But Not Doing It

Next mornng, in the Velosophy office.

Vello is clearing his desk.

David is moving the chairs.

Sweezus and Arthur arrive.

Excellent, says Vello. Your scene is first. Have you prepared it?

Men were not born wolves, but they have become wolves, says Sweezus.

Very good, says Vello, but we're starting with the storm and shipwreck.

Yeah I know, but I need to establish my character,  says Sweezus. 

He probably does, agrees David. 

Then we'll begin with a prequel, says Vello. A short one.

Cool, says Sweezus. 

But right now it's the shipwreck, says Vello. It could be quite tricky.

Do we stand on the desk? asks Arthur.

Yes, says Vello. Both of you. And Denis and Gaius when they get here.

Sweezus and Arthur climb onto the desk.

Belle arrives with Terence.

Can I get on the desk? asks Terence.

Yes, you can stand in for Denis, says Vello.

He lifts Terence onto the desk.

Hello I'm Denis, says Terence in a man's voice, like Denis.

You don't say you're Denis, says Vello. You're playing the part of Candide, remember.

 Okay, says Terence, in the same voice. 

Who falls in first? asks Sweezus.

The sailor, says David. After whacking James the Anabaptist and laying him low on the poop deck, he loses his balance.

Ready? says Arthur.

He whacks Sweezus, and falls backwards, off the desk.

Thud.

Shit! You okay? asks Sweezus.

You're supposed to be dangling over the side, says Vello. 

Arthur sits up to a dangling position.

Now pull him aboard, says Vello.

Sweezus pulls Arthur up onto the desk.

Now you fall in, says Vello.

What do I do? asks Terence.

You watch as he disappears under the waves, says Vello.

Do I have an expression? asks Terence.

Look as though you want to throw yourself in after him, says Belle. But don't do it.

Terence tries to figure out a wanting-to-do-something-but-not-doing-it expression.

Acting is hard.

Denis arrives with Gaius.

At last, says Vello. Terence is standing in for you.

Sorry, says Denis. I've been completing the beanie.

Right, says Vello. Terence off! Denis and Gaius on the desk!

What's been happening? asks Denis.

You're looking like you want to do something but not doing it, says Terence. Like this see?

He screws up his features.

You mean like a fart? asks Denis.

Terence is offended.