Episode 4: Auteur
"Gentlemen, behold, one of the most amazing sights you're likely to see this year. Mr. Nitz Walsh actually eating something that doesn't contain beef!"
"Very funny Jesse," Nitz responded with a glare. "I do eat things besides beef."
"Yeah, like white bread," she teased. "But seriously, I never would have guessed you'd go for sushi."
They were sitting in a small sushi bar along with Brodie, Kruger, and Dan. Brodie had invited the group there, even offering to pay for the meal.
"Gimpy and I used to go out for sushi every once and a while," said Nitz as he picked up another piece of sushi from his plate with a pair of chopsticks.
"No Cal and Rocko?" Jesse asked. Nitz shook his head.
"And here I thought you four were $%^^% Siamese quadruplets," said Kruger, prompting the inevitable laughter from Dan.
Nitz winced as he remembered. "We all went the first time I decided to try it out. Rocko had one bite of sushi, ran off to the bathroom to be sick, and then spent the rest of the evening complaining that they wouldn't serve him any sake because he was underage." Nitz winced again and started massaging his temples. "Cal, instead of eating the sushi like you're supposed to, unrolled it and ate each part separately. Afterwards he said he didn't want to have sushi again because it was too much work to eat it."
"Didn't you try to ex...oh, right, we are talking about Cal," said Jesse flatly. She turned to Brodie. "So, what are you trying to butter us up for?"
Dan laughed. "Busted!" he crowed.
"Okay, you're right, I do have an ulterior motive," Brodie said as he pushed his plastic framed glasses further up his nose. "You see, I've got this project...."
"No," said Kruger bluntly. "I'm not gettin' involved in another one of your %$#%# schemes."
"I am not asking anyone to get involved in a 'scheme,'" Brodie replied. "It involves my art. I've got a little film project that I'd like some help with."
Kruger's response was to raise an eyebrow, a "yeah, right" look on his face. "Oh yes, your 'art,'" he said sarcastically.
"Sorry, but no can do," said Dan apologetically. "I've got too much work right now."
"Sure, why not?" said Jesse. "You're doing some sort of extra credit project?"
"Ummm, yeah, something like that," replied Brodie. Jesse noticed the evasion, but decided to say nothing. Getting involved and seeing what Brodie was actually up to was sure to be more fun that calling him on it now.
"Count me in," added Nitz. "Then I'll be able to say someday that I worked on one of the great Rob Brodie's first projects."
Brodie grinned. "Great! I knew I could count on at least some of you guys."
Everyone ignored Kruger as he muttered "Suckers!" under his breath.
--------------------
Nitz sat at his desk thumbing through a book. Since he couldn't be sure how much time Brodie's project would take he wanted to get an early start on his next essay. Brodie had said at the sushi bar the previous night he wanted to start filming early this evening. Finding the passage he wanted Nitz jotted it down on a piece of paper. He was about to reach for another book when a knock on the door interrupted him.
Standing in the doorway was a skinny young man with shaggy blonde hair, a green streak dyed into it. "Hey, hope I'm not disturbing you too much. I'm Fred McKay."
"From 509, right?" replied Nitz.
"Yeah. Look man, I don't wanna cause trouble, so I figured I'd come to you first, since you know the guy. It's Evans."
Nitz nodded. He had been expecting something like this, and was surprised it had taken this long. "So, what's wrong with Cal?"
Fred sighed. "Its not like I want the guy to be sitting there 24/7 waiting for complaints, but he's never available. Either he's not around, or when you try and talk to the guy he doesn't answer his door. Like the other night, a couple of us wanted him to get those idiots in 506 to turn their stereo down. But when we went to his door he wouldn't answer, and we knew someone was there because we heard...well, you know the guy, you can guess the kind of sounds we heard."
"Yes, I can, unfortunately. I'm surprised no one has gone to the RA auditor to complain," said Nitz.
Fred laughed. "If people weren't so lazy around here someone would have already. But if the guy doesn't shape up soon they probably will."
"Look, I'll see what I can do. I can't promise anything," replied Nitz with a shrug.
"Don't expect you to. I just figure its fair to warn the guy before it goes any further, and since you're his friend you'll have a better chance at it than the rest of us."
Nitz shook his head as Fred walked out the door. He had this suspicion that all talking to Cal would do was delay the inevitable.
------------------------------
Nitz knocked on Cal's door. "Cal, you there?"
"In a minute guy," called out Cal, accompanied by female giggling. Moments later the door opened, and a young woman walked out, pulling down her shirt as she did. As she walked past Nitz she smiled a goofy smile and pulled her long black hair from under her collar.
Nitz walked into Cal's room. Cal was sitting on his bed. Not surprisingly the sheets were a tangled mess. "Hey guy! Wasn't that a nice lady?"
"Uh, sure Cal."
"And she let me...."
"I'm sorry Cal, but this is important. I'm here about your RA work," interrupted Nitz, not wanting to hear about Cal's sex life in explicit detail.
Cal patted Nitz on the arm. "Don't worry guy. My door is always open for you. Except when it's closed guy!"
"Well, that's the thing Cal. People are complaining you're not available enough as a RA, that you're spending too much time on your personal life."
Cal frowned slightly. "Ah guy, you know I like the ladies! And the ladies want to be with me. I can't let them down."
"Yes Cal, I know, but you also have responsibilities," Nitz replied sternly. Noticing Cal's white "bathrobe of office" draped over a chair he had a flash of inspiration. "Great power comes with that robe Cal. And with great power comes great responsibility," he said, pointing at the bathrobe.
Nitz stood for several minutes watching Cal think. "You're right Nitzguy," Cal finally responded. "I have to do a better job, because I'll be letting down the ghost of the Duggler if I don't, and he might come and haunt me!"
Nitz shook his head in amusement. "The Duggler's not dead Cal. He just graduated."
"Oh, so that's why they let me have his room."
Nitz looked at his watch. "Anyways Cal, I've got to go. I'm helping Rob Brodie do some filming, so you'll have to figure out what to do yourself, okay?"
"Sure thing guy. See you later." Cal sat for a moment after Nitz walked out the door, trying to decide what he should do next. His eyes widened, and a smile appeared on his face. The answer was obvious. He'd ask some of his ladies for help. They would probably have some good ideas.
--------------------------
"Nitz, Jesse! Over here!" called out Kimmy. The duo walked over to where Kimmy was standing, and Kimmy and Nitz exchanged a hug. Together they started walking towards the site of Brodie's shoot.
"So, you're starring in Brodie's latest epic?" asked Jesse as they walked along.
Kimmy nodded. "Yes. After all, you can never have too many acting credits on your resume. Besides, I've only got a little role in the new Drama Department production, so I've got the time. I mean, I only have one line in the play, so there's not much to work on, and rehearsals don't start for another couple of days. I wanted the lead, but oh well, you know what they say, there are no small parts, only small players!"
"Uhh, right," replied Jesse, bemused that Kimmy could rattle all that off in one shot without taking a breath. "Did Brodie give you a script? He's given us zip."
"No," replied Kimmy with a frown. "He said that the film is silent, and that he wants me to approach it fresh, with no preconceived notions."
"So, he's going all avant garde on us," said Nitz with a smile.
"Well, you know pretentious Brodie can be," added Jesse.
They soon reached their destination, Cathcart House. The large 3-storey building dated from the early days of State U., and had been a dorm for nursing students, hence its common nickname Catheter House. Its days as a residence had ended years ago, and the State U. adminstration had planned to knock it down and put up a parking garage. However a local historical group had intervened, claiming the building was of historical value and should be preserved. The resulting legal battle was still going on with no end in sight.
They walked in the front door, which opened onto a large lounge area. "Hello everyone," called out Brodie, who was standing at a table covered with a dust cloth, adjusting one of a pair of old 8mm movie cameras sitting on the table. An old couch, also covered by a dust cloth, sat against one wall of the room. Much to Nitz's surprise Rocko was sitting on it.
"So, did you have much trouble getting permission to use this place?" asked Jesse as she walked over to the table.
Brodie shook his head. "No. I kinda thought the admin office would say no because they don't want to encourage people to use it, but it was no problem at all." He handed Kimmy a bag. "Here's what I want you wear. You can go change in the first room at the top of the stairs." With a nod Kimmy started walking up the large staircase just in front of the entrance.
Meanwhile Nitz walked over to talk to Rocko. "So, what are you doing here?"
"Ran into Brodie there, heard what he was doing and decided, hey, what the hell, I'll sit and watch," said Rocko with a shrug. "Even I've gotta take a break from the bars once and a while."
"So you're not here to help."
Rocko laughed. "Me? Yeah, right."
A few minutes later Kimmy walked back down, wearing a pantsuit that looked brand new, but years out of fashion. "Where did you get this old stuff?" she asked.
"I got it from a friend..." he replied.
"Who's the cousin of the guy who did the costumes for Welcome Back Kotter, and that's one of the outfits from the series," interrupted a smirking Jesse.
Brodie chuckled. "No, actually I got them from my friend who does costumes for an amateur theatre group, smartypants," he said in amusement. "Anyways, if everyone's ready, lets get to work."
For the next 3 hours they filmed in various rooms in Cathcart House. Brodie did most of the filming, with Jesse occasionally operating one of the cameras when Brodie wanted to film from two angles at once. The rest of the time she was either setting up one of the cameras for the next shot, or reloading film. Nitz did the lighting, which consisted of little more than putting the lights where Brodie asked and turning them on at the right time. Kimmy found her acting limited to walking around or sittting on the dated furniture in the building with a depressed expression on her face while wearing one of several immaculate but utterly out of date outfits.
Rocko didn't hang around for long. "Geez, if I wanted to see a chick moping around I'd go and sit outside Student Services," he grumbled as he headed out the door. "At least their clothing would be sexier."
Brodie had a wide grin on his face when he announced they were done for the night. "You were great guys," he said. "Everything went off without a hitch."
"Well, its not hard to do a series of shots of someone walking around like a zombie," retorted Jesse. "What exactly is this masterpiece supposed to be about anyways?"
Brodie smiled enigmatically. "Oh, you'll just have to wait and see the finished product. If I do finish it."
"If?" asked Nitz.
"Sometimes you try something and it doesn't work, so you have to abandon it," said Brodie with a shrug.
It didn't take long for the group to load the limited equipment they had used into the beat up old station wagon that Brodie drove. "Well, that was boring," said Jesse as they watched him drive away.
Kimmy nodded in agreement. "I don't even know why he bothered to ask me. You don't need any real acting ability or experience to do what I did tonight."
"He probably asked you because he knew you'd fit the clothes," Jesse replied sarcastically. "I'm too short, and Nitz would look silly in a dress."
"Besides, I wouldn't be caught dead wearing something so old," added Nitz in a tone of exaggerated disgust, making Jesse and Kimmy laugh.
"Well, its late, so I'd better go," said Kimmy. She gave Nitz a peck on the cheek. "Call me tomorrow Nitz. I think I've got some free time tomorrow, so maybe we can go out. See you later!"
"So where does she live anyways?" asked Jesse as they watched Kimmy walk off.
"She and three or four other Drama students rent a place together. It's five or six blocks off campus," replied Nitz. "It's...a nice place," he added, a funny looking grin on his face.
Jesse thought about asking him about his odd expression, but then thought better of it. She really had no interest in knowing what Nitz and Kimmy did when they were alone together, and she had a suspicion that Nitz's goofy smile had something to do with that.
------------------------------------
"What the hell is that?" asked Fred McKay as he stepped out of his dorm room on the way to his morning classes. He followed the sound of loud banging to room 502, where a crowd of other students was standing. They watched as Cal nailed a large board onto the door of his room.
Finishing his nailing Cal looked up and smiled at the assembled crowd. "Hiya peeps. The Calster has some important news for you. This is my new schedule board." He pointed at the board, which had a piece of white plastic attached to it. There was a grid drawn on the plastic, with each of the squares coloured with blue or pink ink. "The blue squares are my RA time, so if you need some RA stuff done come then. The pink squares are times for my ladies. You can come for RA stuff when its ladytime, but if one of my ladies shows up you'll have to leave, okay?" Cal looked past the crowd. "Like right now is ladytime, and there she is right now!" he added happily as a girl with short blonde hair walked up and wrapped her arms around him. Together they walked into Cal's room, slamming the door shut behind them.
Several people looked at the schedule. "Geez, he may have a schedule, but he's got far more time set aside for his girlfriends than his RA job," said one young woman in disgust.
"Yeah, but its better than nothing," replied Fred. "Not much, but still better. Guess Walsh came through."
"Nitz Walsh?" asked the woman. When Fred nodded she grinned. "Now, there's a guy who would have been a better RA choice than Evans. Not that that's saying much."
-------------------------------
"Hmmm, it seems everything is there, and the equipment looks to be in the condition it was signed out in."
"Was there any doubt Dave?" asked Brodie.
The African American student nodded as he shut one of the video camera cases he had been examining. "In fact, yes. You would be surprised at the disrespect many students show the equipment they have the priviledge of using." He shook his head. "It seems they think that since they are allowed to use it without charge that they may do with it as they wish."
"That sucks. You'd never see me abusing fine equipment like this," said Brodie, patting one of the cases. "See you've dropped the Afro."
Dave nodded, the light glinting off the lenses of his glasses. "Yes, I decided it was time to examine other hair styling options and see what they could tell me about myself." He grinned. "Besides, my new girlfriend likes the shaved look."
"Definitely a good reason," said Brodie as he headed for the door. "Have a good one."
A wide grin appeared on Brodie's face as he walked outside. As he'd expected Dave hadn't even bothered to ask what he had needed the equipment for, just assuming it was for a class related project. Not having to rent pro quality video cameras had saved him a bunch of money.
The second evening of shooting had gone off without a hitch. Brodie had convinced the head of the Physics Department to let him film in the soon to be opened laser lab in exchange for a promise of future help in filming a promo video for it. The brand new high tech control room had been the perfect compliment to the cutting edge fashions Kimmy had worn for the shoot. Brodie chuckled as he remembered the look on Kimmy's face when she'd gave him the clothes back. It had been obvious that she really wanted to hang onto them. Not that he blamed her given how she'd looked in them, especially the green dress.
Tomorrow would be the most important part. He'd rented an editing suite at one of the local video production firms, and he would edit the footage together with his client present. The client had already arranged for the production of the voiceover needed, so it was only a question of getting the right combination of shots arranged to produce the best look for the spot.
"Client," he said softly as he headed towards the Student U-nion for something to eat. "Damn, I love the sound of that word." Hopefully things would work out the way he wanted with this project, and it would be a word he'd be using a lot more.
---------------------------
Jesse sat in her chair, reading a book for her first class tomorrow. Hearing a knock on her door she looked up to find Kimmy standing in the doorway. "Hi. If you're looking for Lisa she's got a class this evening."
"No, I'm looking for you actually," Kimmy replied. She held up a videocassette. "I found out something about Brodie's project that I'm not happy about, and I don't think you and Nitz will be either."
Jesse sighed as she got up from her desk chair. She'd begun to get suspicious about what Brodie was up to, a week having gone by since the last shoot with Brodie saying nothing. Now it seemed she was right to be concerned. "I think Nitz has one of those TV/VCR combos, so lets go and see if he's around." Jesse locked her door, and the two girls walked down the hall to Nitz's dorm room.
"Hi Jesse, Kimmy!" called out a male voice as they approached Nitz's room. It was Chris Douglas, Nitz's current roommate, who was just stepping out the door. The black haired young man was carrying a gym back slung over one shoulder.
"Hi Chris. I guess Nitz is around," said Kimmy.
Chris nodded. "Yeah, he's here. Look, I'd love to talk, but I've got a handball game to go to, so see ya." With a wave he started to run down the hall towards the stairs.
"Now that's the perfect roommate," said Jesse as she watched him go. "The only time he seems to be in his room is if he's sleeping or studying, so he's not around enough to be annoying."
Nitz smiled as the two girls walked in. "Hey guys, whats up?"
"I've found out what Brodie was really working on," said Kimmy, waving the videocassette at Nitz. "A friend of mine saw it, and made me a tape the next time it appeared." She walked over to Nitz's TV/VCR and turned it on, then pushed the cassette into the slot.
The trio watched the brief segment of tape. After it ended they all had annoyed expressions on their faces. "Hmmph, that jerk!" said Jesse in disgust. "He figured he could get away with doing that, and not paying us!"
Nitz punched a fist into his palm. "And you know he didn't do it for free. I think we need to go have a little talk with Mr. Brodie."
Jesse and Kimmy nodded in agreement.
---------------------------
Kruger lay on his bed reading Nietzsche, trying to ignore the sound of Brodie pounding away on an old electric typewriter. Brodie's habit of writing scripts on the old beast, instead of his computer, was one of his more annoying pretensions that Kruger had to put up with. At the sound of footsteps he looked up to see Jesse, Nitz, and Kimmy Burton walking into the room. He smirked at the angry expressions on their faces. "Now see, I #%%$ warned you not to get involved in Brodie's scam," he said to Jesse.
Brodie looked up from his typewriter, a nervous expression on his face. "So guys, what can I do for you?"
Jesse crossed her arms. "Oh, I don't know, how about explaining this!" she said angrily, holding up the videocassette.
"Uhoh," he said, a sheepish grin on his face.
"What, you figured we wouldn't find out, that we, or someone we knew, wouldn't watch TV and spot the TV COMMERCIAL you made with our help!?" growled Nitz. "Made without telling us, or more importantly, paying us?"
"Yeah, what the hell were you thinking, that we'd forget about it if you didn't bring it up again?" added Jesse.
"Well..." said Brodie with a little shrug of his shoulders.
"I'm really disappointed with you Rob," said Kimmy, shaking her head. "Here I thought I was helping a fellow artist develop his craft, but instead I was being exploited like some developing world person for cheap labour. Not that I have any problem with doing a commercial piece, but I'd like to get a fair and equitable wage for it."
"But you know what's even worse dude?" asked Jesse. "You were using State U. equipment to film the video part of it, and you know that's against the rules. Students are prohibited from using State U. equipment for commerical purposes without a lot of paperwork, which I know you didn't go through. You could get yourself, and us, in big trouble if that comes out!"
"So, what do you want me to do?" Brodie asked nervously.
"How about giving use an equal share of the final profits?" asked Kimmy.
"Assuming you haven't spent them already," said Nitz darkly.
"Alright, I'll write you all up a cheque and get it to you tomorrow, okay?" said Brodie in defeat. He shook his head. "Geez, is it so bad for an up and coming filmmaker to take advantage of an opportunity to get some professional credit?"
"Yeah, when it involves jerking your friends around!" snarled Jesse. She spun around and stalked out of the room.
Nitz looked at Brodie, his angry expression turning to one of pity. "Rob, you really blew it. It's no fun having Jesse angry with you. Believe me, I know. C'mon Kimmy."
Kruger smirked as he watched the couple walk out. He turned to Brodie, a smug expression on his face. "You should have been #$^% honest with them, paid 'em something for helping you. But noooooo, you had to get $&% greedy." He walked over and gave Brodie an exaggerated pat on the shoulder. "But hey, don't worry. They'll forgive you. Eventually."
Brodie sighed. "The path of an artist is fraught with peril."
-----------------------------
"Oh, kitties!" exclaimed Cal as he watched the young woman standing by his bed pull down her skirt, revealing her panties.
"Well, I know you like kittens, so I decided you'd like these," said the redhead with a smile. She walked over to Cal and just as she slipped her arms around his neck a loud beeping started. "Whats that?" she asked.
"I'm sorry lady, but you'll have to put your clothes on and leave," responded Cal as he gently pulled her arms from around his neck. He walked over to his desk and turned off the alarm on his desk clock.
"B-but why?" she asked in shock.
"'Cause its RA time lady. Didn't you read my schedule?"
"But Cal honey..." she whined.
"Sorry lady, but with great power comes great responsibility. If I don't do my RA stuff when its time to I'll be letting everybody down."
"Al...alright Cal. Can I come back tomorrow?"
"Sure lady! Just look at my schedule for the right time."
She slipped her clothes back on and walked out the door, her disappointment obvious. As she shut the door she looked at the schedule board hanging from it. "I never should have helped him come up with that thing!" she said in exasperation.
"Gentlemen, behold, one of the most amazing sights you're likely to see this year. Mr. Nitz Walsh actually eating something that doesn't contain beef!"
"Very funny Jesse," Nitz responded with a glare. "I do eat things besides beef."
"Yeah, like white bread," she teased. "But seriously, I never would have guessed you'd go for sushi."
They were sitting in a small sushi bar along with Brodie, Kruger, and Dan. Brodie had invited the group there, even offering to pay for the meal.
"Gimpy and I used to go out for sushi every once and a while," said Nitz as he picked up another piece of sushi from his plate with a pair of chopsticks.
"No Cal and Rocko?" Jesse asked. Nitz shook his head.
"And here I thought you four were $%^^% Siamese quadruplets," said Kruger, prompting the inevitable laughter from Dan.
Nitz winced as he remembered. "We all went the first time I decided to try it out. Rocko had one bite of sushi, ran off to the bathroom to be sick, and then spent the rest of the evening complaining that they wouldn't serve him any sake because he was underage." Nitz winced again and started massaging his temples. "Cal, instead of eating the sushi like you're supposed to, unrolled it and ate each part separately. Afterwards he said he didn't want to have sushi again because it was too much work to eat it."
"Didn't you try to ex...oh, right, we are talking about Cal," said Jesse flatly. She turned to Brodie. "So, what are you trying to butter us up for?"
Dan laughed. "Busted!" he crowed.
"Okay, you're right, I do have an ulterior motive," Brodie said as he pushed his plastic framed glasses further up his nose. "You see, I've got this project...."
"No," said Kruger bluntly. "I'm not gettin' involved in another one of your %$#%# schemes."
"I am not asking anyone to get involved in a 'scheme,'" Brodie replied. "It involves my art. I've got a little film project that I'd like some help with."
Kruger's response was to raise an eyebrow, a "yeah, right" look on his face. "Oh yes, your 'art,'" he said sarcastically.
"Sorry, but no can do," said Dan apologetically. "I've got too much work right now."
"Sure, why not?" said Jesse. "You're doing some sort of extra credit project?"
"Ummm, yeah, something like that," replied Brodie. Jesse noticed the evasion, but decided to say nothing. Getting involved and seeing what Brodie was actually up to was sure to be more fun that calling him on it now.
"Count me in," added Nitz. "Then I'll be able to say someday that I worked on one of the great Rob Brodie's first projects."
Brodie grinned. "Great! I knew I could count on at least some of you guys."
Everyone ignored Kruger as he muttered "Suckers!" under his breath.
--------------------
Nitz sat at his desk thumbing through a book. Since he couldn't be sure how much time Brodie's project would take he wanted to get an early start on his next essay. Brodie had said at the sushi bar the previous night he wanted to start filming early this evening. Finding the passage he wanted Nitz jotted it down on a piece of paper. He was about to reach for another book when a knock on the door interrupted him.
Standing in the doorway was a skinny young man with shaggy blonde hair, a green streak dyed into it. "Hey, hope I'm not disturbing you too much. I'm Fred McKay."
"From 509, right?" replied Nitz.
"Yeah. Look man, I don't wanna cause trouble, so I figured I'd come to you first, since you know the guy. It's Evans."
Nitz nodded. He had been expecting something like this, and was surprised it had taken this long. "So, what's wrong with Cal?"
Fred sighed. "Its not like I want the guy to be sitting there 24/7 waiting for complaints, but he's never available. Either he's not around, or when you try and talk to the guy he doesn't answer his door. Like the other night, a couple of us wanted him to get those idiots in 506 to turn their stereo down. But when we went to his door he wouldn't answer, and we knew someone was there because we heard...well, you know the guy, you can guess the kind of sounds we heard."
"Yes, I can, unfortunately. I'm surprised no one has gone to the RA auditor to complain," said Nitz.
Fred laughed. "If people weren't so lazy around here someone would have already. But if the guy doesn't shape up soon they probably will."
"Look, I'll see what I can do. I can't promise anything," replied Nitz with a shrug.
"Don't expect you to. I just figure its fair to warn the guy before it goes any further, and since you're his friend you'll have a better chance at it than the rest of us."
Nitz shook his head as Fred walked out the door. He had this suspicion that all talking to Cal would do was delay the inevitable.
------------------------------
Nitz knocked on Cal's door. "Cal, you there?"
"In a minute guy," called out Cal, accompanied by female giggling. Moments later the door opened, and a young woman walked out, pulling down her shirt as she did. As she walked past Nitz she smiled a goofy smile and pulled her long black hair from under her collar.
Nitz walked into Cal's room. Cal was sitting on his bed. Not surprisingly the sheets were a tangled mess. "Hey guy! Wasn't that a nice lady?"
"Uh, sure Cal."
"And she let me...."
"I'm sorry Cal, but this is important. I'm here about your RA work," interrupted Nitz, not wanting to hear about Cal's sex life in explicit detail.
Cal patted Nitz on the arm. "Don't worry guy. My door is always open for you. Except when it's closed guy!"
"Well, that's the thing Cal. People are complaining you're not available enough as a RA, that you're spending too much time on your personal life."
Cal frowned slightly. "Ah guy, you know I like the ladies! And the ladies want to be with me. I can't let them down."
"Yes Cal, I know, but you also have responsibilities," Nitz replied sternly. Noticing Cal's white "bathrobe of office" draped over a chair he had a flash of inspiration. "Great power comes with that robe Cal. And with great power comes great responsibility," he said, pointing at the bathrobe.
Nitz stood for several minutes watching Cal think. "You're right Nitzguy," Cal finally responded. "I have to do a better job, because I'll be letting down the ghost of the Duggler if I don't, and he might come and haunt me!"
Nitz shook his head in amusement. "The Duggler's not dead Cal. He just graduated."
"Oh, so that's why they let me have his room."
Nitz looked at his watch. "Anyways Cal, I've got to go. I'm helping Rob Brodie do some filming, so you'll have to figure out what to do yourself, okay?"
"Sure thing guy. See you later." Cal sat for a moment after Nitz walked out the door, trying to decide what he should do next. His eyes widened, and a smile appeared on his face. The answer was obvious. He'd ask some of his ladies for help. They would probably have some good ideas.
--------------------------
"Nitz, Jesse! Over here!" called out Kimmy. The duo walked over to where Kimmy was standing, and Kimmy and Nitz exchanged a hug. Together they started walking towards the site of Brodie's shoot.
"So, you're starring in Brodie's latest epic?" asked Jesse as they walked along.
Kimmy nodded. "Yes. After all, you can never have too many acting credits on your resume. Besides, I've only got a little role in the new Drama Department production, so I've got the time. I mean, I only have one line in the play, so there's not much to work on, and rehearsals don't start for another couple of days. I wanted the lead, but oh well, you know what they say, there are no small parts, only small players!"
"Uhh, right," replied Jesse, bemused that Kimmy could rattle all that off in one shot without taking a breath. "Did Brodie give you a script? He's given us zip."
"No," replied Kimmy with a frown. "He said that the film is silent, and that he wants me to approach it fresh, with no preconceived notions."
"So, he's going all avant garde on us," said Nitz with a smile.
"Well, you know pretentious Brodie can be," added Jesse.
They soon reached their destination, Cathcart House. The large 3-storey building dated from the early days of State U., and had been a dorm for nursing students, hence its common nickname Catheter House. Its days as a residence had ended years ago, and the State U. adminstration had planned to knock it down and put up a parking garage. However a local historical group had intervened, claiming the building was of historical value and should be preserved. The resulting legal battle was still going on with no end in sight.
They walked in the front door, which opened onto a large lounge area. "Hello everyone," called out Brodie, who was standing at a table covered with a dust cloth, adjusting one of a pair of old 8mm movie cameras sitting on the table. An old couch, also covered by a dust cloth, sat against one wall of the room. Much to Nitz's surprise Rocko was sitting on it.
"So, did you have much trouble getting permission to use this place?" asked Jesse as she walked over to the table.
Brodie shook his head. "No. I kinda thought the admin office would say no because they don't want to encourage people to use it, but it was no problem at all." He handed Kimmy a bag. "Here's what I want you wear. You can go change in the first room at the top of the stairs." With a nod Kimmy started walking up the large staircase just in front of the entrance.
Meanwhile Nitz walked over to talk to Rocko. "So, what are you doing here?"
"Ran into Brodie there, heard what he was doing and decided, hey, what the hell, I'll sit and watch," said Rocko with a shrug. "Even I've gotta take a break from the bars once and a while."
"So you're not here to help."
Rocko laughed. "Me? Yeah, right."
A few minutes later Kimmy walked back down, wearing a pantsuit that looked brand new, but years out of fashion. "Where did you get this old stuff?" she asked.
"I got it from a friend..." he replied.
"Who's the cousin of the guy who did the costumes for Welcome Back Kotter, and that's one of the outfits from the series," interrupted a smirking Jesse.
Brodie chuckled. "No, actually I got them from my friend who does costumes for an amateur theatre group, smartypants," he said in amusement. "Anyways, if everyone's ready, lets get to work."
For the next 3 hours they filmed in various rooms in Cathcart House. Brodie did most of the filming, with Jesse occasionally operating one of the cameras when Brodie wanted to film from two angles at once. The rest of the time she was either setting up one of the cameras for the next shot, or reloading film. Nitz did the lighting, which consisted of little more than putting the lights where Brodie asked and turning them on at the right time. Kimmy found her acting limited to walking around or sittting on the dated furniture in the building with a depressed expression on her face while wearing one of several immaculate but utterly out of date outfits.
Rocko didn't hang around for long. "Geez, if I wanted to see a chick moping around I'd go and sit outside Student Services," he grumbled as he headed out the door. "At least their clothing would be sexier."
Brodie had a wide grin on his face when he announced they were done for the night. "You were great guys," he said. "Everything went off without a hitch."
"Well, its not hard to do a series of shots of someone walking around like a zombie," retorted Jesse. "What exactly is this masterpiece supposed to be about anyways?"
Brodie smiled enigmatically. "Oh, you'll just have to wait and see the finished product. If I do finish it."
"If?" asked Nitz.
"Sometimes you try something and it doesn't work, so you have to abandon it," said Brodie with a shrug.
It didn't take long for the group to load the limited equipment they had used into the beat up old station wagon that Brodie drove. "Well, that was boring," said Jesse as they watched him drive away.
Kimmy nodded in agreement. "I don't even know why he bothered to ask me. You don't need any real acting ability or experience to do what I did tonight."
"He probably asked you because he knew you'd fit the clothes," Jesse replied sarcastically. "I'm too short, and Nitz would look silly in a dress."
"Besides, I wouldn't be caught dead wearing something so old," added Nitz in a tone of exaggerated disgust, making Jesse and Kimmy laugh.
"Well, its late, so I'd better go," said Kimmy. She gave Nitz a peck on the cheek. "Call me tomorrow Nitz. I think I've got some free time tomorrow, so maybe we can go out. See you later!"
"So where does she live anyways?" asked Jesse as they watched Kimmy walk off.
"She and three or four other Drama students rent a place together. It's five or six blocks off campus," replied Nitz. "It's...a nice place," he added, a funny looking grin on his face.
Jesse thought about asking him about his odd expression, but then thought better of it. She really had no interest in knowing what Nitz and Kimmy did when they were alone together, and she had a suspicion that Nitz's goofy smile had something to do with that.
------------------------------------
"What the hell is that?" asked Fred McKay as he stepped out of his dorm room on the way to his morning classes. He followed the sound of loud banging to room 502, where a crowd of other students was standing. They watched as Cal nailed a large board onto the door of his room.
Finishing his nailing Cal looked up and smiled at the assembled crowd. "Hiya peeps. The Calster has some important news for you. This is my new schedule board." He pointed at the board, which had a piece of white plastic attached to it. There was a grid drawn on the plastic, with each of the squares coloured with blue or pink ink. "The blue squares are my RA time, so if you need some RA stuff done come then. The pink squares are times for my ladies. You can come for RA stuff when its ladytime, but if one of my ladies shows up you'll have to leave, okay?" Cal looked past the crowd. "Like right now is ladytime, and there she is right now!" he added happily as a girl with short blonde hair walked up and wrapped her arms around him. Together they walked into Cal's room, slamming the door shut behind them.
Several people looked at the schedule. "Geez, he may have a schedule, but he's got far more time set aside for his girlfriends than his RA job," said one young woman in disgust.
"Yeah, but its better than nothing," replied Fred. "Not much, but still better. Guess Walsh came through."
"Nitz Walsh?" asked the woman. When Fred nodded she grinned. "Now, there's a guy who would have been a better RA choice than Evans. Not that that's saying much."
-------------------------------
"Hmmm, it seems everything is there, and the equipment looks to be in the condition it was signed out in."
"Was there any doubt Dave?" asked Brodie.
The African American student nodded as he shut one of the video camera cases he had been examining. "In fact, yes. You would be surprised at the disrespect many students show the equipment they have the priviledge of using." He shook his head. "It seems they think that since they are allowed to use it without charge that they may do with it as they wish."
"That sucks. You'd never see me abusing fine equipment like this," said Brodie, patting one of the cases. "See you've dropped the Afro."
Dave nodded, the light glinting off the lenses of his glasses. "Yes, I decided it was time to examine other hair styling options and see what they could tell me about myself." He grinned. "Besides, my new girlfriend likes the shaved look."
"Definitely a good reason," said Brodie as he headed for the door. "Have a good one."
A wide grin appeared on Brodie's face as he walked outside. As he'd expected Dave hadn't even bothered to ask what he had needed the equipment for, just assuming it was for a class related project. Not having to rent pro quality video cameras had saved him a bunch of money.
The second evening of shooting had gone off without a hitch. Brodie had convinced the head of the Physics Department to let him film in the soon to be opened laser lab in exchange for a promise of future help in filming a promo video for it. The brand new high tech control room had been the perfect compliment to the cutting edge fashions Kimmy had worn for the shoot. Brodie chuckled as he remembered the look on Kimmy's face when she'd gave him the clothes back. It had been obvious that she really wanted to hang onto them. Not that he blamed her given how she'd looked in them, especially the green dress.
Tomorrow would be the most important part. He'd rented an editing suite at one of the local video production firms, and he would edit the footage together with his client present. The client had already arranged for the production of the voiceover needed, so it was only a question of getting the right combination of shots arranged to produce the best look for the spot.
"Client," he said softly as he headed towards the Student U-nion for something to eat. "Damn, I love the sound of that word." Hopefully things would work out the way he wanted with this project, and it would be a word he'd be using a lot more.
---------------------------
Jesse sat in her chair, reading a book for her first class tomorrow. Hearing a knock on her door she looked up to find Kimmy standing in the doorway. "Hi. If you're looking for Lisa she's got a class this evening."
"No, I'm looking for you actually," Kimmy replied. She held up a videocassette. "I found out something about Brodie's project that I'm not happy about, and I don't think you and Nitz will be either."
Jesse sighed as she got up from her desk chair. She'd begun to get suspicious about what Brodie was up to, a week having gone by since the last shoot with Brodie saying nothing. Now it seemed she was right to be concerned. "I think Nitz has one of those TV/VCR combos, so lets go and see if he's around." Jesse locked her door, and the two girls walked down the hall to Nitz's dorm room.
"Hi Jesse, Kimmy!" called out a male voice as they approached Nitz's room. It was Chris Douglas, Nitz's current roommate, who was just stepping out the door. The black haired young man was carrying a gym back slung over one shoulder.
"Hi Chris. I guess Nitz is around," said Kimmy.
Chris nodded. "Yeah, he's here. Look, I'd love to talk, but I've got a handball game to go to, so see ya." With a wave he started to run down the hall towards the stairs.
"Now that's the perfect roommate," said Jesse as she watched him go. "The only time he seems to be in his room is if he's sleeping or studying, so he's not around enough to be annoying."
Nitz smiled as the two girls walked in. "Hey guys, whats up?"
"I've found out what Brodie was really working on," said Kimmy, waving the videocassette at Nitz. "A friend of mine saw it, and made me a tape the next time it appeared." She walked over to Nitz's TV/VCR and turned it on, then pushed the cassette into the slot.
The trio watched the brief segment of tape. After it ended they all had annoyed expressions on their faces. "Hmmph, that jerk!" said Jesse in disgust. "He figured he could get away with doing that, and not paying us!"
Nitz punched a fist into his palm. "And you know he didn't do it for free. I think we need to go have a little talk with Mr. Brodie."
Jesse and Kimmy nodded in agreement.
---------------------------
Kruger lay on his bed reading Nietzsche, trying to ignore the sound of Brodie pounding away on an old electric typewriter. Brodie's habit of writing scripts on the old beast, instead of his computer, was one of his more annoying pretensions that Kruger had to put up with. At the sound of footsteps he looked up to see Jesse, Nitz, and Kimmy Burton walking into the room. He smirked at the angry expressions on their faces. "Now see, I #%%$ warned you not to get involved in Brodie's scam," he said to Jesse.
Brodie looked up from his typewriter, a nervous expression on his face. "So guys, what can I do for you?"
Jesse crossed her arms. "Oh, I don't know, how about explaining this!" she said angrily, holding up the videocassette.
"Uhoh," he said, a sheepish grin on his face.
"What, you figured we wouldn't find out, that we, or someone we knew, wouldn't watch TV and spot the TV COMMERCIAL you made with our help!?" growled Nitz. "Made without telling us, or more importantly, paying us?"
"Yeah, what the hell were you thinking, that we'd forget about it if you didn't bring it up again?" added Jesse.
"Well..." said Brodie with a little shrug of his shoulders.
"I'm really disappointed with you Rob," said Kimmy, shaking her head. "Here I thought I was helping a fellow artist develop his craft, but instead I was being exploited like some developing world person for cheap labour. Not that I have any problem with doing a commercial piece, but I'd like to get a fair and equitable wage for it."
"But you know what's even worse dude?" asked Jesse. "You were using State U. equipment to film the video part of it, and you know that's against the rules. Students are prohibited from using State U. equipment for commerical purposes without a lot of paperwork, which I know you didn't go through. You could get yourself, and us, in big trouble if that comes out!"
"So, what do you want me to do?" Brodie asked nervously.
"How about giving use an equal share of the final profits?" asked Kimmy.
"Assuming you haven't spent them already," said Nitz darkly.
"Alright, I'll write you all up a cheque and get it to you tomorrow, okay?" said Brodie in defeat. He shook his head. "Geez, is it so bad for an up and coming filmmaker to take advantage of an opportunity to get some professional credit?"
"Yeah, when it involves jerking your friends around!" snarled Jesse. She spun around and stalked out of the room.
Nitz looked at Brodie, his angry expression turning to one of pity. "Rob, you really blew it. It's no fun having Jesse angry with you. Believe me, I know. C'mon Kimmy."
Kruger smirked as he watched the couple walk out. He turned to Brodie, a smug expression on his face. "You should have been #$^% honest with them, paid 'em something for helping you. But noooooo, you had to get $&% greedy." He walked over and gave Brodie an exaggerated pat on the shoulder. "But hey, don't worry. They'll forgive you. Eventually."
Brodie sighed. "The path of an artist is fraught with peril."
-----------------------------
"Oh, kitties!" exclaimed Cal as he watched the young woman standing by his bed pull down her skirt, revealing her panties.
"Well, I know you like kittens, so I decided you'd like these," said the redhead with a smile. She walked over to Cal and just as she slipped her arms around his neck a loud beeping started. "Whats that?" she asked.
"I'm sorry lady, but you'll have to put your clothes on and leave," responded Cal as he gently pulled her arms from around his neck. He walked over to his desk and turned off the alarm on his desk clock.
"B-but why?" she asked in shock.
"'Cause its RA time lady. Didn't you read my schedule?"
"But Cal honey..." she whined.
"Sorry lady, but with great power comes great responsibility. If I don't do my RA stuff when its time to I'll be letting everybody down."
"Al...alright Cal. Can I come back tomorrow?"
"Sure lady! Just look at my schedule for the right time."
She slipped her clothes back on and walked out the door, her disappointment obvious. As she shut the door she looked at the schedule board hanging from it. "I never should have helped him come up with that thing!" she said in exasperation.