Episode 39

KING FASAKALA SWINGALI is in his conference room with many of his top aides.

PRIME MINISTER THULI - Yes sir, we will get right on that. I will have a team of members of the cabinet responsible for just those transactions.

KING SWINGALI - How soon can you complete this project Mr. Thuli?

PRIME MINISTER THULI - I would need seven days to organize a team and get everything properly prepared sir.

KING SWINGALI - You have five days sir. Bring me back a report after three and I want a completed project in five.

PRIME MINISTER THULI - Yes sir.

DIRECTOR SEESE - Your highness, next on the agenda is your conference in Afghanistan.

(Everyone starts to write things down.)

KING SWINGALI - What are the particulars on this...

(The conference door opens and the receptionist timidly peeks her head inside.)

RECEPTIONIST - Sir?

KING SWINGALI - I told you no interruptions. I am in a meeti...

RECEPTIONIST - I am sorry sir. But this phone call... it is your nephew. Miri.

(silence)

(The king looks at the telephone sitting on the conference table. Line 1 is blinking.)

KING SWINGALI - Line one?

RECEPTIONIST - Yes sir.

KING SWINGALI - Ladies and gentlemen, let's take a ten minute break. I need to be alone for this call.

PRIME MINISTER THULI - Certainly sir. Okay everyone, let's hurry out and be back in ten minutes.

(Everyone starts to close notebooks and walk out of the room. Once the room is empty, the king looks at the phone, then picks it up.)

KING SWINGALI - Well well well... I knew you would call.

MIRI - Cut the crap Fasa! We need to talk!

KING SWINGALI - Do not forget who you are talking to!

MIRI - And you don't forget where you are! You're still on American soil until you go home! Your embassy doesn't protect you that much!

KING SWINGALI - Idle threats don't move me Miri. You know what does!

(silence)

KING SWINGALI - What do you want?

MIRI - I want you to stop this game you're playing!

KING SWINGALI - I don't play games Miri. I win.

MIRI - This isn't about winning or losing! This is about a baby boy and a mother that loves him. He is the one losing here. This aint got nothing to do with me and you.

KING SWINGALI - This has all to do with me and you!

(silence)

MIRI - Fasa you're not leaving me any choices here!

KING SWINGALI - Ahhhhh, now we're getting somewhere.

(KING SWINGALI picks up a pen off the table and twirls it around his finger. He leans back in his chair and crosses his legs.)

KING SWINGALI - Desperation in a man's voice. Let me ask you something nephew... are you finally ready to take this to the next level?

MIRI - Fasa, don't make me do this! I'm warning you for the last time. I will take this as far as I have to.

KING SWINGALI - You're warning me? Miri, you don't warn me... you don't move me and you definitely don't scare me little boy. And when you speak to me you refer to me by my title and my name! King Fasakala Swingali!

MIRI - Shut the hell up Fasa! I aint callin' you that shit! I aint one of your puppets okay! I remember when you were just a...

(Someone walks out of the elevator and looks at MIRI. They smile and walk toward VALERIE EDWARD's office. MIRI then lowers his tone.)

MIRI - Look, I don't know how long you want to go on with this but you cannot keep punishing me for the sins of my father!

(The king smiles.)

KING SWINGALI - Ahhhh... but that is where you are mistaken my boy.

(He laughs.)

KING SWINGALI - Yes I can... and yes I will!

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JASON walks over to where QUINTON is sitting.

JASON - You know this is some bullshit right?

QUINTON - What? Negro please!

JASON - I'm sayin'.

QUINTON - Man shut up. You had em greet the Zetas. So what's wrong with this?

JASON - We aint even had em see the sorors yet. How we gonna have the boys greet and talk to the SGRhos before the AKAs. If PJ finds out I'm gonna tell her you did this and she's gonna whip your ass.

(JASON and QUINTON laugh.)

QUINTON - I'll deal with that bridge if we have to cross it. For now, are they ready?

JASON - Are they ready? My boys are tight!

QUINTON - We'll see. Don't be havin' them embarass me in front of my girl and her sorors.

JASON - Shut up.

(LARRY walks up.)

LARRY - Yo man, where's everybody at? I thought we was gonna have them chicks here by now.

QUINTON - Alexis just called me. They'll be here in a few minutes.

LARRY - They bringin' some pizza?

QUINTON - Hell no.

LARRY - I knew there was a reason I didn't like SGRhos.

QUINTON - Shut up fool.

JASON - I told the boys to bring some food. We'll be straight.

LARRY - I knew there was a reason I liked Sphinxmen.

(There is a knock on the door.)

JASON - This should be your girl and her sorors.

QUINTON - Yeah, should be.

(QUINTON goes to open the door.)

LARRY - Where's Bobby?

QUINTON - He said he wasn't comin'. He knew Paula was gonna be here and he decided he didn't want to see her.

LARRY - Damn... that nigga gonna have two ex girl's up in the place. I wouldn't wanna be here either.

(QUINTON opens the door.)

QUINTON - Hey ba... oh, its you two.

(He steps aside to let FRANK and MARTIN in.)

SPHINXMEN - Greetings big brothers of the most blessed house of Alpha! As we look toward the mountain from the valley below we hope to one day be too cold... to cold! As keepers of the light, please give us insight! Guide us and direct us by day and by night! Greetings to the first, the first, the first of all fraternities created... the Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity innnnnnnnnncorporated!

(JASON smiles.)

JASON - What are you two doing here so early? I thought I told you to get here after the SGRhos.

SPHINXMAN FRANK - We thought they were here dean! Are they late?

(JASON looks over at QUINTON.)

JASON - Of course they're late!

QUINTON - Shut up, the Zetas weren't on time!

(LARRY and JASON laugh as there is a knock on the door.)

QUINTON - This should be them now. Yall put those bags of food in the kitchen and start to get it ready.

(QUINTON opens the door.)

QUINTON - Hey hon.

ALEXIS - Hi!

(QUINTON hugs his girl and says hi to PAULA, JENNIFER, CANDACE, ROS, ANGELIQUE and ANDY.)

PAULA - Hey Jason.

JASON - Hi ladies. Welcome to Hotel Alpha de la Quinton.

(Everyone laughs.)

ROS - So where they at? Where they at! I'm anxious to see em! I aint seen an Alpha pledge in a long time!

JASON - They're in the kitchen gettin' some food ready.

PAULA - Oh yall got food? Cool!

JASON - Yeah. Let me get em. Yall sit down.

QUINTON - Yeah, make yourselves comfortable.

(Everybody sits down as JASON walks into the kitchen.)

JASON - You boys ready?

SPHINXMEN - Yes Dean Hazin' Jazin'!

JASON - Look! Yall better not mess this shit up! You better not embarrass me or its gonna be a long ass night! You understand me?

SPHINXMEN - Yes Dean Hazin' Jazin'!

JASON - Good. You remember the greeting we taught you for them right?

SPHINXMEN - Yes Dean Hazin' Jazin'.

JASON - Good. Well come on, its showtime!

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MIRI is on the phone with KING FASAKALA SWINGALI.

MIRI - Why are you doing this? Migiri isn't your son!

KING SWINGALI - All children in my village are mine! You know tribal tradition!

MIRI - That won't stand up in a court of law!

KING SWINGALI - It will back home!

(silence)

MIRI - Fasa, what do you want from me?

KING SWINGALI - Your blood Miri! Your blood!

MIRI - Well you can't have that! My father's blood is crying out from his grave now! Is that what you want from me? Me dead too?

KING SWINGALI - No... I don't want to see you like your father. Cold and lifeless.

MIRI - Then what do you want?

(silence)

KING SWINGALI - I want you to grow up... and finally be a man about this!

MIRI - What are you talking about.

KING SWINGALI - What is the requirement of a man Miri? What?

MIRI - Men don't treat other men the way you're treating me!

KING SWINGALI - And men don't treat men the way you and your father treated me! Do not compare this time with me Miri. I have too much on you for that.

MIRI thinks - Damn!

MIRI - So what do you want?

KING SWINGALI - Your Gina. Tell me about her.

MIRI - You know all you need to know.

KING SWINGALI - There is one thing I don't know... does she know about you?

MIRI thinks - Shit!

MIRI - Yes.

KING SWINGALI - No she doesn't.

(silence)

KING SWINGALI - Your speech betrays you. You would make a horrible ambassador Miri.

MIRI - Stop playing games and get to the damn point!

KING SWINGALI - She doesn't know that we have ties. I know she doesn't. You thought you could come over here, make this project, and keep her in the dark the whole time. Didn't you?

MIRI - No, that isn't what I thought.

KING SWINGALI - Now who's playing games?

(silence)

KING SWINGALI - You tell her the whole truth. From the beginning. And I will consider your request.

MIRI - You know I can't do that Fasakala!

KING SWINGALI - You don't have a choice!

(silence)

MIRI - Fasa, if I tell her...

(MIRI is trying to remain calm.)

MIRI - she will leave me. You know that.

KING SWINGALI - I do.

MIRI - Is that what you want? You want me to be alone and miserable?

KING SWINGALI - No. I want you to be free and responsible! Unlike the deceased.

(silence)

MIRI - Fasa, something else. I can't do that.

KING SWINGALI - Good bye Miri. Do not contact me any more.

MIRI - Fasa wait...

(CLICK)

(silence)

MIRI - Fasakala!

(MIRI throws his cell phone against the elevator door smashing it. He looks at all the pieces of his cell phone. He leans back on the wall and puts his head in his hands.)

(silence)

MIRI thinks - I can't do it...

(The elevator door opens. GINA steps out. She has been crying. Her eyes are red and puffy. She looks at MIRI and then at the broken cell phone on the floor.)

GINA - Miri... what happened to your phone?

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MELINDA FERGUSON and her staff are making visits at the Ahpla University Hospital. They are touring the facility with hospital executives and asking for support of her campaign for the presidency.

DR. BUTLER - Mrs. Ferguson you will be very proud of our new facility. We will be able to service so much more of our community.

MELINDA FERGUSON - That is wonderful. If you don't mind Dr. Butler, how is that initiative funded?

(DR. BUTLER looks at his own staff a little confused, then back at MELINDA FERGUSON.)

DR. BUTLER - Uh... federal funds. Why?

MELINDA FERGUSON - Just wondering. I know my other... opponents... would have federal funds reduced... but just askin'.

(MELINDA FERGUSON smiles at MONA who is walking next to her with a clipboard.)

DR. BUTLER - Uh... yeah. Anyway, we're excited about recent developments with our pharmacy and emergency facilities.

MELINDA FERGUSON - Will I be able to tour those areas as well?

DR. BUTLER - Sure.

DR. OWENS - Dr. Butler, I don't know about the pharmacy. This is their busy time of the day.

DR. BUTLER - Well let's take a walk through emergency and try to come back to pharmacy in an hour.

DR. OWENS - That works better.

MELINDA FERGUSON - Thank you, that would be fine.

(DR. BUTLER sees another doctor walking down the hall.)

DR. BUTLER - Dr. Hall!

(DR. HALL stops, looks and smiles as she comes over.)

DR. BUTLER - Dr. Hall, you remember Melinda Ferguson.

DR. HALL - Of course! Hello soror.

MELINDA FERGUSON - Soror Hall! Its been some time. How have you been?

DR. HALL - Things are well. And yourself?

MELINDA FERGUSON - On the campaign trail. Did you hear of my aspirations?

DR. HALL - I most certainly did. Congratulations and good luck.

MELINDA FERGUSON - Thank you. You know my daughter Soror Mona?

DR. HALL - Hello soror.

MONA - Hello soror.

(MONA smiles.)

DR. BUTLER - Dr. Hall now runs our pediatrics clinic.

MELINDA FERGUSON - You run it now? That's wonderful.

DR. HALL - Just trying to contribute. Good seeing you Melinda.

MELINDA FERGUSON - You too.

DR. BUTLER - Let's take the elevator down to emergency.

MELINDA FERGUSON - That would be fine.

(DR. BUTLER presses the elevator button.)

DR. BUTLER - I must say Melinda, it is truly a pleasure to give you a tour. Seems like the hospital gets overlooked so many times by university officials.

MELINDA FERGUSON - I know. Well that's going to change once I take office.

(The elevator opens and DR. BUTLER allows the ladies to enter first. He gets in and presses the button to the first floor.)

MELINDA FERGUSON - Did you know that my opponent Stacie Jefferson is actually considering state funds to run the hospital instead of our current system.

DR. BUTLER - What? That would never work.

(MELINDA smiles.)

MELINDA FERGUSON - I know. I'm just mentioning.

(The elevator doors open and they step out.)

MELINDA FERGUSON - Wow, its crowded.

DR. BUTLER - Our emergency room stays active. We have high patient turn around though.

MELINDA FERGUSON - That's good.

MONA - Mom...

MELINDA FERGUSON - Not right now honey. Now Dr. Owens, what do you think about my opponent Dr. Mwatsumi's idea for...

MONA - Mom...

MELINDA FERGUSON - Not now sweetie. I'm talking to Dr. Owens about...

(MELINDA notices something very strange in the lobby of the emergency room. She becomes still and quiet.)

MONA - That's what I was trying to tell you!

DR. BUTLER - Is there something wrong?

MELINDA FERGUSON - Why is my daughter Miya sitting here in the emergency room!

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The Sphinxmen follow JASON into the room where everyone is sitting and talking.

JASON - Can I get everyone's attention real quick.

(Everyone quiets down.)

JASON - I'm proud to present to you our boys. The spring two thousand five line of Alpha Phi Alpha.

LARRY - Oh six!

JASON - Boys...

SPHINXMEN - Yes Dean Hazin' Jazin'!

(The SGRhos laugh out loud.)

JENNIFER - Hazin' Jason! I love it! Ha ha ha ha ha!

JASON - Boys let's show our guests that we are happy to meet and greet them.

(JASON steps aside and folds his arms across his chest. He has a paddle sticking out of his back pocket.)

SPHINXMEN - Greetings most exquisite ladies of...

SPHINXMAN FRANK - Sigma!

SPHINXMAN MARTIN - Gamma!

SPHINXMEN - Rho! Sorority innnnnnnnnncorporated!

ALEXIS - Eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee yip!

SIGMAS - Eeeeeeeeeeeee yip!

SPHINXMEN - You were last created but best designed...

JASON thinks - Oh God!

(He walks over to QUINTON and whispers to him.)

JASON whispers - Did you make up this greeting so you can get some props?

QUINTON whispers - I don't need a greeting to get props my brotha!

(They both laugh.)

SPHINXMEN - Your sorors work it out and handle your biz... and showin' the Phi Betas what a real Sigma is!

PAULA - That's right! That's what I'm talkin' bout!

JENNIFER - Eeeeeeeeee yip! Tell the truth brothers!

(CANDACE's phone vibrates as she is laughing hard. She looks at the display then turns away from the laughter in the room so she can hear.)

CANDACE - Hey D, can I call you back?

DERRICK - Actually we need to talk.

CANDACE - Um...

(She looks back at her sorors who are cracking up laughing and the pledgees who are still greeting.)

CANDACE - ...hold on.

(She quietly makes her way to the door and slips into the hallway.)

CANDACE - Okay, what's the matter? Are you hurt? Where are you?

DERRICK - I'm sitting in my car... in front of my father's office.

CANDACE - Your father? Lowell Dodge? What the heck are you doing there? I thought you hated him!

DERRICK - Well... I might need his help.

CANDACE - What? Why?

(The telephone rings.)

QUINTON - Damn, who could be callin' me now?

(QUINTON grabs the phone before it rings again. The pledgees are still greeting the ladies.)

QUINTON - Hello.

SLIM - Yeah let me speak to Alexis.

QUINTON - Who's this?

SLIM - Tell her its Slim.

QUINTON - Aight, um... one second.

(QUINTON covers the mouth of the phone and hands it to ALEXIS.)

QUINTON - It's for you. Some dude named Slim.

ALEXIS thinks - What!

ALEXIS - Really? Um... okay.

(She takes the phone. QUINTON stands next to her looking directly into her face.)

ALEXIS - Hello?

SLIM - Hey wassup.

(She looks at QUINTON and smiles, then turns away a little.)

ALEXIS - Hi... uh... how did you get this...

SLIM - Q's number? I got my ways. What you doin'?

ALEXIS - I don't have my assignments with me. I got them in my room.

SLIM - He standing right there huh? Ha ha ha ha ha.

ALEXIS - Yeah. So I'll call you later and give them to ya.

SLIM - You miss me?

ALEXIS - No, I don't remember what chapter it was. I gotta get it from home.

(SLIM laughs.)

SLIM - You play shit off well!

ALEXIS - Okay cool. Well I'll talk to ya later then. I'll call you when I get my work and let you know.

SLIM - Aight! Whatever you say babe.

ALEXIS - Okay bye.

(She hangs up and hands the phone back to QUINTON.)

QUINTON - Who's that?

ALEXIS - Oh, just a guy I have a class with.

QUINTON - Why did he call you on my phone?

ALEXIS - Um...because I um... gave him the number here. I knew I would be here about the time that he might call me.

QUINTON - But I heard you ask him how he got this number.

(silence)

QUINTON - So did you give him the number or not?

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MELINDA FERGUSON and MONA see MIYA in the emergency room.

MELINDA FERGUSON - Why is my daughter sitting here in the emergency room!

DR. BUTLER - Your daughter?

(MELINDA quickly approaches MIYA who is sitting down talking. MIYA doesn't see her coming.)

MELINDA FERGUSON - Miya!

(MIYA turns around in shock.)

MIYA - Mom!

(SHARONDA sees her aunt and cousin MONA.)

SHARONDA thinks - Oh Lord!

(MIYA stands up.)

MELINDA FERGUSON - Miya what are you doing here?

(MIYA has on a black trench coat. She is with her line sisters and the ladies of Zeta Phi Beta.)

MIYA - Um... um...

(MELINDA FERGUSON looks around at the Zetas.)

MELINDA FERGUSON - Are you... you're dealing with these Zetas aren't you!

SHARONDA - Now Aunt Mel listen...

MELINDA FERGUSON - No you keep quiet! I've already told you about yourself Sharonda!

(KIM stands up.)

MELINDA FERGUSON - Miya explain yourself right now!

(MIYA looks at KIM.)

KIM - Is something wrong here?

MONA - Nobody is talking to you.

KIM - Excuse me, you're talking to Miya so you're talking to me.

MONA - Who you supposed to be?

(KIM looks MONA up and down and turns to MRS. FERGUSON.)

KIM - What can I do for you maam?

MELINDA FERGUSON - You can get out of my way young lady. Miya is my daughter and I don't need anyone's permission to speak with my own child! Now Miya, get over here now!

(MIYA looks at KIM. KIM turns to MIYA and nods her approval. MIYA drops her eyes and walks toward her mother.)

MELINDA FERGUSON - Get over here!

(MELINDA snatches MIYA's arm and walks her to the side. MONA follows as does SHARONDA. MONA turns back to SHARONDA.)

MONA - This don't concern you!

(MONA puts her hand up to SHARONDA. SHARONDA recognizes the doctors that are looking on and chooses to stop.)

MELINDA FERGUSON - Miya, you're supposed to be in school! What in the world are you doing here in an emergency room and with Sharonda and her sorority sisters!

(MIYA hesitates before she answers.)

MIYA - My... um... friend passed out. And we brought her here. We're hanging around to see if she is okay.

MELINDA FERGUSON - Your friend? What friend?

MONA - Yeah! What friend!

MIYA - You don't know her mommy.

MELINDA FERGUSON - What... friend... Miya!

MIYA - Her name is Laurel. And she is very sick... we think.

MONA - I bet she was hurt pledging! Mom, ask her if its her line sister! Ask her mom!

MIYA - Shut up!

MONA - No you shut up!

MELINDA FERGUSON - Miya! Are you on line for Zeta Phi Beta!

(silence)

MELINDA FERGUSON - Answer me young lady!

(MIYA looks back toward her sorors. They are looking her way but they cannot hear the FERGUSON conversation.)

MONA - What's the matter big mouth? You aint got nothin' to say now do ya! Do ya!

(MIYA turns back and looks at her sister... then at her mother.)

MELINDA FERGUSON - Well!

MIYA - Mommy... yes, I am on line for Zeta Phi Beta sorority incorporated. It is my dream to make the dove my life love. Finer womanhood is what I am striving for.

MONA - What!

MELINDA FERGUSON - Mona please! Miya, what did I tell you about this! I am appalled! I can't believe you would overlook your mother and sister's sorority and go to something else! I knew that cousin of yours...

MIYA - Mommy, this has nothing to do with Sharonda. This was my decision.

MELINDA FERGUSON - You aren't even old enough to make this kind of decision!

MIYA - I am old enough and this is my decision! I want Zeta Phi Beta sorority incorporated more than I've ever wanted anything in my life! And if Laurel is hurt, I'm gonna die! I love my line sisters and I love my big sisters!

MONA - What do you know about soror love? You don't know shit about sorority love!

MELINDA FERGUSON - Mona!

MONA - You don't know anything! You're stupid and you're always gonna be stupid!

MIYA - What! Bitch please! I can't dance, skate or wiggle into this sorority! I have to learn and pray and keep up a gpa! I have to shed a tear and have a little fear! And when I do what I gotta do, my letters are gonna be blue! And since I pledged for mine... that's more than I can say for you!

(MIYA pushes MONA out of her way and turns and walks back to her big sisters without another word.)