"Pathways"

Opening Act

Scene opens at the Ross/Hathaway home, interior, night time. Focus on Doug Ross, sitting up in bed, his back pressed against the headboard. He is reading over some kind of file he has with him. Cut to Carol Hathaway, standing in front of the bathroom mirror across the room. She is brushing her hair and looks in the mirror to see what Doug is doing. She frowns, and starts out of the bathroom, still brushing her hair.

Carol:
Are you still working on that thing?

Doug (tosses it aside):
I'm not getting anywhere with it. I'm just not a research man, I guess. Don't have that kind of dedication.

Carol (sighs):
I guess we can't all be Kerry Weaver.

Doug (sarcastically):
No, some of us are actually interested in helping patients.

Carol:
Does this have some effect on your Fellowship?

Doug (shrugs):
I don't know. They can't just cut me off. It has to go before a review board.
(he leans over on his side and starts toying with her hair)
Let's not talk about the hospital right now. Let's talk about us.

Carol (leans back against him):
Us.
(smiles)
OK. What about us?

Doug:
I don't know...it's just a nice topic. We don't seem to get much time just us anymore.

Carol (frowns):
I know. That's something else bothering me right now. We've got two kids and we keep the hours of an alley cat.

Doug (massages her shoulders gently):
We'll work it all out.

Carol:
I know, but right now with the kids, I really wish I had one of those nice 9-5 jobs so I could spend more time with them.

Doug:
You wouldn't be happy with that.

Carol (sighs):
I know. But, I can dream, can't I?

Doug chuckles and leans over to kiss her sweetly. In mid kiss, their mood is interrupted by a shrieking scream off screen.

Tatiana:
MAMA!!!

Doug (drops his head on Carol's shoulder):
She has a radar, I swear...

Tatiana (screams again off screen):
MAMA!!!

Carol:
She sounds pretty upset! We better go...

Doug (nods):
Yeah...

Doug and Carol go quickly down the hall to Tatiana's room. They are met in the hallway by Scott, coming out of his own room to see what all the shouting is about.

Scott:
What's going on?

Doug:
I don't know yet...go back to bed.

Scott (shrugs):
OK.

Cut to show Doug and Carol going quickly into Tatiana's room. The little girl is curled in the middle of her bed, clutching her doll in her arms. Carol goes over to her, sits on the bed with her, and pulls her daughter into her arms.

Carol:
What IS it, honey? What's wrong?

Tatiana (fearfully):
There's a monster under my bed!

Carol (rolls her eyes to Doug):
Oh, Honey, we've been through this before! There are no monsters in this room!

Tatiana (matter-of-factly):
Yes, there is! It made my bed move!

Before Doug or Carol can react, there is a bumping noise, followed by a soft growling sound from underneath the bed.

Tatiana:
See?! There is it is again!

Doug gets down on his hands and knees to peer under the bed. What he sees is Scrubs the dog rubbing his back on the underside of the bed and grunting happily. Doug covers his mouth to hide his rippling laughter, then points sternly to the dog.

Doug:
Scrubs Ross! You come out from under that bed this instant!

The dog crawls out on his belly, inching towards Doug in a commando crawl. When he gets to his feet, the dog rolls over on his back in surrender.

Doug (To Tatiana):
See? No monster! Just silly ole Scrubs!

Tatiana:
Bad Scrubs!

Doug:
Scrubs, you're supposed to chase the monsters away...not BE the monster! Get up there on that bed!

Scrubs jumps up on Tatiana's bed, walks several circles, and flops down on the bed of the bed, happily wagging his tail. Tatiana reaches down and pats his head quickly, then scampers back the crawl under the covers with her doll. Carol tucks her in and kisses her forehead lightly.

Carol:
Go back to sleep, Sweetie.

Doug leans down and gives her a kiss as well and he and Carol start out of the room, being careful to leave a soft night light glowing before they close the door. Just before they get back to their room, Scott opens the door to his room.

Scott:
What happened?

Doug:
There was a monster under her bed.

Scott (grin):
Oh? Is THAT all?

Doug:
Go back to bed!

Scott:
Yep!

Doug and Carol go back into their room and crawl back into bed, Doug chuckling as they go.

Doug:
Man's best friend...he made me lose my place! Where were we?

Carol:
Ummm....I forget!

Doug (chuckles):
Well, I guess we'll just have to start over again from the top, huh?

Carol (giggles):
I guess so.

Doug pulls her down on the bed beside him and pulls the covers up over them, both of them laughing delightedly.

Fade into the opening credits of the show.

Act One

Scene opens still at the Ross/Hathaway home...breakfast time. Carol is setting the table and Doug comes down to join his family at the table.

Doug (cheerfully):
Pancakes!

Carol (sets his plate down):
Coffee? Or juice?

Doug (sits at the table):
I think I'll go with juice this morning.
(turns to the children)
So, we have a big day at school for today?

Tatiana (between mouthfuls of pancakes):
I get to paint a picture today!

Doug (smiles):
Well, I'll be real anxious to see that.

Tatiana:
I'm gonna paint my family and I'm gonna put Scrubs in it, too!

Doug:
Well, of course! Scrubs is part of our family.
(to Scott)
What about you sport? Anything big going on with you today?

Scott (shakes his head):
Nothing out of the ordinary.

Doug:
How about I get some Blackhawks tickets and we take in a game this weekend?

Scott (happily):
That'd be GREAT!

Doug (to Carol):
How about I get tickets for all of us...we go together as a family for once?

Carol (nods):
Sure, I like hockey.

Tatiana:
Is Scott gonna play?

Doug:
No, but it'll be like when Scott plays.

Scott:
Only better!

Tatiana (nods):
OK!

Carol:
You guys get your books! The bus will be here any minute!

Both kids scoot quickly away from the table and disappear. Carol sits down at the table across from Doug, who is sipping juice and still eating.

Carol:
What's on your mind?

Doug (chuckles):
It shows, huh?

Carol:
You've been a million miles away for a while now. What's going on?

Doug (shakes his head):
The hospital, mostly. I guess I'm getting old. I'm just getting tired of the hassles there. I just want to be a doctor. I don't want some of the other stuff I'm putting up with right now.

Carol (sighs):
Yeah, I know. It is getting pretty ridiculous lately.

Doug:
There's too much bureaucratic red tape anymore. I spend half my time wondering when the next bomb is going to drop.

Carol:
I know. The nurses are in arms too. The union's not much help. It's really turning into a war zone in some areas.

Doug:
Seems like the system works against us...

Carol (sadly):
Against the patients, you mean. They're the ones who pay.

Doug (stands up):
Well, maybe someday somebody will come up with a better game plan...until then
(looks at his watch)
I'm late! See you in a while!

Carol (kisses his cheek lightly):
Yeah, I'll be there.

Cut to County ER and show time lapse. Doug is working at the front desk with Carol. Anna Del Amico, Mark Greene, and John Carter are all nearby. Cut to show a man in a suit with a briefcase coming through the doors. He comes slowly through the hallway and stops at the desk in front of Carol.

Man:
Excuse me, but, I was wondering if you might tell me where I can find Dr. Doug Ross?

Doug (looks up quickly):
I’m Dr. Ross.

Man (reaches to shake hands with Doug):
Dr. Ross! I am Ben Carman.
(hands Doug a business card...Doug shakes hands with him)
I was wondering if I might have a word with you? In private?

Doug (ticks his head):
Sure.
(directs him to the lounge)
We can talk in here.

Doug leads Mr. Carman to the lounge while everyone looks mixed of concern and surprise. Carol shrugs her shoulders as everyone stares at her indicating she has no idea what is going on either.

Cut to the lounge where Doug and Mr. Carman are alone.

Carman:
I'd really prefer to do this over lunch...

Doug:
Well, when you tell me what's going on, I'll give that consideration. What's this all about? Who are you?

Carman:
Dr. Ross, I am the director of County Health Services and I want to talk to you about a project the County is undertaking.

Doug:
What kind of project?

Carman:
The County is opening an EmergiCare Clinic and we're looking for staff. Your name keeps coming up. We would really like to have the opportunity to talk to you about this whole project. Would you be interested?

Doug (surprised):
Well, uh, I'd be interested in hearing about it, at least. Did you say lunch?

Carman (pleased with Doug's interest):
Yes, absolutely.

Doug (nods):
OK. I can do that. When?

Carman:
Today if possible?

Doug (nods again):
Sure! I can do that.

Carman:
OK. I'll meet you at the Parliment say about one o'clock?

Doug:
I'll be there.
(reaches to shake hands with him):

Doug walks out with Carman, who goes on out of the ER, but, Doug stays at the desk with everybody else.

Mark (motions):
What was that all about?

Doug:
I don't know yet. I'll tell you when I know more.
(quietly to Carol)
I'll be going out for lucnch, OK? And I could be gone a while.

Carol:
You'll fill me in later, right?

Doug (nods):
Absolutely!

Cut to show time lapse. Show Doug sitting at a lunch table with Ben Carman and they are going over a proposal together over a light lunch.

Carman:
The county needs this EmergiCare Clinic...we need to lessen the loads of the hospitals in the area. It will be fully funded by the County but much different from the hospital work you're used to, especially with the hours.

Doug:
How so?

Carman:
The Clinic would be open 9-9...a 12 hour range. But, a doctor would, of course, be on call for after hours emergencies.

Doug:
How big would the staff be?

Carman:
Well, eventually, when it's all said and done, we hope to have a full staff of doctors and six nurses. But, for the beginning, we only have the funds for half that.

Doug:
Three doctors? And three nurses?

Carman (Nods):
That's correct.

Doug:
And you want me involved in this?

Carman:
We need a good Pedes doctor for this project. This is a family clinic, so there will be children. In every meeting regarding this project, your name has come up as one of the best Pedes doctors in this area.

Doug (humbled):
Well, thanks for that...

Carman:
And we're prepared to let you pick your own staff to work with. We want you in charge of this project.

Doug:
Pick my own staff?

Carman (nods):
Sure. Who better than yourself would know who would be best suited for this project? We would surely trust your judgment.

Doug:
OK...tell me more about this clinic?

Carman:
Well, that's probably the turn off point. It's a clinic for low income people. You won't make much money at this. You would make probably a little more than you're currently making at County General, but, this is not high profile position.

Doug:
Mr. Carman, I'm in this business to help people...not make money.

Carman:
I'm very pleased to hear you say that, Dr. Ross!

Doug (nods):
Please continue...

Carman:
OK, what we have in mind is two full staff doctor...yourself and a colleague and then the third position would be a training position...good for an intern perhaps. The Intern would be the one to pick up the grunge work and we would like him on call at all hours. There is an apartment up over the clinic which would be suitable living quarters for any young intern trying to get started in the medical field. The Clinic is attached to County General for referral...your staff would also be on staff at County so that you can treat any patients you need might need to admit for long term care. The clinic will be equipped for short term care only.

Doug:
Where is this clinic going to be located?

Carman:
It's the old Meyerseon building over on the East side.

Doug (nods):
OK. I know where that is.

Carman:
I can give you the key if you'd like to go over and take a look at it. The County will fund the renovation. We would leave decorating to your own personal taste.

Doug:
Yes, I'd like the key. And how soon do you need an answer on this?

Carman (hands Doug a key):
As soon as possible, but, we wanted to give you first option.

Doug:
OK...let me talk to a couple of people I have in mind and I will get back to you by the end of the week? Is that soon enough?

Carman:
That will be fine, Dr. Ross.
(smiles)
I'll be looking forward to hearing from you. In the meantime, I'll leave you with this folder. It better explains everything and answers any questions you might have. If what you need to know isn't in there, just call me. I'll be glad to assist you.

Doug (nods...lost in thought):
O-K. I'll be reading this carefully.

The two men go back to their meal. Focus on Doug lost in thought and his look a mix of excitement and shock. During the meal, he can't take his eyes off the folder beside him.

Fade Act One to Black.

Act Two

Scene opens at County ER. Show Doug coming in from his lunch meeting. He is very excited as he strolls quickly up to the desk to Carol and Mark.

Carol (smiles at him):
How was your lunch?

Doug (excited):
Great! Listen, you two got a minute? I'd like to talk to you about something really important.

Carol and Mark exchange confused glances, but, nod agreement and follow Doug away from the front desk. The three of them go to a private and empty trauma room and Doug closes the door.

Doug (rubs his hands together):
I have just had the most incredible offer of my career pitched to me! The County is opening a new EmergiCare Clinic, and they want ME to head it!

Mark (delighted):
Doug, that's great!

Carol (also delighted):
Is that what your lunch was all about?

Doug:
Yeah! That guy that came in here this morning is the head of the Health Department. He gave me all the information...
(shows them folder)
and a key to the building to go look things over! And, here's the best part! I get to pick my own staff! So, I was wondering if you two would be interested?

Carol:
You don't think you're getting out of here without me, do, you? I like to think of us as pretty much a package deal.

Doug:
Then, I can count on you to pick two other nurses?

Carol (delighted):
You get to take THREE nurses?

Doug (nods):
Three doctors...three nurses. That's what we start with. They hope to grow it to a staff of six within five years.

Mark:
So, it's basically private practice without the risk overhead?

Doug:
More or less. There's even an option clause in the contract that after three years we can convert to a full private practice as long as we agree to train the next staff for the county.

Mark (grins):
Which, we already have experience training from teaching here.

Doug (grins wide):
Right!

Mark:
So, there would be me...and you...who else? You said there would be three?

Doug:
Well, the third position Carman says would be good for an internship...

Mark (brightens):
Carter!

Doug:
You think he'd be interested?

Mark:
Are you kidding? This is right up Carter's alley...on hands work with patients one to one...people who really NEED his help. I think he'd jump at the chance!

Doug:
Carman says the intern would be doing a lot of the grunt work...he'd be on call at all hours. There's even an apartment over the clinic for his living quarters so he's always just ten steps away...

Mark:
No worse than what he's doing here. I think you should to him about it.

Doug:
Me? Can't you talk to him?

Mark (shakes his head):
This is your project, Doug. I think you should handle it. And I'd like a copy of that proposal to read over myself, too, if you don't mind.

Doug (nods):
Absolutely! I'll get it for you today!

Mark (starts for the door):
I'll talk to you some more about this later, Doug, OK? And thanks for considering me.

Doug:
Nobody else came to mind, Buddy.

Mark goes on out and Carol turns to Doug all smiles to wrap her arms around his neck.

Carol:
I am so proud of you! This is great news!

Doug:
I want you to read this proposal with me, OK? So we both know what we're getting into before I call Carman back on this.

Carol:
Who are you kidding? You've already made up your mind!

Doug (ticks his head):
I don't want this to be just an out of the hassles around here. I want to be sure this is what I want to do. I won't be easy to walk away from this place.

Carol (almost knowingly):
So, how soon do we get to go look at the building?

Doug (chuckles):
I thought we'd go as soon as we got off work!

Carol (starts for the door with him):
I thought so!

Cut scene to show time lapse. Show Doug coming into the doctor's lounge studying a chart he has with him. John Carter is in the lounge and he bangs his fist violently into a vending machine in the corner and turns away in anger and disgust.

Doug:
Careful there, Carter! You might break something!

Carter (embarrassed):
Sorry, Dr. Ross. I didn't hear you come in.

Doug:
Something wrong, Carter?

Carter:
Just the usual.

Doug (looks carefully over his shoulder to be sure they are alone):
If you have time this evening, I'd like to talk to you.

Carter:
Sure...what's up?

Doug (shrugs):
It's a personal matter. Just something I think you might be interested in.

Carter (nods):
OK...I get off at 7...

Doug:
Great! I'll meet you outside.

Carter:
This sounds pretty serious.

Doug (nods):
It could be later.

Carter:
Well, OK. I'll see you then.

Cut scene.

Cut to show time lapse. Show Mark and Doug in the lounge together, both of them going over the proposal quietly.

Mark (lowly):
This is sensational, Doug! Do you realize what a career opportunity this is for you?

Doug (looks up):
For me? For us! I'm not doing this alone, you know.

Mark (grins):
Do you realize you'd be MY boss?

Doug (shakes his head):
No boss. Partners. There's a difference.

Mark:
Did you talk to Carter yet?

Doug:
Tonight, after hours. We're gonna go check out the building tonight...you want to go?

Mark:
Of course!

Doug (quietly):
So, you think this looks good?

Mark:
Are you kidding? This is great. We'd work normal hours. We'd only work one long night a week. The money is about the same so there's no cut there. We'd have more one to one contact with patients...be better able to follow up cases...

Doug (puts in):
And not have to worry about Kerry Weaver pulling any blows on us anymore.

Mark (stops his train of thought):
Is that what this is about? All that run around about your Fellowship with Kerry?

Doug:
I've got a family to think about now, Mark. I need more stable hours. And I need to not have to worry about the next thing Kerry's going to dream up to cut funds around here.

Mark:
I hear you talking! And I agree with you.

Doug (truthfully):
It won't be easy to walk away from here. I know that. But, to turn my back on an opportunity like this...I just can't do it. I have to take this chance.

Mark (shakes his head):
Not much of a risk, really. We stay on staff here for referral purposes. We can handle anything at the EmergiCare Clinic except level one traumas. The county will supply a full time on call surgeon that unless it's a transplant or level one major surgery, we can handle that too. We'd be taking a big load off the ER here and we'd be working in an area where they really need medical care. This is something I don't blame you for jumping at. You notice I didn't waste any time jumping in when you asked.

Doug:
Still, it's not gonna be easy...I know we've got our work cut out for us.

Mark (softly):
Nothing worth having ever comes easy.

Doug (chuckles):
Yeah...
(pauses in thought)
who said that?

Mark (shakes his head):
I don't know...somebody famous, I'm sure!

Both chuckle at Mark's joke.

Cut scene.

Cut to show time lapse. Cut to exterior. Doug is pacing the parking area outside the hospital staff entrance with his hands in his jacket pockets. Show John Carter coming out the staff doors and into the night air to meet Doug.

Carter:
Hey, Dr. Ross! Have you been waiting long?

Doug (shakes his head):
No, I just got here.
(Hands Carter a copy of the proposal)
Sometime this evening, I'd like you to read over this and get back to me on it, OK? It's a proposal for an EmergiCare Clinic the County wants to open. They want me to run it. I need staff. There's funding in the budget for an intern position...

Carter (quickly):
I'm interested!

Doug (chuckles):
But, you haven't heard me out yet. You'd be doing a lot of the grunt work...

Carter (shrugs):
I'm already doing that here!

Doug:
You'd be on call 24 hours a day...there's living quarters over the clinic for the intern so that he always be ten steps away...

Carter (nods):
To triage patients and page another doctor to come and take over...

Doug (nods):
Exactly.

Carter:
Who else are you considering? Dr. Greene?
(Doug nods)
Would have been my pick, too. I'm honored you've considered me. I am definitely interested.

Doug:
You're good with people, Carter. This place is going to need that. We'll be working with low income people in a poor section of town...these people need compassion. You can do that.

Carter:
This is all I've ever wanted to do...work with people...REALLY work with people! Be able to help them...

Doug (motions):
I'm on my way now to meet Mark and Carol over at the Meyerson Building where the Clinic will be...want to come?

Carter (brightly):
Sure! Maybe we can take a look at that apartment while we're there?

Doug (chuckles):
I don’t see why not!

Doug put his arm on Carter's shoulder and the two of them start away together.

Fade Act Two to black.

Act Three

Scene opens Chicago exterior at night. Cut up to show sky line and the city lit up with sounds of the El running overhead. Cut to show Doug and Carter getting out of Doug's Cherokee Jeep and stepping on to a parking lot. They round the corner of the building and come upon Mark and Carol standing in front of the doors.

Carol (excited):
We couldn't wait! We came right on over after work!

Doug (fishing for the key in his pocket):
I picked another member for our team.

Mark (grin):
I knew you'd be interested, Carter. I recommended you.

Carter (nods):
Thanks, Dr. Greene! I appreciate that.

Doug (unlocking the door now):
I would have thought of you myself, Carter, he just wants a pat on the back...

Mark (scoffs):
Like that's something I ever get...

Doug steps inside the building and reaches for a light switch. He throws the switch and the room lights up. Mark, Carol, and Carter follow him as he steps in to a HUGE open area. The walls are bare and in bad need of paint or wall paper, but otherwise sound and solid. The four of them stand in the center of the room and just look around in awe.

Carol:
Carte Blanc, huh? We start from scratch?

Doug (looking around):
Yep!

Carol:
Who gets to decorate it?

Doug (grins at her):
We do.

Mark:
We do?

Doug:
Yep! The County will give us a certain amount of funding for decorating. They will supply the things like desks, and furnish it with all the medical equipment we'll need, but, we get some say in what we get.

Mark:
Well, let's see what we've got!

Carter:
This is obviously the waiting room, right?

Carol (laughs):
Obviously.

Mark:
This is a family place, so, we want the decor pleasing to adults as well as kids...

Carter:
Got to have a fish tank! EVERY doctor's office HAS to have a fish tank!

Doug (points):
Well have the reception desk here...

Carol (quickly):
Receptionist! Where will we get one?

Doug (shrugs):
I don't know. I hope the county will provide one. If not, we'll have to hire one.
(turns to Mark...hand on his shoulder)
And we'll put you in charge of that, Mark, since you are such a crack shot at that.
(Mark nods sarcastically)
Anyway, I was thinking maybe Charlie could help out after school and on Saturdays. It would give her some spending money and some responsibility at the same time.

Carol:
That's a GREAT idea! You'll talk to Anna about that?

Doug:
Yeah, as soon as we're all sure what we want to do.

Mark:
Oh, I don't think any of us have any doubts...

Carter has slipped away from the group and is walking through the back part of the center. He turns on lights and looks into rooms. The others walk to join him.

Carter:
LOTS of space back here! Three exam rooms! Six Bathrooms! Couple of rooms that could be office space. This is INCREDIBLE!

Mark:
We get the whole building, right?

Doug (nods):
Top to bottom. End to end.

Mark:
Office space? Doug? We'd have an office? Someplace to privately confer with patients about conditions?

Doug (nods):
Something new, huh?

Carter:
Any way we can see the apartment tonight?

Doug (walking, looking for doors):
Supposed to be an inside entrance as well as a separate one outside...
(finds door and opens it, turns on light to see stairway leading up)
Ah ha!

Carter cuts past him quickly and mounts the stairs two and a time. He is the first one to the top and stands looking at the open space with enthusiasm.

Carter:
LOOK at this place!

Carol (looking around):
Oh, My God! This place is incredible!

Carter (nods his head excitedly):
This place has excellent possibilities!

Mark (looks around):
Plenty of room! That's for sure!

Carter (turns to Doug):
I get to live here, right?

Doug (nods):
Rent free! Goes with the building. You live here so that you are ALWAYS on call.

Carter:
Hey, I can live with that. I get to decorate this place any way I want, right?

Doug (nods):
You'll be the one living in it!

Mark:
We're all like a bunch a little kids at Christmas and not a one of us knows what we're getting into!

Doug:
Yes, we do. Pretty much, anyway. I think we're ready for this, Mark. Don't you?

Mark:
Something I know I've dreamed about...being more in control and still practicing the kind of medicine I wanted to.

Carol:
I talked to Chuney and Malik...both are willing to make the jump with us.

Mark:
Excellent choices, Carol!

Carol (smiles):
Thanks! I picked Chuney because I know we'll need a translator from time to time and I picked Malik because I figure there's NOTHING that can come through those doors that he can't handle!

Doug (chuckles):
That's for sure!

Carter:
Well, I am DEFINITELY in! Put me down for a yes!

Mark (nods):
Me too. I'm in.

Doug (hands in pockets, looks around):
At least we're all in this together and we know who we'll be working with. That's important.

Mark:
So, when are you gonna tell Morganstern?

Doug (looks at him quickly):
ME tell Morganstern? I thought YOU'D talk to Morganstern!

Mark:
Why would I talk to him? This is your project! Not mine! You should be the one to tell him!

Doug:
Yeah, but, you're better at that kind of stuff than I am...

Mark:
Hey, the County approached YOU! It's up to YOU to tell Morganstern you're leaving and who you're taking with you.

Doug (frowns):
Thanks a lot, Buddy!

Carol (smacks Doug on the shoulder):
Oh, you'll do fine! You know you will!

Mark (chuckles):
Sure, Doug? What's he gonna do? Fire you?

The group laughs together and this remark, still feeling the excitement of their new surrounding and future home. The group breaks up, leaves the building, and Doug locks the door. Carter and Mark go one way and Carol goes with Doug. Pan to show them walking back to Doug's Cherokee and they lean together against the car, both just gazing up at the moon.

Doug (quietly):
Helen with the kids?

Carol (nods):
Yeah.

Doug:
What do you really think about all this?

Carol:
I think it's great. I really do. I think it's a great opportunity for you and I think I would be disappointed if you didn't take it.

Doug:
You aren't sorry to leave the hospital?

Carol:
A part of me is. Isn't it you?

Doug (nods slowly):
Yeah. It was my first real home. But, it seems to me that I'm taking all the people I love with me, so, it shouldn't be so bad.

Carol:
Are you worried about telling Morganstern?

Doug (shrugs):
A little, maybe. I never like delivering bad news. But, I'll be OK.

Carol (chuckles):
Carter's really excited, isn't he?

Doug:
I envy him....getting an opportunity like this at his age. The county will run us for three years...at that time Mark and I can opt for private independent practice or extend the contract. If we buy out, the County will open another facility. John Carter would be the prime candidate to head that one having already had three years under his belt with this one...he could be in a head position by the time he's 30. That's incredible.

Carol:
I wanted to thank you...

Doug:
For what?

Carol:
For inviting me into this with you.

Doug:
You didn't think I would just up and leave and not give you a chance to come, too, did you?

Carol:
No, but I appreciate the fact that you didn't just assume I would come...that you asked me if I wanted to come. That really means a lot to me, Doug.

Doug:
This is your career, Carol. I will never make decisions for you regarding your own career. You have to make those yourself.

Carol:
What if I hadn't wanted to come?

Doug:
I would have accepted that...I wouldn't have liked it, but, I would have respected it.

Carol (looks up at him):
Are you scared?

Doug:
A little.

Carol:
Are you excited?

Doug (chuckles):
Like a kid in a candy store! I can't wait to get everything signed and get started!

Carol:
So, when are you gonna talk to Morganstern?

Doug (sighs):
I guess I better get to him tomorrow while I've got my nerve up.

Carol:
Well, when you get ready to go, let me know, and I'll be waiting for you when you come back. I know this isn't going to be an easy thing for you to do.

Doug (shakes his head):
I'll be OK.

Carol (turns to him and wraps her arms around him):
Well, let me tell you something, Dr. Ross, just because you'll be the boss by day doesn't mean you get any special privileges from me once we get home!

Doug (chuckles):
Yes, Ma'am.

Carol and Doug put their heads together, and kiss each other sweetly.

Fade Act Three to black.

Act Four

Scene opens at County ER. Show front desk busy with personnel...Carol, Mark, and various others working on files, the computer, and charts. Kerry Weaver is keeping a watchful eye from the end of the row when Doug starts through the hallway.

Kerry:
Where do you think you're going? It's not your break time yet!

Doug (sarcastically):
If it's any of your business, Ms. Hall Monitor, I have an appointment with David Morganstern.

Kerry (ignores his comment, doesn't look at him as she keeps working):
Be sure you make up the time.

Doug rolls his eyes and goes on by her. Mark gives him a nod and a thumbs up as he gets into the elevator and starts away.

Cut to show David Morganstern sitting at his desk in his office. He is working on files, pushing a pen when he is interrupted by knock at the door.

Morganstern:
Come in!

Doug opens the door and walks into the room, stopping at David's desk with his hands folded in front of him. David looks up and nods Doug into a chair across from him.

Morganstern:
Doug!
(looks at his watch)
Right on time! Can I get you anything? Coffee? Anything?

Doug (shakes him head):
No, thanks! I'm fine.

Morganstern:
Well, I know your time is valuable. So, what can I do for you?

Doug (rubs his chin):
Not sure how to start this, David...
(Doug slides quickly into the chair now)

Morganstern (smiles):
Well, let me make it a little easier for you. I know that Ben Carman has been here to the hospital to see you.

Doug (carefully):
You know that?

Morganstern (nods):
Yes, I do. Just because you don't always see me doesn't mean I don't know things that go on around here. I suppose my question would have to be what answer you are preparing to give Mr. Carman on his proposal.

Doug (still carefully):
You know about that, too?

Morganstern (smiles and nods):
Yes. I do. I was the one who recommended you to the board.

Doug (surprised):
Well, uh, thanks for that!

Morganstern (motions with his hand):
So? What answer are you going to give him?

Doug:
I'm going to accept his offer.

Morganstern (delighted):
Excellent! I must say you've made a very wise decision.
(Doug is surprised by David's reaction, but lets him continue talking)
Now, seeing your close personal friendship and excellent working relationship, I would assume you've asked Mark Greene to go with you on this?

Doug (nods):
Yes, I have.

Morganstern:
Another excellent decision. That's why I recommended you. I knew if you accepted you would make good choices. I assume Carol will be going with you as well.

Doug (cautiously...still surprised by David's reaction):
And Chuney...and Malik.

Morganstern (nods again):
More excellent choices. I know that the funding is for three doctors...the intern position? You have someone in mind for that as well, I assume?

Doug (nods):
John Carter.

Morganstern (winces sharply):
Ouch. Pretty much taking the best of the bunch down there, aren't you?
(Doug shrugs)
Tell me honestly, Doug, does this decision have anything to do with the recent turmoil with Kerry Weaver down there?

Doug (honestly):
Well, I don't think it helped things any!
(sighs)
Look, David, I'm a team player. I know I've hit heads with you and every other supervisor I've ever had, but, on the whole, I play by the rules. When I was younger, and when it was just me, it didn't matter to me much what happened down there. Because I always knew I could just blow out someplace else and start over. But, I don't want to start over anymore. I want to stay stable someplace. And I want to be someplace where I don't have to worry that tomorrow someone is going to come in and pull the rug out from under my feet. I'm married now. And I have two kids to think about. I need more stability. And I need a more predictable lifestyle. I think this is my chance for that.

Morganstern:
I take it you've read the proposal...let a lawyer look over it...the works.

Doug (nods):
Yes, I have.

Morganstern:
So, you know exactly what a grand opportunity this really is for you and for Mark?

Doug (nods again):
Yes. I do.

Morganstern:
I envy the two of you!
(spins in his chair to rest still facing Doug)
What I wouldn't have given for a chance like this ten years ago! I think you're making the best decision, Doug.
(reaches his hand to shake)
Congratulations.

Doug (shakes hands with David, gives him a stunned look):
I didn't think you'd take it this well. I'm pleased we'll be parting on good terms.

Morganstern:
Parting?
(chuckles lightly)
I'm taking this so well, Doug, because I'm glad to know who I'm going to be working with.

Doug (shocked):
Excuse me?

Morganstern (smiles):
The County asked me to be the Administrator of this Project. I'll be in charge of the operation.

Doug (really surprised):
You're leaving here?

Morganstern (nods):
I have no choice. My heart attack left my doctor telling me I have to take a lighter load of stress in my life now. I can no longer handle this place on a full time basis. I need something a little smaller. And this is a Golden opportunity for me. That was one of the reasons I recommended you so highly. I was hoping you would accept if the offer came.

Doug (humbled):
I'm flattered to hear you say that. I would have thought Mark Greene would have been your first pick for a project like this.

Morganstern (truthfully):
Mark would have been, if things were different. He's been having some personal problems lately and I don't think he needs the added stress of this position, but, I do think the change IS just what he needs. You were my second choice, so, I gave your name to the board. Obviously, you checked out well above the others.

Doug (honored):
I appreciate that, David, truly.

Morganstern:
Well, Doug, I know we've had our differences. I don't always agree with your techniques, but, I would NEVER deny that you are the best at what you do. I don't always approve of what you do on a personal basis, but, I never question your medical expertise. I never would.

Doug (sheepishly):
Well, now, David, I've changed a lot lately.

Morganstern (chuckles):
Sure, you have, Doug. You count to ten now before you slug somebody!
(Doug chuckles with him)

Morganstern (continues):
Seriously, Doug, I know you've changed. And I know you'll change more after this move and you get more settled into this. And, I think you're making the right decision.

Doug:
This is a decision you would make then?

Morganstern:
Yes, and for more than one reason. I'm pretty sure I know who Anspaugh will name as my successor...and I know you wouldn't work for her one day before you turned in your resignation anyway.

Doug (rolls his eyes):
I wouldn't wait that long. As soon as they named her, I would turn in my resignation.

Morganstern (nods sadly):
You and half the rest of the staff. It's not going to be pleasant around here for a while. Kerry surely has her work cut out for her.

Doug (stands up to leave):
Well, we won't be around to worry about it, will we?
(reaches to shake hands with David again)
I'm looking forward to our future, David.

Morganstern (shakes his hand):
Likewise, Doug.

Cut to show Doug coming back down into the ER. He goes through and into the lounge. Mark and Carol follow him carefully. The lounge is deserted except for the three of them.

Mark:
How'd it go?

Doug (snaps his fingers):
Piece of cake! Turns out, Morganstern is the administrator of this whole project!

Mark (pleasantly surprised):
No kidding!

Doug:
Gonna be a hell of a team, boys and girls!

The three of them high five each other and head back to work.

Cut scene to show Doug and Carol standing out on the hospital roof out near the heliport. Doug is standing by the rail gazing out over the city when Carol comes up behind him.

Doug (quietly):
I'll miss this. Mark and I have spent some good conversations out here.

Carol (grins):
There's a roof there, too. You'll still have someplace to talk. (Doug nods with a chuckle. Carol continues quietly)
Doug?

Doug (doesn't look at her...still gazing out):
Yeah?

Carol:
Something I wanted to talk to you about.

Doug (turns to look at her now):
Something I wanted to talk to you about, too. With this new change, if you wanted to go on to medical school, you know I'd back you 100%.

Carol (smiles):
I appreciate that. But, I had something else in mind.

Doug (curiously):
Such as?

Carol:
I was thinking we might start thinking about a baby.

Doug (surprised):
A baby? But, we already have 2 kids.

Carol (shrugs):
You have Scott, and I have Tatchie...I was thinking about one that was ours. Together. I would love to have your child, Doug.

Doug (hugs her close to him):
And I would love for you to have it. We'll talk about that later, OK?

Carol:
Promise?

Doug:
Absolutely.

He puts his arms around her and they stand together gazing out over the city below them.

Fade Act Four to Black.

Closing Act

Scene opens at the Meyerson building where the EmergiCare Clinic will be operating. Focus on the parking lot with Carol, Mark, Chuney, Malik, and Carter standing together, watching traffic as it comes by.

Mark (to Carol):
Where IS Doug?

Carol (shakes her head):
I don't know! He just said he had something to do before he met us all here!

Cut to show Doug's Cherokee come whipping onto the parking lot. He pulls into a parking space and parks the jeep, climbing out quickly.

Mark (sarcastically):
It's about time!

Doug:
Oh, good things come to he who waits!

Doug reaches into his pocket and takes out 5 keychains...all with a key on the end of them.

Doug (hands one to each person:
He you go, people! We're all official caretakers of this place. Carter!
(turns to Carter and hands him a second key)
You get two keys!

Carter (eyes shining):
I can't wait to start working on this place. I can start now?

Doug (nods):
That's why I gave you the key!

Mark (as they start walking for the door):
All the papers are filed now...I gave my Anspaugh my resignation too.

Doug:
Yeah, I think he silently thanked God when I handed him mine. The feeling is mutual. I hope he knows that.

Chuney:
I just want to thank all of you for this opportunity!

Malik (nods):
Me too.

Chuney:
I'll be able to keep a better eye on my mother now with better hours...

Carol (truthfully):
You guys are the best...it wasn't a tough decision at all.

The lot of them go into the building and stand in the center, gazing around the room. The walls are still bare and it building is still empty, but, now they start to have thoughts about what it will look like later.

Carter:
I'm bringing a fish tank. I'll buy a big one! And we'll get really pretty fish for it!

Carol:
I want to decorate your Pedes room, Doug! I have some great ideas for bright and happy wall paper in there for the kids!

Mark:
I will have an office!

Doug (corrects him quickly):
SHARE that office, Buster! David has the other one!

Mark:
OK, so, I'll only decorate my half!
(Doug chuckles)

Carol (to Doug):
Did you talk to Anna about Charlie?

Doug (nods):
Yes, and she thinks it's a good idea. Charlie will work part-time after school and half a day on Saturday. We will, however, have to hire a full time receptionist on our own.

Mark:
I'll handle that...and I won't hire anyone without clearing it with all the rest of you first.

Doug:
It's OK, Mark, we trust your judgment. Really.

Carol (nods):
Sure, Mark. Your desk clerk pick turned out to be OK in the long run.

Mark (nods):
Maybe I'll just bring her with us?

Doug:
That would be fine with me.

Carol (nods):
Yeah. Fine.

Mark (nods):
I'll talk to her. We'll see.

The group is interrupted by David Morganstern poking his head through the doorway.

Morganstern:
Hello? Anyone home!

Mark (turns, motions):
Come on in, David!

Morganstern comes in with his hands in his jacket to join the group.

Morganstern:
I thought I might find all of you here...checking out your future habitat, are you? The future home of Project C.A.R.E.

Doug (confused):
C.A.R.E.?

Morganstern:
County Area Resident Emergency...at least that's the working name right now.

Carol:
Well, we're getting some ideas!

Morganstern:
We have three months to get this place cleaned up, decorated, and furnished to be ready to open by the date the County has set for us. Can we do that, team?
(all chorus that they can)
Then, I'd say this calls for a celebration!
(David pulls out a bottle of champagne...all react favorably)

Mark:
We don't have any glasses!

Morganstern (pulls out a stack of plastic cups):
Oh, I thought of that, too!

Everyone takes a cup and Morganstern fills it with champagne. He holds his glass up and everyone joins him.

Morganstern:
A toast...to my team! A team any Administrator would be proud of. A team I trust. And not just as colleagues, but also as friends.
(raises his glass in toast...the others join him)
To our future.

With a chorus together of 'to our future' everyone clinks their glass together in the center of their circle and drink their toast. After the toast, they start excitedly away again, talking together about plans and ideas and they begin planning for their future together.

Fade into the closing credits of the show.

October 13, 1997