Meeting the Cast

The oldest of the group was Mitch Tanner, a former big time TV actor that had seen better days. Well, maybe 'big time' was stretching the truth a bit -- his biggest claim to fame was a semi-regular supporting role on "The Love Boat". But now he was out-of-work and scraping the bottom of the barrel in search of a comeback, or at least a paycheck. He was going to play the role of Commander Jefferson. His wife, Elaine Jefferson, was being played by a lady by the name of Suzie Thorn. She wasn't nearly as old as Mitch, but had a kind of used look about her. A little over-weight, her make-up on a little too thick. But I could see what the producer saw in her - she had a rack bigger than my head. For some reason when I looked at her all I could think of was 'porn'.

A pretty young woman named Sara Hewit was playing Lt.Beauchamp. I was surprised by the casting though. According to the script Beauchamp had a hefty bosom, but Sara was a little short in that department. She was spunky though. Lt.Crosby was being played by Jasper Dogget. The guy barely looked like he was out of his teens and the thought crossed my mind that he probably got the part because he was related to somebody in the production office. As for the characters of Professor Qian and the sentient computer Charlie, they were missing from the room.

"OK everybody," John said, "let's do a read through before we head out into the sound stage. They're still putting the finishing touches on the sets so we have a little time."

"But what about Wu?" Sara asked. "And who's going to do Charlie?" I guessed that Wu was the actor hired to play Qian.

"Wu called up," John answered, "he's stuck in traffic on the Hollywood Fwy. But he'll be here soon enough. And as for Charlie..." John reached out toward a phone that was sitting on the table and pushed the intercom button. "Hal is going to take on that role. But he's also our senior tech in the editing room, so he'll be doing his bit long distance."

A soothing, calm voice came over the intercom. "Hello John, I am excited about contributing to this project and hope to be an integral part of its success." I kind of jumped when I heard him, it sounded just like that voice from that movie with the crazy computer. You know the one I'm talking about. Yeah, that one.

1. A production assistant suddenly runs in and announces that Mr.Wu was killed in a car pile-up on the freeway
2. John takes the part of Qian and they begin their read through
3. After practicing their lines they go to wardrobe to get their costumes

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