(We open with a shot of backstage and onstage hustle. People rush around a massive set made to look like a castle, complete with "torches," chains, stonework, and two massive thrones with velvet carpeting. Micky directs traffic as people move around him.)

Emma: (Hurries over to Micky; she's wearing a brick-red tunic, tight trousers, and high soft boots and carries a staff) Micky, is everything almost ready? We're on in twenty minutes!

Micky: Oh, yeah, we're fine! Ready to go!

Emma: Micky, why aren't you in your costume yet?

Micky: *blinks, then looks down* I KNEW I forgot something! Be right back! *runs off to the dressing rooms*

Emma: (Groans and turns to Lauren as she comes out in a purple velvet tunic with black braid, tight black trousers, high black leather boots, and a large purple pendant on a long silver chain) Lauren, I thought you were keeping an eye on him! He's been doing so much, he forgot to get into his costume!

Lauren: Unfortunately, I had to take a few minutes to get into MY costume. *sighs*

Emma: I'm starting to wonder if this was a great idea. Has anyone seen Mike or Peter?

Lauren: I saw them about ten minutes ago. They looked ready.

Emma: Where's Nyles? I hope he hasn't been hitting the ale already.

Nyles: *joins them* I heard my name...

Lauren: Where's...uh, I'm sorry, Nyles, I forgot your girlfriend's name.

Nyles: *grins* Jessie, she's around here somewhere.

Jessie: Yoo hoo! (Camera cuts to a tall, curvy blond wiggling her fingers. She wears a tight blue gown with a simple silver crown in her wavy honey-colored tresses and has a dagger with fake jewels on her hip and a blue pendant around her neck)

Nyles: Jessie!

Jessie: Hi there, surfer boy! (She grabs Nyles and gives him a great big kiss, leaving a lipstick mark on his cheek)

Emma: (Grins) Hi, Jess.

Lauren: *chuckles* Hey, Jessie.

Jessie: Hi girls! Thanks for getting me this part!

Emma: No problem. The Captain of the Guards needed a second in command. (Whispers to Lauren) And we needed comic relief and a little eye candy.

*Lauren nods, grinning.*

Nyles: Lets go get ready for our entrances, surfer girl!

Jessie: You bet your sweet bippy, baby!

(They walk off with their arms around each other.)

Emma: They're so cute, they make my teeth itch.

Lauren: They're so cute, you have to have your smile surgically removed.

Emma: Let's go see if Mick's gotten into his costume and make sure everyone else is ready.

Lauren: Yeah.

(The girls make their way past several more sets. Some are painted to look like trees, other are more realistic-looking plastic trees and plants. Daphne and the Abbies, all dressed similarly to the girls in tunics and trousers, chat in one corner, giggling.)

Emma: (Stops by the girls and grins) And how are the rest of the Queen's Bodyguards? All ready?

Maxine: I'm so nervous! The last time we appeared in one of these, we didn't have any real lines, just a few in the beginning and in the party scene!

Jenny: (Nods) I hope I don't forget anything.

Kimberly: I can't wait to kick some butt.

Daphne: I can't wait to see Davy in his costume...

Maxine: Of course you do. You get to swoon into his arms and have him kiss you.

Jenny: And kiss him when he's supposed to be a frog.

Daphne: Yeah...

(Mike and Davy appear at this point. Mike wears a fine white and purple velvet tunic over a flowing white shirt with the tight trousers and shiny, knee-high black boots. There's a large white jewel at the throat of his tunic and a thin gold band around his head with a small jewel in the center. He carries his new gold sword. Emma takes one look at him and beams.)

Emma: Hi, honey. You look gorgeous.

Mike: (Looks over over and grins) And you're pretty darn good yourself. All of you are.

*Davy also wears a white & purple tunic over a purple shirt, with tight trousers, & knee-high black boots. He wears a jewel on a long silver chain. A saber hangs from the left side of his waist.*

Davy: Em, you did wondahful with the costumes!

Emma: Actually, thank that costume place Val's always recommending. She gave me their number.

Mike: Yeah, they made our new uniforms, too.

Maxine: I think I'm in love with those guys now. The gowns that we wear for the ball scene are GORGEOUS! I want to buy mine and get married in it.

Jenny: I can't wait for the ball. It'll almost be as good as going to a real ball! Music, dancing, witches and magic and glass slippers...

Emma: That reminds me. Did you get fitted for your glass slippers, Daph?

Daphne: Yes, I did. They fit perfectly.

Maxine: Yeah, the Cinderella thing will be fun.

Mike: I can't wait to see Davy get turned into a frog.

Davy: *makes a face* And I 'ope Mick turns you into something good.

Mike: (Just crosses his arms) We'll see.

Emma: Speaking of Mick, we still haven't found him yet. (Looks at Lauren) Shall we move on?

Mike: Yeah, we're startin' in fifteen minutes!

Lauren: Yes, lets.

John: Hey! (He waves his arms. Chris, Marcus, and Danny are with him. They all wear simple brown, tan, periwinkle, or forest green tunics and trousers and carry plain swords or staffs) When do we go on?

Emma: The second scene, after Sir Michael is banished to the Parched Mountains.

Marcus: You mean we have to miss them kickin' Mike out?

Mike: Hey!

Emma: Sorry, boys. We don't need you in the first scene.

Mike: Yeah. You're supposed to be men who worked in my manor, got fired, and end up joinin' me.

Maxine: (Slides her arm through John's) And you fall for us, of course. I love romantic stories.

Jenny: Me too.

John: Yeah. And we get to be in a brawl.

Kimberly: Brawl's are good, too.

Emma: Have you boys seen Mick?

Marcus: Which one?

John: Marc keeps sayin' he's seen two of Micky.

Lauren: That's silly.

Davy: Yeah, one of Mick is plenty.

Marcus: I swear I saw Micky just back beyond the curtain with his finger in a socket...and then I turned around and saw him going to his dressing room!

Danny: I TOLD him not to drink that beer Nyles brought.

Davy: But when did 'e evah listen?

Emma: (Sighs) We can handle it. Come on, Lauren. Let's go find Micky and see what's going on.

Lauren: *nods* Yeah.

Emma: (Whispers to Lauren) Let's see if we can find Emilio while we're finding Micky and make a few ground rules.

Lauren: Right.

(Emma and Lauren make their way to the back of the theater.)

Emma: (Points at a curly head) There's one of the Mickys!

Lauren: *frowns* It's Emilio.

*The girls make their way over to Emilio. He turns, grinning. He wears jeans & a t-shirt with work boots.*

Emma: Hi, Emilio. How's working on the sets coming?

Emilio: Great! They're all set!

Emma: Good. The forest set looks really great. (Sighs) Did you have your finger in a socket a while back?

Emilio: *looks guilty* I... might have...

Lauren: *sighs* Emilio...

Emma: Emilio, you're going to have to find another way to charge yourself. Humans can't do that without shocking or killing themselves, and we certainly don't need to be encouraging the kids in the theater to do it.

Emilio: *quietly* I'm sorry. I didn't think anyone was looking.

Emma: While we're thinking about it, we're going to have to lay a few ground rules with you. First of all, don't try to stroke or feed the telephones. They don't eat human food.

Emilio: I know that now.

Emma: No hitting on the appliances. They're all taken.

Emilio: I know that, too. They're just so electricfying.

Emma: Be careful around the liquor. We don't want to spill anything and rust you.

Emilio: I'll be careful, I promise!

Emma: If anyone asks you anything, point them at the stage.

Emilio: *frowns* But...

Emma: Or point them to Millie and Larry. (Indicates the older woman and man fussing around a table full of goodies)

Emilio: Isn't there anything more I can do to help? I feel bad just hanging around.

Emma: I know! You can be an electrician!

Lauren: Good thinking, Em.

Emilio: Really? I love it! Thank you!

Emma: You're almost literally made for that.

Emilio: *salutes* I'll do my job proudly!

Lauren: One more thing, Emilio... *pulls out a baseball cap & hands it to him* wear this.

Emilio: *puts the cap on* Gotcha.

Emma: You'll be in the electrician's box during the actual play. Just try to be careful between scenes.

Emilio: *nods, smiling* I will.

Emma: Ok, Emilio. Go join the other electricians in the box.

Emilio: *salutes again* Right-oh, ladies! See ya later! *jogs off for the box*

Lauren: *shakes her head* He still amazes me.

Emma: I'm just glad he seems to be on our side now. The boys told me he wasn't built that way.

Lauren: I heard the same thing. Apparently, by the time he left the guys on his first visit, he'd become friendly.

Emma: Actually, as long as he doesn't confuse too many people, he'll probably make a great electrician.

Lauren: I'm sure of it. He can't get shocked, which is a major plus in that field.

Emma: Although some of the other electricians might get a shock when they see their new helper can stick his fingers into light sockets and make love to light bulbs.

Lauren: *snickers* As long as it's only the light bulbs he's making love to.

Emma: I hope he doesn't get too friendly with the control panels.

Lauren: We'll have to ask the others, later.

Emma: Speaking of, let's go find Micky.

Lauren: Preferably before the show starts.

Millie: (She holds out a tray of little cheesecakes) Hi, girls. Want a snack before you go on?

Emma: (Shakes her head) No thanks, Millie. (Smiles) But I'm glad you're catering tonight.

Millie: Someone has to help keep the boys from killing each other. You girls and Barb Marion can't do that all by yourselves.

Emma: Have you seen Micky, or Mrs. Marion, for that matter?

Millie: I think Barb was talking to Henry Babbitt. I saw Micky going up into the electrician's booth. (Chuckles) Probably wanted to mess with the wiring. I know he loves doing that.

Lauren: *half chuckle* Yeah, he does.

Millie: Larry's onstage, finishing up the Belgravia Castle set. (Grins) Thanks for hiring him to help with the sets. He hasn't done any woodworking since the last time he carved my grand-nephew a pull-string duck.

Lauren: We figured we might as well give it to someone who deserved the work & would enjoy it.

Millie: He's really had a lot of fun with this. I haven't seen him this happy in ages. (She shakes her head) Ok, ladies, I have people to feed. Break a leg out there!

Emma: (Grins) I like her.

Lauren: I do, too. *pauses* I just hope no one DOES break a leg.

Emma: Or worse. I never liked that saying.

Lauren: Me neither.

Stagehand: (Calls out) Ten minutes to first-act curtain! Ten minutes! Onstage for first scene!

Emma: (As they make their way across the theater) Lauren, I'm so nervous! Do you think everyone will like the play?

Lauren: I think they will! The story has some of everything to it!

Emma: It just took me so LONG to write, and everyone's been on my case about their roles and how I present them here and why don't they have more to do there.

Lauren: That's what happens when you work with a bunch of hams and egos.

(They finally come up on Micky standing with Peter, Valerie, and Jack just behind the curtain. Peter wears a heavy forest green velvet tunic trimmed with fur, green jewels, and braiding over a flowing yellow shirt and green trousers and his thigh-high boots. He has a short sword and scabbard at his side and a large crown over his long gold hair. Valerie wears a gold, topaz-trimmed tiara and a gold brocade gown that fits loosely over her obviously pregnant stomach.)

*Micky wears a golden crown that actually looks too small on his curls. He wears a long purple robe over a purple tunic & tight black trousers, with black boots.*

Emma: Micky, where have you been?

Micky: I went to change and sorta got sidetracked.

Peter: Sorry, Em. We were just chatting about that first sequence.

*Jack wears a beige tunic over tight beige trousers with a brown belt and brown knee-high boots.*

Valerie: It's certainly going to be interesting. It's such an intense scene. I hope we can do it justice.

Emma: I wanted to start the show off with a real bang. (Looks directly at Micky) So to speak.

Micky: Your wish is my command.

Emma: That reminds me. We gave you're, ahem, distant cousin his ground rules. Here's yours. First off, the Royale was recently declared a National Historic Landmark, and I'm sure Mr. Mendreck would like it to remain that way, so please don't blow any part of it to smithereens.

Micky: *innocent smile* Who me? Em, I promise I'll be good and not do any damage that isn't reversible.

Emma: The liquor for the bar scenes is watered down for a reason. Don't take the water out.

Micky: I learned the hard way on that one, Em.

Lauren: Yeah, to prove it, he's also lost his taste for pumpkin.

*Micky makes a face.*

Peter: (Chuckles) I remember that night. Halloween, right? How long did it take you to recover from that little drinking fest with Jack and Nyles?

Micky: *still making a face* Couple days.

Valerie: Is your stomach finally feeling better?

Micky: Mostly, thankfully.

Mrs. Marion: (She wears a simple deep blue dress with a heavy gold chain and a blue cape with a hood and flowing sleeves) Ok, everyone, I think it's time to go onstage.

Peter: (Grins at Micky) It's time for the King and the evil Lord Georgian to banish Sir Michael.

Micky: *rubs his hands together* Oh, this is gonna be fun!

Emma: I'm so nervous!

Mrs. Marion: I'm sure everything will be fine, dear. We're all looking forward to performing your lovely lines.

Micky: *grins and puts an arm around Emma's shoulders* That's right, Em! Everybody's had nothing but good things to say about your script.

Stagehand: (Calls out) Everyone onstage! Onstage for the opening!

Valerie: It's time for the Queen and King to hold court in their royal palace.

Peter: And clear out some of the royal garbage.

(Cut to onstage. The camera focuses on the very front of the closed curtains. We open with an overture of instrumental Monkees songs and end as the Angellettes dance their way onstage. The Angellettes wear red tunics and carry staffs not unlike Emma and the Abbies.)

Audrey: Hello, willikomen, ciao, and yo, folks. Welcome to the Kingdom of Belgravia.

Lillian: We're your narrators, and three of the Queen's loyal bodyguards. Her other bodyguards are with our good Queen Valeria, who is with child, and her husband King Peter.

Winnie: Belgravia has just ended a civil war with neighboring Gilbralda. The King, weary from the wars and the taxes he has placed on his people to finance it, has had to rely more heavily up on his three advisors, Lord Andrew, Lady Lorrana, and Lord Michael, and the four magical talismens they possess. The King and his advisors have these placed in their weapons in great time of need.

Audrey: Lord George and his Lady Lauren are ambitious and untrustworthy. Magicians themselves, they scheme to take the throne from King Peter, who only wants to do what's best for his subjects.

Winnie: Aud, we don't know that!

Audrey: I know they're up to SOMETHING!

Lillian: Guys! (Sighs and turns to the audience) Shortly after the end of the war, Lord Andrew and Lady Lorrana went missing. Their cloaks, clothing, weapons, and talismans were found in Lord Michael's home, Lone Star Manor.

Winnie: You're kidding? Lord Michael's one of the kingdom's great heroes! (Sighs) And hotter than a sunspot in July, too!

Lillian: It's true. I've heard the King has accused Lord Michael of treason!

Winnie: No way!

Audrey: Ladies, why don't we go to Belgravia Castle and get some answers (she wedges between the other two) before we get the audience messy?

Winnie and Lillian: (Still glaring at each other) Yeah. (They walk into the curtains as they raise to reveal the elaborate Throne Room set. Peter and Valerie sit at their thrones. Micky, Lauren, Nyles, and Jessie stand next to Peter's throne. Emma, Daphne, and the Abbies stand next to Valerie's. Several extras in chain mail shove and drag Mike and Davy to the thrones as the Angellettes join the others.)

Mike: (As he struggles) Peter, what is the meaning of this? Why have you brought me to the castle thus? I thought we were old friends!

Peter: I thought we were friends too, Lord Michael. But tell me then, what has become of Andrew and Lorrena, our dear friends and my advisors?

Mike: I thought they were with you in the castle!

Peter: (Narrows his eyes as Micky whispers something into his ear) No, Michael. They're gone. Dead. Their clothing, cloaks, weapons, and talismans were found in your bedroom in Lone Star Manor, covered in blood.

Mike: No! Peter, surely you don't think I would...

Peter: (Angrily) Silence!

Mike: Your Majesty, this charge of treason is unfounded. I would never harm Lord Andrew and Lady Lorrena. They are my friends and allies.

Peter: Then where are they? And where have you been these past few days?

Mike: I went into Lone Star Forrest to think and to work on my swordsmanship with my ward and companion David.

Peter: (As Micky whispers into his ear again) You can't prove your wherabouts more than that?

Mike: (Narrows his eyes) I want Lord George to speak for himself. I know he's feeding you lies about me. He has been since the war ended.

Micky: What lies? I only speak the truth. I have no reason to lie.

Mike: You know as well as I do that I'd never hurt Andrew and Lorry.

Emma: Would you, Lord Michael?

Mike: Stay out of this, Lady Emily.

Mike: You have a very good reason to lie, Lord George. You want the talismans for yourself!

Peter: I won't hear such words!

Micky: That is a LIE!

Mike: Maybe you ought to, Peter. You have not been yourself since the war ended. You've been confused and weak.

Peter: No, I haven't. (He looks at Micky) Have I?

Valerie: (Quietly) Well...

Micky: You've been perfectly fine, King Peter.

Emma: (Sighs; to herself) No, he hasn't. Michael is right about THAT.

Mike: You're turnin' to HIM, just to know how you are! You should know your own mind!

Peter: I don't want to hear you anymore, Michael.

Mike: Peter, I have always been loyal to you. We've been friends and allies since children. Our fathers were friends! Lone Star Manor has always been true to the kingdom!

Valerie: (Takes Peter's arm) Perhaps we're being too hasty, Peter.

Peter: (Turns to Emily) Would your women bring the evidence?

Emma: (Nods) Certainly. (She turns to the Abbies and Daphne. They go behind the curtain and come back out with a thick dark cloth. They place the cloth on a table in front of the thrones. The cloths contain a dagger with a jeweled handle, a fine dueling sword like Davy's, a red velvet cloak and blue velvet cloak, tunics and trousers similar to what everyone else wears, and two large red and blue jeweled pendants on chains. Everything is covered with splashes of red.)

Micky: *shakes his head* Horrible. Just horrible.

Emma: (Bows before Peter and Valerie) My Guardswomen, the King's Guards, and I also found these on the scene. (She reveals a small diamond ring and a slightly larger one) One is Lord Michael's engagement ring. The other is his family's ring, with the crest of the Naysmythes inscribed on it. He's never without these items. (Frowns) I should know. I WAS (emphasize this word) his fiancee.

Mike: (Eyes widen in horror) No, Emily...

Emma: When we questioned the servants and the guards, they revealed that they saw their master, or someone who looked like him, walk into his room with his sword and walk out again a few minutes later. Lorrena and Andrew went in with him, but never came out.

Mike: No! NO! I haven't been at the manor in three days!

Peter: (Turns to Davy) And David, Lord Michael's ward, apprentice, and companion. You are loyal to him. Where have YOU been these past few days?

Davy: I was with Lord Michael initially, but then I 'ad...othah pressing mattahs to attend to.

Mike: (To Davy; muttered loud enough so the audience can hear) With Daphne again? Lady Emily's ward?

Davy: *blushes, grinning* Yes, I was.

Mike: (Turns back to Peter) This evidence is circumstancial, Peter. You know it is false.

Peter: Well, I...

Micky: How can it be circumstantial? It's laid out right here in front of all of us!

Mike: Peter, (he turns to Emma) Emily, you must believe. I love this kingdom. I love the people, and Lone Star Manor and its lands. I would never do anything to harm my friends or my lord.

*Micky folds his arms, a clearly disbelieving look on his face.*

Peter: I...oh, I don't know. I do know you well, Lord Michael, but you've been so distant since the end of the war. (He puts his head on his hand) I just don't know anymore.

Emma: (Frowns) Your Majesty? Are you well?

Peter: I don't know.

Valerie: (Takes Peter's arm) Peter dear, what's wrong?

Micky: King Peter, you're just fine! Remember, we spoke this morning? You remember what I said, right?

Peter: Y...yes...but I...Lord Michael...

Valerie: Peter...

Micky: King Peter, I know that Lord Michael is your friend, but the evidence couldn't be any clearer! He has no alibies.

Peter: Yes, but he is my advisor. We fought together in the war, grew up together...

Valerie: Peter? Are you all right? (But Lauren gently pulls her arm back)

Micky: People change, King. Or perhaps you didn't know him as well as you thought you did.

Peter: (As Micky strokes his forehead) I...I...he...

Mike: Get off of him! Leave him alone! You're bewitching him!

Valerie: Peter?

Micky: The man has a headache!

Peter: I'll...he's not my friend...

Emma: Sire, what is your decision?

Peter: (Gulps) Under the circumstances, I...I...

Micky: *strokes Peter's forehead again* Your Majesty?

Peter: (To Micky) George, I can't hurt him. I can't order him dead.

Micky: *clearly unhappy* Then banish him! We cannot take the risk that he may kill again!

Peter: (In a high, strangled voice) Lord Michael, I banish you from this kingdom forever.

Mike: (Eyes widen in pure horror) WHAT?!

Peter: You, and the boy too. Both of you.

Mike: But David...no...

*Micky gives a slight smirk.*

Davy: But...

Peter: You have been found guilty of treason. Your manor and lands will be forfeited to the crown.

Mike: No! Your Majesty, don't do this! You know I'd never go against you or Belgravia!

Micky: *folds his arms, a slight smirk still in place* The King has spoken.

Peter: (As Micky whispers in his ear again) Lord George and Lady Lauren of Hollyland will take over the lands formerly held by Michael of Lone Star Manor.

Mike: Peter, stop! He's lying to you!

Peter: Michael, I am King here! I make the decisions! You killed to of my advisors. You could try to kill ME next!

Mike: No, never!

Micky: How can we trust you, Michael? Tell us that.

Mike: Have I ever harmed you before? Or gone against the kingdom in any way?

Peter: (Frowns) No, but...

Micky: *angry* But nothing, Michael! The King has spoken! You are banished! Leave this kingdom & lets its people live on in peace!

Peter: (Narrows his eyes at Micky) I give the orders, Lord George. (He turns coldly to Nyles, Jessie, and the guards) Take his sword, cape, and talisman, and the boy's sword, and leave them both at the edge of the Parched Mountains. No human has been known to survive there.

*Micky smirks contentedly.*

Mike: (Gets in front of Davy; Emma has to grab Daphne's arm to stop her from going to Davy) No! (He waves his sword) Touch either of us, and you'll all be missing arms. You know this weapon is one of the Enchanted Talismans of the Kingdom.

Jessie: Ooh, you're so cute! Can I pinch your cheeks? (She leans over Davy and does so) You're like my little brother!

Davy: *frowns* Don't do that.

Nyles: *nods at the rest of the guard* Okay, fellas, let's get these creeps outta here!

Mike: I will fight with all of you, if I have to! You will not take what is rightfully mine and the boy's!

Peter: Get the sword and talisman from them! Michael will be unbeatable without it!

*Nyles and the guards manage to grab Mike and Davy as Mike appears to pause momentarily. Micky continues to grin, pleased.*

Peter: I entrust Lord George with Michael's sword and talisman. He is now the head of my advisors.

Mike: (Angry) No! No! He'll ruin Belgravia! He cares nothing about you or this kingdom!

*Nyles takes the sword and talisman and goes to Micky. Nyles hands off the items, nodding once.*

Micky: *nods approvingly* This is indeed a beautiful sword. More fitting for a trustworthy Lord, don't you think, Michael?

Mike: Than it's not fit for you.

*Micky snorts as he places the talisman around his own neck.*

Peter: Take them both away. Take their fine clothing and jewels and leave them at the Parched Mountains, where all criminals reside.

Nyles: *nods* Right away, your High and Mightiness.

Mike: Peter, someday, I will prove to you that I am loyal and your friend. (He looks at Emma, who glares back at him) I won't fail you, and I won't fail your court.

Peter: (Quietly) I only wish you could, Michael.

Mike: And Emily (he looks at Emma), I thought you loved me.

Emma: (She turns away) I cannot care for a criminal.

Peter: (Closes his eyes; then) Take them away.

(No one sees John, Danny, Marcus, and Chris gather around the talisman and sword. We get a glimpse of John holding up a clear crystal necklace identical to the one Micky now wears and two swords like Mike's and Davy's. They snicker and join Nyles' men as they leave.)