Categories > Original > Drama > Gemini Software Inc, Series 1
{Disclaimer : This is a work of pure fiction. The initial setup is based on a real life situation, however - as someone once said - the moment you start writing it is always fiction. This should not be construed as my views on the people involved, and the situations that develop are purely developed for the purpose of telling a story, rather than because they reflect reality}
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{As the opening credits play the camera swoops over Crown Way in wide swooshy loops. In a somewhat misguided attempt to make the location look sexier than it is the camera does lots of flashy loops and swooshy moves, eventually settling in a "landing" type motion infront of the front door to Unit 3-2 . In big bold black letters the words}
"Gemini Software Inc"
{then, in slightly smaller letters}
"Staring"
{the names come up but the bits in brackets don't. They are only for reference in the script since it was quicker than typing all the names out all the time}
"Leo Burrows (LB)"
"David Bonnie (DB)"
"Philip Chambers (PHC)"
"Peter Chase (PC)"
"Bradley Pursglove (BP)"
"Amy Garner (AG)"
"Michael Garner (MG)"
"Jack Harris (JH)"
"Andrew Jenkins (AJ)"
"Gary Jones (GJ)"
"Tony McLellan (TM)"
"Daniel McCormack (DM)"
"Charles Sales (CS)"
"Frank Smithson (FS)"
"Jessica Summers (JS)"
"Tony Summers (TS)"
"John Taylor (JT)"
"Robert Taylor (RT)"
"Steven Tomlinson (ST)"
"Ian Weston (IW)"
"Nigel Wheeler (NW)"
"Tony Williams (TW)"
and
"Eloise Jensen (EJ)"
{behind each credit comes a picture of the character from one of the episodes in the series. I will leave the pictures to your imaginations for now. After the last credit is done the screen fades to black for a second and the words}
"Episode 8 - That McCormack Girl"
{appear. Then the episode starts and the "guest credits" appear as the show begins. Think Buffy/Andromeda for what I mean. Also - the brackets thing applies again}
"Guest Staring : Kirsten Harris (KH), Adrian Smith (ADS), Alex Mayhew (AM), Elizabeth McCormack (EM), Alfred McCormack (ALM), Julia McCormack (JUM)"
{The scene opens not in the Gemini offices but in a strange office. As the camera moves over to two members of staff it becomes apparant it is the SBL Adoption Agency (there is a sign on the wall). The two staff are the same staff we saw last week in "Open House" however they now have names - ADS (C7) and AM. They are talking}
ADS : I told you I knew him {points at a screen} Do you think he knows?
AM : Probably not. I think they wanted it kept secret until they find her.
ADS : Should we tell him?
AM : You know the answer to that already Ady.
ADS : I guess. Is there any news on that front?
AM : Actually I think there is. But you won't believe it. Although her adoptive parents are both dead we have found a friend of the family. He has pictures of a wedding that took place about seven years ago.
ADS : She got married?
AM : So it appears.
ADS : To who? Do we know where to find them?
AM : That's the part you won't believe. {Pulls out a file} She got married to a guy named....
{Scene cuts to Gemini Offices and LB is picking up the phone. Although you won't get it here its important that the cut be seemless so that it sounds like AM is saying LB's name}
LB : Leo Burrows - how can I help you? {pause} Oh hey. How are you? {pause} What? Oh - this is a direct line so I didn't know it would be you. {pause} Well thank you. Hey - I don't want to appear rude but I am kind of on reception at the moment so could I phone you back in about an hour or so? {pause} Thanks. Have fun! {hangs up. Thought vo from here} She sounded happy. Maybe things are working out with LNG (1) better than I thought. {Phone rings again} Here we go again - when is Jess coming back? {Answering phone} Good morning Gemini Software {pause} Oh hey Kirsten {pause} Yeah - he's in. I will put you through now {presses a few buttons} Jack? Kirsten. {Hangs up}
{The scene shifts and we see JH talking}
JH : Hey honey {pause} Really? {pause} That's great {pause} Tonight? {pause} Do you want me to come? {pause} Okay - I will stay with the girls {pause} Yeah - I won't tell them till you come back {pause} Okay. Have... well have fun {pause} Love you too {hangs up}
TW : Anything serious?
JH : Not really. {Doesn't say anything else}
TW : Okay... {goes back to work while JH gets up and walks to the Director's office. He knocks}
ST : {Off screen} Come in {JH enters and goes and sits down}
JH : I need to go early
ST : How early?
JH : Nowish if possible.
ST : What's up?
JH : Personal stuff. Kirsten has to go away for the night and she leaves in about half an hour
ST : Okay. Tell Jess you are leaving. Is there anything I can help with?
JH : Thanks but not yet {Gets up and leaves. The camera follows him out and he returns to his desk and starts packing up. The scene fades as he does so}
{It comes back up on LB still on reception. The phone rings. As he picks it up JS enters}
LB : Good morning, Gemini Software. {pause} Hi Danny - how's it all going? {pause} Well - I was a little curious {pause} Ok. I will tell him. Do you know when you will be back in? {pause} Fair enough. Have fun {hangs up and turns to JS} Good morning Jess and how are you this fine day?
JS : Well I am here now so I will let you decide yourself. That was Danny?
LB : Yeah. There has been some kind of emergancy at home so he won't be in today and maybe tomorrow
JS : You are telling Steven?
LB : Unless you want to {smiles} No - its fine. {Stands up and goes to the office} Hey Steven?
ST : Yes
LB : Danny phoned. Something has come up and he has asked if he can take the next two days off
ST : Did he say what?
LB : Only that it was kind of personal
ST : Another one. Well - I am sure we can muddle by without him for the next few days. Thanks
{LB leaves and goes back to the reception desk}
LB : What did he mean by "another one"?
JS : I saw Jack leaving as I came in. He waved but didn't say much.
LB : Oh well. Are you ready to start or do you want me to cover for a bit longer?
JS : No. I am ready. And thanks
LB : No problem. Its kind a of a break from normal work so feel free to ask me again {smiles and walks off. As he does the scene fades and it opens up in a house we haven't seen before. Present are two adults and a youngish (22) woman. They are EM, ALM and JUM}
ALM : So - he will be here this afternoon?
EM : Yeah. He left about an hour ago. Assuming there are no problems with the trains that is
ALM : Cause that's likely.
JUM : Mum? Dad? Are you going to tell me what this is about? {The two adults look at each other, then ALM nods}
EM : Ok Julia - here's the thing. A long time ago your father and I had a daughter. I won't go in to the details but we had to give her up for adoption.
JUM : Really?
EM : Really. Well - it seems she has been looking for her parents - for us - and we have been trying to find her. And this morning the agency got in touch.
JUM : She is coming here?
EM : Yes. She should be here tonight. That's why we asked Danny to come home for the next few days.
JUM : Cool. What's she like?
ALM : We don't really know. I mean we have some details but nothing specific.
JUM : Can you tell me anything?
EM : Well - she was adopted by a family called McCulloch. They moved to a town called Blackburn just after they adopted her - about 28 years ago. And it seems she got married about seven years ago.
JUM : That's nice. Do her parents know she is coming?
EM : It appears they died about two years ago in a fire.
JUM : That's not so nice. So - what's her name?
{The scene fades and the words "End Of Part 1" appear}
{Commercial Break}
{Advert 1 : Why does Captain Birdseye keep changing appearance?}
{Advert 2 : A girl is dancing in a disco. A guy is running round a football pitch on his own. Why should they join the TA just because of that?}
{End of Commercial Break}
{The screen shows "Part Two" and opens on DM approaching the house. Its still light outside but he looks a bit tired. The scene cuts to inside just as he starts to open the door. Inside are EM, ALM and JUM talking to a woman. However - because I am trying to keep the suspense going - we don't see her yet}
EM : {At the sound of the door opening} Ah - that would be Danny now. {Calling out} Danny - in here love.
DM : {Entering} Sorry I am a bit late. There was... well there was something going on that caused the train to stop for an hour.
EM : Well - you are here now. I had hoped to tell you this before... well there is something we need to discuss. Can I talk to you in the kitchen for a moment? {She gets up and takes him in to the kitchen}
DM : What's wrong? Is it Dad?
EM : No. This is a little hard to say, but please hear me out.
DM : Okay.
EM : About 28 years ago your father and I had a baby girl. For various reasons we had to give her up and we took her to the SBL Adoption Agency.
DM : Oh. Wow.
EM : Yes. Wow. Anyway - about four years ago we started to look for her. The agency told us they would try to find her but that they could not give out any details about her life without contacting her first
DM : Makes sense.
EM : Anyway - it appears that she started looking for us too, and... well she is here
DM : Seriously?
EM : In the lounge. Would you like to meet her?
DM : I guess. {They go back in to the lounge}
EM : Danny - I would like you to meet....
DM : You? {The camera turns to the woman to reveal KH}
KH : Yes Danny. (2)
DM : You are my sister?
KH : Your older sister.
EM : Wait a minute - you know each other?
KH : Yes Mrs McCormack. Danny works with my husband at Gemini Software. We met about five weeks ago at his party.
JUM : Wow. I thought things like that only happened in really bad tv shows (3).
{The scene fades as they continue talking. It opens again with KH and DM talking. The others have all gone}
KH : Danny - can I ask you a question?
DM : Sure.
KH : Have you noticed Jack's behvaiour to you recently?
DM : Not really. Should I have?
KH : Well.... {pauses} You have to promise not to judge him or - more possibly - go ewwww when I tell you this.
DM : I promise. And I think I can guess what you are about to say cause Dave has thought the same thing
KH : He was getting a bit suspcious. He didn't like the time we were spending together and the way we were talking all the time. (4)
DM : He thought that maybe there was something going on between us that shouldn't have been.
KH : I thought you said you hadn't noticed
DM : I was talking about Dave. See - I knew we were becoming good friends. I thought I was imagining it but we seamed to get on way better than people who haven't known each other very long should.
KH : And so he - and Jack it appears - naturally suspected the worst.
DM : Can you blame them?
KH : Sorry?
DM : Well - I don't know about Jack but I can't really fault Dave for not realising that you were really my big sister.
KH : {laughing a little} I guess. I never thought of it like that.
DM : So - how do you think they will react to this at work?
KH : You know - I have no idea. Are you going back tomorrow?
DM : Yeah. As much as I love my parents there is a limit to how long I can spend in the same house with them.
KH : Well - if you like - I can come back with you. I think it will be better if we tell Jack - and the guys at work - together.
DM : So they will believe us?
KH : Pretty much yeah. And I see what you mean about the knowing each other too well thing....
{The scene fades again and comes back the next morning. DM and KH are packing up and preparing to leave}
EM : So - you will stay in touch Kirsten?
KH : Oh yes Beth. I think Danny here will remind me of that!
DM : What kind of brother would I be if I didn't? {smiles} Anyway - our train leaves in about half an hour so we really should go
ALM : Okay. Keep in touch and have a nice trip. Call us when you get home
DM : Which one?
ALM : Both of you {smiles again} And we want to meet the rest of our family Kirsten - as soon as they are ready.
KH : I think they will be happy to meet you too.
{The two of them leave and get in to the taxi}
KH : They are really nice people Danny. I am glad I found them
DM : I know. I kid sometimes - and its true that too much of them in one go drives me nuts - but I would not swap them for anyone. What were the McCullochs like?
KH : Equally nice. They raised me well - as you can tell by my winning personality - and I owe most of what I am to them. I guess the rest is genetics.
DM : They do sound nice. I wish I could have met them.
KH : I have pictures and so on. But why...
DM : Why do I wish? Well - I don't know. Maybe since you have met my family I would like to have met yours.
KH : That's sweet. If a little disturbing.
{The scene fades and comes back as they are on the station}
KH : Do you want to come home with me?
DM : Sorry?
KH : Do you want to come back to tell Jack? I mean I know I said I would like to tell him from both of us, but if you are tired or think it would be better coming from me... its pretty much up to you.
DM : Well.... what do you want?
KH : I think telling him together would be best.
DM : Okay. I will come back with you and talk to Jack. Are you going to tell the girls?
KH : Not tonight. I am not sure they understand the adoption process just yet. But if you don't mind I will tell them they can call you Uncle Dan from now on.
DM : Uncle Dan. I hadn't thought of that actually. Uncle Dan. Hmmm - I could get to like that.
KH : Oh my - I have created a monster.
{The scene fades to black as the train pulls in. The words "End Of Part Two" come up}
{Commercial Break}
{Advert 1 : Serial Adverts. It was fun with Gold Blend, now its just annoying}
{Trailer : A picture may paint a thousand words, but "Conversations" can change the world....}
{End of Commercial Break}
{The words "Part Three" come up and a taxi is pulling up infront of the Harris house (which we have seen before in E3 so you know what it looks like) KH and DM get out and walk up to the front door}
KH : You can still back out you know
DM : I know. That's why I haven't yet.
{KH puts her key in the lock and pushes the door open}
KH : Hello?
{There is a rush of footsteps from upstairs as AH and MH come running down}
AH/MH : Mummy!! {Lots of hugging etc ensues. DM stands to one side while this goes on}
KH : Oh my girls - how I have missed you. Have you been good for Daddy?
AH/MH : Yes mummy.
KH : And where is Daddy?
AH : He is upstairs on the computer
JH : No he isn't {He is coming down the stairs. He leans over and kisses KH then looks at DM} Danny. To what do we owe the pleasure of your company?
KH : I will explain in a moment. Allyson, Michelle - I think it is passed your bed-time
AH/MH : Yeah
KH : Well thank you for waiting up for me. If you both go upstairs I will come in and tuck you in in a moment
AH/MH : Goody {They both rush upstairs again}
KH : Dan - why don't you go and sit down in the lounge. I will be in in a moment?
DM : You are not going to offer to tuck me in as well are you? {Sees the look on JH's face} Never mind {Exits}
JH : Okay - what was that?
KH : In a moment. Do you want to come and say goodnight to the girls?
JH : Of course {smiles} They have missed you. All night they have been asking where mummy is.
KH : Awwww. I will try not to go away again, but I think you will be happy with what's come out of it
{They go upstairs while they are talking and in to the room of their daughters. (Since the girls are so young they share a room)}
KH : Okay Allyson, Michelle - are you ready to go to sleep?
AH/MH : Yes mummy.
MH : Can you tell us a story?
KH : Okay. Hon - do you know any stories?
JH : Why don't you tell them one?
KH : Okay. But both of you close your eyes and I will tell you a story. Are you laying comfortably? Then I will being. Once upon a time there was a princess named Helena. But when she was very little she had to leave her family because of a bad man. She was taken in by a couple in the woods and lived with them for a long long time. {She sees JH looking at her, but continues} One day she was out walking in the woods when she met a very nice man. They fell in love and got married and had two beautiful children. {She sees that the two girls are asleep and trails off. Then she turns to JH} Would you like to hear the rest of the story hon?
JH : I think I might
KH : Then come downstairs and I will explain what I have been doing today
{They walk out of the room and turn the lights off. KH pauses and smiles at the picture of her two daughters sleeping. Then she turns to JH}
KH : We are lucky, aren't we?
JH : That we are my dear. {Leans over and kisses her. As they walk downstairs the scene fades and comes back up the next day at work. DM is sat at his desk when JH enters. DM stands and goes over to him}
DM : So - you are still ready to do this?
JH : Might as well get it over with. Can you get the others?{Louder} Guys - could I have your attention for a moment? {Everyone - which is everyone - turns and looks at him. DM brings in ST/MG/BP and JS} Thanks. I know you are not going to believe any of this but if you do take my word for it this will go a lot faster for all of us. As some of you know my wife was adopted originally. Well - yesterday she went to visit her birth parents and the long and the short of it is she is infact Daniel's older sister {pauses} That's actually pretty much it {Sits down. Everyone looks at each other, then gets back to work. DM walks over and sits down next to DB}
DM : See - I told you it wasn't what you thought
DB : I am willing to admit when I am wrong. She is your sister?
DM : Yes.
DB : Oh. {pauses} Thats.... nice?
DM : I think it will be. I mean - she is just getting used to knowing mum and dad so I don't want to scare her or anything, but - yeah. I think it will be nice.
DB : Cool. So - where are we going for lunch today?
DM : Don't know. I don't know if I am for a start. With yesterday's little side trip I am a bit behind.
DB : Yeah but you were already a week ahead. I am pretty sure you can skip one day without the world coming to an end.
DM : Very funny. Okay - lunch.
{Camera shifts over to RT and LB who are talking}
LB : Well - did you see that coming?
RT : Oh yeah. I thought it was obvious from the start..... {sees LB looking questioningly at him} Ok no. Its a total surprise.
LB : Yet everyone seems to have accepted it with very little comment. I think we can learn a lesson from this.
RT : You think so?
LB : Oh I am sure of it.
RT : And what can we learn from this? That if a young couple who are in love but have hidden it from their parents were to suddenly tell the truth that everyone would be happy and accepting?
LB : Well - you said it.
RT : No. Not yet. Its too soon.
LB : But what if too soon becomes too late? The line is very easy to miss.
RT : Who are you? Yoda?
LB : Mock me you should not. But - honestly - I think that if you two leave it for too long it will become too much to deal with.
RT : You do know that a preposition is not the right word to end a sentance with?
LB : And you are avoiding my point so you obviously think it has some merit.
RT : Maybe. But - for now - the rest is silence. {Looks over at DM} I honestly thought they were having an affair
LB : Okay - ewwwwww.
{The camera shifts again to the kitchen where PC and PHC are talking}
PHC : So - any big plans this weekend?
PC : Yeah. Dani and me are going to Blackpool.
PHC : Sounds fun. Visiting the Tower?
PC : I don't know. Dani is not that good with heights so maybe not. But the Pleasure Beach sounds just the ticket.
PHC : You have been there before?
PC : Oh yeah. {pauses} Not that kind of ticket. I mean wild rides. Big curves. Plenty of excuses to hold her hand and... well you get the idea
PHC : Sounds like a plan. A diabolical evil and twisted plan but a plan none the less.
PC : The best kind
{The camera shifts again (you will notice a thread through this after a while) and settles on BP and GJ who are talking about something}
GJ : It can't be done.
BP : Sure it can.
GJ : What do you base that on?
BP : You are good at your job. I have faith in you.
GJ : Well that nice Brad but seriously - this isn't because I can't be bothered or because I am not as good as you think I am. It really can not be done. Windows does not work that well.
BP : But I have seen other applications that do it. Why can't Valhalla?
GJ : It just can't. And - not to argue with you - but I don't know that other applications can do it either. Not that run under Windows anyway.
BP : I will see what I can find.
GJ : And I will see if I can work a way round it. But no promises.
BP : Okay. {Walks away as TW sits down next to GJ}
TW : Everything okay?
GJ : Why do you ask?
TW : Well - this is what? The fifth arguement you have had with Brad in the past two weeks.
GJ : Seventh, but I was not really counting.
TW : Is there something behind all this, or is it just normal stuff?
GJ : I don't know really. Maybe I am just getting itchy feet. Maybe I am finally accepting the way things work. Or maybe I am learning that Brad is not the best person to give design specs to to write.
TW : Nothing at home could be bothering you?
GJ : Nothing I want to discuss - no offence.
TW : None taken. Well - if you are sure there is nothing I can do?
GJ : Thanks but...
TW : Okay. But - some advice? {GJ nods} Try not to antagonize Bradley too much. He has more power than you and he is not afraid to throw it around
GJ : I will remember that. Thanks
{The camera shifts for a final time to LB and DM}
LB : So - big day yesterday?
DM : You could say that. How about you?
LB : How about me what?
DM : Nothing big on the horizon?
LB : You know - I think there might be....
{The screen fades to black and the words "Executive Producer - Sammy Wrae" come up on the screen. Then the closing credits role, detailing the people who made this possible. But you can live without knowing their names for now, can't you?}
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{This is a shooting script for GSI/E8. As such there might be changes in the final broadcast not included here}
{Also note I have no idea how the adoption process works in real life. This is a "neat" version of it because it lets me do what I wanted to do. Please accept my most humble apologies if I have made any glaring errors}
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Episode Notes
1) LNG Little Net Girl - will be explained in future episodes
2) Kirsten/Danny as Sister/Brother This is something I have been leading to since #2 (esp in #4)
3) "... really bad tv shows" I have a tendency to be somewhat self-depricating
4) Kristen/Danny hanging out Esp #2, #3
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{As the opening credits play the camera swoops over Crown Way in wide swooshy loops. In a somewhat misguided attempt to make the location look sexier than it is the camera does lots of flashy loops and swooshy moves, eventually settling in a "landing" type motion infront of the front door to Unit 3-2 . In big bold black letters the words}
"Gemini Software Inc"
{then, in slightly smaller letters}
"Staring"
{the names come up but the bits in brackets don't. They are only for reference in the script since it was quicker than typing all the names out all the time}
"Leo Burrows (LB)"
"David Bonnie (DB)"
"Philip Chambers (PHC)"
"Peter Chase (PC)"
"Bradley Pursglove (BP)"
"Amy Garner (AG)"
"Michael Garner (MG)"
"Jack Harris (JH)"
"Andrew Jenkins (AJ)"
"Gary Jones (GJ)"
"Tony McLellan (TM)"
"Daniel McCormack (DM)"
"Charles Sales (CS)"
"Frank Smithson (FS)"
"Jessica Summers (JS)"
"Tony Summers (TS)"
"John Taylor (JT)"
"Robert Taylor (RT)"
"Steven Tomlinson (ST)"
"Ian Weston (IW)"
"Nigel Wheeler (NW)"
"Tony Williams (TW)"
and
"Eloise Jensen (EJ)"
{behind each credit comes a picture of the character from one of the episodes in the series. I will leave the pictures to your imaginations for now. After the last credit is done the screen fades to black for a second and the words}
"Episode 8 - That McCormack Girl"
{appear. Then the episode starts and the "guest credits" appear as the show begins. Think Buffy/Andromeda for what I mean. Also - the brackets thing applies again}
"Guest Staring : Kirsten Harris (KH), Adrian Smith (ADS), Alex Mayhew (AM), Elizabeth McCormack (EM), Alfred McCormack (ALM), Julia McCormack (JUM)"
{The scene opens not in the Gemini offices but in a strange office. As the camera moves over to two members of staff it becomes apparant it is the SBL Adoption Agency (there is a sign on the wall). The two staff are the same staff we saw last week in "Open House" however they now have names - ADS (C7) and AM. They are talking}
ADS : I told you I knew him {points at a screen} Do you think he knows?
AM : Probably not. I think they wanted it kept secret until they find her.
ADS : Should we tell him?
AM : You know the answer to that already Ady.
ADS : I guess. Is there any news on that front?
AM : Actually I think there is. But you won't believe it. Although her adoptive parents are both dead we have found a friend of the family. He has pictures of a wedding that took place about seven years ago.
ADS : She got married?
AM : So it appears.
ADS : To who? Do we know where to find them?
AM : That's the part you won't believe. {Pulls out a file} She got married to a guy named....
{Scene cuts to Gemini Offices and LB is picking up the phone. Although you won't get it here its important that the cut be seemless so that it sounds like AM is saying LB's name}
LB : Leo Burrows - how can I help you? {pause} Oh hey. How are you? {pause} What? Oh - this is a direct line so I didn't know it would be you. {pause} Well thank you. Hey - I don't want to appear rude but I am kind of on reception at the moment so could I phone you back in about an hour or so? {pause} Thanks. Have fun! {hangs up. Thought vo from here} She sounded happy. Maybe things are working out with LNG (1) better than I thought. {Phone rings again} Here we go again - when is Jess coming back? {Answering phone} Good morning Gemini Software {pause} Oh hey Kirsten {pause} Yeah - he's in. I will put you through now {presses a few buttons} Jack? Kirsten. {Hangs up}
{The scene shifts and we see JH talking}
JH : Hey honey {pause} Really? {pause} That's great {pause} Tonight? {pause} Do you want me to come? {pause} Okay - I will stay with the girls {pause} Yeah - I won't tell them till you come back {pause} Okay. Have... well have fun {pause} Love you too {hangs up}
TW : Anything serious?
JH : Not really. {Doesn't say anything else}
TW : Okay... {goes back to work while JH gets up and walks to the Director's office. He knocks}
ST : {Off screen} Come in {JH enters and goes and sits down}
JH : I need to go early
ST : How early?
JH : Nowish if possible.
ST : What's up?
JH : Personal stuff. Kirsten has to go away for the night and she leaves in about half an hour
ST : Okay. Tell Jess you are leaving. Is there anything I can help with?
JH : Thanks but not yet {Gets up and leaves. The camera follows him out and he returns to his desk and starts packing up. The scene fades as he does so}
{It comes back up on LB still on reception. The phone rings. As he picks it up JS enters}
LB : Good morning, Gemini Software. {pause} Hi Danny - how's it all going? {pause} Well - I was a little curious {pause} Ok. I will tell him. Do you know when you will be back in? {pause} Fair enough. Have fun {hangs up and turns to JS} Good morning Jess and how are you this fine day?
JS : Well I am here now so I will let you decide yourself. That was Danny?
LB : Yeah. There has been some kind of emergancy at home so he won't be in today and maybe tomorrow
JS : You are telling Steven?
LB : Unless you want to {smiles} No - its fine. {Stands up and goes to the office} Hey Steven?
ST : Yes
LB : Danny phoned. Something has come up and he has asked if he can take the next two days off
ST : Did he say what?
LB : Only that it was kind of personal
ST : Another one. Well - I am sure we can muddle by without him for the next few days. Thanks
{LB leaves and goes back to the reception desk}
LB : What did he mean by "another one"?
JS : I saw Jack leaving as I came in. He waved but didn't say much.
LB : Oh well. Are you ready to start or do you want me to cover for a bit longer?
JS : No. I am ready. And thanks
LB : No problem. Its kind a of a break from normal work so feel free to ask me again {smiles and walks off. As he does the scene fades and it opens up in a house we haven't seen before. Present are two adults and a youngish (22) woman. They are EM, ALM and JUM}
ALM : So - he will be here this afternoon?
EM : Yeah. He left about an hour ago. Assuming there are no problems with the trains that is
ALM : Cause that's likely.
JUM : Mum? Dad? Are you going to tell me what this is about? {The two adults look at each other, then ALM nods}
EM : Ok Julia - here's the thing. A long time ago your father and I had a daughter. I won't go in to the details but we had to give her up for adoption.
JUM : Really?
EM : Really. Well - it seems she has been looking for her parents - for us - and we have been trying to find her. And this morning the agency got in touch.
JUM : She is coming here?
EM : Yes. She should be here tonight. That's why we asked Danny to come home for the next few days.
JUM : Cool. What's she like?
ALM : We don't really know. I mean we have some details but nothing specific.
JUM : Can you tell me anything?
EM : Well - she was adopted by a family called McCulloch. They moved to a town called Blackburn just after they adopted her - about 28 years ago. And it seems she got married about seven years ago.
JUM : That's nice. Do her parents know she is coming?
EM : It appears they died about two years ago in a fire.
JUM : That's not so nice. So - what's her name?
{The scene fades and the words "End Of Part 1" appear}
{Commercial Break}
{Advert 1 : Why does Captain Birdseye keep changing appearance?}
{Advert 2 : A girl is dancing in a disco. A guy is running round a football pitch on his own. Why should they join the TA just because of that?}
{End of Commercial Break}
{The screen shows "Part Two" and opens on DM approaching the house. Its still light outside but he looks a bit tired. The scene cuts to inside just as he starts to open the door. Inside are EM, ALM and JUM talking to a woman. However - because I am trying to keep the suspense going - we don't see her yet}
EM : {At the sound of the door opening} Ah - that would be Danny now. {Calling out} Danny - in here love.
DM : {Entering} Sorry I am a bit late. There was... well there was something going on that caused the train to stop for an hour.
EM : Well - you are here now. I had hoped to tell you this before... well there is something we need to discuss. Can I talk to you in the kitchen for a moment? {She gets up and takes him in to the kitchen}
DM : What's wrong? Is it Dad?
EM : No. This is a little hard to say, but please hear me out.
DM : Okay.
EM : About 28 years ago your father and I had a baby girl. For various reasons we had to give her up and we took her to the SBL Adoption Agency.
DM : Oh. Wow.
EM : Yes. Wow. Anyway - about four years ago we started to look for her. The agency told us they would try to find her but that they could not give out any details about her life without contacting her first
DM : Makes sense.
EM : Anyway - it appears that she started looking for us too, and... well she is here
DM : Seriously?
EM : In the lounge. Would you like to meet her?
DM : I guess. {They go back in to the lounge}
EM : Danny - I would like you to meet....
DM : You? {The camera turns to the woman to reveal KH}
KH : Yes Danny. (2)
DM : You are my sister?
KH : Your older sister.
EM : Wait a minute - you know each other?
KH : Yes Mrs McCormack. Danny works with my husband at Gemini Software. We met about five weeks ago at his party.
JUM : Wow. I thought things like that only happened in really bad tv shows (3).
{The scene fades as they continue talking. It opens again with KH and DM talking. The others have all gone}
KH : Danny - can I ask you a question?
DM : Sure.
KH : Have you noticed Jack's behvaiour to you recently?
DM : Not really. Should I have?
KH : Well.... {pauses} You have to promise not to judge him or - more possibly - go ewwww when I tell you this.
DM : I promise. And I think I can guess what you are about to say cause Dave has thought the same thing
KH : He was getting a bit suspcious. He didn't like the time we were spending together and the way we were talking all the time. (4)
DM : He thought that maybe there was something going on between us that shouldn't have been.
KH : I thought you said you hadn't noticed
DM : I was talking about Dave. See - I knew we were becoming good friends. I thought I was imagining it but we seamed to get on way better than people who haven't known each other very long should.
KH : And so he - and Jack it appears - naturally suspected the worst.
DM : Can you blame them?
KH : Sorry?
DM : Well - I don't know about Jack but I can't really fault Dave for not realising that you were really my big sister.
KH : {laughing a little} I guess. I never thought of it like that.
DM : So - how do you think they will react to this at work?
KH : You know - I have no idea. Are you going back tomorrow?
DM : Yeah. As much as I love my parents there is a limit to how long I can spend in the same house with them.
KH : Well - if you like - I can come back with you. I think it will be better if we tell Jack - and the guys at work - together.
DM : So they will believe us?
KH : Pretty much yeah. And I see what you mean about the knowing each other too well thing....
{The scene fades again and comes back the next morning. DM and KH are packing up and preparing to leave}
EM : So - you will stay in touch Kirsten?
KH : Oh yes Beth. I think Danny here will remind me of that!
DM : What kind of brother would I be if I didn't? {smiles} Anyway - our train leaves in about half an hour so we really should go
ALM : Okay. Keep in touch and have a nice trip. Call us when you get home
DM : Which one?
ALM : Both of you {smiles again} And we want to meet the rest of our family Kirsten - as soon as they are ready.
KH : I think they will be happy to meet you too.
{The two of them leave and get in to the taxi}
KH : They are really nice people Danny. I am glad I found them
DM : I know. I kid sometimes - and its true that too much of them in one go drives me nuts - but I would not swap them for anyone. What were the McCullochs like?
KH : Equally nice. They raised me well - as you can tell by my winning personality - and I owe most of what I am to them. I guess the rest is genetics.
DM : They do sound nice. I wish I could have met them.
KH : I have pictures and so on. But why...
DM : Why do I wish? Well - I don't know. Maybe since you have met my family I would like to have met yours.
KH : That's sweet. If a little disturbing.
{The scene fades and comes back as they are on the station}
KH : Do you want to come home with me?
DM : Sorry?
KH : Do you want to come back to tell Jack? I mean I know I said I would like to tell him from both of us, but if you are tired or think it would be better coming from me... its pretty much up to you.
DM : Well.... what do you want?
KH : I think telling him together would be best.
DM : Okay. I will come back with you and talk to Jack. Are you going to tell the girls?
KH : Not tonight. I am not sure they understand the adoption process just yet. But if you don't mind I will tell them they can call you Uncle Dan from now on.
DM : Uncle Dan. I hadn't thought of that actually. Uncle Dan. Hmmm - I could get to like that.
KH : Oh my - I have created a monster.
{The scene fades to black as the train pulls in. The words "End Of Part Two" come up}
{Commercial Break}
{Advert 1 : Serial Adverts. It was fun with Gold Blend, now its just annoying}
{Trailer : A picture may paint a thousand words, but "Conversations" can change the world....}
{End of Commercial Break}
{The words "Part Three" come up and a taxi is pulling up infront of the Harris house (which we have seen before in E3 so you know what it looks like) KH and DM get out and walk up to the front door}
KH : You can still back out you know
DM : I know. That's why I haven't yet.
{KH puts her key in the lock and pushes the door open}
KH : Hello?
{There is a rush of footsteps from upstairs as AH and MH come running down}
AH/MH : Mummy!! {Lots of hugging etc ensues. DM stands to one side while this goes on}
KH : Oh my girls - how I have missed you. Have you been good for Daddy?
AH/MH : Yes mummy.
KH : And where is Daddy?
AH : He is upstairs on the computer
JH : No he isn't {He is coming down the stairs. He leans over and kisses KH then looks at DM} Danny. To what do we owe the pleasure of your company?
KH : I will explain in a moment. Allyson, Michelle - I think it is passed your bed-time
AH/MH : Yeah
KH : Well thank you for waiting up for me. If you both go upstairs I will come in and tuck you in in a moment
AH/MH : Goody {They both rush upstairs again}
KH : Dan - why don't you go and sit down in the lounge. I will be in in a moment?
DM : You are not going to offer to tuck me in as well are you? {Sees the look on JH's face} Never mind {Exits}
JH : Okay - what was that?
KH : In a moment. Do you want to come and say goodnight to the girls?
JH : Of course {smiles} They have missed you. All night they have been asking where mummy is.
KH : Awwww. I will try not to go away again, but I think you will be happy with what's come out of it
{They go upstairs while they are talking and in to the room of their daughters. (Since the girls are so young they share a room)}
KH : Okay Allyson, Michelle - are you ready to go to sleep?
AH/MH : Yes mummy.
MH : Can you tell us a story?
KH : Okay. Hon - do you know any stories?
JH : Why don't you tell them one?
KH : Okay. But both of you close your eyes and I will tell you a story. Are you laying comfortably? Then I will being. Once upon a time there was a princess named Helena. But when she was very little she had to leave her family because of a bad man. She was taken in by a couple in the woods and lived with them for a long long time. {She sees JH looking at her, but continues} One day she was out walking in the woods when she met a very nice man. They fell in love and got married and had two beautiful children. {She sees that the two girls are asleep and trails off. Then she turns to JH} Would you like to hear the rest of the story hon?
JH : I think I might
KH : Then come downstairs and I will explain what I have been doing today
{They walk out of the room and turn the lights off. KH pauses and smiles at the picture of her two daughters sleeping. Then she turns to JH}
KH : We are lucky, aren't we?
JH : That we are my dear. {Leans over and kisses her. As they walk downstairs the scene fades and comes back up the next day at work. DM is sat at his desk when JH enters. DM stands and goes over to him}
DM : So - you are still ready to do this?
JH : Might as well get it over with. Can you get the others?{Louder} Guys - could I have your attention for a moment? {Everyone - which is everyone - turns and looks at him. DM brings in ST/MG/BP and JS} Thanks. I know you are not going to believe any of this but if you do take my word for it this will go a lot faster for all of us. As some of you know my wife was adopted originally. Well - yesterday she went to visit her birth parents and the long and the short of it is she is infact Daniel's older sister {pauses} That's actually pretty much it {Sits down. Everyone looks at each other, then gets back to work. DM walks over and sits down next to DB}
DM : See - I told you it wasn't what you thought
DB : I am willing to admit when I am wrong. She is your sister?
DM : Yes.
DB : Oh. {pauses} Thats.... nice?
DM : I think it will be. I mean - she is just getting used to knowing mum and dad so I don't want to scare her or anything, but - yeah. I think it will be nice.
DB : Cool. So - where are we going for lunch today?
DM : Don't know. I don't know if I am for a start. With yesterday's little side trip I am a bit behind.
DB : Yeah but you were already a week ahead. I am pretty sure you can skip one day without the world coming to an end.
DM : Very funny. Okay - lunch.
{Camera shifts over to RT and LB who are talking}
LB : Well - did you see that coming?
RT : Oh yeah. I thought it was obvious from the start..... {sees LB looking questioningly at him} Ok no. Its a total surprise.
LB : Yet everyone seems to have accepted it with very little comment. I think we can learn a lesson from this.
RT : You think so?
LB : Oh I am sure of it.
RT : And what can we learn from this? That if a young couple who are in love but have hidden it from their parents were to suddenly tell the truth that everyone would be happy and accepting?
LB : Well - you said it.
RT : No. Not yet. Its too soon.
LB : But what if too soon becomes too late? The line is very easy to miss.
RT : Who are you? Yoda?
LB : Mock me you should not. But - honestly - I think that if you two leave it for too long it will become too much to deal with.
RT : You do know that a preposition is not the right word to end a sentance with?
LB : And you are avoiding my point so you obviously think it has some merit.
RT : Maybe. But - for now - the rest is silence. {Looks over at DM} I honestly thought they were having an affair
LB : Okay - ewwwwww.
{The camera shifts again to the kitchen where PC and PHC are talking}
PHC : So - any big plans this weekend?
PC : Yeah. Dani and me are going to Blackpool.
PHC : Sounds fun. Visiting the Tower?
PC : I don't know. Dani is not that good with heights so maybe not. But the Pleasure Beach sounds just the ticket.
PHC : You have been there before?
PC : Oh yeah. {pauses} Not that kind of ticket. I mean wild rides. Big curves. Plenty of excuses to hold her hand and... well you get the idea
PHC : Sounds like a plan. A diabolical evil and twisted plan but a plan none the less.
PC : The best kind
{The camera shifts again (you will notice a thread through this after a while) and settles on BP and GJ who are talking about something}
GJ : It can't be done.
BP : Sure it can.
GJ : What do you base that on?
BP : You are good at your job. I have faith in you.
GJ : Well that nice Brad but seriously - this isn't because I can't be bothered or because I am not as good as you think I am. It really can not be done. Windows does not work that well.
BP : But I have seen other applications that do it. Why can't Valhalla?
GJ : It just can't. And - not to argue with you - but I don't know that other applications can do it either. Not that run under Windows anyway.
BP : I will see what I can find.
GJ : And I will see if I can work a way round it. But no promises.
BP : Okay. {Walks away as TW sits down next to GJ}
TW : Everything okay?
GJ : Why do you ask?
TW : Well - this is what? The fifth arguement you have had with Brad in the past two weeks.
GJ : Seventh, but I was not really counting.
TW : Is there something behind all this, or is it just normal stuff?
GJ : I don't know really. Maybe I am just getting itchy feet. Maybe I am finally accepting the way things work. Or maybe I am learning that Brad is not the best person to give design specs to to write.
TW : Nothing at home could be bothering you?
GJ : Nothing I want to discuss - no offence.
TW : None taken. Well - if you are sure there is nothing I can do?
GJ : Thanks but...
TW : Okay. But - some advice? {GJ nods} Try not to antagonize Bradley too much. He has more power than you and he is not afraid to throw it around
GJ : I will remember that. Thanks
{The camera shifts for a final time to LB and DM}
LB : So - big day yesterday?
DM : You could say that. How about you?
LB : How about me what?
DM : Nothing big on the horizon?
LB : You know - I think there might be....
{The screen fades to black and the words "Executive Producer - Sammy Wrae" come up on the screen. Then the closing credits role, detailing the people who made this possible. But you can live without knowing their names for now, can't you?}
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{This is a shooting script for GSI/E8. As such there might be changes in the final broadcast not included here}
{Also note I have no idea how the adoption process works in real life. This is a "neat" version of it because it lets me do what I wanted to do. Please accept my most humble apologies if I have made any glaring errors}
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Episode Notes
1) LNG Little Net Girl - will be explained in future episodes
2) Kirsten/Danny as Sister/Brother This is something I have been leading to since #2 (esp in #4)
3) "... really bad tv shows" I have a tendency to be somewhat self-depricating
4) Kristen/Danny hanging out Esp #2, #3
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