GUMP AND LT. DAN ARE STANDING ON THE PIER ADMIRING THEIR FLEET OF SHRIMP BOATS.

You know, Lt. Dan. A shrimp boat in need of paint is a lot like a box of chocolates.

Oh, no.

Well, Lt. Dan I was just trying to put forth my impression of why I think a shrimp boat in need of paint is a lot like a box of chocolates. Now, if you don't want to hear it and, by the way, also don't wish to continue to be my highly paid assistant, then you can just tell me to keep it to myself. I'll understand.

Ah, no Gump. I was just being funny. Didn't you think that that was funny? I sure did. Boy, was it ever funny!

Now tell me, how is a box of chocolates like a boat in need of paint?

Huh?

I said, tell me how is a box of chocolates is like a boat in need of paint?

You never know what you're going to run into with the EPA when you use that toxic paint we always use.

You're in luck, Gump! We don't have any more of that paint left. We accidentally spilled it all into the river last month.

Well, stupid is as stupid does.

Are you talking about me?

I don't know. All I know is that the sponsors have forced me to have to throw that expression in at least once every 2 minutes.

Oh. Well then, maybe I should learn to like it.

Maybe so, Lt. Dan, maybe so.

Hello Gump. What are you doing?

Lt. Dan, I was just thinking. A shrimp boat fleet is like a box of -

Ok, Gump. I know, the chocolates and all. But I need you to see if you can notice anything, ah, different about me.

GUMP TURNS TO FACE LT. DAN, ALL THE WHILE LOOKING HIM OVER, NOT NOTICING THE COLORED METAL LEGS EXPOSED AT THE BOTTOM OF LT. DAN'S TROUSERS.

Well, Gump. Huh?

Oh!

(gleefully)

Lt. Dan! You got your metal leg painted! Right?

No, left. Well, you're right, it's your right. Oh, forget it.

(beat)

Yes, Gump. I got my leg painted. But it's better than paint. It's an oxidation-prevention treatment. Get it?

Huh?

Oxidation-prevention treatment. You know, like the toxic stuff we put on the boat hulls to make those barnacles croak and drop off. Before we spilled it into the water, that is.

You know, Lt. Dan. A dead barnacle is a lot like a box of -

Gump!! We ain't talking about chocolates! We're talking about my leg! Come on! Ok?

Yes sir, Lt. Dan.

Gump, you fool!