Marked 5

MARKED 5

Mi Vida Loca

By Zachary Smith

PAGE 1.  PANEL 1.

KALLISTE, TATTOOS IN FULL EXPOSURE, IS BEING MARCHED DOWN THE PRISON CORRIDOR, THERE IS A HUGE GROUP OF GUARDS SURROUDING HER, AT ARMS LENGTH WITH POLES, THINKING LIKE MALCOVICH IN CON AIR.  ALL THE OTHER PRISONERS ARE CHEERING. 

PRISONERS:  TATUAJE! TATUAJE! TATUAJE!

PAGE 1.  PANEL 2.

THE GUARDS LOOK AT THE FURVOR OF THE PRISONERS, AND KALLISTE SEEMS OBLIVIOUS TO IT.  HER EYES ARE STRAIGHT AHEAD.

PRISONER 1:  Fuck the police.  My bitch here took out a whole precinct. 

PAGE 1.  PANEL 3.

KALLISTE IS LED TO AN EMPTY CELL.  THE CELL IS OPENING AS SHE STANDS IN FRONT OF IT.  HER RESTRAINTS ARE BEING REMOVED.

PRISONER 2:  Keep your head up Tatuaje!

PAGE 1.  PANEL 4.

KALLISTE IS SHOVED INTO THE CELL, THE DOOR IS CLOSING BEHIND HER.

PRISONER 3: Solitary didn't break her.  Y'all still scared of her.

PAGE 1.  PANEL 5.

KALLISTE STANDS IN THE CELL, RUBBING HER WRISTS.  SHE BEGINS TO SING.

KALLISTE (SINGING):  SONG WILL BE DETERMINED

PAGE 2.  PANEL 1.

KALLISTE IS COMING OUT OF A CHURCH, COLIN, HER HUSBAND WITH HER, COLIN'S FRIEND SEAN IS OPENING THE CHURCH DOORS FOR THEM.  KALLISTE'S FRIEND, MOLLY IS HELPING TO HOLD UP HER TRAIN AS THEY EXIT THE CHURCH.  THEY WALK CALMLY.

CAPTION: DUBLIN, 1906.

KALLISTE:  Thank you, Molly.

MOLLY:  Can't let this get ruined.  Lord knows if we'll ever see you in one again.

PAGE 2.  PANEL 2.

SEAN IS NOW OPENING THE DOOR TO THE CARRIAGE FOR THEM TO GET INTO.

COLIN:  You're a good mate, Sean.

SEAN:  Anything for Colin on his big day, with his special girl.

COLIN:  Keela's grateful too.

KALLISTE:  I am at that Sean.  I owe you a pint.

PAGE 2.  PANEL 3.

KALLISTE LOOKS AT COLIN AS THEY ARE SEATED IN THE CARRIAGE.

KALLISTE:  I didn't think love.

COLIN:  It's nothing dear.  I can be a bar and not drink.

PAGE 2.  PANEL 4.

COLIN IS ABOUT TO KISS KALLISTE.

COLIN:  Are you happy with this poor man?

KALLISTE:  Ever since the day we met.

PAGE 2.  PANEL 5.

KALLISTE AND COLIN ARE KISSING PASSIONATELY.

PAGE 3.  PANEL 1.

KALLISTE AND MOLLY ARE WALKING OUTSIDE OF TRINITY COLLEGE, IT IS LATE AND DARK. 

CAPTION:  June 16, 1904.

MOLLY:  You're doing so well at the writing and the etymology classes, I am so envious.

KALLISTE:  Don't be.  I've had a long time to study. 

MOLLY:  If you say so.  I'm going to head out.  You going to the pub?

KALLISTE:  I might stop in.

MOLLY:  Be safe.

PAGE 3.  PANEL 2.

KALLISTE IS WALKING DOWN THE WAY, OUTSIDE ARE TWO DRUNK YOUNG MEN.

DRUNK 1:  Look at that bitt of fluff there, aye?

DRUNK 2:  I bet she needs some company, what do you say?

DRUNK 1:  I believe you are right.

PAGE 3.  PANEL 3.

KALLISTE IS TRYING TO WALK IN, BUT THE TWO MEN ARE BLOCKING HER WAY.

KALLISTE:  You can move by your own choice, or I can make you.

DRUNK 2:  She's a right puss on her.

DRUNK 1:  Aye, the darkie is cute.  Where ya from? 

KALLISTE:  Move.

DRUNK 2:  Why so rude, we just want to see the fun bags on ya.

DRUNK 1: Maybe auntie bid is visiting.  Makes her a bit of a mingr.

PAGE 3.  PANEL 4.

KALLISTE KNEES DRUNK 1 IN THE TESTES, DRUNK 2 IS ABOUT TO STRIKE HER.

DRUNK 2:  The hell you bitch?  We meant no harm.

KALLISTE:  You all think that.

PAGE 3.  PANEL 5.

DRUNK 2 HAS BEEN TACKLED BY A DRUNK COLIN.  THEY ARE BOTH ON THE SIDEWALK OUTSIDE THE PUB.  KALLISTE LOOKS A LITTLE SHOCKED.

DRUNK 2:  Get off me McCarthy.

COLIN:  I was just wanting to have a meeting of the minds.

PAGE 3.  PANEL 6.

COLIN HEADBUTTS DRUNK 2.

PAGE 4.  PANEL 1.

COLIN TRIES TO STAND UP.

KALLISTE:  Thank you.

COLIN:  Colin McCarthy at your—

PAGE 4.  PANEL 2.

COLIN IS HUNCHED OVER, VOMITING.

KALLISTE:  These lads today, can’t a one of you hold your Jamesons.

COLIN:  Not after eight pints of black stuff I can’t.

PAGE 4.  PANEL 3.

KALLISTE IS HELPING COLIN WALK.  AS THEY ARE WALKING, THEY PASS JAMES JOYCE AND NORA BARNACLE. 

KALLISTE:  Here.  Let me help you home.

COLIN:  It’s not too far, but not too close.

KALLISTE:  Walking has never bothered me.

PAGE 4.  PANEL 4.

COLIN IS SITTING IN A CHAIR.  KALLISTE HAS A GLASS OF WHISKEY.

KALLISTE:  Water of life.

COLIN:  It is at that.  Not going to pour me one?

KALLISTE:  I don’t think you need one.

COLIN:  Aye, you’re probably right.

KALLISTE:  Why did you help me back there?  You didn’t have to?

PAGE 4.  PANEL 5.

COLIN IS DOZING OFF.

COLIN:  Hate bullies.  Da was just a big bully.  Poor ma…

PAGE 4.  PANEL 6.

COLIN IS PASSED OUT, KALLISTE HAS DRAPED A BLANKET OVER HIM.

PAGE 5.  PANEL 1.

THREE MALE GUARDS STAND OUTSIDE OF THE CELL OF KALLISTE, THE ONE ON THE RIGHT HAS HIS HANDS TUCKED INTO HIS POCKET SMILING.  THE ONE IN THE CENTER IN BEATING HIS BATON AGAINST HIS HAND.  THE ONE ON THE FAR LEFT IS LEANING AGAINST THE CAGE, SALIVATING.

CENTER GUARD:  Heard what you did on the outside.  They say you can fly, got super strength, speed.  What do you think boys, she Wonder Woman?

LEFT GUARD:  She can lasso me up any time.

RIGHT GUARD:  She looks sweet.  I bet they were just some pussies out there.

CENTER GUARD:  Just to let you know, we’ll treat you real nice…

PAGE 5. PANEL 2.

SMALL PANEL OF A WOMAN SMOKING.

CENTER GUARD (CAPTION):  …we’ll get you cigarettes,…

PAGE 5.  PANEL 3.

A WOMAN IS HAVING HER PERIOD IN THE MIDDLE OF THE LUNCH LINE, AND HAS JUST REALIZED IT.

CENTER GUARD (CAPTION):  …tampons…

PAGE 5.  PANEL 4.

A GUARD IS HAVING SEX WITH A PRISONER.  SHE DOES NOT ENJOY IT, IT IS MERELY A SERVICE SHE IS DOING.

CENTER GUARD (CAPTION):  …we’ll even clean out those pipes for you.

PAGE 5.  PANEL 5.

THE GUARD FROM THE PREVIOUS PANEL HAS DROPPED CIGARETTE PACKS AND TAMPONS ON THE FLOOR NEXT TO THE WOMAN HE WAS HAVING SEX WITH.  SHE IS ON THE GROUND PICKING THEM UP.

CENTER GUARD (CAPTION):  We’ll take care of you.  What do you say?

PAGE 5.  PANEL 6.

KALLISTE HAS TURNED TO FACE THEM.  HER EYES BLAZE WITH HATE.

THE GUARDS ARE UNEASY, THEY ARE NO LONGER CONFIDENT THAT THEY COULD CONTROL THIS WOMAN.  NO DIALOGUE.

PAGE 5.  PANEL 7.

KALLISTE SITS DOWN IN THE LOTUS POSITION, WITH HER BACK TO THEM, IGNORING THEM.

CENTER GUARD:  Have it your way, you marked up harpy.  We could of made this real easy.

PAGE 5.  PANEL 8.

KALLISTE SITS IN THE POSITION STLL, THE GUARDS ARE GONE, IN THE CELL NEXT TO HER IS A WOMAN WITH A MIRROR, LOOKING INTO KALLISTE’S CELL.

JUANITA:  Tatuaje?  You shouldn’t have made them mad.  They’ll find some way to get to you.

KALLISTE:  Thanks for the warning…

JUANITA: Juanita.

PAGE 5.  PANEL 9.

TIGHT SHOT OF KALLISTE SHARPENING A TOOTHBRUSH HANDLE TO MAKE INTO A WEAPON.

KALLISTE:  Juanita.  They do not scare me, I am perfectly capable of handling myself.

JUANITA:  You’re lucky, ‘cause not everyone can.

PAGE 6.  PANEL 1.

BACK TO DUBLIN, 1904.  IT IS NIGHT OUTSIDE OF TRINITY COLLEGE AS KALLISTE IS LEAVING ONCE AGAIN, SHE IS LOOKING AROUND HER.  NO DIALOGUE. 

PAGE 6.  PANEL 2.

COLIN’S HAND IS ON HER SHOULDER NOW, BUT THAT IS THE ONLY BODY PART WE SEE, SO WE DON’T KNOW WHAT THE THREAT IS.

COLIN: Hey…

PAGE 6.  PANEL 3.

PERCEIVING THE HAND AS A THREAT, KALLISTE FLIPS COLIN OVER.  NO DIALOGUE.

PAGE 6.  PANEL 4.

COLIN IS ON THE GROUND, RUBBING THE LOWER AREA OF HIS BACK, BUT SMILING.  KALLISTE IS SHOCKED.

KALLISTE:  Oh god, Colin.  I’m sorry.  You shouldn’t sneak up on people.

COLIN:  Duly noted.  But one thing that could make up for this is if you’d let me

                take ye out for a proper drink this time.

KALLISTE:  Aye?  You buying?

COLIN:  If not, are ye going to beat me up?

PAGE 6.  PANEL 5.

COLIN IS WELL INTO HIS CUPS.  KALLISTE IS A LITTLE DRUNK HERSELF, BUT NOT AS BAD AS HIM.

COLIN:  Japan?  How long were ye there?

KALLISTE:  Shhh.  A while.  That’s where I got this.

PAGE 6.  PANEL 6.

COLIN HOLDS HER WRIST AND HE CAN SEE A KANJI TATTOO FOR INIVISIBILTY. 

COLIN:  That’s pretty.

KALLISTE:  You think so?

COLIN:  Aye.  Much better than mine.

PAGE 6.  PANEL 7.

KALLISTE LOOKS INTERESTED. 

KALLISTE:  You have one too?  Can I see?

COLIN:  Ya, but not here.

KALLISTE:  Is this a terrible plan to get me to your place again.

COLIN:  Shit, I hope not.  This was the best plan I could think of.  ‘Sides, you could take

               me in a row.

PAGE 6.  PANEL 8.

COLIN HAS HIS SHIRT OFF, AND WE SEE HIS TATTOO:  A GIANT HARP ON HIS LEFT SHOULDER BLADE.

KALLISTE:  Aren’t you the patriot.

COLIN:  Ah, not really.  I hate the British like any self respecting man would, but you

               know, we’re not much better.  Buddy got me drunk then marked me up.

KALLISTE:  Such conviction.

PAGE 6.  PANEL 9.

KALLISTE IS KISSING HIS BACK.

KALLISTE:  Just when I was going to say that your nationalism was making me so excited.

COLIN:  Aye?  Then I say Parnell was a saint, and O’Shea as well.  Daniel O’Connel

               will resurrect and strike the British from our isle.

KALLISTE:  Shut up and get on the bed.

PAGE 7.  PANEL 1.

KALLISTE WAKES.  IT IS MORNING.  SHE IS STILL IN COLIN’S BED.  THERE IS A NOTE ON THE DRESSER.

NOTE READS:  Had work.  I’ll meet you outside your class, walk you from there?  If

                            not, I understand.  I had a great time.  You were very kind to me, and I

                            like you a lot.  Sorry, now I’m rambling.  There might be some hot

                            water in the pot, depending on what time you wake up.  There’s a key,

                            you can take it with you.

PAGE 7.  PANEL 2.

KALLISTE IS POURING SOME HOT WATER IN THE CUP.  SHE IS NAKED.  SHE HAS NO TATTOOS ON HER, EXCEPT THE KANJI ON HER WRIST.  SHE IS LOOKING AROUND AT THE SIMPLE APARTMENT AS SHE DOES SO.  NO DIALOGUE.

PAGE 7.  PANEL 3.

A QUICK SCAN OF COLIN’S APARTMENT REVEALS THAT HE HAS NO PICTURES OR ANYTHING OF VALUE.  HE HAS A CLOSET, NIGHTSTAND, MIRROR, AND A STOVE. 

KALLISTE:  Not much here.

PAGE 7.  PANEL 4.

KALLISTE IS CLOTHED AND LEAVING, SHE HAS MADE UP THE BED. 

PAGE 7.  PANEL 5.

COLIN WAITS OUTSIDE OF TRINITY.  A LOT OF PEOPLE ARE LEAVING.

NO DIALOGUE.

PAGE 7.  PANEL 6.

COLIN IS TILL WAITING, BUT THERE ARE VERY FEW PEOPLE.  NO DIALOGUE.

PAGE 7.  PANEL 7.

COLIN LOOKS AROUND.  THERE IS NO ONE LEFT.  NO DIALOGUE.

PAGE 7.  PANEL 8.

COLIN BEGINS TO WALK AWAY, HIS FACE SULLEN. 

KALLISTE (OFF PANEL):  Wait!

PAGE 7.  PANEL 9.

COLIN HAS TURNED AROUND, HE IS SMILING, KALLISTE IS RUNNING UP TO HIM.

DIALOGUE CONT.

KALLISTE:  Sorry!  I was getting a critique on a paper.

PAGE 8.  PANEL 1.

KALLISTE IS MOVING SOME THINGS INTO COLIN’S APARTMENT.

KALLISTE:  This will make the walk a lot easier.

COLIN:  Sure that’s the only reason?

KALLISTE:  There maybe other benefits.

PAGE 8.  PANEL 2.

COLIN HAS PUKED THE BED, KALLISE IS AWAKE.

KALLISTE:  That’s it.  No more for you.

COLIN:  Fuck me.

KALLISTE:  Not tonight.

PAGE 8.  PANEL 3.

COLIN LOOKS HEALTHIER AS HE IS LEAVING WORK.

SEAN:  We’ve missed you at the pub for the last two weeks, come on.

COLIN:  No.  I’m good.  How bout we meet for some breakfast on Saturday?

PAGE 8.  PANEL 4.

COLIN AND KALLISTE ARE HAVING BREAKFAST WITH SEAN. 

SEAN:  You are a right one Keela.  I can see why this one hasn’t been at the pub with us.

KALLISTE:  He could go, just no drinking.

COLIN:  That’s like going here and not eating.

KALLISTE:  Eating’s not bad for you.

PAGE 8.  PANEL 5.

COLIN LOOKS LIKE HE IS IN MUCH BETTER HEALTH.  HE IS WALKING KALLISTE HOME AGAIN FROM SCHOOL.

COLIN:  We’ve been doing this, for what, almost two years?

KALLISTE:  Sounds about right.  I lose track of time.

COLIN:  Not much of it in the world, so I try to remember all of it.  What’s say we spend

               the rest of it together?

DIALOGUE CONT.

KALLISTE:  How’s that?

PAGE 8.  PANEL 6.

COLIN IS SLIPPING A RING ONTO KALLISTE’S FINGER.

COLIN:  Maybe by getting married?

KALLISTE:  Oh…Colin.  I don’t know.

PAGE 8.  PANEL 7.

COLIN HOLDS KALLISTE’S HAND.

COLIN:  You make me the best man I could possibly be.  I couldn’t ask for anything

                more.  But maybe I’m beneath you…maybe you’re right.  Maybe I won’t

                always make you happy.  One day you’ll want more that I can’t give you.

PAGE 8.  PANEL 8.

COLIN BEGINS TO TAKE THE RING OFF HER FINGER.

KALLISTE:  You know, money isn’t everything.  I’ve learned that in my time here.

PAGE 8.  PANEL 9.

KALLISTE CLOSES HER FIST, WHICH KEEPS THE RING ON HER FINGER AND ENVELOPES COLIN’S HAND IN HERS.

KALLISTE:  Yes.

PAGE 9.  PANEL 1.

PRISON YARD.  KALLISTE IS GETTING THE MI VIDA LOCA TATTOOED ON HER HAND.  BY ONE OF THE PRISONERS.  OTHER WOMEN STAND AROUND HER AS SHE GETS IT.

KALLISTE:  It's older than you think.  European prisoners were tattooed with it to show

                       that they did time.  In France it was meant to show your contempt for cops.

PAGE 9.  PANEL 2.

KALLISTE IS IN THE LIBRARY, A LOT OF WOMEN ARE LOOKING AT HER READ.  SHE IS READING LOVE BY TONI MORRISON.  KALLISTE IS SHOWING THEM THE COVER TO THEIR QUESTION.

PRISONER: Tatuaje, what are you reading?

KALLISTE:  It's good.

PAGE 9. PANEL 3.

KALLISTE IS SHOWING HER BACK TATTOO TO THEM IN THE YARD.  ONE OF THEM IS READING THE SAME LOVE BOOK. 

PRISONER 2:  Was this done traditionally? 

KALLISTE:  You could say that.

PRISONER 2:  They said you could fly.

KALLISTE:  No.  He was seeing things.

PAGE 9.  PANEL 4.

IN KALLISTE'S CELL A WOMAN IS FEELING HER SLIGHTLY PREGNANT STOMACH.  KALLISTE IS LOOKING AT IT.

KALLISTE:  Try just eating dry stuff, like toast or crackers.  Take your time getting out

                       of bed.  It should help with the nausea.  Who's the dad.

PREGNANT PRISONER:  Thank you.  One of the guards.

KALLISTE:  Hmmm...

PAGE 9.  PANEL 5

THE CENTER GUARD FROM EARIER IS OUTSIDE KALLISTE'S CELL.  SHE IS DOING PUSH UPS IN HER CELL.

DIALOGUE CONT.

CENTER GUARD:  They got some government person coming for you, to figure out

                                  how you did all that shit..  Probably put you in a lab, where you'll

                                  never get out.  Can't wait to be rid of you, the joint has been weird 

                                  since you showed up.

KALLISTE:  Not getting your dick sucked enough?  No one come begging to you for

                       anything?  These women are strong, and they don't need you.

PAGE 9.  PANEL 6.

KALLISTE IS LOOKING RIGHT AT THE CENTER GUARDS FACE, EYE TO EYE.

KALLISTE:  You came with no back up?  You grow a pair finally.

CENTER GUARD:  Fuck you.

PAGE 9.  PANEL 7.

CENTER GUARD SPITS AT HER.  NO DIALOGUE.

PAGE 9.  PANEL 8.

KALLISTE WIPES HER FACE OFF, HER FACE LACKING ANGER.

KALLISTE: That is the most you can do to me?  You are sad.  Why don't you come in here and I'll show you what I can do.

PAGE 9.  PANEL 9.

THE CENTER GUARD WALKS AWAY.

KALLISTE:  Punk.

PAGE 10.  PANEL 1.

BACK IN DUBLIN.  KALLISTE IS WRITING AT A DESK.  NO DIALOGUE.

PAGE 10.  PANEL 2.

SEAN IS WAVING BYE TO COLIN AT THE DOCKS.  NO DIALOGUE.

PAGE 10.  PANEL 3.

COLIN WALKS DOWN THE STREET.

PAGE 10.  PANEL 4, 5, 6.

COLIN WALKS PAST A SERIES OF PUBS.  HE LOOKS AT EACH ONE AS HE WALKS PAST.  AT THE FINAL PANEL HE IS CROSSING THE STREET.

COLIN:  One more day for her.  For me.

PAGE 11.  SPLASH PAGE.

COLLIN AND KALLISTE ARE HAVING SEX.  IT IS NIGHT.  NO DIALOGUE.

PAGE 12.  PANEL 1.

KALLISTE IS IN THE BATHROOM WHILE COLIN IS ON THE BED.

COLIN:  How come you've not gotten pregnant?

KALLISTE (OFF PANEL):  I don't know.

PAGE 12.  PANEL 2.

COLIN IS OUTSIDE THE DOOR OF THE BATHROOM.

COLIN:  Do you think it's me?  The drink maybe?

KALLISTE (OFF PANEL):  I don't think so.  That might make you limp, but not won't

                                               stop your boys from swimming.  Plus, you've been sober

                                               for a while now.  It's not you.

PAGE 12.  PANEL 3.

KALLISTE IS TAKING A PILL IN THE BATHROOM. 

COLIN:  Thanks.

PAGE 12.  PANEL 4.

KALLISTE IS GETTING DRESSED, COLIN IS ALREADY.

KALLISTE:  Let's go for a dander and some afters.

COLIN:  Sounds good.

PAGE 12.  PANEL 5.

COLIN AND KALLISTE ARE IN A PUB, HAVING SOME COOKIES.

COLIN:  Appreciate you not having a pint in front of me.

KALLISTE:  That would be monstrous.  I wouldn't do that to you.

COLIN:  What is it that you gave up?  You've never really said.

PAGE 12.  PANEL 6.

KALLISTE HOLDS HER WRIST WHERE HER TATTOO IS.

KALLISTE:  A way of life.  I used to be wild, and would get into fights.  I've had to

                      grow more civilized, because I like a good row. 

DIALOGUE CONT.

COLIN:  Yeah?  You'd reef some lady?

KALLISTE:  Man or woman, I'd fuck you up.

PAGE 13.  PANEL 1.

KALLISTE IS EATING LUNCH.

PRISONER:  Tatuaje, are they really coming for you? 

KALLISTE:  Don't know.  That guard hates me, so it could be a bluff.  But I doubt it.  I've done things they've never seen, they might want to find out about me.

PAGE 13.  PANEL 2.

KALLISTE CONTINUES TO EAT.  ALL OF THE WOMEN ARE STARTING TO GATHER ROUND HER.  KALLISTE IS LOOKING AROUND CONFUSED.

GUARDS IN THE UPPER DECK SEEM CONCERNED.

KALLISTE:  Guys, what is it?

GUARD 1:  We might have a problem on our hands. 

PAGE 13.  PANEL 3.

KALLISTE STILL LOOKS CONFUSED.  THE WOMAN WHO GAVE HER THE MI VIDA LOCO TATTOO EARLIER. 

HEAD CHOLA:  We will not let them take you.

KALLISTE:  I don't want anyone to get hurt.  You...you have given me a thought though.

PAGE 13.  PANEL 4.

KALLISTE STANDS AND LOOKS AT ALL OF THE WOMEN. 

KALLISTE:  It the short time I have been here you have shown me that conflict can be put aside.  That behind a cause you can be something better than your gang, race, or your crime.  We do not have to let anyone define who we are.  Maiden, mother, crone, wife, widow or partner.  We are these things if we choose to be.  No one can force this label on us.  We will become more, better than what we were.

 

PAGE 13.  PANEL 5.

KALLISTE CONTINUES TO TALK AS THE GUARDS COME THROUGH THE CROWD OF OTHER WOMEN.

I want you all to promise me that from this day forth, you will seek to make this world a better place.  That you will find that tiny place to make home, and it will be as close to perfect as you make it.  For some of us this will be the only thing we leave to this world.  I have no child, but you are my kin.  No life will grow inside me, but I will perform a miracle.  I will give the world what it once lost.

PAGE 13.  PANEL 6.

KALLISTE SUBMITS TO THE GUARDS.

KALLISTE:  I'm ready.

PAGE 14.  PANEL 1.

KALLISTE AND COLIN HAVING SEX AGAIN.  NO DIALOGUE.

PAGE 14.  PANEL 2.

KALLISTE IS TAKING THE PILL IN THE BATHROOM AGAIN.  NO DIALOGUE.

PAGE 14.  PANEL 3.

COLIN LOOKS WORRIED WHEN HE LOOKS AT SEAN WITH HIS BOY AT THE DOCKS. 

SEAN:  Foreman said I could have him with me for the day.  When will you two have some comin'?

COLIN:  No idea.  Kalliste isn't pregnant.

SEAN:  Take her to the doctor, maybe?

COLIN:  Maybe.

PAGE 14.  PANEL 4.

KALLISTE IS SUBMITTING A PAPER TO MOLLY. 

MOLLY:  Thanks.  You up for a walk?  I've been cooped up here all day.

KALLISTE:  Sounds good.

PAGE 14.  PANEL 5.

KALLISTE AND MOLLY ARE AT THE PUB.

MOLLY:  Feels good to be out. 

KALLISTE:  Ha!  I thought you wanted to go for an actual walk. 

MOLLY:  I just want to be out of the office.  Between that, Frank, and the baby, I feel like I don't see anything or anyone anymore.  Where your little ones at?

KALLISTE:  I'm not having any.

PAGE 14. PANEL 6.

MOLLY LOOKS AT KALLISTE.

MOLLY:  No?

DIALOGUE CONT.

KALLISTE:  I...there's something inside me.  It scares me.  A darkness that...what if I pass it on?  I couldn't do that to a child. 

MOLLY:  This darkness...how do you know you'll pass it on?

KALLISTE:  I don't.  But it frightens me.

PAGE 14.  PANEL 7.

MOLLY THROWS SOME COINS ON TO THE BAR.

MOLLY:  Can't live your life in fear.  Does Colin know you feel this way?

KALLISTE:  I didn't know I felt this way until it came up.  He looks so sad when he sees kids, I feel like I could steal one and give it to him.

MOLLY:  He deserves to know. 

KALLISTE:  Two more.

PAGE 14.  PANEL 8.

KALLISTE IS WALKING HOME.  AROUND HER SHE SEES KIDS WALKING WITH THEIR PARENTS, BABIES IN STROLLERS, OR BEING HELD BY THEIR MOTHER.

KALLISTE:  Fuck you, universe.

PAGE 14.  PANEL 9.

KALLISTE IS HAVING A CIGARETTE AS COLIN WALKS INTO THE ROOM.

KALLISTE IS DIGGING IN HER PURSE.

KALLISTE:  Hey love.

COLIN:  Evening.  What is the matter?  You only smoke when you have a deadline.  Did you not turn the paper in today?

KALLISTE:  I did.  It's not that...

PAGE 15.  PANEL 1.

KALLISTE IS SHOWING COLIN THE BOTTLE OF PILLS.

COLIN:  What are those?

KALLISTE:  Abortofacients.  I take one of these after we've had sex and then there is no baby. 

COLIN:  Where did you get these?

PAGE 15.  PANEL 2.

KALLISTE LOOKS AWAY.  COLIN IS CONFUSED.

KALLISTE:  I've had them for a very long time.

COLIN:  How do you know they work?  Wait--is this why you're in the bathroom after we have sex?

PAGE 15.  PANEL 3.

COLIN IS ANGRY.

COLIN:  You know I love you more than anything, and you keep this from me?  Did I do something so awful that you don't want my child?  The drinking?  That it?  The kid will just be some drunk, is that what you're worried about?

KALLISTE:  NO!  I'm worried they be like me.  Some violent person always begging for a fight.  Someone who makes connections, only to lose them.  Who has seen the world and knows that it's not a good place.

PAGE 15.  PANEL 4.

COLIN IS WALKING OUT THE DOOR. 

COLIN:  You're right.  The world is an awful place, where a wife could do this to her husband.

KALLISTE:  Wait!

PAGE 15.  PANEL 5.

COLIN IS OUT THE DOOR.  NO DIALOGUE.

PAGE 15.  PANEL 6.

COLIN IS OUTSIDE THEIR FLAT BUILDING.

PAGE 15.  PANEL 7.

COLIN IS WALKING TO PAGE LEFT, WHERE THE BARS ARE LOCATED.  NO DIALOGUE.

PAGE 15.  PANEL 8.

COLIN STANDS OUTSIDE THE BAR, LOOKING IN.  NO DIALOGUE.

PAGE 15.  PANEL 9.

COLIN IS AT THE BAR, THE BARTENDER LOOKS AT HIM.

BARTENDER:  The same?

COLIN:  Aye, and leave the bottle.

PAGE 16.  PANEL 1.

KALLISTE IS BEHIND COLIN.  THE WHISKEY BOTTLE IS ON THE BAR.  A FULL GLASS OF WHISKEY SITS IN FRONT OF HIM.  THE BARTENDER LOOKS AT THE TWO OF THEM.

KALLISTE: You gave up that quickly?

COLIN:  I haven't touched  a drop. 

BARTENDER:  He's taking up some perfectly good room at my bar, while holding onto some fine whiskey.

PAGE 16.  PANEL 2.

KALLISTE IS HUGGING COLIN FROM BEHIND.  HE SEEMS OBLIVIOUS.  TO THE AFFECTION.

KALLISTE:  The whole reason I showed you and told is that I don't want to be that thing anymore.  I want to be with you.  I want to have your child.

PAGE 16.  PANEL 3.

COLIN STILL SITS, MOTIONLESS.

COLIN:  What about the world?  Still afraid of what it will do?

KALLISTE:  The world is...the world.  And if it can produce someone as good as you, then I need to accept that it is not the place I have painted in my head. 

COLIN:  I'm no good.

PAGE 16.  PANEL 4.

KALLISTE TAKES THE BOTTLE OF WHISKEY IN HER HAND.

KALLISTE:  With this stuff?  No, you're not.  But without it I've seen you do some amazing things.  You look a damn sight better than the first time I met you.  You're making more at the docks, you've gotten stronger.  It's all because you don't waste your time with this shit.

PAGE 16.  PANEL 5.

KALLISTE HANDS THE BOTTLE TO THE BARTENDER WITH HER RIGHT HAND, AND THE GLASS WITH HER LEFT.

KALLISTE:  We can't start things this way.  Let's start over.  I'm a bonnie lass, and you're my handsome lad. 

PAGE 16.  PANEL 6.

COLIN HAS FINALLY TURNED AROUND TO SEE HER. 

COLIN:  So, how should we start.

PAGE 16.  PANEL 7.

KALLISTE KISSES COLIN.  NO DIALOGUE.

PAGE 16.  PANEL 8.

FOREHEAD TO FOREHEAD, KALLISTE AND COLIN HAVE FAINT SMILES ON THEIR FACES.

KALLISTE:  Can we get out of here and go fuck?

COLIN:  Lead the way my lady.

PAGE 16.  PANEL 9.

KALLISTE AND COLIN ARE RUSHING OUT THE DOOR WHEN THEY KNOCK OVER A GROUP OF THREE DRUNK GUYS.

DRUNK 1: OOOF.

DRUNK 2:  The fuck!?

DRUNK 3:  Fucking bitch.

PAGE 17.  PANEL 1.

DRUNK 3 IS UP KALLISTE'S FACE.

DRUNK 3:  Cooze like you ought to watch where she's going.

COLIN:  Hey--

KALLISTE:  I'm not going to take your lip like your wife does.  She might get hit and not complain, but I'm not her. 

PAGE 17.  PANEL 2.

KALLISTE SHOVES THE THIRD DRUNK, THE ONE WHO CALLED HER A BITCH.

KALLISTE:  Not right now, okay? 

DRUNK 3:  Is that so?

PAGE 17.  PANEL 3.

KALLISTE LOOKS BACK AT COLIN.

KALLISTE:  Forget it.  If you can sit all night without having a drink, I can go without a fight tonight.  You gave up your demon, I need to let go of mine.

DRUNK 1:  Too late.

PAGE 17.  PANEL 4.

DRUNK 1 HITS KALLISTE, COLIN IS REACTING.  DRUNK 2 IS PULLING A KNIFE.

PAGE 17.  PANEL 5.

COLIN HITS DRUNK 1, BUT HE IS STABBED BY DRUNK 2 AS HE DOES SO, KALLISTE IS ELBOWING DRUNK 3 AS SHE FALLS BACK.

KALLISTE:  Colin!

PAGE 17.  PANEL 6.

THE THREE DRUNKS RUN AWAY, AS COLIN IS BLEEDING OUT.  KALLISTE

HOLDS COLIN.  PEOPLE WALK PAST THEM.

DRUNK 1:  Bollocks!  Get out of here!

KALLISTE: Help!  Please help us.

PAGE 18.  PANEL 1.

KALLISTE STANDS OVER COLIN'S GRAVE.

KALLISTE:  I can't stand this anymore.  I just keep burying the ones I love.  I swore after Japan, no more.  I would not be involved.  But you just had to be so nice, and persistent.  Couldn't you see I was no good? 

PAGE 18.  PANEL 2.

KALLISTE IS LEANING AGAINST THE TOMBSTONE.

KALLISTE:  It wasn't always great, if I tell the truth. There were times that you annoyed me, and I'm sure I pissed you off.  That's what married people do though, isn't it?  Hate and love each other.  They enter into an eternal pact, which in itself is a joke.  Nothing is eternal, not even me.  I'll die one day.  But I will leave nothing behind, except for death.

PAGE 18.  PANEL 3.

KALLISTE IS NOW RESTING AGAINST THE TOMBSTONE, WITH THE BACK OF HER HEAD.

KALLISTE:  It felt like prison some days, not being able to let loose.  Seeing these assholes walk around like they own the place, hearing the shouts and screams of our neighbors as they fought.  More like one fought, and one got a beating.  Is that what this life is for?  Killing the people that we say we love?  Hhhhh.  I get like this every few decades.  I always just chalk it up to getting older. 

PAGE 18.  PANEL 4.

KALLISTE IS GETTING UP.

KALLISTE:  Time to leave again.  Maybe I'll try America, that's where a lot of the Irish seem to be heading.  I just don't know if this world is for me anymore.  I have to hide my true self from the world.  It's so awful.  Good thing I never have anything weighing me down, so I can just pick up and leave. 

PAGE 18.  PANEL 5.

KALLISTE IS KISSING THE TOMBSTONE.  NO DIALOGUE.

PAGE 18.  PANEL 6.

KALLISTE IS STANDING THERE, LOOKING AT THE TOMBSTONE.

KALLISTE:  You know, I meant what I said.  I wanted your child, I've never thought that before about anyone.  I've just lived my life in fear, and I'm sorry for that.  I wish I could have given you more.  That I could have left something behind that was worth a damn.  Goodbye Colin.

PAGE 18.  PANEL 7.

KALLISTE IS WALKING AWAY FROM THE GRAVE.    

KALLISTE (TALKING THEN SINGING):  Remember that song on our wedding day?

"Youth must with time decay

Eileen aroon!

Beauty must fade away,

Eileen aroon!

Castles are sacked in war,

Chieftains are scattered far,

Truth is a fixèd star,

Eileen aroon!"

PAGE 19.  PANEL 1.

KALLISTE IS SITTING IN SOLITARY CONFINEMENT.  IT'S JUST HER AND HER THOUGHTS.

ONI (CAPTION):  We can leave anytime, why are we still here?

KALLISTE (CAPTION):  I think we deserve to be here, don't you?  We've done nothing but lie, cheat, and murder for thousands of years.

ONI (CAPTION):  You're not blaming me for that, are you?

PAGE 19.  PANEL 2.

SAME PANEL AS BEFORE.

KALLISTE (CAPTION):  That would be childish.  I am beyond that now.  I know it's me, and that's why I haven't done anything about leaving. 

ONI (CAPTION):  You're a sad one, you know that?  This whole century been drab.  It's because they've tried to civilize themselves, and you're trying to live by their lie.  But we come from a time of truth.  When you were judged by your word and your strength.  All this double talk and politeness.  Give me some rude, woman hater any day.  At least they are honest.

KALLISTE: Now who is being drab?  The world is evolving, we have seen it.

PAGE 19.  PANEL 3.

SAME PANEL AS BEFORE.

ONI (CAPTION):  Don't sell me on this being a better world.  I'm stuck inside with your thoughts, I know that is not what you think.

KALLISTE (CAPTION):  The world is the world.  That's something I came to accept a long time ago.  I can only try to make it better.  Like I told the women earlier, carve out that corner of the world and make it yours.  Then you can control it.  You are in charge.

ONI (CAPTION):  These women are weak.

PAGE 19.  PANEL 4.

SAME PANEL AS BEFORE.

KALLISTE (CAPTION):  No.  Misguided.  I have shown them that they don't need to fight each other.  That there is a larger enemy working against them, and that they don't need to play their game.   I've shown them the chance of a better world if they--

ONI (CAPTION):  Break away from their rules?  It will only cause more strife in the end.  They are never happy.  They must always struggle.  Even when you lived in Atlantis, the place they think is a myth, an ancient paradise, their was lust and murder.  And you were a part of both.

KALLISTE (CAPTION):  ...

PAGE 19.  PANEL 5.

SAME PANEL AS BEFORE.

ONI (CAPTION):  Nothing?  Did I finally silence the warrior woman?  The great Volva?  The Oni Ryu, has no fire to spit back with?  This truly is a remarkable day. 

KALLISTE (CAPTION):  Thank you.

ONI (CAPTION):  For?

PAGE 19. PANEL 6.

KALLISTE IS GETTING UP, THERE IS LIGHT BECAUSE HER CELL DOOR IS OPEN.

KALLISTE:  Atlantis.

GUARD (OFF PANEL):  On your feet.  They are ready for you.

PAGE 20.  SPLASH PAGE.

KALLISTE WALKS WITH HER HEAD HELD HIGH, AND SMILING. 

KALLISTE:  Time for a better world. 

                                                        THE END