1. Interviews (Action)

[tibbius]

This seems like a good point for a cut scene. Where does each of you want to jump? What are you doing when we refocus on you?

[Marullus]

I don't have any scenes within my control to define except "waiting for action to happen." Is it possible that we cut to an action scene where both characters are together, with justification for being in the brownlands, and a plot event unfolding? Perhaps "After several weeks of undercover work based on the leads from the high schoolers, the undercover pair has established with the gang and for the first time is being allowed into location XYZ..."

[tibbius]

Seems good. I'll work up something like that!

[shaidar]

Sorry, I really had problems thinking of a way in. Marullus's idea sounds good

[tibbius]

A few days later, Donte e-mails Edward

Dear Mr. Compon: I would like to talk withyou about my chemistry test grade I do not think I did my best on it and Jamilia told me maybe could I do a retake or some markups please?

It is the first time Donte ever has expressed an interest in academics, although his grade was passable at 83.

[tibbius]

This is somewhat of a stalling tactic as I try to figure out where and how you might arrive on the "scene"

[shaidar]

Edward emails Donte back and arranges a meeting straight after classes finish sometime in the next few days.

ooc: what's the school rules about such things? Can Edward offer a means for students to gain extra credit?

[tibbius]

Yes, extra credit is pretty standard but left up to teacher discretion.

Donte looks a bit nervous as he remains after class before lunch. Jamilia gives him a reassuring look as she walks out the door of the classroom.

"Mr. Compton," the boy says, "I'm in a bad situation."

[shaidar]

Edward

"Donte, one bad decision doesn't have to define the rest of your life. I'm not here to judge you, but if I'm going to help then you need to tell me everything."

[tibbius]

"There's a ... guy," Donte says nervously. "Mr. Magout. He's really not normal. He lives in the abandoned buildings. I got hooked up with him ... I don't know, I don't think that matters. He's got hooks on me, man. He knows things. Told me things the first time I saw him.

Any way. He's got his place out in the brokedown part of town. He's got, like, minions. Little Latin guys. They work the machines ... they make stuff, sir."

Edward's never imagine Donte calling him sir. The kid seems very sincerely scared and desperate for assistance.

"I had heard, from the guy who, uh, connected me, that ya gotta do a special thing in order to ... like, see Mr. Magout. Ya gotta make a promise, and it's binding. To do whatever he says, one time. I thought running guns was all it would be. But Mr. M! Man, he's a creep. I don't want to do it..."

[tibbius]

There will be a significant decision point soon, I promise.

[shaidar]

Edward

"Donte, I promise you that I will do my best to help you. What is it he wants you to do?"

[tibbius]

Donte starts to speak and utters something unintelligible. Momentarily, his eyes roll back in his head. Then he shakes himself back to alertness. "I ... can't tell you, or anyone."

[shaidar]

Edward wonders what this Mahout guy has done to the poor kid, some kind of hypnosis maybe

"It's OK, can you tell me when he wants it done, and can you show me where he is on Google maps?"

[tibbius]

Donte shrugs. It seems like something Edward is doing disappoints him, but he still wants help. "I don't have a phone with me," he answers. "Can I use yours? And he don't seem to care when, just soon and it keeps feeling sooner if that makes any sense."

[shaidar]

Edward

The more Donte speaks the more concerned Edward becomes. He hands him the phone "Show me where I can find Mr Magout and I'll see if I can sort this all out after classes finish today. Is there something else you were hoping for?"

[tibbius]

Donte pulls up Maps and pinches and swipes. He shows the phone to Edward. It takes a moment to identify what's on the screen, but then it clicks - the same area where Edward went for a walk the other afternoon, the abandoned factories and machine shops near the harbor.

"That's where he at," Donte says, "but like I told you. You can't find him without you make the promise." He sighs. "The only way you understand if is I take you there and show you."

[shaidar]

Edward tries his best to exude calm

"OK, you can take me him after school and we'll get this all sorted out. This is serious stuff so can I bring a friend? I can vouch for him"

[tibbius]

Donte looks nervous but silently nods. Then he shrugs and picks up his backpack. "I gotta go ... sir. Mr. Compton? Thanks. Where should I meet you after school?"

[shaidar]

Edward

"How about outside the Wal-Mart at 5?"

Assuming this is fine then Edward will find a private spot to put in an urgent call to agent Blake. He'll repeat the conversation with Donte, but avoiding mentioning his name or the exact location of Magout. " This is worrying. If this guy knew information about the student, then he must be purposely trying to recruit them. Then there's the Jedi mind trick, some kind of post-hypnotic suggestion enhanced by drugs maybe. Are you up for coming with me? You need to promise the student won't get charged with anything and you'll have to go undercover, if the students know I snitch to the feds they'll never trust me."