Speedy:  [smiles] Really?  Maybe I should do that more often.  [Polly and Speedy laugh]

[Jonas silently enters the room]

Speedy:  Let's see what's on TV.  [grabs the remote from the counter, flips on the TV]

TV Newscaster:  In other news, the business district of Little Tokyo was shaken by two odd
tremors earlier this evening.  Eyewitnesses claim that there was a sound resembling thunder, then
a vibration of some kind that threw them off their feet.  Although the tremors were strong enough
to cause some citizens to loose their footing, no businesses or residencies were damaged.  As for
the cause, scientists are as of yet unsure.  Although Little Tokyo has had a history of seismic
activity, geologists say that these tremors were most likely caused by a small amount of pressure
being released from within the earth, and no side effects are expected.  Citizens have been assured
that there is no danger, and that these small quakes are in no way connected to the long-dormant
volcano of Mount Coochie.  In sports...

Speedy:  [smacks himself on the forehead] OOPS!  [laughs]

Polly:  [giggles] I guess we got a little carried away...

Jonas:  Is little Tokyo seismically active?

Speedy:  Yeah.  There was a pretty big quake a few years back.  Remember that, Polly?

Polly:  [nods] It was pretty bad.  Buildings collapsed, gas mains busted open...it wasn't pretty.
Still, few people were hurt, and everything was under control in a few days.

Jonas:  Hmm...gives me something to research...well, if anyone needs me, I'll be in my room.
Good night.

Speedy:  You turning in already?

Jonas:  [nods] I could use a little rest.  It's been a LONG day.  Good night.

Speedy and Polly:  Good night!

[Jonas walks toward his room]

Speedy:  Polly...can I talk to you for a minute?

Polly:  Of course, Speedy.  What's on your mind?

Speedy:  Wait here.  [walks off toward the rooms]

Polly:  <Wonder what he wants to talk about?  He seems fine.  Is it something Jonas has done?>

Speedy:  [returns, carrying the two swords he created earlier, and opens the parlor door] Follow
me.  [walks out]

[Polly, confused, follows.  Speedy heads into the back yard.  Although it's only a little after 7:00,
the sun has set, and the first stars are visible in the sky.  Speedy is gazing at them]

Polly:  (puzzled) What do you want to talk about, Speedy?
 
Speedy:  [turns to Polly] All that training today has made me remember something I'd almost
forgotten.  Something it's my duty as a Cerviche to do.

Polly:  (curious) What?

Speedy:  [blinks] You don't know?

Polly:  [shakes her head] I'm clueless.  What is it?

Speedy:  Well, for all intents and purposes, you're a Cerviche now, which means it's time for you
to receive something that only a Cerviche can have.

Polly:  (annoyed) WHAT?

Speedy:  [smiles] The secret of the Cat's Eye Slash, of course.

Polly:  (surprised) Speedy, that belongs to you.  I can't-

Speedy:  (interrupting) It belongs to every member of the Cerviche family that can be trusted with
its secret.  [lays a hand on Polly's shoulder] I trust you more than anyone else on the planet, Polly.
If something should ever happen to me, someone will need to carry the secret on.  It's been in the
family for generations.

Polly:  (softly) Speedy...

Speedy:  Before I can show you, you must promise me two things:  1, you will never use this
unless it is an emergency, and 2, you will never reveal this secret to anyone except a trusted
member of the Cerviche family.

Polly:  [nods] I promise.

Speedy:  All right.  Hold these.  [hands her the swords] Just watch closely, and do as I do.  [goes
into his Cat's Eye Slash sequence, unleashing a blast into the heavens.  Since his new training, the
Slash has grown larger and brighter]  (breathing heavily) Your turn.

[Polly mimics the maneuver, only her Slash is a pinkish color]

 Polly:  (happily) I DID IT!  Not much of a secret, is it?

Speedy:  Nobody knows why, but it seems very difficult for anyone outside of the Cerviche
bloodline to execute it.  [turns to Polly] I'm proud of you, honey.  [Gives her a long kiss]

Polly:  [blushing a deep red, smiles] Speedy, you're making me blush...

Speedy:  [smiles, puts an arm around Polly] Come on.  Let's get inside.

[Meanwhile...]

[We see Jonas sitting at a desk in his room.  Not much furniture has been added, but there is a
small bed, and several charts and diagrams on the walls.  A knock comes at the door]

Jonas:  Who is it?

Francine:  It's me.  May I come in?

Jonas:  [opens the door] Of course, Francine.

Francine:  [shuts the door behind her] Thanks.  [looks around] Where did this stuff come from?

Jonas:  You know how you created that whip earlier?  You don't exactly know how that works,
do you?

Francine:  No...

Jonas:  Well, when you DO know, you can operate on a larger scale.  What can I do for you?

Francine:  I'm nervous...Guido and I are going out soon...I'm not sure what to do...

Jonas:  You mean how to behave?  Just be yourself!  Your personality is a big part of why he likes
you.

Francine:  I know...but...what if...(whispers) what if he makes a PASS at me?

Jonas:  [laughing] Francine, we're talking about GUIDO, here!

Francine:  I guess you're right...do you have any advice?

Jonas:  Like I said, be yourself.  Be kind, listen to what he says to you, and keep an eye on him.  I
can guarantee he's just as nervous as you are.

Francine:  You think so?

Jonas:  I'm positive.  Now, go on.  Enjoy yourself.

Francine:  [hugs Jonas gently] Thanks.  You're a lifesaver.

Jonas:  No problem, Fran.  Good night.

[Enter the dining area.  The wall clock reads:  7:54.  Speedy and Polly are sitting at a table playing
tic-tac-toe.  It's very quiet and peaceful]

Speedy:  (frustrated) That's three times in a row you've beaten me, Polly.  I think you've rigged it.

Polly:  [smiles] Can I help it if you married a master of tic-tac-toe?  [both laugh]

Francine:  [clears throat] Ahem.

[Speedy and Polly turn to Francine.  She is wearing a beautiful green dress, with her hair let down
and wearing a necklace with an emerald hanging from it.  By a cat's standards, she looks stunning]

Speedy:  (softly) Wow...

Polly:  Not bad, Fran!

Francine:  How do I look?

Speedy:  Well Fran, you look, um...well...you look GREAT!

Francine:  [smiles] You think so?

Polly:  He's right, Francine.  You look fabulous.

[Jonas enters the room, gives Francine a quick once-over, gives a wolf whistle, and raids the
fridge]

Francine:  [blushes] Thanks, Jonas.

Speedy:  What's the occasion, Fran?

Francine:  I'm going out to dinner tonight.

Polly:  Really?  With who?

Francine:  [thinks] A gentleman.

[Guido walks in, dressed in something like a tuxedo, with his hair parted to the side.  Quite a
handsome cat]

Guido:  Ready, Francine?

Speedy:  Where are YOU going, Guido?

Guido:  (puzzled) I'm taking Francine out to dinner.

Speedy:  [shakes his head] That can't be right.  She's going out with a GENTLEMAN.  I know
that can't be you.  [laughs]

Polly:  [giggling] SPEEDY!

[Jonas can be heard snickering from the fridge]

Guido:  (annoyed) HEY!

Francine:  (seriously) That wasn't very nice, Speedy.

Speedy:  [chuckling] I'm sorry, Guido.  I hope you two have fun.

Guido:  We will.  Ready, Fran?

Francine:  [hooks her arm with Guido's] Yeah.  Let's go.

[Francine and Guido leave the parlor]

Polly:  [shakes her head] Still a little hard to believe, those two together.  Who would have
thought?

Speedy:  Yeah...that reminds me:  When was the last time WE ate?  I'm kinda HUNGRY.

Polly:  Me, too.  Hey, Jonas!  Anything appetizing in there?

Jonas:  [tosses Polly two wrapped bundles] Not sure what they are, but they outrank everything
else in here.

Speedy:  [unwraps a bundle] Oh, I remember these!  These are those extra pepperoni rolls from a
few days back, remember?  Fran got a little sick, and couldn't eat hers.  These are PERFECT!
[munches on one]

Polly:  Yeah, these will be fine.  Thanks, Jonas.  [munches on a roll]

[Jonas pulls a large sub sandwich out of the fridge and heads to his room with it.  Slowly, time
passes.  The serving area grows dark and empty, as Speedy and Polly go to bed.  The scene
switches to a black screen, which is suddenly lit up by statistical data and the results of several
scans, like a computer starting up]

Jonas:  (drowsily) Wha...?  What is it, Hunter?  What time is it?

[The screen slowly comes into focus in a night-vision type view.  We see the inside of Jonas'
room]

Hunter:  It is approximately 11:00 PM, sir.

Jonas:  Eleven?  I've only slept for three hours!  After yesterday, I'm going to need at least TEN!
Why did you wake me?

Hunter:  Sorry to disturb you, sir, but motion sensors have detected new bio-signatures entering
the parlor.  Scans match with records of Guido Anchovy and Francine Manx.

Jonas:  Oh, they must be back from their date.  Is that all?

Hunter:  I thought you might be interested in the results, sir.

Jonas:  You're right, I am.  Well, since you've already chosen to wake me, I guess we should see
how it turned out.  Engage all systems.

[View switches to the parlor door.  Guido and Francine's silhouettes can be seen making their way
toward their rooms.  Despite the darkness, they don't seem to have any trouble]

Francine:  (whispering) I guess we got in a little late, huh?

Guido:  [chuckles] (same) Yeah, a little.

[Guido and Francine both stop outside of Guido's room]

Francine:  (nervously) Guido...I just want you to know...I had a really good time tonight...and,
uh...

Guido:  [holds Francine's hands] (same) Um, yeah...me, too...uh...maybe we can do it again
sometime...

[Their eyes lock, and Guido gives Francine a long, deep kiss]

Guido:  [caresses Francine's cheek] (softly) Good night, Francine.  [enters his room, shuts the
door, leans against it, and slides to the floor] (relieved) WHEW.

Francine:  [after Guido has gone in, pumps her fist in the air] (quietly) YES!

Jonas:  (whispers) Francine?

Francine:  [turns around, revealing her glowing green eyes] (same) Yes?

Jonas:  (surprised) YIKES!  [puts a hand on his chest] (relieved) Forgot cats could DO that.

Francine:  [chuckles] Look who's talking!  Why are you up?

Jonas:  [chuckles] Hunter woke me.  Thought you might be burglars.  So, how did it go?

Francine:  Oh, it was WONDERFUL!  We went out to dinner at...oh, what's it called...that place
with the REALLY long name...

Jonas:  [nods] I know which one.  Go on.

Francine:  The food was great, and Guido was just perfect.  He gave the waiter a big tip.  After
that, we went out to a movie.

Jonas:  Which one?

Francine:  "Lost in Space".

Jonas:  I've thought about seeing that one.  How was it?

Francine:  [chuckles] Actually, I couldn't tell you.

Jonas:  Why not?

Francine:  (embarrassed) Well, I kind of...fell asleep...AGAIN...

Jonas:  [chuckles] Well, I guess I can forget about asking Guido.

Francine:  [laughs] He might have watched it!

Jonas:  Between the choice of the movie or you, I think he picked you.  What next?

Francine:  Then we came here, and...oh, Jonas...he kissed me...I never wanted that to end...

Jonas:  I saw.  What will you do now?

Francine:  Right now?  I'm going to SLEEP.  I have a lot to think about.  [hugs Jonas gently] I
want to thank you again for your advice.  It made it a lot easier for me.

Jonas:  [pats Francine on the back] No problem, Francine.  Pleasant dreams.

Francine:  [smiles] Count on it.  [goes into her room]

[Jonas heads back into his room and, content with the day's accomplishments, falls into a
dreamless sleep]

{I realize that unless I put some real action in here soon, you're going to stop reading.  Well,
brace yourselves, because today is the day when Endgame shows its true colors.  Ready?  Well,
too bad, because we're going ahead anyway.}

[The scene is the outside of the parlor.  It's early morning, and the sun is rising over a hill.  There's
a hint of fog in the air, and the early birds are chirping.  Enter the parlor kitchen.  Polly is sitting at
a table, reading the newspaper, and drinking a cup of coffee.  Once again, she is wearing her pink
nightgown and gold locket.  Speedy enters, wearing his white robe]

Speedy:  Morning, beautiful.  [kisses Polly on the cheek]

Polly:  [smiles] Good morning, dear.  I made us some coffee.

Speedy:  [pours himself a cup] What are you doing up?

Polly:  I woke up early.  I didn't want to wake you, so I got up and came in here.

Speedy:  (concerned) You didn't have another nightmare, did you?

Polly:  Actually, I had a pretty good dream.

Speedy:  Really?  About what?

Polly:  [grins slyly] You.

Speedy:  [arches an eyebrow] REALLY?

[Jonas enters the room, dressed in his usual attire]

Polly:  [smiles] I'll tell you later.

[Jonas' eyes glow a dim yellow.  He walks over to Speedy, looks at the cup in his hands, snatches
it away, gulps down the contents, hands Speedy the empty cup, and walks over to the fridge]

Speedy:  [stares blankly at the cup]...okay...

Polly:  [laughs] Well, at least when he wants something, he's straightforward.

Speedy:  [pours himself another cup] (annoyed) That's not always a GOOD thing...

Jonas:  [pulls a sandwich of some sort out of the fridge, softly hums "We are the Champions"]
God, I love that song.

Speedy:  [sips his coffee] Kinda reminds you of yourself, doesn't it?

Jonas:  [chuckles] Perhaps.  Got to admit, it has great rhythm.

[A few minutes later, Francine walks in, in her green nightgown, a contented look on her face]

Speedy:  You look rather happy, Fran.  What's up?

Francine:  [smiles] Last night was possibly the best night of my entire life.

Polly:  I take it your date with Guido turned out well?

Francine:  (to Jonas) You were right about pleasant dreams.  They don't get much more pleasant
than that.

Polly:  [giggles] I see...

Jonas:  Glad to hear it, Fran.  I bet you feel a lot better now.

Francine:  "Better"?  "Better" doesn't do what I'm feeling JUSTICE.  I feel like I could run the
10K in thirty seconds.

Jonas:  I doubt it.  My best time is forty-five.

[Everyone gives Jonas a shocked look]

Jonas:  [laughs] I'm KIDDING!  You people have NO sense of humor.

Speedy:  [sips his coffee] Sure we do.  You just have a singular wit, that's all.

Jonas:  I'll take that as a compliment, Speedy.

Polly:  [chuckles] Easy, you two.  Save it for AFTER breakfast.

[A few minutes pass before Guido walks in, in his blue robe]

Guido:  Morning everyone.

[Everyone nods]

Guido:  [walks up to Francine, gazes into her eyes] (softly) Good morning, Francine.

Francine:  [blushes] Good morning, Guido...

Speedy:  Care for some coffee, Guido?

Guido:  COFFEE.  Never thought I'd be so glad to hear that word.  [pours himself a cup] Want
some, Fran?

Francine:  Sure.  [Guido pours a cup, and she takes it]

Guido:  Anyone else?

Voice:  I'll take one.

[Everyone turns to the doorway to see GB standing there]

Speedy:  A little early, eh GB?  [checks his watch] It's only 6:45.

GB:  [shrugs] I didn't have anything better to do.  Figured I might as well come on over.

Polly:  [yawns] Well, the more the merrier.  How's Carla doing?

GB:  [pours himself some coffee] She's doing fine, thanks.  Did I forget to tell you?  She got a job
as a clown-for-hire.

Speedy:  That's right.  She used to be in the circus, didn't she {"All you need is Love", one of
those annoying little not-shown-in-the-U.S. episodes}?  What do you mean by "clown-for-hire"?

GB:  You know, like a rent-a-clown.  She entertains at parties and such.  The pay's not great, but
she enjoys doing it, and I just want to see her happy.

Francine:  Good for her.  [thinks] (curious) Exactly how much DOES she make, anyway?

Guido:  [laughs] "Show me the money!"

[Everyone chuckles]

Jonas:  [takes a seat] Polly, can I ask you a personal question?

Polly:  Sure, I guess.  What is it?

Jonas:  Why did you keep your last name as Esther?  Just out of curiosity.

Polly:  Oh, I didn't have anything against Cerviche, but, um...

Speedy:  We all decided that "Polly Cerviche" sounded kind of, well...

Jonas:  Stupid?

[Francine bursts into laughter]

Speedy:  Well, that's not exactly the term I would've used...

Guido:  I've got a question for YOU, Jonas.

Jonas:  Shoot.

Guido:  Were you ever a Marine or Navy SEAL?  Your style would seem to indicate military
training.

Jonas:  [sighs] God, I have NOTHING but respect for those people.  I can't imagine the sheer
HELL they must put themselves through to be the best.  No, I never joined the military.  Too
many rules, too much protocol.  I operate by my OWN rules.  Still, I did study some military
combat techniques.  They come in handy at times.

Guido:  [nods] I thought so.

Francine:  [stretches] Well, what are our plans for today?

Polly:  [shrugs] We don't have any.  I think we should take a little time to clean this place up.

Speedy:  [sips his coffee, nods] Yeah.  [notices that blank look on Guido's face again] Hey,
Guido!  You in there?

Guido:  [snaps out of it] (startled) Huh?

Speedy:  You've really been out of it lately, man.  You all right?

Guido:  [nods] Yeah, I'm fine.  I've just been...thinking...

Speedy:  <I wonder what about?  I've never seen him like this before.> All right.  Just checking.

GB:  Should we get started?

Speedy:  [gets up] Yeah, might as well.  Let's go.

[As the hours pass, the group slowly manages to spruce the parlor up.  Later...]

Polly:  [feeling around underneath a table] (puzzled) Huh?  [Pulls her hand out.  A large wad of
gum is stuck to it] (disgusted) EWW!

Francine:  (same) GROSS!

GB:  [sick expression] Yuck...

Speedy:  [scoops up wad with a paper towel, throws it away] There we go.

Polly:  [washing her hands] (muttering) Some people...just don't have any respect for a clean
eating environment...

Jonas:  [scrubbing some tiling] You should see my house.  You'd be horrified.  [laughs]

[Guido is silently sweeping the floor]

Francine:  (whispers, to Polly) Polly, I'm worried about Guido.

Polly:  (whispers, to Francine) What do you mean?  Why?

Francine:  He's been acting strange lately.  One minute, he'll be deep in conversation with you, and
the next, he'll be 1000 miles away.

Polly:  [shrugs] You heard him.  He has a lot on his mind.  Just give him time.

Francine:  (unsure) I guess you're right...still...I can't help but worry about him...

Polly:  (comfortingly) He'll be fine, Francine.  Trust me.  [grins] So, tell me about your date.

Francine:  [same] What do you want to know?
 
Polly:  Everything.  Don't spare the details.

[As Francine informs Polly of her date with Guido, we check on the fearless leader and his
cohorts...]

Speedy:  Polly was right.  We don't have anything planned for today.  Eventually, everything's
going to be clean.  Then what?

GB:  I don't know about you, but I could USE a rest after yesterday.  That training wasn't exactly
a cakewalk.

Speedy:  [nods] "Cakewalk" is most definitely NOT the term I would use to describe that.

Jonas:  I never said it would be EASY.  Not once.

Speedy:  [laughs] Can't argue with that...[glances at Guido] Guys, I think something's bothering
Guido.  I know he says he's thinking, but he doesn't look like he's enjoying it very much.  I'd have
to say he almost looks like he's in PAIN.

GB:  [nods] Yeah, I noticed.  You're the big psychic expert, Jonas.  Do you know what's wrong
with him?

Jonas:  I...have a theory.  I can sense what he's thinking.  How could I NOT?  It's something very
important, very personal, that much I can tell.  He has conflicting emotions about it.  It's really
bothering him, causing a lot of stress.

Speedy:  Will he be all right?

Jonas:  Once he resolves whatever issues he's dealing with, yes.  However, it may take time.

GB:  Is there anything we can do?

Jonas:  [shakes his head] If this is what I think it is, then no.  He'll HAVE to go through this on
his own.

Speedy:  I hope he gets through this...he may not think so sometimes, but Guido's a very
important part of the team.  We'd be nowhere without him.

[Back to the girls...]

Polly:  He KISSED you?  What'd YOU do?

Francine:  Nothing!  I was a little surprised, but I wasn't ABOUT to stop him!  [Polly and
Francine laugh]

Polly:  So, where do you go from here?

Francine:  I'm not sure...I'd like to go out again, but we just went last night.  To go so soon after
that...

Polly:  You never know, Fran.  He might find the idea just as appealing as you do.

Francine:  [smiles] You think so?

Polly:  He's the one who asked you out in the first place.

Francine:  [thinks] Maybe you're right...thanks, Polly.

Polly:  Don't ment-

[Suddenly, the videophone rings, cutting Polly off]

Francine:  I'll get it!  [Pushes a button.  Big Al's face pops up on the screen, slightly blurred.
Everyone gathers around] What's up, Al?

Al:  Hello, Francine.  Are Speedy and the others there?

Speedy:  Right here, Al.  We're all here.

Al:  Good.  [spots Jonas] (curious) Who's that?

Speedy:  Al, I'd like to introduce you to our newest member, Jonas Miles.

Jonas:  [nods] You must be Big Al Dente.  A pleasure.

Al:  Is he any good?

Speedy:  Al, this guy could take all of us out with both hands tied behind his back.  I'd have to say
that qualifies as "good".

Al:  (impressed) Oh.  Well, in that case, welcome aboard.

Guido:  I trust this isn't a social call, Al?

Al:  [shakes his head] I'm afraid not, Guido.  There have been complaints of some sort of
disturbance downtown, but we're not sure what it is.  There have been reports of the ground
shaking, violently at times, and several radio and television transmissions are being interfered
with.  You're barely getting through to me.

Polly:  You look a little blurred yourself, Al.  Any ideas as to what might be causing this?

Al:  [shakes his head] None.  Citizens are growing more concerned, and I'm not entirely sure what
to do.

Jonas:  [tapping a gauntlet] Hmm...there's some kind of electromagnetic disturbance downtown.
That would explain the interference, but not the shaking.  Fascinating...

GB:  Can you tell what it is?

Jonas:  No, but these readings say it's using enough power to run Las Vegas for a week.  I want
to check this out.

Al:  That's why I called.  I think the people will calm down a little if they know the Samurai Pizza
Cats are investigating.

Speedy:  [nods] All right.  It shouldn't take all of us to handle this.  GB, you and Francine stay
here and finish up.  The rest of us should be able to handle whatever's out there.

Princess Vi:  [on videophone] (faintly, off-screen) I'M SENDING YOU TO PRISONER
ISLAND!

Al:  [looks off-screen] Uh-oh, the Princess lost another game of checkers.  I have to go.  Glad to
see you're working on this.  Talk to you later.  [screen switches off]

Francine:  All righty...[pushes a few buttons on the launch console] (puzzled) Huh?  Oh, not
again!  Sorry guys, but the cannon's acting up again.  You'll have to walk.

Jonas:  In that case...[teleports the team's armors onto them] you might want these.  Where
exactly are we going, Francine?

Francine:  You got those comet pieces from Lucille, right?  Her house is right in that area.

Polly:  [shrugs] Walking's fine with me.  I could stand to lose a few pounds anyway.  [walks
toward the doorway]

Speedy:  [following Polly] Don't be silly.  You look great.

Polly:  [blushing slightly] Why, thank you, dear.

[Jonas follows Speedy and Polly.  Guido turns to follow when...]

Francine:  Guido?

[Speedy, Polly, and Jonas stop in the doorway]

Guido:  [turns to Francine] Yeah, Fran?

Francine:  (hesitant) Please...be careful...

Guido:  [walks up to Francine, gives her a long kiss] (softly) I will.

[Guido walks to join a stunned Speedy and Polly]

Speedy:  Go, Guido!

Polly:  Wow, Guido.  She'll be remembering THAT for a while.

 Jonas:  [chuckles]

Guido:  [puts a hand behind his head, blushes a little] I just kissed her goodbye, guys.  That's all.

Speedy:  SUUURE!

[Polly giggles]

[As Speedy, Polly, Guido, and Jonas leave...]

GB:  (teasing) Fran and Guido, sittin' in a tree, K-I-S-S-I-N-G...

Francine:  [blushing deeply] (dreamily) Yeah...[realizes what GB is doing] (annoyed) HEY!  CUT
THAT OUT!

[GB laughs hysterically]

[Scene cuts to Speedy, Polly, Guido, and Jonas walking the streets.  It is nearly midday, and the
streets are crowded.  Many citizens wave at the Pizza Cats as they walk by.  The group takes a
turn and begins walking along a quiet backstreet]

Speedy:  All right, Guido, spill it.

Guido:  (puzzled) Excuse me?

Speedy:  Your mind has been hanging out in the Twilight Zone lately, and I want to know WHY.

Guido:  Speedy...it's kind of PERSONAL...

Polly:  It's not that we don't respect your privacy, Guido.  We DO, it's just that you're really
starting to worry us, especially Francine.

Guido:  (softly) Francine...(normally) All right.  I'll tell you what's on my mind, Speedy, but you
have to tell me something first.

Speedy:  Shoot.

Guido:  What was it like when you asked Polly to marry you?

[Speedy and Polly give Guido surprised looks]

Polly:  (puzzled) Why do you want to know that?

Guido:  You tell me, and I'll tell you.

Speedy:  I can tell you what it was like up to the night when I asked her, but it's a long story.

Guido:  [shrugs] It's a long walk.

Speedy:  [hesitates] All right.  [stops walking] But you must all promise me something first.
What I'm about to tell you, I've never told anyone, not even YOU, Polly.  After we get back, I
don't want Francine, GB, or anyone else to know about it.  Understood?

[Everyone nods]

Speedy:  All right.  When I decided to ask Polly to marry me, it wasn't for her looks.

[Polly gives Speedy a very hurt look]

Speedy:  (quickly) I mean, uh, it wasn't ONLY for her looks.  [hugs Polly tightly] Don't get me
wrong, Polly.  You're BEAUTIFUL.  But, I married her more for her personality.  I knew that
though she tried to look fierce on the outside, there was really a caring, gentle person inside.

[Polly smiles]

Speedy:  I'd had my eye on her for a long time.  We'd known each other since we were old
enough to walk, and working with her really helped me to get to know her better.  A few times, I
mustered up the courage to ask her out, but something would always happen before I got the
chance.

Jonas:  Like what?

Speedy:  [rubs his head] Most of the time, a frying pan to the side of my head.  She always had a
VERY short temper.  That kind of discouraged me, but I didn't give up.  The thing is, this
happened SEVERAL times.  When she wasn't asleep or working, she was yelling at me or Guido.
I didn't know what to do.  [hangs his head] By the time I realized I'd fallen in love with her, I was
almost out of options.

[Polly slowly turns pale]

Polly:  (whispers, to Jonas) What's wrong with him?  He's talking like I'm not even here!

Jonas:  (whispers, to Polly) I think he's been waiting to get this off his chest.  To him, he and
Guido ARE the only ones here.  Did you ever know about this?

Polly:  No.  I never knew he cared about me for so long.  He was always flirting with Lucille.

Speedy:  [overhearing Polly] Polly, I've never, EVER told ANYONE this, but...one of the reasons
I flirted with Lucille so much was because I was hoping you'd step in, show you cared.

Polly:  (shocked) I DID!

Speedy:  [nods] Yeah, you did.  But with that TEMPER of yours.  You never bothered to try and
discuss things, or try and talk it out.  You hit me first, and asked questions later.  Even when Bad
Bird almost killed me (Bad Bird Uncaged)!  When I came back, what did I get?  A warm hug?
An "I missed you"?  No, I got a KICK IN THE HEAD!  [his emotions overwhelming him, he
punches a nearby steel pole, bending it in half] AAAARRGH!  [his fists begin to glow white with
energy]

Jonas:  [lays a hand on Speedy's shoulder] Easy, Speedy.  Calm down.

Speedy:  [his energy slowly dissipates] Sorry.  Anyway, that's how it was.  I wanted to tell her
how I felt, but I was scared to death of how she might react.  When she and Lucille formed the
Pointless Sisters, it ripped me apart inside.  I might never have had a chance to tell her how much
I loved her, but I wanted her to be happy, so I didn't say anything.  [sigh] Finally, I decided to ask
her flat out to marry me, and hoped she'd let me talk to her before she caved my face in.  That's
what I wanted to talk to her about the night the comet came.  I didn't care about some hokey
legend.  I'd just finally decided that I'd had enough.  At least if she refused, I'd know I could
finally give up.  I knew she didn't HATE me, but for all I knew, she might not have any feelings
for me at all.

Polly:  [teary-eyed] (softly) Speedy...

Speedy:  [clenches a fist] Then...the Big Cheese ruined everything.  He turned the comet toward
Earth, threatening the entire planet.  After I came back from destroying the comet, I was actually
a little surprised by how Polly reacted.  From the way she always beat me up, I never thought she
really cared about me.  Later, Guido told me how she'd had a nervous breakdown while I was up
there.  That gave me the courage to try one last time.

Guido:  When did you ask her?

Speedy:  The night of that little party we had about three weeks ago.  You know, that one to
celebrate how much money we'd pulled in?

Guido:  [nods] Yeah.  You announced it then, but I didn't know you asked her the same night.

Speedy: I remember it vividly...

[Scene does a flashback ripple to three weeks ago.  We see the pizza parlor from the outside.  It's
late at night, and almost every light in the parlor is on.  Switch to the inside.  Polly, Guido,
Francine, and the Rescue Team are all standing in the dining area with glasses of punch, chatting
happily.  Speedy stands alone in a corner, with his eyes half-open, deep in thought]

General Catton:  [raises his glass] A toast:  To the most profitable week the Pizza Cats have ever
had!  Cheers!

All but Speedy:  [raise their glasses] Cheers!

Polly:  [takes a drink of her punch, notices Speedy alone] Huh?  [walks over to him] Something
wrong, Speedy?

Speedy:  (comes to his senses) Huh?  Oh, it's nothing, Polly.  Just have a lot on my mind, that's
all.

Polly:  The last time you had a lot on your mind, you wanted to talk to me.  We never got around
to it.

Speedy:  [sighs] I know...which is why I'd like to talk to you tonight.  Do you have a few
minutes?

Polly:  (a little surprised) Sure.  Just let me go to the bathroom and-

Speedy:  (interrupting) I'll be upstairs.  [slowly walks upstairs]

Polly:  (confused) <I wonder...>

[Scene switches to the second floor.  Speedy stands alone, gazing at the stars, and shaking a little.
In a few minutes, Polly walks up]

Polly:  (concerned) Speedy, are you cold?  You're shivering!

Speedy:  [gulps] <Now or never, Cerviche.> No, Polly, I'm all right.  Just a little nervous.

Guido:  (voice-over) Were you nervous, Speedy?

Polly:  (voice-over) He just said he was!

Guido:  (voice-over) I know, but HOW nervous?  It's important.

Speedy:  (voice-over) I can easily say that I have NEVER been more nervous in my entire life.
My chest ached, my head was throbbing, and I could barely stand up, but other than that, I felt
great.

Polly:  (voice-over) [laughs] You hadn't even STARTED yet!

Jonas:  (voice-over) Well, come on!  I want to hear the rest!

Speedy:  (voice-over) Okay, okay...

Polly:  (puzzled) Nervous?  About what?

Speedy:  [reaches into his pocket] Here, I want you to have this.  [pulls out a golden,
heart-shaped locket, hands it to Polly]

Polly:  (in awe) Oh, Speedy...it's beautiful...[Opens the locket.  Inside is a picture of Polly helping
Speedy up off the ground, holding a broken frying pan in one hand]

Guido:  (voice-over) [laughs] I remember taking that one!

Jonas:  (voice-over, sarcastically) Oh, THERE'S a nice picture...

Speedy:  (voice-over, annoyed) It was the best one I could find of us together!

Polly:  (voice-over) [nervous laugh]

Polly:  (confused) But Speedy...why?  You know you didn't have to.

Speedy:  [sighs, lays a hand on Polly's shoulder] Because I care, Polly.

[Polly stands in stunned silence]

Speedy:  [shaking very badly now, kneels down, reaches into his pocket, and pulls out a small,
velvet box] Polly Esther, I love you more than life itself, with all my heart and soul.  [opens the
box, revealing a diamond ring] Will you marry me?

Polly:  [gently takes the ring] (softly, in shock) Oh, Speedy...I...I need some time to-

Speedy:  [nods] (cutting her off) Of course.  Take all the time you need.

[Polly walks slowly into the room by the balcony, cradling the ring and locket in her hands, while
Speedy returns his gaze to the stars]

Guido:  (voice-over) How did YOU feel, Polly?

Polly:  (voice-over) Now it was MY turn to be nervous.  Hey, it was only the BIGGEST
DECISION OF MY LIFE!  I always thought he might ask me someday, but not quite that soon.  I
looked at the ring, at him, and back at the ring again.  Then I asked myself one simple question:
Did I want to spend the rest of my life with this man?

[Polly slips the ring on, and fastens the locket around her neck]

Polly:  (voice-over) I knew the answer was yes.

[Polly walks back out onto the balcony.  Speedy is shaking VERY badly now, and is grasping the
balcony railing for support]

Polly:  (voice-over) [laughs] Poor Speedy was shaking so much, it's a miracle the parlor didn't
collapse!

Polly:  [lays a hand on Speedy's shoulder] Hey.

Speedy:  [surprised and nervous, jumps nearly a foot in the air] AAH!

Polly:  [holding onto him] (quickly) Easy, Speedy, easy.  It's me.

Speedy:  [calming down] Oh...[breathing heavily] Sorry.  [notices Polly is wearing the ring and
locket] Hey...does this mean...?