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<p><img src="https://s17.postimg.org/twpsmyakf/Nerd_Smiley.jpg"/></p>
<p>Hubert gets a twinge of conscience, while Clapper's paranoid plot thickens.</p>
<p><em><strong>Scene 1<br>
</strong></em></p>
<p><em>Hubert is knocking on Sophia’s door.<br>
</em></p>
<p>Sophia (sad): Hey, Hubert.<br>
Hubert: Hey. Did I come at a bad time?<br>
</p>
<p>Sophia: Nah, it’s fine. Come on in. <br>
</p>
<p><em>They walk in and sit on the sofa. </em><br>
</p>
<p>Hubert: So whatsup?<br>
Sophia: My sister has banned me from speaking to my nephew…..again.<br>
</p>
<p>Hubert: I can relate.<br>
Sophia: You can?<br>
</p>
<p>Hubert: Sure, I get banned from places sometimes. <br>
Sophia (raised eyebrows): Right….Anyway, I’ve been trying to convince my nephew to drop out of school. <br>
</p>
<p>Hubert (surprised): Really? Why would you do that?<br>
Sophia: Cuz <em><strong>school is like a prison for young people.</strong></em> All they do is get <em><strong>trained into habits and behaviors by social engineers. </strong></em> I just don’t want my nephew to get hurt anymore.<br>
</p>
<p>Hubert: Well, you finished school, didn’t you? And you didn’t turn out so terribly bad, right?<br>
Sophia: Gee, thanks.<br>
</p>
<p>Hubert: I mean better than terrible.<br>
Sophia: Remove foot from mouth now…..but yeah, I get what you’re trying to say. I didn’t finish school, though. I dropped out when I was 16.<br>
</p>
<p><em>Sophia’s phone gives an alert.<br>
</em></p>
<p>Sophia (looks at message excitedly): I gotta run, Hubert. I’ll explain later. <br>
</p>
<p><em><strong>Scene 2<br>
</strong></em></p>
<p><em>Sophia is approaching a scene of a car accident in a quiet suburban neighborhood. 2 guys are waiting next to their cars, still inspecting damage. Sophia approaches.<br>
</em></p>
<p>Sophia: You guys called for an arbitrator on the Voluntary Arbitration app? </p>
<p>Guy 1: He did. I reluctantly agreed. I figure it’s better than getting<em><strong> careless cops </strong></em>and insurance claws involved. <br>
</p>
<p>Sophia: Ok, before we start, with your permission, I’ll start recording on my phone. <br>
</p>
<p><em>After an hour of listening to both their stories, estimating the damage, searching for witnesses in nearby houses, and negotiating what both feel would be a fair settlement, Sophia gives her decision.<br>
</em></p>
<p>Sophia: So that’s it guys. You both have 24 hours to voluntarily accept the terms to this dispute resolution. If you decide not to accept the terms, you won’t be charged. <br>
</p>
<p><em><strong>Scene 3<br>
</strong></em></p>
<p><em>Billy is having a meeting with FBI agent Richard Clapper in a Toys R’ Us parking lot.<br>
</em></p>
<p>Billy: This is your idea of a clandestine meeting spot?<br>
Clapper: Sure! Who would suspect two rough and tumble FBI dudes like us meeting here. It’s the perfect cover!<br>
</p>
<p>Billy: The more you talk, the less I want anything to do with you. <br>
Clapper: I’m doubling your salary.<br>
</p>
<p>Billy: I should insult you more often. What gives?<br>
Clapper: Have you noticed Hubert acting a little weird lately?<br>
</p>
<p>Billy: You mean the Hubert I work with at Nerd Squad?<br>
Clapper: Of course. How many Huberts do you know? (gasps) Does Hubert have a body double? <br>
</p>
<p>Billy: Your extreme paranoid delusions lead me to believe that you have very innovative ways to beat psychological testing. <br>
Clapper: You’ve got a lot to learn, kid. <em><strong>Everybody at the FBI is delusional. </strong></em> <br>
</p>
<p><em>Billy gives sideways glance.<br>
</em></p>
<p>Clapper: Anyway, about Hubert. He hasn’t been feeding us too much info about his neighbor Sophia lately. Not only that, but if I didn’t know better, I’d think that he’s trying to avoid me!<br>
</p>
<p>Billy (sighs deeply): I can’t imagine why anyone would try to avoid you. So what are you getting at?<br>
Clapper: I want you to spy on Hubert, and make sure he hasn’t gone rogue. <br>
</p>
<p>Billy: Why not Melinda?<br>
Clapper: I thought about that, but if she started showing interest in him, it might get him suspicious. </p>
<p>Billy: Yes, I too find it suspicious when a female has interest in Hubert. <br>
Clapper: So you’ll do it?<br>
</p>
<p>Billy: One one condition. I choose the meeting place next time.<br>
</p>
<p><em><strong>Scene 4<br>
</strong></em></p>
<p><em>The next day at Nerd Squad headquarters in Fried Electronics store….<br>
</em></p>
<p>Melinda: What were you thinking?<br>
Billy: What do you mean?<br>
</p>
<p>Melinda: You’re sacrificing countless hours to watch Hubert? I don’t care how much they pay me, I’d never do that. Can you think of anything more boring, demeaning, or disgusting to do with your time?<br>
</p>
<p>Billy: Hmmm, I didn’t really think this through, I guess. <br>
Melinda: Obviously. I mean, your life is pathetic enough without….<br>
</p>
<p><em>Billy cuts her off.<br>
</em></p>
<p>Billy: Ok, you’ve made your point very clear. (stares at wall thoughtfully) There’s gotta be a way to do this without losing what little dignity I have left. <br>
</p>
<p>Melinda: Doubtful.<br>
</p>
<p><em>A while later, Hubert comes back into the office, fresh off a service job.<br>
</em></p>
<p>Berry (shouting from his private office): Hey Hubert! How’d it go at the Rudiski house this time?!<br>
Hubert: The usual!<br>
</p>
<p>Berry: Kids used peanut butter again?!<br>
Hubert: Yep! And jelly! And other foods I couldn’t distinguish!<br>
</p>
<p>Berry: You salvage it?!<br>
Hubert: Not even close! Computer hardware isn't 3-year-old chef resistant yet! I gave her a coupon! She said she’ll be in tomorrow!<br>
</p>
<p><em>Hubert walks over to his desk near Melinda and Billy.<br>
</em></p>
<p>Billy: Hubert, can I borrow your phone?<br>
Hubert: Um, I guess. What’s wrong with yours?<br>
</p>
<p>Billy: Long story. </p>
<p>Hubert: Ok, here ya go. <br>
</p>
<p><em>Billy takes phone and walks out. An hour later he comes back.<br>
</em></p>
<p>Hubert: What the hell, man?!<br>
</p>
<p>Billy (playing dumb): What?<br>
Hubert (sighs): An hour? Really?<br>
</p>
<p>Billy: I’m a popular guy, what can I say? <br>
Hubert : Whatever. I’m outta here. My time in this techno-dungeon is finished for today. <br>
</p>
<p><em>Billy smiles malevolently as Hubert walks out. </em> <br>
</p>
<p>Melinda: What did ya do?<br>
Billy: I’m not telling you!<br>
</p>
<p>Melinda: Why not?<br>
Billy: Cuz you might use it for blackmail material, that’s why.<br>
</p>
<p>Melinda: I already have blackmail material on you.<br>
Billy: You do?<br>
</p>
<p>Melinda: Remember Chicago?<br>
Billy: Damn, I forgot about that!.........All right, I bugged Hubert’s phone. All his data now gets recorded by my home system. <br>
</p>
<p>Melinda: So your master plan is to not watch him, but just listen to him and read his texts?<br>
Billy: You really do think I’m that simple minded, don’t you?<br>
</p>
<p>Melinda: You’ve given me strong evidence to support that theory ever since we met. <br>
Billy: Perhaps….but this is different. I’m going to make a key word program to find stuff Clapper might want. <br>
</p>
<p>Melinda: Like what?<br>
Billy: Hell if I know. I mean, it’s Clapper we’re talking about, so it doesn’t need to be much. <br>
</p>
<p>Melinda: Good point. <br>
</p>
<p><em><strong>Scene 5<br>
</strong></em></p>
<p><em>After leaving work, Hubert walks into Happy’s Bar across the street from Fried Electronics. The owner, a big, rugged character named Happy, is tending the bar. </em></p>
<p>Happy: Hubert?! What are you doing here?<br>
</p>
<p><em>Hubert sits at the bar and slumps.<br>
</em></p>
<p>Hubert: Hey, Happy. I’m here to drink, what else?<br>
Happy: I figured, you just hardly come in, so I’m surprised. <br>
</p>
<p>Hubert: Yeah, I’m having some problems, so I figured I’d stop in.<br>
Happy: So you’ve joined the masses in drowning their sorrows in cheap booze, huh?<br>
</p>
<p>Hubert: Just for one night.<br>
</p>
<p><em>Happy points to a scuzzy guy with his drooling face planted in the bar. </em><br>
</p>
<p>Happy: That’s what that guy said a few years ago. <br>
Hubert: Shot of tequila, please.<br>
</p>
<p><em>Happy pours shot. Hubert slams it. </em></p>
<p>Happy: So what’s the trouble?<br>
Hubert: Guilty conscience.<br>
</p>
<p>Happy: This wouldn’t have anything to do with you spying on your girlfriend, now would it?<br>
Hubert: Girlfriend?<br>
</p>
<p>Happy: Sophia, right?<br>
Hubert: She’s just a friend, but yes, wait, how did you know I’m spying on her?<br>
</p>
<p>Happy: Everybody around here knows. (points back to the face-planter) I think even he knows.<br>
Hubert (dejected): Great. <br>
</p>
<p>Happy: Why did you start spying on her in the first place?<br>
Hubert: Cuz I was afraid to talk to her.<br>
</p>
<p>Happy: Cuz you’re socially awkward.<br>
Hubert: Right. Then I got approached by, wait, do you know...<br>
</p>
<p>Happy: Clapper? Yeah, I know. Everybody spills their guts to bartenders ya know. It’s tradition.<br>
Hubert: So, anyway, it gave me an “in”, I guess. <br>
</p>
<p>Happy: And now you’re having regrets and you’re looking for a way out. </p>
<p>Hubert: Yes! What do you think?<br>
Happy: There’s no way out.<br>
</p>
<p><em>Hubert sinks deeper into barstool and frowns.<br>
</em></p>
<p>Happy: But I will say this. The longer you wait, the worse it will be when you do fess up. Do you think you actually have a chance with this girl?<br>
</p>
<p>Hubert: Maybe, yeah, I dunno.<br>
Happy: What’s so special about her?<br>
</p>
<p>Hubert: She’s beautiful, smart, energetic, and so unique.<br>
Happy: Yes, it seems doubtful that she’d have interest in you, but, who knows? Stranger things have happened.<br>
</p>
<p>Hubert: You’re not helping.<br>
Happy: How is she unique? <br>
</p>
<p>Hubert: Well, she’s involved in I dunno how many business ventures and <em><strong>doesn’t pay any income tax. </strong></em><br>
Happy: I like her already. Hubert, why don’t you just quit the FBI gig?<br>
</p>
<p>Hubert: Cuz I need the money.<br>
</p>
<p>Happy: I can’t tell ya what to do, Hubert, but I’ve got an idea to keep your gig, but not spy on Sophia anymore. Why don’t you just feed the FBI a bunch of bull? Hell, if you do it well enough, they might even get off your girlfriend’s back. <br>
Hubert: Happy! You’re a genius!<br>
</p>
<p><em>Hubert’s phone rings. It’s Sophia. He invites her to Happy’s. A short while later, she arrives and sits next to Hubert.</em><br>
</p>
<p>Happy: Wow, look at you. Welcome to Happy’s. I’m Happy.<br>
Sophia: Thanks! I’m Sophia.<br>
</p>
<p>Happy: Why are you with Hubert?<br>
Hubert: I can hear you, ya know.<br>
</p>
<p>Sophia: Hubert, I want to apologize for running out on you so fast yesterday. <br>
Hubert: No problem. Where’d you go?<br>
</p>
<p>Sophia: Glad you asked! I just joined this <em><strong>private arbitration</strong></em> company and got my first gig as an arbitrator! I made 50 <em><strong>Steem </strong></em>in about an hour! </p>
<p>Happy: Private arbitration? <br>
Sophia: Yeah, people who want to settle disputes, but don’t want to deal with the<em><strong> hassle, incompetence, and inefficiencies of the ridiculous state monopoly. </strong></em> <br>
</p>
<p>Happy: You sound pretty smart. Again, why Hubert? <br>
Sophia (laughing): 2 tequilas, please! Do you take <em><strong>crypto?<br>
</strong></em></p>
<p>Happy: I have a wine cellar, but no crypts. <br>
Hubert: Not what she meant. Do you take <em><strong>Steem or Bitcoin Cash</strong></em> or anything like that?<br>
</p>
<p>Happy: Is that English?<br>
Sophia (giggling): It’s ok. They’re <em><strong>voluntary</strong></em> currencies. <br>
</p>
<p>Happy: Are they<em><strong> tax free?<br>
</strong></em>Sophia: <em><strong>They can be!<br>
</strong></em></p>
<p>Happy: You have my attention. <br>
</p>
<p><em><strong>Scene 6<br>
</strong></em></p>
<p><em>2 days later, Billy is in his dingy apartment, plotting.<br>
</em></p>
<p>Billy (grinning malevolently, slowly twirling in office chair, talking to himself): Hubert, that was a very interesting talk you had with Happy. Now I just need to figure out the best way to take advantage. <br>
</p>
<p><em><strong>To be continued….. </strong></em></p>
<p><em><strong>Episode 15 coming soon!</strong></em></p>
<p><em><strong>Thanks for your time and attention!</strong></em></p>
<p><em><strong>Just say "NO" to slavery!</strong></em></p>
<p>Top image is from pixabay</p>
<p><img src="https://s3.postimg.org/p6jh7armr/My_Steem_Logo.gif"/></p>
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