The Rostical Users - Sceldrant's Comet

by Michael Rogers

  Lance: "Oh great." *He leant over and turned on a miniature fan.*

  Anchor Man: "On other news Sceldrant's Comet is a mere two days away, be sure to have your telescopes ready-"

  Lance: *He rolled his eyes, as he stared at the TV with an emotionless face.* (Stupid comet-)

  Anchor Man: "As meteorologist Mrs. Hambridge head of the Meteorology society states-"

  *The screen changed shot to a woman with glasses in a white researcher-like coat.*

  Mrs. Hambridge: "This will be a historical event, the space fluctuations emitted from the comet is astonishing all scientists. We believe this comet may have come from an undiscovered part of the universe."

  *The screen changed shot, back to the Anchor Man staring at the screen.*

  Anchor Man: "There you have it-" *A crowd in the background chatted amongst themselves about the Comet.*

  Lance: "Pssht, wateva." *He switched the TV off by the remote and threw it on the ground.*

  *Lance lay on the bed and silently stared at the white ceiling, as he moaned due to boredom.*

  Lance: *He rolled over and looked at the time.* (It's only five and I'm about to go to sleep? Ha, pathetic.) *He closed his eyes and dozed off.*

  ----------

  Ashton: "Tyler could you please ensure all the registers are logged out and Rachael could you please ensure that all windows are locked."

  Tyler: "Yep."

  Rachael: "Yes, Ashton." *She blushed with a slight smile.*

  Ashton: *He flicked all the switches off, on the power board and made his way to the front counter. Tyler and Rachael spoke to themselves as they awaited for his return.* "What's the time?"

  Rachael: "Quarter past twelve."

  Ashton: "Well all procedures are completed, let's call it a night then?"

  Rachael: "Yeah." *She smiled, which caused Ashton to smile.*

  Ashton: "Thank you both for your good work today."

  Tyler and Rachael: "You're welcome."

  *Ashton locked the restaurant and the party made their way to Ashton's silver car.*

  Rachael: "Did you guys hear about Sceldrant's Comet?"

  Tyler: "Of course!" *He opened the door and jumped in the back seat.*

  Rachael: "Melinda won't stop talking about it, she's got me all excited about the event."

  Tyler: "Who's Melinda?"

  Ashton: "You work with her-" *He turned the key and the engine roared.* "She works on front counter?" *He looked in the mirrors and drove out of the car park.*

  Rachael: "You know Mel? Melinda? Melinda Hambridge?"

  Tyler: *He leant slightly forward, as Ashton drove over a speed bump.* "Oh, now I remember, yeah what about her?"

  Rachael: "Well, we have Twortz's permission, and she'll even be attending." *She spoke with excitement, as she stared outside the window.*

  Ashton: "Twortz's permission for what exactly?"

  Rachael: "Me, Mel and Twortz are going to watch the comet on the roof at work, would you both like to come?"

  Ashton: "Of course, I have to see what all the commotion is about."

  Tyler: "I have a late shift so I will be there anyway."

  Rachael: "Sweet, sounds great."

  *Ashton pulled up into a drive way and Tyler unfastened his seatbelt.*

  Tyler: "Th-Thank you for the lift, so I will see you both Wednesday?" *He smiled, as he got out of the car.*

  Rachael: "Yep."

  Ashton: "We will see you then, goodnight." *He watched Tyler enter his house.*

  Rachael: "I live just down the street so-" *She grabbed the door handle.*

  Ashton: "No that is unacceptable, I will not allow you to walk at night."

  Rachael: "But-"

  Ashton: "It's not like we're kids any more, how we could just play around on the streets at night."

  Rachael: "I know, okay. You know I'm nineteen, I'm only a year younger than you so you don't always have to look out for me."

  Ashton: "It doesn't matter how old you are, there are a lot of bad people out there."

  Rachael: "Yes." *She smiled at Ashton.*

  Ashton: *He smirked, as he drove up to Rachael's house.* "Okay, see you Wednesday."

  Rachael: "Thanks, Ash."

  Ashton: *He watched Rachael walk inside her house with a smile.* (It was good working with you Rach-)

  *Ashton pulled out of the driveway and shook his head with satisfaction.*

  Ashton: *He yawned as he drove towards his house.* (So this is my life... For the past few years, I've watched this once peaceful suburb, turn into a fearful criminal town.)

  *Flames flickered in several bins on the street, catching Ashton's attention.*

  Ashton: "People lack respect these days." *He grumbled to himself and sighed as he turned down his street.* (No respect at all-) *He pulled up into his drive way and walked inside the house. He loosened his belt and turned on the TV, before throwing himself onto the couch.*

  Anchor Man: "Welcome to the late night news. We have a few stories to tell tonight, first are; An eight year old killed a kitten with a cord, man suing girl because she said he looked fat, teens bash an old woman and put her into a coma and they won't get charged because they're under age and a man up for charges as he assaulted a burglar in his own home-"

  Ashton: *He turned the TV off, shaking his head in disappointment.* (I can't watch this... For me, as a person who never gets angry.. I get so frustrated...) *He hobbled over to the bed and sighed, before turning the lights off.*

  ----------

  Lance: "Dad?"

  Leon: "Stay inside, Lance! It's dangerous."

  Lance: "Oh.... Okay."

  Leon: *He ran onto the street, towards a man who lay in a pool of his own blood.* "Are you okay, sir?" *The man didn't respond, causing him to pull out a mobile phone.* "Don't worry, I will call an ambulance."

  *Before Leon was able to dial a number, a bunch of thugs who attacked the man rushed out from a nearby bush.*

  Leon: *He looked to his side in shock.* "Who-?"

  *The thugs attacked Leon, knocking him onto the road.*

  Leon: "Stop!-" *The thugs continuously punched him, until the distant sounds of sirens caused them to flee.*

  Lance: *He sat on the floor and watched his unconscious father lay motionless on the road through the fly screen.* (D-Dad-)

  ----------

  Kairi: "Lance?" *Several knocks were heard at the door.*

  Lance: *He woke up with a gasp covered in sweat, causing him to awkwardly pant.* (I remember those were the days when people started to act violent... Everywhere.)

  Kairi: "Hun?" *She knocked on the door again.*

  Lance: *He ignored her and looked over to the clock.* "Ten? Only asleep for five hours?... AM?!"

  Kairi: "Lance? Are you okay in there?"

  Lance: "I'm fine-" *His stomach grumbled, causing him to place his hand under his shirt.* (Dad..)

  Kairi: *She opened the door and started to clean Lance's room with a dustpan.* "Good morning, Lance."

  Lance: "I'm goin' out today, mother."

  Kairi: "Don't be out too late-"

  Lance: "I will be home when I am." *He grunted and suddenly walked out the door.*

  Kairi: "Be careful, hun!-"

  Lance: "Wateva." *He left the house and started to cross a park towards the town's shops.*

  Kairi: *She paused and looked down with sadness.* (Lance..)

  Lance: *He reached into his pocket and grabbed out piece of paper.* "..." *He started to unfold it and revealed a catalogue.* "Pfft." (Junk mail.. Crap, crap, crap, cra-) *An advert which promoted a newly released movie caught his attention.*

  *Distant sounds of laughter could be heard from several children playing tag in the park.*

  Lance: "Wat's this? Check out our best blockbuster thriller and spine-chilling ghost movies, out now!" (At least I know what I'm doing for the day.) *He changed direction and made his way to the cinemas.*

  ----------

  Ashton: "You're very welcome." *He smiled and
picked up two bags, one in each hand.*

  Employee: "Have a good day."

  Ashton: "And you too." *He smiled and left the grocery store.*

  Store Owner: *She stood next to the employee, as they watched Ashton leave.* "He is the kindest person, helping us out for free every Tuesday."

  Employee: "I know." *She lustfully sighed.*

  Ashton: *He read out a to-do list and crossed off volunteer work.* "Okay, so checking up on the elderly and then helping the troubled children." *He walked down the pavement and headed towards the old community centre.*

  *A woman with a baby in her arms walked towards Ashton and suddenly stopped.*

  Woman: "Ashton?"

  Ashton: "Oh, hello."

  Woman: "Thank you so much for babysitting the other day, you're very considerate."

  Ashton: "Haha, don't worry about it-" *The to-do list flapped in the wind, causing him to look at the paper.* "Sorry, but I have to go."

  Woman: "That's fine, me too." *She smiled and walked past Ashton down the street.*

  ----------

  Lance: *He walked out of the cinemas disappointed.* "That was a pretty shit movie, aye."

  *Sounds of chatter and cars driving past could be heard, as Lance stood on the side of the road.*

  Lance: *He looked at his mobile and noticed the time and a message.* "Ashton? I finish around two if you want to hang out-" (And it's half past one.) *He walked across the road and a car stopped suddenly, causing it to skid.*

  Driver: "You-?!"

  Lance: *He took his eyes off the mobile and glared at the driver.* "Learn how to drive, asshat." *He crossed the road and walked through a park.*

  *The driver tried to abuse Lance as swear words screamed in background.*

  Lance: "I'm headin' to work now. Meet u there." *He looked up to see where he was going and noticed a bunch of people queued up at the local library.*

  Melinda: "Lance!"

  Lance: *He walked up to Melinda.* "Wat's with everyone lining up here?"

  Melinda: "They are hiring out the telescopes my mum has."

  Lance: "Oh, ain't ya mum that weather chick?"

  Melinda: "Yeah, that's it." *She sighed.*

  Lance: "Aha, telescopes? To hire out? Wouldn't that be like a loan or somethin'?"

  Melinda: *She paused and sighed.* "I have to go we're busy."

  Lance: "Wateva." *He walked away and kicked pebbles, as he walked over brown grass.*

  *School kids screamed out Sceldrant's Comet with excitement in front of the library.*

  Lance: *He noticed Fast Food Enterprise's rooftop in the distance.* (I don't see why everyone is getting excited over this stupid comet-) *He turned down a street and instantly noticed Ashton's car in the parking lot.* "Aha, Ashton's crappy hybrid car."

  *Lance walked up to the restaurant and pushed open the door, causing a rush of cool air to waft past him.*

  Ashton: "Lance." *He smiled and stopped cleaning the display fridge.*

  Lance: *His face was red due to the tiring walk.* "Do you know how hot it is out there, gah!"

  Ashton: "Don't worry, my car has air conditioning." *He walked around the counter and grabbed two bottles of water.* "Manager meal it for me..."

  Tyler: "S-Sure thing." *He gave Lance a jealous look.*

  Lance: "No, not water." *He sighed like a child and rolled his eyes.*

  Twortz: "Hello, Lance." *She walked from the manager's office and stood at the end of the counter.* "I will be expecting you tomorrow for your induction."

  Lance: "Yea."

  Twortz: "Hey, Ashton, are you still attending tomorrow?" *Her voice switched from professional to casual.*

  Ashton: "Yeah, I wouldn't miss it."

  Twortz: "Sounds great."

  Ashton: *He smiled and walked up to Lance.* "Let's go, Lance." *He handed a bottle of water to Lance and walked outside.*

  Lance: "Wat is that woman's problem?"

  Ashton: "I'm sorry?"

  Lance: "Twotters."

  Ashton: "Oh, she's like that with every new recruit, she's an excellent store manager."

  Lance: "Well, I don't like her-"

  Ashton: *He fiddled with his keys, as he looked at Lance over the roof of the car.* "..."

  Lance: "And what were ya's talkin' 'bout? Wat's happenin' tomorrow?" *He grunted with curiosity, as he opened the car door.*

  Ashton: "Oh? Rach, Mel, Twortz and Tyler will be coming. I want you to come."

  Lance: "Yea, but wat?"

  Ashton: "We will be watching the Sceldrant's Comet together on the roof."

  Lance: (On the roof? I'll get to throw eggs at people since it will be packed.) "Yea alright, I suppose I'll go." *He grinned evil-like.*

  Ashton: "Seat belt."

  Lance: "Gah, yes mother." *He moaned as he clicked the seat belt in.* "Where are we goin' anyways?"

  Ashton: "To the park." *He reversed and started to drive.*

  Lance: "I don't really care 'bout parks but I like the one we're goin' to."

  Ashton: "I like the park because it's the only thing people around here still respect."

  Lance: "Pssht, respect."

  Ashton: "Lance, that is unacceptable. You know if people started to respect everythin-"

  Lance: "OK, OK, OK. Just don't go into that lecture again..."

  *Ashton slowed down and turned right, as he drove into a parking bay.*

  Ashton: "No..." *He spoke with disappointment as he looked out the window.*

  Lance: "Wat?" *He played with the seatbelt to make himself more comfortable.*

  Ashton: "They chopped down all the trees...." *He noticed one of the counsel members placing equipment into his truck.* "Excuse me, sir. I was just wondering why the trees were chopped down?"

  Worker: "Oh, because people complained they made too much noise when the wind was blowing. Too bad though, it was a good looking park." *He hopped into his truck and drove off.*

  Ashton: "....." (No..)

  Lance: *He looked to his side and noticed Ashton's disappointed face.* "Let's go, this park ain't kool any more."

  Ashton: *He snapped out of his stare.* "Oh, yeah sure." *He placed his hand on the gear stick and drove away.*

  Lance: "Man, I need a haircut, you mind if ya quickly drop me off?"

  Ashton: "Yeah of course." *He turned around at the lights.* "So what are you going to do when holidays start next week?"

  Lance: "Just laze around." *He lifted his arms over the head of the chair.*

  Ashton: "I'll teach you how to drive, why don't you go for your licence?"

  Lance: "Ha no." *He looked out the window.* "Wait, I forgot, all these stupid shops are closed 'cause of that stupid comet."

  Ashton: (Ah, that's right.) *He stopped at a red light and looked over to Lance.* "I heard a paintball competition starts at quarter to three today."

  Lance: *He raised his head and looked over to Ashton in excitement.* "I suppose I wouldn't mind goin'."

  Ashton: "..." *He drove on to a grassy area and parked under a tree.*

  Lance: *He looked at the time near the dashboard.* "It's quarter to three now, ya better hurry it up."

  Ashton: *He smirked.* "We're here already-" *He opened the door and looked to the passenger seat.* "Come on-" *He watched Lance walk into the warehouse.*

  Lance: (Paintballing? Ashton's awesome-)

  Ashton: (Lance, he's not a patient person.) *He locked up his car and walked into the warehouse.*

  *Every sound echoed in the warehouse which sounded like a sport's hall.*

  Ashton: *He noticed Lance standing in a line and walked up to him.* "So what did I miss?"

  Lance: "You have an option of pickin' three items, one is a sword, shooter and a shield. All of 'em are over there." *He pointed to a table.*

  Ashton: *He walked over to the table.* (So it seems all the shooters have been taken and only one person took the sword and nobody touched the shields. Looks like I have no choice then.) *He grabbed one of the shields lined at the far right and walked ba
ck into line.*

  Lance: *He looked down and noticed the shield in Ashton's arms.* (A shield? Seriously-?)

  Ashton: *He noticed a sword by Lance's side.* "I see you're the one that got the sword, haha aren't we the odd ones out?" *He lifted up his shield with an awkward smile.*

  *A few guys at the end of the line laughed amongst each other, as they pointed towards Lance and Ashton.*

  Rachael: "Okay, so the rules for today are standard, are there any new people in the group? If so, please raise your hand."