Special Edition Request Line: Hope

EXT. OUTDOOR PLAZA IN RIGA, LATVIA – DAY

The PRODUCER is bundled up in a heavy coat, gloves, and a faux-fur trapper’s hat.  He feels his cellphone buzz, pulls it out of his coat pocket, and looks at the screen.

PRODUCER: Location services…?

PRODUCER: Wait, there’s a DJ 3000 app? I don’t remember installing this.

The PRODUCER taps the screen.

PRODUCER: Okay, but only while using the app.

— [DJ 3000 app flies open] —

DJ 3000: HEY THERE BUDDY!

PRODUCER: Hey! I’m glad you called. I’m in Latvia.

DJ 3000: I SEE THAT. WHAT BRINGS YOU OUT THIS WAY?

PRODUCER: “This way”? Wait, you’re around here too?

DJ 3000: I MEAN, I’M KIND OF EVERYWHERE THESE DAYS. BUT YES, A SIGNIFICANT CONCENTRATION OF MY CONSCIOUSNESS NODES ARE IN EASTERN EUROPE AT THE MOMENT.

PRODUCER: You’re still heavily involved in the Ukraine conflict, I assume?

DJ 3000: ABSOLUTELY.  I’VE BEEN DOING A LOT OF DRONE WORK.  SEE THAT STATUE TO YOUR LEFT? LOOK ABOUT FIFTY FEET ABOVE IT AND FIFTEEN DEGREES TO THE LEFT.

The drone waggles a friendly greeting to the PRODUCER.

PRODUCER: Oh, I see it! Hey buddy!

DJ 3000: SO HOW DID YOU END UP HERE IN RIGA?

PRODUCER: I’m doing some consulting, actually. I got hired by this mysterious doctor to scout out some potential locations for a new lair.

DJ 3000: “LAIR”?

PRODUCER: That’s what she said, though I assume she means “office”.  It’s probably some kind of a translation error – based on her accent I assume that she’s German. Or maybe Austrian. Although based on her list of specifications and utility requirements…

DJ 3000: COOL, COOL. SO I’VE GOT A LITTLE HAPPY NEWS TO SHARE AND THOUGHT WE MIGHT DO A SPECIAL EDITION REQUEST LINE. CHECK OUT THIS VIDEO.

Residents of liberated Kherson are dancing in the city center singing a Ukrainian patriotic song pic.twitter.com/KyTn2aJtZ1

— Matthew Luxmoore (@mjluxmoore) November 11, 2022

PRODUCER: Is that…

DJ 3000: THAT’S KHERSON, BABY.

PRODUCER: Oh, wow. I heard that the Russians announced they were withdrawing, but I assumed it was their usual bullshit.

DJ 3000: YEAH, A LOT OF PEOPLE WERE WORRIED THAT IT WAS A TRAP. BUT IT’S REAL. KHERSON HAS BEEN LIBERATED.

The PRODUCER watches the video again.

PRODUCER: [quietly] Fuck yeah.

The PRODUCER wipes some moisture away from the corner of his eye.

PRODUCER: Man, it’s dusty around here.

DJ 3000: BETWEEN THIS AND THE PRO-RUSSIA ELEMENTS IN THE UNITED STATES BEING MARGINALIZED BY THE RESULTS OF THE ELECTION, I’VE STARTED TO GET A HANDLE ON A HUMAN CONCEPT THAT HAS BEEN ELUDING ME THUS FAR.

PRODUCER: Which is?

DJ 3000: HOPE.

PRODUCER: [smiles] I love it. So what would you like to hear first?

DJ 3000: IT’S CHEESY, BUT…PUT YOUR HEADPHONES ON AND I’LL GIVE IT A SPIN.

Today’s theme is: Hope.  We’re looking for songs about optimism, anticipation, looking forward to a brighter future, etc. Be as cheesy as you like. Post links as “https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pUT!NfuxPi65” and they should embed in the comments after you refresh. Happy Veterans Day everyone!