Last time, in “Swap,” we were introduced to some of the main characters: Ping and Pong, who seem to have no character traits so far other than speaking like insultingly shallow imitations of rappers. Lon, who actually is a wannabe rapper, but whose mix tape was so boring that it put Ping to sleep in a matter if seconds. The Old Man, who seems to be shambling around town in the hunt for outdated technology, and his Panda, whose appearance was startling to no one, despite the fact that he is an actual Panda.
Lon had made the aforementioned Ambien of mix-tapes, but let it fall into the clutches of the Old Man and the Panda (who supposedly “love human junks”). Ping & Pong rushed out to a show, but returned after realizing that they missed it because Pong’s watch “has been busted for years.” (Is this subtle foreshadowing of the time-travel plot?) They inform Lon that the Old Man is “da major G and everyone treats him like he’s their popdukes” and not to mess with him—as if the giant bear following him around and obeying his commands wasn’t reason enough. Also, the phrase: “I beat fo tha yolk everyday” was used. It doesn’t make any more sense in context.
This installment is the short Scene 2 and the first half of Scene 3.
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Scene 2 – Lon and the Girl in the Mirror
Scene: In an enormous space in a shelter, there is nothing. No single furniture or any photos that reflect the person that lives in there. Old Man and Panda enter.
Old Man: Ah… our plan worked didn’t it?
Panda: Nods.
Old Man: I know I know! He looks all… jumbled up and spoiled. It’s perfect! …He can be the sacrifice for my granddaughter after all… Eeeheehee…
Panda: Gestures an “X” with its arms.
Old Man: What? You think I’m mean!? Aiyoooo… it’s the same as you my little panda. You eat meat and human looks delicious to you, yes? But don’t humans still think you’re cute and cuddly fur ball from China? We’re on the same boat my friend.
Panda: Pointing at the mirror.
Old Man: Yes… with this mirror… I’m going to use this mirror to save my granddaughter… Jin-Mei.
Panda: Nods.
Old Man: I promise you that she won’t feel lonely…… ever again.
Panda: Nods Rapidly.
Old Man and Panda both enter and disappear into the mirror.
Black out.
Lights on.
There is a trail made by Panda’s paws. It leads to the mirror. Lon enters.
Lon: Sigh… where did dat freakin’ beast go…(notices the footprints) Ya ain’t outsmarting me anymore…
Lon starts tracking the foorstep until it leads him to the mirror.
Lon: Did I miss anythin’? Sumthin’s wrong hea… (he looks at the mirror) Huh? (stares at the mirror more closely)
The reflection Lon sees in the mirror appears not to be his reflection, but a girl of about his age, who is wearing an old-fashioned Chinese dress.
Lon: Why… do I look like this… (turns around away from the mirror and poses) Damn, am I hot! Wait! (turns back to the mirror) This ain’t me! What in da world is…
Lon tries several movements in front of the mirror. The girl on the other side of the mirror synchronizes with the same movements.
Lon: (turns away from the mirror again) Wat da (beep)ing (beep) ia dis (beep)ing mirror messin’ with my freakin’… aii… eei… aight… aight… I’m dreamin’… I’m trippin’ for some reason… ya know wat? I will just… turn around with me (beep)ing eyes wide open and…
The arms of the girl emerge out from the mirror and pull Lon into the mirror as Lon screams out of fear.
Lights dim. Scene ends.
Scene 3 – Jin-Mei, Lord Wang and the Old Man
Scene: In an old-fashioned room, a girl, Jin-Mei, who is about the same age as Lon, is sitting on the floor dazed out. Panda is sitting next to her, playing with his beach ball. A buffed big man, Lord Wang, with shaved hair and long eyebrows enters the room.
Lord Wang: Ahem.
Jin-Mei looks up.
Jin-Mei: Sigh… there goes my day.
Lord Wang: What is this tone of voice I sense?









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