.

"Doing well." says Cy.

"What's Thomas doing with you?" asks Polly.

"I brought him here to solve the problem posed to me by Chief McIntyre, to give you a fill-in when your musical commentments override your job here." says Cy.

"You expect me to hire Thomas as Polly's fill-in?" asks Chief McIntyre.

"You cut to the quick there. That is the idea." says Cy.

"Me? Hire an ex-con?" says Chief McIntyre.

"It's a great idea. It would give him something to do besides hanging around my house all day." says Cy.

"I'll take the chance, but you didn't have to come down here so soon." says Chief McIntyre.

"Well, I had the time due to a visitor Thomas has." says Cy.

"Why does a visitor have to do with all of this?" asks Polly.

"Well, she's very much a fan of the sixties, if you catch my drift." says Cy.

"Taking a twip without moving?" asks Elmer.

"You are a musician, aren't you?" says Cy.

"A coupwe of twips in my wife." says Elmer.

"I think I can figure that out. Anyway, the strangeness of Thomas' visitor lays not in her recreation but her name." says Cy.

"What is her name?" asks Polly.

"Listen, if you repeat the name after I say it, I will fire you and your career is finished." says Cy.

"Tell me her name, Cy." says Polly.

"Her name is... Mary Hartman." says Cy.

"Mar... " says Polly before she remembers what Cy had said.

"My mother told me not to laugh so hard at her, for I may met her one day." says Cy.

"From what you said, I doubt she's a housewife from Ohio." says Polly.

"She says she's related to Thomas. That means that he could be... " says Cy.

"I get the point thewe as weww." says Elmer.

"Must you interject into my conversation?" asks Cy.

"I thought I couwd tawk awong with you." says Elmer.

"Anyway, we're just waiting for Mary to return from her trip." says Cy.

"In the meantime, I can interview Thomas for the job." says Chief McIntyre.

"I'll be right back." says Thomas as he makes his way to Chief McIntyre's office.

"He almost missed making a movie quote in the right place." says Cy.

"That's outside youw time fwame." says Elmer.

"Tune your fiddle, Elmer." says Cy.

Over at WHYP, Phil steps out of the front doors and breathes in some freah air with open nose and mouth. As he relaxes a bit, he spies Officer Grace walking up to the building.

"Good day, Officer Grace." says Phil.

"Just call me Grace." says Officer Grace.

"I prefer the old one, unlike Cy." says Phil.

"He did bring us together." says Officer Grace.

"We brought ourselves together." says Phil.

"I'd like to think Cy had a hand in our relationship." says Officer Grace.

"Even when he's not here?" asks Phil.

"What does that mean?" asks Officer Grace.

"Nothing. I'm just a little bored today." says Phil.

"You work more hours than anyone here." says Officer Grace.

"I know, and there's nothing to break up the monotony." says Phil.

"What about the pinball machine Cy and Conrad found?" asks Officer Grace.

"That's become stale. It doesn't help anymore." says Phil.

"What do you expect to you outside?" asks Officer Grace.

"I thought I would wing it when I got out here." says Phil.

"Maybe you can tag along with me for a little while." says Officer Grace.

"You think Mr. Gold won't mind if I'm not here?" asks Phil.

"He'll never know." says Officer Grace.

"I'll join you then." says Phil, who then follows Officer Grace as she begins to walk away from the building.

"Nice of you to tag along." says Officer Grace.

"Thanks for allowing me to do so. I needed the company today." says Phil.

"Have you been lonely lately?" asks Officer Grace.

"Not really. Just that since we began this relationship, we haven't seen much of each other." says Phil.

"I'm a police officer. I have a duty to the citizens." says Officer Grace.

"It would be nice for you to work me in once in a while." says Phil.

"We have dates, Phil." says Officer Grace.

"But that isn't enough for me. I need you more." says Phil.

"And how do you suppose we do that?" asks Officer Grace.

"I was hoping that spending time with you would do so." says Phil.

"I was with you a few nights ago." says Officer Grace.

"That's the point. I should be set but I'm not." says Phil.

"Do you need to see me more often?" asks Officer Grace.

"I don't know, do I?" says Phil.

"I don't know myself. I have my work." says Officer Grace.

"Me, too." says Phil.

"So how do we solve this problem?" asks Officer Grace.

"Maybe you can quit your job." says Phil.

"Not an option. Maybe we can have a date every night." says Officer Grace.

"A little too much." says Phil.

"How about once in a while?" says Officer Grace.

"That's what we're doing right now." says Phil.

"Let's keep it, then." says Officer Grace.

"You know a lot." says Phil.

"I'm a cop, that's my job." says Officer Grace.

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

Tomorrow, Thomas receives his new lot in life and Conrad gives us his own story from Christmastime 1994, if only to remember how things should be.

Join us, won't you?
Yours truly, John Maxwell.

A production of WGN Chicago. All rights reserved.

Episode 58

2010-08-25T14:30:00.003-04:00

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

Today's episode: "Believe Me When I Tell You", Part 4

Yesterday, Thomas let in the strange woman and found out two things: that she is a relative who knew Thomas' departed mother and father, and two, that her name is Mary Hartman. While trying to wonder if he should tell Cy about her, Cy himself takes in a dog from off the streets.
As we begin, Cy, Conrad, and the dog are making their way downtown...

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

Some time later, Cy, Conrad, and the dog are making their way past the police station when they met by Chief McIntyre, walking into their path.

"Hello, Chief McIntyre." says Conrad.

"Hello, you two. I need to talk to you, Cy." says Chief McIntyre.

"Why do you need to talk to me?" asks Cy.

"It's about my niece and your client." says Chief McIntyre.

"Ah, Miss Polly. How is my singing star doing today?" says Cy.

"She's working, like she should." says Chief McIntyre.

"You still haven't answered my first question." says Cy.

"Cy, I know you want Polly to sing, but she has a duty to the police department first." says Chief McIntyre.

"You dare stand against your niece's own singing career?" asks Cy.

"She has to work here first." says Chief McIntyre.

"What can I do, anyway?" asks Cy.

"You could keep Polly's gigs down a notch." says Chief McIntyre.

"I still need her to sing, not mop floors. How about I get someone to sub for Polly when her singing career overtakes her job, from time to time?" says Cy.

"Okay. Just remember, I want that person here tomorrow so I can release Polly from her work." says Chief McIntyre.

"Has Polly another gig?" asks Cy.

"She and her band want to rehearse all day again." says Chief McIntyre.

"Chief, what will you do if Polly becomes a star?" asks Cy.

"I honestly have no idea." says Chief McIntyre, who then walks away.

"I think I'll head up alone." says Conrad, who then makes his way without Cy or the dog.

"I guess it's just you and me, doggie." says Cy.

"Woof!" says the dog.

Cy and the dog then continue their way. They soon manage to make it to Cy's house. Upon entering, he finds Thomas sitting at the little writing desk next to the front door, staring at something.

"Hello, Thomas. What are you staring at?" says Cy.

"That." points Thomas.

Cy then moves his head and catches the sight of Mary, her eyes glazed over and her mouth giving off sounds of pleasure.

"Who is that, Thomas?" asks Cy.

"You won't believe her name, Cy." says Thomas.

"Please tell me." says Cy.

"Her name is Mary Hartman." says Thomas.

Cy almost repeats the name but stops himself short of doing so, ever so reminded of the title of his mother's greatest work. He then stares at her himself.

"Any idea as to her origin, besides Fernwood, Ohio?" asks Cy.

"No idea. She says she's a relative of mine." says Thomas.

"Might I ask what she is doing now?" asks Cy.

"Taking a trip, if you know what I mean." says Thomas.

"Acid trips are little mental vacations, my mother once told me." says Cy.

"She's looking at one now." says Thomas.

"And the name of the daytripper would send her into a laughing fit." says Cy.

"What are you gonna do with her?" asks Thomas.

"She's your relative." says Cy.

"What's with the mutt?" asks Thomas, noticing the dog.

"That's my new pet." says Cy.

"What's its name?" asks Thomas.

"I think I'll go with Liberty." says Cy.

"Nice name. It sounds so close to your mother's name." says Thomas.

"Liberty was the name of Gerald Ford's dog." says Cy.

"Don't the seventies ever end for you?" asks Thomas.

"They haven't for Mary." says Cy.

"Good point. You still answered me." says Thomas.

"Well, as soon as Mary returns from her trip, I think I'll ask her to stay some more." says Cy.

"I guess it would be nice to see what connection she has to me." says Thomas.

"She's the first family I've met of you in my life." says Cy.

"I can see that with my parents dead, she would be helpful in telling me things." says Thomas.

"Maybe she knew your parents. That would a great subject to question her on." says Cy.

"If you say so, Cy." says Thomas.

"You agree with that, Liberty?" asks Cy to the dog.

"Arf!" replies the dog.

"Say, I have an idea. Why don't we go out while Mary's still on her trip?" says Cy.

"That's a good idea." says Thomas, getting up from his seat.

"Liberty, guard our guest until she returns." says Cy.

"Arf!" says the dog.

"What shall we do during our time out?" asks Thomas.

"Why don't we get you a job at the police station?" says Cy as he walks out the door quickly.

Thomas quickly follows behind, curious as to Cy's statement.

"What job?" asks Thomas once he's outside, stopping Cy in his tracks.

"I had a brief conversation with Chief McIntyre on my way home." says Cy, getting back underway.

"What about?" asks Thomas as he follows behind.

"About Polly." says Cy.

"What about her?" asks Thomas.

"He told me he has trouble with my client and he wants her to work at her job." says Cy.

"So, where do I come in?" asks Thomas.

"I told him that I would get him a fill-in whenever her career took over her job at any time." says Cy.

"And you want me to be that fill-in?" says Thomas.

"You catch on quick, Thomas." says Cy.

"Why should I work for the police department?" asks Thomas.

"Thomas, aren't you bored with just being in my house most of the time?" asks Cy.

"I am, but I'm not sure I wanna work for the police." says Thomas.

"It'll be a fun experience and as Polly's career grows, with my help, your time at your job will increase until you take over the job completely." says Cy.

"You really think Polly has a chance at stardom?" asks Thomas.

"A casting director took a chance on a 17-year-old nothing from Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania in 1971 and it paid off wonderfully for her." says Cy.

"That casting director had little to do with your mother's career." says Thomas.

"That same casting director later went to work for Norman Lear." says Cy.

"You always have an answer, do you?" asks Thomas.

"That's my lot in life." says Cy.

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

Tomorrow, the position of assistant janitor at the Hyperion Police Station gets filled, with help from Cy and a little help from good ole' Lady Luck.

Join us, won't you?
Yours truly, John Maxwell.

A production of WGN Chicago. All rights reserved.

Episode 57

2010-08-24T14:30:00.002-04:00

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

Today's episode: "Believe Me When I Tell You", Part 3

Yesterday, Cy was awakened out of his Christmastime memory by Conrad, who still is against Darlene's newfound humanity. Meanwhile, Thomas has his own memory of Christmastime 1994, where he remembers placing flowers on his mother's grave.
As we begin today, Thomas has heard a knock on the door and has opened the door to reveal a woman...

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

The woman is dressed in very strange clothes, with a bohemian feel to them. A wide variety of colors and fabrics cover her and give an air of free-spiritedness about her. Her hair has a couple of gray hairs in it, showing a sign of oncoming age but still youthful-looking in body and mind.

"Hello there." says the woman.

"Why are you following me?" asks Thomas.

"Don't you know who I am?" asks the woman.

"I have no idea who you are." says Thomas.

"I knew that. I just wanna see if you did." says the woman.

"Well, I don't, and I'm on my way somewhere." says Thomas.

"May I stay with you?" asks the woman.

"What on earth for?" asks Thomas.

"Because... I'm a relative of yours." says the woman.

"A relative?" says Thomas.

"A close relative." says the woman.

"Do you have a name?" asks Thomas.

"Mary. That's my name." says the woman.

"Mary what?" asks Thomas.

'Mary Hartman." says the woman.

"Strange, strange." says Thomas.

"Strange? Why do you say that?" asks Mary.

"I'll tell you later. Won't you come in?" says Thomas.

"So, this is your house?" asks Mary as she steps inside.

"No, it belongs to someone else." says Thomas as he closes the door.

"Who might that be?" asks Mary.

"His name is Cy Scott." says Thomas.

"Nice name." says Mary.

"His mother gave it to him. That's her picture above the mantle." says Thomas.

"Nice picture." says Mary.

"Listen, what are you doing here?" asks Thomas.

"I came to visit you, I told you that." says Mary.

"I don't remember you." says Thomas.

"You don't?" asks Mary.

"I have no memory of you." says Thomas.

"If you must know, I was a very close relative... of your mother." says Mary.

"She's dead. You must know that." says Thomas.

"When did she die?" asks Mary.

"When she gave birth to me." says Thomas.

"I can see that. Listen, can I stick around for a few hours?" says Mary.

"If you must, but it isn't gonna help me remember you." says Thomas.

"I bet it will, sooner or later." says Mary.

A couple of hours later, back at WHYP, Cy and Conrad are exiting the building. As they leave, they saw Mr. Gold, armed with a broom, using it against a medium-sized dog, barking away at its attacker. Cy and Conrad take note of the scene and walk over to where the action is occurring.

"Hello, Mr. Gold. Decided that hating people wasn't enough?" says Cy.

"Go away, Scott. I'm trying to get rid of this mutt." says Mr. Gold.

"What on earth for?" asks Conrad.

"It keeps hanging round the outside of the building and I don't allow dogs here." says Mr. Gold.

"Maybe inside, but not outside." says Cy.

"Including outside, Scott, so leave me alone." says Mr. Gold.

"What are you gonna do with the dog if it comes back again?" asks Conrad.

"I'll have it thrown in the pound." says Mr. Gold.

"With a chance of being put to sleep? No way, Mr. Gold." says Cy.

"You have no say in the matter, Scott." says Mr. Gold.

"If you actually manage to catch this dog, I'll take it in." says Cy.

"Are you sure you should do that?" asks Conrad.

"I've always wanted a pet." says Cy.

The dog then runs away as Mr. Gold tries to give it one good whack.

"I hate that dog!" says Mr. Gold.

"You shouldn't hit animals, Mr. Gold." says Cy.

"Keep your comments to yourself, Scott." says Mr. Gold, who then makes his way back inside.

"I hope you can take care of a dog." says Conrad.

"I hope so, too, Conrad." says Cy as the two get back underway.

"You know, you shouldn't fight with Mr. Gold. He's our boss." says Conrad.

"I know that, but the man's a jerk. I can't help but fight." says Cy.

"Of all the things to inherit from your mother, it had to be her temper." says Conrad.

"Don't say things like that. My mother was a level-headed person." says Cy.

"When she wanted to be." says Conrad.

"Quit that, Conrad. You know, over the past two weeks, our friendship has been on the rocks." says Cy.

"Maybe you hadn't turned my sister into an alcoholic... " says Conrad.

"You must live to bring up the past. You take my past and mock it. Meanwhile, you only tell me about some things and then don't fill in the blank spots." says Cy.

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

"So you keep saying." says Cy.

"Don't look now, but we've got company." says Conrad.

Cy then looks around him and spots the dog that Mr. Gold was fighting with, walking next to him.

"Hello, little doggie." says Cy.

"I wonder why it's following us." says Conrad.

"It probably heard me that I was gonna give it a home and has accepted my offer." says Cy.

"Cy, I believe a lot of things you say but you're reaching there." says Conrad.

"Dogs are smart, aren't they? They can understand what we say." says Cy.

"Whatever you say, Cy." says Conrad.

"I'll take you home, doggie." says Cy.

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

Tomorrow, Chief McIntyre meets with Cy and Conrad and discusses something of importance, when a new canine campanion for Cy gets a new home.

Join us, won't you?
Yours truly, John Maxwell.

A production of WGN Chicago. All rights reserved.

Episode 56

2010-08-23T14:30:00.002-04:00

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

Today's episode: "Believe Me When I Tell You", Part 2

Last week, we ended our fourth serial of the series with Conrad, having found out about Darlene's relationship with Thomas, accusing Thomas of rape, causing Cy to come to the lovebirds' defense and get Conrad to spend a few hours behind bars for filing a false report.
Then, Cy invited Conrad to Polly's gig at Tom's Place, in order to get to know Darlene and Thomas together. Things seem to be fine until the performance started and realized that Darlene's return to being human was not over yet.
Then, on Friday, we began our fifth serial of the series with Cy's memory of Christmastime 1994, where we met, through the memory, Cy's father and we also met Cy's famous mother, Debralee Scott, who tried to answer her son's question about the meaning of Christmas.
As we begin this week, Cy remains napping and dreaming of that distant place and time...

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

"Cy?" asks the voice of Conrad, stirring Cy from his sleep.

"What is it, Conrad?" asks Cy.

"Sorry to disturb your sleep, but we have a show to plan." says Conrad.

"Sorry, my mind was remembering and I couldn't help it." says Cy.

"Your mind is an amazing thing." says Conrad.

"I can't help it if it becomes a time machine that I can't help climbing into the seat of." says Cy.

"I don't know why you do that to yourself." says Conrad.

"Because I'm a long way from my childhood and if I could, I'll return forever." says Cy.

"Cy, please keep your mind on the present." says Conrad.

"After what's happened the past two weeks, I wish not to." says Cy.

"You're right, things haven't been the same." says Conrad.

"First, it was the pinball machine, then Joanne, then Thomas, then Officer Grace and Phil, then Darlene, and now Darlene and Thomas." says Cy.

"That last one has really stuck with me." says Conrad.

"What happened on Friday? I thought you two connected at last." says Cy.

"For a moment. Then I remembered the past and came to my senses." says Conrad.

"How is it when you remember the past, it's always leading to ice?" asks Cy.

"What kind of a question is that?" asks Conrad.

"Why can't see my side of this? I mean, Darlene has been better since the icy core melted and the human finally sprang forth again." says Cy.

"I told you, she was like that once and it hurt her." says Conrad.

"You still won't tell me what that was." says Cy.

"And I still won't. It's best you don't know." says Conrad.

"Why is that?" asks Cy.

"Because then you won't be tempted to do something that will really hurt her." says Conrad.

"I give up with you, Conrad. Believe what you will. As for me, the human Darlene I take over the iceberg any day." says Cy.

"Not me." says Conrad.

Suddenly, the phone rings. Cy runs over and picks up the receiver.

"Hello?" asks Cy.

"Hello, Cy. This is Joanne." says Joanne at the other end.

"Hello, Darlene. Why are you calling me?" says Cy.

"I just wanna to talk to ya." says Joanne in a coy voice.

"I'm all ears, dear." says Cy.

"If you wanna say anything, I'm listening." says Darlene.

"I can't really say much. Conrad is next to me." says Cy.

"Say something generic." says Joanne.

"How's the weather?" asks Cy.

"You're very funny." laughs Joanne.

"Who's that on the phone?" asks Conrad.

"No one." says Cy.

"Who is it?" asks Conrad.

"Don't be a parrot." says Cy.

"Nice one, Cy." says Joanne.

"If you must know, Conrad, it's my Joanne." says Cy.

"And you're my Cy." says Joanne.

"I am, aren't I?" asks Cy.

Back at Cy's house, Thomas makes his way into the living room, as he has done many times before. As he does, he spies again the picture of Debralee that hangs over the mantle. As he does, his mind takes a journey back in time.

It is December of 1994, and a young Thomas Cinder journeys out to the backyard with his father, carrying some flowers. The object of their walk is a small wooden cross.

"Well, Thomas, it's another year away from your dear departed mother, son." says Mr. Cinder in his usual southern drawl.

"It's sad to think that." says Thomas.

"Tough up, son. Your mother died in the very act of givin' you life, boy. Don't ever forget that." says Mr. Cinder.

"I won't, dad. It's just that, why is she buried here?" says Thomas.

"Because she wanted it." says Mr. Cinder.

"Why did she want to be buried here?" asks Thomas.

"So she can be here near her family for all time." says Mr. Cinder.

"She must really love me." says Thomas.

"That she does, that she does." says Mr. Cinder, taking a sip of his beer as they reach the little grave.

"Here we are, again." says Thomas.

"Place the flowers on your mama's grave." says Mr. Cinder.

Thomas then takes the flowers and places them upon the snow-covered mound of earth.

"There, son. Now, your mama will be happy in the promised land." says Mr. Cinder.

"I hope she knows these flowers are from me." says Thomas.

"I hope so, too, son." says Mr. Cinder.

His mind then returns to the present and he remains standing as he continues to stare back at the picture above the mantle. After a minute, his thinking is interupted by a knock on the door. Slowly, he makes his way to the door and opens it. There, he sees a woman.

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Tomorrow, the strange woman introduces herself to Thomas, and a mystery he didn't know finds hime and conpels him to ask of his origins.

Join us, won't you?
Yours truly, John Maxwell.

A production of WGN Chicago. All rights reserved.

Episode 55

2010-08-20T14:30:00.002-04:00

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

Today's episode: "Believe Me When I Tell You", Part 1

Yesterday, we ended our fourth serial of the series with Polly's second public performance, which went well. We also saw Conrad have his second discussion with the melted Darlene, which also went well. All in all, the serial came to a close, but a moment of apprehension on Conrad's part opens the door to more worry and discourse as we head forward.
Today, however, we begin with something unusual. As we begin, we journey back through the mist of time...

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It is December of 1994, and young Cy and Conrad stroll down the streets of New York City on their way home from school. The sidewalks and store fronts are decorated for the Christmas season at hand.

"Christmas comes only once a year, doesn't it, Cy?" asks Conrad.

"I don't know. Isn't Christmas on the 25th?" says Cy.

"I know, but you need time to get your shopping done before then." says Conrad.

"Is that the meaning of Christmas?" asks Cy.

"I don't know. It seems so, Cy." says Conrad.

"Why should I ask you?" asks Cy.

"I have no idea, Cy." says Conrad.

"That's the point. Every year at this time, I keep wondering what the true meaning of Christmas is." says Cy.

"Maybe you should ask your mother." says Conrad.

"I think I'll do that when I get home." says Cy.

At home, Cy's mother, Debralee Scott, is busy placing ornaments on a Christmas tree. In the reflection of one, she spots the entry of her 11-year-old son.

"Welcome home, Cy. How was school?" says Debralee.

"Just fine, Mama. Same old, same old." says Cy, putting down his bookbag.

"That's good to know." says Debralee.

"Mama, can I ask you a question?" asks Cy.

"Why, sure you can, son." says Debralee.

"What's the meaning of Christmas?" asks Cy.

"Why do you ask that?" asks Debralee.

"Because me and Conrad were walking home today and we saw all the decorations up." says Cy.

"And that got your little mind going?" asks Debralee.

"That it did, Mama." says Cy.

"Well, Cy, there are many meanings to Christmas." says Debralee.

"But which one should I believe in?" asks Cy.

"Cy, I guess the most basic meaning is that Christmas is a time to spend with those that love you very much." says Debralee.

"Like you, Mama?" asks Cy.

"Yes, and your father." says Debralee, pointing to a sleeping man on the couch.

The man is dressed in a faded denim jacket, with a dark gray t-shirt and faded blue jeans, with a couple of patches sown in them. His face is very bearded and worn.

"Good ol' Dad. He looks so peaceful." says Cy.

"Even when he sleeps." says Debralee.

"When do you think we should wake him?" asks Cy.

"Not until he finishes rounding the next curve." says Debralee.

As Cy's father, Mitch, lays sleeping, he mumbles in a low voice once in a while.

"I think he's finished." says Cy.

"Then go wake him, Cy." says Debralee.

Cy then runs his way over to the couch and nudges at Mitch a bit. Cy keeps nudging until Mitch stirs from his slumber at last.

"Is that you?" asks Mitch in his Tennessee drawl.

"Yes, Dad." says Cy.

"Little Cy, me boy. Back home from school I see?" says Mitch.

"Right, Dad." says Cy.

"Why did you awaken me, son?" asks Mitch.

"It's time to trim the tree." says Cy.

"How can I turn something like that down?" says Mitch.

"Over here, Mitch." says Debralee.

"And how's been the bearer of my son?" asks Mitch as he gets off the couch.

"You've only been napping." says Debralee.

"But it was a good nap." says Mitch.

"After all those nights on the road, you need one." says Debralee.

"You can't blame me, I was born a truck drivin' man." says Mitch.

"That you are, Dad." says Cy.

"Now, what if Cy wanted to follow in your footsteps?" asks Debralee.

"Well, if he listens to you, he won't." says Mitch.

"I don't know how to take that." says Debralee.

"Just take it and trim the tree." says Cy.

"I guess we can't argue for long when we have our son in the room." says Mitch.

"That I agree." says Debralee.

"Time to trim the tree, you guys." says Cy.

Cy, Debralee, and Mitch all take their time in trimming the tree, enjoying the activity well, with laughs and many jokes being told. All that occurs as the scene makes its way back to the present day, where Cy is busy napping in the green room's easy chair.

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Next week, Cy stirs from his nap, a few more flashbacks to times past, a mysterious visitor out of the past, and strange goings-on. Sounds like a interesting time in Hyperion, doesn't it?

Join us, won't you?
Yours truly, John Maxwell.

A production of WGN Chicago. All rights reserved.

NOTE: At this time, we would like to wish a happy 90th birthday to radio station WWJ in Detroit, Michigan. This first commerical radio station has reached an important milestone and we here would like to congraduate WWJ on reaching this milestone.
To our fans in the Detroit area, call in to WWJ and wish them a happy birthday!