Dallas Reborn - A New Retelling

[Ray_Krebbs]

I began a new version of Dallas Reborn, which is set a few months after WOTE. I would appreciate any feedback.


August of 1998


A Hospital in Paris – Evening

Making his rounds on the first floor, one of the hospital’s top physicians became concerned at the site of several personnel in front of one of his comatose patient’s room. “What is going on here?”

“We don’t know, sir. Mr. Orlando apparently woke up from his coma….”

“Where is he, then?!”

“Nobody seems to know. It’s like he got up and climbed out through the window.”


A Townhouse in Paris; the Master Bedroom

Karen Panici Orlando was fast asleep under the comfort of her satin sheets when a sound in the hallway awoke her. Risingup in curiosity, she casually slipped into her robe and opened the door. The face that greeted her caused her to back up in sheer terror. “T-Tony… it can’t be!”

The man referred to as Tony quickly wrapped his hand around her neck, his face inching closer to hers. “Didn’t expect me to wake up, did you? It’s because of you and that Texas cowboy that I lost six years of my life… six years I’ll never get back!”

“Please, Tony… please don’t hurt me!” Karen pleaded, feeling her life slipping away with each tightening of Tony’s grip.

“What did you do with the files?”

“What files?”

“Don’t be playing stupid with me! You know what I’m referring to!”

“Why should I tell you? You’re just going to kill me anyways!”

“I remember you telling J.R. Ewing to take them before I went into the coma. Did you two turn it into the police, or does he still have it?”

“Go to hell!”

Losing control of his patience, Tony snapped her neck and threw her body to the ground. As he looked down at his estranged wife’s body, he muttered out loud, “I could tell by that little glimmer in your eyes that he’s got it. I’m going to Texas to get those files back. Nothing will stop me now.”

[Ray_Krebbs]

Westar Oil – Morning

Whistling cheerfully, J.R. stepped off the elevator onto the office floor and approached his secretary. “Why don’t we play hookie today, and I treat you to lunch?”

“That’s really nice of you to offer, but… is there a reason for this?”

“My boy’s coming home from school, Darlin’!”

“I thought he wasn’t flying in till the evening, though-“

“So what? I suppose you don’t know me well enough yet to know how important this is to me, but this is big. John Ross will be starting at Ewing Oil. I’ve been dreaming of this day for a mighty long time!”

“Okay, but... he'll be working for your brother and ex-wife, not for you."

“That doesn’t matter. What matters is that John Ross will continue the legacy started by his granddaddy. And, one day... I will be back at Ewing Oil and working side-by-side with my son. That's a promise.” J.R. looked at his clock. “We probably should go now before we run into the noontime traffic.”

[Jessie]

Great start to your new story.

[Ray_Krebbs]

Thanks!


Ewing Oil; Bobby's Office - Morning

Sue Ellen walted into Bobby's office and said aggitatedly, "I tried reaching you several times, but you never picked up!"

Forcing a grin on his face, Bobby looked up at his partner in business. "I'm sorry, Sue Ellen. I guess my mind was somewhere else."

"Is something the matter?" Sue Ellen asked, seeing and hearing the distress in him.

"Jennifer and I decided to officially put our relationship to rest."

Sue Ellen walked over and sat across from Bobby. Her expression turned to one of sympathy. "Oh, Bobby, I'm sorry it had to come to that."

"Our relationship has been going nowhere since our trip to Europe together. It's for the best that we ended it now."

"You've really had it, haven't you? First, Christopher announced that he's transferring over to a school in Greece, and, now, this. Is there anything I can do?"

"No.... There's nothing you can do. I just have to keep thinking positively... that's all."

[Ray_Krebbs]

The Singletree Hotel; the Restaurant - Noontime

Carter McKay entered the doorway of the hotel's restaurant and stared blankly at Cliff, who was already sat. He approached, sitting directly across. "What's this all about, Cliff? You seemed awfully excited over the phone."

"I'm in negotiations to buy a piece of land that I found out is just oozing with crude underneath. If I'm able to talk the owners into selling, then I might be the biggest thing this town has ever seen."

"What does this have to do with me?"

"I don't want to go into this alone. I want someone with your know how at my side. What do you say?"

"I don't know. Just who is the present owner of this land you speak of?"

"Ray Krebbs."

"What?! Have you lost your mind?! Do you honestly expect me to deal with Ray Krebbs again after what he pulled on me earlier this year?! He should have told me about the mineral rights to the property. Thank God the Ewings were willing to buy Section 40 back from me... and in full!"

"Mac, before you burst a vein, let me assure you that this is completely different. This land has nothing to do with Southfork, and I did a full background check on everything, including the mineral rights. Nothing would be holding us back from beginning drilling operations."

"I don't know, Cliff. I just don't know. Where is this land? I wasn't aware of Ray owning anything outside of his home in Switzerland and Southfork property."

"You know this place pretty well. In fact, you used to live there. It's the land with Ray's old two-story house. He bought it back from Michelle Stevens a few years back, but he's thinking of selling it again."

"What about J.R.? How would he screw this one up for us?"

"Ray told me J.R.'s already made him several offers, but he has no intention of dealing with him. If you say you're in, this could be something really big for the both of us."

[Ray_Krebbs]

The Krebbs Ranch; the Living Room – Morning

Ray took a look around and sighed. He and Jenna bought the property from Michelle when she placed it on the market in 1991, using it when they would occasionally visit Dallas. Even though Ray was in a better place financially than in April, his marital problems worsened. Following Ray’s return to Switzerland with Carter McKay’s fat check, Charlie lost her life in an automobile accident in his vehicle. Jenna blamed him for her death, and the two began to live under separate roofs. They had been distant throughout most of their decade-long marriage, but that was the final straw to break their weak bond. Owning such a big house seemed like a burden to Ray, as it reminded him of his failed marriage. Ray came back to Dallas to sell the property which he found out had oil.

As Ray’s thoughts continued to drift, the sound of the ringing telephone prompted his attention. “Hello?”

“Ray,” said Jenna’s cold, uneasy voice. “I wasn’t sure if I’d catch you there or not. The divorce paperwork is on its way.”

A brief silence followed before Ray responded, “I guess this is it, then.”

“Lucas told me you started seeing someone new, a ski instructor or something?”

“Please, Ray… this isn’t a social call. Let’s put an end to this now so that we can both finally move on with our lives.”

“I think I have a right to know what kind of men you’re bringing into our son’s life,” Ray stated firmly.

“He’s a very wonderful man, and I enjoy my time with him. I have to go now. Goodbye.” With that blunt answer and farewell, Jenna hung up the phone on Ray.

[Jessie]

Great update poor Ray, I could see Jenna blaming him for everything, and treating him that way. Great story.

[Texas Tea]

I like your dialogue. Curious to see what happens next!

[Ray_Krebbs]

Southfork Ranch; the Driveway - Early Afternoon

A taxi pulled up to the house, and Miss Ellie and Clayton emerged from the backseats. As the latter paid the driver, Miss Ellie looked around with a look of uncertainty on her face. "I don't know, Clayton. I think we should have called first."

"I thought you wanted to surprise them, Ellie."

"They weren't expecting us till tonight, though."

"Hey... at least you'll get to be here to welcome John Ross home, and you'll get to spend more time with Christopher before he leaves tomorrow," Clayton said, trying to assure her that they made the right decision.

A grin came across the aging matriarch's face. "I guess you're right."

As they approached the patio, they saw the back of a mysterious blonde woman who was crying at the table.

"Who on earth...." Miss Ellie mumbled out loud.

"Miss?" Clayton said loudly.

The woman, revealed to be Cally as she turned around, flew from her seat and ran into Miss Ellie's arms. "They killed my husband!"

[Ray_Krebbs]

Southfork Ranch; the Lounge – Late Afternoon

Bobby, Sue Ellen, Ray and Christopher rushed home when news of Cally came to them. The family sat with Cally in the lounge, waiting so Sue Ellen as she tried to reach J.R.

Sue Ellen returned to the lounge, shaking her head negatively. “I can't get a hold of J.R. on his cell phone, and nobody is answering at Ewing Oil."

Sighing nervously, Bobby answered, "I guess we'll have to wait and see how he responds."

Gripping Cally's hand, Miss Ellie said as she gained eye contact with Cally, "Don't you worry about J.R. None of us will let him do anything to you."

Cally nodded weakly as the sound of the front door unlocking was heard by everyone. Sue Ellen ran over and stopped J.R. before he was able to obtain view of the lounge.

“Why are you stopping me, Sue Ellen?”

“Miss Ellie and Clayton came early, but… they’re not the only surprise guests…. Cally is here, too-“

“What?!”

Pushing J.R. back, Sue Ellen pleaded, “Don’t go in there, yelling at her. Her husband was murdered in Florida, and she doesn’t know what to do.”

Surprising his first ex-wife, J.R. answered with a sorrowful, “Oh, my God. She’s in the lounge?”

“Whatever you do, J.R., just don’t give her any grief!”

“Believe me, that’s the last thing on my mind right now.” J.R. walked around Sue Ellen and paused in the doorway. “Cally….”

“Take a seat, J.R.” Miss Ellie said in an authoritative tone and turned to Cally. “Are you ready to tell the rest of the family what you already told me and Clayton earlier?”

Cally took a moment to get her thoughts together and took a deep breath. “A few nights ago, my husband Tyrone and I decided to go out to this place called Church Street Station in Orlando. After we got some tacos at a Mexican stand, we decided to go home. It was really busy that night, and we had to park down a side street…. When we almost got to our car, a shadow of a man appeared in front of us, and then more appeared. They told us to come quietly with them. Tyrone got into a fight with them and told me to run. I refused to go at first, but then… they stabbed him several times right before my eyes. I didn’t even look back, then. I just ran and ran until I came across a Greyhound bus station. I didn’t want to go home, because I didn’t know who these people were or if they’d be waiting for me. I didn’t go to the police; I wanted to be around someone I knew. I have hardly any friends since Tyrone and I haven’t been in the Orlando area for very long. I got on a bus and made it over to Haleyville – or, at least what’s left of it. A tornado wiped out almost the whole town some time back, and I don’t know what happened to my brothers Japhet and Boaz. I didn’t know what to do after that. Southfork was the only other home I really knew, but coming back seemed like such a risk.”

“What about… our child?” J.R. asked carefully.

Cally closed her eyes as another tear rolled down her cheek. “I lost him, J.R. He got a hold of some household cleaner as a toddler and died from poisoning…. I named him Jakob… Jakob Robert.”

A part of J.R. wanted to lash out and blame her for his youngest child’s death, but a surge of compassion overcame him. “I’m so sorry, Cally....”

“I take it you haven’t gotten in touch with the authorities yet?” Bobby asked.

After Cally nodded no, J.R. said, “I’m going to put a call to the sheriff and have him come out here.”

[Ray_Krebbs]

Southfork Ranch; the Lounge - Evening

By now, Cally had already spoken with the sheriff, and she was given a guest room so that she could wash up and try to rest. Meanwhile, the rest of the family gathered downstairs to welcome John Ross, who appeared to have something on his mind. This didn't seem to catch the attention of his family who were helping themselves to beverages.

"I know it's kind of late now," J.R. began cheerfully, "but you'll get to see your newly furnished office tomorrow. Your Momma and Uncle Bobby even let me take a peek. Let me tell you, I know it's set up just how you would have-"

Everyone, I have something important to say before this goes any further," John Ross said in an annoyed tone.

"What is it, John Ross?" J.R. asked.

"I know you're not going to like this one bit, but I made a very big decision. I'm not going to work at Ewing Oil-"

"What?!" J.R. nearly choked on his iced tea.

I'm going to Greece with Christopher."

"The hell you are! You're my son; your place is at Ewing Oil!"

"I've been thinking this over very carefully, and I want something different out of life. I don't care what you say; I'm leaving tomorrow!"

"Will you two hush?" Miss Ellie shouted in a hushed tone. "Cally might be asleep!"

"I doubt it, Momma. Anyways, my boy and I clearly have a lot of talking to do."

"I'm done talking about this. You already know what I'm doing. If you want an heir at Ewing Oil so badly, why don't you get your other son and his offspring to move back here?"

"James is a Beaumont. You're my only son with the Ewing name. Don't do this to me. I've been living for the day you'd take over!"

"You'll have to find something else to live for, then."

"Just what the hell is it you're going to do in Greece?"

"I'm going to school with Christopher-"

"So, you want to be a starving artist for the rest of your life?"

John Ross turned to his mother and Uncle Bobby. "I'm sorry to reveal this at the last minute to the two of you, but this decision to a lot of time to make up."

Nodding and grinning weakly, Sue Ellen answered, "It's your life, sweetheart. Do what you want to do with it."

[Ray_Krebbs]

Southfork Ranch; the Kitchen – Early Morning

Sue Ellen was quietly eating a bowl of cookie-dough ice cream at the kitchen bar. She was soon joined by the presence of J.R., who was clearly still upset about John Ross’s sudden announcement earlier in the evening.

“You’re still up, too?” J.R. mumbled as he grabbed a spoon and began to eat from the package.

“Have you checked on Cally at all?”

“I took a look at her before I came down, and she’s fast asleep.” J.R.’s eating habits came to the attention of Sue Ellen.

“I don’t think anyone’s going to like it if you take up double dipping, J.R.” Sue Ellen stated with a mischievous grin.

“At the moment, I don’t give a damn.”

“Having worked at Ewing Oil for these past two years, I understand your passion for the company better. I’m really sorry that John Ross sprung that on us all of a sudden. I don’t like it either, but it’s his life.”

“I knew my boy had a few doubts about the whole thing, but I thought he was past those. I’ve never been more disappointed in my whole life.”

“ Would you really want him to work at Ewing Oil even knowing that he didn’t want to do it?”

“I don’t want to talk about it anymore. If we do, I think I’m going to throw up!”

All of a sudden, the two of them were joined by Clayton’s company. He stared into space, his mouth hanging open.

“What’s wrong with you?” J.R. asked in an annoyed-rather-than-sympathetic tone.

“Your Momma… she’s gone, J.R….”

[Ray_Krebbs]

Southfork Ranch; the Lounge – Morning

“I can’t believe she’s gone,” Bobby muttered, sipping his drink while staring out the window.

J.R., meanwhile, sat on the sofa, his hands folded. “Have you called everyone yet?”

“Almost.”

“Well, who haven’t you told yet?”

Bobby faced his oldest brother and answered reluctantly, “Auntie Phyllis-“

“What? She doesn’t care about this family!”

“What makes you so sure of that?”

“When Uncle Garrison came back to Southfork to die, did she show much concern? Or, how about when Daddy died? Auntie Phyllis has made it quite clear that she doesn’t care about her roots.”

“She had ongoing problems with her husband for a long time, J.R.”

“That doesn’t mean you throw your family away like she apparently has!”

“She is Momma’s sister and has a right to know!”

“Fine. Whatever! Just don’t be upset when she doesn’t turn up!”

Bobby walked over to the phone and picked up the receiver, smiling cheekily at J.R.

“You’re really doing it, aren’t you?”

Turning away from J.R., Bobby heard a deep hello over the line. “Hello. Is this Phyllis Darth?”

“Yes, it is,” the deep-voiced woman answered in a slightly suspicious tone of voice. “Who wants to know?”

“This is your nephew Bobby Ewing.”

A brief silence followed by a shocked laugh. “Bobby? My goodness! I haven’t seen you were very young. Is there a reason you’re calling all this way?”

“I’m afraid I have bad news. My momma passed away in her sleep last night….”

“Oh, boy…. Ellie’s gone. I’m really sorry to hear about this. But, I don’t think I’ll be able to fly in.”

“It’s all right. I understand. I just wanted to make sure you knew,” Bobby answered.

“I appreciate that. Thank you, Bobby. You take now, you hear?”

“You, too, Auntie Phyllis. Bye.”

“See? What did I tell you?” J.R. said, rolling his eyes.

“At least I made sure she knew about Momma.”

[Ray_Krebbs]

A Hospital in Undisclosed Location; a Patient’s Room – Morning

Cliff looked into the doorway as a young woman with long brown hair studied her face in a mirror while sitting up in her bed. “Becky….”

The young woman turned to him with a terrified look. Although her new appearance was very beautiful, it still startled Cliff to see his daughter with a new face.

Some months before Afton had phoned him that Pamela Rebecca had been in an accident that resulted in her face being ripped off. By some miracle of chance, she survived but had been in a head bandage. Afton finally admitted to him that he was her father and allowed him to tell their daughter. Keeping all of this a secret from everyone, Cliff and his new family formed a close bond during this difficult trial.

A plastic surgeon got in contact with them and wanted to test Pamela Rebecca to be the first face-transplant patient. Both parents and daughter were reluctant at first, but they eventually agreed. All of this had been done as a complete secret to the medical community and would not be recorded whether a success or not.

“Daddy, I… I’m not me. I’m someone else! I….”

Cliff rushed over to his daughter and put his arms around her. “Shh… shh…. I’m here for you and so is your mother.”

[Ray_Krebbs]

Southfork Ranch; the Driveway - Morning

Christopher was playing basketball in the driveway when a girl around his age with long, dark hair ran into his arms. His reaction seemed to indicate that he knew her.

"Elena."

"I just heard that Miss Ellie passed away," Elena said with the utmost sorrow in her voice. "What happened?"

"She went quietly in her sleep. Clayton woke up in the middle of the night and found her not breathing next to him."

"Oh, my gosh. How is he holding up?"

"He seems to be in complete shock. I think we all are."

"I guess it's safe to say your travel plans are on hold?"

"Yes, of course!" Christopher said with a hint of annoyance. "But, John Ross and I are still going to Greece right after the funeral. Classes are beginning in a couple days, and we don't want to miss too much."

"I know we've been through this like a million times, but-"

"Look, I'm getting tired of talking about it already. I'd have to be stupid to pass up on this opportunity. I'll be back, though."

"Yeah - in like four years."

"I'm still coming back for visits, I hope you know."

"I know that, but you're still going to have to leave again.... I'm really going to be looking forward to that day when you come back home... for good."

[Colonel Lucas]

The Krebbs Ranch; the Living Room – Morning

Ray took a look around and sighed. He and Jenna bought the property from Michelle when she placed it on the market in 1991, using it when they would occasionally visit Dallas. Even though Ray was in a better place financially than in April, his marital problems worsened. Following Ray’s return to Switzerland with Carter McKay’s fat check, Charlie lost her life in an automobile accident in his vehicle. Jenna blamed him for her death, and the two began to live under separate roofs. They had been distant throughout most of their decade-long marriage, but that was the final straw to break their weak bond. Owning such a big house seemed like a burden to Ray, as it reminded him of his failed marriage. Ray came back to Dallas to sell the property which he found out had oil.

As Ray’s thoughts continued to drift, the sound of the ringing telephone prompted his attention. “Hello?”

“Ray,” said Jenna’s cold, uneasy voice. “I wasn’t sure if I’d catch you there or not. The divorce paperwork is on its way.”

A brief silence followed before Ray responded, “I guess this is it, then.”

“Lucas told me you started seeing someone new, a ski instructor or something?”

“Please, Ray… this isn’t a social call. Let’s put an end to this now so that we can both finally move on with our lives.”

“I think I have a right to know what kind of men you’re bringing into our son’s life,” Ray stated firmly.

“He’s a very wonderful man, and I enjoy my time with him. I have to go now. Goodbye.” With that blunt answer and farewell, Jenna hung up the phone on Ray.

YES! Good idea to kill off Charlie. I hope the new show kills them the both.