A Day of Reckoning - Opening to Season 2

[SteveW]

Don't have enough time to read through all of it right now but what I have read is interesting! Good writing and some very creative storylines. Will continue to check it out!

Thank you - yes it has become rather long. I do appreciate your taking the time. I have incorporated a lot of feedback so as you read I hope you will see improvement. Thanks again.

[SteveW]

Betsy walks down the hall at Ewing Oil with Margaret, "if they think we're just going to let them walk into her and take Ewing Oil, they've got another thing coming."

Margaret said, "they already have out bid us on three leases. They are going right after everything we do."

"Let them. We have enough already in the works to sustain this company's growth for a long time."

"I heard JR is looking to over turn the court order setting up the trust fo the Southfork Oil. The idea being he can take that away from us."

"We have solid leases and have done business under those leases. Let him try."

"I've got Bobby and Rebecca on it."

"My brother will mess them up in court."

Walking past Betsy's secretary she says, "Ms. Ewing you have some flower that arrived for you, in your office."

She opens the door and it looks like a funeral home, probably two dozen bouquets.

Margaret comments, "did some one die?"

"Not yet. Michael sent them." She looks out side her door and say to her sectary, "get this crap of my office." She then closes her door and continues to walk to the elevator with Margaret.

"So Lucas comes home today."

"I am excited. You told him about Ewing Oil?"

"He couldn't be happier."

They get on the elevator and take it down.

Betsy says, "that's good. Rebecca says she's making him a special dinner tonight. I offered to help but she's kind of insisting."

"Well you should let her. She's a stay at home mom now. Goes into the law firm here and there and then the occasional Barns Brother's board meeting, the house is kind of her thing."

"Its not up to me. Its John Ross's house. Maybe Elena wants to cook."

"Yea right."

"She might."

Margaret says, "I meant you letting her."

"I'm not running Southfork."

"You're running the whole family. Did Chris ask you if he and Rebecca could have another baby."

"No," she says with a smile on her face.

"Ok not asked but he ran it by you."

"He was looking for advise."

"Back it up Betsy. Those boys' wives aren't going to turn over their families to you."

"We are all Ewing's, one family."

"Cool it Betsy."

Chris walks up to them, "ready for lunch?"

Margaret turns to Betsy, "where to?"

Betsy says, "no, Chris you pick."

"I don't know. You always pick."

Betsy responds, "I do not."

Chris says, "what's up with her?"




JR meets with Abby in the empty board room of West Star. She says, "you underestimated Betsy."

"I'd say so. I figured on the foundation but she's finding money in lots of places to keep her head above water."

"She has a lot of friends. A lot."

"How committed is Sumner Channing to acquiring Ewing Oil?"

"My husband adores Betsy."

Betsy walks into the board room through the open door, "then why does he want to take my family's company away?"

JR says, "that is not your family's company."

"Why because you are not there? You're a Bully Uncle JR. I was in Australia a few years back and saw a play, the Hurting Game by Paul Johnson. They pretty much had your number, about the hurtful games we sometimes play to give ourselves a, all be it fake, sense of power and belonging."

"Mark my words my dear, my power is not fake and I am the only one that belongs at Southfork and who should be running Ewing Oil."

"I assure you, your partners don't care about your goals. You're partnership only exists as long as it is mutually beneficial. Abby wants my option to buy the oil leases on Lotus Point. Her husband wants what I want, to merge Ewing Oil and West Star, take the family company public yet leave the family attached to the company." Looking at Abby, "I can achieve that just fine on my own."

Michael walks in behind her, "awe but why go to such bother?"

She turns to look at him, "this is your fault you know it. Tell him to back away."

"He's not going to. He's just like you, he's bossy. He's not about to let you in the family without him sitting in the catbird seat."

"I'm not entering his family. I told you that. And this just goes to prove me right. You people swallow up other people. Look what happened to your Grandma, why she divorced your grandpa, yet he still raised your father, totally with out her consent or knowledge, manipulated his daughters until they have been locked up in that house and can't function. No thank you Michael."

"'Behind me there are already so many memories . . . Lots of memories, but no point in remembering them, and ahead of me a long, long road with nothing to aim for . . . I just don't want to go along it' alone."

"Oh what a romantic you are," Betsy said with sarcasm. " And, don't quote Turgenev to me."

"Its your favorite book."

"You ass. You want to do something for me? Get them out of my life!"

"But why. Give me one good reason.


"I want you to. Look it, I'm too busy for this right now."

"'The fact is that previously they were simply dunces and now they've suddenly become nihilists.'

"They were and they are, except this lot are hedonists bastards," nodding to JR and Abby.

"And what is our generation?"

"Existentialist, looking for a way out of man’s inhumanity to man, not into it."

"Always the sparing partner," Michael noted.

"Now that we are done and love has been made pointless. Just do this human being a favor and call off your father."

Abby says, "as soon as I get the Lotus Point leases."

"Over his dead body," she says pointing to JR.

"Now darl'n," JR responds.

"Don't darl'n me. You always want too much. You're not getting it this time." She storms out.



That evening Betsy's drives from her house. The house, a modern, international style, all glass, one story structure appears hidden far from the road and behind trees and berms. Young grapes planted on both sides all the way along the long stretch. Next to the long drive is a sign that reads 'Halcón Winery.' She drives just down the street and pulls down the driveway of the main house on Southfork.

Al the cousins are gathered out back, John Ross, Elena, Chris and a very pregnant Rebecca, Chris, Bobby and Drew. Rebecca is sitting the table with food. Margaret pulls in right behind Betsy and helps Lucas out of the car He is stiff but full of smiles.

Betsy goes to help him too but he pulls away form both of them. "I can do it myself." At the table he says, "everything looks good Rebecca. Next time I'm barbequing."

They all sit down in their regular seats. John Ross opens the wine and passes it around the table.

Betsy says, "glad to have you home Lucas."

John Ross raises his glass, "to Lucas's return to the Ewing fold."

Everyone raises a glass and says 'here, here."

Betsy continues, "you'll be please how nice Margaret fits in at the office. Isn't that right?"

"I'm still caught up in the learning cure."

"Well now that Lucas is up and around, I'm sure he'll be a big help. He and John Ross worked closely together. Isn't that right John Ross?"

"Yes it is," he responded.

Betsy went on, "and once you're both settled and things are working out well, we'll have to find some nice Texas boy for you."

They all laugh as Margaret starts to object. Chis says, "no sense in arguing with her. Just go on the date and marry the man."

"That's ok. I appreciate the thought Betsy, really I do. But I'm not ready to see anyone."

"I'm not talking marriage. I'm talking companionship. There is nothing wrong with making friends of the opposite sex. Or of the same sex if you prefer."

Bobby chokes on his wine.

Betsy goes on, "Don't worry. It'll all be good. I'd try and help Lucas here but he'd break the poor girl' heart on the first date."

"That's not true," he objects, "I'm misunderstood."

Chris says, "three nurses were in tears while you were still in a coma."

They all laugh.

Betsy says, "its alright, someone has to be the JR of the family."

A loud round of "ewww" stir from everyone at the table.

Lucas says, "I'll take that as a complement."

John Ross says, "do. My father isn't all that bad."

Betsy says, "no more so then the rest of them, actually a bit more honest about being a snake in the grass. Any way no business talk. Don't worry it will all be very painless."

Rebecca changes the subject, "so Betsy, I saw your vineyard is coming along nicely."

"It is. Thank you. Just something small. The winery, is up and running, purchasing grapes from other harvests around the area, but doing very nice thank you. Won't be long until all the wind at this table is family wine."

"You spent some time up in northern California, didn't you," Rebecca continues.

"Yes I did. Lived on a winery for a couple years."

"Sounds assassinating," Rebecca kept going. "Tell us all about it. What was he like?"

"Oh he was something else. Had all the charm of John Ross here. Yet more quiet like Chris, so he kind of sneaked up on you. One minute you're working on a project for the family, the next you're living in the spring house out back of their family place. He has the most gorgeous eyes." She just kept going, everyone smiling and listening.


Later over the sink doing dishes Margaret says to Rebecca, "so you've figured out how to handle her?"

"A bit."

"She is overwhelming."

"Isn't she? I had to figure her out. You can only take so much of your husband saying, 'Betsy this' and 'Betsy that' before something has to give."

"I get the feeling she is running Ewing Oil."

"You have good instincts. I've finally got Max to work with me and dinners and taking care of the house. I hope I'm not stepping on Rebecca's toes, but she doesn't seem to want to. Maybe that'll change once she has kids."

"You and Chris plan on having anymore?"

"At least two more, yes."

"Big family."

"We're hoping. Lots of room sharing up there. If Lucas moves out John Ross and Elena said they'd move down stairs."

"Well he can have my room out in the guest house. I'm planning on build a house on the land I got from Uncle Bobby."

"Oh that will work out just perfect. Well until they have children. Don't say that I'm spreading it around, but I guess Elena is concerned about that."

"Really?"

"She has certain problems."

"Well with modern medicine."

"That's what I said."




Betsy drove into her house at night, the basement level garage and then walked up stairs. She put her keys down and walked in the living room, the one lamp on. "Your later then I thought," Michale said.

She streamed, startled, "what the hell! Michael. How did you get in here! Damn you!"

"Betsy."

"No, get the hell out of here. Real people don't sneak into your house at night and scare the hell out of you."

"Betsy."

"Get out Michael!"

"We need to talk."

"Make an appointment."

"What with your secretary?"

"With someone who cares!"

"Betsy that hurt."

"There's a great bar in town, down your sorrows."

Michael asks, "why won't you talk to me?"

"Cause you scare the hell out of me."

He followed her into her bedroom. "By the was I like the house."

"Get out."

"I'm serious. I really like the outside walls being all glass, brings in the outside."

She starts to undress, "thank you. Now can you please leave?"

"A winery ha?"

"Are you still here?" She slips on a long t-shirt.

"Are you going to listen?"

"No." She takes her bra off under her shirt.

"Please."

"Good night Michael." She gets into bed.

"I love you."


"Good night." She turns out the lights.

He takes off his pants and his shirt and crawls in the other side of the bed with her. "I just want to talk."

"Go to sleep." She turns over and rests her head on his chest, eyes closed. He plays with her hair. They go to sleep.






Lucas meets with John Ross in the West Star offices, "so you finally got yourself into Ewing Oil," JR notes.

"In yes. But my sister is in my office."

JR laughs, "well my son is in mine."

"I've noticed. Do you know she is already sitting for her portrait in the board room as the fifth President of Ewing Oil?"

"Really. Betsy does move quick."

"Betsy's pissed on you taking those oil leases in Alaska from us. Looking over it, I would expect you to have someone on the indside, but since it wasn't me, I'm not sure where you're getting your information."

"I've got my sources."

"I'm sure you do. So do I, and I'm hearing your partners aren't as loyal to your cause as you'd like. All Betsy has to do is sign form oil leases over to West Star and Abby is out of the picture. And you loose all of Sumner Channing's support if Betsy can get get boyfriend's family to back off."

"They're not running West Star, I am."

"And you goal is to?"

"Merge Ewing Oil and West Star. With me right back in the Chairman's seat."

"And me as President."

"Son you need to get back in school. You're a bit young to be running a multi billion dollar, international corporation."

"You're probably a bit old."





That evening at Southfork the family gathered again, Betsy arrived, followed by Bobby and Drew. They walked up to the patio to find Lucas over a smoking grill. Rebecca said to them, "he's burning down the place."

"What's a barbeque without smoke," Lucas said.

Music started to play and John Ross came walking out with Elena and the two kids. They danced around with the kids to Garth Brooks 'Standing Outside the Fire.'

Rebecca said, "of very funny."

Chris walked up and grabbed Rebecca to dance. She says, "I've got stuff to finish."

"No you don't," he says.

Bobby grabs up Drew and they join in a little Texas two step with the cousins.

Margaret brings out more barbeque sauce.

Betsy watches.

Michael walks up behind her, I couldn't have planned this better if, I'd planned it."

"What are you doing here?"

"Standing out side the fire," he grabs her up and twirls her around.

"Will you let me go," she says without struggling. "Who invited you . . . John Ross did you invite him?" He dips her. Then as she rises she grabs a hold of him tight and twirls him around, taking the lead.

Lucas and Margaret set the table with the meat from the grill.

The babies laugh it up. Their parents take them.

John Ross drops into a chair, Elena into his lap.

Chris and Rebecca bounce the kids on their knees.

Betsy twirls around as the song ends and Michael pulls her in close, there lips so very close they can feel each other's breath, "no I don't think I will kiss you," he says.

"Shut up," she replies and kiss him. The kiss returned she falling into his arms.






Just off shore a rig with the marker, Ewing Alternative Energies, explodes, blast after blast.






Lucas says, "diner is ready."

Meatloaf's 'I Would Do Anything for Love,' starts to play. Elena says, "oh that's your i-pod," to John Ross.

Betsy's lips part from Micheal's; he leans down to kiss her some more.

John Ross says, "get a room."

They all laugh.






The intense fire on the oil rig sends burning workers running over the edge, plummeting to their deaths.






Michael twirls Betsy around as the music speeds up. He then pulls her into him.






An oily surface on the water around the rig catches fire and spreads out with the waves.






The family turns around to eat, a huge meal covering the table. They laugh and talk. Chris feeds one of the kids and Rebecca the other. Still not at the table, Betsy holds onto Micheal, "get me out of her."

He replies, "I can do that." He takes her hand and they run to their cars.






A young woman open her door to a small cottage of a house. Two people about her age speak to her. They tell her about the exploision and no one knows about her husband. She collapses into their arms.






In a convertible Bentley, Michael drives off with Betsy away from Southfork.

The family eats with out her and John Ross says, "I think someone finally found a way to keep Betsy busy."

[SteveW]

Betsy walks down the hall at Ewing Oil with Margaret, "if they think we're just going to let them walk into her and take Ewing Oil, they've got another thing coming."

Margaret said, "they already have out bid us on three leases. They are going right after everything we do."

"Let them. We have enough already in the works to sustain this company's growth for a long time."

"I heard JR is looking to over turn the court order setting up the trust fo the Southfork Oil. The idea being he can take that away from us."

"We have solid leases and have done business under those leases. Let him try."

"I've got Bobby and Rebecca on it."

"My brother will mess them up in court."

Walking past Betsy's secretary she says, "Ms. Ewing you have some flower that arrived for you, in your office."

She opens the door and it looks like a funeral home, probably two dozen bouquets.

Margaret comments, "did some one die?"

"Not yet. Michael sent them." She looks out side her door and say to her sectary, "get this crap of my office." She then closes her door and continues to walk to the elevator with Margaret.

"So Lucas comes home today."

"I am excited. You told him about Ewing Oil?"

"He couldn't be happier."

They get on the elevator and take it down.

Betsy says, "that's good. Rebecca says she's making him a special dinner tonight. I offered to help but she's kind of insisting."

"Well you should let her. She's a stay at home mom now. Goes into the law firm here and there and then the occasional Barns Brother's board meeting, the house is kind of her thing."

"Its not up to me. Its John Ross's house. Maybe Elena wants to cook."

"Yea right."

"She might."

Margaret says, "I meant you letting her."

"I'm not running Southfork."

"You're running the whole family. Did Chris ask you if he and Rebecca could have another baby."

"No," she says with a smile on her face.

"Ok not asked but he ran it by you."

"He was looking for advise."

"Back it up Betsy. Those boys' wives aren't going to turn over their families to you."

"We are all Ewing's, one family."

"Cool it Betsy."

Chris walks up to them, "ready for lunch?"

Margaret turns to Betsy, "where to?"

Betsy says, "no, Chris you pick."

"I don't know. You always pick."

Betsy responds, "I do not."

Chris says, "what's up with her?"




JR meets with Abby in the empty board room of West Star. She says, "you underestimated Betsy."

"I'd say so. I figured on the foundation but she's finding money in lots of places to keep her head above water."

"She has a lot of friends. A lot."

"How committed is Sumner Channing to acquiring Ewing Oil?"

"My husband adores Betsy."

Betsy walks into the board room through the open door, "then why does he want to take my family's company away?"

JR says, "that is not your family's company."

"Why because you are not there? You're a Bully Uncle JR. I was in Australia a few years back and saw a play, the Hurting Game by Paul Johnson. They pretty much had your number, about the hurtful games we sometimes play to give ourselves a, all be it fake, sense of power and belonging."

"Mark my words my dear, my power is not fake and I am the only one that belongs at Southfork and who should be running Ewing Oil."

"I assure you, your partners don't care about your goals. You're partnership only exists as long as it is mutually beneficial. Abby wants my option to buy the oil leases on Lotus Point. Her husband wants what I want, to merge Ewing Oil and West Star, take the family company public yet leave the family attached to the company." Looking at Abby, "I can achieve that just fine on my own."

Michael walks in behind her, "awe but why go to such bother?"

She turns to look at him, "this is your fault you know it. Tell him to back away."

"He's not going to. He's just like you, he's bossy. He's not about to let you in the family without him sitting in the catbird seat."

"I'm not entering his family. I told you that. And this just goes to prove me right. You people swallow up other people. Look what happened to your Grandma, why she divorced your grandpa, yet he still raised your father, totally with out her consent or knowledge, manipulated his daughters until they have been locked up in that house and can't function. No thank you Michael."

"'Behind me there are already so many memories . . . Lots of memories, but no point in remembering them, and ahead of me a long, long road with nothing to aim for . . . I just don't want to go along it' alone."

"Oh what a romantic you are," Betsy said with sarcasm. " And, don't quote Turgenev to me."

"Its your favorite book."

"You ass. You want to do something for me? Get them out of my life!"

"But why. Give me one good reason.


"I want you to. Look it, I'm too busy for this right now."

"'The fact is that previously they were simply dunces and now they've suddenly become nihilists.'

"They were and they are, except this lot are hedonists bastards," nodding to JR and Abby.

"And what is our generation?"

"Existentialist, looking for a way out of man’s inhumanity to man, not into it."

"Always the sparing partner," Michael noted.

"Now that we are done and love has been made pointless. Just do this human being a favor and call off your father."

Abby says, "as soon as I get the Lotus Point leases."

"Over his dead body," she says pointing to JR.

"Now darl'n," JR responds.

"Don't darl'n me. You always want too much. You're not getting it this time." She storms out.



That evening Betsy's drives from her house. The house, a modern, international style, all glass, one story structure appears hidden far from the road and behind trees and berms. Young grapes planted on both sides all the way along the long stretch. Next to the long drive is a sign that reads 'Halcón Winery.' She drives just down the street and pulls down the driveway of the main house on Southfork.

Al the cousins are gathered out back, John Ross, Elena, Chris and a very pregnant Rebecca, Chris, Bobby and Drew. Rebecca is sitting the table with food. Margaret pulls in right behind Betsy and helps Lucas out of the car He is stiff but full of smiles.

Betsy goes to help him too but he pulls away form both of them. "I can do it myself." At the table he says, "everything looks good Rebecca. Next time I'm barbequing."

They all sit down in their regular seats. John Ross opens the wine and passes it around the table.

Betsy says, "glad to have you home Lucas."

John Ross raises his glass, "to Lucas's return to the Ewing fold."

Everyone raises a glass and says 'here, here."

Betsy continues, "you'll be please how nice Margaret fits in at the office. Isn't that right?"

"I'm still caught up in the learning cure."

"Well now that Lucas is up and around, I'm sure he'll be a big help. He and John Ross worked closely together. Isn't that right John Ross?"

"Yes it is," he responded.

Betsy went on, "and once you're both settled and things are working out well, we'll have to find some nice Texas boy for you."

They all laugh as Margaret starts to object. Chis says, "no sense in arguing with her. Just go on the date and marry the man."

"That's ok. I appreciate the thought Betsy, really I do. But I'm not ready to see anyone."

"I'm not talking marriage. I'm talking companionship. There is nothing wrong with making friends of the opposite sex. Or of the same sex if you prefer."

Bobby chokes on his wine.

Betsy goes on, "Don't worry. It'll all be good. I'd try and help Lucas here but he'd break the poor girl' heart on the first date."

"That's not true," he objects, "I'm misunderstood."

Chris says, "three nurses were in tears while you were still in a coma."

They all laugh.

Betsy says, "its alright, someone has to be the JR of the family."

A loud round of "ewww" stir from everyone at the table.

Lucas says, "I'll take that as a complement."

John Ross says, "do. My father isn't all that bad."

Betsy says, "no more so then the rest of them, actually a bit more honest about being a snake in the grass. Any way no business talk. Don't worry it will all be very painless."

Rebecca changes the subject, "so Betsy, I saw your vineyard is coming along nicely."

"It is. Thank you. Just something small. The winery, is up and running, purchasing grapes from other harvests around the area, but doing very nice thank you. Won't be long until all the wind at this table is family wine."

"You spent some time up in northern California, didn't you," Rebecca continues.

"Yes I did. Lived on a winery for a couple years."

"Sounds assassinating," Rebecca kept going. "Tell us all about it. What was he like?"

"Oh he was something else. Had all the charm of John Ross here. Yet more quiet like Chris, so he kind of sneaked up on you. One minute you're working on a project for the family, the next you're living in the spring house out back of their family place. He has the most gorgeous eyes." She just kept going, everyone smiling and listening.


Later over the sink doing dishes Margaret says to Rebecca, "so you've figured out how to handle her?"

"A bit."

"She is overwhelming."

"Isn't she? I had to figure her out. You can only take so much of your husband saying, 'Betsy this' and 'Betsy that' before something has to give."

"I get the feeling she is running Ewing Oil."

"You have good instincts. I've finally got Max to work with me and dinners and taking care of the house. I hope I'm not stepping on Rebecca's toes, but she doesn't seem to want to. Maybe that'll change once she has kids."

"You and Chris plan on having anymore?"

"At least two more, yes."

"Big family."

"We're hoping. Lots of room sharing up there. If Lucas moves out John Ross and Elena said they'd move down stairs."

"Well he can have my room out in the guest house. I'm planning on build a house on the land I got from Uncle Bobby."

"Oh that will work out just perfect. Well until they have children. Don't say that I'm spreading it around, but I guess Elena is concerned about that."

"Really?"

"She has certain problems."

"Well with modern medicine."

"That's what I said."




Betsy drove into her house at night, the basement level garage and then walked up stairs. She put her keys down and walked in the living room, the one lamp on. "Your later then I thought," Michale said.

She streamed, startled, "what the hell! Michael. How did you get in here! Damn you!"

"Betsy."

"No, get the hell out of here. Real people don't sneak into your house at night and scare the hell out of you."

"Betsy."

"Get out Michael!"

"We need to talk."

"Make an appointment."

"What with your secretary?"

"With someone who cares!"

"Betsy that hurt."

"There's a great bar in town, down your sorrows."

Michael asks, "why won't you talk to me?"

"Cause you scare the hell out of me."

He followed her into her bedroom. "By the was I like the house."

"Get out."

"I'm serious. I really like the outside walls being all glass, brings in the outside."

She starts to undress, "thank you. Now can you please leave?"

"A winery ha?"

"Are you still here?" She slips on a long t-shirt.

"Are you going to listen?"

"No." She takes her bra off under her shirt.

"Please."

"Good night Michael." She gets into bed.

"I love you."


"Good night." She turns out the lights.

He takes off his pants and his shirt and crawls in the other side of the bed with her. "I just want to talk."

"Go to sleep." She turns over and rests her head on his chest, eyes closed. He plays with her hair. They go to sleep.






Lucas meets with John Ross in the West Star offices, "so you finally got yourself into Ewing Oil," JR notes.

"In yes. But my sister is in my office."

JR laughs, "well my son is in mine."

"I've noticed. Do you know she is already sitting for her portrait in the board room as the fifth President of Ewing Oil?"

"Really. Betsy does move quick."

"Betsy's pissed on you taking those oil leases in Alaska from us. Looking over it, I would expect you to have someone on the indside, but since it wasn't me, I'm not sure where you're getting your information."

"I've got my sources."

"I'm sure you do. So do I, and I'm hearing your partners aren't as loyal to your cause as you'd like. All Betsy has to do is sign form oil leases over to West Star and Abby is out of the picture. And you loose all of Sumner Channing's support if Betsy can get get boyfriend's family to back off."

"They're not running West Star, I am."

"And you goal is to?"

"Merge Ewing Oil and West Star. With me right back in the Chairman's seat."

"And me as President."

"Son you need to get back in school. You're a bit young to be running a multi billion dollar, international corporation."

"You're probably a bit old."





That evening at Southfork the family gathered again, Betsy arrived, followed by Bobby and Drew. They walked up to the patio to find Lucas over a smoking grill. Rebecca said to them, "he's burning down the place."

"What's a barbeque without smoke," Lucas said.

Music started to play and John Ross came walking out with Elena and the two kids. They danced around with the kids to Garth Brooks 'Standing Outside the Fire.'

Rebecca said, "of very funny."

Chris walked up and grabbed Rebecca to dance. She says, "I've got stuff to finish."

"No you don't," he says.

Bobby grabs up Drew and they join in a little Texas two step with the cousins.

Margaret brings out more barbeque sauce.

Betsy watches.

Michael walks up behind her, I couldn't have planned this better if, I'd planned it."

"What are you doing here?"

"Standing out side the fire," he grabs her up and twirls her around.

"Will you let me go," she says without struggling. "Who invited you . . . John Ross did you invite him?" He dips her. Then as she rises she grabs a hold of him tight and twirls him around, taking the lead.

Lucas and Margaret set the table with the meat from the grill.

The babies laugh it up. Their parents take them.

John Ross drops into a chair, Elena into his lap.

Chris and Rebecca bounce the kids on their knees.

Betsy twirls around as the song ends and Michael pulls her in close, there lips so very close they can feel each other's breath, "no I don't think I will kiss you," he says.

"Shut up," she replies and kiss him. The kiss returned she falling into his arms.






Just off shore a rig with the marker, Ewing Alternative Energies, explodes, blast after blast.






Lucas says, "diner is ready."

Meatloaf's 'I Would Do Anything for Love,' starts to play. Elena says, "oh that's your i-pod," to John Ross.

Betsy's lips part from Micheal's; he leans down to kiss her some more.

John Ross says, "get a room."

They all laugh.






The intense fire on the oil rig sends burning workers running over the edge, plummeting to their deaths.






Michael twirls Betsy around as the music speeds up. He then pulls her into him.






An oily surface on the water around the rig catches fire and spreads out with the waves.






The family turns around to eat, a huge meal covering the table. They laugh and talk. Chris feeds one of the kids and Rebecca the other. Still not at the table, Betsy holds onto Micheal, "get me out of her."

He replies, "I can do that." He takes her hand and they run to their cars.






A young woman open her door to a small cottage of a house. Two people about her age speak to her. They tell her about the exploision and no one knows about her husband. She collapses into their arms.






In a convertible Bentley, Michael drives off with Betsy away from Southfork.

The family eats with out her and John Ross says, "I think someone finally found a way to keep Betsy busy."

[Jessie]

Awesome updates great start to Season 3, looking forward to more, love your story.

[SteveW]

The family charters a private plane and rushes down to the coast. From the airport Chris takes a helicopter out to the oil rid which is still burning, barrages spraying it with water, Chris looking down to survey the damage.

Betsy, Bobby, John Ross, Elena and Margaret are picked and driven to the hospital. Bobby talks with a hospital administrator about doing everything they can for the Ewing Oil and employees and their families. Betsy and Margaret arrange food for the family and book an entire hotel. John Ross, with Elena standing next to him takes an interview outside.

The reporter says looking into the camera, "I'm at Walker Memorial Hospital with John Ross Ewing, Chairman and CEO of Ewing Oil. Can you tell us where things stand as we speak?"

"Everyone has been accounted for. Eight people are confirmed dead. Everyone else in being treated, from critical to stable. My cousins Betsy, Margaret and Bobby and doing everything that can be done to help with the situation."

"Do you know what caused the explosion?"

"Not at this time, but we will find out. My cousin Christopher, who is scientist leading the experimental project, is already out there. This technology is still in the developmental stages and we have taken every precaution conceivable. This tragedy and the loss of our friends, has deeply hurt my family, but more importantly we are concerned for those still fighting for their lives and for the families who will begin to grieve."

"Thank you Mr. Ewing. I am sure they greatly appreciate everything your family is doing for them right now."




Chris meets Betsy and John Ross out at the airport coming out of the helicopter. "Its a total loss is all I can say. We'll have to wait until I can get onto the platform to figure out what happened but their is methane still coming up from under the ocean floor."

Betsy says, "we have to prove this was a complete accident. No negligence on our part. That's your job Chris."

John Ross says, "don't worry Chris, we know you did everything you could. This is going to work itself out."

He replies, "Those people are dead because of me."

Betsy states, "they knew what they were getting into. This is dangerous work and they were paid extremely well."

John Ross adds, "and your work is very important. What you do will improve the lives of people, it will protect our planet and provide energy for billions of people."




They three of them get in a car and head to the hotel. They march into the lobby. John Ross takes a noticeably shaken Chris up to his room. Betsy stops to talk to Margaret in her room. The first thing she says is, "you're the President of Ewing Oil, you have to mitigate the bad press. I'll figure out what I can do to minimize the financial cost."

"Damn the cost. Those people come first."

"I'm not loosing Ewing Oil over an accident."

"We'll worry about that later."

"I expect you to act like the president of this company."

"I'm. I'm exhausted. Its four in the morning. If you don't mind, I need my sleep."



John Ross walks into his room and calls out to Elena in the bathroom, "I'm back . . . Chris looks a mess. I know he's blaming himself."

She walks out wet, drying her hair with a towel, and wrapped in another one, "well lets get some sleep. We'll have to be up soon enough."

He smiles at her and kisses her. He pulls the towel off of her and walks around back of her to hold her, tossing the towel aside. He kisses her neck, "I love you."

She replies, "I'm cold."

His hands run up and down her body, "then let me warm you up."

"Oh John Ross. Aren't you ever tired?"

"Not of touching you."

"I remember when you first said that to me. It was the first time we were together. Remember?"

"Of course."

"Do you remember how you kept asking me if you could touch me here or there and if you could do this or that. You were so gentle. So kind."

"I remember."

"I said I know you know what you're doing so stop asking. You asked if I was sure. I said that I trusted you completely. You touched me a way that still haunts me. Right then and their I belonged to you."

"Well I have to have some skill."

"Oh you certainly do. There are so many things I love about you, but the way you love, the way you make love to me, sometimes I feel addicted to it."

"That's good," he said kissing her neck.

"To think of you touching any other woman like you touch me."

"I have never loved any other woman, but you."

She turns around in his arms and they kiss. There lips part, "what if I can't have children John Ross?"

"What if the sun doesn't come up?"

"I'm serious. There isn't anything to worry about."

Looking into his eyes, "I do love you."

"Good because I love you." He turns her around and picks her up, obvious that he has entered her as he lowers her down onto her tip does.

She moans, "oh dear god."



Chris walks around on the plat for with some other workers. The wind is very strong. They survey the damage.




Chris meets with John Ross, Betsy and Margaret in Margret's office and says, "I am certain their has been sabotage."

"Like what," Betsy says.

"Cuts were made to pipes. We're still figuring it out. But even if I figure out what, I'll need someone to figure out who."

Betsy says, "good this should cut our losses."

Margaret says, "damn cutting our losses. We have a lot to do right by the people, by the ocean we're polluting."

Chris adds, "I've already started the set up a team to plug the hole."

Betsy says, "we have to project Ewing Oil too."

"Hell with Ewing Oil," says Margaret.

"You're not the one you will have to arrange the loans. And, West Star sitting there, drooling to get a hold of those loans."

"I have to agree with Margaret here," Chris says.

"I do to; I'm sorry, " John Ross adds.

"We all might be when West Star if foreclosing on the place."




At Southfork, Rebecca starts to walk down stairs when she trips and falls, landing face first at the bottom.




John Ross talks with Elena as they walk up to the back of Southfork, "well you have to disagree with Betsy," she says to him.

"I hate it," John Ross says as they walk through the kitchen.

"How much are we talking?"

"Billions. We'll have to set up a trust fund for the clean up. Trust funds for the families of each worker that has died, and those that will never work again. Money for those who will work but have been hurt. Cover all the medical bills and the cost of putting out the fire. Then there will be the cost of scraping the rig or getting it back up and running."

"Well she is right, if you can find someone behind the sabotage, wouldn't that help with the cost and the blame?"

"I keep thinking its my father with West Star," John Ross says as they enter the entry hall and noticed Rebecca unconscious on the floor at the bottom of the stairs. They run over to her. She is unresponsive.

Elena picks up her hand and examines it, "I think her water broke."

John Ross has his phone out dialing 911. Elena takes the phone and he picks her up careful to carry her to the car.




Betsy talk to Lucas in her office, "I've already started the debt and West Star has always started to buy it up."

"And you have something to stop them from taking over right?"

"I've keeping out head above water. We're not dead yet."

"Anything you need from Island Investments," Lucas says.

"We don't have that kind of money in there. Thought that drug money I got rid of you were trying to launder would come in handy now."

"See."

"They are saying sabotage. If I find out you had anything to do with this, it will be the last time I protect you."

"Of course not. I'm not a murder."

"No just an accessory. Just as we got all that debt under control"

"You'll be able to hand it. I know you will."

"If I don't have to fight your sister."




Margaret sits in JR's office, "so then we explore the possibility of a merger," he says.

"Explore. Yes. I want Christopher to be able to continue his research."

"Of course."

"I don't trust you, but you might be my only option at this point to keep this company afloat."

"Well the devil you know, as they say."





Chris runs into the hospital to find John Ross in the delivery room with Rebecca. He stops and Elena, in the hall greats him, "everything's ok, they have everyone here to take care of the baby."

"Oh my god, Elena."

"No, no. They assured me that the baby is far enough along his chances are very good."

He slowly walks into the room, steadying himself just and John Ross holds up the screaming baby. He walks over to Rebecca who's face is bruised and swollen and crying. He holds her. The tiny baby is taken from him and rushed to a treatment table where the hospital staff begins to take care of him.




In a hotel room Lucas pushes an older woman against the dresser from behind, forcing her to look at themselves in the mirror. He is savagely having sex with her and she is completely out of breath.



In a few days they are all gather again for a family dinner at Southfork. Rebecca has taken over all the cooking, to which she returned the minute she got out of the hospital. Chris comes and kisses her on the check, "after dinner we'll go back to the hospital to see Clay."

"He'll be fine. I just called and Betsy is check on him before she comes home. We say him all afternoon. We're doing fine."

"Are you sure?'


"Chris you're exhausted. Between dealing with work and Clay. You can't keep doing this."

"She's right John Ross adds, "Elena I checked on him this morning. Bobby said he'd check on his way home tonight. You need to eat and go to bed, rest."

"My mind just won't shut off," Chris says.

"We'll get through this together."




Outside Betsy and Bobby arrive and Lucas is waiting for them. "I have to talk to you."

"What is it?" Betsy asks.

"A reporter is doing a story on the family. How rich people, the children of generations of rich people live, while their employees are barley getting by and are subjected to unsafe working conditions."

"That's bullshit," Betsy says.

Bobby asks, "how did you get wind of this?"

"I confronted her when I heard she was sniffing around. I even screwed her. to get information. She doesn't care. She'll tell. She's out to rob from the rich and give to the poor to make her career."

"What the hell Lucas," Betsy remarks.

"It makes us look like monsters. She says from what she's found out we're not better then our parents, and she knows a lot about them and their high flying lives."

"Who does she work for," Bobby inquired.

"She's independent, but she's being funded from some one. I just don't know who yet."

Betsy says, "that's what we have to find out."

They walk into the house where everyone is gathered. Betsy gives Margaret a dirty look but doesn't say anything. Business is left out of the conversation as they head into the dinning room.




Front page of the Dallas Star Betsy Reads, "West Star agrees to buy Ewing Oil in an All Stock Deal admits the financial hardship of the off-shore rig explosion." Next article, "Life Styles of the Rich, Young and Heartless, the Ewing's of Dallas Texas." She flings the paper across the room.

[SteveW]

Thanks Jessie. Its a lot of fun but it is funny how after you develop a character and put them through stuff it is difficult to then tear them up - at least it is for me anyway. I'm not sure if I'm loosing some creativity.

[SteveW]

Just to help picture the people I picture when writing, those that have been recently added or are about to be added:

Margaret Ewing: http://www.glenntalent.ca/wp-glennta...Jones-Anne.jpg

Michael Channing: http://www.gomoneyways.com/wp-conten...CWP-002039.jpg

Josh Ewing: http://images.wikia.com/harrypotterf...tin_butler.jpg

[SteveW]

A boy on a bus pulls the cord to stop right in front of Southfork. He carries a big duffel bag and walks up to the gate where two armed guards stop him. "I'm sorry, are you expected?"

The boy replies, "I don't think so. Is this the Ewing's place?"

"Who is asking?"

"My names Josh Harper."

"Again, are you expected Mr. Harper?"

"My brother is John Ross Ewing. He owns this place doesn't he?"

"Let me call up to the house."





Moments later one one guard escorts him up to the front door. Rebecca opens it. "This is the boy, Mrs. Ewing."

"Hello. You say you're John Ross's brother. I'm not aware of him having any brothers but I called Elena, his wife and she says he does. I'm afraid they aren't home."

"Well can I stay until they get here?"

The guard says, "we can keep him with us Mrs. Ewing. I really wouldn't want to leave him at the house."

"Who is your mother?"

"Cally Harper. She was married to JR Ewing and lived here; left before I was born."

"I hate to have you stay up front. I don't really know what to do."

"I insist," the guard said.

"I tell you want. I'll call Elena back and see if she and John Ross will come home as soon as they can. She says that John Ross has never meet you."

"No we've never meet."

Looking at the guard she says, "I never knew but he also has an older brother too." Looking at the boy, "I hope you don't hold it against me to have you wait with them."

"No I guess not."

"I'll try and get them home as quick as I can."




Michael Channing's horses just arrived at a part of Southfork with a new stables an a equestrian arena. He's inspecting them while three are being run through their pacers. Another guard walks up to him, "Mr. Channing a man is at the main gate claiming to be the brother of John Ross. We've already started to investigate his claim. We wanted to keep you posted."

"Thank you. Let me know what you find. If its true I'll meet him up at the main house."

"Yes sir."


Late that afternoon John Ross and Elena arrive at Southfork right in front of Betsy, Bobby, Margaret and Drew. They walk in the back to find Chris and Rebecca talking to Josh. John Ross walks straight up to him, "you're suppose to be Cally's son."

He replies, "I am, and JR's. I'm Josh Harper."

Michael walks into the room, "he is who he says he is."

"Well thank you," Josh says.

John Ross, "I'm sorry but I've never seen you before in my life, so I can be skeptical. Your mother just up and left me over twenty years ago. What do you want me to say?"

"I don't know. Hello brother?"

John Ross says, "what do you want?"

Elena says, "John Ross," as to scold him. Then to the boy, "Welcome to Southfork. I assume you're looking to say."

Michael says, "he's things are already settled into a room upstairs."

Josh says sarcastically, "yes Mr. Channing here has been making me feel welcome."

Chris says, "I was trying to explain to him that he has to understand with all the media attention lately we're concerned."

"Yes I read about you all in the paper," Josh says, "sound like a gluttonous bunch."

John Ross says, "that made up horse shit."

Elena takes the boy by the shoulder, "come on now, you don't have to act like he's on trial. He's come to meet his family." She pulls him away from the crowd gathered around him over to the kitchen, "have you had anything to eat?"

"Yes, Rebecca brought me lunch while I had to wait up front."

Michael said, "until security could prove he really was John Ross's brother, they thought it best to keep him with them."

Elena says, "well then how about some pie. You like pie? Rebecca makes so many of them there's always some in here," she says going through the refrigerator. She pulls out on and sits it in front of him, "apple. How about apple?"

"Sure."

She cuts him a place and services it to him, "we normally aren't this high strung but things have been intense lately."

"Yes I've figured. I always wondered about my dad's family and then the next thing I know there in the news all over the country."

John Ross says, "so now you choose to show up for a visit?"

"Look it if you want me to leave . . ."

Elena answers, "no of course not. By the way that's your brother John Ross. I'm his wife Elena. I guess you've meet your cousin Chris and his wife Rebecca." She then points out each, "this is your cousin Margaret, and Betsy, and Boby. That's my brother Drew. And you meet Michael Channing?"

"Yes i did. He's through."

Elena asked, "what do you mean."

Michael answers, "he means before I let him into the house, I got a cursory background check. He hasn't seen through yet."

Elena said, "like I said, things are a bit tense around her."

"I get it."

She then says, "you have another cousin Lucas who isn't here yet. He usually comes right before dinner."

John Ross says, "dinner is at six sharp."

Josh says, "am, I welcome John."

"John Ross. Yes, six o'clock sharp."

"Well you can call me Josh Ross then."

Elena says, "you middle name is Ross too?"

"Yes Josh Ross Harper-Ewing. But I've always gone by Harper."

"Well here you can go by Ewing," Elena says.

Rebecca who hands him a glass of milk says, "our name is hyphenated Barns-Ewing too. And Lucas and Margaret are Krebs's."

Betsy says, "and there are lots of other last names with all the illegitimate children out there."

Josh says, "I'm not illegitimate. My parent's divorce wasn't final until I was four or five. JR was in some sort of home. I was always told he had a breakdown. But I guess he's all better now."

Betsy says, "I don't know if I'd say that, but he is up and walking around."

"Does he come here for dinner?"

John Ross, "not if he can help it."

"How can I see him?"

"Go to his office in Dallas," John Ross says.

Elena says, "I'll take you. Rebecca said you took a bus."

"That's right. My momma would take any child support from JR so it wasn't like we were swimming in money."

Rebecca says, "well JR should at least buy you a car. How about school. You in school?"

"Can't really afford it. My grads aren't all that good. Didn't get any scholarships. I was told I have a learning disability."

Elena says, "John Ross has dyslexia."

Josh looks at John Ross, "then you know how it feels."

John Ross says, "I'm going to change. Settle in. If you have any questions for me about out father I'll see what I can answer." He walks out and Michale follows him into the entry hall.

Michael says to him, "I thought you should know JR has a trust fun set up for him, about two million dollars."

"What, since when?"

"Since before he was born. He gave some money to his other son Jason too I found out."

"That son of a bitch."

"Why you say that. Didn't you expect him to do something for his other sons."

"You want to know what he helped me with? Nothing. I started working for Hunt and then Browning while in college. Set up my own company from there, trying to piece together one project after another just to get by. As long as I kissed my Uncle Bobby's ass I got live here. I didn't get a damn thing from him and how he's trying to take my company from me and my family and his other son shows up. And, god knows how many more son's he has."

"I just thought you'd want to know. Some lawyers over see the trust but I doubt they've made much of an effort to find the boy."

"Thank you. I appreciate your help with him."

Michael walks back into the kitchen and they are talking to Josh about the family and Southfork. He offers, "I have two cars here. You're more then welcome to use one while you're here."

Betsy remarks, "oh great. Now he'll really believe what we say about us. He is not a Ewing. We do not live like he does."

Josh says, "I thought Rebecca said that he was your boyfriend."

"No he is not. He's more like a mutt that follows you home you can't get rid of."

"What kind of car do you have," Josh asks.

"A Bentley which is at Betsy's place and a Lamborghini I drove here. Can you drive a stick?"

"Oh hell yea. I can drive your Lamborghini!"

"Ya. I'll get you directions to your father's office."

"Sweet."

Betsy says, "not a one of drives cars like that. We are nothing like this guy and the articles are a total fabrication."

"Even Lucas? They make him sound like a hard partier. I was looking forward to meeting him."

Betsy says, "well maybe Lucas." Several other family chime in their agreement on Lucas. "But the rest is a fabrication. We don't fly in private plans."

"Did you to go down the oil rig explosion? That's what it said."

"Yes but that was different. We chartered that for an emergency."

Josh looks at Michael, "do you have your own plane?"

"Yes."

"Wow. But you do live in a big house."

"Five bedrooms," Betsy says and another one down here. Its not that big."

Josh looks at Micheal, "your's is bigger?"

"My family's? Not really. But we also have more then one."

"How many?"

"A few."

"Still this is a big house compared to what I grew up in. We had two bedrooms, one bath. I think the whole thing could fit in this room." Finishing the pie, "and I bet you never knew a day where you were hungry waiting for mom to get paid tomorrow so you could go shopping."

Lucas walks in from the back, "so what is all the excitement?"





In the morning Betsy's secretary knocks on her door and walks in, "Ms. Ewing, turn on the news. They just announced West Star is under investigation for fraudulent bookkeeping."

"What?"

"They said the stock price just tanked."

"You're kidding."

"People have been arrested."

She jumps up and turns on the television where a new reporter says, "so here is where things stand with West Star. The IRS has arrested seven currently within the company and five who left the company before JR Ewing took over as Chairman. His investigation has turned up two years worth of fraud that have hidden massive losses and embezzlement during one the biggest booms in the oil industry. He has stated that the merger with Ewing Oil will not be called off but that it is now a different ball game. Mr. Ewing has personally claimed to have lost over five billion dollars in the scam from his original ten billion dollar investment. As he has said to us, Ewing Oil now looks like David beating Goliath. The biggest name in the arrest was former West Star Chairman Jeremy Wendell, whom Mr. Ewing replaced just recently as he retired after fifty years with the company."

Chris ran into Betsy's office, "so what does this mean."

"Let me think . . . It means we are about to take over West Star. It also means that Uncle JR just through himself under the bus for us."

"Really?"

"If he had held off the announcement just a few more days everything would be done and we'd be muscled out of the way. As is, we walk in and take over."



Betsy sits down with the West Star people, including JR, Abby and Richard. Next to Betsy sits Bobby and Christopher. She says, "The Class A Stock will represent ninety percent of the ownership with one vote per share. The Class B Stock will represent ten percent of the ownership with four votes per share. As you can see in the totally vote, Class B will equal forty percent."

Richard leans over to a man to his left who makes some calculations, "that will leave Sumner Channing with eight percent of the outstanding vote, and JR here three?."

"Yes. It will also give the new West Star ten years to make the additional payments to the Ewing Oil stock holders. You'll also note that Class B Stock can only be given to or sold with a first option to the Ewing Family. If it is sold to anyone else it converts to Class A Stock."

The man to Richard's right leans in and says something to him. Richard says, "this makes the Ewing Foundation the largest stockholder in West Star, followed by John Ross."

"Correct. My brother has agreed to be Chairman and CEO, we'll look to hire a President. I suggest with all these issue we look outside."

Richard says, "you'll be Treasure and Chief Financial Officer?"

"That's correct. We'll set up two subsidiaries with Chris here as president of one and my cousin Lucas president of the other, as well as Vice Presidents of West Star."

"The board?" Asks Richard.


"Bobby, myself, Lucas, Chris, John Ross and six from the outside including Abby and Michael."

Richard says, "agreed."




With in a few days picture of the Ewing's are hung on the one wall of the West Star board room, Jock, JR, Bobby, John Ross, Margaret, the younger Bobby.


Outside a green campus of buildings a sign is affixed, 'Ewing Alternative, a subsidiary of West Star.'


Outside a tall sky scaper a the sign JRE, INC. is replaced with 'Ewing Oil, a subsidiary of West Star.'


A new report, "and with that the new Ewing management team has stated their plan is to patch up the beleaguered companies with a rising share price, and intend on an aggressive expansion project to make West Star one of the world's larges energy companies. In related news, at the current market price of West Star, John Ross Ewing, company Chairman and CEO has entered the Forbes list of wealthiest Americans a four point three billion dollars."

Betsy turned of the television and leaned back in her chair and smiled.


Lucas rolls off of a woman in bed in a hotel room. Both out of breath he attempts to talk, "so you mean JR has been planning this for two years? He set up the West Star book cooking?

"Not completely. He just had it added to. Other them my self, the other two that know his role are in the South for France and Brazil. And, I'm headed to Switzerland. Thanks to JR."

"I don't get it."

"We got immunity."

"But why did JR set it up and why did JR bring down his own company?"

"Well near as I can figure out to set his son and family up to grow one of the nation's biggest businesses."

"I'll be damned."

She rolls on top of him, "you might be if my husband finds you."

[SteveW]

Margaret sands in front of the old Ewing Oil building, "my family has navigated a storm and have done right by the people and the family's who have been harmed. We are still investigating who the criminal was who did this, to my family, these people and their families and the environment all along the Texas coast. I have pledge to not end this battle until justice prevails because this is the purpose of government. To protect the people of this great county. This is why I am throwing my name in for Congress from the great state of Texas. I ask for your support so I can continue the work of my late husband and the work of my family to make sure that we pursue alternative energy, we protect our land and we limit the intrusion of government into our lives."



John Ross meets with Drew Ramos, "so your saying to me your company is in a place to handle the outside auditing of West Star?"

"We're a small and new company and yes we are in a position to replace West Star's former auditors as they find dealing with the federal government increasingly impossible."

"I don't think they'll be around much longer."

"Where I will be. For now, you'll be our only client, but we can handle the job."

"I think we can make a deal. Let me discuss it with the executive team. Common with me." The two walk down the hall and to the open door of 'Douglas Harwood.' "Doug," John Ross says, "I'd like you to meet my brother-in-law Drew Ramos. He's an accountant with a new company, Ramos Auditors." They shake hands and exchange pleasantries.




Michael takes his horse though the arena of jumps at Southfork before ridding up to Betsy, "so all's well that ends well."

"We'll see about that."

"I heard he's got you to accept a position on the board of Sumner Channing."

"Well see."

"You really don't like my family do you?"

"Well see."

"Is that all you have to say to me?"

"No. Are you going to the christening?"

"Are you asking?"

"No. Rebecca is."

"You're not going to give me an inch are you?"

"You'll take a mile if I do."

"You'll right I will."

"I moved your clothes into the guest room."

"That tiny closet."

"You can always move out."

"No I like it here."

"Then get down and get cleaned up for the christening."

In the middle of the afternoon the whole clan of Ewing cousins return to Southfork with the newly Christened baby. Rebecca goes up stairs to put him to sleep and comes back down to join the gathering.

Margaret talks about her campaign with Bobby.

Lucas talks about hitting some clubs with Josh who says he's got Micheal's Lamborghini

Elena and Michael play with the kids who are playing with a bunch of Lincoln Logs.

Chris and John Ross have partnered up against Betsy and Drew playing cards.

Rebecca is with Max in the kitchen fixing up food trays. Margaret joins her not to help but to talk over a glass of wine.

Vicente walks in and speaks to Betsy, whispering in her ear.

John Ross asks, "what's up"

"There's a security breach on the ranch," Betsy says.

"We are working on it right now."

As Vicente stands up he is shot and thrown back up off his feet landing on the floor.

There are screams as a man enters the room from the back and tells everyone to gather around the fire place. They do what they are told. He's waving a gun with another one at his side.

John Ross has literally sat on top of Elena keeping her behind him with Robbie up with her. Michael, also behind John Ross holds Ellie.

Chris holds Rebecca, but are separated from there children when the man yells at them, "just stay right there."

Drew and Bobby hold hands.

Betsy says, "lets get this over with. What do you want?"

"First let us get the children out of the room."

The man says, "no they need to see. They need to see what their family is all about."

"Cut to the chase. What do you want," Betsy says."

Michael leans over and says to Elena, "old them to your chest so they cannot see or hear."

"Shut up over there," the man yells.

Elena and Michael hold the two young children to them.

"So what is it you want?" Betsy asks.

"My son back."

"Who was your son?"

"You don't even know because you don't care. He died on your rig." Then he points the gun at John Ross, "and what you get richer. You're him aren't you? John Ross Ewing?"


"Yes that's me. Lets go out back. You can shoot me out side."

"No you're family needs to see the kind of greedy pig you are."

Chris steps forward, "no its me your want. That rig was mine. I was in charge the project. I cut corners I should have. My cousin didn't know a thing."

The man points the gun at Chris, "you too then. You damn rich people. You damn rich people. You just take and take and we've got less and less. But he's the one too," the man pointed the gun at John Ross, "I worked for you daddy. He cut costs. Ever chance he got. He game down and gave us that cheesy grin and got us back to work until he didn't need us. Then he's screwing Blakeley's daughter. You people are sick."

Chris moves forward. The man turns and shoots him. He falls to the floor and Rebecca falls over him crying. Margaret bends down to comfort her and check out Chris.

"Shut her up!" The man orders. "I don't want to shoot the poor sluts you marry but I will. Shut her up."

Margaret holds her hand over Rebecca's mouth.

He goes on, "that's what you go. You use people. I read about your momma," he says pointing the gun back at John Ross. "What your father did to that poor girl. She cares about us. But looks like you took after your daddy."

"I did," John Ross said. "I don't think you should just kill me though. You should take me outside. I should pay for what I did to your son. I knew him. Worthless piece of shit to me. So he was at work that day. Tough luck on his part. You want to blame someone, blame me."

"And and then those brats grow up to be just like you," point the gun at the kids."

Lucas says, "that's enough!"

He turns and shoots Lucas.

"I'll get rid of you all. He dead yet," he says pointing at Chris.

"Close enough," Max says leaning over him.

"Every damn on of you needs to die. Where's your daddy?

John Ross says, "he doesn't live here anymore."

"Then call him and get him here!"

John Ross takes out his phone and dials.



Outside ambulances and police cars rush up to the house and surround it. Lights flashing, sirens off. Swat teams surrounding the house.

End of Season 3

[SteveW]

Season 4:

Is he done shooting the family? Who will live? Who will die?

Who is Josh Ewing? What does he want? What is he willing to do to get it?

How will they put back together the pieces of their lives?

[SteveW]

Season 4

Michael holds Ellie to his chest, his hands over her ears, Elena does the same with Robbie. The ringing of the gun shots in every other person's ears.

The man goes to shoot John Ross and Drew shouts out, "I am John Ross." The man turns and shoots him and then goes to move the gun back to John Ross. Halfway between that move, the gun pointed at no one in between, Betsy takes a gun from off her thigh and puts a bullet through the man's hand, causing him to let go of the gun. The bullet comes out and lodges in the wall. The then puts a second bullet into his skull, right between his eyes. He falls over dead.

This is followed by massive chaos. John Ross and Elena both drop over to Drew, though they don't get their before Bobby who holds him in his arms.

There is screaming and crying. Max waves the police in side. The police come in first, followed by the EMT's. Family has be pulled form the wounded. Lucas sits up in his own, taking off her shirt to reveal a bulletproof under gear.

Vicente is put on a stretcher and his face covered with sheet.

Chris is put on a stretcher with an infusion hooked up. Rebecca over him begging him to hold on.

Drew is put on a stretcher with an infusion hooked up. Bobby over him begging him to hold on. Elena falling back int John Ross's arms.

Margaret takes the screaming children from the room. Rebecca turns to see them and rushes to her babies, holding them both and crying with them. Margaret pats her on the back and tells her she'll go up and check on the baby. Rebecca's ear's ringing still and all the commotion she can barely hear her but she understands and nods and mouth's 'thank you.'

Josh sits back and is paralyzed watching the hole thing.

The man is put on a stretcher and his face is covered.

Michael holds Betsy who with a stone face says, "now I've done committed murder."




At the hospital the doctor comes into what has become the all too familiar, private waiting room to inform Elena that Drew has died. She collapses in John Ross's arms. She looks to see Bobby having fallen on the floor crying. She pulls from John Ross and joins him. She holds onto him. They hold on to each other.



Some time later the doctor comes out to talk to Rebecca, "he is out of the woods. The bullet did nick his spin and the rehabilitation will be difficult, but he's doing very well."

"Oh thank god," she utters holding onto John Ross, Elena and Bobby sitting on a sofa, holding each other, near catatonic.

The doctor says, "why don't you come in and see him. He'll be a sleep for several hours. You can see him and then go home. Get some sleep. I'll give you something to get to sleep and then come back. You won't miss him waking up. We're keeping him out. I promise."

She goes with him, reaching for John Ross. John Ross looks to Elena. Bobby helps her to her feet. John Ross steadying Rebecca, Bobby and Elena steadying each other go to see Chris. He lays there all hook up to machines, yet looking calm and peaceful. Rebecca kisses his lips off to the side of the tubes going into his mouth. John Ross holds his hands, "we all love you Chris, so you keep fighting. You got nothing to worry about here. I've got your back. Rebecca and the kids will be just fine. I promise. Please Chris, you get better." Elena kisses his forehead. The doctor leads them quietly out of the room.



At home John Ross lays Rebecca to bed with two sleeping pills and a glass of water. She lays back and he covers her up kissing her forehead.




In there room, he re-leaves Bobby and does the same for Elena, except he gets into bed with her and pulls her onto his chest to sleep, holding her tight.



Bobby walks down stairs to find Betsy and Michael waiting for him. They both take him into their arms to cry.





Six months later:

Margaret is sworn in at the Capitol in Washington, D.C. as a Congresswoman.





Rebecca holds Clay with Robbie and Ellie at her side as they watch Chris struggle to walk on the Parellel bars. She is so excited and holds him when he reaches the end. She laughs, "it won't be long and Lucas can have his room down stairs back."

"No it won't," she says. She helps him back into his wheel chair. She bends down to him and says, "I have some good news Chris."

He smiles and puts his hand on her belly. "You're pregnant."

"How can you tell."

"It always shows up on your face."

She says, "I know this might seem weird, coming from me, but if its a girl, I'd like to name her after Betsy. You know considering what she did."

"Of course."





At the airport ready to walk up into a private plane, Betsy says to Bobby, "you sure you won't come with us?"

"I'm positive. I'll be fine. I miss him, but I'll move on. I don't think I'll ever find someone so sweet, but then he'll always be with me. He loved me."

"And you loved him," she kissed him on the forehead, then turns and runs up the stairs.





In the kitchen at Southfork Elena yells at John Ross, "you just don't get it!"

"I'm trying."

"Its you people. He's gone because he was around you people."

"No Elena, its because that man was unbalanced. The security around here, around all of us is much tighter."

"I don't want to live in your secure bubble because people hate you so much they want to kill you!"

"Its not like that."

"It is," she yells, "just leave me alone John Ross. He goes to hold her, "no! Don't touch me!"

"Please," he begs.

"No. I don't want to be around you or you family. I just want you all go leave me alone. Somewhere there has to be decent people."

"Elena, please, I need you."

"Well that's too bad for you." She then walks out.





Betsy sits on a sofa on the plane next to Michael, "you know it seems I have jumped from place to place my entire adult life," she says.

He replies, "you have."

"Why though, I grew up in a quite cul-de-sac. Same house the whole time, same house my parents had lived for years."

"I don't know. I've done the same."

"Well you were in the military. That's expected."

"Not know."

"You keep following me, two or three steps behind."

She laughs, "this is true. So tell me about the Geneva Banking Corporation."

"Way too boring. Just that dad has it for you to run. You figure out the rest. I'm not a businessman."

Betsy leans over into his arms, her lips a breath away from his, "no you're a Navy Seal, the deadliest and strongest men the world has ever know. And you are here to protect me."

"Always, since the day I saw you, when we walked down the isle together."

She laughed, "we have, haven't we. Abby and your dad's wedding but we did walk down together."

"Yes we did."

"I never thought about that."

She quickly kisses his lips and rolls off of him. "Not a businessman, huh," she smirks.

"What, I'm not."

"Blackstone?"

"I don't run the company, I just set it up. They're mercenaries, that I get, running a business, I have no interest in."

"Your poor father."

"Oh don't start to pity him. A nephew to run the winery, a son to run the news paper, and me a military career. He's fine."

"No heir to run Sumner Channing."

"Well maybe Megs. And, he's always got you."

"I am not marrying you."

Michael grabs her in his arms and rolls her back on top of him, "who say's I want to marry you?" He then kisses her.

[SteveW]

At Southfork, it approaches six o'clock and Rebecca is busy cooking dinner. The kids are off playing by the sofa's. Chris comes in on crutches. John Ross walks in the door with Lucas and Josh and Bobby in tow. Dinner is a lot quieter in someways, and louder in others as Rebecca and Chris have the children joining them. Chris talks about hydrogen extraction with John Ross until John Ross says, with glazed eyes, "I so which I knew what you were talking about." The two boys share a laugh.



That evening Rebecca returns to her needle point and John Ross and Chris play checkers. Chris says, "come on, just one game of chess."

"John Ross says," I just have a hard time concentrating."

"Come on. You either concentrate and kick my butt, or more often then not, I wipe the floor with you. You just never know what John Ross you're gonna get."



In Dallas Bobby and Lucas stand at the bar looking off at the back of Josh's head sitting in a chair at a corner sitting area. He's on the phone. Around front of him a girl's head bobs up and down in his lap. On the phone he says, "no mom I don't need to check in with you ever night . . . yes I am out at a club with Lucas and Bobby . . . Cousins . . . No John Ross is at home . . . I don't think he's the club type anymore mom . . . list I have to let you go . . . Love you too." He hangs up and says to the girl, "yea baby, that's the way to do it."

Bobby says to Lucas, "looks like you're a bad influence on him."

"Me? Hell that boy is bad as they come. He came with his own fake I.D. And, he was already looking for pot as soon as he walked in."

"Damn."

"Told me earlier about sleeping the two sisters and their momma back home all in this trailer with think walls, and laughing about it. He's a pervert."

"Man from you that is a hell of an insult."

"And he hates all of us. He talks about us being spoiled and says he understood why that guy was so mad, people like us get everything."

"The guy who killed Drew and paralyzed Chris?"

"Oh yea. That's how he talks. Don't turn your back on him Bobby."

"Thanks for the heads up."

Lucas then says, "so how are you doing?"

"Can't sleep. Glad I've got this new job. All I do is read reports and pass out on my desk. I'm pissed off and Elena."

"For walking out on John Ross?"

"Her brother was so happy for her. He would say how he wished some one would look at him like John Ross looks at Elena."

"How far did you get."

"Well he got all of my heart, but we didn't get much past friends."

"Not even a kiss?"

"Some," Bobby said, "we were going very slow."

"I guess. Were you his first?"

"Yea. He worried about how Elena would react and was so happy when she was ok with us. He never asked her about us, but she'd watch us and she seemed ok. She was always on his mind. There father use to bet the hell out of them and their mother and he always tried to protect his sister. I think he'd really be hurt to think his death came between her and John Ross."

"Did you hear John Ross sent her an e-mail saying he'd give up Dallas. He'd quite everything here and run away anywhere with her that would make her safe?"

Bobby said, "yea Chris told me. I guess she didn't respond."

"You know she read it."

"I understand being scared and hurt but come on. Chris talked to her on the phone and she won't budge. She cried to him and he said she needed to come home and cry to her husband. And, what do I have. I'm left with nothing but all his old stuff. I can't even go thought it."

"Man you're going to be ok. You want me to come over and get rid of it?"

"No I don't ever want to get rid of it. I offered for Elena to come over and take what she wants. But she said no. I don't want to live with out him Lucas."

"Its ok Bobby, you're not alone. That's one thing about this family. You're never alone."

"I sure feel like it."

Lucas says, "why don't you move into Southfork. The guest house. I'll hire a mover and we can get all your stuff and Drew's stuff and move it over. Serious."

"I guess so. Yea why not. I'm not doing any good on my own. Yea. Would you mind?"

"Hell no . . . Look at that kid. Now he's got another girl sucking face. What the hell. He's living at your sister's place."

"Really?"

"Yea, just moved in with a Bentley and a Lamborghini."

"What the hell."



With the girl still bobbing in his lap and another now sucking on his neck, Josh is back on the phone, "yea dude, I have the house all to myself. Serious. Come on out. Oh I can get the girls. Hell yea." He then puts his hand on the girl at his necks head and says to her, "honey down there," and then returns to the phone, "serious. I'll get the cash flow don't you worry."




Chris and Rebecca play with the two kids in the pool out back splashing around and showing the kids how to swim. John Ross comes out and says, "just got off the phone with Betsy. I guess the Channings own some chateau outside Geneva they're staying in."

Chris says, "I wish she'd come back here. Things were pretty good with her around."

"Yea," John Ross says, "she was like the mother we never had."





Later in the week Betsy's house is busting at the seams with late teens, drinking, drugs, loud music, sex. Lucas is in her bed room with some guy and two girls, making sex look like a team sport and the girls the equipment.


Lucas walks into Harwood's office and hands him a file with pictures. Harwood looks over them and is shocked. Lucas says, "some secrets you just can't keep quiet. So, I don't have any plans for this, I just want to make it very clear. You work for me." He then walks out just a quiet as he walked in.



Josh visits with Elena in her hotel suite. "Thank you for coming over," she says.

"Not a problem. How ya doing?"

"Not so good. You said you wouldn't tell right?"

"Hey of course not."

"I just want to know how he's doing and if I ask Chris he'll tell John Ross I'm asking."

"He's fine actually. He's hanging with Bobby a lot. You know going out drinking on the weekends. That John Ross is a charmer. I wish I had his skills."

"I'm sure you do."

"No afraid not."

She asks, "he's not seeing someone is he?"

"Not that he's bringing home. Come on Elena, you don't think a man like that is going without do you?"

"John Ross wouldn't do that."

"Oh please. Mind if I make a drink?"

"No go ahead."

At the mini bar he makes up two drinks. Puts some powder in one and stirs it up. Then hands it to Elena. She takes it.

"Lets just sit down and relax a bit." They sit down. She doesn't drink. "Come on. It'll relax you."

She puts down her glass, "no thank you. I don't really drink."

"To bad. Maybe a glass of wine?"

"No. I'm afraid the way I feel, I start drinking I won't stop."

"Not such a bad thing."

"Yes it is."

"Listen I feel for ya. Loose your brother to those people. I get it. They've always got what ever they want and it doesn't matter who gets hurt right. Now your husband's off screwing the girls again, cause, really, why not. Probably never stopped. I'm going to make you an offer, you want to get over him, get back at him, I'll show you a good time."

"What?"

"I'll need you to teach me a bit. I haven't had his kind of practice, but I'm sure you could," he says getting closer to her.

She backs away, "no. Stop it."

"Come one. Aren't you the least bit pissed off at him?" He picks up her drink and hands it to her, "come on. Take a drink. Relax and leave him. You know until you're with another man you still haven't left him. I'll be that other man and you'll really have got him back for killing your brother."

She take the drink, gets up and tosses it in his face. "John Ros didn't kill my brother. And, I don't want to hurt him. I think you'd better leave."

Josh stands up, "man you're up tight."

"Go!."

He walks out.




Josh walks in Betsy's house, up from the garage as the door rings. He opens it and a man stands there, "hey," he says to the man.

"Mr. Ewing?"

"Yes."

"I'm one of the guards down at the road. This was dropped off for Ms. Ewing. Can I leave it with you?"

"Sure." He takes it and closes the door. He opens it and reads over what it says and smiles.



The next morning he walks into Doug Harwood's office. "Thank you for seeing me Mr. Harwood."

"No problem. Come right in. Can I get you something to drink?"

"No thank you."

"Please sit down. Now what can I do for you."

He tosses the file from last night at him, "seems like they figured out who sabotaged the Ewing Oil off shore rig." Harwood looks very disturbed. "Yea that would be you. Kind of a plan for you to take over Ewing Oil and be put in charge of West Star it seems. Never got a chance to set up my father before your house of cards here came crashing down, did ya? But you managed to save yourself a nice office."

"What do you want?"

"Two things. First I want money." He tosses an envelope on his desk, "this tells you how much and when and where to put it. No need to worry about too small of bills."

He looks over it. "Alright. Done."

Josh smiles, "you'll have to forgive me. I have a wicked side to me. See I had rich snots like yourself. And just paying money isn't enough. I thoroughly intend to punish you Mr. Harwood for all the bad things you've done to good people like myself."

"Get on with it."

Josh stands up, undoes his pants and lets them drop. "really wicked side."




Lucas has lunch with Elena in a new, bright restaurant in Dallas, "I'd say stay away from Josh totally."

Elena replied, "he actually tried to convince me to have sex with him in order to get back at John Ross. I'm not mad at John Ross. I just can't be around him. Its too hard."

"I get it. His dad was the same way. Womanizer, greedy, he didn't care what he did or who got hurt as long as he got his way. Now all the money in the world and its your brother that gets hurt."

"Maybe its not fair to blame him."

"What's fair got to do with it. Its not fair your brother is dead and why. Because those two boys go into business over some risky new technology and let other people take all he risks."

"I don't know."

"Its all right. You need anything, you can count on me. I'm not like the rest of them. I didn't grow up like they did, a Ewing, any more then you did. I'll do what I can to help you."



At Southfork out by the pool Lucas runs into Josh before he goes in, "hey I've got to talk to you," he says walking out.

"What's up."

"What's this I hear you put the move on Elena?"

"Oh she talking," he smiles, "yea. She's hot."

John Ross busts out the back of Southfork, grabs up Josh, "you stay the hell away from Elena!"

"Hey man calm down," Josh says, "doing you a favor. That little slut sleeps with me, you know to get rid of her now."

John Ross pits him up off the deck and tosses him back into the pool. "If I find you going near Elena, I'll break you neck! Get the hell of my property!"

John Ross then walks back into the house where he finds Lucas saying to Chris and Rebecca, "yea can you imagine that kid making a move on Elena?"

John Ross says picks up the phone and then yells, "he can say in Betsy's house but no one else gets up the drive way and he's not allowed anywhere near the main house."

Chris says, "you ok John Ross?"

"I can't believe that little shit."

"Well we really don't know him," Lucas says.

John Ross says, "hey anyone know what's with the moving truck out at the guest house?"

Lucas says, "Bobby's moving in. I talked him into it."

John Ross says, "great. Thanks Lucas. I should have thought about it. You know if Elena does want to be with me so be it. I'm not going to worry about it anymore. I didn't do anything. I can't be held to blame for every nut case that has it in for me."

"Your right," Chris says. "I've tried to talk to her about it but she won't even listen."

"Just for get it," John Ross snaps, "I'm not going to worry about it. I sure as hell don't have to be lonely." He marches out of the room.

Chris looks at Lucas, "don't you dare find some skank for him to 'get over' Elena. Just leave it alone."

"Its not like I'm a pimp," Lucas notes.

Bobby walks in, "well someone finally soaked that little kid."

Lucas says, "you saw Josh."

"Ya, soaking wet, leaving . . . Wow that smells good."

"Thank you," Rebecca smiled.

[SteveW]

Just to help picture the people I picture when writing, those I'm about to be add:

Caroline Harrison: http://d277vln4jzkhhg.cloudfront.net...s_premiere.jpg

Jeremy Windell III: http://images2.fanpop.com/images/pho...-1375-2000.jpg

[Jessie]

Loved how you ended season 3, and season 4 is great too, I'm glad Chris is doing better. I hope Elena and John Ross get back together, you write her well. Great story looking forward to more updates.

[SteveW]

Loved how you ended season 3, and season 4 is great too, I'm glad Chris is doing better. I hope Elena and John Ross get back together, you write her well. Great story looking forward to more updates.

Thank you. It have been having fun It seemed like a great idea to end it and I've seen or ready of such an ending to a soap. I could be wrong. I always appreciate your feedback. Makes doing this all that more fun. I wish more people would take the time to comment.

[SteveW]

FYI: I'm working on another thread to Season 2. Instead of all the other's showing it, it uses the original 4 young actors and add Lucas. I do plan on returning to this for the fun of it, but got thinking about another scenario. I'd appreciate everyone's feedback. http://www.soapchat.net/showthread.p...ix-months-late

[SteveW]

This is 1 of 5 (currently, 9/17/2012) threads - ideas about what follows Season 1. I am not wed to any one idea. But I do believe this new series is missing two things I have tried to address: 1) a strong relationship between two or more people which are essentially good and interesting which keep people coming back to watch a series, that while they have their ups and downs, struggles and such, they are tried and tested and come out as the focus of the series and 2) a bad guy character that is fun to watch, that the audience can love to hate, which requires a character that comes on the show bad from the start, stays bad, and only slowly lets the audience see a boarder character not turn a likable person bad (which only makes the audience feel bad for them and not enjoy their "bad" behavior). The threads include: 1) A Day of Reckoning where Betsy Ewing arrives to be John Ross's best ally and a close relationship is developed with her as strong woman character. Lucas is the "bad" person in this thread. 2) Six months later . . . has John Ross and Rebecca build a strong friendship and Lucas again as the bad character. 3) Sue Ellen, the strong female lead comes out is similar to 2 but with a focus on a strong Sue Ellen character to start. 4) The Four Miss Ewings is also similar to 2 but with a focus on the 4 Mrs. Ewings as in Sue Ellen, Ann, Val and Rebecca. 5) Drew Ramos the Guy we love to hate the idea is John Ross and Rebecca for that strong relationship around which the show is developed, the Ewing family at Southfork and Drew is the bad guy that people love to hate. I'm trying to show various ideas. Any comments on them individually and collectively would be appreciated. I think the writers should write as they know the story to them, but I also think they should pay attention to the audience, not pandering to ever statement but able to get a read for what is important and really deliver. For me, I have enjoyed all this writer and with such tried to understand what the writers have done in Season 1. I am a bit more hopeful for Season 2 then the cliff hanger left me. I really like Season 1 and was very, very, very happy with it - up until the last minutes of the finale which seemed to loose the focus I mentioned above - I am a bit more hopeful that it has not totally lost this focus. Anyway, please comment. Your comments make this process enjoyable and give me food for thought to move forward. Thank you.