BACKGROUND MUSIC: "Rock the Casbah" by the Clash

OCTOBER 24, 1983 CARIBBEAN SEA, EXACT LOCATION CLASSIFIED

Airman Nick Andopolis made himself as comfortable as possible at the refueling station of a KC 135 tanker. It was just before dawn, and he was tired after a night of partying Nick "Drummer" Andopolis had been in the Air force for about a year and a half. He considered himself lucky to get in. His pot smoking in high school almost kept him out. His dad was pushing the army, but Nick thought Air Force life might be a a bit more cushy. Considering the situation in Beruit, Nick was very happy being a flying "pump jockey." Nick also figured something was going to be happening in Central America or the Caribbean considering how much refueling he was doing.

"Drummer, we got a customer," came the voice from the cockpit. "Ready, sir" Nick told his superior officer. "Holy shit, look at that," Nick said to himself. He knew for sure something was going down. Through his vantage point, Nick was staring at the unmistakable silhouette of an SR-71 Blackbird... a plane he's only seen in training films. Nick got on the radio "Blackbird Pilot, ready to put a tiger in your tank?". "Roger that 135, and can you check the air in the tires?" came the reply. Nick laughed, this guy did have a sense of humor, "Ready to go Blackbird...will that be cash or charge."

CUE JOAN JETT--BAD REPUTATION, INTRODUCTION AND CREDITS.

NOVEMBER 1983, MCKINLEY HS CAFETERIA, MICHIGAN, US

MUSIC-- THIN LIZZY, THE BOYS ARE BACK IN TOWN

Sam Weir, Bill Haverchuck, and Neil Schwieber were sitting at their usual table at lunch. The three had been friends since grade school, and their friendship has stayed strong throughout the years. They were sitting, eating, enjoying each others company...and enjoying the fact that they were seniors. No more freshman bullies, even Allen White seems like a bad memory from long ago who occasionally says "hey" to them in the hall. Sam and Neil had made a name for themselves in the drama department. Sam as an actor, Neil as comic relief, and quite a comedian/impressionist. Once Bill had gotten out of his awkward stage, he became quite the wrestler. This was also due, in a great deal, to his stepfather--Coach Ben Fredricks. Fredricks was hoping Bill would go out for football, but was happy Haverchuck was a varsity athlete.

Bill broke the silence "Hey guys, want to cut study hall and beat the high score on the Zaxxon Machine at the Arcade?"

"Sorry Bill, Neil and I have a meeting with Rosso-- catch you later" Sam cheerfully said to his friend while he was getting up.

"Sure leave me for that smelly hippie" Bill responded with a smile. All three young men laughed.

The two McKinley Seniors walked down the hall and entered the door labeled "Counselor."

"Hey Guys, take a load off" Head Counselor Jeffery T. Rosso said while pointing out a couple of empty chairs on the other side of his desk to Sam and Neil.

"You wanted to see us Mr. Rosso?" asked Sam.

Rosso laughed, "Sam, when can I get you to call me Jeff?" Sam shrugged and grinned as Rosso went on, "We got our country assignment for the U.M. Model UN."

"Finally, it took them long enough," said Neil. Neil and Sam were the President and Vice President of the McKinely Chapter of the statewide Model United Nations Simulation sponsored by the University of Michigan.

Sam cut Neil off with "well what is it?"

"It was worth the wait," replied Rosso enthusiastically, "Cuba!"

"Cuba?" repeated Sam, crestfallen...

CUE WARREN ZEVON... "LAWYERS GUNS AND MONEY"

CUT INTO THE WEIR DINING ROOM-- SAM, HAROLD, AND JEAN WEIR ENJOYING POT ROAST.

"Cuba!" Exclaimed Harold Weir "What's that commie counselor trying to do, I told you there was a reason they wouldn't let him see Vice President Bush."

"Dad," responded Sam "Model U.N. is a way for us to learn about other countries. It doesn't mean we're actually going to run out and join the American Communist Party"

"I should hope not," retorted Harold, "Remember that boy Nick we had as a houseguest, he fought for his country against the Cubans!"

Sam just rolled his eyes, he knew he wouldn't win this argument. Nick was all right, but his dad sure didn't think so when he was dating his older sister Lindsay. Now that Nick basically manned a flying gas station and refueled a few planes he was a hero. Student Body President Cindy Sanders was even planning a big welcome home assembly for Nick the afternoon before the winter dance next Friday.

In an attempt to avoid an argument, Jean Weir chimed in with "Lindsay said she got out of her Friday classes next week and will be down from U.M. to attend the assembly for Nick and the Winter dance."

Both Harold and Sam smiled at that tidbit of news. Harold missed his little girl since she went off to the University of Michigan. Even Sam missed his sister, although he did like the lack of freaks hanging around the house.