Act 2 The Reality

OOC: The second version...the REAL version.
======================
Chris Zodar stood at one edge of the stage, pretending to stand
away from the main dance, watching carefully. As it was, he was
vaguely wondering where Joe Schweeble, who was supposed to be
standing next to him, was.
He turned briefly to one side and hissed to a monitor, "Holly!"
The computerised image appeared and asked distractedly, "Hmm?"
"Do you know where Joe is?" asked Chris, glancing around. Holly
hesitated as if in thought, then nodded.
"Yes, he's being taken to meet Harris to help…uh, with something."
Zodar frowned. "With something?" he hissed. Holly nodded, but
didn't elaborate. Chris thought for a moment. Sure, Schweeble was
needed here…but did he really want to interfere with Harris' actions,
whatever they were…?
Fortunately he was saved from making a decision by Holly, who
reappeared and said, "Correction, Joe Schweeble is now heading
towards here, so he should be arriving shortly. Bye!"
Holly left before Chris could say another word, but he shrugged.
At least Schweeble was on his way.
At the centre of the stage, Keto danced with Alota. Or rather,
Alota danced with Keto, the latter playing very little part in the
actual dancing, preferring instead to look slightly embarrassed and
annoyed about being there.
"Are you still bitter because I was late?" hissed Alota, glaring at
Keto. Keto returned the glare and replied quietly, "No, I'm just
wondering what I did in a previous life to deserve ending up in this
situation."
The rest of the dance passed in stony silence, broken only by a
couple of misplaced steps from one or other of the dancers that
milled around the stage, by a strange wheezing sound from the organ,
and by the entrance of Joe Schweeble on a bizarre mix of drugs from
the medibay. His elated, "Hiya everybody!" drew glances from all
members of the cast as he made his way onto the stage and stood by
Chris Zodar.
Down at the front of the stage, Stewie covered his eyes and shook
his head.
The play proceeded, much as the original creator had intended.
Unfortunately the original creator had not intended the central parts
of this scene to be played by the crew of the Blue Dwarf.
Shakespeare's costume was, even Keto had to admit, quite stunning.
It was well-made. It was brightly coloured. It was excellently
tailored.
Unfortunately, it was not the right costume.
Feeling somewhat conspicuous in the Big Bird outfit, Shakespeare
nevertheless gave his part his best shot. Drawing himself up to his
full feathered height, he spoke clearly, his voice echoing across the
stage.
"Thou *wilt* performeth this!" he hissed, and twirled his wing.
When Zodar and Schweeble opened their eyes, it was to see Shakespeare
hurrying out of the back door of the stage.
By this time, Stewie was almost in tears.
"Whee! That's the most brilliant thing I ever heard!," said
Schweeble, "How ya gonna catch that giant canary man?"
Keto glared as he replied.
"The Phantom wishes to feel his power over us, to witness us doing
his bidding," he said deeply, determined to show that it wasn't just
Shakespeare that could act, "He will want to be able to see his opera
being performed, and so must …"
"That's greeaaaaaaat…" murmured Schweeble, tilting sideways and
falling off his chair. Keto sighed.
Chris Zodar looked at Keto pleadingly, as if asking for some shred
of sanity, and then recalled his line: "You really hate him, don't
you?"
Keto gritted his teeth, and Alota and Zodar leaned back slightly as
they felt the waves of rage flying out from him.
"Yes," he said, "I do."
"One problem," said a small voice from below the table, "What if
the budgie DOESN'T show up?"
"Oh, he will," replied Keto, "He will, because his favourite
student will be playing the lead role."
So saying, he turned to look at Alota, who blinked as she realised
it was time for her line.
"Me?" she asked, hoping that was the right line. The managers and
Raoul nodded (well, she presumed Schweeble nodded – Zodar and Keto
did).
"Fine," said Alota, "If it means we can get this over with."
"Well," said Keto, sighing, "I certainly hope so."
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OOC Apologies and Things
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Firstly: sorry, I did send two posts warning people I'd post this,
but I think Yahoo ate them. Therefore, sorry if I've overridden
anybody else doing this.
Secondly: sorry, I hope I haven't played anybody's characters too
wrong. Please note, Joe, that I didn't actually say whether or not
you met up with Harris, so I'm hoping I've left that open enough for
you.
Thirdly: sorry it took so long, but it grew out of proportion.
Fourthly: sorry for having such a long apologies section.
Fifthly: ...hey, what did I do *now*?
;)
- Dr Keto, Tired and...well, Sorry