Chapter 29 - On Location

The fateful day had arrived. The studio had, with some quiet reservations, accepted the recommendations of its two leading ladies that the role of the Cabin Boy be filled by Miranda. A quick script re-write - explaining away the Cabin "Boy's" disguise - and a signed contract and waver settled the practicalities of the matter. The cast and crew gathered on the largely uninhabited island of Mua Pel'am, where an old shipwreck made a good backdrop for the period picture.

"I can't do this," Miranda said desperately.

"Take a deep breath," Cassie said. "Find your center and be calm. If you still don't think you can do it, we'll talk to the director."

Judith simmered with barely suppressed rage. For all her schemes of revenge, standing here with the cameras she could no longer deny the horrible reality that Cassandra Goth was about appear on film as the Pirate Queen.

Not far away Zayne scowled. So far, this had not been a fun flick.

"All right," the director called. "Let's get the Countess and Lady Blanche..."

"... the Countess confides her plans to Lady Blanche..."


"...and then entrances her to obey..."


"Excellent Judith, you're magnificent, amazing, stupendous... just wonderful. Uh... nice job, Jenny."

"Now," the director declared, "where's my Pirate Queen... and her First Mate."

"Ready to declare my passion," Zayne intoned.

"The First Mate whispers the Countess's secret to the Pirate Queen..."


"... then 'declares his passion' for her."

Gah! Cassie gasped.


"Really? Tongue!" Cassie snapped at her co-star. "That wasn't what we rehearsed."

"I was in the moment," Zayne replied.


"Great job, Cassie. You're wonderful, fantastic, glorious. Zayne, great work."

"Always a pleasure," Cassie grinned ruefully.

"OK, Countess and Cabin Boy..."

Cassie looked on nervously, reminding herself that Miranda had faced a master vampire and won. Of course, she thought, neither of us can set Judith on fire... unless I really, really have to.

"Don't be nervous dear," Judith sweetly dripped poison from her lips. "I'm sure you'll be fine... you won't horribly embarrass yourself and your mother."


Later no one, least of all Miranda, would know if she simply missed the venomous sarcasm of Judith's words or rose above them. No one could doubt that Miranda wasn't an experienced actress, but between mediation, yoga and witchcraft she knew a thing or two about being focused and confident.


"The Cabin Boy denies Countess..."


"... and she strikes, carrying 'him' off."


"Nice job kid. Magnificent and all that... Judith."

"Ok, before we lose the light... the Pirate Queen confronts the Countess..."

"... challenges her in order to free the Lady and the Cabin Boy..."


"... battle is joined... Cut! Get that blasted paparazza off my set!!!"


"...battle!"


"... and the Countess is defeated."


"Excellent. Magnificent. Glorious. Fantastic! (Someone get an a blasted thesaurus!)"


"A little rough there, dah'ling," Judith snarled.

"The 'Pirate Queen' fiercely protects her own," Cassie replied coolly.