SO LONG, PARTNER

A One Act Play

__________________________________

By Joshua R. Kerr

Logline:

Three hundred years in the future, a bartender deals with

his usual customers and a wanderer looks for his old friends.
But on Charon, Pluto’s largest moon and a hub for those looking
to escape a galactic war, the lives of our characters slowly
turn into a conflict worthy of the Wild West. Can these people
say goodbye to their lives if it means moving on to brighter
stars? Or will they try to hold on to a bitter end on this cold
moon?

Locations:

There’s only one primary location; The Brass Knuckles, a

bar with all the stylings of your classic western saloon. A bar
top and stools, tables off to the side, games to be played and
an entryway to the kitchen in the back. There should be at least
two stools at the bar top, and at least two tables for the
friend group and Basil respectively. Small props such as
drinking glasses and snacks are described in-text.
Characters:
Amanda: [She/her, mid 20’s, THE DOCTOR]. A generally bland
feminine aesthetic. Could wear skirts/dresses but doesn’t
introduce much color outside shades of white, gray and black. A
doctor in her off hours, mind still partially stuck on the job.

Basil: [He/him, 40’s-50’s, THE MAYOR]. Professional business

aesthetic, dark and intimidating. A true man of the last
generation, with a lack of respect for the way youngsters think
they can handle things without the scars he had to earn.

Shane: [He/him, late 20’s, THE RUNAWAY]. Wearing a long, dark

coat and rugged wear similar to the classic Western cowboys of
old, with a big traveler’s hat. The clothes lack care, but are
definitely ‘function over fashion’. Isn’t worn simply to look
cool, yet ends up that way. Truly a cowboy.

David: [He/him, early 30’s, THE MECHANIC]. Rugged, rural

clothes, worn with time and hard work. A casual man who was
comfortable with the life he was currently living… until
realizing he could actually have more.

Eric: [He/him, late 20’s, THE BARTENDER]. Brown or black vest to

match a white shirt and dark pants. A dusty bartender’s uniform
with a respect for a long-gone past. Enjoys the life he has,
despite knowing what he really wants.

Felicity: [She/her, early 30’s, THE SHERIFF]. Strong tomboy

aesthetic. Comfortable, baggy clothes with a bit of edge that
covers most femininity. She keeps her hair tied up/prepared for
military responsibilities. More akin to a classic sheriff, a
woman with a comfort for the town she’s grown up in… sometimes
too comfortable to see the fractures with her own eyes.

Radio Broadcast: [Non-gendered, assumed audio-only role.]

Notes:

* [Beat] and [Pause], while similar, are slightly different in

direction. [Pause] represents a more dramatic, pronounced pause,
while [Beat] is something more subtle, usually mixed with actors
moving/doing physical actions.
 1

SCENE 1
AT RISE: Just before lights come up, a musical sting reminiscent
of a space opera plays. As lights roll up, we find the Brass
Knuckles in a state of chaos; the two tables of the bar are
turned over as two groups hide from the other. On stage left are
BASIL and FELICITY, as on stage right AMANDA and DAVID,
occasionally peeking out, firing their laser guns. ERIC walks
out between them, a gun in his hand (not pointed at anyone in
particular). The two sides hesitate in firing further.

AMANDA: Get back!

FELICITY: [Amused.] Just who do you think you are?

ERIC: Just a humble bartender, ma’am.

[BASIL steps out, gun trained on ERIC.]

AMANDA: Watch out! These guys have been raiding banks from Venus
to Titan! They’re insane!

BASIL: Just making a living, one sad sap at a time.

ERIC: Good thing this isn’t a bank. This is a bar. So if you’re

not going to order… I’m gonna have to kindly ask you and your
companions to leave. Worried you might scare off customers.

BASIL: How bout’ this? Ten paces.

DAVID: Don’t listen to him!

ERIC: [Unfazed. Beat.] Continue your terms.

BASIL: If I live, I get your bar as a base of operations. Nice

little place, hidden on a quiet moon orbiting Pluto. No one
would ever suspect we were hiding out of stinkin’ Charon. If you
win… Well, guess you won’t have nothing to worry about.

[ERIC thinks, before confidently holstering his gun. BASIL

chuckles sadistically before doing the same. They each step
directly into the middle of the stage, about a step apart,
before turning around and stepping in equal pace. AMANDA, DAVID
and FELICITY watch on, FELICITY with a hand tight on her gun.]
 2

AMANDA: One, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight-

[FELICITY lunges out from behind her table, pulling out and
aiming her gun directly at ERIC.]

DAVID & AMANDA: [Dramatically.] Eric!

[ERIC quickly draws his laser gun, shooting FELICITY before she
can fire, before also shooting BASIL. They both fall to the
ground. AMANDA and DAVID let out a sigh of relief.]

DAVID: Wow! That was one of the toughest sons of bitches’ in the
galaxy! And you got his right hand just as she was trying to
cheat you of your life!

[AMANDA and DAVID get up. AMANDA specifically walks up to ERIC

as he holsters his gun, playful, with an attempt to be
charming.]

AMANDA: That was… amazing.

ERIC: Just keeping trash out of my bar. I’ll do whatever’s

necessary to keep this place safe… for me and my friends.

AMANDA: [Brushes hair.] You know, I-

[The lights cut, the only light remaining being a spotlight on

ERIC. The others around him stop, causing him to react with an
initial fear, before letting out a frustrated sigh and pinching
the bridge of his nose.]

ERIC: [Sighs.] Just another daydream.

[As ERIC keeps talking, other characters move into a reset bar.
SHANE walks in and sits at the bartop. AMANDA, DAVID and
FELICITY are all at a table together. BASIL goes to another
table alone.]

ERIC: [Closes his eyes, whispers to himself.] You have a good

life, man. You might not be some gunslinging action hero… but
you’ve got a nice bar. A small town right on the edge of the
galaxy. You’ve got friends. Family. Everything you need… is
right here. And there’s nothing you need to change. [Pause]
Right?
 3

[The full lights turn on. BASIL grumbles at his seat, swinging
an empty glass in his hand.]

BASIL: Eric! Another drink!

ERIC: Just one second, sir!

[Eric walks to the bar, preparing the drink as the sound of a

RADIO BROADCAST begins to play. AMANDA, DAVID and FELICITY
appear to be having a conversation, but can’t be heard over the
radio.]

RADIO: -and starting with our main stories tonight, what was
once the United States of America would have been celebrating
its Sexacentenial today. While legally the country still exists
back on Earth its allegiance with the United Nations has led
into question whether it should still be considered a country or
simply a collective within the massive federation. Speaking of
the United Nations, mayor Savaran Perses of a small community on
Titan has called for the Nations to take accountability as war
rattles the moon’s Northern hemisphere-

BASIL: Would you turn that off?! I’m trying to feel better, not
worse!

ERIC: Sorry!

[ERIC quickly reaches over to a small device on top of the bar,

flicking a switch and turning it off. The device should be near
where SHANE sits, ERIC looking at him apologetically.]

ERIC: Sorry if you were listening to that… he’s the mayor.

SHANE: Doesn’t bother me, none. Hate hearing about the war
anyways.

ERIC: Need anything? The Brass Knuckles is quite accommodating.

SHANE: I’m sure I’ll be fine.

[AMANDA, DAVID and FELICITY continue their conversation.]

DAVID: Earth was… the best. I really wish you could’ve gone to
see it, Fiz. [Takes FELICITY’s hand.] You too, Amanda.
 4

AMANDA: Would love to go someday. …Would love to go anywhere,

really. Mars, Europa… damn it, even the surface of Pluto would
be a getaway considering how long I’ve been here.

FELICITY: When’s the last time you’ve been on a trip? Not even
leaving Charon… just to The Ridges out East? Or the capital?

AMANDA: The Ridges? Well, I think the last time I was there was
when I started Med School. There was this big emergency… I don’t
remember what.

FELICITY: The city hall attacks?! That was nearly a decade ago!
Are you telling me you haven’t gone anywhere this past decade?

AMANDA: I work, I go home, I sleep, and sometimes I’m here for

drinks. Repeat. It’s… simple. It’s easy.

DAVID: You’re never going to find a date at this rate…

AMANDA: [Playfully angry.] What was that?

DAVID: Nothing! Nothing. I just- I don’t want you spending all

this time here only to regret not doing everything you wanted.

FELICITY: Well… if she enjoys her life here I guess I can’t

judge. I have everything I need… my fiance, my job… my life.
It’s perfect.

DAVID: [Hesitantly.] Yeah…

FELICITY: But if you-

[The conversation with the three gets cut short as ERIC walks
over to BASIL, drink in hand. BASIL sighs.]

BASIL: You’re getting slower with these drinks.

ERIC: Well, dad- it’s your fourth-

BASIL: -That’s not what I’m talking about. …More daydreaming?

ERIC: Daydreaming? Of course not… [Awkward pause.] Yeah.

BASIL: What was it this time?

ERIC: [Beat.] There was a brawl in the bar. A real Western, like
those old movies they used to make back on Earth. Like the ones
 5

we used to see with Mom… You were the leader of the raiders. We
did that thing where we paced ten steps, before turning around
and seeing who has the quicker shot.

BASIL: Who won?

ERIC: I- I did.

BASIL: …You still keep those guns behind the bar? In case
raiders take the place?

ERIC: …Yessir.

[BASIL goes for an uncomfortably long drink of his beer. ERIC

clears his throat as he’s about done.]

ERIC: Assume it was another rough day being mayor?

BASIL: [Lets out a relieving breath from over-drinking.] Got

that right! Outlaws keep coming in left and right, nothing like
your silly stories. Would be doing better if my prized sheriff
over there- [Motions to FELICITY.] -didn’t have the week off.

ERIC: Maybe you just need some time off.

BASIL: No can do, unless I find someone good enough with a gun
to help me wrangle up all the vermin this town seems to attract.

ERIC: Wish I could help you there. [Begins to walk away.]

BASIL: [Before ERIC fully leaves earshot.] Yeah, wish you could.

[ERIC pauses, before continuing on. BASIL gets up, limping out,
before stopping just behind SHANE. He looks to the bartop, where
SHANE’s placed his laser gun, but doesn’t face him directly.]

BASIL: That’s a nice gun you got there.

SHANE: …It’s trying times. Got to protect yourself.

[After a beat, BASIL begins to leave the scene. ERIC looks

over.]

ERIC: -Oh! Love you, dad!

 6

[BASIL turns back, awkwardly coughs/hiccups, before leaving the

scene. As ERIC returns to the bar, beginning to prepare food, we
go back to the trio.]

SCENE 2
AMANDA: -It’s not your life! I have a busy schedule!

FELICITY: [In a tone of motherly concern.] Amanda. Honey. If you

haven’t been on a single date because of… well, scheduling-

AMANDA: [Finishes taking a long drink.] My job ‘is’ my busy

schedule! You don’t become a doctor on one of the most
inhospitable rocks in the galaxy just to spend your free time
worrying about guys or going on pointless vacations!

SHANE: But do you want to go? Explore the world?

[The three turn to face him. He turns as well, grinning.]

AMANDA: Well… I suppose so-

SHANE: Then you gotta go after it! Never seen nothin’ till I saw
my first Earthly sunrise, let me tell you. Realized right then
and there that if there’s at least one thing that makes a
difficult life worth living, it’s moments like that.

AMANDA: [Contemplates.] I suppose so.

SHANE: [Looks around at confused faces, tips hat.] My apologies.

I’m Shane.

DAVID: [Gives SHANE a fist-bump.] Nice to meet you, man. Name’s

David. I’m a mechanic.

AMANDA: [Still mildly frustrated.] Amanda. Town’s best doctor.

FELICITY: And Felicity… the Town Sheriff.

DAVID: Just got back from service to the Nations; three months
at an academy polishing my skills and fixing all sorts of tools
 7

and ships, odds and ends. That's why we're all talking about
Earth in the first place.

SHANE: Oh, I’ve heard about that. They must really need the
help, calling for people all the way from Pluto’s moons.

FELICITY: You know someone in town? This town’s a hub for

travelers, but this bar is really only where locals know.

SHANE: Oh! Well- [Hesitates.] I’m a wanderer. Traveling. Hoping

to meet some old friends. Later tonight, if I can.

AMANDA: [Leaning back in his seat.] Must be nice to travel

without having it be for work…

DAVID: Yeah, I mean- I got to go to Earth, but it was only to

help the Nations repair busted starships. If I got to go on my
own that’d be one thing… but I was in one country, one place,
doing the job I love, but without much of a choice.

SHANE: Sorry to hear. The war… the Nations… nothing but cold and
bloody, all of it. -From what I’ve heard, I mean.

DAVID: Wasn’t that bad. I mean… the starships were in bad shape.
But they paid me good money, and I never saw a bit of combat.
Should call myself lucky.

FELICITY: [Hand on top of DAVID’s, sincerely.] Very lucky.

DAVID: [Nervous.] Yes, very lucky.

FELICITY: And now you’re back home and safe, and that’s all that
matters.

DAVID: [Hesitant to agree.] Yeah, uh-

SHANE: -Well then, I wish you the best of luck, partner. It’s
not an easy occupation, but it is honest work.

[He tips his hat before turning himself back to a seat at the
bar. ERIC, still behind the bar, re-pours his drink. FELICITY
gives AMANDA a look.]

AMANDA: What?

FELICITY: This is perfect! Go try talking to him!

 8

AMANDA: No! I don’t even know him! [Leans in closer to

FELICITY.] And he’s a stranger, Felicity. A strange wanderer!
You know how weird it is for someone who doesn’t live here to
find this place? The South half of town is a maze!

FELICITY: That’s why this is so perfect! We’ll use this as a

baseline for how badly you need our help. If you ask him out…
then I’ll stop bugging you about it, whether he says yes or no.

AMANDA: [Hesitant.] You’ll really stop bugging me about all

this?

FELICITY: [Looks to DAVID, who’s giving a thumbs up.] Promise.

[AMANDA, gets up and sits at the stool next to SHANE. She looks
over to him, a sly smile on her face.]

AMANDA: So… you said you were meeting some old friends tonight.

SHANE: [Pause.] What about it?

AMANDA: [Slightly leans in.] Oh… are any of these friends,

perchance, more than your friend?

SHANE: [Longer pause, looks her in the eyes.] No. They’re just
my friends. Now that I’m thinking of it… You wouldn’t happen to
know where the Half-Crescent Rock is, would you? My friends
were- well, my instructions were vague on how to get there.

AMANDA: …Can’t say I’ve heard of it.

ERIC: The Half-Crescent Rock? I can’t think of anywhere that

might be- [Realizes.] Oh! Oh. Yeah, I know where that is. But
it’s really hard to get there without a guide. The maps around
here aren’t the best, and the population's too small to care. If
you don’t mind waiting, I could show you there after we close.

SHANE: [Looks to door, then AMANDA. Smiles.] Don’t see why not.

AMANDA: Wait- Where’s this rock? Anywhere fun?

ERIC: It’s- [Looks to SHANE, then back to her.] Don’t worry

about it. It’s… kinda the perfect place to meet old friends
again.

[SHANE smiles gratefully.]

 9

AMANDA: So, you’re not gonna tell me?

ERIC: [Grows nervous.] Well-

AMANDA: I’m just kidding. Just keep your secrets. [Looks to

SHANE, before motioning to FELICITY and DAVID.] Let's hang out
with my friends, then! In the meantime, I mean. David just got
back from Earth, so I’m sure he wouldn’t mind spending the rest
of the night with a mysterious stranger.

SHANE: I’m not so sure I like being called a ‘mysterious

stranger’-

[FELICITY overhears, looking over nervously as AMANDA and SHANE

get up from their seats to join them.]

FELICITY: Oh, Amanda! We were just actually heading out-

AMANDA: -Sorry for bothering you, but Eric just asked this kind
stranger to hang around until closing, so I thought he might
enjoy some company. You guys wouldn’t mind that, would you?

FELICITY: [Grimaces.] Don’t see any problems with that.

DAVID: Woo! More company! You know how boring the trip home was?
Every time I was awake from cryo-sleep, the only people I had to
talk to were an old lady and a twelve-year-old brat!

[SHANE pulls over a chair and sits next to AMANDA’s seat.]

DAVID: Apparently it’s a health hazard to put more than three

people in cryo-sleep in the same room together. You wouldn’t
think about it, but-

[ERIC stands beside DAVID, carrying a tray of food.]

ERIC: Alright, we have… a French Revolution for the returning

mechanic.

DAVID: Glad to be back! [Takes a bit of his order, smiles and

moans cartoonishly.]

ERIC: We have one… ‘Incendies Français’ for the only lady in

town who can handle her spice.

FELICITY: Thank you, Eric. [Takes a bite without flinching.]

 10

DAVID: I had some pretty spicy food back on Earth… maybe now…

[As ERIC continues on, DAVID takes a bite of her food, quickly
finding it too spicy and cartoonishly stammering around before
heavily drinking his drink.]

ERIC: And… One order of the Salt and Pepper classic. Just the
way you like it.

AMANDA: Thanks.

DAVID: [Exasperated.] Hey, let’s give thanks to Eric here!

[Lifts near-empty glass.] I’ve been to Earth and back, and I got
to say… still the best fries in the galaxy. The king of fries!

[The trio clink their drinks, before DAVID extends his fist.
ERIC accepts the fist bump, nodding awkwardly.]

SHANE: Seems everyone has their usuals. Am I right?

ERIC: Yeah… the same orders since the first day I started
working here.

DAVID: How long ago was that?

FELICITY: I remember being sixteen… we had to lie to old man

Joseph that we were old enough to drink, remember?

AMANDA: Oh, I remember that! [Leans over to SHANE, motioning to

ERIC.] You should’ve seen him back then. Exactly the same! It
was like he was made to work here!

ERIC: I don’t know about that-

DAVID: Yeah! I mean, I don’t know what I would’ve done without

these fries, man. Especially when I started working at the shop…

AMANDA: And me with med school… I would stay here until closing
every night with another textbook loaded up on my DataPad.

FELICITY: Just another part of why this place is perfect.

AMANDA: [To ERIC.] Haven’t you talked about wanting to go back?

DAVID: Wait… you’ve been to Earth?

 11

FELICITY: He’s from Earth, dumbass. Don’t you remember? He

wasn’t there when we started school.

DAVID: How am I supposed to remember? We were kids.

ERIC: It was a long time ago. Doesn’t matter. You guys need
anything else?

SHANE: Just a beer, if you could?

DAVID: Make it two!

FELICITY: …Fine. Three.

AMANDA: Guys… you can’t just let me be the only one without a
drink.

SHANE: [Leans in close, with a rugged charm.] I could get you

one, if that’s what you’d like?

AMANDA: [Flustered, shifts slightly in seat.] Uh…-

ERIC: [Quickly stands in between them.] I think she just meant

that she was frustrated about being last on the bandwagon. She
can hold down her drinks, alright! I should know, I see her all
the time! Ha… [Realizes the others are staring at him.] Four
drinks coming right up.

[ERIC quickly walks behind the bar, embarrassed.]

SCENE 3
SHANE: So… what’s it like down here? My- uh… My friends never
liked talking about their little slice of home.

AMANDA: Well… it’s about as interesting as you could picture. We

get a lot of through-traffic from those looking to restock
before heading down to Pluto, but other than that… There's
barely anything to do here. Some criminals like to make trouble
here, now more than ever with people hiding out from the war.
But other than that… it’s our own little bit of paradise.

FELICITY: Yeah, you should’ve seen the bulletin today. Raiders

taking charge on Pluto’s North Pole, the Nations recruiting
 12

nonstop in the West. Apparently there’s a runaway who’s been on

the run across the galaxy for weeks now!

DAVID: A runaway?

FELICITY: Those who have obligations to the Nations for one

reason or another. Usually it’s those who walk away before
their contract is finished or some other bullshit. That’s why I
hate this stupid war. Half the stupid crime I deal with nowadays
is just runaways making more trouble than they need to! And
where does that leave us? Overrun, and with people too smart for
a war but too stupid to avoid getting caught.

SHANE: [Hesitant.] That does sound like a hell of a hassle.

DAVID: It’s not all bad. From time to time we get nice folk who
come in just because they’re trying to visit every settlement in
the galaxy, or some other little thing like that. It’s not
expensive if you know the right starliners to take. Like you,
and your friends.

SHANE: Yeah. They’re great, really. I'm glad to see them again.

[Just as SHANE finishes his reply, ERIC walks over with the
drinks. He begins placing them out as the conversation goes on.]

ERIC: So… what are these friends of yours like? Must mean a lot
to you to travel all the way out here.

SHANE: Yeah. They mean the world to me. Met them a few years
back at the Northern tip of Pluto, and we were rarely apart
since. Ended up doing some work for the Nations, and… [Pause.]
They needed to visit home. It’d been a long time since they left
here, so I doubt any of you ever knew them. Maybe your folks.
They weren’t exactly the youngest lot… but they were mine.

FELICITY: Well… that just sounds lovely. We’ve got our own
little crew right here. [Motions to AMANDA, DAVID and ERIC.]
Known them my whole life- except Eric, but it’s felt like my
whole life.

SHANE: Ah… you were the one from Earth, right? Remember much?

ERIC: Not too much… but what I do remember is that it was so

clearly different from here. There’s just something about it…
 13

DAVID: That’s what I was saying!

SHANE: Have you ever wanted to go back?

ERIC: [Pause.] When you have a business to run, you don’t really
think about that kind of stuff-

SHANE: -Come on! It’s okay to say you want more than living in
some glass dome village the rest of your life! …No offense.

FELICITY: None taken. But I do think we really love our lives

here. You, me, Amanda and Eric, relaxing in our little bar. The
lovely little chill you get from Pluto’s snowstorms seeping
through the atmosphere. Couldn’t ask for anything more. [Pats
DAVID’s hand lovingly.] Right?

DAVID: Yeah… of course. But Earth was great though, too.

[For a moment, FELICITY looks nervous, before shaking it off and

giving DAVID a kiss on the cheek/something equivalent.]

ERIC: Will that be all for you guys?

SHANE: Oh, come on! Join in, man! Who else is coming into the
bar at this hour?

ERIC: Well, I don’t-

AMANDA: Yeah, come on!

FELICITY and DAVID: Eric! Eric! Eric!

ERIC: [Pauses.] Alright. But when I say it’s time to close,

we’re closing! Deal?

[The group cheers as ERIC puts down his rags, before taking a
seat at the table BASIL was at, now facing the others.]

AMANDA: Now, mysterious stranger-

SHANE: -I still haven’t agreed to that name-

AMANDA: -What are some of your craziest stories? I’m sure you
just have a ton.

[Shane sighs, before a small grin forms on his face.]

SHANE: Well… there was this one time-

 14

[The lights dim to just focus on ERIC in his seat. AMANDA,

SHANE, DAVID and FELICITY keep talking, but not audibly. ERIC
watches on, a big smile on his face. There’s a sincerity there;
it’s a moment without words, acted to portray the sheer
sincerity with which ERIC enjoys being with these people. Just
as his laughter is at its greatest, the lights turn back on. The
four look at him, slightly confused.]

AMANDA: You alright?

ERIC: I’m- [Calms down his laugh.] I’m fine. I just- it’s just
been a minute since I’ve sat with you guys. I love this. I hope
it doesn’t- sorry. Just drifting into my own thoughts here. Go
back to your story.

[The trio smile at him, and SHANE tips his hat in recognition.]

SHANE: Yeah… it’s been fun telling some old stories.

DAVID: Well, come on! You were just about to finish that last
one!

SHANE: Right! Where was I- oh! Yes. And then… just when the guy
was getting really angry… BANG! Alex threw the biggest right
hook you’ve ever seen in your life! Sent him flying!

[The others laugh, cheering and whooping at the story.]

DAVID: And you said the guy had metal platings on his face?
Must’ve hurt like hell.

SHANE: You’d certainly think so! But nooo, all Alex walks away
with is a slightly bloody hand and a sore shoulder. Was
absolutely fine the next morning.

FELICITY: And what about his friends? They were all right there,
weren’t they?

SHANE: I mean- this was the biggest guy, for sure. Once he was
out cold, the others weren’t sticking around for nothin’.

AMANDA: That’s crazy! And you said this was on…-

SHANE: Callisto. Wild place. Beautiful view of Jupiter. Probably

the best view for now, considering all the shit the Nations is
doing on Titan.
 15

FELICITY: God, if I hear one more word about this stupid war I’m
going to throw up.

ERIC: Well, we can’t have that. [Stands up.] Alright everyone,

it’s getting late. Let’s get on home before any one of you
collapses in my bar.

AMANDA: Boo! One more story!

DAVID: Yeah! I can keep going!

FELICITY: No no, he’s right. I’m really starting to feel the

crash. [Looks to DAVID.] Ready to go.

DAVID: Yeah.

[DAVID and FELICITY are the first to leave, waving to the others
as they leave. At the same time, AMANDA walks up to SHANE.]

AMANDA: Hey… so- did you have a place to stay tonight? Cause’ I
have a couch-

SHANE: [Holds up a hand.] I’m going to see my friends, remember?

AMANDA: Ah, yes. Of course. Sorry.

SHANE: It’s all good… but I’ll be in town tomorrow too. Maybe
I’ll see you around?

AMANDA: Yeah! I’ll see you around!

[AMANDA leaves next, as ERIC begins putting the chairs in the

bar upside-down. SHANE helps out, as they continue to talk.]

SHANE: Those are some great friends you got.

ERIC: Yeah… they’re really one-in-a-million.

SHANE: I could tell… especially that doctor of yours.

ERIC: Please don’t-

SHANE: Wait- does the barman himself have a schoolyard crush on

Miss Amanda?

ERIC: …I’d rather not talk about it.

SHANE: Alright. Whatever you say, boss.

 16

[They finish putting up the tables, each patting themselves down

and stretching.]

ERIC: You ready?

SHANE: Ready as I’ll ever be.

[ERIC and SHANE leave the scene. Lights go dark.]

SCENE 4
SCENE START: Nighttime. Eric and Shane slowly walk to the
Half-Crescent Rock. Eric walks in with his hands in his pockets,
while Shane carries his head held high. Eventually, the two
stop.

ERIC: This is it. So, they used to call it the Half-Crescent

Rock, back when I was a kid. Whoever told you to come here
must’ve been using some old documentation. Nowadays… People just
call it the Benbow Cemetery. [Pause.] Sorry for the walk. I know
those big cities North of here have all those moving walkways.

SHANE: Don’t worry about it. I was more of a walker anyways.

ERIC: [Pause.] This is where your friends are? Your crew?

SHANE: Yeah… or at least that’s what I’ve been told.

ERIC: You didn’t see them here yourself?

SHANE: Was part of the Nation’s apology. Saying sorry for

starting a shitty war and all that. Give them a nice grave,
right where they grew up.

ERIC: …Ah. [Long pause.] Sorry for your loss.

SHANE: Don’t worry about it. [Beat.] I think… I’m gonna go talk
to my friends for a moment.

ERIC: Take your time.

[SHANE walks off stage. For a few moments, ERIC simply looks up,
as though to the sky. After a beat, BASIL walks on stage,
slightly limping and obviously drunk.]

BASIL: Haven’t seen you here in a long time.

 17

ERIC: You say that like you’ve been coming here every day. [No
response. Long pause. Sighs.] Glad to know mom’s been having
some company. I usually try to just… let her rest.

BASIL: You’re not here for her?

ERIC: Stranger wanted to know the way. Apparently his friends

who died were from here, and brought here by the Nations to…
‘apologize’ for the war.

BASIL: Curse them. I mean, the balls on these Nations guys to

treat their lives like they mattered to em’. But none of us
really matter, do we?

ERIC: Mom mattered.

BASIL: [Long pause.] Yeah… you’re right.

ERIC: But also… I’m sure mom would be alright if you got some
sleep for once. I’ll say it once, I’ll say it again.

BASIL: I’m sure she would be alright. But I wouldn’t. That’s why
I gotta get this town into shape. Not for her. But for me.

ERIC: That’s all good… but you’re no use to her here.

BASIL: And you’re no use to anyone at that damn bar.

ERIC: You… make some good points.

BASIL: [Pause.] Your mother wanted you to leave this place as

soon as you could.

ERIC: Yeah, but that’s before I found something I wanted to do.

BASIL: And you haven’t wavered since. I respect you for that.
But… she knew just as much as I do that you deserved to grow up
back on Earth. We didn’t deserve what we had to do, to protect
you… things are different now. At least on Earth they are. Here,
it’s more of a hellhole than ever. But back there…

[Basil begins to walk off-stage, before stopping.]

BASIL: If the world was right… things wouldn’t change. They

would always be as they are. You wouldn’t have to grow up in a
 18

star system away from where you were born. You wouldn’t have to
lose your mother…

ERIC: If the world was right.

[BASIL nods, before stepping further away.]

ERIC: You leaving so soon?

BASIL: I was… hoping for a lack of company, tonight. I Have a

busy day tomorrow.

ERIC: Alright. L- [Hesitates.] -Bye. [Lets BASIL get a few steps

away, builds up courage.] Love you, dad.

[BASIL pauses, nods, and leaves the scene. For a few moments,
ERIC just looks up to the sky. Eventually SHANE joins him again,
looking up to the same sky and standing beside him.]

ERIC: You finished talking to your friends?

SHANE: Something like that. [Long pause.] Heard you talking to

someone. Was that…?

ERIC: It was my dad.

SHANE: Does he- I mean-

ERIC: My mom’s here.

SHANE: Oh.

ERIC: [Pause.] She died soon after coming here. I used to visit
all the time… but I just figured, when you live the same life
day to day… you don’t really have anything new to say. And I’d
rather her rest if that’s the case.

SHANE: Do you remember her? You said you were a kid when you
came here, so… I don’t know-

ERIC: Yeah, yeah. I remember. Every once in a while… my mom

would take me and my dad out to the woods. Well- whenever we
could travel out that far. Had to be like… six? Seven? Well…
that last time- it was- [Pause.] It was the most beautiful array
of stars I’d ever get to see. Nothing like this, anywhere I’ve
been. And I’d get nervous, or dizzy, or both, looking up at em’
 19

all, so she’d hold me really close. Now… every time I look up at

the stars, they just feel a bit colder.

SHANE: [Pause.] She sounds like a nice lady.

ERIC: She was. [Long pause.] But she’s gone now. And I have my
dad… and I have my friends. But I wasn’t alive long enough to
appreciate her the way she deserved. But I can appreciate them
now. I have to. …It’s gone too soon.

[Long pause. SHANE sighs.]

SHANE: It always is.

ERIC: You have a home? Well- that’s a stupid question to ask.

SHANE: No, no it’s not. I was born on Mars. Lived there for a
good while… Then, at some point or another, I didn’t have a
family anymore.

ERIC: Sorry.

SHANE: Don’t be. It’s because of that- losing that family,

having that moment come to an end, that I was able to find my
real family: these guys. [Motions to where he walked away.] And,
you know, ever since then, I’ve kinda had a positive spin on the
whole thing. My life. There’s been a good amount of sadness,
sure. But I wouldn’t take it back. Not for a moment. If things
go away, if things end, what that really means is that it’s the
start of something new.

ERIC: Good to hear. I mean, not the sadness. But- yeah.

SHANE: Don’t let it anchor you, you know? If you want to see the
stars from Earth again, or whatever else, don’t let the fear of
missing out on more time here make you pass up what could be.
You have to live for yourself sometimes.

ERIC: Well… what are you gonna do? After this?

SHANE: [Beat.] You got me there. But at least I know I have to

figure that out. Maybe… I’ll start a new crew. And this time,
I’ll get to be the leader.

ERIC: You weren’t the leader already?

 20

SHANE: [Chuckles.] Glad I give off that impression… but no. Was
still a bit too young when we met each other for the first time.

ERIC: Sure. [Long pause.] …Got a place to sleep for the night?

SHANE: Not one. I would’ve assumed there’d be a bench somewhere…

but this town doesn’t have a single one from what I’ve seen.

ERIC: Don’t worry about it. It’s not good sleep, but I have a
couple blankets back at the bar.

SHANE: I shouldn’t-

ERIC: I insist. It was good getting some air… or whatever this

is we breathe. It’s not like it’s the same stuff we were
supposed to breathe. Back where we belong.

SHANE: Oh… I don’t know about that. Isn’t the fun thing about
humans that we can figure out a way to belong anywhere we go?

ERIC: [Pause.] Never thought of it like that. [Long pause.]

Well, let’s go.

SHANE: Ah, right. So, you have a nice place to go back to?

[The two continue talking as they walk off stage.]

ERIC: I have a place. Nice place…? I’m not sure.

SHANE: Oh, come on! I’m sure the ladies love it.

ERIC: You ever try to get a date on a rock in the middle of

nowhere, orbiting a ball of deadly ice?

SHANE: From the sounds of it… I bet you haven’t.

ERIC: [Lightly shoves SHANE’s shoulder.] Hey! Do you want a

place to stay or not?

[The lights go dark.]

SCENE 5
SCENE START: We have AMANDA, BASIL, SHANE, DAVID, ERIC and
FELICITY all on stage together, filling up the space of the
 21

Brass Knuckles. But it isn’t the bar; we’re in a courtroom, and

ERIC’s the judge. Shane is in the corner, sleeping under a table
(unexplained). The lights are bright and colorful, and the
dramatic sounds of a courtroom drama bounce in before beginning.

BASIL: We are gathered in this courtroom today to determine one

simple thing, ladies and gentleman; should Eric leave behind
Charon and go back to Earth?

AMANDA: [Scoffs.] This is ridiculous!

ERIC: I’ll allow it.

BASIL: Thank you. Now… What are the truths about your life,
Eric? That you enjoy the life you have, and that you have great
people to share it with. Why do things have to change, simply
because of a child’s fantasy?

FELICITY: You’re a strong, upright man. If you’d really desired

to leave… you would have done so already, wouldn’t you? While
these emotions might seem strong, you know that the only
responsible, the only correct course of action is to make the
life you have for yourself the best it can be. Anything else…
and it would be pure escapist abandonment.

ERIC: And the defendants?

AMANDA: How can you listen to any of this? You remember how you
felt talking to Shane about the stars? There’s a genuine part of
you, even if it’s small, that wants to go.

DAVID: It might seem selfish to want something like this…

because it is. Plain and simple. But when’s the last time you’ve
ever let yourself indulge in what you really want?

BASIL: Objection!

ERIC: Overruled.

AMANDA: I know it’s tough to imagine a life without the things

that have already made it so great… but would it really be so
bad to do something for yourself for once?
 22

[ERIC takes a long pause, deep in thought. When he doesn’t

respond, the four surrounding him begin to fire back with heated
questions in rapid-fire.]

BASIL: Do you really want things to change?!

AMANDA: Can you really leave things as they are?!

FELICITY: Think of what it’ll cost!

DAVID: There will always be a cost! Think for yourself!

[SHANE slowly begins waking up from his spot, looking over to

him in confusion.]

SHANE: What are you doing?

[The lights immediately return to the normal of the bar, AMANDA

DAVID and FELICITY immediately leaving the stage. ERIC’s still
shaking, nervous from the last few seconds.]

ERIC: Uh- sorry. Was in a daydream again.

SHANE: That’s alright. Just looked a little panicked, is all.

ERIC: I think I was. In the dream… I was the judge on a court

about my life. Every little thought, picked apart. What I want…
what I need… It was a lot.

SHANE: Sounds rough. [Tries to stretch, feels back pain.] Well,

maybe not as rough as this floor… but at least I didn’t have to
pay for it. The real cost of bumming around, place to place.

[SHANE gets up from the floor, shaking himself off before

sitting down at the bar.]

ERIC: What? Do you want breakfast or something?

SHANE: Does this place have breakfast?

ERIC: I might have some tea…

[As ERIC goes underneath the bar counter looking for something,
FELICITY walks into the bar, nervous and exhausted.]
 23

FELICITY: Hey Eric-! [Beat.] Shane! Didn’t expect to see you

here this early. Honestly, I didn’t know whether to expect you
or not.

SHANE: I could say the same, madam sheriff.

ERIC: Felicity! What can I do for- [Pauses, looks her up and

down.] Do you need something?

FELICITY: [Slowly, sadly, a rush of conflicting emotions coming

in.] Just a place to sit for a while.

ERIC: Well, good news is I found my old packs of tea. Should be

good, we only got em’ last year. Take a seat.

[FELICITY sits next to SHANE, finding it difficult to keep her

head up.]

FELICITY: [Half-hearted.] So… how was your visit to your

friends?

SHANE: Wouldn’t trade visiting them for the world. We talked

about things we haven’t been able to talk about for a long time.
Eric came with.

ERIC: Yeah. It was nice… don’t usually go out that late, having
to be here so early and all.

FELICITY: Glad to hear… [To SHANE.] What are you planning on

doing now?

SHANE: I don’t know. Maybe more traveling… maybe stay here.

FELICITY: I’m sure Amanda wouldn’t mind you staying around here
for a bit longer.

SHANE: You think so?

FELICITY: She’d never admit it, but she likes meeting new
people. When you’re a doctor around these parts you get to know
just about everyone in the city for some reason or another.

SHANE: Glad I’m unique enough to make an impression.

FELICITY: Wandering stranger with a laser gun in his holster and

a mysterious past? Come on, you know it’s cool.
 24

SHANE: I mean… It's a little cool. But I’m not the way I am just
to be cool. I’ve had to change a lot because of what I’ve been
through. I’ve had to take care of myself in a way very few
people should have to. And… that’s not cool to me. It’s just
getting my shit together, for the life I’m trying to live.

FELICITY: Well… do you like this new version of yourself?

SHANE: [Without hesitation.] Yeah.

FELICITY: Then what’s wrong with letting go a bit? Everyone has

shit going on… me too.

ERIC: Speaking of which… [Places cups in front of the two.] What

brings our lovely sheriff here so bright and early?

FELICITY: [Takes a long sip, before a few deep breaths.] David

and I got into a fight last night.

ERIC: Woah. Did he-

FELICITY: No! Not that kind of fight. It was- [Hesitant.] He-

SHANE: You don’t need to force yourself to talk about it.

ERIC: Yeah. We have all morning.

FELICITY: [Contemplative pause.] Yeah… I think I’ll take a

minute to answer that. It’s just… so stressful when things
change. You always know change is coming, but you’re never ready
for it.

[SHANE and ERIC share a glance at each other.]

ERIC: Felicity-

[AMANDA and DAVID run into the room, anxious and panting.]

AMANDA: Hey! Have you guys seen- Felicity! [Runs up to FELICITY,

giving her a hug.] David said you guys had a fight last night!
You okay?

FELICITY: I’m fine-

[The four look to DAVID, who looks to FELICITY with a sense of

sympathy and regret.]
 25

DAVID: [Nervous.] Felicity.

FELICITY: [Looks away.] Hi.

DAVID: Do you think we could talk outside for a minute?

FELICITY: There’s nothing left to talk about, is there?

DAVID: Oh, come on- you know I didn’t mean any of that in a bad
way-

FELICITY: Well how else am I supposed to take it?! That you-

DAVID: -Felicity-

FELICITY: -That you want to go back to Earth again, and possibly

never come back!

[AMANDA, SHANE and ERIC reel at the information.]

ERIC: Woah! Are you serious, man!

AMANDA: How’d you think she’d react? She loves this place!

DAVID: I wasn’t saying I wanted to uproot anything! I was just-

[Pause.] It was so nice there. It wasn’t until I got back… that
I realized just how much I missed it there. In some ways… it
felt worse leaving there than it felt first leaving here.

FELICITY: [Furious.] How could you say that! After everything

we’ve been through together! After how long it’s taken for us to
be together! Am I- are we just some kind of joke to you?!

DAVID: You know that’s not what I’m saying!

FELICITY: You don’t have to spell it out to mean it, you idiot!
How else am I supposed to take this?! You want to, I don’t know,
ditch everything we have here and move to Earth together! It’s
just a place!

DAVID: [Yells, passionately.] It isn’t just a place!

[Long pause.]

ERIC: Dude…

DAVID: Maybe it is! Maybe it is just another place! [Long

pause.] But maybe… maybe I just realized that I could want to be
 26

somewhere else. I mean, I still love you. And I love everyone,

and I love this town. But- how am I supposed to just go back to
the way things used to be? After getting to work with a ton of
other people who love doing the same thing I do? Being in
service of putting this stupid war to an end, working on the
best tech in the galaxy? I didn’t know I could have that! I’d
love it if you came with me, Felicity… but I know these aren’t
selfless feelings of mine. One world or another. I’m sorry I
don’t have a better choice for you. I wasn’t even trying to make
you choose… I just wanted to talk about it. But I guess from
this kind of response I already know your answer, don’t I?

[The four look shocked at DAVID, as he swallows and looks down

at the ground in shame.]

FELICITY: …We have so much here. How could I just throw that
away?

DAVID: Felicity… I-

SCENE 6
[The five turn to the entrance as BASIL staggers in, clearly
angry and hungover. He stumbles about, not cartoonishly but
uncomfortably, as though frustrated and hungover. He chuckles.]

BASIL: Sorry… am I interrupting a party?

ERIC: Dad, this really isn’t the best time-

BASIL: Shut up. I’m here for the runaway.

[AMANDA, DAVID, ERIC and FELICITY look confused. SHANE looks

nervous, but quickly collects himself.]

FELICITY: What?

BASIL: I’m not talking to you. [Looks directly at SHANE, before

quickly pulling out a laser gun from its holster. The others
step back, except SHANE.]

SHANE: [Calmly, as though unafraid.] Sure you want to do this?

 27

BASIL: Shut it, coward. Yeah… I finally read the fucking

bulletin. And what did it say? ‘Man and associates working under
the direct authority of the Nations were ambushed by a rival
faction. Shane the Coward was the only survivor.’ A real runaway
until the end, huh?

[It sinks in for the others.]

DAVID: Shane… is that true?

ERIC: Your friends… you and them… you were just hired guns for
the Nations? Killers?

AMANDA: So the friends you were talking about… they’re dead?

BASIL: Quiet! [Quickly flashes the gun at them, before aiming

back at SHANE.] I could tell just from reading the bulletin you
don’t want to be a part of that anymore. But you don’t have to
be Shane the Coward, now do you?

SHANE: [Cockily.] From what I understand, it’s the civic duty of

anyone under the protection of the Nations to directly and
promptly report anyone wanted for an unfulfilled contract.

BASIL: Oh… I’ve always been a fair man. And from this record
I’ve read… you’ll be of some use to me.

SHANE: What did you read?

BASIL: Oh, nothing interesting… just how you’ve time and again,
escaped or overcome Nations’ forces. One from a month ago
indicates you were surrounded by over twenty men on a small
mining rock and still made it out in one piece.

SHANE: Didn’t even get hit once… but who’s counting?

FELICITY: Jesus…

BASIL: Work for me. This town has been ransacked by raiders and
all sorts of unsavory types since I took office. With you on the
force, alongside my loyal sheriff…

[BASIL refers to FELICITY. She nods and takes out her own laser
gun, pointing it at SHANE with a cop’s precise aim.]

FELICITY: Sorry cowboy, but I’m officially back on duty.

 28

SHANE: I completely understand.

BASIL: -We’d be unstoppable, the three of us. Finally… this

little slice of the galaxy would be at peace. Everything would
be just right.

SHANE: But it’d never really be like it used to, would it?

BASIL: [Bellows out in frustration.] I’m the one with the guns!

SHANE: No- you’re the one threatening to use one. [Slightly

angles his holster so BASIL can see it.] I’ve met a lot of men
threatening to use a gun on me before… and you’d be surprised at
the sheer lack of them that end up shooting when I have
something they want.

BASIL: You…!

[As BASIL continues to yell at SHANE, his sound muffles as

AMANDA shuffles over to ERIC, speaking in whispers.]

AMANDA: Eric?

ERIC: Yeah?

AMANDA: You have those guns still kept under the bar?

ERIC: What?

AMANDA: I don’t think Shane’s getting out of here without help.

ERIC: And we- what? Aim guns at the mayor and the sheriff? My
dad and your best friend?

AMANDA: What did he do wrong, Eric? Tell me who he is… beyond a

guy who wandered into your bar looking to mourn his friends and
found us? Found a place to be safe? To celebrate their lives?

ERIC: This has got to be another daydream! He- he worked with

the Nations! He was a part of this stupid war! This war… it’s
taken so many lives- it took my mom’s-

AMANDA: -The guns, Eric! The guns! Are you in or are you out?

[As ERIC considers, BASIL’s voice becomes clear again.]

BASIL: So what’s it gonna be, runaway? Freedom, or chains?

 29

SHANE: [Ponders.] I’ll… I think I’ll take chains.

[BASIL motions for FELICITY to come over, who pulls out some
handcuffs from her pocket and begins to get close to SHANE.]

AMANDA: Get back!

[They all look at AMANDA, who simply ran past ERIC and pulled
out a laser gun from behind the bar. She points it at BASIL, but
looks at FELICITY.]

SHANE: [Big grin on his face.] Woah! Badass!

AMANDA: [Chuckles teasingly.] Thanks.

FELICITY: Wha- what are you doing?!

AMANDA: He doesn’t deserve this! You know that!

FELICITY: He’s a criminal! Why wouldn’t he deserve this?!

AMANDA: And you think what Basil is doing is right?!

FELICITY: That’s not what I- [Looks over to DAVID, who’s now

behind SHANE.] David… get away from him.

DAVID: …I don’t think I will.

SHANE: Come on now, guys- I don’t need your help.

FELICITY: Shut up! David. Get back from him.

DAVID: …I’m not.

FELICITY: [Heartbroken.] …Please. I- you can’t just- why are we

fighting? Am I not enough?

DAVID: You’ve always been the world to me… but I need my own
world too. I can’t just live your best life for the rest of
mine.

FELICITY: [In shock.] David-

BASIL: -Are you going to let a bit of emotion get in the way of
what you have to do, sheriff?

FELICITY: [Hesitates.] But he’s-

 30

BASIL: -Are you not willing to do what it takes to protect this

life of yours, sheriff? Are you willing to let some runaway scum
ruin it all for you? Or are you going to do what needs to be
done and protect this life of yours?!

[As FELICITY ponders, glancing between SHANE and DAVID

nervously, ERIC notices BASIL using the distraction to prepare
his gun.]

FELICITY: I… I don’t think I-

ERIC: -SHANE!

[SHANE moves slightly out of the way, just as BASIL shoots.

SHANE gets hit in the arm, tensing up onto the floor. His gun,
which he was just about to take out, flies onto the floor.]

AMANDA & DAVID: Shane!

[ERIC quickly grabs a gun from behind the bar, before running
over to the collapsed SHANE.]

AMANDA: Are you alright?

SHANE: Augh! -Couldn’t be better…

ERIC: Amanda, he’s going to need some help. There’s a medical

kit behind the bar-

BASIL: -Nobody moves!

[The characters in the room freeze, except for BASIL, who walks
up to SHANE and the trio surrounding him. FELICITY keeps her gun
trained on SHANE, confused and regretful.]

BASIL: I think this is enough fun, runaway. Just work for me,
and we can put this silly little game to an end.

ERIC: Dad! This is ridiculous!

BASIL: As if you have any room to talk! At least I’m doing

something for this town! At least I’m trying to fix things!
Return them to the way they were!

ERIC: What are you talking about?!

 31

BASIL: You wouldn’t understand. You work here in this filthy

bar, day in and day out. You’ve never had to lose a cent of what
I have. The people… the places. And now it’s all changed… it’s
all gone to shit. If the galaxy is going to do nothing but rot…
I’m going to do all that I can to help fix it. Take us back to
what we used to have!

AMANDA: But is it worth it to do all this just to get it?!

BASIL: …Why do I care what you say? You’re all just a bunch of
criminals.

FELICITY: Mayor!

BASIL: Cretins! All of you! You’d get in the way of fixing the
crime! Fixing the rot! You deserve this, all of you!

[ERIC, panicked, quickly closes his eyes and begins to mutter to

himself.]

ERIC: This is just a daydream, this is just a daydream, this is

just a daydream…

BASIL: Oh, look! Can’t face reality, can you?! Pathetic!

[AMANDA, DAVID and FELICITY look at BASIL with a confused

disgust. While kneeling next to SHANE, DAVID grabs SHANE’s gun.]

BASIL: You can’t handle the world around you, so you just cave
in! [Pause.] I daydream too, you know. But I don’t get to see
fun flights of fantasy. I see your mother’s corpse on the
ground! I see the war that took her, just as we were about to be
safe from it all! I see the cracks in the walls, the mold in the
crevices. I need to fight it! Everyone needs to fight it! But
you just can’t handle what it means to clean up this mess! You
can’t be a man! You can’t handle this, you can’t leave behind
this embarrassing job of yours to actually do something.
ANYTHING! Your mother would be embarrassed to see you still
here! She’d roll in her grave to see what you’ve become!

[ERIC stops muttering, eyes open.]

ERIC: [Without turning.] What’d you say?

 32

BASIL: Oh, now he’s awake? What are you gonna do, cowboy? Or was
it a starship commander? Or a master cook? Gonna keep dreaming
about a better life? Or are you going to make things right with
your own two hands?! Are you going to stop being such a waste of
space and finally-

[Without hesitation, ERIC, AMANDA, DAVID and FELICITY all aim

their guns at BASIL. They’re now all on SHANE’s side of the
stage, BASIL on the other. He doesn’t flinch.]

BASIL: …Sheriff?

FELICITY: I think I’m going to be extending my break.

BASIL: …Son?

[ERIC gets up from his spot, still holding the gun at BASIL.
Eventually, the two become close enough where they drive the
barrels of their guns into each other’s chests.]

ERIC: You think this is what mom would’ve wanted?

BASIL: Like you know what she would’ve wanted.

[Without hesitation, AMANDA takes off behind the bar, grabbing a

medical kit. Neither ERIC or BASIL flinch from their duel.]

BASIL: So… are you gonna do it? You're gonna protect your little
friend there? The coward?

SHANE: Eric!

ERIC: [Not turning.] What?

SHANE: [In pain.] Aren’t you gonna see the stars on Earth again?
It’s okay to be in a bad place… but if you let that anger of
yours take over… you won’t come back. You won’t be the same man
you used to be. Don’t run… but don’t fight either. Face it-
right here… right now.

[ERIC sits in a long pause, before dropping his gun.]

ERIC: Yeah… I suppose so.

BASIL: You’re not gonna listen to your old man, but you’re going
to take advice from Shane the Coward?
 33

ERIC: He isn’t a coward. He’s able to face what he’s lost with
more courage than you ever will.

BASIL: …You’re still so weak.

ERIC: [Confident.] No… you are.

BASIL: I’m the one with the gun.

ERIC: And you’re the one stuck to the past.

BASIL: Have you seen what the world has become?! Earth, Pluto…
everything! War, murder, raids… it’s chaos! People are animals!
It wasn’t like this… it used to be great!

ERIC: I bet it was. But you can’t go back, dad. You can’t keep
things the same way forever.

BASIL: How would you know?! All you’ve ever done is stay in the
same place!

ERIC: When you stay in one place for a while… you start to
realize just how much things change. [Glances at AMANDA, DAVID
and FELICITY.] I get it.

[FELICITY and DAVID look at each other, emotional and

sympathetic.]

BASIL: Do you? [Reorients the gun so that it’s directly on

ERIC’s forehead.] Do you really?

AMANDA: [Shocked, nervous.] Eric!

[FELICITY straightens her aim towards BASIL.]

ERIC: [At peace, sympathetic.] Don’t worry, Felicity! Cause’… I

know he’s not going to shoot.

BASIL: And how do you know that? You don’t know anything! You’re
just a kid!

ERIC: I know… because you’re my dad. And you just want what’s
best for me… best for us. But this isn’t it. I know… because you
love me too.

[BASIL’s hand holding his pointing gun shakes violently, but

ERIC stands firm. BASIL lowers his hand, emotionally broken.]
 34

BASIL: You… you’re really getting old, you know that?

ERIC: I know, dad.

[BASIL rests his shaking hand on ERIC’s shoulder for a few

moments, giving each other a knowing nod. BASIL then looks upon
the room and its cast, full of regret, before limping off stage.
ERIC watches on until he’s gone, before quickly turning to
SHANE, who’s now receiving treatment by AMANDA.]

ERIC: How’s he doing?

AMANDA: He’ll be fine. Just needs some clean-up work done.

[The remaining four circle around SHANE, still lying on the

ground, chuckling to ignore the pain.]

SHANE: Now that was crazy! Ha! [Winches in pain from the
laughter.]

ERIC: [Looks back to the door.] Yeah… it was.

[DAVID notices how FELICITY awkwardly slinks over to them.]

DAVID: It’s good. We’re all good.

FELICITY: But I-

DAVID: It’s complicated, right? The feelings? Doing what you

want to do versus what you need to do? But you always did what
you thought was right… and I always loved you for that.

FELICITY: [Long pause, before kneeling next to SHANE.] Right.

[The lights go dark.]

SCENE 7
SCENE START: Eric stands in the middle of the Brass Knuckles,
looking around. The lights are only centered on him. The
tables/chairs are all set up, and as he does a full look, he
faces the audience before closing his eyes. Similar to the first
daydream, he starts whispering to himself.

ERIC: Come on, come on…

 35

[BASIL staggers in, tired.]

BASIL: You daydreaming again?

[The rest of the lights come on. ERIC laughs, before turning to
him.]

ERIC: You know, I actually haven’t been. Not since the… you
know.

BASIL: You think you finally got enough adventure to fill up

those dreams of yours?

ERIC: The opposite, actually. I finally know what living my

dreams feels like. So now… I can finally go out and live them.

BASIL: [Long pause.] So… you’re really leaving this place?

ERIC: I gotta. Everything’s changing… and I have to figure out

what I am without this place.

BASIL: It won’t be easy.

ERIC: Never is.

BASIL: Well then… I wish you luck. Your mother would be proud.

ERIC: I bet she would be.

[BASIL attempts to leave, but ERIC turns to him.]

ERIC: Dad!

BASIL: What?

ERIC: …Take a break.

BASIL: This shit again?

ERIC: This isn’t shit. It’s an order.

[BASIL turns, amused.]

BASIL: Did- did you just tell your father what to do?

ERIC: …Yeah. I think it’s nothing compared to wagging a gun in

your son’s face, at least.
 36

BASIL: …Fair enough. [Long pause, before turning to the door.]

Fine. [Chuckles gruffly.] Just don’t expect me to enjoy it.

ERIC: [Just before BASIL leaves the scene.] Love you, dad.

BASIL: [Long pause.] Love you too.

[BASIL leaves the scene, ERIC cleaning up around the bar. After
a few seconds, SHANE, AMANDA, DAVID and FELICITY walk in. SHANE
and AMANDA are holding hands/close to each other.]

FELICITY: Ooo… never come in here when it’s not operating hours.

DAVID: Yeah… the place looks so sad.

AMANDA: It feels like we shouldn’t be in here…

ERIC: Well, I called you guys in for a reason. But first- real
quick, can I talk to you for a moment, Amanda?

AMANDA: [Genuinely surprised.] Yeah! Whatever you need.

[The two leave the stage. SHANE nervously looks over to DAVID
and FELICITY.]

SHANE: So… are you two still-?

FELICITY: Well… we talked about it- you know, actually talked

about it, not holding guns at each other- and we’ve decided it’s
for the best we call off the engagement.

SHANE: Oh, wow! I’m so sorry.

DAVID: Don’t worry about it. I still love her…

FELICITY: -And I still love him.

DAVID: But- we just had this feeling that, if we kept going with
this marriage, it wouldn’t end pretty.

FELICITY: I would’ve kicked his ass, is what he’s saying.

DAVID: I think I could get in a good swing or two.

FELICITY: Oh yeah? Then-

SHANE: [Quickly steps in between them, chuckling.] Alright! No

more fighting!
 37

[The three give each other looks, before bursting out laughing.]

SHANE: Well, I hope the two of you do the best in your future
endeavors. I’d ask what… but I think ERIC would want to know
too… [Looks over to where ERIC and AMANDA left.]

FELICITY: Well, not giving too much away, I’m still an acting
sheriff… so I really should be arresting you right about now…

[FELICITY flashes a devilish grin, stepping closer in an intense

manner. SHANE steps back in equal measure, clearly nervous,
before she bursts out laughing.]

FELICITY: I’m just joking! Ha! I mean… I really should arrest

you… but I’d rather get chewed out by a Nations’ officer than
force you to be somewhere you don’t want to be.

SHANE: I genuinely appreciate that. Thank you.

DAVID: Don’t worry, I also helped in convincing her!

[The two share a fist-bump as AMANDA and ERIC walk back into the
bar. They all nod to each other.]

FELICITY: What was that about, you two?

AMANDA: I’ll tell you about it later, alright?

FELICITY: Sounds good. Now, what are we all doing here?

ERIC: Well… I wanted the best people I could find… so I could

serve the final round of the Brass Knuckles.

[The others take a moment to let that set in.]

DAVID: Wait… does that-?

ERIC: Yes. As of today… the bar is sold.

AMANDA, FELICITY & SHANE: What?!

ERIC: Yeah! Sorry about that. I know we’ve had some fun times
here… but there’s some stuff I want to do for myself first.

SHANE: Where’s your first stop?

ERIC: Earth. Back to my hometown… to see the stars.

 38

DAVID: Then I guess I’ll be joining you on that trip.

ERIC: You’re… going back to Earth, too?

DAVID: Yep! Going to join the mechanics over there… and they got
some really crazy stuff in the works. I’ll make sure to send
each and every one of you messages on all the crazy stuff I get
to work on!

SHANE: Well… what about those drinks?

ERIC: Oh yeah!

[As ERIC runs over to the bar, fixing up several glasses, SHANE
looks to FELICITY.]

SHANE: Alright, so now that we’re talking about it… you staying
here? Or do you have bigger plans?

FELICITY: I wouldn’t call them bigger… but I am transferring to

a new city. A couple of settlements North of here, actually.
It’ll still feel like home… but without the crazy Mayor.

AMANDA: Oh yeah- should we like- tell people about that?

SHANE: I should hope not. He was… unhinged in his dedication,

but was also legally in his right. Hold no ill will, personally.

AMANDA: But Felicity- I’m so happy for you! [The two hug.]
You’re gonna kick ass, you know that?

FELICITY: I know that. Trust me.

DAVID: Since it seems like we all have some sort of plan…

Amanda? Are you going to be okay without us?

SHANE: Oh- uh-

AMANDA: Actually, I’m going to be heading out with Shane!

DAVID & FELICITY: What?!

SHANE: Well- yeah. We talked about it last night. I said I was

going to enjoy the rest of Pluto while the Nations had no clue
where I was… and she asked if she could join.
 39

FELICITY: That- this is a very dangerous individual, Amanda. Are

you sure you can handle yourself?

AMANDA: I’m a doctor. What’s the worst that could happen to the
two of us? And now I have an excuse to do some traveling!

DAVID: Just be careful, alright?

AMANDA: Of course! I’m not worried, Shane isn’t worried-

SHANE: -Terrified, actually-

AMANDA: -So I’m sure it’ll all turn out alright!

[Just as she finishes speaking, ERIC finishes placing several

glasses on the bartop. Each of the cast grabs a glass before
meeting in the middle of the bar.]

ERIC: This is it.

SHANE: [To ERIC.] Want to say some final words?

ERIC: Yeah… I suppose I should. [Deep breath.] We went to this

bar for the first time when I was eighteen. It’d been a few
years since my mom had died… and just as long since I’d cared
enough to be social with anyone. But you guys invited me out
anyways, and after tricking the poor old barkeep into giving us
some alcohol, we had the best night of our lives that we could.

DAVID: Yeah, I remember that! First of many wild nights!

AMANDA: Wow, brings back memories…

FELICITY: Honestly surprised you remember it… you had a bit more
than you could handle, if I can even remember.

ERIC: I remember the whole thing. I remember each of us giving

impassioned speeches on the most boring topics we could come up
with. I remember trying to figure out who to set David up with
on a date, long before you two were ever a thing. I remember
nearly splitting the chair, I was out of balance from laughing
so hard… and I remember not feeling so alone anymore.
[Hesitates, before holding up his glass.] Thank you, for not
letting me be sad alone. And thank you… [Nearly in tears.] For
being my friends. It’s meant more to me than you can ever
 40

imagine. And even if it’s ending, right here and right now,
that’ll never change what we were. [Long pause.] To the future.

[The others hold their glasses up high, clinking them together

before each taking strong sips. They all laugh, before putting
their cups on the counter.]

DAVID: Yeah… I think I should get going. Have to start figuring

out what I’m taking with me to Earth.

FELICITY: Same. There’s gonna be a lot of change. I don’t know

what I’ll still need, and what I’ll just donate.

AMANDA: Well if you want you can keep it in my apartment. I’m

going to come back… eventually.

[The three start making their way out, giving hugs and waving
goodbye. AMANDA is last of the pack, and before fully leaving,
turns back and walks up to SHANE.]

AMANDA: I know I’ll see you in a bit, but- [Kisses his cheek.]
Hope you don’t miss me too much.

SHANE: Should be saying the same thing to you. [Tips hat.]

[By this point, FELICITY has reached the door, stopping right
before opening it. She chuckles to herself.]

DAVID: What?

FELICITY: Nothing. It’s just… I just told myself in my head,

“This might be the last time you come here.” I don’t know why,
but it just made me really sad.

DAVID: Hey… [Places hands on her shoulders.] So what? You’re

going to go out there, live your new life, and you’re going to
kick ass, you know? And this… nothing changes the fact that we
were here, understand? You could mourn it if you want, I guess…
but it isn’t really dead, is it? I don’t think so.

[FELICITY thinks on his words for a long time, the group looking
to her as she settles back into a smile.]

FELICITY: Yeah… you’re right. It was pretty fun, wasn’t it?

 41

[The three leave. SHANE notices ERIC looking out to AMANDA as

they do so.]

SHANE: So… what’d you talk to her about?

ERIC: I told her I loved her.

SHANE: Woah! No bullshit?!

[ERIC turns to face SHANE, confused.]

ERIC: That… wasn’t the response I was expecting.

SHANE: Well, now I have to call Felicity. I owe her some money.

ERIC: Come on! Really!

SHANE: Just kidding! [Pause, with a smile.] She owes me.

ERIC: I get half.

SHANE: A third. And that’s plenty fair.

ERIC: …Fine. It’s not like I’m lacking in cash after the sale.

SHANE: You’d hope so… Good on you.

ERIC: I knew what she was gonna say… it’s kinda hard to not know
about you two. I just felt like she had to know. I’d known her
too long to keep something like that a secret, especially since
it might be the last time I see her.

SHANE: You’re not planning on coming back?

ERIC: Maybe someday. But who knows if she’ll be here… or if

she’ll be with you still.

SHANE: Don’t doubt her wanting to come back someday. This little
town of yours… it isn’t so bad once you get to know it.

[ERIC begins cleaning up the glasses on the table as they

continue talking.]

ERIC: Thanks for the compliment… I guess.

SHANE: I mean it! Though… I could tell why my friends never

wanted to talk about it.
 42

ERIC: That so?

SHANE: Yeah… it’s because they’re wanderers… like me. And when
you live in a place like this, with people you care about, you
never want to leave.

[ERIC finishes cleaning up (leaving the drinks on the table),

before meeting SHANE in the middle of the stage.]

ERIC: Well… this is it.

SHANE: Suppose it is.

[The two give each other a nod, before ERIC extends his arm.
SHANE, with a big grin on his face, grabs ERIC’s arm and uses it
to pull him into a hug.]

SHANE: [Eyes welling up with tears.] Thanks for helping me say

goodbye, man.

ERIC: You too.

[After a few seconds, they let go. SHANE uses his arm to wipe
his tears away, before slowly making his way out of the bar.
Just before he leaves, he turns back.]

SHANE: [Tips hat.] So long, partner.

ERIC: See you, space cowboy.

SHANE: Ha! Lot better than ‘mysterious stranger’, at any rate.

[SHANE leaves, leaving ERIC alone in the bar. He looks around,

with a smile on his face.]

ERIC: We’ve had some good times, haven’t we?

[ERIC quickly runs over, grabbing a few empty plates from the
bar and bringing them over to the table where the trio sat.]

ERIC: Alright, we have… a French Revolution for the returning

mechanic. We have one… ‘Incendies Français’ for the only lady in
town who can handle her spice. And… [Hesitates, tone becoming
more somber and words coming out slower.] One order of the Salt
and Pepper classic. Just the way you like it.
 43

[Most of the lights turn off, leaving only a single one for him
(similar to him awakening from his daydreams in the beginning of
the play). He looks at the audience.]

ERIC: [Closes his eyes, whispers to himself.] You had a good

life here. You might not be some gunslinging action hero… but
you had a nice bar. A beautiful small town right on the edge of
the galaxy. You had friends. Family. Everything you needed… was
right here. And now it’s time to go. It’s time to let go. Start
those dreams. Be more. And know there are always people out
there, past and present, who love you and will be there for you.
[Pats chest proudly.] They’ll always be right here.

[He opens his eyes, doing one final look around. He’s not just
saying goodbye to the bar… he’s saying goodbye to a part of his
life. But that’s okay. He says his line, and leaves the bar for
the last time.]

ERIC: So long, partner.

[For a moment, before all the lights turn out, a spotlight rests
on the table where the five shared their drinks, the glass’s
still on the lone table. After the moment passes, just long
enough to feel the weight of the moment, the lights go dark.]

THE END