The Pursuit of Packer

"The Pursuit of Packer" is the eleventh and final episode of *Packer & Ratcliff (season three)*, and the thirty-ninth installment of the series overall. It was performed on July 13, 2019 at MadLab theatre in Columbus, OH. It was podcast episode 245.

Within the story, the characters jump between dimensions, interacting with stories in different segments, although the whole show is considered a single episode of *Packer & Ratcliff*

Written by Jerome Wetzel

Directed by Samantha Stark

Previous episode: "What a Ride It's Been"

Next episode: "The Why of Woosley"

## **Starring**

Chase McCants as James Packer

Dallas Ray as Nicholas Ratcliff

Nick Arganbright as T.I.M. the Time Machine

With Special Guest Shane Stefanchik as Lawrence "Larry" Jefferson

Guest Narrator Ella Palardi

## ***Morning Show***

The portion of the story that takes place during *Morning Show* is in-continuity with the ongoing story at present, and has major story implications moving forward, although it's not considered a separate *Morning Show* episode.

Previous episode: "Emergency Powers"

Next episode: "Fallout"

### ***Morning Show* Cast**

* Keith Jackson as Pat Shock
* Kristin Green as Shelly Meyers
* Joe Morales as Donald J. Trump
* Virgil Von Hartzel as Dr. Schwartz

### **Story**

T.I.M., Larry, and Ratcliff arrive in Dimension AAA, and this time T.I.M. goes to Columbus, Ohio, away from the zombie outbreak. T.I.M. says he can sniff out Packer from such a distance with no problem. While they wait for T.I.M.'s search, Larry asks if he can step outside, as he has been living on a spaceship for awhile. Ratcliff says no, but reluctantly lets Larry turn on the radio.

The *Morning Show* theme is heard, and then Pat Shock returns the show from commercial break. (Gus Goodall is out sick.) He mentions that the zombie outbreak has spread to six cities in Southern California, and citizens in that area have been ordered to stay indoors. Getting word from his producer that the president is about to make a speech, the show switches to the president's feed.

   The speech that follows is rambling. President Trump says this isn't his fault, and blames the outbreak on Dr. Schwartz, who is standing beside him. Trump also blames Schwartz's band of thirteen angry Democrats, and Obama for starting the zombie project. Schwartz interjects that none of that is true. Trump claims the video footage of him knocking the zombie virus vial out of Schwartz's hands is doctored. He says he's going to build a wall over the Mississippi to keep the undead at bay. He also says the zombies are bringing drugs, crimes, rape, though some are good zombies. Schwartz again contradicts him, as zombies don't do drugs, can't rape, and none of them are "good people." Trump wants to push the zombies back into the Democrats' sanctuary cities.

Pat cuts back into the broadcast, saying he doesn't think it's useful to let it continue. Over an earpiece, his producer is trying to instruct Pat on what to say and how to say it, mainly asserting that zombies aren't real. Frustrated at the micro-managing, Pat recommends she come into the studio, which she is reluctant to do, but eventually does so.

Shelly Meyers, the as-yet-unheard producer, joins the feed. She and Pat argue over the term zombie, with both conceding that movies have shown many versions, and the ones they're facing now don't exactly match any previous portrayal. Shelly is intent on not using the word, saying science will explain this. The sick person eating flesh? They've seen a guy high on bath salts eat off a face. Shelly theorizes that being able to keep coming after being shot could be because of nerve damage from the virus, though a bullet in the brain does kill them.

Mostly, Shelly wants medical professionals to take charge, treat this seriously, and stop using the term 'zombie.' When Pat points out the president called them that, she dismisses it, as the president is an imbecile that has decimated their ability to deal with the crisis. Shelly says someone needs to take charge and nip this in the bud.

Pat and Shelly talk about if the infection spreads to Los Angeles, which it is approaching. Shelly says if it hits L.A., it's all over. They may need to use nuclear weapons to blow up half of California to stop the spread. Pat is shocked that she would advocate murdering millions. Shelly says she doesn't take the idea lightly, but re-iterates that they may have to. The phones begin lighting up like crazy, and Pat suggests she go back to the booth. Her words finally sinking in to her own brain, Shelly, shell-shocked, retreats, tossing off that she told him she shouldn't have come on the air. Pat agrees it was a bad idea and takes the show to commercial.

Back in T.I.M., Ratcliff calls Shelly insane, although Larry says she may have a point. T.I.M. confirms Packer isn't here, and they move on.

## ***Daniel Kravitz, Chosen One***

The portion of the story that takes place during *Daniel Kravitz, Chosen One* is in-continuity with the ongoing story at present, although it's not considered a separate *Daniel Kravitz* episode.

Previous episode: "...And Sprinkles On Top"

Next episode: "Jant Braidley"

### ***Kravitz*** **Cast**

* Wendy Parks as Abby Reynolds
* Ryan Yohe as Grezit the Green
* Seamus Talty as Josh Wallace
* Joe Morales as Alexis Augustus Armentrout
* Katie Boissoneault as Stephanie Garcia
* Dan Condo as Humphrey Jacobs

### **Story**

Arriving near Columbus, Ohio to check their fifth dimension, Larry steps outside while T.I.M. sniffs for Packer. Ratcliff is reluctant to let Larry go out, but decides it's better than listening to the radio again, and accompanies him. As Larry remarks how quiet it is, Larry and Ratcliff wonder into a dead-end alley and get trapped by shuffling zombies. T.I.M. can't get to them, and while Larry initially feels brave because he isn't supposed to die there, Ratcliff tells him that yes, he can die, and it will screw up the timeline.

They are rescued as Grezit the Green slashes is his way through the zombies, happy to finally do something to contribute to the team. When Larry thanks Grezit, Grezit tells Larry not to hit on him because he's with Josh Wallace, who denies it. Abby Reynolds comes behind them, ordering her team, which also consists of Alexis Augustus Armentrout, Stephanie Garcia, and Humphrey Jacobs, to finish clearing out the zombies from this street. They do so. Ratcliff doesn't know who they are as a group, but remembers encountering Grezit previously. Grezit doesn't indicate if he remembers Ratcliff.

Abby is eager to move on from him, since a crazy person is taking advantage of the zombie crisis and his access to portals to spread mayhem in other cities, too. Larry asks if they're heroes, and Alexis demurs, flattered. Ratcliff says he's ready to get back on the time machine and leave.

Abby bumps on the mention of time machine and suddenly grows suspicious, ordering Grezit to stop Larry and Ratcliff from re-boarding their vehicle. She demands to know if T.I.M. can open portals, not liking the coincidence of them being here now. Josh chimes in, demanding to know how Ratcliff causes the zombie outbreak. Ratcliff turns the tables and quickly concludes they are a secret organization tasked with saving the world, and T.I.M. helpfully chimes in that they're called the U.L.P., which Abby doesn't like one bit.

While Abby remains reluctant to let them go, Alexis asks if they have something that can help stop the outbreak. Ratcliff says probably, but would he help? Abby orders Alexis, Josh, and Humphrey to board T.I.M. and download all his data. Ratcliff protests, but Grezit holds Ratcliff and Larry at bay with the threat of violence. Alexis is hesitant about Abby's approach, but Josh is supportive. Larry asks if they can work together peaceably, but it's Ratcliff who chimes in to say no.

The loud arguing attracts another horde of zombies. As Abby orders her team into a circle formation, Grezit moves to protect Abby, allowing Ratcliff and Larry to make a break for the time machine and escape. In the melee, Humphrey is eaten by the zombies. Grezit does finally make a move to stop the time travelers, but it's too late and they're gone.

### **Trivia**

* It is mentioned that Daniel Kravitz, Rufus Reginald Rochester, and Alfredo are dealing with the source of the crisis during this narrative, a story never explicitly shown, though later referenced. In actuality, Shane Stefanchik, who plays Rufus, played Larry in this scene, and Nathan Haley, who plays Daniel, was not available not this show. Keith Jackson (Alfredo) was just left out of this scene.
* Amanda Iman was invited to return as Ragina, but she turned the opportunity down. As such, Ragina was left out of the story completely, and it unfolded quite differently than originally envisioned.