Copyright 2001 --- Robert Baer Jr. Buford's Collie Squadron -- "Valley of Decision" DISCLAIMER Road Rovers characters, names, situations and the Road Rovers universe are the property of Warner Bros. I, nor this script/story are connected with Warner Bros. in any way, shape or form. This document may not be publicized or reproduced in any way, shape or form. It must remain fully intact and may not be altered in anyway. It is strictly used for not-for-profit entertainment purposes only, and is not intended to infringe on any Copyrights. This story is written by Robert Baer Jr and the characters Otto, Samantha Maddog, Ben Maddog, Abby Maddog, Vicki Maddog, Molly Maddog, Rupee, Shankar, Starlight, Amos Doggie, Hannah, Kyra, Linda Maddog, Uncle Buford, Rupee, Roger Maddog, Princess and the Gila Monster are all Robert Baer Jr's creations, copyright 1997-1998. Marauder is a creation of Jerimy Bass. Jazz is a creation of Dylan Rinald. Misty Maddog is a creation of Bart Walls. Boomerang is a creation of Robert Page, Nikki is a creation of Patrick Wood. DJ is a creation of Jake Williams. Convoy is a creation of Matt Daily. Illinov is a creation of Gerhard Naude. Buford's Collie Squadron -- "Valley of Decision" The scene is the Maddog mansion on a Saturday Night. The household is a bussle of activity as the various members of the Maddog clan are busy preparing for their dates. Linda and Misty pound on the bathroom door as they perceive that Abby and Vicki are taking too much time in the showers. Roger runs through the hallway in his boxer shorts, unable to mend his favorite pair of trousers by himself. Even the patriarch of the family, the famous lawyer Ben Maddog is putting the finishing touches on his tuxedo. Barely noticable is Molly Maddog, who is sitting on the baloncy outside her bedroom, reading a book, dressed in a T-shirt that says "Good Lawyers Bite" and a pair of 'cut-off' jeans. She sips a soda, looks at her book, and sighs repeatedly. It is Ben who first notices the absence of his daughter from the 'commotion' and knocks on her bedroom door. BEN (knocking); Molly? Are you alright? May I come in? MOLLY (behind the door): It's not locked, father, come in! When Ben walks in and sees Molly on the balconey, he's stunned almost beyond words. BEN (confused): Molly? That's not exactly the proper attire for a Saturday night date MOLLY (sadly): I don't have a date tonight... BEN (stunned): You don't? Usually, you and DJ go out together and ... MOLLY (interrupting): And this week he's on a camping trip with his master. I understand, and I don't blame him a bit. He leads a busy life as a Rover and being with his master is important to him. BEN (calmly): I see. So, you're just going to stay here in the mansion all alone and read all weekend? MOLLY (nods): Well, I have this and a few legal briefs I can review for Monday. The Madison case is coming up and ... BEN (shakes head): Molly my dear, the weekend was made for relaxing, for enjoyment! Don't burdun yourself with work! That can wait till we get to the office Monday morning. MOLLY (sadly, nods); Yes.. sir... Ben walks over and hugs Molly. BEN (calmly): You miss DJ, don't you? MOLLY (holding in tears): Yes.. I do.... BEN (calmly); Tell you what, Rupee and I are going to the opera and a restraunt later, why don't you get dressed up and come with us? MOLLY (shakes head): No father, you and Rupee need to be alone. After all, soon you'll be married... BEN (sternly); Nonsense Molly! You are my daughter! I would be proud to have you by my side anywhere I go! I'm proud of all of my children! As Ben is yet speaking, Rupee magically appears in the room. She is wearing a stunning dark blue evening gown. RUPEE (happy): Benji! BEN (whispers): PLEASE don't call me that in front of the kids... Molly giggles a little. RUPEE (smiles): Ben, I couldn't help but overhear your conversation, and I believe I have the perfect solution. (turns to Molly): Molly, you've met my step-son Shankar, haven't you? MOLLY (nods): Yes, he seems to be very nice.. RUPEE (happy); Excellent! He can be your date for tonight! MOLLY (shocked): What?? BEN (stunned): Really? RUPEE (smiles); Yes, ever since he's come to America, he's been very shy and lonely. You can rest assured Shankar is a perfect gentlemen, (growls): Unlike his no good father.... What do ya say, Molly? MOLLY (hesitating): Well..... RUPEE (nods); Great, it's settled! MOLLY (stuttering): But...but.... I .... my clothes..... RUPEE (nods): Not a problem, my dear! Rupee waves her right arm, and instantly Molly is dressed in a very elegant looking white evening dress with her hair up. When Molly sees herself in a mirror, she can hardly believe it. MOLLY (shakes, points): That's...that's ...me? BEN (smiles): Rupee, you've outdone yourself! RUPEE (smiles): Thank you Ben! (turns to Molly): I've already contacted Shankar, he will be here in ten minutes. Your father and I are leaving now, have a great time! MOLLY (smiles, waves); Goodbye dad, Rupee, and thanks for everything! As Molly waves, Rupee and Ben disappear. Downstairs, several of the Maddog's 'dates' have arrived. Jazz is standing next to the door, holding a bouquet of roses and a box of candy. Convoy stands near the stairs, wearing his trademark blue shirt, jeans and cowboy hat. Illanov stands 'at attention' wearing a tuxedo. JAZZ (calling upstairs); Misty? Are you ready? CONVOY (calling upstairs): Abby? We're all saddled up and ready to go! ILLANOV (calling upstairs): Miss Vicki, I have arrived and await your appearance! JAZZ (looks at Convoy and Illanov): What's taking them so long? CONVOY (giggles); Cause they're ladies! Hey Illanov, are the women in Russia the same way? ILLANOV (nods): Da! Very much so! CONVOY (smiles): Well, Marauder already picked up Linda, and there's Roger and Kyra driving off together, so the rest of the ... (looks outside); WOW WEE!!! Would you look at that??? Jazz and Illanov quickly look out the window and see a long, black limosine pull up in from of the mansion. JAZZ (shocked): Did one of you call for that thing? ILLANOV (shakes head): Nyet CONVOY (stunned): No way! That car is big enough to have it's own zip code! The huge limo is also noticed by the girls waiting upstairs. ABBY (looking out window): Would you look at THAT!!! VICKI (looking out window): WOW!! Illanov has really outdone himself this time! ABBY (defensive): Who said it's HIS limo? My Convoy obviously got the limo to impress me! VICKI (laughs): Convoy? Mister Electric Cowboy? ABBY (growls); HEY!! YOU TAKE THAT BACK!!! VICKI (laughs): Where is he taking you tonight, Hee Haw on ice? ABBY (furious): THAT DOES IT!!! Abby and Vicki begin to fistfight, Misty tries to break them apart. In desparation, she jumps in the middle of the two feuding sisters. MISTY (screaming); WILL YOU TWO STOP FIGHTING AND GO DOWNSTAIRS??? ABBY & VICKI (frozen, in unison); We obey.... MISTY (shocked): Oops, I didn't mean to do that.... (smiles): But at least it worked! Shankar walks up to the door, seeing that it's open, he walks inside. SHANKAR (beaming); Greetings everyone, is Molly ready? JAZZ (shocked): Molly? ILLANOV (surprised): Molly Maddog is your date? CONVOY (shouts upstairs): MISS MOLLY!!! YOUR FELLER'S HERE!!!!! Abby, Vicki and Misty have made their way down the stairs, but soon all eyes are on Molly in her elegant evening dress. JAZZ (stunned): Molly? CONVOY (happy): Miss Molly, you look prettier than a picture! ABBY (shocked): That's Molly? VICKI (shocked): Where did she get that dress? MISTY (happy); WOW Molly, you look like a princess!! ILLANOV (stunned): Comrade Molly, I am beyond words! SHANKAR (beaming): Oh Molly, you look fabulous! MOLLY (nearly blushes): Why, thank you! All eyes watch as Molly and Shankar enter the limo and drive away. ABBY (growls): Alright Convoy, you can stop drooling now! VICKI (waves in front of Illanov): Hello? Earth to Illanov! MISTY (happy): Molly looks wonderful, doesn't she Jazz... (looks over at Jazz): Jazz? (shouts): JAZZ!!! JAZZ (like out of a trance): What?.. er... oh yeah, your sister is looking good tonight! ABBY (grabs by the neck): Do that again, Convoy, and you'll be walking home REALLY FUNNY!!!! CONVOY (swallows hard): Sorry Miss Abby, but you have to admit, your sister looks great in that outfit! VICKI (smirks): Yeah, she's almost single handedly stolen all of OUR dates! MISTY (shakes head): Don't be so hard on Molly! JAZZ (looks at watch): C'mon Misty, we have to hurry if we want to see the museum's new exhibit! CONVOY (nods): That's right Abby, we gotta be moseying along! Tonight's 2 for 1 night at Bubba's Steak N' Stuff! ABBY (rolls eyes): Oh... thrilling.... VICKI (takes him by the arm): Illanov! If we don't hurry, we'll miss the ballet! ILLANOV (nods): You're right my dear! And tonight it's Swan Lake! As the others rush off on their dates, back in the limosene.... MOLLY (surprised): Shankar! I can't believe you went to all this trouble for me! SHANKAR (smiles): It's no trouble at all, Molly! (opens a mini-fridge): Have a soda? MOLLY (shakes head): No thank you. Where are we going? SHANKAR (smiles): Well, first let's go to dinner. What are you in the mood for? MOLLY (thinking): Well... (smiles): How about Italian? SHANKAR (nods); Excellent choice! Shankar snaps his fingers, immediately the limo is driving in downtown Rome, Italy. MOLLY (confused): Why did you snap your fingers? (points): OH MY GOSH!!! THAT'S THE COLISEUM!!!! SHANKAR (smiles): Where else would we go for authentic Italian food? MOLLY (surprised); You...you.... zapped us here? SHANKAR (holds her hand); Don't worry Molly, I'm going to make this a night you'll never forget! MOLLY (scared): You already have! The limosene stops in front of a downtown restraunt. Shankar jumps out and opens the door for Molly. As the two approach the mater'de, he whispers several Italian phrases to him. Immediately, the mater'de calls for a waiter to seat them. MOLLY (looks all around); I still can't believe it! We're actually in ROME!!! SHANKAR (hands Molly a menu): Order anything you like, my darling! MOLLY (nods): All I wanted was some spaghetti.... SHANKAR (nods): Sounds great to me! Shankar calls for a waiter, when he arrives, he gives him the order. Soon, the two cano-sapiens are dining on spaghetti and meatballs. SHANKAR (smiles): It does my heart good to see you enjoying yourself! MOLLY (smiles): Why thank you, Shankar! SHANKAR (smiles); After we finish dinner, let's take a stroll in the park! MOLLY (looks out window): It's a beautiful night! (looks at watch): It's only 5 pm back home.... SHANKAR (smiles): And here in Rome, it's almost midnight! Amazing, isn't it? Soon they leave the restraunt and arrive at the park. They hold hands as they walk away from the limo and towards the large flowing fountain. MOLLY (happy): All of this is SO romantic and ... (suddenly stops) SHANKAR (concerned): Molly? Is something troubling you? MOLLY (nervous): Well, I.... you see.... SHANKAR (smiles): I know, you're thinking of DJ, aren't you? MOLLY (shocked); HOW?? How did you know? (upset): Did you read my mind? SHANKAR (calmly): No Molly, I know about you and DJ, you've been together for over a year.. MOLLY (sadly); Yes, but... he and I are just good friends.... SHANKAR (calmly): Molly, I can tell by the way you say it, you wish there would be more, don't you? MOLLY (holding in tears, nods): Yes.... Suddenly, Molly breaks into tears, Shankar reaches over and hugs her. SHANKAR (calmly): There there, Molly, it's alright... MOLLY (backs away from him): Shankar, if you knew about DJ all along, why did you agree to date me? SHANKAR (smiles): Molly, I respect the relationship you and DJ have, I just wanted to offer my friendship as well. MOLLY (looking into his eyes): You mean that, don't you? SHANKAR (nods): Of course Molly. When mom told me you had no date for the evening, I was glad to help out! You are a very special lady, Molly Maddog. Whoever you choose to be your mate will be a very lucky guy! MOLLY (happy); Oh Shankar, you say the sweetest things! Molly now embraces Shankar warmly. As they move closer to kiss, three masked hoodlums surround the couple. One of them was shouting in Italian, but Shankar knows what they are saying. SHANKAR (calmly); They want our money, but worry not Molly, I'll take care of them! The three begins to flash their knifes, Shankar stands there, then makes a slight motion with his hand. The three hoodlums scream when they realize their knives have been turned into large serpants. Screaming loud Italian curses, the three drop their snakes and run away. The frightened Molly clings even closer to Shankar, their eyes meet, and they share a long passionate kiss. Molly, now aware of what she had just done, now rushes towards the limosene. SHANKAR (shouting); Molly! Please wait! MOLLY (as she runs); Take me home now, Shankar! SHANKAR (follows her); Whatever you want, dear. When the two are seated in the limosene, Molly is now weeping. SHANKAR (offering handerchief): Molly, what's the matter? MOLLY (takes it, wipes her eyes): I... I have never kissed DJ like that.... I feel..... guilty..... SHANKAR (smiles): Guilty? Molly, you said that DJ was only a good friend, correct? MOLLY (sadly): I know, but, you are so charming, so.... so..... SHANKAR (nods); I understand. Molly, perhaps you are right, our date should end here. MOLLY (shocked): What? SHANKAR (sternly): Molly, you are a very wonderful, sweet and gentle woman. But right now, your heart is in confusion. You don't know whether to give in to your feelings, and whether you truly love DJ or me. MOLLY (sadly): How did you know that? SHANKAR (calmly): It doesn't take magic to see that you care deeply for DJ. I respect this. Suddenly, the limosene is sitting in front of the Maddog Mansion again. SHANKAR (nods): Well, this is home, and. ... MOLLY (takes Shankar's hand); No! Please don't go! Don't end this date like this! SHANKAR (shocked): Molly, what would you like to do? MOLLY (scared): I don't want to be alone tonight, would you stay with me and watch TV? SHANKAR (nods): Sure, anything you like, my dear! The two enter the mansion, soon they walk into the huge living room area. MOLLY (sternly); Please, stay here while I change into something more casual... SHANKAR (shakes head): Not neccassary, please, allow me! Shankar waves his hand, Molly is now dressed in the same T-shirt and shorts she was wearing earlier. Shankar has also 'changed' into a T-shirt and jeans. MOLLY (happy): Forgive me Shankar, I'm just not used to all this magic in one night... SHANKAR (smiles): Quite alright, Molly. Shall we watch television together? Molly nods, she and Shankar sit on the couch together as she turns on the set. MOLLY (looks up to him): Thank you for understanding, Shankar SHANKAR (nods); You are quite welcome... Time passes, it is now midnight in Altanta. Abby, Vicki and Misty all arrive at the mansion and walk into the living room. They see Shankar who is sitting together with Molly, who has fallen asleep. ABBY (shouts): SHANKAR!! WHAT ARE YOU .... SHANKAR (hushed tone): Shhhhhhhhhh! Please, Molly has had a long night. She needs her rest.. VICKI (whispers): How long have you been here and why ... how have you two changed clothes? ABBY (sternly); Where's that beautiful dress Molly was wearing? SHANKAR (hushed tone); We went out for dinner, were attacked by muggers, then decided to come home and watch television. MISTY (nods); Sounds like Molly, her and DJ used to do that a lot and ... Misty stops talking when Abby and Vicki give her a vicious stare. SHANKAR (hushed tone): It's alright, Misty. I don't mind talking about DJ, Molly did it a lot during the evening. ABBY (sternly); What are YOUR intentions towards my sister? VICKI (nods); Yeah! SHANKAR (sternly); Molly is a very special lady. I enjoyed being her friend tonight. Now that she's asleep, I will send her to bed and depart for the night. Shankar snaps his fingers, Molly instantly vanishes. ABBY (shocked); HEY!!! VICKI (stunned): What did you do with Molly? MISTY (happy); She's upstairs in bed, I can sense it! SHANKAR (stands up): I can tell, Miss Misty, you have some special powers of your own. Develop them, use them wisely. Abby, Vicki, Misty, I bid you goodnight... Shankar instantly disappears. Abby and Vicki rush upstairs to find Molly in her bed, in her nightgown, and fast asleep. ABBY (concerned): I wonder... VICKI (nods): Me too... MISTY (curious): Wonder about what? ABBY (turns to look at Molly): I wonder if Molly will choose Shankar over DJ? VICKI (nods): DJ's been a good friend to her, but I wonder if Molly wants more... MISTY (shakes head): That'll be her decision. Only time will tell. I'm not going to wait up for the others, I'm going to bed! ABBY & VICKI (nods): Me too! With that, the Maddog sisters go to their rooms to get ready for bed... --------------------------------------------------