Section 35

Writer - Gabriel Shaytan

FX is a Rysher production in conjunction with Fireworks Entertainment Inc. and Winterset Productions Inc as well as Hallmark Entertainment.

Don’t own ‘em, aren’t bein’ paid.
 

     The set was noisy.  It seemed like it had been that way since they'd returned from their weekend off almost three months previously.  Rollie had immersed himself in the role Steven had given him, putting his knowledge, experience and intellect to work on the huge production.
     Working the sequences into a different order, he'd cut down the shooting schedule by more than two weeks, while giving the set construction crews more time to finish off the humongous edifice which would hold the last scenes, a great deal of the shoot was involved in it.
     Despite the additional workload he had accepted along with the promotion, he found himself enjoying it, enjoying the challenge, one unlike anything he'd ever handled before… and of course, there was Angie.
 

     Angie meanwhile had taken charge of the computer effects, meshing almost perfectly with Rollie and the schedule.  The number of times Steven had commented on how smoothly things were running had become uncountable.
     The relationship between them and the producer had solidified, not a day went by on the set that they didn't stop for a moment or two to talk, and when time allowed, the three of them shared lunch.
     The computer artists working with her had no problem working for her.  They could see that she pushed them no harder than she did herself, taking her share of the work as well as making sure everything was running smoothly… at last proving to herself that she could do the job at the highest level.

     Mira and Frank had returned to normal duty, with reports that Loubar had been seen overseas, and the trouble he was causing made it likely he would not be returning for some time.

     The space that that freedom gave them made things a great deal easier.  As the months had rolled by, Frank's knowledge of their situation was less a cause of problems than it was a bonus.  He managed it so that their involvement with the police was seriously curtailed, freeing up their few moments of spare time.
     There were days when they made it home and crashed, neither bothering even to eat, while other times they dined out, making the best of the time they shared… and neither could keep the smile of their faces.
 
 

     Rollie watched as the few final touches were made to the vessel that would take the part of the interior of the large derelict space vessel, fitting only just within the huge building.  Masses of metal and plastic, paint and cabling, lighting and pneumatic / hydraulic systems all melded together to form what would be the last shooting scenes of the movie, many scenes.  The two months or more they'd already spent on the movie would be exceeded by the amount of work they had including this one set.
     ' How's it going down there Toby?' Rollie called, looking down into one of the access panels in the floor.
     ' Just about there Tyler… two minutes' the engineer called back.
     ' Great work… get done then grab yourself some lunch' Rollie called back, threading his way further along the construction, pausing to check progress with the others.

     He smiled as he climbed down into the bowls of the great vessel, squeezing between reinforced steel girders to where an electrician worked on a system panel, one of the many controlling functions inside the "ship".
     ' Problem Max?' he asked.
     ' We're getting some power fluctuations, the filter circuits on the line are only just rated for what we're using' the electrician replied.
     ' We need a better filter then' Rollie answered.
     ' That's the answer' the man agreed.
     ' Anything else we could do?' Rollie asked, high grade filters were a great deal more expensive, and the budget was close ' What about a high capacitance filter circuit?'
     ' Well… if we could get some big capacitors in here and link them in, it should settle things down.  Couldn't tell you how reliable it'll be though' he answered.
     ' See what you can do, then let me know and tell me if you think it's safe' Rollie answered, looking again at the box before slipping out through the floor and moving to a set of stairs back into the main area.
 

     Back inside he caught sight of a blonde head moving through the crowd of workmen and smiled… knowing what was coming.
 

     Angie smiled as she made it finally to where he stood ' Looks good Rol' she commented, casting an eye over the set stretching out before her.
     ' Yeah, it's starting to come together at last' he grinned back ' So how are things in your department?'
     ' Under control… at least for now' she replied ' We're just about done with the main battle plan.  Still lots of work to do though'
     ' Let me guess though… you're ready to go to lunch right?'
     ' Oh yeah… raring to go' she answered with a grin.
 

     Lunch consisted of a picnic style basket and a short walk to a nearby park, where a bank slightly sloping down to a small pond created an almost idyllic spot.  The weather had turned clement and the blue sky hovering above seemed only to add yet another note of enjoyment to the outing.

     ' This is nice' Angela said, lying back, watching several children playing at the edge of the pool below.
     ' Yeah… strangely quiet too, like back home' he responded after a moment, mind preoccupied by the fact.
     ' Rollie'
     ' Yeah?'
     ' Are you happy?'
     ' Happy?' he repeated, turning on his side so he could see her ' Ange I haven't been this content ever.  There always seemed to be something I wanted… I didn't take time to realise how much I already had'
     ' We were too intent on making money, making sure the business prospered'
     ' Don't forget partying and helping the cops… we did quite a lot of that' Rollie answered with a grin.
     ' So what made it all change for the better?'
     ' You're just full of questions today aren't you?'
     ' Well sometimes it's nice to be told'
     ' Okay.  It was you, all you… okay.  It could never be like this without you'
     ' That's a little better… you'd better try harder next time or I won't think you're taking me seriously'

     About to reply, Rollie grinned and leaned over, kissing her fully on the mouth, his arms wrapping around her.
     ' If only there weren't kids present' he joked in between kisses.
     ' If only' she answered, spoiling the comment by laughing as she returned the kiss passionately.
 

    Lying there together, simply watching the sky roll past, hands linked they passed their lunchtime away, as they had every day they could manage.  Too soon though it was time to leave, to return to the set, to feel again the stress of leadership they'd momentarily left behind.
 

    Strolling hand in hand down the street to the set, Rollie paused, seeing a well known car waiting by the gates… it was Frank.  Pulling Angela into a doorway he pressed a lingering kiss on her lips, so soft, then stepped back, whistling a tune as he moved exuberantly down the street to where the police waited.
 
 

    ' Hey Frankie what's goin' on?' Rollie asked, seeing the detective at the small entrance.
    ' There you are.  Thought they'd keep you glued to the set now you're in charge' Frank grinned.
    ' They try… we still manage to creep away when we can' he answered as Angela stepped up, basket in hand.
    ' Hey Angie… what's new?' Frank asked.
    ' Not much here… you?' she replied.
    ' Well, the headaches are finally gone, can't say it was too soon.  Marty called to inform us that Loubar's still operating overseas, apparently has his hands full with all the agencies tracking him.  They've been setting up a big operation to get him once and for all'
    ' I'll drink to that' Rollie muttered, Angie nodding her head, echoing his sentiment exactly.
    ' So what are you really doing down here?' Angie asked.
    ' Well it's been a while since I've seen you, thought since I was out this way that I'd drop by and see what's going on' Frank answered.
    ' Plus you'd like to get a look at the set right!' Rollie added.
    ' Well, I did help get things going at the start' he answered, smiling.
    ' Come on then… I think you'll be surprised' Rollie answered, slapping the detective on the back.

    Pausing, he turned to Angela who stood watching him, obviously expecting something.
    ' See ya tonight.  We're still on for dinner right?' Rollie asked.
    ' Yep.  Seven, my place' Angie answered, stepping up and kissing him lightly before turning away ' Time to work Angela' she muttered, trying in vain to put Rollie out of her thoughts as she headed for the computer animation building.