Angel and May
Angel and May are two worn-out private investigators from LA. Events take a turn and they embark on a journey which will take them across time and space to the asteroid colony "New London". They hole up in a dodgy pub run by a crazy drag queen. What could possibly go wrong! They say the skies are the limit, but here they're just the beginning!
Angel and May
G02-E08 - Five of Cups
The Tarot may tell the future, but only with David telling the tale!
Angel and May is an audio-only podcast, produced by a not-for-profit group of community theatre supporters.
See more on our website: www.angelandmay.com
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THE TAROT INTERVENTION - G02-E08-FIVE OF CUPS
A frustrated VINCENT GAMBINO shows suspicion and anger
towards GANDER-ETTEILLA as she prepares to read his
TAROT.
The Five of Cups shows a man in a long black cloak
looking down on three cups that have been knocked over –
symbolic of his disappointments and failures. Behind him
stand two cups representing new opportunities and
potential, but because he is so fixed on his losses (the
over-turned cups), he misses the opportunities available
to him.
In the background, a bridge crosses a large, flowing
river and leads to the security of the castle or home on
the opposite side of the riverbank – if only he can move
on from the over-turned cups. The bridge is a message to
'find a way through'.
INT. MOMO'S BOUDOIR - PRIVATE PARLOUR - DECEPTION
DEBRIEF
(GANDER-DAVID, JACINTA, MILTON COBO, MOMO, RUDI)
MILTON COBO is addressing the team prior to the launch of
the first real engagement with the mark. This is where he
introduces the concept of running a peppers ghost scam,
using the pipe way access to the mirror in VINCENT
GAMBINO's room and his actor ex-girl friend. MOMO
expresses scepticism at using HESSE
MILTON gets up and taps his spoon on a glass for quiet.
SPOON ON GLASS
MILTON COBO
So, team as you know, this job has
a lot of moving parts, and we need
them to work like a well oiled
machine! The good news is, we now
have walk in access to the back of
the inn, which greatly aids our
efforts. The GAMBINO's meanwhile,
think they have control of the
hidden area's! This gives us a
huge advantage. So, whilst they
are running around the back
corridors, looking for CIS &
Ghosts. We have our own private
setup. I propose that we take full
advantage of this to really fuck
with VINCENT's mind!
The team cheer and laugh!
MILTON COBO
DAVID you're inside man number one
on the TAROT, or should I say
women, with JACINTA as wing, make
sure you seed the key messages.
RUDI, CHEN and MYSELF will be the
fixers and organise the 'haunting'
tech. BLACK BEAR is inside man
number two his double is CHEN they
are a ghost-hunting team! I think
we have most angles covered. I now
want to introduce a new element in
the form of Pepper's Ghost!
GANDER-DAVID
Not another grifter, we already
have too many!
RUDI
You're going to like this part
DAVID, it will really send VINCENT
GAMBINO completely bonkers!
MILTON COBO
This unique opportunity of one way
mirror into VINCENT's bedroom, can
be used, and we are going to use
it!(Dramatic voice) Mirror, mirror
on the wall, who is the most
troubled of all!
JACINTA
Stop the crap MILTON, what are you
on about?
MILTON COBO
Well you won't believe who I
bumped into yesterday. My ex
girlfriend, the actress, HESSE,
you remember her? I am going to
arrange for VINCENT GAMBINO to
really meet his dead mother!
MOMO
You mean, dear HESSE. That
charming actress with the penchant
for dramatic entrances and even
more dramatic exits.
MILTON COBO
She's starring in a new play!
MOMO
The one where her life story is
filled with intrigues, scandals,
and more overblown drama than a
Shakespearean tragedy?
MILTON COBO
You have no idea, MOMO. She even
claimed she was abducted by the
clowns while touring with her last
production.
MOMO
My dear, if she was really
abducted by the clown's they would
surely have rejected her, because,
in all honesty, she madder than
they are!
MILTON COBO
Never the less, I think I have
persuaded her, to play the part of
GAMBINO's dead mother.
MOMO
Oh MILTON, really, do you never
learn!
GANDER-DAVID
Don't we have enough people
involved, it makes the con risky!
RUDI
MILTON, really, you want that
bitch involved?
JACINTA
Do you still want us to break in
and give VINCENT GAMBINO the
poltergeist furniture.
MILTON COBO
Yes please JACINTA, were going big
stall on this one! It's delicious,
covering every angle!
JACINTA
So let me get this straight, are
we still doing the whole Tarot
scam? Do you still want me to
squirt hallucinogenic juice into
those bastards!
MILTON COBO
Absolutely, its essential!
JACINTA
(Sigh) So I still have to wear the
nanofragging exo-skeleton!
GANDER-DAVID
But, JACINTA, you look so good in
it!
JACINTA
Don't you start!
MOMO
(Cough) No fighting you two. Team
lets raise our glasses, to the
rapid and early demise of the
scourge of the Bencubbin! I give
you the GAMBINO family!
SOUNDS OF GLASSES BEING RAISED AND CLINKED
INT. RETROGRADE - VINCENT'S PRIVATE OFFICE - FIRST
READING (MAJOR ARCANA)
(GANDER-ETTEILLA, GIOVANNI "THE ENFORCER" ROMANO, VINCENT
GAMBINO)
This scene sets up the dramatic first Tarot reading,
describes the back story for both GANDER and JACINTA and
effectively starts the con!
GANDER is in the Retrograde Inn, in Vincents private
office waiting area, preparing for the reading. GANDER is
clearing her throat ready for the performance and is
trying not to look nervous!
GIOVANNI "THE ENFORCER" ROMANO
MR GAMBINO the, people you
requested are outside. (Cough)
They look a little strange MR
GAMBINO, like something, out of a
play. One of them looks dangerous,
strapped into an exo skeleton.
Could be slightly sub normal.
Carrying a trunk. Wouldn't let me
scan it. The other one is old,
ugly and full of herself, looks
like a witch! Shall I let them in?
VINCENT GAMBINO
Good, they are here! Yes please
GIOVANNI, let them in, but stay at
the back of the room and watch the
bitch in the exo-skeleton! Are you
armed?
GIOVANNI "THE ENFORCER" ROMANO
Yes, of course Mr Gambino.
VINCENT GAMBINO
Good, keep a close eye on them.
You know what to do, if it gets
difficult?
GIOVANNI "THE ENFORCER" ROMANO
Termination and disposal as usual,
Mr GAMBINO!
VINCENT GAMBINO
OK, the usual, but only as a last
resort, the witchy one is well
known, apparently. She is supposed
to be a famous fortune teller or
something, I'm curious if they can
solve our ghost problem.
GIOVANNI "THE ENFORCER" ROMANO
You believe in that stuff Mr
Gambino?
VINCENT GAMBINO
No, (Pause) Well, maybe, but the
kitchen staff certainly do! Make
sure they know about this meeting,
but do not tell them the details!
Keep them guessing! If anything of
what is said leaks, even within
the family. I'll be a laughing
stock.
GIOVANNI "THE ENFORCER" ROMANO
Of course, it goes without saying
Mr GAMBINO!
VINCENT GAMBINO
I mean it, GIOVANNI, cazzo, this
is effecting the business, I can't
afford any mistakes.
GIOVANNI "THE ENFORCER" ROMANO
Yes, Mr Gambino, I understand.
VINCENT GAMBINO
Good, lets hope so, now fetch the
witch in.
GIOVANNI "THE ENFORCER" ROMANO
You, you can come in now, hands
where I can see them!
DOOR, CLOMPING OF SERVOS ON EXO SKELETON AND RUSTLING OF
ROBES.
GANDER-ETTEILLA
Next time you invite me Mr
GAMBINO, you might do well to
instil some manners into your
criminal staff.
GANDER-DAVID enters the room in a haughty manner, with
JACINTA following wheeling in a trunk.
VINCENT GAMBINO
I select my staff as I see fit,
you do know what business I am in?
GANDER-ETTEILLA
Extortion, racketeering, drugs and
a whole lot of other nasty stuff!
VINCENT GAMBINO
Yes, exactly! Politeness, manners
and general decorum are optional
in my line of business.
GANDER-ETTEILLA
(Chuckle) Yes of course, that much
is obvious, but manners maketh the
man, Mr GAMBINO. Now please
address me directly and avoid
interacting with my indentured
guild slave in any way. She
cannot hear or speak due to nerve
blocks, plus of course the
physical constraints. She is
paying off a debt to the
Cartomancer Guild.
VINCENT GAMBINO
(Slight guffaw in disbelieve)Ma
che? The cartomancer guild? I know
of no such organisation, you got
to be joking.
GANDER-ETTEILLA does not laugh or react and just stares
at VINCENT GAMBINO with an unblinking eye.
VINCENT GAMBINO
(Nervous cough) OK, so you're not
joking!
GANDER-ETTEILLA
Of course I'm serious you cove!
You will do well, not to impugn
the guild! You may think your
mafia is powerful, but we command
supernatural forces, Mr Gambino.
This relationship will be
terminated forthwith, if the guild
is so much as mentioned in a
negative manner again!
VINCENT GAMBINO
Sorry, I didn't mean offence, I
was surprised, thats all, As I
stated I have never heard of such
an "organisation".
GANDER-ETTEILLA
Well, we don't advertise. As you
can imagine the dark arts need to
be contained and this is not
facilitated if they know we are
coming!
VINCENT GAMBINO
I see!
GANDER-ETTEILLA
Mr GAMBINO, first I need to run
through some formal establishing
questions before the read.
Can you please confirm, (looking
at an email) that you are the Mr
VINCENT GAMBINO who requires a
reading from the great Etteilla?
VINCENT GAMBINO
Maybe I am. (Slightly taken aback)
GANDER-ETTEILLA
Well, make up your mind, do you,
or don't you, require a
cartomantic read. I don't have all
day!
VINCENT GAMBINO
You wouldn't be in this room if I
didn't want you! Of course I'm
VINCENT GAMBINO.
GANDER-ETTEILLA
Yes, (looking closer) I suspected
as much. You look like the petty
career criminal that is on file at
guild headquarters. The records
recommended caution. I recognise
the photo!
VINCENT GAMBINO
How dare you. Maladetta strega.
I'll have you out of the nearest
lock!
GANDER-ETTEILLA
Mr GAMBINO, I will address you in
any manner I see fit, and you will
be pleased to receive my missives.
Come on Elipas, we are clearly not
required!
VINCENT GAMBINO
You will stay until we have
completed our business.
GANDER-ETTEILLA
I will stay as long as I choose!
In this case its a short period
until I receive the respect I
deserve! You will also forfeit
the deposit! You think you can
hold me here? How will you explain
my lock ejection to the New London
Governor? Do you think he will be
pleased to find he is not getting
his reading. That I'm floating out
in space or pushing up the daisy's
in the Dirkson?
You think that he, will not ask
the CIS to find out why his
trusted personal reader, a friend
of many years, has been 'done in'
by some mid level criminal in the
Bencubbin? Really? On top of
that, then their is the guild!
How do you think they will feel
about one of their top operatives
being 'done in'. I must say you
have some balls MR GAMBINO. You
like to live dangerously.
VINCENT GAMBINO
My balls are entirely my, ohhh!
CLOMPING OF BOOTS
AND EXO-SKELETON
VINCENT GAMBINO
That doesn't sound right! Look, I
think we might have got off on the
wrong foot! I was only speaking
figuratively, ah Ms Etteilla,
please forgive me, I didn't mean
to offend you! You must
understand that I am used to
dealing with the worst of society,
the lower echelons!
GANDER-ETTEILLA
Yes I can well imagine, MR
GAMBINO, so perhaps a change of
tack is required for both of us?
VINCENT GAMBINO
Yes of course, sorry, please have
a seat!
GANDER-ETTEILLA
Thank you. Elipas please stand
over there. (Clomping of boots)
Now I believe you wish to
inaugurate a series of readings?
VINCENT GAMBINO
Maybe, I was only expecting a
single meeting to discuss
something happening at the inn.
GANDER-ETTEILLA
We do not undertake such a
simplistic and single point path
MR GAMBINO, we need multiple data
points. The future is an unknown
country and is deeply
indeterminant!
In order to divine leakage from
the multiverse, a minimum of three
sessions is the starting point.
VINCENT GAMBINO
At the same charge?
GANDER-ETTEILLA
Naturally, but you do get a
discount after that! Are you
saying that you don't have the
means? The guild can arrange a
payment plan.
VINCENT GAMBINO
Of course not, money is (struggles
to say) not of consequence.
GANDER-ETTEILLA
Good! Then we need a few minutes
to set up. ELIPAS prepare the
grounded iso zones. Then we can
begin. Do you have hot water and
towels?
VINCENT GAMBINO
What?
GANDER-ETTEILLA
Hot water, for the tea, Mr
GAMBINO, the herbal tea! Towels to
wipe our hands and possibly dampen
any coronal discharge burns.
VINCENT GAMBINO
Burn's, are you sure this is safe?
GANDER-ETTEILLA
No, playing with the chromosphere
and multiverse is extremely
dangerous, which is why you need
me, Mr GAMBINO! You are in
experienced hands, I am, of
course, guild certified!
VINCENT GAMBINO
GIOVANNI please ring down for hot
water and towels.
GIOVANNI "THE ENFORCER" ROMANO
Yes of course MR GAMBINO. Should
I get the fire extinguisher?
VINCENT GAMBINO
It might be a good idea!
INT. RETROGRADE - VINCENT'S PRIVATE OFFICE - FIRST
READING
(GANDER-ETTEILLA, JACINTA-ELIPAS, VINCENT GAMBINO, `VINCENT
GAMBINO)
GANDER is dressed up (In disguise) as the great "Etteilla
du Vaillant" a play on Jean-Baptiste Allient a famous
person in the world of Tarot. JACINTA is carrying a heavy
trunk with her exo skeleton and looking pissed!
GANDER-ETTEILLA does some weird hand movements and ELIPAS
moves and opens the trunk.
JACINTA-ELIPAS
Hmmms mmmf mmfsg ghhhh! (Actually
saying-You try moving this trunk)
GANDER-ETTEILLA
Yes ELIPAS, of course!
VINCENT GAMBINO
What did she say?
GANDER-ETTEILLA
It's of no consequence MR GAMBINO
VINCENT GAMBINO
What did she do? Her punishment
seems a little medieval, I like
it?
GANDER-ETTEILLA
She is lucky to still be alive,
considering the transgression she
made.
VINCENT GAMBINO
Really, I like the idea of that
exo skeleton, I have a few people
I could use it on!
GANDER-ETTEILLA
She broke a guild rule, Mr
GAMBINO, just that.
VINCENT GAMBINO
This guild, seems to have a lot in
common with my family.
GANDER-ETTEILLA
The guild is not dealing in petty
crime, its is dealing with our
very reality. We had an arc
through, and had to do a timeline
reset procedure!
We lost an operative, an important
one. Elipas instigated an unsafe
grounding, which caused the
breach! She has got three years of
indentured servitude and that was
after good behaviour was taken
into account.
VINCENT GAMBINO
Why the mouth clamp?
GANDER-ETTEILLA
Erroneous invocation was one of
her offences, the other was
cartomantic excursions from a
shuttered multiverse, without
sufficient grounding. It nearly
destroyed another habitat. Hence
the sentence. If her mouth is
clamped she cannot invocate, its
that simple!
VINCENT GAMBINO
So, let me get this straight,
your saying, reading a few cards
and saying a few words, can lead
to the destruction of our reality.
Ma daverro!I find that hard to
believe!
GANDER-ETTEILLA
You belief or otherwise is not
required Mr GAMBINO, the universes
have their own rules and don't
need you're approval. In addition
the cards have very little to do
with invocation, they are mearly a
tool for the operator. Have you
had any thought as to what might
be happening here.
VINCENT GAMBINO
I thought that you just pick some
cards and tell the future.
GANDER-ETTEILLA
No Mr GAMBINO, I am nothing more
than a conduit for quantum
information. A slave to the
rhythm, the heart beat of the
universes. We don't understand how
this occurs, but it does occur!
The problem is that this
information always comes from
another universe not one in the
current timeline. God appears to
have a sense of humour!
Unfortunately the other universe
almost always has a different zero
point ground state. This means
considerable electrical discharges
and if not isolated, a run away
current flowing between the
multiverse! Ultimately this
current flow can lead to
cancellation.
VINCENT GAMBINO
Minchia! Cancellation, that
sounds bad!
GANDER-ETTEILLA
Very bad, you might just
disappear, having never existed.
VINCENT GAMBINO
Are you sure its safe to do this
in this room?
GANDER-ETTEILLA
Of course. Look, if proper
precaution's are taken it's safe.
Like nuclear energy, you don't
poke the dragon unless its in a
cage. Elipas, please set up the
table, candles, decks and prepare
the silver iso matrix and
grounding straps!
JACINTA looks glaringly at GANDER as she doesn't like
being ordered around. JACINTA stomps.
JACINTA-ELIPAS
Hmmm, fuurfffmf, grooosdnf!
(Actually saying-What am I, your
personal servant?)
VINCENT GAMBINO
She's not invocating is she?
GANDER-ETTEILLA
No, not at all, she just called
you a greasy wop!
VINCENT GAMBINO
(Leaps up and speaks through
gritted teeth). Fregna! I'll kill
her!
GANDER-ETTEILLA
Sorry, that option is off the
table, she has to serve her time.
Don't touch her, she is still
dangerous. All class one wizards
are!
VINCENT GAMBINO
She's not going to kill us with
her suit is she?
GANDER-ETTEILLA
No, not at all. I control it.
It's been a long day, she gets
hungry and tired.
VINCENT GAMBINO
Can I get you something from our
kitchens? Some cheese condiments
perhaps?
GANDER-ETTEILLA
Why thank you Mr GAMBINO that is
very kind of you, but at this
stage a small cup of herbal tea is
all I need, thank you.
JACINTA-ELIPAS
(Slight grunting as she lifts the
trunk) Hmmmff, argghhh!(Actually
saying-This is nanofraging heavy)
GANDER-ETTEILLA
Mr Gambino excuse me for my
directness. What exactly are you
expecting from my reads?
VINCENT GAMBINO
It's a delicate matter.
GANDER-ETTEILLA
In my experience, MR GAMBINO, It
always is!
VINCENT GAMBINO
Ms Etteilla, I need,
clarification. I have been having
some, troubling thoughts, and
visions.
GANDER-ETTEILLA
I see, can you be more specific?
VINCENT GAMBINO
I think it may be my poor Mother,
I have seen things, disturbing
things, so have others. It
troubles me.
GANDER-ETTEILLA
As it well might, but, you do
understand the Tarot is a form of
divination, not a communication
with the spirits such as in a
séance.
The cards act to focus my
abilities, they have no special
purpose other than as an aid. If
there are spirits in the inn, this
process will not rid you of them.
VINCENT GAMBINO
I see, (disappointed sigh) I was
hoping it would help, I am willing
to try anything. I just need a
good nights sleep.
GANDER-ETTEILLA
I might be able to pick up clues
from the multiverse, which might
help MR GAMBINO, I just don't know
at this stage. Given that, are
happy to proceed?
VINCENT GAMBINO
Of course!
GANDER-ETTEILLA
Very well, I will conduct the
first reading. Prepare yourself!
VINCENT GAMBINO
How, what do I do?
GANDER-ETTEILLA
Relax! let me give you some
context, this usually helps. I am
sure you are aware that tarot is
derived from Ancient Egyptian
divination and early hermitic
traditions. Some think it is
directly related to the Book of
Thoth. The more scientific minds
amongst us attempt to explain this
through micro-tubial wormholes,
Baumian type, quantum
entanglement, and the multiverse,
but I'm a traditionalist and I
like to think its just in the
ether! MR GAMBINO, Tarot can be
dangerous as I explained. You
must follow my instructions to the
letter, failure to comply could
lead to injury.
VINCENT GAMBINO
How can a pack of cards be
dangerous?
GANDER-ETTEILLA
The cards are not dangerous MR
GAMBINO, but the knowledge they
confer is challenging.
To be clear I follow the path of
Etteilla, the light bringer, hence
my moniker. There are other
paths, dark knowledge. Wirth,
Dawn, Rider-Waite-Smith, and of
course Crowley, are these names
familiar to you?
VINCENT GAMBINO
I think I have heard of Crowley, I
know of someone who likes him.
GANDER-ETTEILLA
They were all necromancers,
followers of the dark arts.
VINCENT GAMBINO
What's this have to do with my
issues?
GANDER-ETTEILLA
Nothing, (pause) probably! However
with light comes darkness. Ying
and Yang. A small error on my part
could destroy you and your
organisation with a turn of an
unfriendly card. Previous
cartomancers have destroyed
clients through their
incompetence. You are lucky
however, I am a senior member of
the cartomancers guild and follow
their guidelines strictly, so blow
back issues will be unlikely.
`VINCENT GAMBINO
Will this hurt?
GANDER-ETTEILLA
No, it's just my standard warning.
VINCENT GAMBINO
Are you sure you know what you are
doing?
GANDER cuts off VINCENT GAMBINO
GANDER-ETTEILLA
Of course! Mr GAMBINO, we are
talking about powerful mystical
forces. If you reject these cards,
they will crush you. The leakage
can even damage those near and
dear. Be warned, once you start
down this path, there is no
turning back. You either accept
the will of the cards, or you will
be utterly destroyed.
You can't out run them, you can't
escape them and you certainly
can't fight them. Destiny Mr
GAMBINO. Pauper or King, the cards
don't care.
VINCENT GAMBINO
You dare to threaten me!
GANDER signs with her hand
RUSTLE OF CLOTH
GANDER-ETTEILLA
Elipas, don't move!
GANDER flicks a card on to the table, it shows the fool.
GANDER-ETTEILLA
Oh, how appropriate, the cards are
always right!
GANDER-ETTEILLA draws: THE FOOL - NEW BEGINNINGS
VINCENT GAMBINO
What?
GANDER-ETTEILLA
I picked the first card in the
major arcana, completely by
chance, and it was the fool. Is
that you Mr GAMBINO, the fool?
Could the cards be sensing your
hostility? The fool represents new
beginnings, a change oncoming.
VINCENT GAMBINO
Don't be ridiculous!
GANDER-ETTEILLA
You think it was chance. (Evil
laughter) Lets see what the next
card brings! Elipas hold the grid
please!
GANDER lays another card there is a crackle of
electricity and a smell of ozone.
GANDER-ETTEILLA draws: THE HIGH PRIESTESS - GOING WITHIN,
THE MYSTICAL
VINCENT GAMBINO
Merda I saw a spark.
GANDER-ETTEILLA
The grid is loaded, what ever you
do, do not touch me, or the table.
VINCENT GAMBINO
Who's that on the card?
GANDER-ETTEILLA
It is Etteilla Mr GAMBINO, also
known as the high priestess. She
represents a going within, the
mystical!
VINCENT GAMBINO
Nonsense, thats ridiculous!
Anyway, thats your name.
GANDER-ETTEILLA
It's my moniker Mr GAMBINO.
Etteilla was the pseudonym for
"Jean-Baptist Alliette". I follow
that path through the cards.
You're asking the wrong questions.
VINCENT GAMBINO
Am I, so what should I be asking?
GANDER-ETTEILLA
The questions that really matter,
the ones closest to your heart.
VINCENT GAMBINO
Thats easy for you to say!
GANDER-ETTEILLA
Do you value your destiny Mr
GAMBINO, do you really believe?
VINCENT GAMBINO
Believe what? All you seem to do
is ask questions and I still don't
really understand, why you need an
assistant?
GANDER-ETTEILLA
She is the mistress of ceremony,
Mr Gambino. You have your
consigliere. I have Elipas, she
allows me to focus. This is a
lonely path I tread, it helps if I
share some of the burden.
VINCENT GAMBINO
Why did you pick an incompetent
operator then, whats that about?
GANDER-ETTEILLA
Like I stated, she did not follow
strict protocol, she is not
incompetent, if anything she was
too competant, arrogant even. She
thought she could cut corners and
the back wash nearly killed her,
and breached a habitat. Thank
Maritsuba we managed to Earth out
the changes. Elipas barely
survived, she was in the auto doc
for three months. I took her in,
out of pity.
VINCENT GAMBINO
This earthing, does it prevent the
spirit world from entering ours?
GANDER-ETTEILLA
Guild rules prevent me from
answering that question. All I can
say is it's something like that!
VINCENT GAMBINO
Ahhh!
GANDER-ETTEILLA
I have a question in return!
VINCENT GAMBINO
Ask away!
GANDER-ETTEILLA
Is this inn haunted, I have heard
some rumours!
VINCENT GAMBINO
No! shit, so it has got out! I
wondered why the take was down.
Gamblers are very superstitious.
GANDER-ETTEILLA
As they should be, given their
business involves the sacred
geometry of chance.
VINCENT GAMBINO
Could you cheat at the card table?
GANDER-ETTEILLA
Probably, but I am prohibited from
playing any other games of chance,
be it cards, or dice. It would
dilute the readings.
VINCENT GAMBINO
I see, I could see that!
GANDER-ETTEILLA
Mr GAMBINO, may I call you VINCENT
this seems so formal!
VINCENT GAMBINO
You may!
GANDER-ETTEILLA
VINCENT, the way to think of the
cards, is that they are a vessel
for the process, which in some
unknown way, collects information
from the potential future, and
projects it into our present.
VINCENT GAMBINO
So, you're saying that I need to
focus my thoughts on each card?
GANDER-ETTEILLA
Each laying of a card, therby
directing the multiverse. I am
here to aid in diagnosis and
interpretation. The card I lay is
out of my conscious control.
VINCENT GAMBINO
OK, I think I get it, so what is
this "High Priestess" card telling
us?
GANDER-ETTEILLA
The High Priestess is an unusual
second lay. It usually symbolises
the female indwelling presence of
the divine. Tell me VINCENT
GAMBINO, are you willing to
discuss the personal?
VINCENT GAMBINO
I am, but not in front of the
staff!
GANDER-ETTEILLA
I understand, chain of command and
all that.
VINCENT GAMBINO
Yes, and I assume that nothing I
say to you will go beyond these
walls.
GANDER-ETTEILLA
Absolute discretion, is rule
number one with the guild.
VINCENT GAMBINO
Good, its the same with my
organisation!
GANDER-ETTEILLA
Yes, I have heard that might be
the case! So tell me VINCENT is a
female component part of these
'experiences' or dreams?
VINCENT GAMBINO
Possibly, maybe.
GANDER-ETTEILLA
VINCENT, please, this is not going
to work unless you are open and
honest with me. I know that is
not the normal modus operandi in
your 'business', however in
spiritual and multiversal matters,
I need to know everything.
VINCENT GAMBINO
Everything?
GANDER-ETTEILLA
Yes, everything, pertaining to
your dreams. Its all connected!
VINCENT GAMBINO
Even business matters?
GANDER-ETTEILLA
I don't want or need to know the
Machiavellian details of your
criminal network, unless they
relate to the matter being
investigated spiritually. Its your
judgement.
VINCENT GAMBINO
I see!
GANDER-ETTEILLA
I have laid card one, which always
relates to the target subject. I
have laid card two which always
relates to core. This tells me
that there is a very strong female
component. The cards don't lie
VINCENT. My question is, are you
going to become the first card,
which is the fool, or will you
proceed throw off the Baumian cone
and give the third lay its freedom
to really aid your decision
making?
VINCENT GAMBINO
Are you calling me a fool, I will
have you killed.
GANDER-ETTEILLA
(Interrupting) Therby confirming
the first lay, but strangely I
know this will not eventuate. I
know this, because before this
meeting I did a self read, and the
prediction was that you would run
through all three cards. Do you
think it don't use my own tools? I
don't wish to erase you from the
timeline, as my prediction says
that leads to a sub optimal
outcome. The best result is to
proceed to the third lay, the
outcomes look better! In addition
VINCENT it's not sensible to kill
clients, it leads to uncertain
finances! So I will hold Elipas
back out of respect.
VINCENT GAMBINO
(Spluttering) But she's a prisoner
in an exo-skeleton, and I have my
security!
GANDER-ETTEILLA
(Laughter) What him, I don't think
so! Remember ELIPAS's exo-skeleton
is controlled by me and I
currently have my finger on the
button! Now if you please, lets
focus on the third lay, so we can
proceed with our meeting, shall
we?
VINCENT GAMBINO
Go on, I have paid after all.
GANDER-ETTEILLA
You will find in time it is money
well spent VINCENT! Really! Now
focus on the cards, good, I feel
something towards this one. No! It
is too early to pick, I feel that
the coalescence is unfinished.
Elipas hold the grid!
VINCENT GAMBINO
What, whats wrong?
GANDER-ETTEILLA
Not so fast VINCENT can you move
back from the table!
For me to gain an accurate lay I
need further insight which will
inform my foresight, and that is
why I am going to ask for more
details. Tell me more about these
visions? How often do you have
them.
VINCENT GAMBINO
Perhaps twice a week, it depends
if I sleep well.
GANDER-ETTEILLA
What do you see?
VINCENT GAMBINO
It starts with a sound, a deep
wave like sound, this grows in
intensity and suddenly I'm on this
beach. It stretches for
kilometres on both directions.
GANDER-ETTEILLA
Are any people or animals in the
vision?
VINCENT GAMBINO
No, well at least at first. There
is a terrible sense of infinite
isolation, like I'm the only
person the that world. There are
no houses, no features at all,
just nature. There are these huge
breakers rolling in across the
white sand.
GANDER-ETTEILLA
I see! The card indicates a
presence. Do any figures appear
at all?
VINCENT GAMBINO
Yes, later, I see movement, in the
distance, I move towards it and
then see a large lumbering
reptile, it has its eyes on me. I
turn and start running in the
opposite direction. Its hard to
keep ahead, it is relentless.
GANDER-ETTEILLA
Does it catch you?
VINCENT GAMBINO
Ah, ahhh! This is difficult for me
to talk about.
GANDER-ETTEILLA
I think this is important.
VINCENT GAMBINO
At about this time, I see my
mother, she is calling me. She is
on the dunes.
GANDER-ETTEILLA
Dunes, this is significant, go on.
VINCENT GAMBINO
As she calls, the creature sees
her and starts running. (Sobbing)
It catches her, and tears into her
flesh. (Sobbing) No, no!
GANDER-ETTEILLA
ELIPAS, hold the grid! Yes, yes I
feel the power now!
ROARING SWISHING LIKE DEEP WAVES
VINCENT GAMBINO is swaying back and forth, eyes closed.
GANDER looks at JACINTA, she looks back eyes slightly
wider!
VINCENT GAMBINO
Arghhh! Noooo!(Sobbing) Mummy,
nooo! Oh god!
VINCENT GAMBINO falls to the ground sobbing and slowly
recovers
GANDER-ETTEILLA
ELIPAS reduce the power! VINCENT I
have the card, we have completed
the lay! What did you see?
VINCENT GAMBINO
It's horrible. I have to watch as
the creature devours her and then
turns to me.
GANDER-ETTEILLA
Does it see you, or is it looking
through you?
VINCENT GAMBINO
I, I don't no I think its looking
through me.
GANDER-ETTEILLA
Good, thats good. What happens
next?
VINCENT GAMBINO
It stares, and then turns away.
This is when I usually wake up.
GANDER-ETTEILLA
Elipas, prepare the special candle
to close this lay.
JACINTA-ELIPAS
Hrmmph! (Actually saying-Wait
until he smells these bad boys)
VINCENT GAMBINO
What's she trying to say?
GANDER-ETTEILLA
She is asking for you to stand
back. I need to concentrate for
this one. Yes, yes, I have the
card, but I need to turn it over,
this is the dangerous part, as the
universes anneal!
VINCENT GAMBINO
Shit! OK, OK I'm standing back!
GANDER-ETTEILLA
ELIPAS prepare the containing
pentangle, use high conductive
paint.
VINCENT GAMBINO
This is a wood block floor!
GANDER-ETTEILLA
Which does not conduct and
therefore will not contain the
leakage out of the multiverse.
Who knows what creatures are in
there?
VINCENT GAMBINO
You said this isn't a seance.
GANDER-ETTEILLA
Its is not, but we are playing
with the multiverse, spirits exist
outside of time in all universes.
Need I explain how dangerous this
might be. This is a powerful
precognition. I need to gather all
my skills for this third card lay.
Now stand back, I'll not warn you
again!
INT. RETROGRADE - VINCENT'S PRIVATE OFFICE - FINAL
LAY
(GANDER-DAVID, GANDER-ETTEILLA, JACINTA, JACINTA-ELIPAS,
VINCENT GAMBINO)
In this scene the last card of the first reading is made
and Gander really starts planting the key messages about
VINCENT's mother.
VINCENT GAMBINO moves back away from the reading table
that JACINTA set up. GANDER selects a taper and lights
the candle and takes a deep breath and starts chanting.
GANDER-ETTEILLA
Ohhmmm!(Deep breath out and then
in low voice) Dawn of light lying
between a silence and sold source.
Chased amid fusions of wonder, in
moments hardly seen forgotten.
Coloured in pastures of chance.
Dancing leaves, cast spells of
challenge. A muse but real in
thought. Dawn of thought
transferred through moments of
days under searching every
feeling. Corridors of time
provoking memories, disjointed but
with purpose. (Breath). Etteilla I
am ready, give me the power to
read the card.
GANDERS hand wavers and moves across the cards.
GANDER-ETTEILLA
(Séance voice) It is this one, I
feel the energy calling.
CARD IS TURNED OVER, WITH SMALL ELECTRIC DISCHARGE
GANDER-ETTEILLA draws: JUDHGEMENT - REBIRTH, A NEW PHASE
GANDER-ETTEILLA
Oh shit, fire, fire.
JACINTA-ELIPAS grabs an extinguisher and puts out a small
flame licking at the sleeves of GANDER gown!
JACINTA-ELIPAS
Hmmmm! Hmmfff!(Actually saying
Shit, shit.s, Shit)
GANDER quickly recovers and gets into character.
GANDER-ETTEILLA
The card is Judgement.
Fascinating.
VINCENT GAMBINO
(Slight coughing with the smoke)
What, what does it mean?
GANDER-ETTEILLA
VINCENT, this vision is about
rebirth, a new phase, perhaps your
self judgement. It also represent
an inner calling.
Could it be that some indecision
on your part caused harm to befall
you mother.
VINCENT GAMBINO
No, basta, basta this is not true,
I loved my Mother, I protected her
from Father when he had his rages.
GANDER-ETTEILLA
Stop! Don't move your foot. You
are about to cross the pentagram.
VINCENT, do you want to die? Now
back up carefully.
VINCENT GAMBINO
Sorry! I was emotional, this is
difficult for me!
GANDER-ETTEILLA
Of course, I understand, but it
will be more difficult if your are
dead! Let me complete the
grounding and make safe, then we
can discuss further. ELIPAS the
earthing rod.
JACINTA takes an extendable rod and very carefully
extends the end towards GANDER's hand inside the
pentagram. Suddenly huge sparks cross the gap and the
whole pentagram is covered in a sea of blue discharges.
TESLA COIL
DISCHARGE
VINCENT GAMBINO
Oh, my god (genuflects)
GANDER-ETTEILLA
Ahhhh! (Pain as GANDER gets a
slight shock) Shit! (Cough) Sorry
the discharge. ELIPAS that is
sufficient, we are at ground.
Please remove the pentagram, the
reading is complete.
GANDER gets up from the table and moves outside the
pentagram rubbing her hands.
JACINTA-ELIPAS
Hrmmph! (Actually saying-I'm going
to kick that CHEN fellow, this
stuff is lethal)
GANDER-ETTEILLA
Thank you Elipas, the tea please.
TEA BEING POURED
GANDER-ETTEILLA
Ahh, I feel the energies
dissipating! Tea VINCENT?
VINCENT GAMBINO
Oh, ah, no thank you. What does it
all mean? Why Judgement?
GANDER-ETTEILLA
I don't fully know at this stage,
but I have a working theory. I
need more information. Did you
cause direct harm to you mother?
VINCENT GAMBINO
No of course not, I loved my
mother.
GANDER-ETTEILLA
The cards say otherwise, and they
never lie. Perhaps by inaction
harm was caused?
VINCENT GAMBINO
No, no, its not true, (then
becoming angry). GIOVANNI, remove
these two immediately.
GANDER-ETTEILLA
You can remove me Mr Gambino, but
the visions will not stop until
together we complete the "card
trilogy". Spirits have been
activated, you can't stuff them
back in the box. We have the
minor arcana to complete.
VINCENT GAMBINO
Out, out now! (shouting)
JACINTA has packed the trunk and is wheeling it out
towards the door. GANDER looks back as she exits the
door.
GANDER-ETTEILLA
When you are tired of the visions,
text ELIPAS, the fee has now
doubled, we might consider coming
back, if you change your attitude.
ELIPAS, our subject is not yet
ready for the Tarot!
GANDER exits. They move out of the inn and down the
street into a cyber cab.
JACINTA
(Whispered) Shit, that almost
convinced me, good job, that
bloody tesla coil nearly killed
us. (laughing)
GANDER-DAVID
(Whispered) Nearly killed me too.
I'm going to kick MILTON for that.
It did add a certain X factor
though!
JACINTA
(Whispered) The show, it looked
bloody amazing! I hate to admit it
but you even had me believing, and
I knew it was all smoke and
mirrors! DAVID, you could sell
salt to a slug!
GANDER-DAVID
(Whispered) Thank you, I really
started to get into the role! I
enjoyed stringing that bastard
along. Do you think he went for
it?
JACINTA
(Whispered) Difficult to tell with
a psycho, but I think so. You
were like Lady Macbeth crossed
with Doctor Who, apart from the
burnt sleeves! Not sure about the
prog rock lines though?
GANDER-DAVID
(Whispered) Oh, I like those, its
a whole lot of mumbo jumbo.
Anyway, he only listens to Italian
music, probably opera. Tonight we
turn up the
hallucinogens.(laughter)
JACINTA
(Whispered) You're a bastard, but
he deserves it! (laughter)
