Friday, November 5, 2010

Episode 110

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.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
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.

Thursday, November 4, 2010

Episode 109

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...

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

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.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
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.

Wednesday, November 3, 2010

Episode 108

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.

------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
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.

Tuesday, November 2, 2010

Episode 107

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.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------
 
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.

Monday, November 1, 2010

Episode 106

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.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
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.

Friday, October 29, 2010

Episode 105

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.

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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.

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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. 

Thursday, October 28, 2010

Episode 104

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...

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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.

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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.