Colonel:  At close range, felt like a bb gun.  *walks over to Abberline, slaps him*  Locked up in a looney bin is where he should go!  Die of absinthe overdose and straight to ...  *looks at Raven, sees him shake at the thought and sight of his father being slapped*  Oh God ...  *gets sick feeling*  Sorry Raven ...  *runs out of hospital, sits outside, cool off in the cool night air, leaning against the building*

Kat *Rises, sword in hand, crosses to Abberline.  Turns sword and gives him the sword*  Then finish it.  Make Raven safe.

Manouche:  By th' powers, I've 'ad enough o' this.  Do as ye wish, I'm done with it.  An' I ain't gonna allow ye to subject Raven to it, either.  Mr. Blake, please bring me pistol ... I'm goin' home.  Sergeant Godley, ye can join us, if ye wish.  *places her hands on Raven's shoulders -- who's returned to his normal state -- and leads him out of the room.  Blake grabs Manouche's gun, follows her out.*

Godley *looks at Abberline*  I can't believe that you would have shot them both in cold blood.  You would have shot a mother in the eyes of her child.  And even the Colonel, who hasn't done anything to you.  I don't know what to say.  *walks out, disillusioned and sad, to the Colonel*  How are you doing.  Taking that shot was incredibly brave.  I - I just froze.  I could not believe he would have done that … You would have saved Kat's life.

Colonel:  Eh, I'm doing ok, Godley.  Thanks for asking.  Just doing my civic duties, sir, as it were.  Brave to most, but that's just the sort of person I am.  Risking my life for someone I know is in danger, even if I barely know them.  Ever since, well, all this came about, Abberline hasn't been himself.  I mean, I just see him as carefree not careless.  I would have hoped to have saved Kat's life.  I don't know why she's so eager to end her life.  Raven needs a mother more than anything.  Abberline isn't being a very good role model, sorry to say, but neither of them are looking out for Raven.  This can and possibly is scarring the poor kid’s life.  He doesn't understand.  He needs a father as well, and he doesn't need to see or think that his father is a bad man for killing his mother.  They are thinking of themselves and not the kid.  Raven needs both of them.  They are just being selfish and ignorant.

Godley:  Yes, they do seem to believe that they are doing this to save Raven, and act for his best, but they just end up hurting him more.  No kid should be exposed to that kind of scene.  You don't have to say you are sorry, I agree.  He isn't much of a father, but until he heard about Raven being Marchand's grandson he at least tried.  Now, I don't know.  *sighs heavily and rises from the bench*  I guess I'll have to go back to him.  *smiles*  You know, he deserved that slap.

*In Abberline’s room:*

Kat:  Alone at last.  No witnesses.  I 'ave me knife 'ere.  Ye can say I attacked ye.  Go for it mate!

Abberline *shakes his head in resignation, all the adrenaline gone and the effect of Malachi's drug wearing out*  I can't.  I don't want to live for the rest of my life with my son hating me ...  Godley was right.

Kat:  Just 'ow will ye feel if Raven ends up dead by my 'and?  'owed ye think I'd feel?  Damn it te 'ell. I'll find my own way.  *Turns, stalks from room.*

At Manouche and Blake’s house:

Manouche *has cleaned up Raven’s wounds and brought him into the room they keep for him.  She locks windows, draws blinds, tucks him into bed*  C’mon, lil’ mate, get some rest.

Raven *staring at her*  Am I gonna lose my mother an’ father again?

Manouche *weary, hasn’t got the strength to put up a false front*  I – I don’t know, luv.  I been tryin’ t’ tell ‘em that one or th’ other of ‘em bein’ gone don’t take away all th’ danger that ye face … or th’ danger I face, either, fer that matter.  But … they won’t listen t’ me.

Raven:  So I guess you’ll have to keep tryin’ to make ‘em listen to you.

Manouche *gazing off into space, responds absently*  Aye, I reckon I will …  *she snaps back to attention, manages a smile*  Ye were right brave back there.  True Dreamer’d ‘ave been bloody proud o’ ye.  ‘Course, I guess ye’ve seen so much in yer lifetime already … per’aps seein’ yer mum an’ dad at such extreme odds weren’t so traumatic as it’d be fer th’ rest of us, eh?

Raven:  It’s like True Dreamer said.  They have broken spirits.  She said when someone has a broken spirit, they have to want to mend it, or it can’t be mended.

Manouche:  That’s true, luv.  But we can pray fer ‘em, can’t we?  An’ who knows?  Per’aps I can still convince ‘em to listen t’ me before it’s too late.  *brings covers up around him, hugs him*  Y’think ye can sleep now?  Would ye like me t’ stay a bit longer?

Raven:  Yes, please, Manouche … *tears start to fill his eyes, he quickly blinks them away*  I- I’m not afraid … I jus’ …..

Manouche:  Shhh, ‘salright, lil’ mate, I savvy.  I’m rather glad ye want me t’ stay.  I’m not quite ready t’ relinquish yer company jus’ yet meself, as it were.  Selfish o’ me, I know.  *smiles*

Blake *from doorway*  Everything okay?  *enters with two cups of coffee, sits down on side of bed next to Manouche, hands her one of the cups, smiles at Raven*  How’re you feelin’ now, son?  Your injuries botherin’ you much?  *glances at Manouche anxiously; she nods reassuringly*

Raven *yawns*  Not much.  I’m tired … would you tell me one of your poems?

Manouche:  Aye, that’d be lovely.  How ‘bout “The Ecchoing Green,” love?

Blake *smiles a little self-consciously*  Well, sure … *takes drink of coffee, clears throat.  Manouche sets her cup down, leans into him; he puts an arm around her, starts to recite, his voice soft and soothing:*

The sun does arise, and make happy the skies

The merry bells ring to welcome the spring

The skylark and thrush, the birds of the bush

Sing louder around to the bells’ cheerful sound

While our sports shall be seen on the ecchoing green …

At Deppville Hospital:

Godley *returns to the room.  All the others are gone, but there are a couple of nurses attending to Abberline*

Nurse:  Do you know what happened here?  It sounded like a gun fired twice.

Godley:  Just a family visit, as it were.  Turned out somewhat stormy ...  There are no guns here, as you see.  How is he doing?

Nurse:  We had to give him a shot.  A strong sedative.  He's doing fairly well, considering the circumstances.

Godley:  Good. *casts a look at Abberline lying in bed and walks out*

On The Apparition:

Kat *Boards the ship.  Sighs.  Thinks, deja vu.  Once below, she opens a drawer, only to find it empty.  Then she feels a presence in her mind.  Gasps*  No!  Not again.  Not now!  *A voice speaks in her mind.*

Voice:  I've been waiting for you.  You are mistaken in your thinking.  I'm not Marchand.  Turn around.

Kat *slowly turns and stares*  You?  But how?  Why?

Dimitri:  The bond, I thought once formed it would be easy, but it seems you've built walls of steel in your mind.  It's time to tear those down.*  He unrolls a bundle he has in his hands and reveals a white doe skin Cherokee wedding robe trimmed in blue beads.

Kat *Shocked*  True Dreamer?

Dimitri:  I knew her long ago.  She saw me in a dream with you.  She gave me this and told me when the time came to give it to you.  Do you accept it?

Kat *Staring at robe*  She told me when she made it that it would be mine.  But how can I?  I hardly even know you.

Dimitri:  Did she ever dream wrong?  As for knowing each other, drop those walls within your mind and we can be change that.  *Gently places robe on table, turns, faces her.*

Now we will feel no rain,
For each of us will be shelter to the other.
Now we will feel no cold,
For each of us will be warmth to the other.
Now there is no more loneliness,
For each of us will be companion to the other.
Now we are two bodies,
But there is only one life before us

We go now to a private place
To enter into the days of our togetherness
And may the days be good and long upon the earth.

Kat:  I can't answer that.

Dimitri:  Not yet.  But soon.*  Takes her in his arms, kisses her.*

At Manouche and Blake's house:

Manouche *much later, goes in to check on Raven again.  He’s asleep in bed, but paper and crayons are on the floor.  She bends down, picks up drawing, looks at it, smiling, takes it out of his room.  Goes to Blake, who’s in the study, trying to write some verse*

Manouche:  Look what lil’ mate drew, love.  He signed it, an’ all.  *hands him the drawing*

Blake *looks at it, grins*  ‘Happy Mother’s Day.’  That’s pretty good.  It really looks like her.

Manouche:  Aye.  An' look over ‘ere, he drew a shovel.  *laughs*

Blake *points at something else*  What’s that?

Manouche *squints*  Ahh, I see, he labeled it … that’s Mercury.  *points at something else*  An’ that’s a sapphire.  That’s ‘er planet an’ gemstone … I told him once she’s a Virgo.

Blake *laughs*  He’s got some talent.  Remember the drawing he did of Inspector Abberline?  We should see if we can get him some art lessons.

Manouche:  That ain’t our call, love.

Blake:  Well … maybe if the time comes, we’ll be able to have some say in it.  *hands the drawing back to her*  What’re you gonna do with this?

Manouche:  He’s exhausted.  He needs his rest, but I know he’d like his mum to ‘ave this.  I’m gonna take it to ‘er for him, so she’ll ‘ave it before Mother’s Day is over.

Blake:  Hell you are.  You’re not goin’ out alone, not with everything that’s goin’ on right now.  It’s too dangerous.  An’ I can’t take you, we can’t leave Raven alone.

Manouche:  Don’t be daft, I’ll be sound.  I’ll keep t’ the busy streets …

Blake:  Sorry, honey, no deal.  If Raven wakes up in time, we’ll all go, take it to her then.  If he doesn’t, then she’ll just get it late, that’s all.

Manouche *frowns, then gets an idea*  I know what t’ do.  *reaches around him, opens one of the drawers in his desk, finds an envelope, folds the drawing carefully, places it inside, seals it, writes Kat’s name on it.  Leaves the study, finds Wilko.*  ‘Ere, mate, I ‘ave a job fer ye.  Take this to th’ Apparition, savvy?  It’s fer Kat.

*Wilko takes envelope in his bill, Manouche carries him to front door, opens it, holds hand up, he flies away.* 

On The Apparition:

Wilko *arrives at the ship, flits to the cabin below, where Kat and Dimitri are talking.  He lands on the deck in front of the door, sticks the envelope under the door.  Squawks loudly, imitates Willy*  You’re really weird!  *squawks again, flies back to house*

Kat *Draws away from Dimitri*  What the 'ell?

Dimitri:  Someone's at the door.

Kat:  See who it is.

Dimitri:*  Walks over, spies envelope, picks it up, checks outside door.  Brings it back to Kat.*  It's for you, but I didn't see anyone.

Kat *Opens envelope*  Tears come to her eyes*

Dimitri:  What is it?

Kat:  Not all treasure is silver and gold, mate.  *Smiles, shows him the drawing.*

Dimitri:  He's a very special little boy.  I want the chance to know him better.  Maybe we can begin tomorrow.  Now, where were we?

At Deppville Hospital:

Abberline *wakes up and sees a blonde woman leaning over his bed, straightening the covers*  Are you here?  I was so sure I would never see you again after what I have done ... I don't understand what I have been thinking ...  It's not her who's been controlled by Marchand, it is myself, he must have poisoned my mind.  I can't take anything back what's done.  Please help me, I don't know what to do ... I have burned the bridges.  Marchand would have been proud of me ... I could have killed them both ...  Raven had ... there was blood on the feathers ... He's hurt ... I should have turned the gun on myself ...

Woman:  Nobody is killed.  Nobody is hurt.  You were restless.

Abberline *sees that it is just a nurse, bitterly disappointed*  I thought for a while it was someone else.

Nurse *smiling*  You were probably dreaming.  *She gets him a glass of water*  I can't give you anything, but I'll check on you later. *takes a bouquet of roses and goes to the door*  I have to deliver these roses first so that she will see them first thing she wakes up.  *Continues as Abberline look at her questioningly*  For a mother.  It's Mother's Day, if you have forgotten.

Abberline *still looking at the roses*  Would you do something for me?

Nurse:  Of course.

Abberline:  Can you get a bouquet like that and send it to someone?

Nurse:  For your mother?

Abberline:  No, for the mother of my child.

Nurse:  What do you want as a message?

Abberline:  Just wish her a good Mother's Day.  And that I am sorry.

On The Apparition:

Kat *Joins Dimitri on deck.  He hands her a bouquet of roses*

Dimitri:  These were just delivered for you.

Kat *Bewildered, takes them.*  They're beautiful.  Raven again, I suppose.*  Opens card.  Stunned*  The man's a puzzle.  A true mystery.  *Looks at flowers*  I'll ne'er understand 'em.

Dimitri *Looks over her shoulder at card.*  You don't have to solve that mystery or even understand him.  All you two have to do is learn to communicate without bloodshed, love.  *Nods at flowers*  Seems to me he's making the attempt.

Kat:  You think I should meet 'em 'alf way.  Maybe yer right.  I'll try.  *Smiles*  Talk bout guns n roses.  Last night 'e were for shootin' me.  Today 'e sends roses.

Colonel visits Abberline:

Colonel *wakes up to see a note and a single rose on the pillow next to her.  The note reads:*  I went to visit Clavo and Penhall.  I know it's Mother's Day and we yet aren't parents, but I give you this rose on this day because I know you will make a fabulous mother.

With all my love

Your Husband

Tommy

Colonel *smiles, gets up, makes herself ready by getting dressed, drops the rose in a vase sitting on the kitchen counter, locks the door and heads out into the town, decides to go to Abberline’s room, enters, sees him half asleep*  Just making sure you aren't causing any more trouble.  *sits in chair next to bed*

Abberline *hears her voice, turns his head and sees her sitting in chair; as he recognizes her, his expression changes from surprise to remorse*  I hurt you yestarday, didn't I. You appeared out of nowhere ... If it the gun had been loaded, I would have shot you, too ... I am sorry, but I guess that doesn't help much ... I hope you are well.  *sighs*

Colonel *leans back, puts feet on his bed, arms crossed in lap*  Eh, I'm alright.  Wouldn't be the first time I got shot though.  Blanks still hurt like hell, I'll tell ya that.  *laughs*  Pitiful.  What is up with you?  *shakes head, stares at the ceiling*

Abberline *with an effort sits up, leans his back against the wall, studies her for a long time*  Are you calling me pitiful?  What is it you want from me?  Are you here to give me a lecture?  *frowns briefly, then looks again at her*  You don't happen to have a smoke, do you?

Colonel:  You, pitiful?  *laughs*  That's a soft choice of words, Inspector. Just know, you are more than that. It can be a good thing or a bad thing.  *sighs*  I don't smoke.  What do I want from you?  *leans in, whispers*  Why can't you accept Raven and Kat as they are?  Just because their flaws tend to win their selves over or their family history for that matter, it doesn't mean they are all that bad.  Shaddrack's my uncle, and that doesn't make me a bad person ... *leans back some*  Oh great, now that you know that, I bet you'll really try to kill me too, eh?  *sighs*  I'm not close to him anyway.  *shudders*  Bleh ... *takes in breath, lets it out slowly*  But I'm not a bad person, even though I'm related.

Abberline:  Shaddrack is your uncle? *looks at her sharply, suspiciously*  I don't know you well enough to tell whether you are good or bad, but what I know is that you simply can't overlook the importance of heritage.  You got your traits from your parents, didn't you, and that means that a part of you is a part of all whom you are related to.  *thinks for a while, fidgeting nervously his empty cigarette box*  It is not all there is to a person, but it exists.  How would you feel that the most important one to you is related to a monster?  *frowns at her*  I admit I made a mistake, but I was so sure that Marchand controlled Kat, and that made her a threat to Raven.  I bet you would have been satisfied if I had aimed the gun at myself.  I have done it all for Raven, even if you may not believe me. I don't think you do.  *pauses*  Don't get anywhere near the Order, they are totally ruthless.  They stop for nothing.  Raven claims that they broke into my house, and I suppose if that really was them, the Commander is not too keen to investigate it.  Don't go near them.  You have too much to lose.  You say that I don't know what it is to be a father.  They deprived me of it.  Take care.

Colonel *stands, hands up*  Alright, alright.  Sorry I asked.  I was just ... just trying to help, guess I'm not much of one ... but can I ask … what would the Order get into?  What would they look for?  What would be out of place?  What did you notice when they were last there?  I'm sorry, I'm just a really curious … I guess nosey person.  *thinks on investigating if the Commander won't*  Answer those, and I'll smuggle in a few extra packs of smokes.

In Deppville Hospital lobby:

Malachi *wearing black coat with high collar, black hat and dark glasses, cautiously makes his way to hospital.  Enters, asks for a certain nurse with whom he’s on, shall we say, friendly terms.  She appears at desk, looks at him haughtily; he takes her arm, pulls her into a small room off the waiting room, closes door*

Nurse *pouting*  You said you would call me.

Malachi:  I’m sorry, baby … look, I know my excuses are usually pretty pathetic, but this time, things are different.  I’ve been lying low for a reason, okay?  There are some people who are after me …

Nurse:  You mean, like repo men?  I just watched that movie, Repo Man … are you hiding so they don’t come and take your car, or your TV?

Malachi *smirks*  Yeah, something like that.  *pulls box out of his coat, hands it to her*  Here … this is the stuff I told you about, very important.  Muy importata.  It’s for Inspector Abberline.  Got it?  A-B-B-E-R-L-I-N-E.

Nurse *impatient, pops her gum*  Yeah, I got it!  Gol, I’m not stupid!

Malachi:  I know you’re not, baby, it’s just that … well, he’s a good friend of mine, and I want to take care of him.  He’s going through detox, he’s supposed to be here for two weeks … he’s gonna be miserable, savvy?  *taps box*  This stuff will ease his pain immensely.  It’s organic, the hospital will never trace it, it won’t do him any harm, and it won’t interfere with the detox.  Matter of fact, it’ll make it easier for him to go through it.  So you get it to him, and be sure he takes it regularly.  You tell him it’s from Malachi, he’ll be cool with it.

Nurse *nods, then smiles, presses against him*  Can we go to Chez Roux tonight?

Malachi *swallows; she's VERY comfy*  I – I don’t know.  I’ve really got to be careful … but … well, Chez Roux is a really public place, it would probably be safe.  I guess it’s the least I can do, with you doing me this favor.  *sweeps glasses off seductively, gives her his killer look*

Nurse *all mushy*  Oooh, good … how about after nine?  That’s when I’m done here.  Can you—

Malachi:  You better meet me there, baby.  But it’ll be good, no worries.  *he pockets glasses, removes his hat with one hand, grabs her with his other arm, pulls her close, kisses her passionately*

Nurse *gasping, coming up for air*  Okay, sugar … I’ll meet you there.

Malachi *winks*  We have an accord.  *puts hat on, takes glasses from pocket, puts them on; turns to leave, looks back at her*  Get that stuff to him right away, gorgeous.  *smiles broadly*  Look at you, standin’ there … god, you look just like Rita Hayworth.  *blows kiss at her, leaves the room, heads back to From Hell Court*

Nurse *waves at him, beaming*  Aw reservoir!  *giggles, pops gum, hugs box close … then thinks a moment, runs out to reception desk, taps the arm of her friend, the receptionist*  Hey, who’s Rita Hayworth?

At the Wonkas' Factory:

*Delivery van from Sheldon’s Florist pulls up in front of Chocolate Factory.  Driver gets out, takes package from back, brings it to door, rings bell.  An oompa answers.*

Driver:  ‘Morning, sir, we have a delivery here for Madame Wonka.  *holds out pad*  Sign here, please.  *Oompa signs receipt, driver turns, gets back in van, drives away.  Oompa brings package inside – note attached for Madame:*

Happy Mother’s Day, dear Madame Kimberley!

We figure you’re close enough, you deserve a Mother’s Day surprise.  Raven saw what we were doing and wanted to be involved, so the bear is from him.  Enjoy, have a lovely day, and just think … you’ll spend next Mother’s Day with your beautiful twins.  All our love, and to my dearest brother Willy, as well, soeur bien-aimée,

Manouche, William Blake, and Raven

xoxoxoxo

Oompa: *carries package up to Madame's office, knocks on door*

Madame:  Enter

Oompa: *opens door, notices Madame is hard at work, smiles*  Mistress Wonka.  You have a package.

Madame: *looks up, arches brow*  Why?

Oompa: *shrugs, places package on her desk*

Madame: *stares at it, then sees the letter on top, opens and reads it, beaming the entire time, opens package, laughs*  Oh gosh, Manouche …  *places the gift on the corner of her desk, smiles at it, then gets back to work*

*Later:*

Madame: *still hard at work, getting aggravated.  Willy walks in whistling, hands behind his back*  Oh geez, please don't don't whistle.  I already have enough of a headache as it is.

Willy *stops, arches brow, smiles, walks behind her*  What’s wrong, love?

Madame *sighs*  This guy wants a court date, he's saying he didn't try to steal any candy …  *while she’s talking, Willy moves his hands from behind his back and takes a gold necklace out of its box, places it around her neck.  Madame looks down, picks it up, looks at it, tears gather.*  Wha ... why?  I mean, I'm not a mom yet.

Willy *turns her so she faces him, kneels in front of her*  No ... no, you’re not ... but you will be.  *smiles.  Madame grins, leans her head against his, tears roll down her face.  Willy sings to her*  ‘Cause I'm keepin' you forever and for always ...

Madame *laughs lightly, joins him*  We will be together all of our days …

Willy:  Wanna wake up in the morning to your sweet face …

Madame and Willy *together*  Always …

At Manouche and Blake’s house:

*Late night, just before midnight* 

Raven *face buried in his pillow, crying quietly, hears voice*

What is it, child?

Raven *looks up, sniffs, sees beautiful Indian woman; smiles through his tears, whispers*  T-True Dreamer …

True Dreamer *smiles gently*  Why are you crying?

Raven *hesitates*  Y-you know why, don’t you?

True Dreamer:  You’ve come a long way since I saw you last.  Yes, I know.  You’re feeling bad because you want to do something for Manouche for Mother’s Day … and you don’t know what to do.

Raven *wipes his eyes*  Sh-she’s not my mother … but she takes such good care of me.  She says I take care of her, but …

True Dreamer:  I think you both take care of each other.

Raven:  I tried to make a drawing for her, like I did for Mother … but I couldn’t get it to come out right.  I think it’s ‘cause that’s not what I should give her, but I don’t know what to give her.  An’ I don’t know if I should give her anything, ‘cause she’s not really my mother … it might make her feel bad ...

True Dreamer:  I think it’s a lovely idea to want to do something for her.  I know it would make her very happy … it would be a wonderful surprise because she’s not expecting anything at all.  *looks at him for a moment, then holds up hand, indicates bracelet made of tiny, colorful beads*  Remember this?  You made it for me, remember?  *takes it off, hands it to him*  Give her this.

Raven *gazes at it, looks up at her*  But I made it for you …

True Dreamer:  Then it can be a gift from both of us.  *smiles*  I would be glad to share it with her … to show my gratitude for how she’s taken care of you.  That is, if you don’t mind.

Raven *slowly smiles*  I – I don’t mind.  It’s … it’s perfect.

True Dreamer:  Good!  It’s almost midnight, Mother’s Day is nearly over.  Hurry, you still have time to give it to her to honor the day.  She’s fallen asleep in the living room, in front of the fire.

Raven:  Will you come with me?  She’s heard so much about you, she’d love to meet you.

True Dreamer:  Aren’t you afraid I’ll frighten her?

Raven *shakes head*  Noo, she’s a Dreamer, she sees visions, like we do.  She’s the only one besides you that I’ve been able to share visions with.  She’s seen Grandmother Ama, too.  I guess she may be startled at first, but then she’ll be fine.  *grins*  She’s kinda funny when she’s startled … she says ‘By th’ bloody powers’ an’ things like that.

True Dreamer *laughs*  I see!  So my little warrior still enjoys his practical jokes!  I shouldn’t indulge you in such behavior, but I do wish to meet her.

Raven *hops up out of bed, stands before her, knows he must keep his distance; looks at her longingly, blinks away tears*  I … I miss you …

True Dreamer *smiles*  I miss you too, child.  But I’m still with you.  We’ll meet again.  In the meantime, I’m watching you … and I’m so proud of you.  *waves her hand gently in front of his face; he feels the equivalent of an embrace*  Now, let’s go see Manouche.

*They leave Raven’s bedroom, go into living room.  Seconds later, Manouche cries out:*  By th’ bloody powers!  *followed by a thud as she rolls from the couch to the floor.*  Blast!