Synopsis: This is the last installment of the Serialized Edition (SE) of The Taming of Viv. In this episode, we find out there is a “MI” in the basement of the cafe. We also learn what’s on those “Nudging Napkins.” Most important, “Taming” is introduced.
FADE IN:
INT. CAFE BASEMENT
[Thursday]
This scene fades in gradually from black, but doesn’t come to full brightness since we are heading into the basement. We follow from Joey’s point-of-view (POV) as he enters the basement of the cafe. It’s relatively dark. As Joey’s eyes adjust to the darkness, it becomes easier to see what he sees: In one corner is all the a mini-roaster and related supplies.
Joey sees a dim light on the other side of the basement and moves towards it. As he gets closer he starts picking up on bits of conversation. TOMMIE, the inventor and DOC, the science guy/philosopher are pondering next steps.
TOMMIE
We’re so close. I can feel it…
DOC
Don’t worry, Tommie. We’ll find a
way to track it down.
TOMMIE
What? What did you say?
DOC
(speaking a little louder) I said
WE’LL TRACK IT DOWN.
TOMMIE
Really? I wouldn’t be so sure of
that buster. (pauses with
frustration mounting in his voice)
You know how many times I’ve gotten
close … THIS close and then been
unable to get it done?
DOC
Uh… No.
Tommie continues without acknowledging what Doc just said.
TOMMIE
You know that 80-20 rule?
DOC
Oh yeah… the Pareto principle.
Doesn’t that have something to
do with economics? For example,
80% of the wealth is held by 20% of
the population…
TOMMIE
What?
DOC
Never mind. You were saying.
TOMMIE
My 80-20 rule is that getting 80%
towards solving a problem is the
easy part. It’s getting that last
20% done that can take forever…
if it happens at all.
DOC
Makes sense. So basically what you
are saying is…
TOMMIE
What I’m saying is that last 20%
push we need to solve this
particular problem is going to be a
bear… okay, Mr. WE’LL TRACK IT
DOWN.
DOC
So I’m optimistic. What’s wrong
with that?
TOMMIE
Oh nothing. Nothing at all. But I
think it is a great idea to anchor
you in some sort of reality. Don’t
want to raise the expectations of
the folks upstairs.
DOC
Huh? What expectations?
TOMMIE
Never mind.
It goes quiet, then Tommie speaks up again.
TOMMIE
So… just curious. Did you have a
plan in mind for “Tracking it
down?”
Just then, Joey makes his presence known.
JOEY
Hey, fellas! Am I interrupting
anything?
They reply in unison.
TOMMIE
Yes!
DOC
Hell, no! Great to see you Joey!
JOEY
So how are things going?
DOC
You know, it’s a day late and a
part sort… the usual.
JOEY
Oh?
TOMMIE
Yeah. Are you familiar with the 80
20 rule?
JOEY
Isn’t that when…?
DOC
(whispers) Don’t answer… I’ll
fill you in later.
JOEY
(whispering) Oh. Okay.
DOC
Hey, Tommie (said with a louder
voice)! How about making some
sketches of the parts you’re
looking for. Then leave it to Joey
and me. We’ll…
TOMMIE
I know, I know… take care of it.
Like it’ll be a piece of cake (he
grumbles). Whatever, I’ll be back
in a bit.
Tommie moves off to a worktable in the corner. Doc and Joey talk.
JOEY
You know… whatever he needs,
chances are that X will be able to
track it down. He’s very
resourceful.
DOC
Excellent idea. Thanks! But
that’s not why you came down here,
is it?
JOEY
Actually, in a way, it is. I
wanted to check in to see how
things were going. You guys okay?
DOC
Yeah, but if you don’t mind, I
think we should take turns baby
sitting the mad inventor. I could
use some fresh air. Not to mention
that my throat is trashed from
shouting so much.
JOEY
Ah… Sorry about that. You’re
right. We should be doing this in
shifts. How did you end up with
this job anyway? I totally forgot.
DOC
Well, I think Frankie was the first
choice since he’s got that Cal-Tech
degree and a background in film —
but for some reason, he had to bail
so he asked me to fill in.
JOEY
And its been your job ever since?
(pause) I see. Sorry about that.
DOC
It’s not all that bad. I’m learning
a ton from watching him. It’s
just…
JOEY
What? It’s just what?
DOC
It’s just frustrating for me to
watch him force things — I mean…
sometimes he seems so hellbent on a
particular solution that I think he
misses out on the serendipitous
things… the possibilities.
JOEY
So its pretty intense?
DOC
Borderline obsessive-compulsive.
And I swear that guy hardly sleeps.
Just these little catnaps and then
he springs up, fresh as a daisy.
The thing is, half the time he’s so
deep in his own world, that he
doesn’t even know I’m here.
JOEY
Funny. I could say the same thing
about our pal upstairs.
DOC
Uh… which one? Remember that
it’s been a while since I’ve seen
daylight.
JOEY
Frankie. Hey walk with me and I’ll
get you up to speed.
DOC
Okay. But what about our MI?
JOEY
Our what?
DOC
Mad Inventor…
JOEY
Tell him we’re going to track down
X and send him down as soon as we
find him.
DOC
Cool. Sounds good.
CUT TO:
INT. JEDEMI CAFE
Back upstairs…
Spread across a table are a bunch of napkins with writing on them:
Uncertainty is the fun of it all! –Frankie
A good idea has more lives than the proverbial cat. –Frankie
If doors open for me, they can open for anyone! –Frankie
Follow your bliss! — Joey
Never get into a rut. Keep yourself mentally and physically alive! –Joey
Experience is food for the soul! –Joey
Fate leads those who are willing. The unwilling it drags. –Joey
Joey and Doc stop by to see how things are going. Doc hangs back and observes as Joey speaks.
JOEY
Wow! You guys have been busy.
FRANNIE
Yeah, you could say that.
FRANKIE
So, what do you think?
JOEY
Well… you definitely have come
up with some good quotes…
The shot lingers on the “Follow your bliss!” quote. The pause gets Doc’s attention and he leans in and takes a look.
DOC
Ha! Good one. (to Joey)
JOEY
Oh yeah. You guys remember Doc,
don’t ya?
FRANNIE
Of course! Long time no see.
Where have you been?
DOC
Why don’t you ask your buddy there?
FRANNIE
Huh?
FRANKIE
(defensively) I swear… I was
going to come down and spell you.
It’s just…
Doc gets really quiet and that makes Frankie very uncomfortable.
FRANKIE
Oh crap… I’m in trouble now, huh?
It’s still silent.
FRANKIE
I’m sorry Doc. I just lost track
of time.
More silence.
FRANKIE
Come on… I said I’m sorry. (to
Joey) Wow. He’s really sore,
isn’t he.
DOC
Excuse me. I’m standing right
here.
FRANKIE
Ah good. He speaks…
FRANNIE
You know, Frankie… you aren’t
helping matters.
DOC
(addressing Frannie) So Frannie,
what else are you working on?
FRANNIE
This is it so far. Was hoping for
some feedback before we go too far
down this particular path.
DOC
Smart approach. So Joey, what do
you think of what they’ve done so
far?
FRANKIE
Yeah, Joey. Your hesitation was
really noticeable. Come on…
What’s bugging you?
JOEY
Well… not that I’m an expert at
this taming thing, but don’t you
want to be a little “less direct”?
I mean, shouldn’t we be helping
folks make the connection on their
own?
There’s a long pause while everyone ponders what Joey said. Then Doc pipes up.
DOC
Excellent point. You’re right.
These kind of look like those
motivational posters. Discovery is
definitely more engaging.
There’s another pause and then Frankie speaks up.
FRANKIE
I didn’t think about that, but…
yeah, it totally makes sense.
FRANNIE
I agree. Should have asked more
questions before plunging into this
project. What do you suggest?
JOEY
Well, let’s start with getting
folks used to reading napkins.
DOC
Reading napkins? That’s what this
is about? I thought they were just
using the them for brainstorming.
FRANKIE
Actually, I’m playing with the idea
of using napkins as means for
communicating with the folks here
at the cafe.
FRANNIE
Yeah. We talked about that and I
think I worked up a solution — our
napkins have to be unique.
Different color. Different type of
material. Different shape.
JOEY
Good… I like your thinking. Now
about being less direct… There’s
got to be a way to…
DOC
… Music… (pause) Seriously…
music could work. How about
playing around with music lyrics?
There’s a pause as they ponder Doc’s suggestion. Then Frankie speaks up.
FRANKIE
That could work… it’s just…
(voice trails off)
FRANNIE
Great idea, Doc! Glad you sprung
him Joey.
JOEY
Okay. So help me out. How would
this lyric thing work?
FRANNIE
I got it. Hang on…
We see a napkin.
On the one side it says:
This is the test…
And on side two it says:
…no struggle, no progress.
FRANNIE
So? How’s this?
DOC
Yeah… that’s the idea. I like
it.
JOEY
Very rhythmic. I like how it
reads. So clue me in. What song is
it from?
FRANNIE
You don’t know? You, know, right
Doc?
DOC
Yeah, but I’m not telling.
JOEY
Any idea, Frankie? After all, this
IS your project.
There’s a slight pause.
FRANKIE
It uh… it escapes me at the
moment…
FRANNIE
It’s from Rhythm Nation… Janet
Jackson.
DOC
Love the video!
[Block yourself some time (5-min) and check out video here]
There’s another pause.
FRANNIE
It was the best selling album
in 1990.
FRANKIE
Oh… (hesitantly) right…
JOEY
Doesn’t ring a bell… but I trust
your instincts… and re-reading it
— yeah, I like it.
FRANNIE
Thanks! I’ll work on coming up
with some more that the patrons
here will recognize.
DOC
Looks like a fun project. Can I
help you brainstorm?
FRANNIE
That would be awesome.
FRANKIE
Clearly you guys have got your
finger on the pulse here. How
about if I get out of your way and
let you go at it?
DOC
You sure?
FRANKIE
Yeah. I’d just be in the way.
FRANNIE
In the way?
Before Frannie can continue that train of thought, she picks up a vibe from Joey.
FRANNIE
Actually, I do believe that it’s
your turn to go hang with the mad
inventor, right?
JOEY
She’s right. Better move along.
It’s time.
FRANKIE
Oh… alright…
Frankie shuffles off, leaving Doc, Frannie and Joey.
JOEY
Since you two have this under
control, how about if I go track
down X? I’m sure Tommie’s chomping
at the bit to get a hold of
whatever it is he’s looking for.
DOC
Good idea. Thanks, Joey!
FRANNIE
Yeah, thanks Joey!
Just then, the sound of an airplane buzzes them.
JOEY
How’s that for perfect timing?
Later, guys! Have fun!
FRANNIE
We most certainly will.
Click to play.
FADE OUT.
That’s a Wrap!
This concludes the preview version of “The Taming of Viv.”
Did you like the story so far?
There are a whole series of Jedemi Chronicles ready to be shared. Our challenge is getting them into a proper format for the reader.
We really like the multi-touch. If you haven’t read about it, check out our post here.
- Updated 7 Sep 14: For those who don’t have access to an iPad, but want to see what happens next in Viv’s story, a Kindle version of the complete story has been created. You can find it by clicking here. This is a straight-forward read without the cool interactive features. You’ll find supplemental information on this website.
Please make sure you register for the newsletter or contact us directly and we’ll let you know where the “goodies” are.
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More Chronicles coming!
“The Taming of Viv” is actually the second of the Jedemi Chronicles. Here is a rundown of the Chronicles created so far:
Jedemi Chronicles – Volume 1
Ring Dem Bells: Tale of the Enchanted Jukebox
Revision 3.0
15 December 2004
A jukebox found by a café owner at flea market takes on a life of its own.
Jedemi Chronicles – Volume 2
In Heaven When You Smile: The Taming of Viv
Revision 2.0
26 April 2008
Edited January 2009
The café owner learns more about her jukebox from new arrivals at the café who become regulars and help her avert a near disaster.
Jedemi Chronicles – Volume 3
Doin’ It: Taming of the Suit
Revision 1.0
5 July 2010
A hard-charging, corporate ladder-climbing young lady (the Suit) has a close encounter at the café that leads to a life changing experience.
Jedemi Chronicles – Volume 4
Fly: Katie’s Euro Adventure
Revision 1.0
30 July 2012
Katie (the Suit), who has hit a plateau in her quest for a purposeful existence, has been unexpectedly sent to Europe for a series of business meetings. The consequences of her adventure spur her onto the next level.
Jedemi Chronicles – Volume 5 (In development)
It’s Time: Katie Gets Hands-on (working title)
Katie’s Euro adventure inspires some moonlighting.
#JedemIEP
We are having a blast getting these stories from head to paper to screen. This is our way of delivering creativity ( Idea, Energy & Power ) which we hope will be encouraging and inspiring so that maybe you will feel compelled to unleash a story or two of your own. Or better yet, proactively seek adventures where you write your own script, and then have great stories to tell afterwards.
Thanks so much for your time and please, come visit us early and often.
–The Gang
[…] the next episode (The Taming of Viv – 004), we find out there is a “MI” in the basement of the cafe. We also learn what’s […]