(Macedonia) Greece, 1940. Xena Scrolls dig site.

Janice climbed into the truck waiting for Melinda, it was a long wait the night grew darker and darker.  Dr. Covington discovered that Melinda Pappas was the nearby town of Salonika, staying in only the best hotel that money can buy. Before they could leave the area site manager, a short Greek fellow ran up and handed Janice a manilla folder containing what was left of her fee.  A whopping $100.00 US dollars, which could go far they way Janice played poker.  But it would have been allot more if she hadn't destroyed property and blown up all the equipment.  But, sometimes a girl's gotta do what a girl's gotta do!

Janice puffed on her cigar and took the note from the Manager that as also left behind for her, it puzzled her for a bit.  Biting on her cigar she stuffed the note in her pocket and glanced over at the mangled Mel.  Her skirt was ripped up nearly to the top of both thighs on each side, her hair was tangled and fell about all over the place, and both her shoes and glasses were lost in the tomb.  The tall woman was trying to tame her hair and hide the dark circles forming under her eyes.

Janice needed a good stiff drink, or coffee, anything to keep her awake during the long drive into town.  Fortunately Mel's pretty humming actually kept her awake, something you'd think would put a girl to sleep.  Janice looked for a parking spot in the small dusty town and turned off the engine.  It's after midnight and both women are starting to show signs of fatigue, but Janice must reply to this mysterious urgent message, she sighs aloud. 

Melinda hums to herself
Janice smiles at Mel and shakes her head
[Narrator]: The trip into town is uneventful...
Melinda runs her fingers through her hair.
Janice throws what's left of her cigar out of the window.
[Melinda]: "Maybe I'll keep it like this." (the hair)  and smiles
Janice glances at Mel's thighs and giggles "She did a number on that skirt"
[Narrator]: Our two adventures arrive at the hotel without incident and complete their task
Janice went potty
Janice took a shower
Melinda changed into something clean.
Janice ordered room service
Janice changed into something clean
[Melinda]: "Sure Janice.. make yourself at home." (giggles)
 [Narrator]: Feels good to get the dirt and grime off...
Janice looks about "Well someone had to."
[Melinda]: "So Janice. What are we going to do now?" and sits on the bed.  (giggles to herself)
 [Big Rod]: [ooooh this could get interesting]
Janice raises an eyebrow and walks up to her "I have to meet this man, you coming with me?"
Janice holds out her hand politely
Camera one zooms in
[Melinda]: "Sure! Who is he?"
Melinda takes her hand and stands up.
[Melinda]: (oh god)
Janice walks into the camera
[Melinda]: (laughs)
Melinda yells "Cut!"  and walks over to The Narrator.
Janice adjusts her hat and heads out of the door into the lobby and to the truck, waiting for Mel.
Melinda walks out to the truck with Janice.
Janice pulls out a cigar and looks up into the midnight sky, she is getting sleepy.
Melinda looks at Janice "Do you really like smoking those things?" and points to the cigar.
[Janice]: "You want one?"
Melinda walks up to the truck.
[Melinda]: "Oh.. no thank you."
Janice opens the door and climbs in "Mel you are not wearing those shoes are you?"
Melinda gets into the truck "Which ones?  These?"
Melinda holding up her foot.
Janice looks at the pump "I really need to talk to you about sensible shoes Mel."
Melinda sighs "Well Janice, I find these things to be very comfortable.  Well let's go."
Janice pulls out into the street "Mel the first time you have to walk in sand and fall over, I will laugh at you."
Melinda smiles "I hope not." and looks at Janice.
[Narrator]: Jan realizes that the appointed meeting place is in a rougher part of town.  The truck pulls up on a dimly lit street...Few people are about say for the odd "working "girl and young man.
Janice is getting nervous, she looks at Mel's fancy clothes.
[Narrator]: Down an alley way... a single Light bulb can be seen illuminating a door
Lightbulb holding a flashlight to the door, "This way!"
Janice parks the truck "Mel don't leave my side, you got that?"
Melinda gets out of the truck and walks to the door, nods and looks around.
Janice puts her hand on her gun and opened the door - going in first.
[Narrator]: As if to show how rough an area it is... the door bursts open expelling a man.
Janice pushes Mel out of the way.
[Narrator]: He crumples ton the ground moaning.
[Melinda]: "What the ...."
Janice pulls out her gun.
Melinda hides behind Janice .
[Bouncer]: "AND STAYS OUT!"
Bouncer looks up at Mel and Jan.
Melinda looks up at the bouncer.
[Bouncer]: he was looking down at the guy.
[Janice]: "I'm looking for a Mr. Small" - Sneering.
[Bouncer]: "Yeah?"
[Bouncer]: "Ain't hoi'da of em"
[Janice]: "Told me to meet him here"
[Melinda]: "Mr Small?" and looks at Janice.
Bouncer shrugs.
Janice hands the bouncer the note and puts away her gun.
[Bouncer]: "Whatta I know...."
Janice smirks at Mel.
[Janice]: "Can we come in and look for him?" - peering around him.
[Bouncer]: "Well git in 'ere den!" points his thumb at the door.
Melinda smiles and stands besides Janice now.
Janice smiles and grabs Mel's hand like a mother pulling a child.
[Bouncer]: "A dame in a suit... huh...what's this woild comin ta?"
[Melinda]: "Are you sure it's safe going in here?"
Janice looks around the bar.
[Narrator]: Its dark in here...very few lights.  A bar sits off too the right and several tables are about the floor.  About a dozen or so patrons sit about drinking.
Melinda thinks to herself "I should start drinking."
Janice sighs, walking over to the bar with Mel in tow and orders them both a drink.
[Janice]: "Give me a whiskey and a Gin and Tonic for the Lady
Barkeep spits in a glass and cleans it "Yes?"
Janice grimaces "In a fresh glass please"
[Barkeep]: "I cleaned it..."
[Janice]: "With water."
Melinda looks around at the people in the bar.
Big Rod walks up behind Janice and Mel, "Put that on my tab, Jimmy... Janice, they told me you were in town.. I see you got my note?"
Barkeep turns about and mixes up a few drinks.
Janice looks at him "You're Mr. small?"
Big Rod winks at Janice, "Well.... I don't like to brag...."
[Janice]: hops up on the barstool to watch the bartender "You don't mix whiskey."
Janice looks back at Mr. Small "What can we do for you?"
Melinda is still standing beside Janice look over Mr. Small.
Barkeep looks at Jan...."Shaddup...I'm a gittin to yah"
Big Rod flat out, "Janice, I need to sell your body"
Janice leers over the bar at the bartender, "Hey!  Be nice, there's a lady present."
Barkeep passes a glass to Jan and Mel
[Melinda]: "What did he just say?!?!"
Janice spins around in the stool just hearing him, "I know you just didn't say that Rod!"
Barkeep grunts
a woman  coughs
Big Rod with no shame, "Hey... You're the best in the business baby!"
Janice downs her whiskey in one gulp and glares at Rod.
[Melinda]: "What is he talking about?" and slowly makes her way behind Janice.
[Janice]: "Rod, you have done some stupid things in your time, what have you gotten yourself into now?"
Big Rod taking Janice's hands, "I mean these hands just work magic!"
[Janice]: "When and where rod?"
[Melinda]: "Um..."
[Narrator]: As two old aquatints are reunited....
Big Rod pulling out a wrinkled old note pad, "Let me see... I've got this written down somewhere."
[Narrator]: ...Three burly patrons wander up.
Janice looks back at Melinda "Meet Big Rod Mel, he's my supplier."
Brute looks at Mel...up and down
[Melinda]: "Umm.. you're supplier?"
Janice watches the men out of the corner of her eye.
Janice moves Mel to the other side of her away from the men.
Janice "Lets go somewhere else and talk about this."
[Brute]: "Hey...you're awful pretty."
Big Rod continues looking for something in his book ignoring the brutes.
Janice takes Mel and Rod by the wrists and attempts to drag them to a table.
[Melinda]: "What do you mean by supplier, Janice?"
Brute steps in front of Janice.
a woman turns her head and quietly watches
[Narrator]: His cohorts surround the sides.
Janice shakes her head and pulls out her gun and sticks it in his gut "Move out of my way mister"
[Brute]: to Melinda, "wanna dance?"
Big Rod to Jan, "Friends of yours, Jan?"
Brute looks at the gun... then laughs.
Janice cocks the gun.
[Melinda]: "Oh, Janice... um..." and watches the man.
[Brute]: You can tell he is quite drunk.
[Brute]: "HAHA... look boys...little girls got a toy!"
a woman slowly sips a dark drink, now looking curious.
Big Rod looking over Jan's shoulder, "I've been meaning to talk to you about that... I have a guy who can get you a bigger gun for a very reasonab... Oh I see your busy. I'll just go grab a booth"
[Janice]: "Thanks Rod!"
Big Rod grabbing Mel by the hand, "This way, mam."
[Melinda]: "Um... um... Janice?" and tries to get away from Rod.
Bartender dives behind counter..."NO blasters no blasters!"
Big Rod shrugs, "Oh well... I guess I'll be slipping on by then... I'm sure I'm the last thing they want to dance with..."  (tries to get by)
Big Rod apologizing to the brutes, "I'm not with her.."
Melinda moves out of Rod's way.
Janice gives him the LOOK.
a woman smirks
Janice knees him in the groin.
[Melinda]: "Ouchie."
Janice smiles evilly "HAAAA! HA!!!!!!!!!"
Brute takes a hard knee and keels over, eyes bulging out,
[Janice]: "Next?"
Big Rod grimaces, "Owwwie"
[Melinda]: "That'll teach ya."
a woman stands up
Janice Looks at the woman
Melinda tries to make her way to where Rod is standing.
Woman walks quietly behind one of the men
 [Narrator]: The stranger walks right up behind the other on the left, twists her foot around his ankle and shoves him to the ground.
Janice raises her eyebrows and s.m.i.l.e.s!
[Melinda]: "Oh I hate the sight of blood."
[Narrator]: Mel deftly steps away from the conflict
[Janice]: (Nice yellow dress you got on there Mel)
Big Rod making excuses, "Hey I cant even dance.. bad leg you know.. I'll just be going to that booth if you don't mind?"
Janice is itching to shoot someone.
[Brute]: Standing brute just sneers.. "get outta ma face.. we want them!"
[Janice]: "Them?"
Big Rod stepping over high pitched brute, "Yes, well good luck"
a woman raises an eyebrow at Rod
Big Rod under his breath, "You'll need it"
Big Rod over shoulder to Janice, "Should I get menus?"
Janice thinks about it and looks around "No lets go somewhere classy, I got paid today."
[Brute]: High pitched brute...squeaks "That hurt wench!"
Brute tries to grab Jan's legs and pull her down.
Big Rod with a big smile, "Ooo really?  You got the truck, throw me the keys... I'll start her up."
Janice looks down and sneers, then glances up at Rod.  "Bit Busy here Rod!"
Melinda yells from behind a chair "Kick'em!"
Janice bounces up and kicks the man.
[Brute]: But his attempt is vain as Jan kicks his arms away.
Big Rod sighs, "Throw me the idol... I mean keys"
Janice lands, and fishes for her keys with her left hand.
[Brute]: Second brute on ground turns over and glares At woman.
Big Rod taps foot impatiently....
a woman jumps on his back
[a woman]: "Now now, don't look at me like that.."
Brute tries to kick Woman.
Janice whistles the wonder woman theme song.
Brute lashes out with his leg ...missing her knee cap by inches.
Janice grins warmly at Mel.
a woman looks a bit alarmed at that.
[Brute]: Standing brute turns on Jan..."You'se gonna pay for that knee Missy!"
Melinda smiles back.
Brute pulls back and hauls off a punch.
Big Rod to Janice, "Don't worry toots, I'll get her started without the keys..."
Janice eyes widen... at Rod Comment!
Melinda eyes brute with concern.
[Janice]: "No you don't!"
[Brute]: His fist nearly connecting with her jaw but sails past
Janice turns to stop Rod - completely MISSING what the brute was doing.
Big Rod starts to leave.
Janice was darting after Rod.
Melinda darting after Janice.
[Narrator]: The two Brutes on the ground stand up. The one already standing Screams and tosses another punch at Janice,Once again nearly connecting , but missing.
Janice keeps heading for the door after Rod.
a woman makes a strategic retreat to the door.
Melinda is following after Janice who is following Rod.
[shadows]: "STOP!!"
Big Rod is saying goodnight to the sleeping bouncer
[Narrator]: You all hear a shout from behind you....
Big Rod turns.
[Narrator]: From the shadows at the back you see a well dressed man appear. Followed by what looks to be a chauffeur.
Melinda stops because she saw Rod stop and turn around.
Janice stops and turns smacking into Mel.
[shadows]: Janice with gun still drawn.
Man looks to the thugs and laughs..."And you thought she was going to be easy??"
Big Rod walking back to Janice.
Janice glances at Mel and smiles.
Man turns to your group laughing, after smacking into Janice tries to fix her glasses
[Man]: " I see Ms Covington...that your reputation is well earned!"
Janice lowers her gun and cocks her hat back high on her forehead "And you are?"
[Gentleman]: "Boris! Get yourself and your brothers out of here!" yells at the thugs
a woman tries to stay in the shadows
Janice eyes wild at the thugs "Ah HA!  Russian, I knew it!"
Melinda is wondering who this nicely dressed gentleman is.
[Mr. Giles Nelwin]: "I," bows "Am Mr. Giles Nelwin!"
Big Rod searches his brain for name recognition....
Janice shrugs "And?"
[Melinda]: "Oh well..." and eyes Nelwin.
Mr. Giles Nelwin points at a table "Please sit...and you to Big Rod and Ms..." looks at woman
Janice glances back at Mel, "Mel." - Rolls her eyes
a woman blanks, "Carol. Call me Carol."
[Mr Giles Nelwin]: "I just needed to test you was all...To see if I heard was true.  Smithers....Help the ladies with their seats."
Melinda raises an eyebrow at him "Heard of me?" and points to herself.
Janice straddles the chair with the back in front of her "What have you heard about me?"
[Mr Giles Nelwin]: looks at Melinda, "Ahh...yes indeed I have...but please sit."
Smithers runs around and helps the ladies with their seats.. starting with Janice.
Janice whispers something to Mel.
[Mr Giles Nelwin]: "This is Smithers my driver."
Big Rod shrugs, "You know mister drunks don't usually make the best thugs.. I could hook you up with some Macedonian strongmen..."
Melinda shrugs.
Smithers then sits at a near-by table.
Mr Giles Nelwin looks to Big Rod...and laughs .
Carol eyes Giles...
[Mr Giles Nelwin]: "And I see what I hear about you is true too!"
Big Rod limps to a chair and plops down, his bad leg sticking out in the walkway.
[Janice]: "So there Giles, you know about us.  Now it's time for you to tell us a story...
[Mr Giles Nelwin]: "Well...now that I see we are all aquatinted...I must speak to you all."
[Janice]: "Tell us about yourself, starting with why you had those thugs attack us."
Big Rod sighs, "Well, don't believe everything you hear about me.."
Mr Giles Nelwin pulls up a chair.
[Mr Giles Nelwin]: "I needed to see if you really were the people I wanted.  Especially you Ms Covington"
Janice Stands up.
[Mr Giles Nelwin]: "Well...For one thing...I was an old friend of your fathers."
Janice swings her leg out from around the chair and picks it up...
Janice turns the chair around and sits down on it, pulling out a cigar.
[Janice]: "Well that's nothing new, everyone knew my father.
Big Rod interrupts, "Well any fees for Janice will have to go through me...."
[Mr Giles Nelwin]: "Yes."
Janice leans back and rolls her eyes at Rod, waiting for the chair to bump against the wall and relaxes a bit.
[Mr Giles Nelwin]: "Well it so happens I have a very ancient text that was once his."
Big Rod whispering kinda loudly to Jan, "Let me handle this, toots."
[Janice]: "AH HA!  You stole it!"
Carol raises eyebrows.
Melinda leans over to Janice "You really have to explain all of these to me later.  Who these people are."
[Mr Giles Nelwin]: "Steal is such a harsh term..."
Melinda turns when she hears ancient text said.
Janice taps Mel's leg "Don't worry Mel, I will."
Janice chews on the unlit cigar, "Well return it and I won't charge you a late fee."
Big Rod nods, "Oh I agree with that, Mr.... Steal... bah... Everyone throws that word around to loose - Jan, allow me."
[Mr Giles Nelwin]: "I've had it for some time but can make no sense of it....I want to put you in charge of an expedition to figure it out"
Janice sighs and lights the cigar "I don't work for just anyone, especially thieves."
[Mr Giles Nelwin]: "I merely borrowed it. Now I'm returning it and wish to put your skills to good work"
Janice holds out her hand mocking him "Then return it."
Big Rod waving off Janice, "How bout if you give Janice the text.. and we cut you in for a small cut?"
[Mr Giles Nelwin]: "Rod here will supply you with what you need"
[Janice]: "That's a given anyway" looking at Rod.
Melinda is just watching all the goings on
[Janice]: "So Giles, what do I get out of this?"
Big Rod frowning, "Janice please.."
[Mr Giles Nelwin]: "Why to follow daddy's dreams!"
Big Rod to Giles, "So just what are ya offering mister?"
Janice chuckles "I've been doing that for more years than I care to remember.  You have a problem answering questions Giles."
[Mr Giles Nelwin]: "Well I will pay you all well."
Janice leans close to him, "I want to see the mullah."
Big Rod nods, "That's a start..  Up front right?"
Mr Giles Nelwin reaches into his jacket.
Janice gets a guarded position.
Big Rod prepares to hit the ground.
Mr Giles Nelwin looks at Carol..."I don't know who you are..."
[Janice]: "She's not with us."
Mr Giles Nelwin pulls out a wad o cash.
Mr Giles Nelwin throws it to the table.
Big Rod grabs for the cash.
[Carol]: "Oh don't worry, I'll pull my weight.." she eyes the cash"  Carol makes a grab too.
[Mr Giles Nelwin]: "There is 2500$ there as a good will gesture"
Melinda leans over to look at it "Oh well now look at that."
Mr Giles Nelwin backs off as the hyenas go for the kill.
[Mr Giles Nelwin]: As big Rod and Carol dive for the money...Jan pulls it in snug to her.
[Janice]: "Get off!"
Carol scowls.
[Mr Giles Nelwin]: Carol hits the table and Rod lands on top of her
Janice looks at Carol "Who invited you anyway?
Big Rod frowns, "Jan I'm gonna need that you know... Oh sorry bout that Miss."
[Carol]: "Oh, that's gratitude for you.."
Janice laughs loudly at them
[Mr Giles Nelwin]: "Well...Do you accept?"
Big Rod pushes his 200+ lbs. off of Carol.
[Melinda]: "Well... if ya'll want. I could hold the money." and bats her eyelashes.
[Carol]: "Urk."
Janice hands Mel the money - "keep it safe sweetheart"
[Mr Giles Nelwin]: "Well?"
Melinda puts it down the front of her shirt.
Big Rod sits back down.
Janice watches Mel out of the corner of her eye.
Mr Giles Nelwin does too.
Melinda arranges herself.
Smithers raises his eyebrows.
Carol straightens her clothes.
Janice stands up and holds out a hand to Giles glancing at Mel through the corner of her eye "Show me the tablet."
Big Rod to Giles, "You know we're gonna need more than that right?"
[Melinda]: "Well now that that's all settled."
Janice smiles at Mel "Rather nicely too." - she mutters
[Mr Giles Nelwin]: "Oh there will be more...and I am sending Smithers to go with you."
[Smithers]: "Me? Sir?"
Melinda grins and looks away.
Big Rod continues, "That will barely cover labor costs, pick rentals, and sorry but Smithy here hardly looks like the out doorsy type to me."
[Mr Giles Nelwin]: "He will be my representative on this little expedition."
[Melinda]: "Oh Smithers... what a lovely name."
[Janice]: "Where is the expedition?
[Janice]: "Down Mel." - rolls her eyes, thinking to herself, she sure is itching to loose that virginity
[Mr Giles Nelwin]: "Oh...Smithers will be fine...As for the expedition....I will get the tablet to you tomorrow."
[Melinda]: "I use to know a Smithers once.... we were."  and notices that no one is listening to her.
[Smithers]: "I just a drive, sir... I don't know the first thing... or the second or third thing for that matter... about Archeology?"
Big Rod determined, "I'm sorry but as the sole supplier I'm gonna need at least another $1000 on top of our personal fees, Mr."
[Mr Giles Nelwin]: "As I said...I was unable to decipher the tablet so I hope you have better luck!"
 [Mr Giles Nelwin]: "What?  That much more?"
Big Rod holds out his hand palm up, "Oh yes.. and that's conservative.. believe me"
[Mr Giles Nelwin]: "Well.. I suppose I can ....I will have it brought tomorrow with  the tablet"
Big Rod nods, "Fair enough, but can you spot me a note for gas?"
  To be Continued...
 
 

(Macedonia) Greece, 1940.  Salonika, The Blue Oyster Bar.
[Thu Mar 04 19:27:17 CST 1999]

Last week On The Xena Scrolls...
[Narrator]: Our Intrepid group had just met their mysterious Employer in an out of the way bar...
Giles Nelwin stands up from the table, "so we have a deal?"
Janice takes his hand "Yep"
Giles Nelwin shakes firmly, "Good...I'll have the tablet delivered to your hotel in the morning"
Janice pauses, and glances at Mel.
[Janice]: "o.k.a.y. sure thing."
Big Rod stands and crosses arms, "Fine, I can expect the extra G with the tablet then, right?"
[Giles Nelwin]: "If non of you have accommodations....My man Smithers will take you to a hotel"
Big Rod continues, "I'll need cash up front to appease my sources"
Melinda stands up and looks a little confused.  "Are we going to do this, Janice?"
[Janice]: "Sure why not, we got the Xena Scrolls this will be a bonus."
Janice Looks at Giles, "Send it to the Lido make it out to Pappas"
Melinda smiles "Um, I already have a hotel room. All my things are there."
[Helena]: "The Xena scrolls?" Helena leans in to listen
Giles Nelwin looks to Smithers, "Go with them...See they all get rooms and charge it to me"
[Smithers]: "Yes, sir."
[Giles Nelwin]: "Smithers will be my eyes and ears with you."
[Janice]: "comforting"
Smithers follows the others.
Melinda looks at Smithers and smiles
Janice yawns
Melinda looks at Janice and raises an eyebrow
Smithers smiles back at Mel
Giles Nelwin straightens his coat..."Well I shall talk with you all soon... Good night!"
Janice turns to leave
Giles Nelwin Nods and heads out the door
[Melinda]: "Night Mr. ... What was his name again?"
Janice stops and walks up to the bar
Helena rises from her chair slowly
[Bartender]: "What?"
Janice drinks her whiskey
Melinda looks around and walks up to the bar to Janice
[Janice]: "so whadda think Mel??"
[Melinda]: "Another one?" and looks at the drink.
Big Rod following Janice, "Hey Janice... I need to borrow that gas can on the back of yer wheels"
Bartender grunts.
[Janice]: "Never got to enjoy it the first time." (same one)
[Melinda]: "Well... um... I'm not sure about this Janice."
[Janice]: "Its empty Rod"
Big Rod sighs, "Damn"
[Janice]: "Getting a bad feeling Mel?" - smirks
Melinda shrugs "You can say that."
[Smithers]: "What do you need the Gas Can for... I might have one in the car?
Janice Orders another whiskey "I think you're just tired, when have you last slept."
Melinda looks about the bar... "I don't trust these people. And who is that woman."
Big Rod mumbles, "Nothing, I'll be ok... as long as we coast going downhill..."
Helena grins and walks up to them.. "I don't believe we've been properly introduced, and since we're going to we working together.."
Janice leans putting her back against the bar, "Spy maybe, we need to keep an eye out on her."
[Bartender]: laughs at Rod's comment.
[Melinda]: "Um... I tried on the plane, but..."
Melinda looks over at Rod "And that big guy."
Janice whispers to Mel
Janice leans back again "Oh Rod is harmless"
[Janice]: "He worked for my father"
[Melinda]: "He's so... he's soo BIG." - giggles.
Janice giggles and raises an eyebrow "And gimpy."
[Helena]: "tsk tsk, have archaeologists no manners these days?'
Big Rod awkwardly tries to flirt with Melinda by raising a single eyebrow and smiling...
Janice turns to the woman "Manners yes, but I don't know you from Adam sweetheart and you just tried to muscle in on my deal."
Melinda smiles back at Rod and lean to Janice "You trust him?"
[Janice]: "Yeah, I trust Rod to be Rod."
[Helena]: "You're welcome." she smirks
Big Rod to bartender, "You see that skirt over there?  She's been lookin' at me..... I'm in like Flynn, my man!"
Janice leans to Mel "Like I trust Melinda Pappas to be Melinda Pappas."
Melinda fans herself "I...  um... I'm feeling ..." and starts to faint
Janice laughs aloud at Rods comment.
Bartender grunts at Rod.
Janice grabs Mel by the shoulder "You okay?"
[Bartender]: You turn to see Mel starting to go limp.
[Melinda]: "Huh?" and looks up at Janice.
[Helena]: "Next time I'll just leave the threatening, drunken men alone.."
[Janice]: "What's wrong?"
Janice glances at woman, ignoring her.
[Melinda]: "Why, I think I really should sit down."
Big Rod looking over Jan's shoulder, "I do seem to have that effect on women."
Janice helps her on the stool.
[Helena]: "hmmm, she's a bit frail to be on digs.."
Janice smiles at Rod's comment.
[Melinda]: "Just think I need some sleep, that's all." and fans herself again sitting down and almost falling over.
[Janice]: "Melinda will be fine, she's my partner, anyone got a problem with that they can talk to me about!"
Janice grabs Mel tightly.
[Janice]: "Did you drink that gin Mel?"
Helena orders a glass of water from the bar.
[Melinda]: "Janice... I think I'll be ok.  Can I get a glass of water or.."
Big Rod pats Jan on the ass, "She just needs some rest, Jan.  Now to go start that jeep"
[Melinda]: "No.  Please no gin."
Janice Kicks Rod in the leg.
Bartender grunts At Helena and passes her a glass of brown water.
Smithers looking at Mel and then the door "Maybe we should go to the hotel"
Melinda looks at the glass and drops it.
[Janice]: "Smart girl"
[Narrator]: SMASH!!
Big Rod rubs leg, "Or not... Try and hit the good leg next time, Jan"
[Melinda]: "Janice?  Can we please get out of this place?"
[Helena]: "Here" hands her the water. "It'll only cost you one spot on your job." smiles
Melinda fans herself again.
Janice Helps Mel to her feet and out of the door.
Big Rod looks around outside for a parked vehicle...
Smithers looking at Janice "I'll meet you over at the Hotel Lido" and heads off to his car.
[Narrator]: Rod sees his old jeep
Janice escorts Mel to the truck and helps her inside before starting the truck and heading for the Lido.
Helena continues to try to ingratiate herself with the group.
[Melinda]: "Oh my. I don't know what came over me in there."
[Helena]: "Hey, wait!!"
 [Janice]: "Mel you are exhausted, not many people can kick the God of wars Ass and live to tell about it."
Melinda goes into her purse and fishes out a hankie and starts to blotted her face and bosoms with it.
Big Rod grabs a hose out of the back of his jeep and looks for another parked vehicle, "I'll meet up with you at the Lido!"
Janice rubs her temples guiding through the streets.
[Melinda]: "Oh my lordly it's hot."
[Janice]: "No that's just me Mel...." Janice looks at her, "It's a Joke, you can laugh at that."
Melinda raises an eyebrow at Janice's statement.
Smithers yelling to Helena "Hey... You wanna take a ride?"
Smithers to Helena "Don't I know you from somewhere?"
Helena looks curiously at Smithers
Melinda sits and looks outside the car window
Janice glances at Mel's pale face and worries
Helena looks curiously at Smithers
[Melinda]: "Just think I needed some air is all."
Smithers looks back at Helena
[Helena]: "Umm, no, I don't think so..."
Janice looks at the window rolled down "Mel you do have air."
[Narrator]: You see Rod down the street siphoning gas.
Melinda looks over at Janice "I know. I mean....never mind Janice."
[Janice]: "Want me to stop, is it the car?"
[Janice]: "I never told anyone this, but I get motion sickness."
[Melinda]: "Oh.  No Janice. I'll be ok, really."
Melinda has a little grin on her face.
[Janice]: "Funny?"  Janice gets defensive.
Melinda shakes her head and starts to giggle.
Smithers drives on to the Hotel.
[Janice]: "What?  Is if funny that I get sick on boats and planes?" What?"
Big Rod climbs up into his jeep spitting out gas and after several attempts gets it started.
Janice is getting slightly angry.
Melinda smiles "Nothing Janice. Let's just get to the hotel. Ok?"
Helena is looking slightly amused.
Melinda looks over at Janice and smiles "Ok?"
Big Rod drives up next to Helena (jeep spewing smoke), "Need a lift there toots?"
Janice sighs and pulls out a cigar lighting it.  "Whatever,  Melinda Pappas." - grunts
[Helena]: "Oh..... goody... alright." wrinkles nose
[Melinda]: "And really Janice Covington!  Must you smoke those ungodly things?"
Janice is NOT happy with Mel.  Janice blows smoke in Mel's face.
[Narrator]: 20 minutes later Jan and Mel arrive at the Lido...followed by Smithers...then Rod And Helena
Big Rod wipes the passengers seat clean.. sort of... and opens the door for Helena.
Melinda coughs.
Janice smiles and giggles.
Helena climbs in.
Janice opens her door and slams it and ignores Mel.
Helena keeps a careful eye on Big Rod.
[Melinda]: "Well I never!" and opens the door and gets out
[Janice]: "That's obvious Mel, by the way you walk!"
Big Rod laughs at Mel, "That may be your biggest problem."
[Narrator]: Starts to laugh.
Melinda jaw just dropped to the ground.
Smithers walks up to the desk "I need a room."
[Janice]: "Careful Mel, something might get in there!"
[Melinda]: "Well it so happens that back in South C... never mind."
Helena is laughing, covering her mouth.
[Smithers]: "err" looking at group "Several rooms."
Janice leans to Mel... "Really Mel Pappas, so you aren't just a tease then?"
[Desk Clerk]: "Yessssss.....?'
Big Rod limps up to counter next to Smithers, "Yeah.. and I'll need one too."
[Melinda]: "Well I n.... " and just looks at Janice.
Janice arguing in the lobby walkway with Mel.
Desk Clerk looks at the motley group.
[Janice]: "You what... what was that... you never?  Didn't you JUST say that you did?"
Janice is loving this, and it's obvious.
[Desk Clerk]: "Hmmmm.., She"  points to Mel "Has a room...you may too...but these..."
Desk Clerk looks at the rest.
Helena is watching them, and trying not to laugh.
Melinda is not listening to Janice.  (To the clerk) "Hello." and smiles.
Big Rod frowns, "Helena? Grab that duffel bag outta the back of muh jeep, darlin'."
Janice walks behind Mel, "Our room key, please?  I'm with her."
Desk Clerk Looks down his nose at Janice, "Ms Pappas... that true?"
Janice whispers to Mel.
[Melinda]: "Why yes." and smiles.
[Desk Clerk]: "Very well."
Janice smiles the same way.
[Helena]: "What am I, a bell hop?" she mutters.
[Desk Clerk]: "And you all?"
Desk Clerk looks to Smithers.
[Smithers]: "Smithers"
[Melinda]: "We all.... what?"
[Desk Clerk]: "Are you paying the rooms?"
Big Rod mumbles under his breath, "Nooo.. a bellhop is quick..."
Melinda looks at the clerk.
Helena lugs in the bag.
Janice takes the key and heads up to the room.
[Desk Clerk]: "Who is paying for the room Smithers?"
[Desk Clerk]: rooms
Helena drops the bag at Rods feet
Melinda sighs "I guess I'm paying for the rooms."
[Smithers]: "No.. charge it to Giles Nelwin"
Melinda and fishes out the money from her shirt.
Desk Clerk looks shocked at Smithers
[Smithers]: "He's my boss"
[Desk Clerk]: "Did you say Giles Nelwin?"
Big Rod pokes at the nice clean guest list with a dirty finger causing a big black smudge, "And that's DeLong...  big "D" little "e" big "L"...  Is that my key?"
[Smithers]: "Um... Yes... Why?"
Desk Clerk looks pale and loudly claps his hands
Janice turns back waiting for Mel at the elevator... "Melinda... come on sweetheart!"
Melinda turns to looks at Janice.
[Desk Clerk]: "MORT... Ande!
Janice dangles the key around her finger.
Melinda pushes up her glasses and walk away.
[Desk Clerk]: "I am so sorry Mr. Smithers!! "
Big Rod looks at the bag and stuffs a note into Helena's hand, "Thanks"
Desk Clerk passes out keys...
Janice holds the elevator door open before the operator can do it.
[Big Rod]: money note that is.
Melinda gets on the elevator..
[Big Rod]: not a note.... note.
Helena looks at the note.
Janice lets the doors go and smiles at the gang.
[Desk Clerk]: "Please Accept my apologies!"
Helena smirks.
[Melinda]: "Why Janice Covington! I swear, I can't believe some of the things you do."
[Smithers]: "I'll have to think about it... Maybe I might not tell Mr. Nelwin..."
[Desk Clerk]: "OH Please!" bows down.
Smithers takes key and leaves for the room.
[Janice]: "Why Melinda Pappas... "(faking a southern accent) "I just can't believe you'd go blurt out your torrid affairs for all of Greece to hear in the wee hours of the night."
Melinda is standing with her arms folded cross her chest.
Helena takes the stairs to her room.
[Desk Clerk]: Several bell hops suddenly appear, take your bags and escort you all to the same floor.
Big Rod lugs his bag over his shoulder and limps to the elevator.
Janice looks at her chest and then the lift operator.
[Janice]: "That reminds me."
Janice puts two fingers down Mel's cleavage.
[Melinda]: "What are you....."
Camera Two zooms in.
Melinda slaps Janice's hand away.
Janice can't find the money, she searches some more.
[Janice]: "Whadda do with is Mel?"
[Melinda]: "Stop that is instant!"
Camera Two to Jan...then Mel.
Janice hand still there fishing.
Melinda grabs her hand out of her shirt.
[Janice]: "Well THAT wasn't it!"
Lift operator looks on
Janice Puts her palm out "Give it up toots."
[Melinda]: "I'll get it for you. Just you wait a second."
Janice crosses her arms, lifts her hat on her forehead and leans against the lift
[Lift operator]: "AHEM!"
Melinda puts her hand down to find the money..."Oh...."
Melinda pulls out the money and hands it to Janice.
Janice takes it, "Still warm too!"
[Lift operator]: "Ladies...your floor"
[Melinda]: "There!  And don't you do that again, ya hear me?"
[Janice]: "I will wait for an invitation next time, my lady!"
Melinda looks at the operator and steps out .
Janice giggles and walks out of the lift.
[Narrator]: Everyone else resorts to taking the stairs up to the second floor.
Melinda shaking her head
Big Rod does not do stairs....  He'll wait...
[Narrator]: Yes...many minutes pass....
Helena walks by, dangling the key on her finger,
Big Rod slides down the wall and sits on the floor next to the elevator,
[Narrator]: Then the elevator opens... Revealing a lift operator with a grin having a smoke.
Big Rod watches the paint dry...
[Helena]: raises eyebrow,
Lift operator looks at Rod. "Uh going down?.. I Mean ..up?"
Smithers took stairs.
[Lift operator]: "Coming?"
Helena also took the stairs.
[Narrator]: Well Smithers and Helena see Jan and Mel In the hallway
[Janice]: "Mel, just shut up I'm tired!"
[Helena]: "My, what happened to your blouse?"
[Janice]: "Accident."
Melinda glares at Janice.
[Helena]: "Mmmm mhhhh..."
[Melinda]: "Where is the room?"
Lift operator looks at Rod "Sir?"
Janice turns the key to Melinda's door, wanting to be rid of everyone.
[Melinda]: "I need to get outta these clothes and into something clean."
[Janice]: "Here Melinda, its the same room from earlier."
Smithers go into his room.
[Janice]: "You JUST changed and hour ago!"
Melinda walks into the room and falls on the bed. "Thank the lord." and sighs.
Helena unlocks her door and enters.
Janice Looks around for somewhere to sleep.
Melinda curls up in a ball and falls asleep fast.
[Janice]: "Glances between the bed and the couch, and opts for the...
Big Rod finally makes it to his room and makes some phone calls.
Melinda sticks her thumb in her mouth.
Smithers changes into more normal close and heads back down to the lobby...
Janice is out like a LOG!
Helena is standing out in the hall
[Helena]: "Oh! Hello.."
[Lift operator]: Helena Sees Smithers walkout of his room
Big Rod comes out of his room and makes his way to Jan's door...   KNOCK  KNOCK
Helena quickly opens her door and goes back in.
Smithers with a small wave "Hey"
[Narrator]: Well...there is a knock at Mel's door.
Janice wakes up and adjusts her little Boxer shorts and tank top.
Janice opens the door, with long red hair dangling in her eyes.
Big Rod bangs louder on the doo- Jan's forehead...
Janice punches him.
Melinda mutters in her sleep "But we just meet." and giggles.
Big Rod defending himself, "Hey hey hey..."
Helena opens the door at all the noise.
Janice glances back at Mel and smiles.
[Narrator]: Rod Suddenly keels over as Jan slugs him in the stomach
[Janice]: "Oh hi rod." She rubs the sleep from her eyes.
Smithers looks at Rod... "That's got to hurt"
[Helena]: "Ow.." wincing in sympathy
Big Rod weezing, "Unnnngh.... Jan... How many workers you plan on using?"
[Janice]: "Which dig, yours (giggles) or the real one?"
Janice opens up the door and lets Rod in away from prying ears.
Big Rod offended, "Hey... my dig is the real one baby"
[Narrator]: Smithers and Helena See Rod go into Mel and Jan's room.
Janice turns on a little lamp.
Melinda rolls over in her sleep
Helena looks over at Smithers
Smithers heads to the lobby
Big Rod shrugs, "I didn't know this guy was gonna hire you too..."
[Janice]: "Well he had a bigger wad Rod."
Janice crosses her arms to cover her chest.
Melinda slowly wakes up from the light "What's going on?" and looks at Rod with sleepy eyes.
Big Rod continues, "Anyway.... I talked to Pittman... and he can set me up with a good dozen men in only two days.."
[Janice]: "Nothing sweetheart, you just rest those pretty little blue eyes."
[Melinda]: "Oh my." and hugs the covers to her "What are you doing in here?"
[Janice]: "Well if you think they are reliable, use them."
Big Rod waving off Mel, "Not now sweetheart.... Yeah Jan.. but he needs payment tonight... Something about another job."
Melinda shakes her head and mutters "I must be dreaming. Yeah..." and goes back to sleep.
Janice glares at Rod. "One day my friend (showing him the door) I will tell you about (opens the door) my little adventure finding the Xena Scrolls...(pushes Rod out of the door) But for now I am going BACK to bed...(closes the door behind him) goodnight!"
Janice yawns and stretches, smiling at Mel and turning out the light.
[Melinda]: "Zzz... Zzz.."
[Narrator]: Rod sees Smithers in the hallway.
Big Rod bangs loudly on the door.
Janice thinks about shooting rod.. yeah shooting would be good.
Big Rod to Smithers, "She's so touchy without sleep."
Smithers smiles "Yea..."
Big Rod continues to bang on Jan's door.
Janice crashes face first into the softest pillow she ever felt.....
Big Rod continues with the knocking... only now he begins knocking in annoying rhythms humming to himself.
Janice is out like a light.
Smithers chuckles and goes back into his room.
Janice breathes heavily.
Big Rod pulls a slender piece of metal out of his pocket, and begins to work the lock.
Big Rod pushes the door open, "Psst... Jan.... Jan....?"
Janice is still breathing heavily
Big Rod standing behind a dresser... throws little items from his pockets onto Jan's head (buttons.. little pebbles.. etc.)
Melinda moans in her sleep
Big Rod mumbles, "God I hope she doesn't shoot me"
Big Rod a little louder, "Jan!"
Janice turns over and clutches....
Melinda feels things hitting her in the face "What the..." and sits up.
Janice smiles in her sleep
[Melinda]: "What are you doing in our room!!"
Janice sucks her thumb
[Melinda]: "Umm... Janice."
Big Rod happy now, "Oh good your up, Jan... I need $50"
[Narrator]: Rod suddenly realizes its Mel
Big Rod frowns, "Hmmm... Ok... Mel.. I need $50"
[Melinda]: "For what?" and hugs the covers closer to her.
Janice squeezes the nearest thing to her...
Janice mumbles "Xena... wow."
[Melinda]: "I don't have the money. She does." and points to Janice.
Big Rod looks over towards Jan, "She was supposed to give it to me for Pittman.. but she fell asleep.. I'll pay you back in the morning."
Melinda get out to bed and walks over to Janice's pant, and pats them down.
Big Rod covers his face with open fingers, "That would be good... You get it and I'll pay back Jan in the morning"
Melinda sighs "Where did she put it?" and looks around the room
Janice stirs, and turns over.
[Melinda]: "Janice."
Janice mumbles something
Big Rod shushing Mel, "Dont wake her for gods sakes!"
[Melinda]: "Oh Janice...."
Janice smiles
Melinda looks at Rod
[Melinda]: "JANICE!!"
Janice still asleep "Humm?"
Big Rod explains, "She's very touchy when she's woken up.... SSSSSShhhhhhh."
[Melinda]: "Janice." and taps her
Janice giggles
Melinda starts to shake her.  "Janice, now get up."
Janice mumbles "Not now sweetheart I have a big day tomorrow."
[Big Rod]: "Just get it off her.. and I'll pay her back in the morning.. will you stop touching her!", hushed whisper to Mel.
[Narrator]: Janice is lost in the land of nod.
[Melinda]: "Janice Covington, you get up right now."
[Narrator]: Out like a light
[Janice]: "Five more minutes daddy."
Melinda is shaking her harder.
Janice starts to stir.
Melinda looks at Rod "Get me some water." and smiles.
Big Rod moving Mel aside, "Oh let me get it."
Melinda steps aside.
Janice Grabs Mel and flips her under her.
[Melinda]: "Oh my...."
[Janice]: "Mel?" - Laying on top of her on the couch.
[Melinda]: "Um... Janice. Now wake up."
[Janice]: "What's wrong?"
Melinda raises and eyebrow at her "Him." and points to Rod.
Janice straddling the southerner.
Big Rod butting in, "Nothings wrong Jan... I just need that $50 now."
Janice holding Mel's wrists over her head becoming coherent again. "What do you want rod?"
Janice is sleepy, "Why?"
[Melinda]: "Janice Covington.... please let go of me."
Big Rod sighs, "$50... for Pittman.... needs it tonight...."
Janice looks down at Mel "Sorry."
Melinda and tries to get up.
[Janice]: "Who's Pittman?"
Janice helps Mel up.
[Big Rod]: "Not important.."
Melinda sits up right and pulls away a strand of hair from her face.
[Janice]: "It's my money Rod I want to know."
Janice stands and glares at Rod
[Big Rod]: "I'll pay you back in the morning, I promise... Unless you want to move every rock by yourself."
[Janice]: "What's it for Rod?  Janice says it slow enough so all the kids on the little yellow bus understand.
Melinda walks back to the bed and gets under the covers again.
Melinda thinking to herself "See if I ever try to wake her up again."
Janice is envious of Mel, she yawns again.
Big Rod impatiently, "I need to secure your workers.. tonight.. or the price is gonna be tripled by morning"
[Janice]: "Rod I will give you to (walks to her gun) the count of three (gets it out) to leave (cocks it back) before I take out your other knee."
Big Rod continues, "I have a bottle of Scotch in the Jeep.. but he's gonna want cash too..."
[Janice]: "Rod I don't care, I am tired and I want to GO TO BED!"
[Narrator]: She looks like she means it!
Janice grabs Rod's collar and pushes Rod to the door.
Melinda is fast asleep again.
Big Rod slowly backing up, "Fine go to sleep... but I need $50 now.... or $200 tomorrow... your choice."
[Janice]: "GET OUT!"
Janice throws him into the hallway. Uncocks her gun.  Slams the door and finds a chair to prop up against it.
[Narrator]: The door slams in the Face of Big Rod.
Janice grabs the pillow and covers and heads to the bed muttering "screw this".  And climbs to her side of the bed and is out like a light.
Big Rod limps downstairs to his jeep mumbling obscenities and drives off...
Big Rod has left in his jeep during the night....  ill see you all tomorrow morning....
Janice wakes up and goes potty
 [Narrator]: Our stalwart group are all awakened by the sun of a new day creeping across their eyes...
Janice puts a pillow over it and goes back to bed next to Mel
Melinda turns over and opens one eye to see Janice in bed with her.
Janice stretches.
Melinda opens the other eye still staring at Janice.
Smithers gets dressed and goes in search of food.
Janice is asleep.
Melinda blinks several times.
Melinda looks around the room.
Janice looks younger asleep. (fanfic)