Track Five: I Had Too Much to Dream (Last Night)

[Mr. Handy]

"Maybe it's an old Spanish mission," says Liz, examining the picture. "That could be where we'll find his remains." Then her eyes overflow with tears, and she begins to sob. The story has moved her greatly, and her usual emotional response is even stronger than it usually is. While men fall in love with her wherever she goes, she longs to feel the same in return, but how can she ever find the right one among so many? She despairs of ever finding true love. Then she considers how many hearts she has broken, and it provokes another bout of crying.

[VictoriaSilverwolf]

By this time Lew, shaking his head at the emotions on display, realizes that this is somehow a result of Honeydew's machinations. Throughout the theater, some persons are obviously under the sway of the scientist's actions, while others remain unaffected. A few particularly sensitive persons, harking to Honeydew's macabre suggestion, reach under their seats, grabbing the weapons, and firing at themselves. To the relief of all, this does no more than release silk flags from the muzzles, bearing the word bang!

This brings an end to the show, with a scattering of applause. The manipulation of emotions experienced by many, from amorousness to sorrow, seems to brings a certain measure of peace, as if pent-up feelings, once experienced, were no longer locked within each heart.

[jp1885]

As the show ends, Tony is in the act of comforting the sobbing scientist - an worthwhile thing in itself, but also an agreeable method of fighting the urge to blow his own brains out in despair.

He blinks as the shadow of depression lifts, leaving him feeling somehow lighter.

"Well, that was... cathartic. Yes, most stimulating, what?"

Now in a better frame of mind, he takes another look at the drawing once again.

"I'm no expert, but I concur Liz; some kind of old Spanish colonial building - I wonder how many have survived in these parts? Zara, perhaps Dr. Honeydew's methods may help you to provide more detail - if, of course, you are willing."

[SunlessNick]

Zara had withdrawn into herself as the show went on, giving barely a sign of hearing Liz's response. She blinks for a moment, taking in what Tony has said, then answers, "I guess."

[Starspawn338]

"Please come out." Lew says loudly after the performance. "I'm not sure that the manipulation of our emotions was necessary. We came here to seek your counsel, not be part of some social experiment."

Lew looks at Zara's photo and muses. "That does look somewhat familiar. I wonder where it is?"

[DSIGFUSS]

Maximus comes out through the back door with his hands clasped and a wide grin on his face. He always felt this sort of exhilaration after one of his shadow puppet shows.

He was pleased that at least one of his patrons had felt enough despair to pick up one of the stage pistols he had taped under each chair and put it to his forehead.

Deliciously Delightful. Mwa Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha ! he thought to himself.

To Lew, Maximus replies shaking his head.

Of course!! Never in a million centuries good sir!

Maximus pauses for an uncomfortable amount of time leering at each of the four seated at the table in turn. He gets in a little closer to Zara and looks at the photo. He is surprising well perfumed for an unattractive man of such brilliant insanity. His breath smells like a winter breeze.

Did you enjoy my potatoes?

[Mr. Handy]

"I did indeed," says Liz, drying her eyes with a monogrammed handkerchief. "Dr. Maximus Honeydew, I presume. I'm Dr. Liz North. It's a pleasure to meet you. We had you recommended to us by someone very unusual. We were told you can make a nostrum to reveal the unseen."

[VictoriaSilverwolf]

While this conversation is going on, one of the people leaving the theater, a middle-aged man, softly sings to himself.

All the mission bells will ring
The chapel choir will sing
The happiness you'll bring
Will live in my memory

"What made you think of that old song?" the woman next to him asks.

"Geez, I dunno, hon," he replies. "It just kinda popped into my head. Funny, huh? Ink Spots, wasn't it? Just before the war? Yeah, and Glenn Miller, just about the same time."

"I like Pat Boone's version better," she answers.

"Ah, that's kid stuff."

They go off together, their casual conversation seeming, in some odd fashion, more important than it should.

[jp1885]

Overhearing this conversation, Tony jerks his head towards the departing couple.

"Maybe the good doctor's methods have already elicited some results hm? Did you hear that? Mission bells? Chapel choir?"

After the others make their introductions, he extends his hand to Honeydew.

"Tony Patchpole, at your service. I don't suppose you know of any old Spanish missions around here do you?"

[SunlessNick]

Zara caught the conversation too, and adds. "Maybe one that's still got bells in the tower?"

[DSIGFUSS]

Maximus shakes each of their hands in turn with a thick black rubber gloved hand and then returns his attention to Zara and the photo.

All the mission bells will ring
The chapel choir will sing

Perhaps they are insinuating to the mission at San Juan Capistrano. Yes? Hmmmm? Certainly enough chapels and bells to clear the sinuses there Yes?

He leans in closer to Zara and bugs out his eyes.

It's Scope if you were wondering...

[Mr. Handy]

"Yes, the Bells of Capistrano," says Liz. "That sounds like our next stop."

[VictoriaSilverwolf]

The Mission of San Juan Capistrano is a popular tourist site, particularly when the swallows arrive, which was less than a month ago. At this time of year, in early November, it's a little quieter. It's a simple matter to obtain a copy of a quaint old map for a few cents from a local merchant.

Spoiler:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mission_S ... strano.jpg

[jp1885]

Tony thanks the vendor before studying the map. One thing immediately stands out.

"Hmm, the Soldier's Bell - sounds familiar hey?"

[DSIGFUSS]

Maximus nods..

Yes, certainly not a coincidence then hmmmm?

The doctor swats at an imaginary fly of some description buzzing around his head.

Yes.. Yes... I'm getting to it.

You know.. I have a friend who does quite well being of particular use in historic dwellings such as these. Lots of voices and interesting stories come to light when the two of us put our heads together. Well my head.. and whatever you would call that bulbous structure protruding through his thorax...

Maximus pauses and looks over his shoulder quizzically.

Yes.. I believe it is a head.

Perhaps we could have a go at your little church-bell quest. It all seems very interesting and under influence of the proper hallucinogenics might just benefit my research as well.

[Mr. Handy]

"That must be what we're looking for," says Liz. "Shall we go?"

[Starspawn338]

"Please keep your hallucinogenics to yourself." Lew says forcefully. "There's enough crazy stuff that we've encountered that I, for one, would prefer to know what's real and not just a hallucination."

[DSIGFUSS]

Indeed kind sir. I would not dream of making you any more uncomfortable. All potations are by request only from here on in. Scouts honour!


Maximus raises two fingers to his brow that more resemble a hang ten than the tradition scout salute of the boys scouts organisation.

[jp1885]

Tony looks askance at the good doctor, sharing Lew's unease. Still, he did rather enjoy the first part of the puppet show, so maybe there's something in it...

"Assuming there's some kind of spiritual connection between our gallant soldier and the bell, will your potations reveal it do you think?"

[DSIGFUSS]

It's difficult to say. The older the structure the better chance of there being something there willing to talk.. If you believe in such things. My chemicals simply help the proceedings...

It's always worth a try. I haven't left the theatre in some time so a bit of good-natured exercise could do me some good.

What exactly are we looking for if you don't mind me asking?