Episode 10: Answer the Call

NARRATOR:
Previously, on Timestorm:

WEATHER REPORTER:
The latest from the Caribbean: Maria is now a category five hurricane.

CLARA: 
That storm looks like a monster.

BENI:
Pa, you see that video where the road looks like a river?

ALEXA:
It's like everything's been washed away.

CLARA:
I feel so useless. I wish we could reach them, help them. 

DATU:
Hey, Josie. It's me. Datu. I hope you're okay. / Just know that the store in Newark is doing fine. / Hey, it’s me. Datu, that is. I don’t know if you got my message from last week / I hope to hear back from you soon.

RAMIRO:
Hey there. It’s me, Ramiro Ventura. We’ve got a ton of donated items that we’re trying to get to PR. I need your help getting a charter jet so we can deliver it all. Whatdya say? For old times’ sake?

ATABEY:
The next time you return, you'll have lived through six months.

HORACIO:
A lot can happen. Now, remember, you can still continue the mission on earth in your own time. When you return to your ordinary lives, you can still—

A dramatic thunderclap.

MUSIC: THEME SONG - "IN THE TIMESTORM"

Witness. Find. Remember.
The hidden past seeks its dawn, showing us that we all belong.
Horacio, Alexa, and Beni take back time, find history in the timestorm.
Witness. Find. Remember.

2017. TAÍNO COMICS AND GAMES. NEWARK, NEW JERSEY.

MUSIC: TAÍNO COMICS AND GAMES TRANSITION.

A truck horn honks next to the store.

DATU:
Looks like your Dad’s here with a truckload of donations from the library. 

CLARA:
That was quick. Datu, if you don’t mind helping Ramiro with some of the heavier donations.

DATU:
Sure thing, Clara.

CLARA:
Alexa and Beni can help take care of dry goods and extra clothes. When you’re bringing things in, make sure you’re putting it all in the proper place. 

A door opens, triggering a laser bell. A city street is heard. RAMIRO enters. The door closes. 

RAMIRO:
I brought sub sandwiches. Who’s hungry?

ALEXA/BENI:
Me!

CLARA:
Oh. Now that you mention it, I’m starving.

RAMIRO:
I figured with you all hard at work here that you might not have had dinner.

RAMIRO places the bags on the counter.

CLARA:
Thank you, mi amor.

RAMIRO:
I’ve got food in here for you too, Datu.

DATU:
Oh, you’re too kind, Ramiro. Thank you. Here, how about I take back the front counter from these two so they can eat? You two have any trouble up here?

ALEXA:
Nope!

BENI:
Smooth sailing!

CLARA:
Now, go eat. We’ve got a long night ahead of us.

RAMIRO:
I got both of you anchovy and mayo sandwiches. Your favorite.

BENI:
No, you didn’t!

RAMIRO:
(laughing) I’m kidding! I’m kidding!

2017. TAÍNO COMICS AND GAMES. NEWARK, NEW JERSEY.

A distorted email alert.

VOICE:
Please leave your message.

DATU:
Josie! It’s Datu. You should see this place. We got the back space all set up with tables and we pushed aside some of the shelves for more room. We’ve been able to fit so many cases of water, diapers, extra clothes, canned foods. It’s amazing. Clara said that if it wasn’t for this extra space, she would’ve had to turn all this away. Now, it can all go to the people on the island who need it most. I really wish you were here with us. I think you and Clara would really get along. Both of you have that ‘go get’em’ energy. And the twins, Alexa and Beni? They’ve been such a big help and...they’d be so excited to meet you. I know the timing needs to be right for your return to Newark, but I hope that time is soon.

2017. A STREET, NEWARK, NEW JERSEY.

MUSIC: STREET SCENE TRANSITION.

JANELLY:
I mean it, Sonia. It really is great that Datu's helping out with donations. I just wish Beni had given me a heads up about it.

SONIA:
Yeah, I get that. It's your place. You and Beni.

JANELLY
Is it though? I've hardly seen him these past two weeks. And, I know, things have been crazy since the hurricane. But, still...I get this feeling Beni's keeping something from me. 

SONIA:
It's the same thing with Alexa. It’s like both of them have a secret.

JANELLY:
Exactly. 

A GIRL approaches SONIA and JANELLY.

GIRL:
Gringa.

The GIRL walks away, laughing.

JANELLY:
Did Emely just call you ‘gringa?'

SONIA:
It's not the first time. It started, like, last year. Emely and her friends whispering about me in Spanish. Of course, they don’t know that even though I stink at speaking Spanish, it doesn’t mean I don’t understand what they’re saying. They can be really mean. That new song I wrote? It's pretty much about them.

JANELLY:
I wish I could write songs about my issues. My cousin taught me how to play the ukulele a little. But I don’t think I could write a song. And you know me and singing.

SONIA:
What about you and singing?

JANELLY:
Uh...second grade chorus? Mr. Longo told the whole class that I mumbled so much, I might as well not sing at all. Everyone laughed and you told me I should stick to video games.

SONIA:
Janelly, I said you should sing about video games. Like, maybe you’d be more comfortable.

JANELLY:
Oh. Anyway, you're the songwriter now. And you’re so good at everything, it'd be hard not to compare myself to you.

SONIA:
Not everything's a competition. 

JANELLY:
Am I hearing you right, Sonia?

SONIA:
Okay, I'll admit that I have to keep reminding myself of this. But, it’s true, sometimes you just have to write a song to write it. And then maybe rewrite it seventeen and a half times.

JANELLY:
Seventeen and a half?

SONIA:
It still feels like something's missing. Oh my gosh. I just had a great idea. And with your help, I can have it ready for December.

JANELLY:
What's in December, Sonia?

SONIA:
I've been talking to my music teacher about organizing a fundraiser show for Puerto Rico. 

JANELLY:
That sounds like a great idea. I mean, as long as your music teacher says so. We probably need an adult to help organize it all.

SONIA:
Oh, I'm pretty sure they'll say yes. It’ll be the perfect time to try out the new, new, new version of my song. You'll help, right, Janelly?

2017. THE VENTURA HOME - THE OFFICE. NEWARK, NEW JERSEY.

MUSIC: HOME TRANSITION.

BENI:
"New donation drop off. The North End Branch of the Newark Public Library has partnered with Taino Comics and Games to collect and organize donations for Hurricane Maria the relief effort." And I added the list of all the items you're accepting. Ooh, and packing supplies needed - just like you wanted.

CLARA:
Look at the flag in the background. It’s perfect, Beni. I'll print out copies for the library. Oh, Betina made a Facebook group for us. I should share it on there, too. Oh! There’s a new video on the Ponce Se Levanta group. That's Mami and Papi's neighbor, Leti.

CLARA taps on her phone.

NEIGHBORS:
Hola. No sé quien puede ver este video, pero...voy a contarles...first...no hubo ni una muerte, okay? Everyone is accounted for. Hector y Migdalia Rios, Dona Isa, la familia Cruz, Wilfredo y Conchita Vasquez, // Noni Perez y todos su ninos, Don Jorge. Lo que si paso es que todas las casas hecha de madera fueron destruidas. Además, tampoco tenemos luz. Algunos have generators, pero, that's it.

NEIGHBOR:
Por favor, tengo algo que decir. Billy y Vanessa, tell your parents we're all right? Te quiero muchisimos.

CLARA:
(overlapping) Ay! Gracias a Dios! 

BENI:
Abuela y abuelo are okay?

CLARA:
Rami! Alexa!

ALEXA and RAMIRO rush into the room.

RAMIRO:
What is it?

BENI:
Abuela and abuelo are okay!

ALEXA:
For real?

CLARA:
Leti from the neighborhood.

RAMIRO:
Leti?

CLARA:
Leti. She posted a video. And she said their names. They're okay. 

RAMIRO:
Ay! That’s such good news!

CLARA:
I know!

ALEXA:
Wow. Go, Leti, with your cell phone.

BENI:
Hey! Go, Leti! Go, Leti!

ALEXA:
(laughing) Oh my gosh. Beni!

BENI:
(overlapping) Go, Leti, with your cell phone. Go, Leti, with your cell phone...

ALEXA:
(laughing) Oh no.

RAMIRO:
(overlapping) Le-ti, Le-ti, Le-ti, Le-ti, Le-ti...

CLARA:
(overlapping) Go, go, go, go, go, go...

ALEXA:
(overlapping) Go, Leti, down in Ponce. Go, Leti, down in Ponce...

The Venturas dance and laugh. RAMIRO's cell phone rings.

RAMIRO:
Maybe more good news? (exiting the room) Carlito! Blast from the past! How are you?

CLARA'S cell phone rings.

CLARA:
We're just too popular.

CLARA:
(exiting the room) Hi, Datu! 

BENI:
I can’t believe what they’re saying about the water down there. 

ALEXA:
Invisible danger. But everywhere.

BENI:
Wonder what Monsi would think. 

ALEXA:
She’s still alive, remember? Works for NASA over in Alabama.

BENI:
Then I wonder what she's thinking now. It’s, like, we’re connected in some weird way.

ALEXA:
The island connects us.

BENI:
Is it weird to feel homesick for a place where we've never lived?

ALEXA:
Nope. I feel the same way.

2017. THE VENTURA HOME - THE KITCHEN. NEWARK, NEW JERSEY.

MUSIC: HOME TRANSITION.

CLARA:
Thanks for the heads up, Datu.

RAMIRO:
I can't thank you enough, Carlito. Cuidate.

CLARA:
Datu says the donations are coming in so fast, we'll need to rally the volunteers tomorrow to sort and pack it all.

RAMIRO:
Well, then. Carlito couldn't have better timing.

CLARA:
Carlito?

RAMIRO:
He has arranged a private jet to Aguadilla. We’ll be able to fill it all up and get all of these donations down there next week.  
CLARA:
Tell me you're not joking…because if you're joking // it's not funny.

RAMIRO:
(overlapping) I'm not kidding, Clarita. I told you we'd make it happen.

CLARA:
Ah! Such good news. I just hope you’ll hear from Tía Ingrid.

RAMIRO:
Si, pero...I’m...I’m sure my cousins are taking care of her. 

CLARA:
I still can't believe this is real life.

2017. TAÍNO COMICS AND GAMES. NEWARK, NEW JERSEY.

MUSIC: TAÍNO COMICS AND GAMES TRANSITION.

ALEXA pulls items from a bag.

ALEXA:
Baby wipes. More diapers. Toddler size.

BENI:
That's good. Ma said we needed more of that size. 

ALEXA:
And here’s some more bottled water.

CLARA approaches the twins.

CLARA:
You're both working so hard. Pero, please. Unpack items in the back so it's easier to sort. 

ALEXA:
Ma, I keep bumping into people back there.

CLARA:
Mira, Datu cleared out a new aisle so everyone can navigate around easier. 

ALEXA | BENI:
Okay. | Got it.

ALEXA and BENI grab bags and head to the back of the store.
A door opens, triggering a laser bell. A city street is heard. SONIA and JANELLY enter. The door closes. 

SONIA:
We'll keep working on the lyrics, though. It's over a month away.

CLARA:
Hola, Sonia. Janelly.

SONIA | JANELLY:
Hey, Mrs. V. | Hi, Mrs. V.

CLARA:
Here to help?

JANELLY:
Yep.

SONIA:
We heard you needed it this weekend.

CLARA:
Do we ever! The twins are bringing this stack of items to the back. If you want to—

A door opens, triggering a laser bell. A city street is heard. THAD enters. The door closes.

CLARA:
Hello! Here to help?

SONIA:
Thad? Help?

THAD:
Uh...actually, I'm looking for...uh...a guy...

JANELLY:
Datu?

THAD:
Uh...yeah.

CLARA:
I let him know. Grab whatever you can carry and follow me, girls. 

SONIA:
On it!

SONIA and CLARA pick up a box.

JANELLY:
I'll meet back there in a sec.

SONIA and CLARA head to the back of the store, which is packed with volunteers.

SONIA places the box on top of another.

SONIA:
Hey, guys.

ALEXA | BENI:
Hey. | Hi.

BENI:
Isn't Janelly with you?

SONIA:
Uh, she's just in the front talking to Thad.

BENI:
Janelly's talking to Thad?

ALEXA:
That's weird.

SONIA:
Right? And what was his deal the other day? 

RAMIRO:
(distant) A crate of water bottles incoming!

SONIA:
I can't believe how packed it is in here. 

BENI:
Yeah. People really want to help.

ALEXA:
We should probably get the rest of the stuff up front.

SONIA , BENI, and ALEXA' walk to the front of the store.

JANELLY:
I should get to the back. See ya, Thad. Hi, Beni. Alexa.

THAD:
Uh...hey.

ALEXA/BENI:
Hey.

SONIA:
We're taking this stuff here. I think we can get it all between the four of us.

MUSIC:TAÍNO COMICS AND GAMES TRANSITION.

CLARA:
All right. Mira, Sharpies for each of you.

ALEXA, BENI, SONIA, and JANELLY place down bags. CLARA uses a marker on a package.

CLARA:
Mira. Make sure the SKU code is completely blacked out. Así. Everyone got a Sharpie?

ALEXA | BENI | JANELLY | SONIA:
Yep. | Got mine. | Uh-huh. | Plus, a back-up!

BENI:
You just happen to have a Sharpie?

SONIA:
I read the flyer very carefully.

CLARA:
These bags will keep you busy for a while. Then onto those boxes.

RAMIRO:
(distant) Where should we put all these tins of sardines, Clara? 

CLARA:
With the tuna fish over at table seven. Near the poster of La Borinqueña.

RAMIRO places sardine tins on the table.

MUSIC: TAÍNO COMICS AND GAMES TRANSITION.

SONIA:
Maybe in a couple more weeks when we're a little closer to the fundraiser.

BENI:
What fundraiser?

SONIA:
The one Janelly and I are organizing at Brick City Cafe to raise money for Puerto Rico.

JANELLY:
Sonia's guitar teacher just booked the cafe for the Saturday before Thanksgiving.

ALEXA:
Um. Have you guys been planning this for a while?

SONIA:
I had the idea last week and I told Janelly about it on Monday.

BENI:
Monday? Oh, I get it. You're getting back at me for not telling you about Datu's plan.

SONIA:
Hey. Don't blame Janelly. The song and the fundraiser were my ideas. We're telling you both now.

BENI:
Seemed like it was by mistake.

ALEXA:
Right?

RAMIRO:
How’s everything over here?

ALEXA/BENI/JANELLY/SONIA:
Fine.

JANELLY slams down her marker.

JANELLY:
Look, Beni. I get that you're busy. I mean, you haven't even had time to play Ancient Americas.

BENI:
Why don't you play with Thad? Since you two like to talk now.

JANELLY:
Uh, I swear. Sometimes you're in your own bubble.

JANELLY runs off.

BENI:
I'll be back.

ALEXA sets a package on the table.

ALEXA:
Oh, man. This has a bunch of outer plastic.

SONIA:
I'm on it. 

SONIA snaps scissors.

ALEXA:
You brought scissors?

SONIA:
And three kinds of tape.

ALEXA:
Hey, is the fundraiser just for musicians?

SONIA:
Not at all. You want to help?

ALEXA:
I mean, I'm not going to sing anything. But you know I like to help plan stuff.

SONIA:
Of course. That'd be great.

2017. TAÍNO COMICS AND GAMES. NEWARK, NEW JERSEY.

MUSIC: "YO SOY AMERICA"

BENI climbs the stairs.

BENI:
Hey, Janelly.

JANELLY:
Hey.

BENI:
What are you reading?

JANELLY:
Take Back Time.

BENI:
What’s that, like your fourth, fifth read-through?

JANELLY:
Seventh.

BENI:
(nervous laugh) So, uh, the shop’s changed a lot, huh?

JANELLY:
Yeah. But it’s cool what the store’s doing.

BENI:
Yeah, and Datu’s done a great job making sure game nights can still happen. Feels like forever since this place first opened, doesn’t it? Remember our first game night? What did we play—

JANELLY:
Mount Olympus—that weird card game where you got to play as different Greek gods.

BENI:
That’s right! Wow, I was never into card games until the store came around.

JANELLY:
Me either. Actually, a lot of the stuff I play and read is thanks to Datu. Even Take Back Time. Remember when he first showed it to us?

2016. TAÍNO COMICS AND GAMES. NEWARK, NEW JERSEY.

MUSIC: TAÍNO COMICS AND GAMES TRANSITION.
A door opens, triggering a laser bell. A city street is heard. BENI and JANELLY enter.

BENI & JANELLY:
Whoaaaa.

The door closes.

JANELLY:
A lightsaber door sensor!

DATU:
Oh, hey there! Excuse the mess, we’re still getting set up in here.

BENI:
This place is amazing.

DATU:
Welcome to Taíno Comics and Games. I’m the manager. My name’s Datu.

JANELLY:
I’m Janelly, and this wide-eyed boy-wonder here is Beni.

DATU:
It’s a pleasure to meet you both. 

BENI:
You have so much cool stuff in here.

DATU:
Yup, we’ve got quite the collection of comics and games, tabletop and video. Is there anything you’re looking for in particular?

JANELLY:
We were wondering if you have the new Ancient Americas game?

DATU:
We do. I placed an order as soon as they announced it. It should be in the back, I’ll show you.

DATU, JANELLY, and BENI walk to the back.

DATU:
You can find most of our video game selection over here. Ahh, here it is. Ancient Americas: Explore the ancient world as you discover magical artifacts and search for the answer to a long-forgotten mystery. 

JANELLY:
Oh, sweet!

DATU:
Sounds exciting!

BENI:
This place is way bigger than I thought it was.

DATU:
I’ve been trying to think of what I can do with some of this extra space. Maybe I’ll turn this area into a game room to host gaming nights and tourneys. Do you think people would be interested in that?

BENI:
Are you for real? People would love that.

JANELLY:
Yeah, I bet a bunch of kids from school would come to those.

DATU:
Oh, that’s great to hear. I’ll get it set up as soon as possible.

JANELLY:
We’ll spread the word around.

BENI:
Hey! Do you have the Space Race comics? I think I’m a few issues behind.

DATU:
I do. You know, if you both like ancient history and are into sci-fi, I think I have a great comic recommendation for you. Have you read Take Back Time?

2017. TAÍNO COMICS AND GAMES. NEWARK, NEW JERSEY.

MUSIC: TAÍNO COMICS AND GAMES TRANSITION.

JANELLY:
Datu is so good at recommending stuff.

BENI:
Yeah, I’ve loved everything he’s shown me.

JANELLY:
I don’t think I would’ve ever read Take Back Time if it wasn’t for him.

BENI:
He works really hard around here. Even with all the donation stuff and game nights, I’d be so stressed.

JANELLY:
Yeah, but Datu...I think he enjoys it all, you know? Like, he’s just happy to have people around.

BENI:
Yeah. I like that. I better head back down and help out with the donations.

JANELLY:
I’ll come with.

BENI and JANELLY walk down the stairs.

JANELLY:
You know, there’s something that still bothers me about Take Back Time. The last page. 

BENI:
What about it?

JANELLY:
She will change everything. You ever figure out what it means?

BENI:
Uh, well...I only know what L. J. Ortega said: It means—

BENI/JANELLY:
—what it means.

JANELLY:
Right. It’s just a weird ending, I guess. I’m still hoping for a surprise sequel. I keep wondering about whatever happened to Lieutenant Méndez out there floating in the timestorm. 

BENI:
Yeah. He’s a pretty cool character.

THE TIMESTORM. ANOTHER DIMENSION.

MUSIC: TIMESTORM TRANSITION.

HORACIO:
Do you think they’re ready?

ATABEY:
They’ve proven themselves thus far. Are you concerned?

HORACIO:
They’re still just kids.

ATABEY:
They were kids when they went to Old San Juan. And when they went to Ponce and Rio Piedras.

HORACIO:
I know. You’re right. You’re right. They’re our best chance at seeing the mission through.

ATABEY:
Sounds like you think they are ready.

HORACIO:
Yes, I do. We’ll give them the quest we’ve been holding onto. The one that’s going to require traveling to multiple locations. Multiple centuries.

ATABEY:
Come spring, when the twins return to us— 

HORACIO:
Spring! I keep forgetting it’ll have been six months for them.

ATABEY:
Six months for your cousins, yes—

HORACIO:
But will they be the same?

ATABEY:
A lot can happen in six months.

HORACIO:
A lot can happen...a lot can happen. I know! That’s what I’m worried about. They’re…

ATABEY:
They’re…

HORACIO:
They’re growing up. For this next quest, they’ll need to know more. And I...I feel like I should know more, too.

ATABEY:
All in due time.

HORACIO:
Time is immeasurable here.

ATABEY:
It’s just a saying, Lieutenant Mendez.

2017. TAÍNO COMICS AND GAMES. NEWARK, NEW JERSEY.

MUSIC: “YO SOY AMERICA”

VOLUNTEERS chatter. 

ALEXA:
Hey, Beni. I was telling Sonia you could make the graphic art for the fundraiser in November.

JANELLY:
What a great idea!

BENI:
Sounds cool. I'm in.

SONIA:
So..we're all...good. Right?

ALEXA/BENI/JANELLY:
We're good.

THAD:
Uh...can I, like, help?

ALEXA:
You want to help, Thad?

THAD:
Uh... so, our mosque was vandalized last year, everyone from the neighborhood came to clean up and fix the damage. Maybe I could return the favor?

SONIA:
Here. Take my backup Sharpie. Cross out the bar code and then place items into one of those piles.

RAMIRO:
Atención! Turn down the music a second? We just got second private plane donated!

The VOLUNTEERS cheer.

PERSON:
Para Puerto Rico!

CROWD:
Para Puerto Rico!

A volunteer turns up the music. The volunteers laugh and clap.

THAD:
Uh...this is kinda weird.

BENI:
What is?

THAD:
People celebrating when there's so much that's gone wrong with this hurricane.

ALEXA:
That's just how we are. 

SONIA:
Come on. Let's dance!

The music plays for several seconds as dancing continues. A phone rings three times under the crowd. The phone rings a final time—all sounds and music abruptly stop except for the echoing ring.

2017. A DIGITAL SPACE.

A voicemail alert beeps.

JOSIE:
Hi, Datu. It...it’s Josie. Thanks for leaving all those voicemails. De verdad, gracias. I was finally able to listen to them. When I heard that you’re using the store to collect donations, I was…I was proud. I’m trying to imagine what the store looks like full of volunteers. Must be quite a sight. So...I know it's been a while since I’ve been in New Jersey, but I think it's time. I'm coming back to Newark.

A beep.

MUSIC: “IN THE TIMESTORM” (INSTRUMENTAL).

NARRATION:
This season 1 finale episode of Timestorm was written by Dania Ramos and Andrew Siañez-De La O. Audio engineering, sound design, and original music were by Michael Aquino. “Yo Soy America” was written by Deivis Garcia, performed by the United States of Boogaloo, and recorded and mixed by Johnny Kray at Kray Studios.

The role of Alexa Ventura was played by Leilany Figueroa. Beni Ventura was played by Claudio Venancio. Clara Ventura was played by Jennica Carmona. Ramiro Ventura was played by Walter Rodriguez. Datu Ancheta was played by Joel Arandia. Janelly was played by Frances Ramos. Sonia was played by Jessica Bracken. Horacio Méndez was played by Orlando Segarra. Atabey was played by Alicia Rivas. Thad was played by Philipe AbiYouness. This episode also featured Angelica Ubiera.

Timestorm is produced by Cocotazo Media and is a proud member of TRAX from PRX. Support for TRAX comes from the Corporation for Public Broadcasting. To learn more about TRAX, visit TRAX dot fm: that’s t-r-a-x-dot fm. Additional support comes from the PRX Google Podcasts creator program.

If you enjoy the show, ask your parents to subscribe to Timestorm on Google Podcasts, Apple Podcasts, or the Kids Listen App. A quick message for our adult listeners: please be sure to check out our free resources, including episode guides and transcripts over at Timestorm Series dot com. And if you're interested in more bonus and behind-the-scenes content, we hope you’ll consider joining our Patreon community over at Patreon dot com slash Timestorm. You can also show your support for the series by sharing it with a friend or leaving a rating and review on Apple Podcasts and Podchaser.

We want to acknowledge the support that you, our listeners, have given us. We’re truly grateful for every message, review, share-out, performance of our theme song, and donation we’ve received. Thank you!

Timestorm is produced in Essex County, New Jersey, which is situated on the traditional territory of the Leni Lenape people.

Thanks for listening to season 1 of Timestorm.

ATABEY:
Witness. Find. Remember.