DESTINY'S ARRIVAL
CAST:
Det. Nick Knight
Dr. Natalie Lambert
Det. Tracy Vetter
Vachon
Lacroix
Capt. Joe Reese
SECONDARY CAST:
Monixa Harltrim
Dr. Fleurideaux
Dr. Opella
Man
FLASHBACK CAST:
Emily
Constance
ACT ONE, SCENE ONE
SETTING: Nick's apartment. A huge, but serene Natalie is lounging on one of the
couches. She smiles and looks up.
NATALIE: (Talking to no one) It's about time you got here. I thought you said you'd be here all of the time until the babies were born.
NICK: (Moving to caress her cheek) I'm sorry. (Sitting and taking her into his arms) Things have been really hectic at the office lately.
NATALIE: (Wincing as if hit) Oh oh. I take it Opella's still messing up.
NICK: Big time. (Sighing and snuggling closer to her) He actually lost the reports to five of the women possibly murdered by the Guinn Love Slayer. The idiot doesn't even know how many were linked to the case and he wasn't even sure if there were any similarities in his tactics. (Exasperated) He's clueless!
NATALIE: He can't be that bad. I know you and Tracy are always talking about his zany way of doing things, but if he wasn't any good, he wouldn't be working at our precinct.
NICK: (Chuckling) Wrong again, O Wise One. Tracy did a little background check on our mysterious and misguided coroner and found out that he's related to your grand boss who's been covering his butt for all of these years.
NATALIE: (Shrugging) That's not such a big deal. Tracy's dad was covering her cop friend's butt.
NICK: Whatever. (Looking at her) Did I forget to tell you Lorraine said, "Hello, hurry up and pop." and she's tendering her resignation before you get back and see what Opella's done to the lab.
NATALIE: (Struggling off of him) What! (Enraged) If that No-Brain Ass has messed up my lab, I will personally ... (Nick laughing) What's so funny? (Thinking and then punching him) You set me up! (Petulant) That's not a nice thing to do to the mother of your children. (Smiling) Although, it probably was hilarious to see the beached whale struggling to sit upright.
NICK: (Hearing a knock) Never a beached whale. (Standing, kissing her on the forehead, and moving to the door) Maybe a baby elephant. (Dodging the pillow she throws and laughing as he opens the door) What have we here? (Taking the package from the delivery guy and signing for it) I think we have an admirer. (Closing the door and walking back to her) Correction: you have an admirer. Have you been flirting again, love?
NATALIE: (Taking the package) Constantly. (Pausing) You know with the millions of guys that come through your apartment, I just can't help myself. (Reading the label) "Mrs. Natalie Lambert Knight." (Chuckling) Boy, are they way off.
NICK: (Sitting beside her) It must be from your side of the family. All of the delusional people on my side have been dead for centuries.
NATALIE: (Flashing her eyes as she tears open the package) They're not delusional. They're just not as enlightened as we are. (Lifting the box top) Besides, I don't think they'd understand your reluctance to being married within a church and my reluctance to avowing myself to one of the undead. (Gasping) This is beautiful!
NICK: (Lifting a large, ornate, wooden box out for her) What is it?
NATALIE: (Raising the lid and beautiful music plays) A music box! (Delighted) It's probably for the babies.
NICK: (Looking through the packaging) There's no card. (Puzzled) Why would someone send you a music box under that name with no message?
NATALIE: It's probably a joke from one of the guys at the precinct. (Enraptured by the gift and the music) You know how they've been throughout this pregnancy.
NICK: (Unconvinced) But it's such an expensive gift. You would think they would want to take credit for it.
NATALIE: You worry too much. (Smiling contentedly) Even the babies think it's a wonderful gift. (Sighing and patting her stomach)) They've finally settled down. (Yawning) I was afraid they would be up all night again. (Semi-reclining) Whoever sent this was definitely a lifesaver.
Nick doesn't answer as he looks at Natalie happily touching the box. Above them, a
shadowy figure watches the interesting goings-on from outside the window. A smile,
or its eerie twin, begins to form as he sees Natalie hold out her hand for Nick to come
closer. As Nick starts to comply, he suddenly looks up and sees ... nothing.
ACT ONE, SCENE TWO
SETTING: The station. A full night's complement is on and Captain Reese is perusing a
case file.
REESE: Damn!
TRACY: (Walking up) What's wrong now, Cap?
REESE: What's been wrong the last few months! (Releasing a breath) That incompetent M.E. filling in for Lambert has gone and done it again.
TRACY: (Sighing) What has he gone and done this time?
REESE: Don't you mean, what hasn't he done? (Exasperated) That would be a shorter list! I cannot believe he made it this far with all of the mistakes he's made. (Practically yelling) When is Dr. Lambert getting back?
TRACY: Not any time soon, or so I've heard. (Backing away as he glares at her) Don't blame me; blame Knight! I mean, this has just been her prenatal time. She is entitled to two months of postnatal.
REESE: (Looking up) Dear Lord, how can I put up with him for another twelve weeks!
NATALIE: (Walking up to them with Nick by her side) Hey! Hey! The whole Knight-Lambert clan is here and in a convenient two-person package.
REESE: (Looking up again) Thank you. (Rushing over and helping her to a seat) You don't know how glad I am to see you. (Pleadingly) Tell me you're not just popping in to say hello.
NATALIE: I'm not just popping in to say hello.
NICK: Against my better judgement, but with her doctor's blessing, she connived to get a chance to come in and pinch hit until the babies are born.
REESE: (Pointing upwards) Somebody up there likes me. (Kissing Natalie's hand) This precinct will forever be in your debt. (Happy) If you need anything, just ask. (Nodding his head) You get a craving; I'll send out the whole second watch to get it! I mean, wha...
NATALIE: (Laughing) Will you cut that out. (Looking around) Come on, guys. He really can't be that bad.
TRACY: (To Nick) You didn't tell her?
NICK: Of course I told her. (Uncomfortably) Just not all of the details because she's not really supposed to get too upset.
NATALIE: (Agitated) Why is this not sounding so good? (Pausing and bowing her head) Give it to me straight. (Grimly) How bad is it?
REESE: (Trying to help) It might be better to show her instead of just telling her, Knight.
NICK: (Grinning) Easy for you to say. You won't have to ride down or back up with her.
REESE: Just one of the perks of being captain.
ACT ONE, SCENE THREE
SETTING: The Raven. Lacroix is conversing with another.
LACROIX: How did it go?
MAN: He never suspected a thing. (Smugly) I was in and out before he could even get a real sense of me.
LACROIX: (Smiling - if that's what you want to call it) Good. (Handing him something) Your assistance was greatly appreciated.
MAN: (Looking at the object) Glad to be of service. Well, if there's nothing else, I think I'll be going. (Turning to leave and stopping) What about the matter of the Council and their warnings of swift and ... final repercussions for any and all that try to harm her or the child. (Pausing) I would not want this to come back to haunt me.
LACROIX: (Moving closer to the man) You have nothing to fear as long as you keep your mouth shut. (Stepping back) I give you my word. It will never come back to you.
VACHON: (Walking up) What won't come back to him?
LACROIX: (Silently motioning the man to leave) Have your manners fled you along with your taste in friends?
VACHON: No, but manners are forgotten when a chosen friend is heading toward destruction.
LACROIX: Destruction is in the eyes of the beholder. (Disgusted) Do not worry about me, Whelpling; (Walking away) I have all in control.
VACHON: (To himself) All the more reason to watch and be warned.
ACT ONE, SCENE FOUR
SETTING: Nick's apartment. He is alone and reading when ...
NICK: What is it, Vachon?
VACHON: (Moving to him) Now that's not the way to greet a dear friend, eh Nicholas?
NICK: All depends on which friend. (Closing the book) To what do I owe the honour of your presence? (Looking up toward the bedroom) Don't speak too loudly though. I had a hard enough time convincing Natalie to go and rest. I don't need you waking her and causing her to remember to go kill her replacement.
VACHON: Tracy told me a little about what's going on. (Grinning) It may be a good thing to let her have her way.
NICK: Don't tempt me. (Pausing) So, what does bring you here?
VACHON: I overheard a little conversation at our favorite neighborhood pub. (Walking to the cabinet, pulling out a glass, taking it to the fridge and proceeding to pour himself a drink) These gentlemen were conversing in very hushed tones over a job one had done for the other and when I showed up, the conversation ceased.
NICK: I take it my part in all of this will be revealed momentarily.
VACHON: (Drinking deeply and blanching) How can you drink this poison?
NICK: (Sarcastically) One man's poison, ...
VACHON: Whatever. (Pausing for effect) Your interest can be summed up in one word, ... Lacroix.
NICK: (Paying attention) Did you hear anything else?
VACHON: Only that the other one was concerned about the Council and repercussions.
NICK: (Disturbed) And so it has begun.
ACT TWO, SCENE ONE
SETTING: The Raven. Nick enters and scans the crowd until he sees Lacroix and moves
to intercept him. Vachon follows close behind.
LACROIX: (Seeing Nick) Ah, Nicholai, it is a priviledge to welcome you back to my humble establishment.
NICK: Can it, Lacroix. I haven't come here to be sociable. (Pausing to get under control) I have been warned that you are planning something that might involve my family.
LACROIX: I see. (Glaring at Vachon) And this warning, would you say it came from a reliable source?
NICK: I have no reason to distrust it. (Herding him to the back) Do you deny any malicious intent toward Natalie or the childr ... child?
LACROIX: I deny nor confirm anything. (Clutching Nick's shirt and whispering) I sleep as one with a clear conscience. Can you say the same, Nicholas?
VACHON: Excuse me gentlemen, but can anyone cut in?
LACROIX: Ah, the worried friend. How is it that betrayal fits your friendly guise like a glove?
VACHON: (Moving between the two) I don't think I betrayed the one for the other. (Thinking) It was more a way of ensuring the wellness of both parties to whom I feel comfortable. (Jokingly) You know in our line of existence, you need all of the friends you can find.
LACROIX: (Stepping back) Actually, in our particular realm of existence, if you can't find enough friends, (Eying Nick) you can always ... make ... more.
NICK: Just as long as you leave my family out of it. (Tiredly) Don't you understand how much this means to me? (Turning away from them) This could be the only taste of being truly alive that I ... (Running his hand through his hair) I have to make this work. (Looking back at Lacroix) You can't tell me you've never felt that way.
FLASHBACK
SETTING: The alleyways of London. A silent, hooded figure travels quickly around the
various refuse piles and dead and dying citizens. He stops before a wind-worn doorway
and knocks.
CHILD'S VOICE: (Nervously) Who is it?
NICK: (Removing the hood) It is Lord Nicholas de Brabant, Little One.
CHILD: (Opening the door) Come in, quickly. There are evil things lurking about outside this night.
NICK: (Removing his jacket and moving closer to the child) I am well aware of that fact, Emma. (Looking toward the back room) How is your mother tonight?
EMMA: She is resting much better, m' Lord. The medicine you gave her has allowed her much comfort. (Guiding him toward the room) The doctor you sent has also been helpful.
NICK: (Stopping) What doctor? (Confused) I sent no doctor. (Pausing to think and then rushing in) Get away from her Lacroix!
LACROIX: (Standing and smiling at the other man) Why, Nicholas? I was only offering the services this dear woman needs. As you, I am simply trying to assist in this most delicate of matters.
NICK: (Grabbing Lacroix) They do not require your kind of "assistance!"
EMMA: Please! (Pulling at Nick and crying) Do not disturb Mamma. (Looking at her mother) This is the first good rest she's had since Pappa died!
NICK: (Controlling himself) I am sorry, Little One. (Cradling her head) Why don't you go and fix your mother a cold wrap while I converse with the doctor?
EMMA: Yes, m' Lord. (She leaves)
NICK: Now, (Turning back to the other man) tell me what you are really doing here?
LACROIX: (Covering the very pregnant woman) I was intrigued with your nightly excursions, especially during this most dangerous of times, so I followed you a few nights ago and wound up here. (Moving away from the bed) I did a little asking around and found out the poor plight of the widow Oliver. (Wickedly) I must say, Nicholai, you do find your causes.
NICK: Why should that concern you? There is no way you could understand my motives.
LACROIX: Maybe not, but any ... pleasure derived from this will be mine.
WOMAN: (Waking) Dr. Lacroix, I did not realize you were still here. (Looking around) Oh, Nicholas, I'm glad you've returned. (Trying to sit up) I thought we had run you off when we didn't see you for a few nights. (Holding out her hand for Lacroix) But I should have known that was not the case when you sent the good doctor here. He has truly been a Godsend.
NICK: He is definitely something, but God has nothing to do with it.
LACROIX: I'm afraid Nicholas is correct. (Sitting beside the woman) I owe everything I do to the wonders of ... the Royal Academy of Medicine. Isn't that right, old friend?
NICK: As you say. (Moving to sit on the other side of her) How are you this night, Constance? I'm sorry it took so long for me to return, but I was a little busy.
CONSTANCE: (Patting his hand) You left me in the best possible hands. (Moving her hands to embrace Lacroix's) Ilias has taken such good care of me. He has not left my side in all of that time.
NICK: (Confused) Ilias? (Looking at his companion) I guess there are still a few things I don't know about you.
CONSTANCE: This time would have been so much worse if he hadn't been around. I do not know what I would have done without him.
LACROIX: I'm sure you would have managed. (Smiling) I didn't do much.
CONSTANCE: You held my hand and listened to my fears. You calmed Emma and offered your support. (Smiling at him) You were my rock.
LACROIX: (Uncomfortably) Yes, well, rest now. (Standing and motioning to Nick as Emma returns) Watch your mother, child, while I talk to Lord Nicholas. (They move into the other room) Why the look, Nicholai?
NICK: I'm just trying to figure out what you're trying to do here; what you hope to gain from this. (Looking around) They don't have much but each other. You ... (Realizing) You will not take them, do you hear?
PRESENT
NICK: (In Lacroix's face) You will not take them! Do you hear?
LACROIX: (Smiling) Perfectly.
ACT TWO, SCENE TWO
SETTING: Tracy's Apartment. She is moving about in her tiny kitchen preparing
dinner when a sudden breeze of wind catches her attention.
VACHON: (Walking into the small area) If I were into that type of stuff, I'd have to say something smells wonderful.
TRACY: (Laughing) Too bad you're not into this because it is going to be wonderful. (Fixing a plate and drawing in the smells) My soul has been needing this.
VACHON: Your soul needs dinner? (Smirking) If I had known that was all one of those needed, I would have opened a restaurant.
TRACY: (Hitting him) That's not funny. (Placing the plate on the table and sitting) This case has really got me going in circles. So much so that I haven't had the chance to eat a decent meal.
VACHON: What's wrong now?
TRACY: Some of the same stuff. This Guinn Love Slayer case has really gotten to me. (Exasperated) Every time we get close or find an angle, something comes up or something disappears or everything just falls apart.
VACHON: No wonder you're losing yourself in food. (Looking at her) Is there anything I can do?
TRACY: (Perking up a little) You can listen to what we know and give me some input. Maybe there's an angle that we might have overlooked that you see.
VACHON: (Rolling his eyes) Let me guess. The "supernatural" angle.
TRACY: I wasn't thinking of that, but if you can see something, I'm open to it.
VACHON: Why am I not surprised. (Sighing) Okay, lay it on me.
TRACY: (Getting comfortable) None of the women had any connection to each other. One was a costume designer, one was a businesswoman, another was an occupational therapist/ nurse, the fourth was a historian and the fifth was a sight instructor.
VACHON: (Puzzled) A sight instructor?
TRACY: She taught blind people how to adjust to their surroundings and trained them with their seeing-eye dogs. (Pausing) Anyway, all of the rest's jobs varied almost as much as where the women lived and came from. The only thing that ties them all together is where they were found and the m.o..
VACHON: Which is?
TRACY: We believe he waits until they're asleep and grabs them. He tosses them around a bit and then tries to rape them but he ... um ... can't ...
VACHON: Take charge?
TRACY: (Nervously) Complete the job. He then takes a dirk and runs it through their hearts. To finish, he leaves them a yellow rose for remembrance and a typed note saying,"I never meant to hurt you."
VACHON: What a gentleman. (Snickering) I think someone needs to talk to him about his dating techniques.
TRACY: This is serious! (Perturbed) The least you could do is act like you are taking this seriously.
VACHON: (Rubbing her arm) I am taking this seriously. I was just trying to lighten the mood. (Moving away) Okay. (Taking a deep breath) I'm not getting a supernatural feel to this. (Standing) In fact, I'm reading a sick individual with some type of Highlander fetish.
TRACY: (Confused) Highlander fetish?
VACHON: You know what I'm talking about. (Seeing that she doesn't) It would seem that our friend is hooked on the fantasy of knights and feudal warriors; all of that stuff from those silly movies and that TV show. I wouldn't be surprised to find out he wore a kilt.
TRACY: (Amazed) You got all of that from my report?
VACHON: (Embarrassed) That ...and it ...might have been (Looking around) ... on the (Taking another deep breath) show last season.
TRACY: (Laughing) I thought you said it was silly.
VACHON: I don't watch it for pleasure; (Catching the look she throws him) Well, I don't. I just watch it to see what you mortals think immortals are like.
TRACY: (Really laughing) Yeah and the Pope's Jewish..
VACHON: Okay, but I am serious about it being an episode last season. (Thinking) This nutso immortal was slashing his way through ladies' hearts in an attempt to find something. He always left a lily and some type of stupid note.
TRACY: (Excited) That's our guy. (Standing) Do you think the local network would have a tape of that episode I could look at? Maybe get an idea of how he picks his victims.
VACHON: I can do you one better. I have a friend who tapes and keeps the episodes for m... uh ... marketing ideas. (Chagrined) I think we can stop by her place and pick it up.
TRACY: You are a lifesaver! (Giving him a peck on the cheek) If you ever need me to do something for you, just name it. (Moving to the closet) I'll just get my coat.
VACHON: (Watching her) If only you could help me, dear Tracy. If only you could.
ACT TWO, SCENE THREE
SETTING: Nick's apartment. Natalie is asleep when a noise can be heard downstairs.
NATALIE: (Awakening) Nick? (Drowsily) I'm up here. (Sensing something) Nick? (Struggling to sit up) Nick! (Listening) I don't like how this is feeling. (Standing) Okay, guys, I think it's time to find Daddy's extra gun. (She moves slowly to a desk and pushes a hidden button causing a drawer to pop out) Now, let's hope that Daddy kept the bullets in here. (Opening the chamber) Damn! Leave it to Nick to start child-proofing the apartment before you're even born. (Checking the drawer) Would it be too much to hope that he would have a few silver bullets just lying around? (Patting her extended stomach) Or do those only work on werewolves? (Hearing another noise and shutting the chamber) Well, it doesn't really matter. Let's just hope that whoever's down there gets the message. (Moving to the door and walking to the stairs) If anyone's in here, I have a gun and, as a coroner, I have no problems with dead bodies. (Continuing down the stairs) My ... husband has a security system that really bites. (Looking around) Hello? (Sighing as she reaches the bottom without seeing anyone) Well, guys, it looks like Mom has an overactive imagination as well as swollen ankles. (Shivering) Though, I can't shake the feeling that something's not right. (Heading towards the phone) Maybe we should call Daddy. I bet he'll chase the bad feelings aw ...
A dark figure hurls himself away from the shadows towards Natalie. She barely has
time to move when he regroups and slams her into the wall. Nat falls to the floor and
lies unconscious. The figure reaches under his coat and pulls out a dirk. Just as he is
about to thrust the weapon, Nick grabs him. They struggle. Nick tears something off of
the intruder just as he too is thrown against the wall and dazed. The intruder leaves the
apartment.
NICK: (Standing and trying to clear his head when he sees Natalie) Nat! (Bending and carefully lifting and cradling her) Natalie, can you hear me?
ACT TWO, SCENE FOUR
SETTING: Nick's apartment, only a little later. Vachon and Tracy are with Nick and
Natalie, who's laying in bed.
NATALIE: The doctor said that except for a little bruising, I'm okay. (Exasperated) So, please, stop fussing over me.
NICK: (Taking her hand) I know what the doctor said; I was there, remember? (Kissing it) I keep flashing back to you unconscious on the floor. (Whispering) I thought I had lost you.
TRACY: You should have heard him when he called me. (Sighing) I thought the world was ending. He was just that terrified.
NATALIE: (Caressing Nick's face) I'm sorry for worrying you. (Tearing her gaze away to look at the others) Uh ... thanks for being here, guys. I really appreciate it. (Smiling) I'm thankful that Nick wasn't alone when ... (Moaning)
NICK: (Panicking) Nat, are you okay? Do I need to get the doctor back here?
VACHON: (Handing Nick a goblet full of liquid) This will probably help more than the doctor.
NICK: (Relieved) Thanks. (Helping her to drink) Is that better?
NATALIE: Much.
TRACY: It's amazing what a little juice can do. (Amazed) Your colour's coming back.
NATALIE: Truly a marvel. (Focusing on Tracy and speaking in a hypnotic voice) Tracy, why don't you go downstairs and fix us some sandwiches?
TRACY: (Coming out of it) I've got an idea! Why don't I go make some sandwiches? I'm sure you guys are hungry. (Moving to the door) Are you coming, Vachon?
VACHON: In a minute. (Watching her leave) I still cannot get over how you do that. (Grinning) You're like a pro.
NATALIE: (Sneakily) It's not that I'm so good at it; it's just that she's so easy to manipulate. (Drinking) Did you guys find how that person got in here?
NICK: (Shaking his head) No. (Running his hand through his hair) It was like he appeared and disappeared through solid walls. There was no forced entry, none of the service people saw him and the security system didn't pick up anything.
NATALIE: Sounds like we're dealing with a ghost.
NICK: Or a vampire.
VACHON: You don't think Lacroix had anything to do with this? It doesn't seem like his style.
NICK: I don't know. (Standing) I do know that Natalie would be dead if I hadn't shown up when I did and I can't think of anyone else who'd want to go after her.
NATALIE: (Trying to get comfortable) I don't know if this means anything, but I didn't sense any vampires. What I did sense was a lot of fear ... mixed in with a great deal of determination to keep something hidden.
VACHON: I thought you said you weren't good at this kind of stuff.
NATALIE: (Shrugging) Considering that I was the only one here from beginning to end, I can curtail my usual modesty and admit that I am good.
NICK: I'm curious about what the lab is going to get off the glove I tore off of him. (Pacing) That glove could clue us in on this guy's motives and what was behind him choosing you.
NATALIE: (Trying to alleviate some of his tension) Maybe it was my winning personality. (Ruefully) I doubt it was my alluring figure.
NICK: (Coming back and sitting beside her) I like your figure ...
TRACY: (Returning) Who's hungry?
NICK: (Winking at Nat) I think I'll pass this time, Tracy. I'm too keyed up to ... eat. (Nodding at Vachon) Besides, Vachon and I are going to go and check some things.
TRACY: (Placing the tray on the table near Nat) I'll go with you.
NICK: (Walking to her) I'd prefer if you'd stay and keep an eye on things here. The doctor didn't want her to be left alone.
TRACY : (Nodding) I understand.
NICK: Thanks. (Walking back to the bed and taking Nat's hand) I'll be back soon. (To her only) Just call out if you need me. (Kissing her) I love you.
NATALIE: Be careful. (She watches them leave then turns to Tracy) What kind of sandwiches did you make?
TRACY: Turkey and ham on rye. You interested?
NATALIE: (Rolling her eyes) I'm eating for three, of course I'm interested.
TRACY: (Handing her a sandwich and looking around) What's this? (Pointing to the music box and reading the box) Mrs. Natalie Lambert Knight? (Smirking) Is there something I should know?
NATALIE: Other than the fact that you're only pretending you don't recognize the music box you guys sent from the station? (Thinking) I felt sure that it was from you, especially with the joke about the names.
TRACY: (Picking it up and bringing it over to the bed) If they sent it from the station, I didn't know about it. (Fingering it) Look at the intricate patterns carved on it. (Looking at Nat) I don't really think this is a standard station gift. (Pausing) It's positively exquisite. (Excited) Does it play? It looks too old.
NATALIE: That's what I thought when I first saw it. (Lifting the lid. The haunting refrain flows through the room) Boy was I surprised when it worked. (Yawning) Are you sure it's not from the precinct?
TRACY: (Yawning as well) If it is, I had no knowledge of it. (Yawning again) I'm sorry. I didn't realize I was this tired.
NATALIE: (Again yawning) I guess that makes two of us. Everything's probably (Yawn) catching up with us. (Settling in) I'll tell you what. Why don't you rest your (Yawn) eyes until the guys get back. I doubt if the intruder will come back here. (Yet another yawn) Besides, if you're relying on me to keep you (Yawn) awake, I'm going to have to pass. I ... (Drowsily) can't ...... keep my .... eyes open.
TRACY: Me either. I'll just rest until ... the .... guys ....
They both fall silent except for their even breathing. And like a Dreamweaver waving
its wand to lead the masses to its faraway land, the music continues to play on and on
and on ... into the night.