The petite home of YOUNG MARCUS BENSON (6) sits on a
residential street. An argument between Marcus's parents
can be heard from the street.
INT. HOUSE - LIVING ROOM
The messy living room houses only a couch and TV. The carpet
is dirty and there are empty liquor bottles and beer cans
sitting all around.
MARCUS' MOTHER (20's), clearly terrified and MARCUS' FATHER
(30's), visibly intoxicated, scream at each other.
MARCUS' MOTHER
(screaming)
Why the hell would you think that
was okay? What the hell is wrong
with you?
MARCUS' FATHER
(screaming)
You think you're so high and mighty.
You're the worst thing that ever
happened to me.
MARCUS' MOTHER
Oh yeah? Why don't you just go then?
Don't come back.
MARCUS' FATHER
You want me to go?
MARCUS' MOTHER
Yes. Go.
MARCUS' FATHER
I'm gone. I don't need any of this.
He begins to exit the living room.
MARCUS' MOTHER
Where are you going?
MARCUS' FATHER
To say goodbye to my son.
INT. HOUSE - MARCUS BEDROOM
Marcus Benson, an innocent child, sleeps in his bed. The
door to his room opens loudly and his drunk father stands at
the door.
YOUNG MARCUS
Dad? Are you going to leave?
His dad stumbles over to his bed and sits on the side of it.
MARCUS' FATHER
Marcus. My buddy. I love you very
much.
YOUNG MARCUS
Please don't go.
MARCUS' FATHER
It's not up to me anymore Marcus.
I'm a very sick man. Your mom will
take care of you, she loves you too.
YOUNG MARCUS
I don't want you to go.
MARCUS' FATHER
It's okay to want that Marcus. But
life is like that sometimes. We get
what we don't want and can't get
what we do.
YOUNG MARCUS
How do we get what we want?
Marcus' father chuckles.
MARCUS' FATHER
It's a good question son. The answer
is power.
YOUNG MARCUS
Power? Can I use power to make you
stay?
MARCUS' FATHER
No son. You don't have power yet.
But you will if you remember this
one thing. Many men chase their
desires, mistaking their will to
move forward as power itself. But
true power does not have to pursue
anything, it brings all that you
want right to you.
He kisses his son on the forehead.
YOUNG MARCUS
Please don't go.
MARCUS' FATHER
I have to Marcus. I'm sorry I'm
this way but I have to.
He stands, Marcus watches him walk to the door. Before
exiting he turns back to Marcus.
MARCUS' FATHER (CONT'D)
Remember what I've told you of power.
When you find it you won't have to
do a thing. The world will come to
you.
YOUNG MARCUS
What if I am not powerful?
MARCUS' FATHER
Then you will have to be lucky.
A solitary tear roles down Marcus' cheek.
Genres:
["Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
2 -
The Brotherhood's Dark Preparations
EXT. ESTATE OF HENRY WATERS - NIGHT
19 Years Later
The light of a full moon cascades over 50 acres of high-end
private real estate. The vast swath of land houses a giant
mansion - the former home of the recently deceased HENRY
WATERS, Former Owner of The Los Angeles Storm - A fictional,
professional basketball team.
A dirt road runs from the service road through a gated
entrance onto the property. Much of the property is grass,
though it is not well kept.
An old, creaky white panel van pulls up on the edge of the
property.
INT. MARCUS' VAN
At the wheel of the vehicle sits grown up MARCUS BENSON (25),
a thin, tall, strong man and leader of a Los Angeles Gang
known as 'The Brotherhood'.
Next to him is RAUL (32), Another gang member, beefy.
The vehicle slows and stops on the outskirts of the massive
estate. Marcus sits pensive for several moments.
He checks his watch: 1:59. As he watches it turns to 2:00.
MARCUS
Text him.
Raul nods and types something quickly on his phone.
EXT. SERVICE ROAD/ELECTRICAL SUBSTATION
DOM (25), and another GANG MEMBER, sit in another old panel
van off the side of the road. With the vehicle's lights
off, it remains concealed amongst the brush.
The van is in close proximity to an Electrical Grid
Substation.
A sedan driven by another GANG MEMBER 2 (20's) is parked
directly behind him, also cloaked in darkness.
INT. EXPLOSIVES VAN
Dom and the Gang Member converse.
DOM
Marcus takes the bulk of it, but
he's guaranteeing a million to split.
GANG MEMBER
Pays to be the boss.
Dom's phone buzzes and he checks the incoming message from
RAUL. 'Go'. He exits the vehicle.
Gang member 2 also exits his vehicle, and meets Dom at the
back of the van.
Dom open's the back of the van to reveal a healthy sized
Improvised Explosive Device.
DOM
Arm it. Be quick.
The gang members nod and crawl into the back of the truck to
arm the device.
Genres:
["Crime","Drama","Thriller"]
Ratings
Scene
3 -
The Heist Unfolds
EXT. ELECTRICAL SUBSTATION - MOMENTS LATER
The van has been repositioned across the street to face the
electrical substation directly, from a distance of about 40
yards. The engine runs, with the van still in neutral.
Dom looks to his brother in arms who now sits at the wheel
of his own vehicle about 10 yards away, ready to get out of
dodge. He nods and Dom nods back.
Dom puts a regular brick on the gas. The engine revs with
increasing volume but the car remains stationary.
Dom shifts the van's gear into drive. The spinning wheels
of the van grip the ground and it speeds towards the
electrical substation with ferocity.
Dom quickly flees towards his companion's running vehicle as
the van nears it's explosive end.
INT. GETAWAY VEHICLE - CONTINUOS
Dom gets in the getaway vehicle.
DOM
Go! Go!
The driver floors the gas pedal and they fly away.
The explosives van connects with it's target in a tremendous
burst of flame. BOOM!
INT. MARCUS' VAN - CONTINUOUS
Marcus and Raul hear the explosion in the distance. The
visible lights on premises all go out at once.
Marcus smirks.
MARCUS
Let's move.
EXT. MANSION - MOMENTS LATER
Marcus and Raul exit from the front and Johan and Jacob, a
third and fourth gang member get out the back. They walk
towards the front door carrying a number of empty duffel
bags.
MARCUS
15 minutes from now I want to be off
the premises.
JOHAN
How are we getting past the security
system?
MARCUS
First of all you're trusting that I
went to the trouble of answering
that question ahead of time.
JOHAN
Now what?
Marcus pulls a mask over his face. His compatriots follow
suit.
MARCUS
Now we walk in the front door.
With that he pulls out a pistol and shoots out the doorknob.
The door swings open and the men scurry inside.
INT. MANSION - HALLWAY
Marcus walks down the hallway surveying the rooms on either
side.
INT. MANSION - BEDROOM
Jacob has found a locked safe which he breaks open with
applied brunt force. He stuffs the jewels and gold he finds
inside into a duffel.
INT. MANSION - ANOTHER BEDROOM
Further down the hall Marcus peers in on Johan pulling
paintings off the wall.
INT. MANSION - HALLWAY
Marcus continues to walk, apparently not interested in much
of the raiding himself.
RAUL (O.S.)
Marcus!
INT. MASTER BEDROOM - MOMENTS LATER
Marcus walks into the master bedroom and finds Raul standing
in front of the gigantic bed situated in the middle of the
superflously large bedroom.
MARCUS
What is it?
Raul responds with a point, to the head of the bed, above
which a painting has been taken off the wall to reveal a
safe. Marcus stares back blankly.
RAUL
It's a safe above a dead billionaire's
bed. What'd this guy do anyway?
MARCUS
Media mogul and pro sports team owner.
Died a couple months ago of a heart
attack.
RAUL
He left all this just sitting around?
MARCUS
I don't think he was expecting to
die of a heart attack.
RAUL
Should I open it?
MARCUS
Yes. Hurry.
INT. MASTER BEDROOM - MOMENTS LATER
Raul wears a face covering and holds a blow torch which he
uses to cut out the safe's lock.
Marcus looks on.
Finally, the lock falls out and Raul turns off the blow torch.
He removes his face covering, then turns to his boss.
RAUL
Have at it.
He gets off the bed and Marcus steps on, his dirty shoes
caking the bed in dirt.
He slowly approaches the head of the bed and reaches a hand
out to open the safe.
The door opens slowly and Marcus's expression of anticipation
shift to one of awe.
RAUL (CONT'D)
What is it?
A smirk.
MARCUS
Mine.
EXT. FBI LOS ANGELES OFFICE - SHOOTING RANGE - DAY
FBI LOS ANGELES HQ
FBI Special Agent SELENA VARGAS (32), fit, a dedicated and
hard-working civil servant, occupies the range.
She aims a pistol at a paper target that hangs down range.
She squeezes out a shot. Then another and another until the
clip is empty.
Bang. Bang. Bang. Bang. Bang.
Selena removes her protective glasses and pulls the target
down a rope to her end of the range.
She unhooks it and looks down to a small group of well placed
shots on a red target.
Genres:
["Crime","Thriller","Action"]
Ratings
Scene
4 -
Confrontation in the Locker Room
INT. LOCKER ROOM - MOMENTS LATER
Walking through the locker room, Selena overhears a
conversation between two men.
JASON (O.S.)
I just think if they're going to
have these policies they shouldn't
make it so damn tempting.
OTHER AGENT (O.S.)
Yeah?
JASON (O.S.)
Yeah. I mean do you know Amy? She
just started a couple months ago.
23 year old. Unbelievable tail.
But I can't hit on her because I'm
her superior.
Selena approaches from around the corner.
JASON (CONT'D)
Oh hey Selena.
SPECIAL AGENT JASON PLUMBER (30's) Tall, handsome, and snobby,
occupies his (her's previously) locker.
SELENA
Why are you using my locker?
The other agent grabs his bag and pats Jason on the back.
JASON
See ya Gibbs.
The other agent exits.
JASON (CONT'D)
Oh hey Selena. I had to move your
stuff to 26. Hope that's okay.
SELENA
Why would you do that?
JASON
Umm, because I always use 25. 25 is
my lucky number.
Selena shakes her head and opens locker 26 to gather her
things.
SELENA
Whatever. I heard what you were
just saying.
JASON
Oh yeah? You gonna tell HR?
SELENA
No I just think it's rude. And you
shouldn't just move my stuff without
asking.
She hastily begins to gather her things.
JASON
Okay so no consequence for me then?
SELENA
The consequence Jason is that one
day I will be HR, or HR will also be
there, or maybe you'll just hurt
someone.
JASON
(unamused)
Right. So were you working on your
shot just for fun, or- ?
Selena buttons her work shirt.
SELENA
What do you mean?
JASON
I mean I see you down here at the
range but you've been at the Bureau
for, what? 5 years?
SELENA
10. What's your point?
JASON
Ever discharged your weapon?
SELENA
I think I'd rather be prepared than
speculate on the possibility. Firing
your weapon isn't necesarilly a good
thing, either. Unless something
particularly gross gets in front of
you.
Selena has finished dressing. She grabs her backpack from
the locker.
SELENA (CONT'D)
Speaking of which, could you get out
of my way?
Jason shakes his head, but steps aside.
Selena's out of there.
Genres:
["Drama","Crime","Thriller"]
Ratings
Scene
5 -
High-Stakes Assignment
INT. FBI - HALLWAY
Selena walks down the white on white hallway. Her phone
buzzes. She checks it. It says: "Jeanette Borowitz".
SELENA
Borowitz?
She answers.
SELENA (CONT'D)
Special Agent Vargas speaking.
JEANETTE (O.S.)
Agent Vargas, this is Jeanette
Borowitz Special Agent in Charge
here at our Los Angeles office. I
need to see you now.
INT. OFFICE OF JEANETTE BOROWITZ - MOMENTS LATER
Selena is seated with Jeannette.
JEANETTE
There's an important case that I
want you to work on. It's a lot of
responsibility and a lap full of
shit for me if things don't go
smoothly so I'm really trusting you
here.
SELENA
Thank you for that. What's the case?
JEANETTE
We're waiting on your partner. I
know you usually work by yourself
but as I said it's high stakes so
I'm assigning you as a pair.
SELENA
Okay.
Jeanette impatiently checks the time.
JEANETTE
His desk is right there.
SELENA
Who are we waiting on?
Jason approaches the glass walled office and enters.
JASON
Oh hey Selena. Twice in one day.
What are the odds?
SELENA
(to self)
Not good.
JEANETTE
As I was just telling Selena I am
assigning two of you to work together
on a new case, if you'll sit I'll
explain further.
Jason sits.
JEANETTE (CONT'D)
A device of immense value has gone
missing. It's being described as a
data trove.
SELENA
Why's it our business?
JEANETTE
A request for insurance compensation
was filed when the object was stolen
during a robbery in our jurisdiction.
SELENA
Who made the claim?
JEANETTE
The estate of the deceased.
JASON
Who died?
JEANETTE
This is where the case gets
interesting. Henry Waters, former
media mogul and owner of the Los
Angeles Storm basketball team did.
He died suddenly of a heart attack
over the summer. The claim was
flagged for potential insurance fraud
when the estimated value of the object
was stated as 1.2 billion though no
definitive description of the object
was given aside from that is a data
trove or immense importance. It's a
huge red flag.
(MORE)
JEANETTE (CONT'D)
Whatever it is, your job will be to
figure out what that device is and
advise on it's legitimacy as well as
attend to and follow through with
all matters that may arise as a result
of this investigation.
Selena looks uncomfortably at Jason.
SELENA
Jeanette I don't mean to be pushy.
I don't think Jason and I would work
well together?
JEANETTE
Agent Vargas is there a problem with
the task I've assigned you to work
on with Agent Plumber?
SELENA
Yes. He's a pig.
JASON
Oh come on. Who are you to call me
anything?
JEANETTE
Is there something I need to know
about here?
A tense pause.
SELENA
It was just, this morning.
Selena looks over at Jason who looks down.
SELENA (CONT'D)
He's giving me a hard time about
being at the range. He said I'll
never have to use my weapon anyway.
Jeanette frowns at Jason.
JEANETTE
That's very disappointing, Jason.
You should not have done that.
To Selena:
JEANETTE (CONT'D)
If you want to have a brief 5 minute
group therapy session I will oblige.
Now Selena frowns but does not respond.
JEANETTE (CONT'D)
Otherwise I will just tell Jason not
to do that again and we'll go on our
way like mature adults.
Silence.
JEANETTE (CONT'D)
Was I heard?
BOTH
Yes.
JEANETTE
Now we have more important things to
worry about. Why are you two involved
in this case?
She leans in.
JEANETTE (CONT'D)
We are the only people around who
might be able to answer the question.
SELENA
What question?
JEANETTE
To us, as we enter into this case,
it's as if that thing, whatever it
is, it's anyone's guess what it is.
But someone wants to claim it's worth
1.2 billion dollars. Though they
can never confirm whether they've
seen it or not.
Genres:
["Crime","Mystery","Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
6 -
Santo's Grand Entrance
INT. TV SET - SPORTS VARIETY SHOW - LOBBY ENTRANCE
A geeky, thin PRODUCTION ASSISTANT waits tentatively in the
lobby for the entering SANTO KASPER (35), All-World Caliber
Professional Basketball Player, headstrong and proud, but
also sensible and extremely professional.
Santo Enters the lobby. The production assistant approaches.
PRODUCTION ASSISTANT
Hello, Mr. Kasper?
Santo shakes his hand.
SANTO
It's just Santo.
PRODUCTION ASSISTANT
I'm the production assistant here.
I'll show you to the set.
INT. STAGE - MOMENTS LATER
The set for the show is a Simple desk behind which 3 people
sit. On the left is KELDON (Early 40's, black man,
dreadlocks, a savvy TV Anchor). Next to him is PETE SAMSON
(50's, Mr. Right Now in the sports world). The third anchor
is KELLY PEARSON (38, white woman, sports geek).
Kelly rises to greet Santo with hand extended.
KELLY
Mr. Kasper it is an honor to see you
sir.
SANTO
Thank you for getting up to greet
me, these other gentlemen don't seem
to remember their manners.
He shakes her hand.
Keldon rises and approaches and also shakes Santo's hand.
KELDON
My apologies sir. I know it's
greatness. I don't know if I'm worthy
to be on stage with it. But its
greatness.
From the set:
PETE
I would get up Santo, I usually do.
But I don't have the kind of insurance
that covers if I trip and knock you
over and you sprain your knee.
SANTO
I don't know whether what you just
said is flattering or just weird.
PETE
It should come off as a little of
both.
An awkward beat.
PETE (CONT'D)
You know I really like you Santo. I
mean God you're 3 rings deep.
(MORE)
PETE (CONT'D)
3 in a row going for 4. Yeah you're
struggling your way into the playoffs
but I'll be damned if you don't have
something more to say.
SANTO
I'll be damned too.
Genres:
["Drama","Sports"]
Ratings
Scene
7 -
The Champion's Confidence
INT. STAGE - SET - ON AIR
Santo sits next to Keldon at the opposite end of Kelly.
Keldon separates Santo and Pete in the middle.
SANTO
(addressing the
ensemble)
Like I've said before until we get
knocked out of the playoffs by
someone, we are the reigning world
champs. 3 times in a row. We're
the best team on the planet.
KELLY
Alright Santo the guys and I came up
with some questions we wanted to be
sure we got an opportunity to ask in
our 'getting to know' segment.
SANTO
Go right ahead.
KELLY
Okay, here we go with getting to
Know Santo Kasper. Question one,
this is from Pete. Who is your best
friend?
SANTO
(without hesitation)
Larry Wilder.
KELLY
This one's from Keldon.
SANTO
Favorite dessert.
SANTO (CONT'D)
Apple pie.
KELLY
From me. Favorite musical artist.
SANTO
Oh geez. I don't think I have one.
I like so much music. Uh pass.
Chuckles from the set.
KELLY
Nice. Another one from Pete.
Greatest ABLer of all time.
SANTO
(confused)
Greatest ABLer?
Kelly looks to Pete for help.
PETE
Oh boy, here we go. Did I not
understand the game?
The classy Santo just chuckles.
SANTO
No, no. It's okay. I understand
why you're asking. You want to make
sure I understand the magnitude of
who I say I am versus who I really
am. But if you ask me - It doesn't
matter how you talk about it, when
the subject is 'the greatest ABLer',
it's me.
Tense eye contact from Santo to Pete.
KELLY
(intervening)
This game seems to have taken an
abrupt term. I was actually really
excited to hear you answer my
question, 'favorite vacation
destination'.
Santo's and Pete's tension has not broken.
SANTO
No, it's okay. I'm answering the
question. The targets on my back,
and I'll admit I'm letting that and
the pressure get to me. But it's
all... building. All the energy
around me is just getting bigger and
bigger. You've heard of having a
complex? I have a winning complex.
(MORE)
SANTO (CONT'D)
What I've done these last three years,
when I put another ring on it this
Spring...it's gonna be unreplicable.
What I'm feeling is I'm the greatest
to ever do this.
PETE
What can I say? Let's see number
four.
Genres:
["Drama","Sports","Talk Show"]
Ratings
Scene
8 -
The Mystery of the Game of Psi
INT. GEEKS R US TECH STORE - AFTERNOON
Marcus enters the tech store wearing a backpack.
The TECH STORE GUY (30's), glasses, unkempt hair, generally
geeky - looks up from behind the counter.
TECH STORE GUY
How can I help you?
MARCUS
I have an electronic console and I
need you to tell me what it's used
for.
TECH STORE GUY
Alright. Is it in the backpack?
He points to Marcus' backpack.
MARCUS
Yes.
Marcus approaches the desk and places the backpack on the
counter. The tech guy's eyes go to Marcus' hands as he
reaches in and pulls out:
The Game of Psi Console - A healthy-sized electronic console,
similar in appearance to a PS5. Thin, tall (for a console),
the only marking on the otherwise black computational device
is a golden etching of the word 'PSI'.
MARCUS (CONT'D)
What do you think?
TECH STORE GUY
Hmm. This is kinda cool. Never
seen anything quite like it.
TECH STORE GUY (CONT'D)
If you wanted to know it's end use
I'd really need to take a closer
look.
Marcus nods.
MARCUS
That's fine.
INT. GEEKS R US - LATER
Marcus sits in the waiting area of the store on a chair. A
light remains on, but the sign out front reads closed.
The Tech Store Guy comes out of the back room.
TECH STORE GUY
Alright. Come on.
He ushers Marcus into the back of the store.
INT. BACK ROOM - CONTINUOUS
Marcus and Tech Store Guy walk into the back of the store
where various computers, consoles, phones, etc. are in parts
scattered across the counter and table surfaces that fill
the room.
TECH STORE GUY
Can I ask where you got this?
They approach the Game of Psi console, on a table top, plugged
into a flat-screen monitor.
MARCUS
No. You figured out what it does?
TECH STORE GUY
I think so but it doesn't do much.
MARCUS
Show me.
Tech store guy presses the power button on the psi console
and it lights up as the flat screen also springs to life.
The word 'PSI' appears on the screen. Just for a moment.
TECH STORE GUY
I hotwired it for power. Wasn't too
difficult.
The screen is black a moment, then it turns blue and three
human shaped digital avatars appear side by side across the
screen. A white text input box sits at the bottom.
Each avatar rotates on a central axis and is a different
size with different physical features than each of the others.
Each has a number on it's chest.
Three numbers; 13, 20 and 33.
MARCUS
What is this?
TECH STORE GUY
(matter of fact)
Three guys rotating on a blue screen.
MARCUS
There must be something else it does.
TECH STORE GUY
I sampled all the numeric inputs 1-
100 here in this text input box.
This works with any of these three
avatar's numbers. Watch.
Tech store guy keys in 13 in the text box. Enter.
A new box of text appears: 'Error: Game not in progress.
Enhancement can not occur.'
MARCUS
(reading)
Error: Game not in progress.
Enhancement can not occur?
Tech store guy keys in 20 next. The same error message
appears.
TECH STORE GUY
I'm guessing there's another
technology or software that this is
meant to pair with but I really don't
know.
MARCUS
Do you have something to write with?
TECH STORE GUY
Sure.
He grabs a pen and pad off a nearby counter top and hands it
to Marcus.
TECH STORE GUY (CONT'D)
If you can figure out how to get the
'game in progress' it's probably a
different story.
Marcus jots down: '13 / 20 / 33' on the pad, then quickly
rips the piece of paper out of the pad, folds it and puts it
in his pocket.
Marcus holds out the backpack.
MARCUS
Put the console in the bag and don't
tell anyone what happened here.
Genres:
["Mystery","Thriller","Sci-Fi"]
Ratings
Scene
9 -
Frustration in the Trap
INT. MARCUS TRAP HOUSE - EVENING
Marcus enters the house where two of his fellow gang members
are watching tv and smoking cigarettes.
GANG MEMBER
What's up Marcus
He notices the package in Marcus arms.
DOM
What's that?
MARCUS
I'm not really sure.
INT. MARCUS ROOM - MOMENTS LATER
Sitting on a large leather couch that faces a huge flat screen
TV, Marcus opens his backpack and pulls out his laptop,
setting it on the coffee table before him.
He pulls something out of his pocket. It's the notepad from
the Geek's R Us shop. The numbers 13/20/33 are smudged but
remain.
He sets the notepad next to the laptop and opens a browser.
Typing into the search engine he keys in the words: 'Los
Angeles Storm Current Roster', then hits enter.
The results appear.
He opens a list of players on the active Storm Roster. His
mouse moves quickly to the players jersey numbers. He runs
his mouse down the list, stopping at 13, then running his
mouse to the associated name: LARRY WILDER.
He looks to the notepad. Two numbers remain, 20 and 33.
He continues to run his mouse along the numbers. He finds
33. The name attached: SANTO KASPER.
He does not see a #20 anywhere.
MARCUS
No number 20.
He types into the search bar again. Los Angeles Storm.
Number 20. Results populate the screen.
He runs his mouse across the words of the search engines
profile of 'Ron Ball. Former Professional Athlete.'
'3-time ABL Champion.' '7-time All ABL'. 'Retired'.
MARCUS (CONT'D)
Retired.
Marcus wipes the sweat from his brow.
MARCUS (CONT'D)
Two out of three. Just my luck.
CUT TO:
Genres:
["Crime","Thriller","Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
10 -
The Enhancement Dilemma
INT. MARCUS ROOM - MOMENTS LATER
Marcus stands now as he paces in front of the powered on
television, breathing heavily and sweating.
He finally settles himself on the couch facing the flat
screen. The Storm game plays on mute.
In front of him on a table are the Game of Psi console, next
to the packaging Marcus carried it in, and a laptop connected
to the console.
MARCUS
Alright.
He reaches out for the game of psi console. He presses the
button in the center and the device lights up all over.
A blue light at the top of the devices antenna begins to
flash on and off a few times before turning to a steady blue
glow.
He opens the laptop now too. The game of psi software runs
on the screen.
He picks up the television remote and powers on the
television.
The storm game has started. There are 6 minutes remaining
in the first quarter. The Storm trail the Thunder by 13
already. 25-12.
The commentators are heard saying:
STAN (O.S.)
An inauspicious start for the storm,
who look a little shell shocked here
early.
Santo Kasper dribbles up court. He passes to his wingman
who passes back. Santo begins to back down his defender.
The defender's quick hands poke the ball free and the defender
recovers the ball for the steal.
STAN (O.S.) (CONT'D)
Kasper backing down his defender...and
it's poked loose for a steal.
BILL (O.S.)
The game may have technically started
10 minutes ago but I don't think
anyone told the Storm.
Marcus presses mute on the remote and the sound of the
broadcast disappears.
Marcus turns his attention back to the laptop. A window
pops up: 'Game in Progress. Proceed to Game Mode Y/N?'
Marcus keys in Y. The screen goes black for a minute, then
a new window opens.
3 Avatars appear. Side-by-side, the numbers 13, 20, and 33
appear on their chests.
At the bottom of the screen is a box to input text.
A new prompt: 'Select athlete for enhancement'. Marcus keys
in '33'.
The number 33 avatar comes forward and gives way to a new
screen:
On this screen, an avatar of the body of Santo Kasper sits
along the right side of the screen. Metrics of vital signs
to include heart rate, brain waves and hormone levels are
also found on the screen.
A meter labeled from 1-100 fills the middle of the screen.
It is empty. Below it, another text box.
'Select enhancement level, 1-100'.
MARCUS
What in God's name? Enhancement
meter?
He clicks and informational tab and reads.
MARCUS (CONT'D)
The enhancement level, as shown on
the enhancement meter dictates the
athletes probable overall performance
rating. Overall performance rating
is a speculative measure. Results
are not guaranteed.
Marcus keys in '50' and hits enter. The meter fills half
way.
A new prompt reads: 'Enhancement Commencing for Athlete Santo
Kasper'.
Santo's on-screen hormone level's begin to dramatically spike
as does his brain activity.
MARCUS (CONT'D)
What the hell?
He picks up the remote and unmutes the TV. The Storm are on
defense now. Santo Kasper guards the Thunder point guard at
the top of the key.
COMMENTATOR 1 (O.S.)
Thunder ball now. Up 15 early and
the Storm need a spark.
Sitting upright on the couch Marcus' gaze shifts to the
software running on his laptop. Zooming in towards the
floating avatar, it begins to flash in place before a light
comes on in the back of the avatar's (Santo's) head.
Floating through the neural pathways of Santo's brain,
flickering bursts of energy come on abruptly and continue to
gain in intensity.
Genres:
["Sci-Fi","Sports","Thriller"]
Ratings
Scene
11 -
Defying Age on the Court
INT. STORM ARENA - CONTINUOUS
Santo defends his man closely. The offensive ball player
dribbles between his legs cockily, staring down Santo.
BALL HANDLER
You want this?
Time slows:
The sound of Santo's heart beat, in slow motion. Though it
beats slowly, the pace begins to quicken. Bah Bum, Bah Bum.
Bahbum. Bahbum. Bahbum.
Santo's eyes widen and for a brief second we see a flicker
of electricity glow in his eyes. It comes and goes quickly.
Then returns and goes another time just as fast.
Return to normal speed:
BALL HANDLER (CONT'D)
You're too old.
Santo swats at the ball. He almost gets it but the quick
offensive player dribbles between his legs, then bursts
towards the basket.
Santo follows and the player is cut off by Santo's superior
speed. The offensive player throws the ball out to the corner
and continues to run across the court to the opposite wing.
Santo follows.
The offense swings the ball around the three point line.
From the corner, to the top of the key, to the other corner.
Santo finds himself on defense again.
BALL HANDLER (CONT'D)
Still here?
Santo swats again. The ball is pulled away at the last
moment.
BALL HANDLER (CONT'D)
See ya.
The arrogant ball handler dribbles between his legs a moment
more then darts again towards the basket. Santo's HEARTBEAT
grows faster. Bahbum. Bahbum.
Time slows:
A step past Santo, the offensive player runs towards the
basket and leaps up with the ball in hand. Santo pursues
step for step and takes off just a moment after him.
The ball handler hangs in the air and cocks the ball back.
BAHBUM. BAHBUM. BAHBUM.
Santo's muscles swell as he swipes down at the now cock backed
basketball in the offensive players hand.
Smack! Santo makes contact with the basketball and knocks
it from the grasp of the airborne opponent.
Return to Normal Speed:
The offensive player's empty hand contacts the rim and it
rattles. Santo collects the loose ball and passes it out on
the outlet as the crowd perks up a bit.
SANTO
(to ball handler)
Too old? That's what you said?
The ball handler can do nothing but shrug sheepishly and
chuckle.
SANTO (CONT'D)
You ain't never gonna be old enough.
Genres:
["Sports","Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
12 -
Santo's Spectacular Dunk
INT. MARCUS HOUSE - CONTINUOUS
Marcus watches the two men jaw at each other on the
television.
Turning back to the open laptop, he clicks a button that
says: 'Enhancement Level (+/-)'. The 1-100 meter appears
again.
Marcus keys in '75'. Again, the on screen metrics of Santo's
avatar begin to grow more active. The meter fills another
25 percent.
INT. STORM ARENA - ON COURT - CONTINUOUS
Santo stands on the wing, Larry dribbles at the top of the
key.
SANTO
Larry!
Santo whistles.
SANTO (CONT'D)
Yoohoo!
Santo nods at Larry who slings a bounce pass into Santo's
possession. Santo begins to size up the ball handler turned
defender.
The defender refuses to back down. Now it's his turn to
swat unsuccessfully. Santo turns his back and keeps the
ball an arms length away from him.
Santo breaks towards the basket, then pulls back behind the
three point line with an impossible crossover. The defender
falls down. The crowd reigns down 'ooos'.
Seeing the defender fallen, Santo looks up and sees just the
center between him and the basket.
He takes off towards the basket.
Time slows:
Santo Leaps a good 8 feet from the basket as the center
attempts to slide into the right position to draw a charge.
Santo reaches out with the ball in his right hand and slams
home a vicious dunk.
Return to normal speed:
Santo hangs on the rim afterwards with his midsection dangling
on top of the baffled center's shoulders and head.
Santo lands on the court, as the opposing coach calls timeout,
he raises his hands to the sky beckoning the crowd for cheers.
The crowd responds.
SANTO (CONT'D)
Let's go! Lets go!
INT. MARCUS HOUSE - CONTINUOUS
Marcus continues to watch the television in amazement.
MARCUS
It's a game.
Marcus can do nothing but grin and shake his head in reluctant
disbelief.
Genres:
["Sports","Action","Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
13 -
Uncovering the Heirloom's Secrets
INT. FBI LOS ANGELES OFFICE - JASON'S DESK - DAY
Selena approaches Jason's desk where Jason works.
JASON
Hey Selena. I got here on time today.
SELENA
I never left Jason.
Selena opens the folder and pulls out a photograph which she
hands to Jason.
SELENA (CONT'D)
I put in a records request for the
police report from the robbery. The
security cameras at the Waters Mansion
were out of service due to a local
power outage but there was one camera
police found that had a back-up
generator. The same generator powered
the safe the heirloom was taken from
and could still have been opened
during the power outage. It was the
only such generator in the house.
Jason examines the photograph which shows Marcus retreaving
the Game of Psi console from Henry Waters bedroom.
JASON
So he really cared about keeping
this thing safe. What am I looking
at?
SELENA
Scene of the robbery. The device in
the man's hand is the heirloom in
question.
Jason looks closely.
JASON
It looks like a gaming console.
SELENA
There could be data inside. The
suspect is wearing a mask but I had
forensics see if they could get me a
closer look at the object.
JASON
And?
She produces another photograph, a magnified look at the
console, from the folder and hands it to Jason.
SELENA
That's a magnified look at the side
of the object.
The etching of 'Waters Foundation' on the base of the console
is brought into view.
JASON
The Waters Foundation?
SELENA
Henry Waters had a multi-billion
dollar medical research foundation.
One of the only types of institutions
on the planet that could concievably
generate the amount of value through
data to justify this claim.
JASON
What kind of data could that be?
SELENA
1.2 billion of it? It could be a
lot of things - a disease cure. Or
a pathogen, an intelligence dossier,
lots of things.
JASON
We're going to have to find out more
about this Waters Foundation. I
wonder who Borowitz can get us in
with over there?
SELENA
I'll call her now.
Genres:
["Crime","Mystery","Thriller"]
Ratings
Scene
14 -
Secrets of the Waters Foundation
EXT. WATERS FOUNDATION - LATER
The brain shaped research foundation is a spectacle of
architecture.
Selena and Jason approach and enter the front entrance.
INT. WATERS FOUNDATION - FRONT ENTRANCE
Selena shows her badge to the approaching guard.
SELENA
Federal agents.
WF GUARD
Where are you headed?
SELENA
I'm looking for the head of your
special experiments division.
INT. BOARDROOM
The director of special experiments, JOE 50's, caucasian
male, sits cross-legged at one end of the table with Selena
and Jason at the other side.
JOE
Of course I dealt with things that
are highly classified. It was part
of my job. We've done contracts
with tech companies, the government,
the military, you name it. What I
say is if you've got a picture of a
console of some sort, with a Waters
Foundation stamp on it, there's a
lot of things it could be. Special
projects can mean a lot of things
when you work at a research institute.
SELENA
The image in front of you.
The image in front of Joe is an image of the console.
SELENA (CONT'D)
What is the plausability that there's
data inside?
JOE
'Data inside'? I don't know about
that I can only see the outside.
It's hardware. It's a console.
Whether or not it houses data or
intelligence of some sort, like I
said, there's a lot of digging that
needs to be done.
JASON
Can it be done?
JOE
It can be. But there'd be no
guarantees.
SELENA
What do you think it is?
JOE
I think it all really boils down to
one thing and to me your missing the
key point.
SELENA
What's that?
JOE
The object was in Henry's bedroom.
It was clearly as prized of a
possession as he had, and he had
everything. It was his secret.
There's really only one guy Henry
shared secrets with.
SELENA
Who?
JOE
Dr. Salem Brown.
SELENA
What kind of doctor?
JOE
He used to work here as a personal
friend to Henry Waters. They were
extremely close.
(MORE)
JOE (CONT'D)
Dr. Brown served as the team physician
during each of the Storm's previous
three championship runs. He retired
after Henry's death.
JASON
What's he doing now?
JOE
Look.
A pause.
JOE (CONT'D)
You can ask as many questions as you
want. The point of what I'm saying
is any question you have about
something like you're showing me, is
Salem Brown is the guy you ask. If
you ask him these questions, he
probably has the answers. But if he
does, he's the only one who does.
My advice is to proceed with caution.
Genres:
["Mystery","Thriller","Crime"]
Ratings
Scene
15 -
High Stakes Check-In
INT. CASINO - FRONT DESK
Marcus approaches the front desk of the upscale casino. It
isn't busy and there's no one currently at the desk.
Marcus rings the bell. A HOTEL STAFF (30's), professional
attire, comes out from the back room.
MARCUS
(polite)
Checking in.
FRONT DESK PERSON
Absolutely. And do you have a
reservation?
MARCUS
Yes. Under Benson.
FRONT DESK PERSON
Benson.
He types.
FRONT DESK PERSON (CONT'D)
Marcus?
Marcus nods.
FRONT DESK PERSON (CONT'D)
I see you'll be staying in our
presidential suite. Excellent choice.
INT. STORM ARENA - TIPOFF
The darkened arena is a spectacle of intervowen spotlights.
The PA Announcer calls out the starting line-up as the players
jog from their bench to center court one at a time.
PA ANNOUNCER
Starting at point guard, standing
six feet tall, number 13 Larry Wilder.
Loud cheers. LARRY WILDER (32) runs to center court to join
teammates CENTER (30's, center) and POWER FORWARD (20's,
power forward).
PA ANNOUNCER (CONT'D)
At Small Forward, standing 6 foot 6
inches tall, number 33 Santo Kasper.
Santo takes the floor and shares an elaborate handshake with
Larry.
INT. STORM ARENA - MID COURT - MOMENTS LATER
The centers of The Los Angeles Storm and San Antonio Bulldogs
go skyward for the opening tip - won by the Storm.
The ball makes its way back to Larry Wilder who brings the
ball up court.
The fans grow comfortable to the opening action.
INT. PRESIDENTIAL SUITE - LIVING ROOM
Marcus watches the games opening sequence on his television.
STAN (O.S.)
(on TV)
Bulldogs ball to start here.
The Stars point guard comes around a screen and swishes a
catch and shoot 3-pointer.
STAN (O.S.) (CONT'D)
A hot start for San Antonio. Let's
hope that's not a trend.
INT. PRESIDENTIAL SUITE - BEDROOM - LATER
Marcus throws an empty backpack on the bed.
He unzips a duffel bag on the floor to reveal several hundred
thousand dollars in hundreds. He grabs handfuls and begins
stuffing them in the backpack.
Genres:
["Drama","Crime","Sports"]
Ratings
Scene
16 -
First Bet: Navigating the Odds
INT. CASINO - SPORTSBOOK CASHIER - MOMENTS LATER
Marcus approaches the sportsbook CASHIER, wearing the backpack
he has now filled with cash.
CASHIER
How can I help you?
MARCUS
I'd like to place a bet.
CASHIER
Okay. Have you placed a bet with us
before?
MARCUS
No and I'm not looking for any
promotions.
CASHIER
Okay. What game do you want?
MARCUS
I'll take the Storm to win.
CASHIER
Just a straight money-line bet?
MARCUS
(confused)
I'm not familiar...
CASHIER
Have you bet before?
Marcus shakes his head.
CASHIER (CONT'D)
Okay. Well for that game alone I
have...
They check their computer.
CASHIER (CONT'D)
372 bets you can place.
MARCUS
372? How could there be so many bets?
CASHIER
Oh there's all kinds of things.
First basket. Method of first basket.
Statistical Leaders. Game goes to
overtime. You name it.
MARCUS
Statistical leaders?
CASHIER
We have a number of pre-made bets.
Or you can make your own. Like pick
a player and how many points you
think they'll score, we'll give you
the odds.
Marcus thinks.
CASHIER (CONT'D)
So what do you think?
MARCUS
I can work with that.
Genres:
["Crime","Thriller","Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
17 -
Enhancing the Game
INT. PRESIDENTIAL SUITE - LIVING ROOM
A large television airs the Storm game, muted. Marcus powers
on The Game of Psi Console, attached to his laptop.
The Avatars appear on screen. Marcus keys in number 13,
Larry's number. Larry's avatar comes forward and displays
his biometrics.
MARCUS
Let's see what this guy can do.
He keys in power level 75 and hits enter. 'Enhancement
Commencing'.
Marcus unmutes the television.
INT. STORM ARENA - ON COURT
The commentators continue to call the game from courtside.
STAN
Storm ball here early in the first
quarter. The score sits at 10-7 in
favor of the visiting Stars.
Larry stands outside the 3 point line as Santo works in the
post.
STAN (O.S.) (CONT'D)
Kasper, backing down his defender.
Time freezes as Larry's body becomes possessed of the awesome
power of the game of Psi. Electricity flickers in his eyes.
LARRY
Santo!
Santo continues to work in the post, his eyes also a glimmer
though only visible through a hidden reality.
Larry suddenly darts at lightning speed past his defender
and towards the basket. He receives the bounce pass from
Santo and finishes with a vicious slam at the rim.
Larry flexes along the baseline at the crowd.
LARRY (CONT'D)
Ah!
INT. PRESIDENTIAL SUITE
The metric for adrenaline, on the computer screen showing
Larry's avatar, registers off the charts.
Marcus watches the game smiling. He returns to the computer
and clicks 'select another athlete' from a set of buttons on
the screen.
He keys in 33, Santo's number. Then he sets the enhancement
level to '75'. 'Enhancement Commencing'.
INT. STORM ARENA - ON COURT
Santo plays defense against the point guard of the Bulldogs.
The ball is with the bulldog post player. In slow motion he
backs down of the STORM DEFENDER though the Storm Defender
does not cause him to lose effective defensive stance.
The player chucks the ball out to his team's point guard, 5
feet behind the center of the 3-point line. 13 on the shot
clock. Santo hunkers down on defense. The ball so
tantalizingly close to his grasp.
INT. PRESIDENTIAL SUITE - MORNING
Marcus watches the game intently. He leans forward and
selects Santo Kasper. He navigates to input an increase for
his enhancement meter to 95.
STAN
(On TV)
Bulldogs ball here early. 10-9
bulldogs.
Time freezes as Santo's body reacts to the effects of the
bioenhancement.
Santo hunkers down on defense. The fancy dribbling from the
point guard results in a loose ball which Santo scoops up.
STAN (O.S.) (CONT'D)
Stolen by Kasper.
Santo flies straight to the basket for a vicious dunk.
STAN (O.S.) (CONT'D)
And he slams it home! Vintage Santo
Kasper.
INT. PRESIDENTIAL SUITE - CONTINUOUS
Marcus sits before his laptop.
MARCUS
Easy.
He powers Larry's enhancement level to '90'. 'Enhancement
Commencing'.
Genres:
["Sports","Action","Thriller"]
Ratings
Scene
18 -
Enhanced Performance
INT. STORM ARENA - ON COURT - CONTINUOUS
Larry is on defense now. Santo comes over to help and the
two wrestle the ball away from the helpless Bulldogs ball
handler.
STAN (O.S.)
Kasper and Wilder converge for the
steal.
Santo comes away with the ball.
STAN (O.S.) (CONT'D)
Here comes Santo on the break. He's
got Larry Wilder ahead.
The otherwordly dimension that showcases their Brain
Interfaces flashes as the image slows.
Santo passes ahead to Larry who looks to be gliding in for
the uncontested basket when he lobs the ball back to the
trailing Santo Kasper.
STAN (O.S.) (CONT'D)
Wilder lobs it back to Kasper.
Still in slow motion Santo leaps and snags the lob with one
hand at the ball's apex, before bringing it straight down
through the hoop for the highlight-reel alley-oop.
BILL (O.S.)
Oh my goodness!
STAN (O.S.)
And he throws it down! Oh my goodness
is right.
INT. PRESIDENTIAL SUITE - CONTINUOUS
Marcus returns to the laptop where he turns Larry's
enhancement level to 95. 'Enhancement commencing'.
INT. STORM ARENA - ON COURT - CONTINUOUS
Back on defense, the Storm follow their men around the court.
A nice screen and roll sets up the Bulldogs Point Guard for
the seemingly open lay-up, until Larry darts across the lane
to challenge him at the rim, swatting the feeble lay-up
attempt away.
STAN (O.S.)
Get that out of here!
The loose ball ricochets off a Bulldogs player and out of
bounds.
BILL (O.S.)
Larry Wilder finding another gear
here early against the Stars. Man
he's fun to watch when he plays like
this. Storm ball.
INT. PRESIDENTIAL SUITE - CONTINUOUS
A warning pops up on Marcus laptop, drawing his attention.
MARCUS
What?
He sits and reads it: 'Enhancement level not recommended for
prolonged exposure. Lower enhancement level or discontinue
highly recommended. Would you like to know more?' Marcus
keys in yes.
A new screen shows text that Marcus reads aloud:
MARCUS (CONT'D)
(reading from his
computer screen)
Larry Wilder is susceptible to
prolonged exposure periods above
enhancement level 50. A prolonged
exposure period is considered anything
over 3 minutes.
Marcus thinks. He resets Larry's enhancement level to '50'.
'Enhancement Reconditioning for player Larry Wilder'.
LARRY
I can adapt.
Genres:
["Sports","Action","Thriller"]
Ratings
Scene
19 -
The Game Changer
INT. STORM ARENA - ON COURT - CONTINUOUS
Santo dribbles the ball up top. His defender stiffens up on
defense. Santo smirks.
A dazzling display of dribbling leaves the defender doing
the splits.
STAN (V.O.)
Kasper puts his defender on skates.
Santo darts forward and seeing another defender approaching
stops and steps back for a 3-pointer.
The ball flies through the air as Santo stands confidently,
watching it go. Swish.
STAN (O.S.) (CONT'D)
Count it.
The frustrated Bulldogs coach signals for timeout.
STAN (O.S.) (CONT'D)
The Bulldogs need to talk it over.
Timeout on the floor.
INT. PRESIDENTIAL SUITE - CONTINUOUS
Marcus eyes the score of the game, as the broadcast cuts to
commercial. He chuckles.
EXT. PENTHOUSE BALCONY - MOMENTS LATER
Marcus struts onto the massive balcony that overlooks the
Las Vegas strip. He has his phone to his ear.
RAUL (O.S.)
Hello Marcus.
MARCUS
How are you brother?
RAUL
Where are you?
MARCUS
Las Vegas. I've discovered something
extraordinary.
RAUL
What?
MARCUS
It is something you can not really
explain. You need to come here and
see it for yourself.
INT. PRESIDENTIAL SUITE - LATER
Marcus stands watching the Storm broadcast conclude. The
score is 115-92, with 25 seconds left.
The Bulldog player shoots an errant 3, rebounded by the Storm.
STAN (O.S.)
(on the TV)
Rebounded by the Storm and they can
dribble it out.
BILL (O.S.)
(on the TV)
Well it was a much needed win. The
post-season is just around the corner
and they showed up tonight and really
pounded a fairly good basketball
team. Santo Kasper looking phenomenal
with 40 points and it's right when
you want this guy to be getting hot.
Marcus powers off the TV.
He scoops up his two betting tickets. He examines them.
The first reads 'Storm to win by 10+'. +600 34,000 to win
204,000'
The second reads 'Santo Kasper to score 36 points and Storm
to win by 10+ points. +2450 16,000 to win 392,000.'
MARCUS
(bewildered)
This will work.
INT. SPORTSBOOK - LATER
Marcus and Raul sit side by side at a counter top, drinking
as they take in a basketball game replay.
RAUL
So it's mind control?
MARCUS
Sort of. It enhances the athletes.
It's just the press of a button.
RAUL
What does this mean?
MARCUS
It means I'm going to be rich. I'll
have more money than I ever had in
Los Angeles. I can do this as long
as these men keep playing.
RAUL
Are you sure it's safe?
MARCUS
Why wouldn't it be? And who cares
anyway? This thing can take me to a
better life.
He takes in highlights from 'his' game earlier in the night.
Raul sips his drink.
RAUL
I can't stay here long.
MARCUS
You don't need to leave tonight.
Marcus raises and downs a shot of his drink.
Genres:
["Sports","Thriller","Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
20 -
High Stakes and Flirtation
INT. CASINO - LATER
Marcus plays blackjack with Raul. Raul has many high value
chips, Marcus has few.
The dealer busts with a face card and has to pay Raul and
Marcus. Marcus wins $25 and Raul wins $200.
A visibly intoxicated Marcus points at his old friend.
MARCUS
(to the dealer)
Do you know something I don't?
A Waitress, ANDREA (early 20's), petite, very pretty
approaches him.
ANDREA
Can I get you a drink?
Marcus turns and locks eyes with the waitress.
MARCUS
A drink? That sounds perfect.
ANDREA
(chuckling)
Okay. What kind?
MARCUS
Martini on the rocks?
ANDREA
Are you asking me or telling me?
DEALER
Sir, you need to place a bet.
MARCUS
(to Raul)
Watch my chips.
Marcus stands from the table.
ANDREA
Do you want a drink or not?
MARCUS
No, no. It's not that it's just...
Please believe me when I say your
eyes... I've never seen such ...What
I mean is, can I get you a drink?
ANDREA
That's a very cute line but...I have
a boyfriend.
Marcus smiles curtly.
MARCUS
No you don't.
ANDREA
Alright I don't. But I work until 6
am and I'm not easy to entertain
anyway.
MARCUS
I'm not doing anything at 6 am.
ANDREA
And why are you worth my time?
Marcus produces and flips a $1000 chip up into the air a
solid 20 feet. It falls back to Andrea's waiting grasp.
Andrea catches it and sees it's $1000.
MARCUS
That's for you to come meet me for a
coffee when you get off work.
Andrea eyes the chip.
ANDREA
So you're buying me?
Marcus nods.
MARCUS
I'll pay for the coffee too.
She giggles.
ANDREA
Alright.
Marcus smiles.
ANDREA (CONT'D)
But when you end up being a silly
little boy, I'm not going to say I
was surprised.
Genres:
["Drama","Romance"]
Ratings
Scene
21 -
The Unyielding Door
EXT. DR. BROWN'S HOME - LATER
Selena and Jason stand at the front door of Dr. Salem Brown's
home. Selena knocks impatiently.
SELENA
There's like 6 cars in the driveway.
Someone is here.
The door opens. Dr. SALEM BROWN (50's), a medical doctor,
stands there.
SELENA (CONT'D)
Dr. Salem Brown?
DR. BROWN
That's me.
SELENA
I'm Agent Selena Vargas, this is
Agent Jason Plumber. We're federal
agents and we're just here to ask
some questions.
DR. BROWN
I'm not sure what questions of yours
I could answer but I know I don't
have time for this.
Out of a folder she pulls the image of the console.
SELENA
I can cut right to the chase.
She shows him the image.
SELENA (CONT'D)
Have you seen this before?
This grasps the doctor's attention.
DR. BROWN
Let me see that.
He takes the image.
DR. BROWN (CONT'D)
(straight faced)
Why are you showing me this?
SELENA
It was an object that belonged to
your friend Henry Waters. This image
was taken during a robbery.
She points on the image.
SELENA (CONT'D)
This device was taken. Now his estate
say it's worth 1.2 billion.
DR. BROWN
(cool)
I don't know anything about it.
SELENA
No?
DR. BROWN
No. Frankly this is a bizarre
interaction. Now it's going to end.
He closes the door.
Genres:
["Mystery","Crime","Thriller"]
Ratings
Scene
22 -
Uncovering Secrets
INT. FBI - SELENA'S DESK - LATER
Jason reclines in Selena's chair. Selena approaches with a
pile of documents which she sets on the desk.
JASON
What's all that?
SELENA
Intelligence on Dr. Brown. I found
something interesting. This isn't
the first time we've checked this
guy out. He was investigated for
dealing with a cartel affiliate. A
special type of dealer.
Jason eyes the photo of Dr. Brown.
JASON
Drugs?
SELENA
Credentials.
JASON
Is that a thing?
SELENA
Evidentally he had a guy for fake
credentials. Went back to the same
facility with a different credential
every time.
JASON
Where?
SELENA
He was gaining access to a government
secured data storage facility. Once
or twice a month for six straight
months according to that intel, but
was never taken down.
JASON
It's weird that data is coming back
into this. Whatever he has that's
valuable he's going to retrieve it
from there.
SELENA
Right. But he'll have sensed the
danger inherent in our visit. He
knew what that thing was when he
looked at it. We don't but he does.
JASON
So we need to put him under
surveillance. Then what?
SELENA
Wait until he goes back for it.
He'll trip up eventually.
(MORE)
SELENA (CONT'D)
Our unexpected visit may have been
just the catalyst to go and reclaim
whatever's there that's his.
Genres:
["Crime","Thriller","Mystery"]
Ratings
Scene
23 -
Toast to Success
INT. HIGH-END STEAK HOUSE - NIGHT
Santo Kasper and Larry Wilder enjoy a steak dinner at their
favorite restaurant.
In a booth, well secluded Larry and Santo converse:
LARRY
(raising a shot glass)
To winning.
They clink and down shots.
SANTO
Amen.
LARRY
Santo tell me something. What'd we
do to deserve this?
SANTO
What do you mean?
LARRY
I mean this...life. This skill.
All this winning. Who are we? What'd
we do to deserve it?
SANTO
Just two good men. Doing God's work.
LARRY
That's what you think?
SANTO
I really do.
A beat.
LARRY
You know what I think?
SANTO
What?
LARRY
No, forget it. I'm not gonna...
I'm not gonna go there.
SANTO
What are you talking about?
LARRY
(tense)
You ever feel like there was something
bigger going on here?
SANTO
What do you mean?
LARRY
I mean...all we do is win. You never
thought, I don't know, I don't want
to get into it. In case it's just
me. Sometimes I wonder if there's
something behind all the winning.
Something behind us.
SANTO
Something behind us? Like what?
LARRY
Sometimes I just feel so...powerful,
out there. I don't know how to
describe it. Supernatural. But
maybe not so natural.
SANTO
We're just that good Larry. Sometimes
I feel energized out there in a way
that doesn't feel all that natural
but I just flow with it.
LARRY
You feel it though too, right. It's
not just me? I mean we are strong.
Santo nods stoically.
SANTO
Yes, we are strong. It's nothing
more than that.
LARRY
You don't think it's more than that?
SANTO
No. You do?
LARRY
I guess. I'm just speculating but
it's just we've had a rough season
so far.
SANTO
We have.
LARRY
We've been losing more than I can
remember in years. But it wasn't
just losing that bothered me. It's
like something was missing, a spark
inside. And then these last few
weeks it's just back. It doesn't
make sense to me.
SANTO
It's just vibes man. Frequency shit.
You can't quantify greatness Larry.
It feels like what it feels like.
A pensieve beat.
SANTO (CONT'D)
Don't let it get you down because we
need to win. You want to win?
LARRY
I want to win. It's just the way I
feel. I feel kind of off. Something
about it all just ain't right in my
body.
SANTO
Are you hurt?
LARRY
What? No. Just during games. I
sometimes feel sort of different. I
swear it's real though.
SANTO
Real?
LARRY
I get high on this game, but I didn't
put any drugs in my body.
SANTO
High?
LARRY
I feel high man. I feel high. On
the grandiosity of it all. Don't
you?
SANTO
I don't know about grandiose.
(MORE)
SANTO (CONT'D)
Hoasting those championship trophies
ain't bad. But you're not going to
feel very high, mentally or otherwise
for long if we don't win. Think
about it Larry. We need you right
now. Ain't nobody caring about no
threepeats these days if I'm talking
I'm the greatest to ever do it.
LARRY
I don't think you're hearing me. I'm
saying to me the high comes before
the winning. It makes the winning.
Santo is more interested in his food.
SANTO
I think you need to count your
blessings Larry and focus on what
you can control. If you feel a
certain type of way when you're
playing it is what it is but don't
let anything get in the way of us
winning.
Genres:
["Drama","Sports"]
Ratings
Scene
24 -
High Stakes and High Flyers
INT. SPORTSBOOK - MORNING
Marcus stands talking to a SPORTSBOOK CLERK.
MARCUS
I like these parlays.
CLERK
That's wonderful sir. Did you have
one in mind?
MARCUS
Check the odds on Santo Kasper to
score 35 and the Storm to win by
20+.
The clerk types.
CLERK
Well the storm play the avalanche
tonight and the avalanche are good.
So you get +3587 odds on that.
MARCUS
Add in Larry Wilder to score 25 points
or more.
The clerk types.
CLERK
+6835.
MARCUS
68-1?
CLERK
A little bit more. Yes sir, for
Storm to win by 20+, Santo Kasper to
score 35+ and Larry Wilder to score
25+
Marcus leans in.
MARCUS
How much can I bet on that?
CUT TO:
INT. STORM ARENA - ON COURT
The jump ball is thrown and the tip is controlled by the
storm, the ball returns to Larry Wilder.
He whips the ball to Santo who works a fancy dribble around
a screen and returns the ball to Larry.
Larry stands across from the Avalanche defender, playing
loose defense.
LARRY
You giving me this?
DEFENDER
(unimpressed)
Come on old man.
Larry fires the open 30-footer. Swish. Larry signals 'shh'
to the defender as he jogs back down court.
BEGIN MONTAGE:
INT. SPORTS ARENA
Santo Kasper dribbles down the floor casually and darts into
the lane. The center picks him up and forces Santo to pick
up his dribble.
STAN (V.O.)
Kasper in the lane. Picks up his
dribble.
Santo pivots past the encroaching center and throws the ball
off the backboard.
STAN (V.O.) (CONT'D)
Off the backboard.
Santo grabs his own rebound and throws the ball through the
hoop for 2 points on a highlight reel dunk.
INT. SPORTS ARENA - CONTINUOUS
Again it's Santo, this time defending. The humungous
offensive player backs him down but the strong Santo holds
his ground.
Santo pokes at the ball but the speedy offensive player pump
fakes and makes a move towards the basket, then pulling up
for a running bank shot.
STAN (V.O.)
Storm on defense, Kasper getting
taken to the rim.
Larry comes over to help and emphatically blocks the shot
attempt. The ball returns to the original players possession.
STAN (V.O.) (CONT'D)
(emphatic)
Oh, what a block by Wilder.
The offensive player regains focus and makes his self a second
shot attempt - a fadaway jumper from 10 feet.
Now Santo steps up, this time swatting the shot attempt 5
rows deep into the stands.
STAN (V.O.) (CONT'D)
(thrilled)
And again by Kasper!
Genres:
["Sports","Action","Thriller"]
Ratings
Scene
25 -
Virtual Victory
INT. PENTHOUSE SUITE - CONTINUOUS
The on-screen graphics of a powered on Santo display on
Marcus' computer screen.
Marcus increases the enhancement level from 50 to 75.
INT. SPORTS ARENA - CONTINUOUS
Santo sizes up a defender from behind the 3 point line. He
fakes the shot.
The defender hops on the fake and Santo slides past him.
STAN (V.O.)
Kasper fakes and drives past the
defender.
INT. PENTHOUSE SUITE - CONTINUOUS
The on-screen graphics indicate heightened awareness and
adrenaline for Santo's avatar.
INT. SPORTS ARENA - CONTINUOUS
Santo drives inside and challenges 2 players at the rim. He
flips the ball up over the outstretched hand of the center
while another defender body checks him to the ground.
STAN (V.O.)
Kasper driving, takes contact. Count
it and one. Sweet move by Santo.
SANTO
(yelling)
Let's go!
INT. PENTHOUSE SUITE - CONTINUOUS
Marcus navigates the game of psi user interface to Larry's
avatar. He selects the enhancement meter (currently set to
40), and powers it to 77.
Larry's avatar's biometrics erupt with activity.
INT. SPORTS ARENA - CONTINUOUS
Larry gathers the ball on the outlet and leads his team up
court.
Santo waves for the ball but Larry appears to ignore him.
He darts towards the hoop, pulling back out to the wing as
Santo cuts directly to the basket.
With his back to the basket, Larry flips the ball up over
his shoulder and Santo cocks it back in the air before
delivering it home with a vicious slam.
INT. SPORTSBOOK - CONTINUOUS
Marcus receives cash from the cashier. The cashier counts
$100 bills for Marcus.
CLERK
That's 7, 8, 9, 10,000.
Genres:
["Sports","Thriller","Crime"]
Ratings
Scene
26 -
Love and Dominance
INT. DANCE CLUB - NIGHT
Marcus dances with Andrea in the club.
ANDREA
(talking over loud
music to Marcus)
Thanks for dinner.
MARCUS
Of course.
ANDREA
That place was really expensive.
MARCUS
You're worth it.
ANDREA
Why are you so good to me?
He shrugs.
MARCUS
I love you.
ANDREA
Yea?
They kiss.
INT. PENTHOUSE SUITE - CONTINUOUS
Marcus powers on Santo to enhancment level 85.
INT. SPORTS ARENA - CONTINUOUS
3 consecutive takes of Santo dribbling his defender out of
the picture and pulling up to hit deep 3-pointers.
STAN (V.O.)
Santo Kasper you are not human.
BILL (V.O.)
It's not just that it's another gear.
We all know he's the greatest. But
you can know he's going to beat you,
and he still does. You can not stop
this man.
INT. DANCE CLUB - NIGHT
Marcus and Andrea make out on the dance floor.
INT. PENTHOUSE SUITE - CONTINUOUS
Marcus powers on Larry to enhancment level 90.
INT. PENTHOUSE SUITE - BEDROOM
Marcus and Andrea fall onto the bed passionately intertwined.
INT. SPORTS ARENA - CONTINUOUS
Santo brings the ball up court and flips the no look pass to
Larry.
INT. SPORTSBOOK - CONTINUOUS
Marcus receives more cash from the cashier.
CLERK
(counting)
7, 8, 9, 10 thousand.
INT. PENTHOUSE SUITE - CONTINUOUS
The metrics of Larry and Santo peak in tremendous fashion.
INT. SPORTS ARENA - CONTINUOUS
Santo gets the pass back from Larry and drives the lane while
Larry floats out to the wing.
Santo makes an acrobatic move at the rim, then flings the
ball out to Larry waiting to shoot a corner 3.
BILL (V.O.)
Kasper finds Wilder in the corner.
Larry swishes the shot.
STAN (V.O.)
Count it.
The opposing coach signals for timeout.
Santo faces the crowd flexing and yelling as Larry walks
slyly to the bench.
SANTO
(to the crowd)
This is our house! This is our house!
Let's go!
END MONTAGE.
Genres:
["Drama","Sports","Romance"]
Ratings
Scene
27 -
The Great Escape
INT. JASON PLUMBER'S APARTMENT - EARLY MORNINGR
Jason sleep soundly in bed. His phone buzzes on the night
stand. He begrudgingly answers.
JASON
Agent Plumber.
SELENA (O.S.)
I'm outside.
JASON
I am praying you do not mean outside
of my apartment.
SELENA (O.S.)
Wake up and put your balls on Jason.
Dr. Salem Brown was spotted exchanging
cash for credentials to a government
secure data facility. We finally
got him with his hand in the cookie
jar.
JASON
We're gonna get him?
SELENA (O.S.)
Yes. Right now.
INT. FEDERAL DATA STORAGE FACILITY - ENTRANCE - MOMENTS LATER
Selena flashes her badge to the security guard at the entrance
to the data storage facility.
Federal Data Storage Facility
SELENA
Federal agents. We're looking for
this man. He gained access here with
fake credentials.
She shows them a picture of Dr. Brown. The security guard
nods.
SECURITY GUARD
Follow me.
Dr. Brown escapes. But they can still access his data?
INT. HALLWAY - CONTINUOUS
The security guard walks briskly down a hallway that resembles
the inside of a prison, but instead of cells there's rooms
with unique data servers. Each room has a number.
The security guard reaches the end of the hall.
SECURITY GUARD
He's in here.
The security guard scans their badge and the door unlocks.
INT. SECURE DATA STORAGE AREA - CONTINUOUS
The futuristic high security data storage area houses servers
from floor to ceiling. The room is filled with light and
information.
Selena and Jason enter.
SELENA
Dr. Salem Brown are you in here?
From the echoey confines of the sublimely lit enclosure, Dr.
Brown responds.
DR. BROWN
I am. Who are you?
JASON
Federal agents. We spoke at your
home the other day. Just a few follow-
up questions. Looks like the ID that
got you in here didn't check out.
That's a pretty big problem in our
line of work.
DR. BROWN (O.S.)
You came back?
SELENA
We never left.
Selena draws her gun and points it ahead. She steps around
the server in front of her. Dr. Salem Brown sits calmly on
the other side. Working calmly on a computer. He does not
so much as flinch.
SELENA (CONT'D)
Now why don't you just stand up and
put your hands behind your head and
we'll continue this conversation.
DR. BROWN (O.S.)
Congrats you caught me. But answer
me this, why would I put my hands up
if I could just as easily escape.
Selena scoffs.
SELENA
You don't know who-
JASON
(interrupting)
Selena he's got a remote.
Dr. Brown, holds a remote in his hand that the agents hadn't
seen previously. He presses the red button. Nothing happens.
Then the computer in front of him goes black. A long beat.
SELENA
What did you do?
A single line of code emits: Hard-drive cleared.
Jason grabs Dr. Brown by the collar and slams him against
the servers.
JASON
You son of a bitch.
SELENA
Jason. Don't hurt him.
JASON
Why not?
SELENA
I want it to come from me.
Selena grabs Dr. Brown by the ear and he lets out a terrific
scream as she draws blood and causes structural damage to
his lower outer ear.
DR. BROWN
(gasping)
Why did you do that?
SELENA
What did you just wipe.
DR. BROWN
You'll never catch me.
SELENA
I have caught you.
Dr. Brown kicks the gun from Jason's unguarded stance. Then
punches Selena square in the face. Selena stumbled back
stunned and falls into Jason's grasp. Dr. Brown runs at the
two of them and knocks them backwards onto their backs.
He stands over them a moment, looking down at what he's done.
Then he turns and runs out of the room.
Genres:
["Thriller","Crime","Action"]
Ratings
Scene
28 -
The Game of Psi Unveiled
INT. FBI - INTERROGATION ROOM - LATER
Borowitz addresses Selena and Jason in the interrogation
room with Selena and Jason at one end, and an empty chair at
the far end.
BOROWITZ
Not only did he get away. He deleted
every shred of data associated with
himself in every data base on the
planet. He'd been planning an escape
for a long time. He knew his reality
was going to break down. The only
saving grace of the situation, is
that we were able through warrants
to get a hold of his safety deposit
box located at that facility and
recover its contents. Inside we
found an answer. Not directly, but
it was enough of a clue to figure
out what that device is.
SELENA
What was in the safety deposit box?
BOROWITZ
A single DVD. As far as our records
show it was put there just a week
ago.
SELENA
You think he had advance knowledge
that we were coming?
BOROWITZ
No. I think he touched something
different. A feeling, based on the
magnitude of what he was dealing
with compelled him to prepare himself
for an escape. Because what he dealt
with was truly dark.
JASON
But how will we-
BOROWITZ
You will watch the DVD together.
You will listen to every word. All
the questions in your head, this DVD
will answer them all right now.
Borowitz presses play on the remote and then exits promptly.
The tape begins.
On screen, the agents see Dr. Brown seated in a chair in
front of a camera.
DR. BROWN
I am recording this from my home.
Two FBI agents just visited to ask
questions.
A long pause.
DR. BROWN (CONT'D)
I am not a bad man. But as I will
explain to you in the coming video,
the lives of men are at stake. In
order to see why this is so, you
must have context. And the context
is quite extraordinary. If I evaded
your escape correctly this is the
only shred of evidence of who I am
that I left behind. And though I
don't want to tell this story maybe
you did show up in time to save those
lives. How would I know, if I've
fled? I will start by telling you
that the data I should have deleted
from any secured hard drives contained
video logs. The data was recordings
of me reflecting on basketball games
played by the Los Angeles Storm
basketball team for which I was their
coach for 3 championships. But there
was more to hoisting those trophies
than met the eye. That thing that
was 'more' was the game of Psi. I
analyzed it's productivity after
every use for years.
Jason looks over at Selena paying close attention.
JASON
The Game of Psi?
DR. BROWN
(on TV)
The Game of Psi was the end-product
of nearly a decade of top secret
research performed by The Henry Waters
Foundation. For most of that time,
I was in charge.
Selena and Jason listen.
Genres:
["Mystery","Thriller","Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
29 -
Ethics in the Balance
INT. HENRY WATERS RESEARCH HOSPITAL - EXAM ROOM - SURMISED
IMAGE
A younger Dr. Brown performs a routine exam on a SICKLY OLD
MAN.
DR. BROWN (V.O.)
I worked at the adjacent hospital to
the research facility for two years
as an internist prior to being
recruited by Henry Waters himself.
He wanted me to head a bio-technology
research endeavor. The pay and
prestige easily sucked me in.
INT. HENRY WATERS RESEARCH FOUNDATION - LAB - SURMISED IMAGE
Dr. Brown is shown around a tech lab. Brain Computer
Interfaces - Computer devices designed to communicate with
the brain, are on display.
DR. BROWN (V.O.)
I would have thought the brain
computer interface was science
fiction, until it was right in front
of me. Implantable computerized
devices that can attach to the brain.
It was beyond incredible.
INT. HENRY WATERS RESEARCH FOUNDATION - CLINICAL TESTING
ROOM - SURMISED IMAGE
Four TEST SUBJECTS lie on adjacent surgical tables. Their
heads are covered in wires that attach to their scalp and
connect back to data analysis devices.
DR. BROWN (V.O.)
My instinct was to use these devices
to cure diseases. Restore sight and
hearing to the deaf and blind.
Reverse paralysis. All of these
things would have been possible with
time.
INT. HENRY WATERS OFFICE - SURMISED IMAGE
Dr. Brown enters Henry Waters office where the billionaire
reclines in his chair behind his desk.
DR. BROWN (V.O.)
But then one day he brought me in.
He wanted to change course.
The men commense in muted conversation.
DR. BROWN (V.O.) (CONT'D)
I knew he must have been planning it
all along. He wanted to use the
Brain computer interfaces to enhance
the players on his basketball team.
To make them better. To win. I had
no choice at this point. Henry Waters
was a vindictive man, he wouldn't
have liked if I'd said no.
Genres:
["Drama","Sci-Fi","Thriller"]
Ratings
Scene
30 -
Invasive Enhancements
INT. LARGE HOTEL ROOM - SURMISED IMAGE
Santo Kasper sleeps soundly in a king sized bed.
Dr. Brown enters the room with an extra key. Seeing the
sleeping Santo, he approaches quietly.
DR. BROWN (V.O.)
I put the devices in the players
myself.
At Santo's bedside Dr. Brown pulls out a small device fit
for a human ear and stand monitoring his sleep.
DR. BROWN (V.O.) (CONT'D)
It was a breakthrough of my research
that we could implant brain computer
interfaces in the players with a non
invasive technique utilizing the ear
canal.
He holds the device up to but not touching Santo's ear and
presses a button.
A microscopic mechanical spider lands in Santo's ear.
DR. BROWN (V.O.) (CONT'D)
I engineered a robot spider that
carried the BCI's in. The legs were
repurposed once attached to the brain
to build the operational enhancement.
Dr. Brown exits as quickly as he came.
DR. BROWN (V.O.) (CONT'D)
We did the same for Ron Ball. Ron
Ball retired after our most recent
championship but Santo and Larry
still play. We tried a different
installation for Santo.
INT. OPERATING ROOM - SURMISED IMAGE
Santo lies unconscious on an operating room table. A surgeon
performs a surgical procedure on his hip.
DR. BROWN (V.O.)
With Santo we put the device in his
body a different way all together.
He thought it was routine surgery.
But 250k bought a favor from the
surgeon. He thought he was just
dropping a tracker in Santo's hip
joint.
The surgeon removes a small circular electronic hard drive
and places it in Santo's open hip.
DR. BROWN (V.O.) (CONT'D)
He was never any the wiser but a
week later that little device would
deploy a carrier device within his
blood stream. That device would
travel to his brain where it would
construct a working brain computer
interface from existing components.
It worked well.
Genres:
["Sci-Fi","Thriller"]
Ratings
Scene
31 -
Celebration and Enhancement
INT. BASKETBALL STADIUM - SURMISED IMAGE
The Los Angeles Storm celebrate an ABL Championship atop a
podium placed at center court.
DR. BROWN (V.O.)
All professional athletes are
talented, but the brain interfaces
were a game changer. Our first three
seasons with the game of psi we won
the league championship.
Santo holds the championship trophy high in the air as the
confetti rains down and his teammates rejoice.
INT. BASKETBALL STADIUM - HOME BENCH - SURMISED IMAGE
Santo and Larry sit side by side on the team's bench. They
sip sports drinks and cheer for their team.
DR. BROWN (V.O.)
The athletes could be powered on and
off at will.
The Head Coach approaches Santo and Larry.
COACH SPRIGGS
Kasper. Wilder. Let's go. In the
game.
The men hop off the bench and jog to the scorer's table. As
they take off their warm-ups, time SLOWS and SPARKS OF
ELECTRICITY flicker in their eyes.
DR. BROWN (V.O.)
The interfaces could be programmed
to achieve varying levels of
enhancement. The higher the level
of enhancement, the more unstoppable
the athletes would become.
INT. LAB - SURMISED IMAGE
The casing for the physical Game of Psi console is in the
process of having gold letters etched into it by a robotic
arm.
DR BROWN (V.O.)
The Game of Psi was built to manage
the enhancement process.
The casing for the Game of Psi is placed on the guts (wires,
computer chips) of the console.
DR BROWN (V.O.) (CONT'D)
It is a simple console that you turn
on and power up. It networks with
the Brain Computer Interfaces
installed in the players. Athlete
enhancement occurs near
instantaneously.
The device sits sternly atop a desk. It's gold letters
glisten - 'PSI'.
Genres:
["Sci-Fi","Sports","Thriller"]
Ratings
Scene
32 -
Hope Amidst Despair
INT. FBI - INTERROGATION ROOM
Selena and Jason attentively watch the tape on the television
screen in front of them.
DR BROWN
(on the screen)
The players are in danger. Larry *
especially. He's always had all
sorts of health problems. There is
a way to save him but you need to
find The Game of Psi. I know all
about that device and for years we've
known that thing, if it's being used
and especially if it's being overused,
it's gonna drive him insane or it's
going to cause a major health scare
that he might not survive. Now he's
got good medical staff around him,
but whatever happens it could be
severe.
Dr. Brown sits contemplative.
DR BROWN (CONT'D)
I said I am not a bad man but I lied.
I did this. Against my will I still
did this. The commands are given
through code, broadcast by an antenna
on the device itself, and relayed
through a satellite directly into
the players heads. You'll never
find that satellite.
He thinks.
DR BROWN (CONT'D)
And if you are watching this I've
escaped too. I should have come forth
long ago but if it brings you any
solace know that this will haunt me.
Dr. Brown pauses and then chuckles.
DR BROWN (CONT'D)
So you sit there and wonder. Has
evil escaped us? Yes. It has.
The tape ends.
Selena and Jason sit a moment in silence. A small explosive
detonates in the DVD player. The explosion destroyes the
device, but does not create shrapnel, causing Selena and
Jason to jump but not react beyond that.
The fried DVD hisses in the demolished DVD player.
EXT. SELENA'S APARTMENT BUILDING
Selena sits in her car calmly. Her phone buzzes. It's a
text from MEREDITH: I'm here.
A knock on her closed window startles her. She sees MEREDITH
(30), her friend on the other side. She rolls down the
window.
MEREDITH
You wanna go talk?
INT. SELENA'S APARTMENT - LIVING ROOM
Selena sits on a couch with a blanket around her shoulders.
Meredith sips tea in an adjacent chair.
MEREDITH
Why kind of secrets did you bring
today?
SELENA
It was something different today. I
feel like I just really messed up.
MEREDITH
What happened?
SELENA
The bad guy got away.
MEREDITH
You'll catch him.
SELENA
No he really got away. There's no
hope.
A beat.
SELENA (CONT'D)
(insistent)
There's no hope. It's gonna take a
miracle to -
Selena squeals in frustration.
Meredith sets her tea down and rises. She sits next to Selena
on the couch.
MEREDITH
Don't tell me what happened. Just
know there's always hope Selena.
Genres:
["Thriller","Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
33 -
Tension in the Locker Room
INT. HOME OF SANTO KASPER - BEDROOM - NIGHT
Santo finds his phone vibrating on the bed. Caller ID says
Larry. He answers.
SANTO
Hello?
Silence on the line.
SANTO (CONT'D)
Hello? Larry?
LARRY (O.S.)
Santo...
SANTO
Larry?
LARRY
I don't feel right.
SANTO
What do you mean?
LARRY (O.S.)
It's hard to explain. Listen, can
you just meet me somewhere. Please
I really need to talk.
SANTO
I can't really talk right now I gotta-
LARRY (O.S.)
(urgent)
Santo. Please. Meet me at the
stadium. Locker room.
INT. STORM LOCKER ROOM - LATER
Santo enters the locker room. Larry sits in a pretzel on
the floor meditating. He looks up when Santo enters.
LARRY
Hey.
SANTO
Larry, what's going on?
LARRY
Santo...I don't feel right.
SANTO
(stern)
I don't know what that means. I'm
trying to win a championship Larry.
I need to focus and I especially
need you to be focused.
A beat.
LARRY
You need me to be focused?
SANTO
Larry, listen-
LARRY
No. You listen. Now I told you I
don't feel right and part of that is
you're not listening to what I've
been saying to you Santo. Something
is off. It's not the winning. It's
what I feel like when we do.
LARRY (CONT'D)
Like there's real electricity inside
me. It's not normal.
SANTO
We win at the highest level. That's
what we're here for that's what we
do.
LARRY
(stern)
Something is going on. Okay?
Something is going on. You say
whatever you want to say out there,
but don't you stand in here and look
me in the eye and say I'm wrong.
Don't say it's nothing. I don't
know what it is. But it's not
nothing.
Genres:
["Drama","Sports"]
Ratings
Scene
34 -
High Stakes Negotiation
INT. CASINO - EXECUTIVES OFFICE - EARLY MORNING
Marcus is led into the office by the EXECUTIVE (50's Caucasian
Male) who works there.
EXECUTIVE
Mr. Benson. Have a seat.
Marcus sits as does the executive.
EXECUTIVE (CONT'D)
Your impressive winnings has been
brought to my attention.
Marcus is caught breathless but regains himself.
MARCUS
You see these things?
EXECUTIVE
I see 8 million dollars in winnings.
I saw a million dollars but my
security has told me you aren't the
boisterous type. So I let you be.
MARCUS
What do you want?
EXECUTIVE
Giving up so soon. I haven't banned
you yet.
MARCUS
I know nothing. It was all luck.
EXECUTIVE
No. There's more. You know
something. Do I need to know it, or
can we make a deal?
Marcus hesitates.
EXECUTIVE (CONT'D)
Mr. Benson. Your answer.
MARCUS
I'll give you a quarter. I haven't
collected most of it. Take a quarter
and don't say anything.
EXECUTIVE
Well that sounds nice. But I don't
have to give you any of that money.
MARCUS
You are going to pay me.
EXECUTIVE
Am I?
Marcus thinks.
MARCUS
What do you want?
EXECUTIVE
I want 50 percent.
MARCUS
(firm)
No.
EXECUTIVE
And a promise. These terms are
negotiable but only scarcely. You
can keep playing for a time but I
want you to promise that you will
leave if you win another million.
MARCUS
I will give you your 50 percent.
But I want a promise in return.
EXECUTIVE
Intriguing. Let's hear it.
MARCUS
Just one bet.
(MORE)
MARCUS (CONT'D)
The deal is when I leave here I'll
plan to put everything I've got on
one game. I'll pick an underdog.
EXECUTIVE
You'll pick an-
MARCUS
One bet.
He holds up a finger.
MARCUS (CONT'D)
One. And for now you call no one.
The executive shakes his head silently, a wry smile visible
on his lips.
Genres:
["Thriller","Crime"]
Ratings
Scene
35 -
Urgent Investigations
INT. LVPD PRECINCT - FRONT DESK
The telephone rings on the desk and a police-woman answers.
She listens silently a moment.
POLICE WOMAN
(on phone)
Yes I'm listening.
INT. LVPD PRECINCT - MAIN FLOOR
The operator walks briskly a piece of paper in hand. She
sets it on the desk of the CHIEF (Black male, 50's).
CHIEF
What is this?
POLICE WOMAN
A fix. A big one.
CHIEF
I don't have time for this.
POLICE WOMAN
Do you want to know what I'd do?
The chief is taken aback.
POLICE WOMAN (CONT'D)
Just glance at the report. Just
glance at it.
The chief complies and reads for a few moments.
CHIEF
This is-
POLICE WOMAN
(interrupting)
Apparently credible. Do you wanna
hear what I'd do?
CHIEF
I guess I do.
POLICE WOMAN
If it's rigged, find out how he's
rigging it.
INT. CHIEF'S OFFICE - LATER
The Chief works at his computer. Images and details of Marcus
and his life populate the screen.
He navigates to a page of audio files. They are Marcus phone
calls. The Chief clicks on downloads audio file transcripts.
The downloading commences.
INT. CHIEF'S OFFICE - MOMENTS LATER
The Chief listens to Marcus' phone conversations through
headphones.
INT. CHIEF'S OFFICE - MOMENTS LATER
The chief takes off the headphones. He picks up the phone.
CHIEF
This is the chief of police at-
He pauses when interrupted.
CHIEF (CONT'D)
I see you have caller ID. Let me
make this simple for you too.
INT. BOROWITZ OFFICE - LATER
Borowitz works at her computer. The desk phone rings one
and then twice. Borowitz answers.
BOROWITZ
This is Jeanette Borowitz.
INT. SELENA'S APARTMENT - LIVING ROOM
Selena sleeps on the couch. Her phone buzzes. It's Borowitz
and she quickly answers.
SELENA
(sleepy)
Agent Vargas.
BOROWITZ (O.S.)
(on phone)
Have you slept?
SELENA
Yes.
BOROWITZ (O.S.)
Good then I'll cut straight to it.
Genres:
["Crime","Thriller","Mystery"]
Ratings
Scene
36 -
The Stolen Advantage
INT. BOROWITZ OFFICE - CONTINUOUS
Borowitz talks into her desk phone.
BOROWITZ
Preliminary intelligence on our
situation has just come in.
SELENA (O.S.)
(on phone)
Our situation?
BOROWITZ
The missing device. It's like a
miracle. Not only do we have a where
and what it is we have a who stole
it.
INT. SELENA'S APARTMENT - LIVING ROOM - CONTINUOUS
SELENA
What is it?
INT. BOROWITZ OFFICE - CONTINUOUS
Borowitz responds:
BOROWITZ
It's a fix. A fix for basketball
games. The man who stole the device
from Henry's safe, his name is Marcus.
Marcus Benson. He's from Los Angeles.
He's in a gang called 'the
brotherhood', and he has what we're
looking for.
INT. SELENA APARTMENT - LIVING ROOM
Selena listens.
SELENA
What do you mean a fix? What is it?
How do you know?
BOROWITZ (O.S.)
(on phone)
It's not what it is, it's what it
does.
SELENA
What does it do?
INT. BOROWITZ OFFICE - CONTINUOUS
Borowitz continues:
BOROWITZ
The device is like a miniature...game
console. It runs a computer program
and it communicates with some sort
of ingrown neural enhancement
interface that appears to be in the
athletes bodies.
SELENA (O.S.)
(on phone)
What athletes? How do you know this?
BOROWITZ
This all was just filed in an LVPD
Police intelligence report. Right
now, from what we can tell, there's
two athletes on The Los Angeles Storm
that are susceptible to this
technology. Larry Wilder, and Santo
Kasper.
Genres:
["Thriller","Mystery","Crime"]
Ratings
Scene
37 -
The Urgent Call
INT. SELENA'S APARTMENT - LIVING ROOM
Selena struggles to process the information.
SELENA
I don't understand why it's all
connected.
BOROWITZ (O.S.)
(on phone)
We were just looking for a lost item.
A very expensive piece of technology
but we had no idea what or where it
was.
SELENA
And?
INT. BOROWITZ OFFICE - CONTINUOUS
Borowitz goes on:
BOROWITZ
The insurance was looking to recoup
1.2 billion dollars.
SELENA (O.S.)
(on phone)
I still don't-
BOROWITZ
What device might a Henry Waters
keep in a locked safe in his bedroom.
Whatever it was it would be valuable.
1.2 billion dollars at least.
Remember the man was not just rich
he was a genius. We didn't find the
missing piece of technology from
Henry's safe. We just found it.
SELENA (O.S.)
(on phone)
You know who has it and where it is.
INT. SELENA'S APARTMENT - LIVING ROOM
Selena finishes her thought:
SELENA
I need to go and get it back.
BOROWITZ (O.S.)
(on phone)
You'll be leaving for Las Vegas today.
That's where Marcus has set up shop.
SELENA
Betting on sports. Clever.
BOROWITZ (O.S.)
(on phone)
He's close with a girl named Andrea.
See what you can find out about her.
Genres:
["Thriller","Mystery","Crime"]
Ratings
Scene
38 -
A Proposal with Secrets
INT. PENTHOUSE - MORNING
Marcus stands by the bar eyeing a massive diamond ring. He
pockets the ring and looks impatiently at the clock, tapping
his foot.
The door opens and Andrea enters. Andrea is a little
startled.
ANDREA
Marcus.
He smiles back.
MARCUS
I'm happy to see you.
ANDREA
I'm happy to see you too.
MARCUS
There's something I want to do, but
I don't want to surprise you too
much. I've come into come money.
Some serious money. It's caused me
to think a lot about what I want
from life, because I can see that I
can have anything.
ANDREA
Okay.
MARCUS
But you can't buy love. Yeah you
knew I had cash to blow. But you
loved me without knowing this.
ANDREA
Yeah I do. I love you.
MARCUS
I want to keep you in my life.
He pulls the ring box from his pocket. Andrea's eyes go
wide.
MARCUS (CONT'D)
If I can have anything why can't I
have love? True love.
Andrea is silent but tears well in her eyes.
MARCUS (CONT'D)
Andrea Banks...
Marcus approaches to a respctful distance and drops to one
knee.
MARCUS (CONT'D)
Will you marry me.
A beat.
ANDREA
Yes.
She nods enthusiastically.
ANDREA (CONT'D)
Yes I will.
Marcus rises and they embrace.
ANDREA (CONT'D)
I want to keep you in my life too.
Thank you.
She looks at the ring.
ANDREA (CONT'D)
Put it on me.
Marcus pauses.
MARCUS
Before I do that there's one more
thing I need to say. The way I fund
my lifestyle is not a traditional
method.
Confusion on Andrea's face.
MARCUS (CONT'D)
If I were to show this to 1000 women,
I'd have 1000 women in my life. But
you're the one that I want because
you love me without knowing this.
ANDREA
What is it?
MARCUS
It's one thing. There's one thing I
need to show you and tell you to
make sure you know the real me.
Genres:
["Romance","Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
39 -
Secrets and Separation
INT. PENTHOUSE - MOMENTS LATER
Marcus powers on the projector aimed at the projector screen.
Then, he pulls The Game of Psi out of the picnic basket.
ANDREA
What is that?
MARCUS
It's a device I acquired a few weeks
ago. It runs software through my
laptop.
ANDREA
What kind of software?
Marcus begins the set-up of the game of psi console. The
projector begins to play the start of the Storm game.
MARCUS
This device-
He begins programming his players as the tip occurs on screen.
MARCUS (CONT'D)
Enables me to enhance the performance
of certain athletes on this basketball
team. The Storm.
Andrea chuckles.
ANDREA
I can't have heard you right.
MARCUS
(smirking)
See for yourself.
ANDREA
Wait.
Marcus stops, surprised.
ANDREA (CONT'D)
I need to know what you mean. Don't
show me. You can enhance what?
MARCUS
This basketball team, The Storm -
He points to the screen.
ANDREA
Yeah I know about the Storm.
MARCUS
Has 2 players on the team that ,
currently, are enhancable via neural
computers. I hold the controls to
their enhancments. I've made over 8
million this month.
Andrea is speecless.
ANDREA
That's a very grandiose thing.
MARCUS
I started with almost nothing. But
I need to prove it to you. I need to
show you this.
ANDREA
I mean yes, I- I guess.
MARCUS
Can I show you my truth? I will not
keep this secret from you.
Marcus stands before the loaded Game of Psi Interface, the
Storm game rages on the image projected before them. Andrea
eyes him up and down.
ANDREA
Yeah go ahead. Show me.
INT. PENTHOUSE - LIVING ROOM - LATER
On the picnic blanket, Marcus and Andrea cuddle after sex.
MARCUS
Can you keep this secret?
ANDREA
Yes. But you need a plan. You can't
do this forever.
MARCUS
But you will keep the secret?
She nods.
ANDREA
What's it like? Being in control
like that?
MARCUS
It feels like real power.
INT. CASINO PENTHOUSE
Andrea sleeps on the picnic blanket alone. She stirs and
sits up.
ANDREA
Marcus?
Marcus appears at the bedroom door wrapped in a towel.
MARCUS
Good morning.
ANDREA
A friend of mine and her boyfriend
want to meet us for dinner. Are you
free?
MARCUS
I'm going out of town today.
ANDREA
Where are you going?
MARCUS
LA.
EXT. LAX - DAY
A plane lands, tires screeching on the run way.
EXT. LAX - DAY
Marcus gets in a car driven by Raul.
INT. CAR - MOMENTS LATER
Marcus fist bumps Raul.
MARCUS
Let's roll.
He passes a lit joint to Marcus who smokes it and reclines.
Raul floors it.
Genres:
["Romance","Thriller","Sci-Fi"]
Ratings
Scene
40 -
High Stakes and Heavy Hearts
EXT. CEMETARY - LATER
Raul and Marcus walk amongst the graves.
MARCUS
This thing, this...game. It gives
me control of the outcome. I can
determine if this team wins and to
extent I can determine by how much.
The problem is...
RAUL
It's real..
MARCUS
Exactly. There's money to be made.
But it's here and now. Like a heist.
Make a move then move on.
The come to a grave and stop. Raul stops and kneels.
RAUL
Tito. My brother. We miss you.
Raul rises.
RAUL (CONT'D)
Why did you want to come here? I
know there's something deep on your
mind.
MARCUS
You're the treasurer of our
brotherhood.
RAUL
I am.
He walks over and kneels in front of their friend's grave.
MARCUS
Well brother, I've made 8 million
dollars this month capitalizing on
the performance of other men on the
highest level. I came here, because
I needed a space to be humble. To
ask you for something out of the
ordinary.
Marcus rises.
MARCUS (CONT'D)
One game. Let the device do it's
thing. I can not lose. I will put
in my 8 million.
A stern look from Raul.
RAUL
You want me to match you from the
treasury?
MARCUS
More.
RAUL
You mean...?
MARCUS
All. The Los Angeles Storm. First
game of the playoffs. Between various
books and online I can get 14 million
after the 8 million I have staked.
There is 14 more.
RAUL
You already bet on it?
MARCUS
At or around +120 odds, we-
He gestures to himself and Raul.
MARCUS (CONT'D)
Would win 26.4 million dollars Raul.
One time.
RAUL
That's basically all we have.
MARCUS
The first game of the playoffs.
Raul thinks.
MARCUS (CONT'D)
It is a sure thing, Raul. I can not
lose.
RAUL
I will do it. Because I believe in
you. But if you say there are stakes
there are stakes brother. You can
not disappoint me with something
like this. Walk with your power
now. But now that I will catch you
when you come back down, because you
respected me on the way up.
BOROWITZ
Preliminary intelligence on our
situation has just come in.
SELENA
Our situation?
BOROWITZ
The missing device. It's like a
miracle.
BOROWITZ (CONT'D)
Not only do we have a where and what
it is we have a who. The man who
stole the device from Henry's safe,
his name is Marcus. Marcus Benson.
Marcus is from Los Angeles. He's in
a gang called 'the brotherhood'. He
has what we're looking for.
SELENA
What is it?
BOROWITZ
It's not what it is, it's what it
does.
SELENA
What does it do?
BOROWITZ
The device is like a miniature...game
console. It runs a computer program
and it communicates with some sort
of ingrown neural enhancement
interface that appears to be in the
athletes bodies.
SELENA
What athletes?
BOROWITZ
Right now, from what you can tell,
there's two athletes on The Los
Angeles Storm that are susceptible
to this technology. Larry Wilder,
and Santo Kasper.
SELENA
The Storm Henry's team. I don't get
it. It's overlapping but how is it
connected?
BOROWITZ
We were just looking for a lost item.
A piece of technology that we had no
idea where it was.
SELENA
And?
BOROWITZ
A piece of extraordinary technology
has just been found. Nothing worth
as much money as was sought has been
found. Something more valuable has
shown up, and it's something that
never went missing.
SELENA
You know who has it and where it is.
And I need to go and get it back.
BOROWITZ
You'll be leaving for Las Vegas today.
That's where he's set up shop.
SELENA
Betting on sports. Clever.
BOROWITZ
He's close with a girl named Andrea.
See what you can find out about her.
Genres:
["Drama","Thriller","Crime"]
Ratings
Scene
41 -
High Stakes and Tensions
EXT. HIGHWAY - DAY
The government issued SUV driven by Selena races down the
highway towards Las Vegas.
INT. SUV
Selena drives. Jason sits passenger.
JASON
It's not your fault Dr. Brown got
away.
SELENA
Oh really you think?
JASON
I didn't see the kick coming.
SELENA
That's because you weren't watching.
JASON
(annoyed)
Hey what's your problem? There's no
need to address me with that tone.
Show some respect.
SELENA
You want me to respect you Jason?
JASON
You know what? I don't care if you
respect me.
SELENA
I don't care if you respect me either.
The SUV races past a sign that reads 'Las Vegas: 180 miles'.
INT. CASINO SUITE - NIGHT
Selena works at a computer. Jason is at the door, getting
food delivered.
JASON
(to delivery man)
Thank you.
He sets the food down on a table and digs in.
Incoming Email on Selena's computer. She starts to read.
SELENA
Hey Jason listen to this. The
girlfriend of Marcus. Andrea Banks.
There's a warrant out for her arrest.
JASON
No shit.
SELENA
Outstanding shoplifting charges.
She never showed up for court.
Warrant was just issued 4 days ago.
JASON
She wouldn't have been picked up
yet. What else do we know about her?
SELENA
She's was a server at a casino. It
looks like she recently quit. Lots
of parking tickets. A handful of
misdemeanors.
JASON
So lets talk to her.
SELENA
Definitely.
EXT. SUBURBAN LAS VEGAS - BAR PARKING LOT - DAY
Marcus hunkers down in a Red JASON (FICTIONAL SELF-DRIVING
CAR). Raul approaches and gets in with an empty duffel bag.
MARCUS
You placed the bet?
Raul nods.
MARCUS (CONT'D)
He took the cash?
RAUL
1.2 million.
Marcus is juiced.
MARCUS
Let's go.
RAUL
Marcus I need to ask you something.
A beat.
RAUL (CONT'D)
We're all in. What if we lose?
MARCUS
We can't lose.
RAUL
But what if we do? What if something
goes wrong?
MARCUS
What would go wrong?
RAUL
It lets you play God. What happens
if God finds out?
Genres:
["Crime","Thriller","Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
42 -
Under Pressure
EXT. CONVENIENCE STORE - AFTERNOON
Selena and Jason are perched down the street from where Andrea
has parked and enters a convenience store.
On the way in she stops to talk to a TEENAGER. The Teenager
appears to approach and hand Andrea a 20 dollar bill after
exchanging some words.
JASON
Buying liquor for minors? That'll
be a good conversation starter.
She puts the car in gear and approaches the parking lot.
EXT. PARKING LOT - MOMENTS LATER
Andrea exits the store oblivious to the nearby detectives.
She hands the minor some beer.
Selena looks over at Jason.
JASON
I got this.
He exits the vehicle and approaches Andrea.
JASON (CONT'D)
Excuse me. Andrea Banks.
Andrea stops and turns.
ANDREA
How do you know my name?
JASON
I'm a federal agent. I know a lot.
Andrea starts to scurry.
JASON (CONT'D)
Trust me Andrea you're in the kind
of trouble where it's a lot better
to talk to me.
She keeps going.
JASON (CONT'D)
We know about Marcus.
She stops.
ANDREA
What? What about...
JASON
We know what he's doing with the
basketball team, the Storm.
ANDREA
What? How could you-
JASON
(Loud)
We know.
(stern)
The device he's using is called the
game of Psi and it's very dangerous.
Marcus is in a lot of trouble.
ANDREA
Why? He didn't make that thing?
JASON
He's sure as hell gonna take the
fall for it.
ANDREA
I love Marcus. I'm not going to
cooperate with you.
JASON
The way I see it you don't have any
real choice.
ANDREA
How do you figure?
JASON
There's a warrant in my vehicle for
your arrest. It's jail if you don't
help us.
She thinks.
JASON (CONT'D)
It's an easy choice. You're looking
at 10 years otherwise. Work with
us. It'll all be over by tomorrow.
ANDREA
What's happening tomorrow?
JASON
With your help, the takedown.
EXT. PARK - LATER
Selena and Andrea walk through the park.
ANDREA
I really don't want to do this.
SELENA
You're doing the right thing.
ANDREA
What do I need to do?
Selena pulls a small plastic case from her pocket. She opens
it to reveal a pair of gold earrings.
ANDREA (CONT'D)
What's this?
SELENA
They're wired. Whoever wears them,
we can listen to what they're
conversations. Tomorrow there is a
basketball game and we expect Marcus
to be watching. You've seen him
utilize this device?
Andrea nods.
SELENA (CONT'D)
Where does he use it?
ANDREA
In the penthouse. You better be
letting me walk freely after this.
I'm not going to prison.
SELENA
You have my word. We'll need you to
be over there when the Storm game
starts tomorrow at noon. When you
can see him operating the game of
psi, put in the earrings. Say the
words, 'Is it hot in here?' Then I
want you to excuse yourself by any
means necessary. Leave the penthouse.
Don't come back. Do you understand?
Andrea reluctantly takes the earrings case.
ANDREA
I understand what to do. I don't
understand why.
Genres:
["Crime","Thriller","Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
43 -
A Dangerous Impulse
INT. HOTEL - LARRY'S SUITE - EVENING
Larry naps in one of two beds in the hotel suite. His phone
buzzes on the bedside table. He stirs.
The persistant buzzing of his phone forces him to sit up and
check it. It stops buzzing just as he grabs it but the screen
reads: 'Missed Call: Santo'.
Larry rises from the bed. He tosses the phone back onto it.
INT. HOTEL - RESTAURANT - CONTINUOUS
Santo sees that his call has gone unanswered. Two teammates
sit with him.
SANTO
(To his teammates)
I'm gonna go check on Larry.
INT. LARRY'S SUITE - CONTINUOUS
Larry splashes water on his face, then daps his face with a
towel. He exits the bathroom.
Larry makes his way to where a large mirror hangs on the
wall. He approaches it, in shorts with no shirt, and gazes
into his reflection.
The sound of the balcony door rattling jolts him from his
meditative moment.
He looks over and sees the balcony door slightly open. He
pauses then walks slowly towards it. He opens the door and
looks out onto the spacious balcony of the suite.
EXT. SUITE BALCONY - CONTINUOUS
The sun has set but it isn't completely dark yet. Larry
moves slowly out onto the balcony and stops with both hands
rested on the railing that overlooks a 20 story decent to
the city below.
INT. HOTEL - HALLWAY
Santo exits the elevator onto Larry's floor.
EXT. SUITE BALCONY - CONTINUOUS
Larry places his hands firmly on the ledge and hoists a foot
up. With a firm foothold, he pulls himself up onto the ledge.
INT. HOTEL - HALLWAY - CONTINUOUS
Santo approaches Larry's door. The latch holds it open. He
peeks inside.
SANTO
Larry?
EXT. SUITE BALCONY - CONTINUOUS
Larry surveys the vast abyss of concrete below, a wild look
in his eye.
Santo approaches from behind.
SANTO
(scared)
Larry?
Larry looks.
A tense beat. Their eyes meet and neither moves. Larry
hops down.
SANTO (CONT'D)
Hey what the hell was that?
LARRY
I was just...getting some fresh air.
SANTO
The hell with that Larry!
LARRY
Santo. Be calm.
SANTO
What are you telling me to be calm
for? You be calm. That wasn't
getting some fresh air.
LARRY
I'm sorry, alright. I don't know
what got into me.
SANTO
Larry you need help. Alright, I'm
serious. That was not safe.
LARRY
Okay. Okay. I'll get help.
SANTO
Can we move inside please?
Larry glances to the balcony a few feet away.
LARRY
Santo it's not like that. It was
just an impulse. It's over.
SANTO
No reason to stay out here. Let's
move inside. Please.
LARRY
Santo don't tell anybody about this.
They'll suspend me. Don't tell
anybody. Okay? Okay?
SANTO
Okay. I won't. Let's just go inside.
Santo puts an arm around Larry and leads him inside the hotel
room.
SANTO (CONT'D)
Man. Don't scare me like that.
INT. STORM ARENA - TIPOFF
Final Regular Season Game
Larry, Santo and their teammates exchange pregame handshakes.
The centers take position for the tip.
The tip is sent skyward by the referee and controlled by the
storm.
Larry wilder brings the ball up court.
BILL (O.S.)
Underway here for the final game of
the Storm's regular season schedule
of play. Wilder brings the ball up
court.
Genres:
["Drama","Sports"]
Ratings
Scene
44 -
Love and Danger
INT. CASINO SUITE - CONTINUOUS
With the game broadcast tuned in to the television, Selena,
Jason and a handful of other agents prepare for the upcoming
raid on the adjacent Penthouse Suite.
An agent helps Selena strap on her bullet proof vest.
SELENA
(to agent)
Thank you.
JASON
(addressing room)
Games on. Let's take position.
INT. PENTHOUSE - CONTINUOUS
Marcus powers on the game of psi console, concealed behind
the projector screen.
He stands back and powers on the television. The Storm game
projects onto the screen in front of him.
Andrea appears behind him.
ANDREA
Marcus.
Marcus looks.
MARCUS
Yeah?
ANDREA
There's something I want to say.
MARCUS
What is it?
ANDREA
I think you're really special. I'm
glad I met you.
MARCUS
The feeling is mutual.
Andrea takes out the earrings case. She opens it and eyes
the contents.
Marcus takes in the basketball game, a smile on his face.
Andrea puts in the earrings, preparing to leave.
ANDREA
Hey babe-
A pause.
MARCUS
Yeah?
ANDREA
Is it hot in here?
Marcus takes in his rigged game.
MARCUS
No I don't think it is.
ANDREA
I think I might be getting a hot
flash. I'm just gonna run out side
real quick.
MARCUS
Okay.
Marcus turns and takes an extra moment to take in the beauty
of Andrea, not realizing she's being watched. She looks up
and their eyes meet.
MARCUS (CONT'D)
Hey.
ANDREA
What?
MARCUS
I really love you.
Genres:
["Drama","Thriller"]
Ratings
Scene
45 -
Tension in the Penthouse
INT. CASINO SUITE - CONTINUES
The cadre of agents yield their weapons.
AGENT
Waiting for go.
Jason watches the kiss from a handheld monitor streaming an
inside view of the penthouse entryway.
SELENA
She hasn't left yet. We can't go in
there until she leaves.
INT. PENTHOUSE - CONTINUOUS
The kiss ends and Andrea smiles at Marcus. She turns to
leave. She takes a few steps towards the door. She pauses.
INT. HALLWAY - CONTINUOUS
The agents view a video feed from the inside of the penthouse
where Andrea is frozen.
JASON
Don't get cold feet. Don't get cold
feet.
INT. PENTHOUSE - CONTINUOUS
Andrea continues to stand in place. She turns.
MARCUS
What's wrong?
ANDREA
Umm. Actually I think I'm gonna
stay.
Marcus gives her a stern look.
MARCUS
Is everything alright?
Andrea mouths 'We need to go', silently to Marcus.
MARCUS (CONT'D)
(confused)
What's going on?
INT. HALLWAY - CONTINUOUS
Selena is watching this transpire.
Jason moves swiftly down the hall. Selena chases him and
tries to restrain him.
SELENA
Just be patient.
JASON
Be patient? She's tipping him off.
SELENA
We can not go right now.
INT. PENTHOUSE - CONTINUOUS
Andrea mouths again: 'We need to go'.
MARCUS
We need to what?
INT. HALLWAY - CONTINUOUS
Jason signals to the two agents holding a battering ram.
The battering ram agents assume position and break down the
door to Marcus' penthouse.
Genres:
["Thriller","Crime","Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
46 -
Standoff at the Penthouse
INT. PENTHOUSE - CONTINUOUS
The force of the intrusion through the splintered door stuns
Andrea as she is pierced by a piece of splintered wood from
the door.
Marcus leaps across the room, grabbing the console. He takes
cover on the far side of the living room, now holding a
pistol.
The obstacle of Andrea in the entry way forces the take down
team to the opposite side of the room as Marcus.
Andrea sits up and rips out the shard of wood from her side.
She surveys the scene.
An agent spots and targets Marcus.
AGENT 2
I've got him in sight!
Marcus eyes him up and down.
AGENT 2 (CONT'D)
Don't be stupid kid.
Andrea places a handgun to the Agents head.
ANDREA
No you don't be stupid.
The agents looks over at her.
Two agents and Jason point their guns in Andrea's direction.
JASON
Put the weapon down! Selena get
Marcus.
Selena begins to raise her weapon but finds Marcus has beat
her to it.
Marcus looks at Andrea and they share a moment of eye contact.
Andrea nods. Marcus nods back.
ANDREA
Okay.
AGENT
Drop the weapon. This is not a game.
ANDREA
I surrender.
Time slows as in a single motion Andrea drop the weapon and
lifts both her hands skyward.
The agents dart at her.
Marcus runs away from Selena. Selena pursues.
As the agents encircle Andrea she yells out:
ANDREA (CONT'D)
Run Marcus!
Marcus fires at the glass door of the balcony. It shatters.
With console in hand, Marcus darts through the opening and
dashes towards the edge of the balcony.
EXT. BALCONY - CONTINUOUS
Selena follows Marcus out onto the balcony.
Marcus runs to the railing and leaps over the it, Console in
hand.
SELENA
Marcus!
Selena runs to the edge of the balcony and peer over.
Marcus, console in hand, scales down the fire escapes -
already about 30 feet down.
SELENA (CONT'D)
Shit!
INT. STORM LOCKER ROOM - POSTGAME
Larry walks into the locker room and sees Santo. He walks
directly to him.
LARRY
(under breath)
You reported me?
Santo looks up abruptly.
SANTO
Yea. I did. Because I love you.
LARRY
I need to speak with you privately.
Genres:
["Action","Thriller","Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
47 -
The Last Defense
INT. LOCKER ROOM - BATHROOM
The three stalled bathroom door is locked by Santo.
LARRY
Why'd you rat?
SANTO
Because I need you to stay alive.
LARRY
Look whatever happened, it already
happened. Don't let it ruin this.
SANTO
Nothing is ruined. You tried to take
your own life and-
LARRY
It's not about that-
SANTO
Larry.
LARRY
Listen Santo. This is me. Larry.
It's not about that.
SANTO
Alright then what's it about.
A beat.
LARRY
I call it The Last Defense.
SANTO
What are you-
LARRY
The Last Defense santo is a joke I
hold in my own mind. About a covert
operation.
SANTO
A covert operation?
LARRY
You ever feel a little too good during
games.
SANTO
Are we back to this?
LARRY
Do you? Do you ever feel a little
too good during games?
SANTO
That could mean a lot of things.
LARRY
Yeah but what if it's deducible to
something? Something specific.
A beat.
SANTO
I don't know Larry.
LARRY
It's something more Santo. Do you
ever feel you are capable of something
more?
SANTO
You mean do I feel like I can win?
I'm a winner. So yes I feel
something.
LARRY
(desparate)
Come on man. Don't leave me hanging
on this. You don't know what I mean?
A beat.
SANTO
No.
LARRY
Then that's way more of a tragedy
than anything that's ever going to
happen to me.
Larry turns his back to Santo and walks away down the empty
hallway.
Genres:
["Drama","Thriller"]
Ratings
Scene
48 -
High-Stakes Negotiation
INT. CASINO SUITE - BEDROOM - LATER
Selena stands in the suite, phone to ear.
BOROWITZ (O.S.)
(on phone)
Marcus called in.
SELENA
Called in? Can we trace him?
BOROWITZ (O.S.)
If you can hold him on the line,
maybe. I want you to talk to him.
SELENA
Okay. That's fine.
BOROWITZ (O.S.)
I'm putting him through.
SELENA
Go ahead.
A beat of silence on the line. A click.
SELENA (CONT'D)
Hello?
MARCUS (O.S.)
(on phone)
This is Marcus Benson. To whom am I
speaking?
SELENA
I'm Special Agent Selena Vargas.
Why'd you call us Marcus?
MARCUS (O.S.)
I need to know if my girlfriend Andrea
is okay.
SELENA
Andrea will be fine. We're not
holding her. You can find her
yourself. Listen Marcus, I'm not
going to-
MARCUS (O.S.)
(interuppting)
Hey! You are listening now! Now I
have a situation I am dealing with
and I need you to leave me alone.
SELENA
That's not an option.
MARCUS (O.S.)
Okay, then. This is what is going
to happen. And I am going to tell
you the truth here because I think
you will understand in the end that
I am being reasonable.
SELENA
You don't get to talk to me like
that. You have nothing to bargain
with.
MARCUS (O.S.)
I have plenty to bargain with.
SELENA
Oh?
MARCUS (O.S.)
The console itself has notified me
of the dangers of overusing it.
Larry Wilder is suspectible to this
technology. It could kill him. I
have seen it on the screen. What do
you not understand?
SELENA
What you're saying.
MARCUS
You say I have no bargaining power,
but I have plenty. I can kill Larry.
SELENA
How? You said you'd tell me the
truth.
MARCUS
There's an enhancement meter, built
into the interface. 1-100. It's a
scale. Anything past 80 triggers an
alarm. It warns me of his health
problems. Things can go south in a
hurry.
SELENA
Then why haven't they?
MARCUS
Because I am waiting. For a moment.
To detonate.
SELENA
What can you possibly hope to gain
from this?
MARCUS (O.S.)
Nothing. All I want is to be left
alone. There is a playoff game in 2
days. At that point in time I am
going to utilize the console for the
duration of the game. I will then
destroy it and this will all go away.
SELENA
There's no reason for me to let you
do that.
MARCUS (O.S.)
I am all-in on this game. Money
that is not my own is set on the
outcome and I need to deliver that
money. This is my get out of business
game and I am going to get out safely.
Just go away. Let me win 20 million.
Let this all die a natural death. I
didn't make this. I'm not going to
be held responsible for it.
SELENA
We're coming for you one way or the
other.
MARCUS (O.S.)
In 2 days the Storm begin the
playoffs. Leave me alone and no one
gets hurt.
SELENA
As soon as you turn that thing on
we're going to know where you are.
Your tapped Marcus.
MARCUS (O.S.)
Would it thrill you to know I'm the
one tapping it? If you want a war
meet me at the gate but I hope you
get there quickly. As soon as I
turn this thing on, these men are
going to be in very real danger. By
the way, I have hacked your trace.
My dad taught me coding when I was
4. Gosh I love that guy. It's
counting down from 8. 7. 6. I'll
play it safe.
Click.
Selena is left to lament the abrupt and unsettling end to
the call.
Jeanette comes back on the line.
JEANETTE (O.S.)
We weren't able to trace the call
but we know his face. He can't leave
Las Vegas without being seen. You
did good work here Selena. We have
to wait, but we'll still get him.
Genres:
["Thriller","Crime","Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
49 -
A Heartfelt Decision
INT. STORM LOCKER ROOM
First game of playoffs
Santo approaches Larry's locker. Larry looks up.
LARRY
(somber)
What do you want?
SANTO
You remember our first playoff game
together?
LARRY
How could I forgot? The infamous
half-a-you game.
SANTO
40 points. 20 rebounds.
LARRY
20 points. 10 rebounds.
SANTO
You got a half-a-me.
LARRY
(chuckling)
A half of you.
(chuckling more)
Santo.
SANTO
Do you know how much I love you?
Their STORM LOCKER ROOM TEAMMATE (20's) can hear them as he
is standing close by.
LARRY
(cautiously)
Santo, is this a conversation you
want to have privately?
SANTO
You were right. I feel it too.
LARRY
You admit that?
SANTO
Yes. But not because I want to.
Because I love you and I believe in
this team.
Raised eyebrows from the teammate standing by.
LARRY
So you admit that you feel it too?
Because that's very important. That
you're not just saying this to make
me feel better?
SANTO
No. I get it. I admit it. There's
something more to all this. I've
felt it.
LARRY
Okay good. Because I have a plan
for today and it's probably better
if you know ahead of time.
SANTO
What do you mean?
LARRY
The conspiracy I told you about is
probably not real.
SANTO
Probably not.
LARRY
Probably not. But what if there's
just a chance, a small chance maybe
one percent. What if there's a one
percent chance it's true?
SANTO
What then?
LARRY
Well there's not a one percent chance
I'm gonna risk it. I need to get
away from that one percent chance
completely.
SANTO
How?
LARRY
I'm going to get myself ejected.
Then I'm going to go on medical leave
for my mental health.
SANTO
Larry you've gotta play.
LARRY
No. Because if what I think is
happening is happening, I'm out.
But even if it's just possible, I'm
not going to take that risk.
SANTO
How are you gonna get thrown out
today?
LARRY
I'm gonna get T'd up early. Then
I'm gonna go too far later in the
game. I'm gonna get tossed. Are
you man enough to hear that from me
Santo?
SANTO
You think I'm man enough for that,
huh?
LARRY
I know you are. Even if it could
be proved to me nothing's going on...I
still believed something was. Either
way, something's off.I'll tell the
team what happened and I'll get help,
but first I'm going to stage my own
ejection. I'm going to leave on my
own terms.
SANTO
We can't win without you Larry.
LOCKER ROOM TEAMMATE
Yeah we can't win without you Larry.
Santo holds up a finger to the teammate.
LARRY
Santo I have enough rings. You're
the greatest of all time, you can
get another one. I just can't come
with you.
A spontaneous embrace. They hold each other closely and
firmly.
LOCKER ROOM TEAMMATE
I have no idea what's going on but I
am so here for it.
Genres:
["Drama","Sports"]
Ratings
Scene
50 -
High Stakes Enhancement
EXT. GAS STATION - DAY
Two cops sits in the front of their squad car, surveilling.
A Red JASON (Fictional) MODEL X zips up to the edge of an
adjacent alley. Then speeds off. Plates read: JINX.
COP 1 subversively eyes Marcus.
COP 1
(to partner)
Did you get those plates?
COP 2
I'm running them now.
The computer screen in the vehicle identifies Marcus.
COP 2 (CONT'D)
That's our guy. Call it in.
INT. STORM ARENA - CENTER COURT
As players shoot around for warm-ups, the commentators Bill
and Stan talk strategy courtside.
BILL
Welcome to the playoffs everyone and
thank you for joining us, we've got
a good one here for you today between
your Los Angeles Storm and the Denver
Stampede. I understand you have an
update on a key player.
STAN
I do. It's Larry Wilder on the injury
report but not in traditional fashion.
Larry is listed with 'psychological
distress'. Now technically this
will not stop him from playing, which
I find odd, but his coaches are making
us aware that there was an incident
of concern with Larry and that they're
taking all avenues to address it
properly. Again though Larry will
play today.
INT. STORM ARENA - GAME TIME
The STARTERS exchange pre game handshakes at center court.
The centers allign for the tip. The referee sends the ball
skyward.
EXT. HIGHWAY
A helicopter flies several hundred feet above the desert.
INT. HELICOPTER
Selena and Jason ride in the passenger cabin. A third UNNAMED
AGENT rides with them.
UNNAMED AGENT
(yelling over
propellers)
The suspect has been tracked fleeing
West in a vehicle. He's just outside
of Jean, Nevada. Another 'copter on
his tail. We're taking you to a
rendevous point to cut him off.
EXT. HIGHWAY - OUTSIDE LAS VEGAS
Marcus' JASON zips down the highway.
INT. JASON
Marcus sits at the wheel. He sets the vehicle to autopilot
and turns his attention to the passengers seat where the
Game of Psi Console and his laptop sit.
He opens the laptop and plugs it into the console. He powers
on the console.
The software program for the game runs on his laptop.
MARCUS
(crazed)
Let's play.
On the laptop screen a prompt appears 'Game Starting. Proceed
to Game Mode Y/N?'. Marcus keys in 'Y'.
A new prompt: 'Select athlete for enhancement'. Marcus keys
in '13'.
The number 13 avatar comes forward and gives way to a new
screen with Larry's vitals and hormone levels.
'Select enhancement level, 1-100'.
Marcus keys in '100' and hits enter. The meter fills all
the way.
'Enhancement not advised. Continue Y/N'
'Enhancement Commencing'.
Market turns off autopilot and floors his vehicle, quickly
jetting up to over 100 mph.
Genres:
["Action","Thriller","Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
51 -
Larry Takes Charge
INT. STORM BASKETBALL ARENA
At the scorer's table, Larry Wilder stomps his feet for
traction and steps onto the court.
He exchanges high fives with a couple of teammates, including
Santo and takes his place on the court while the referee
sets up for the tip.
STAN (V.O.)
Both teams set for tip.
The ball is thrown skyward and the centers jostle for
possession, with the tip won by the Storm and the ball
returned to Larry to bring up the court.
STAN (V.O.) (CONT'D)
Tip won by the storm. Wilder brings
it up court.
Larry has the ball and calls the play. His teammates begin
to move around.
As Larry dribbles, time slows. Zooming into the back of
Larry's head, his BCI powers on and neural activity
accelerates to an alarming rate.
His eyes shift one way, then the other, as his awareness of
his surroundings grows.
Santo calls for the ball. Larry continues to dribble.
Time returns to full speed.
SANTO
Larry!
Santo claps for the ball.
SANTO (CONT'D)
Let's go.
Larry ignores him and begins to dribble between his legs,
behind his back and right in front of the defender with an
unnatural level of speed.
STAN (V.O.)
Larry Wilder putting his defender on
notice.
One last move by Larry puts the defender off balance. Larry
stands a moment in confident defiance before launching an
effortless looking three that hits nothing but net.
STAN (V.O.) (CONT'D)
And he hits nothing but net! From
way downtown!
Larry scoots down the floor, signaling ice in his veins.
BILL (V.O.)
Well I don't think that was the play
but no one is arguing with the result.
Larry Wilder gets it started in style.
Back on defense the lightning quick Larry forces his man to
give up the ball to the post.
STAN (V.O.)
Wilder playing stiff defense. The
ball goes to the post.
The center turns and misses badly.
STAN (V.O.) (CONT'D)
Utah's shot not close.
Larry claps impatiently for the ball.
LARRY
Let's go. Let's go.
SANTO
My ball. My ball.
Santo points Larry down the floor and Santo takes the pass
from the rebounder and makes his way up court.
STAN (V.O.)
Kasper into the front court.
Santo calls a play and an off-ball screen is set for Larry
who jets above the 3 point line and takes the ball close to
half-court.
SANTO
Ball, ball.
Larry waves him off. He steps up and sees the defender still
about 10 feet off.
Larry smirks and pulls up in a non-chalant yet powerful
shooting motion.
STAN (V.O.)
He pulls up from Riverside.
The 40 foot shot hits nothing but net. A stoic Larry holds
his hand high as he walks back down the court.
BILL (V.O.)
And hits! Wow!
The opposing coach angrily calls timeout. The whistle blows
and players head to their benches.
STAN (V.O.)
Timeout on the floor.
Larry and Santo talk on their way to the bench.
SANTO
No way you're that hot out of the
gate.
LARRY
I'm not gonna wait. Next opportunity
I'm gonna start something.
SANTO
You sure?
LARRY
Yes. Yes.
Genres:
["Sports","Action","Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
52 -
Dunk and Confrontation
EXT. FIELD - JEAN, NEVADA
The chopper lands in the field where a black government issued
SUV sits next to a police escort.
Selena and Jason hop out and run to the waiting police
officer.
OFFICER BOGART
Agent Vargas?
She nods.
SELENA
That's me.
Jason shakes hand with the Officer.
JASON
Agent Plumber.
OFFICER BOGART
I'm officer Bogart, Nevada state
patrol. The SUV is yours.
INT. STORM BASKETBALL ARENA - MOMENTS LATER
The players begin to file back onto the court. Larry calls
out the play.
STAN (V.O.)
Storm lead 6-0, Larry Wilder has
come out hot.
INT. JASON
As Marcus drives the open laptop displays a new message.
'Cardiac Abnormality Detected. Discontinue enhancement?
Y/N?'
Marcus keys in 'N'.
INT. STORM BASKETBALL ARENA
The ball is inbounded by Utah and brought up the floor.
They begin to run a play. As soon as the ball touches the
hands of Larry's man, Larry swats it free and takes
possession.
STAN
Stolen by Wilder.
This starts a 2 on 1 fast break with Larry and Santo. Santo
appears to have good position to take it in uncontested, but
Larry's speed helps him blow past his defender.
STAN (V.O.) (CONT'D)
Here come the Storm on the fast break.
Time slow for an extended shot of Larry running the floor
towards the unguarded basket.
With no one between him and the basket Larry leaps through
the air and annihalates the rim with a vicious dunk.
Return to normal speed.
The crowd erupts.
STAN (V.O.) (CONT'D)
Oh my word!
As he lands Larry turns up the floor and bumps into a Utah
player.
Larry looks over to Santo and nods. Santo nods back.
Larry suddenly shoves the Utah player.
LARRY
Yeah, boy! You like that?
UTAH PLAYER
Man get out of here.
He gives Larry a light shove. Larry erupts and shoves him
back much harder. Teammates quickly step in to separate the
two but not before Larry lands a firm sucker punch to the
utah player right between the eye brows.
STAN (O.S.)
And now we have an on court scuffle
breaking out. Did Wilder just throw
a punch.
BILL (O.S.)
I think he landed one! And it
actually looked like Wilder started
it. Throwing shade after that throw
down and my question is 'why?' You
make a play like that, you really
don't have to say a thing. Oh boy,
let's see what happens here.
The referees whistles blow as they end the scuffle and come
to the scorers.
The players retreat to their benches.
Genres:
["Action","Sports","Thriller"]
Ratings
Scene
53 -
A Heart-Stopping Moment
INT. STADIUM - SCORER'S TABLE - CONTINUOUS
The referee uses the microphone at center court to address
the court.
REFEREE
The previous play is under further
review.
INT. STADIUM - STORM BENCH - CONTINUOUS
Larry's coach approaches him at the bench.
STORM COACH
Larry, you good? They're probably
gonna toss you.
Larry nods stoically.
LARRY
I'm good.
STORM COACH
I love the energy, but let the play
talk.
Larry nods his head silently. Time slows. He continues to
nod. A flicker of electricity runs through his eyes.
INT. JASON
The laptop displays a new message: 'Cardiac Abnormality
Unresolved. Discontinue enhancement? Y/N?'
Marcus sneers and drives faster for a moment. That is before
he spots a blockade of police vehicles up in the distance.
MARCUS
What?
The laptop begins to beep loudly and reads: 'Cardiac Arrest
Imminent. Enhancement Discontinuation Recommended.'
MARCUS (CONT'D)
No.
He slams the breaks and turns around the vehicle, zipping
back in the opposite direction as fast as he came.
INT. STORM BASKETBALL ARENA
While the referees continue to review the play, Larry sits
on the bench staring straight ahead.
His breathing begins to slow and becomes more labored. He
winces at some sort of internal pain. He collects himself a
moment, then winces again even harder and grabs his chest.
INT. STORM BASKETBALL ARENA
The attention of the team has shifted back to getting the
game restarted. Larry sits solitary wincing.
LARRY
Hey.
He clutches his chest harder and stumbles off the chair onto
his knees.
LARRY (CONT'D)
Hey! I need some help.
The Coach turns to see his star on the floor.
STORM COACH
Larry. Larry!
He runs over. Larry roles onto his back.
Santo sees what happened and comes running over.
SANTO
What's going on?
Larry winces heavily.
LARRY
It's my heart.
The team doctor rushes over.
TEAM DOCTOR
What's the problem?
STORM COACH
He just said it's his heart.
Genres:
["Drama","Thriller"]
Ratings
Scene
54 -
Tense Standoff
INT. GOVERNMENT SUV
Jason drives the SUV and Selena sits shotgun.
Officer Bogarts SUV drives behind them.
INT. STORM BASKETBALL ARENA
Larry lays on his back. He's dazed and breathing heavily.
The team medical staff are gathered around him.
INT. JASON
In the passenger's seat the laptop flashes a warning 'Cardiac
Failure. Fatality Likely.'
Marcus remains focused on the road. He spots the oncoming
SUV and police escort coming from the other direction.
MARCUS
No. No!
INT. GOVERNMENT SUV
Selena and Jason can see Marcus approaching.
SELENA
Slow down. Slow way down.
Jason decelerates as Marcus comes to a stop ahead of them.
SELENA (CONT'D)
Get within 50 yards, then stop.
Jason decelerates into a stop 50 yards away from Marcus' now
idle vehicle. Officer Bogart's SUV pulls up next to them to
block the road.
JASON
What now?
SELENA
Now I'm going to show you why I spend
so much time at the range.
She exits the vehicle and pulls her weapon.
EXT. HIGHWAY - CONTINUOUS
Selena walks down the middle of the road towards the JASON.
Jason stands next to the SUV.
Once Selena is 40 yards in front of the SUV she stops. Marcus
rolls down his window.
SELENA
(shouting)
It's over Marcus. Come out of there.
MARCUS
(shouting)
I told you to leave me alone!
SELENA
We can't do that.
MARCUS
I haven't done anything wrong.
SELENA
Stop it. It's over now.
MARCUS
I'm sorry. I disagree.
He floors the gas pedal.
Time slows as Selena stands in the way of the approaching
vehicle.
INT. STORM BASKETBALL ARENA - SCORER'S TABLE
The commentators orient themselves.
STAN (O.S.)
So we have something that has happened
on the storm bench. It looks to be
a serious situation involving Larry
Wilder.
BILL (O.S.)
Yeah, it looked to me like Larry
Wilder went down on the floor. I
mean, he just fell down. And I don't
want to speculate but I'm pretty
sure he was grabbing at his chest.
Genres:
["Action","Thriller"]
Ratings
Scene
55 -
Collision of Fate
EXT. HIGHWAY
Slow motion:
Selena points her pistol in Marcus' direction as he approaches
her.
Selena pulls the trigger, sending a single bullet flying
towards the oncoming Jason.
INT. STORM BASKETBALL ARENA
Larry's eyes droop as he fades from consciousness.
TEAM DOCTOR
(loud)
Larry. Larry!
INT. JASON
Slow motion:
The bullet flies through the windshield with a crash and
continues straight into the side of The Game of Psi console
placed in the passenger seat.
With a tremendous burst of sparks, the evil device meets a
fiery end.
Return to normal speed:
The blue light that signals the device is powered on
immediately shuts off.
The shrapnel from the shot scatters around the vehicle and
causes Marcus to lose control.
The vehicle turns sideways and skids towards the two parked
government vehicles as Selena turns and sprints back towards
the line of safety they provide.
She gets behind the line of vehicles and dives to the pavement
just as the out of control JASON vehicle smashes horizontally
into the front of the SUV and Police Escort. The intense
impact leaves Marcus jarred by shock.
The broken laptop screen, scattered by the crash, reads,
'Enhancement discontinued. Game disconnected'.
EXT. HIGHWAY
Selena lies on the ground a moment before Jason and Officer
Bogart help her up.
Selena rises to a knee. She is bleeding.
Looking back towards the toppled and defunk vehicle she sees
the barely conscious Marcus next to the diminshed game of
psi, her marksmanship in prominent display.
INT. STORM BASKETBALL ARENA
Larry receives chest compressions.
TEAM DOCTOR
Come on Larry. Come on.
EXT. HIGHWAY
Selena and Jason run up to the vehicle. Marcus is bloodied
in the drivers seat. He moans.
The now defunct Game of Psi console sits idly in the
passengers seat with a clean bullet hole through it's side.
SELENA
(concerned)
Pray it was in time.
INT. STORM ARENA
Fans take videos of what they can see though team personelle
surrounding Larry make it hard to see much.
The doctor performs chest compressions.
TEAM DOCTOR
Come on Larry.
More compressions.
TEAM DOCTOR (CONT'D)
Come on.
A final compression and Larry sputters back into
consciousness.
TEAM DOCTOR (CONT'D)
There we go.
Larry coughs, moans and tries to roll over. The team staff
steadies him.
TEAM DOCTOR (CONT'D)
Easy there Larry. We've got you.
INT. STORM ARENA - COURTSIDE - MOMENTS LATER
As Larry is wheeled off in a stretcher he looks up the rafters
where he sees championship banners and retired numbers of
legends past.
The fans stand and applaud his exit.
Larry smiles faintly and presses two fingers to his lips,
then raises them to the sky.
The crowd continues to stand and applaud as Larry is wheeled
off the court and out of sight.
FADE OUT:
Genres:
["Action","Thriller","Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
56 -
Betting on Freedom
EXT. LOS ANGELES COUNTY JAIL - THE NEXT DAY
Jail
The Front doors of the jail, used primarily for 24 hour holds,
is quiet.
A wind whisks through the trees beneath a calm daybreak.
The front door opens forcibly. Out comes Raul followed by
Marcus.
RAUL
You are lucky I placed that last
bet. I had the cash for this.
MARCUS
That thing is gone.
They start their way, meticulously, down a long staircase
outside the Jail.
RAUL
Yes but you had a good ride. Let's
celebrate.
MARCUS
There is nothing to celebrate. We
are broke.
RAUL
Broke? No, no brother. Did you not
see the game?
MARCUS
No.
RAUL
The storm won. Santo Kasper willed
them to victory somehow. With out
the game. We still won our bet.
MARCUS
So our treasury...
RAUL
Is a lot bigger. The winnings are
mostly locked up still but it'll be
easy enough to collect. With you.
Marcus begins to walk gleefully away from Raul. Raul follows
cautiously.
RAUL
To score how many points? How many
points to win your bet?
MARCUS
54.
RAUL
So you won 50 million dollars? How
do you know your bet will be honored?
Can you cash it?
Marcus stops walking and turns to face Raul.
MARCUS
That bet was the only one I was
promised would be honored. It was
the first bet I placed. The only
bet I placed. The bet you placed
was just a backup plan.
RAUL
You're never getting paid that money.
MARCUS
(casual)
Why not?
RAUL
You cheated.
MARCUS
Of course. But the man who owes me
money never knew that, and now he's
never going to.
Genres:
["Drama","Thriller"]
Ratings
Scene
57 -
The Truth Behind the Game
INT. TV STAGE - THE PETE SAMSON HOUR RADIO SHOW
Pete Samson sits before a microphone.
PETE
So how's everyone doing out there
today? Everybody get some good rest?
You know who didn't get some good
rest? Me. Because I watched the
Storm game last night. It was the
highest of highs and the lowest of
lows for Santo and the Storm. It
ended on a high note. But was it
the greatest ever? Santo Kasper scores-
(a pause for effect)
55 points in regulation. Willing
his team to victory in the absence,
mostly, of Larry Wilder. Though
that hot start, you know, that hot
start might have contributed when
all was said and done. But that is
burying the lead today. That is
failure to dissemble the Trojan Horse.
That is ground zero for disaster-
(another pause)
On Sports Talk Radio. I see the
viewership numbers you know. I wasn't
always here. But let me tell you
something I have gained a sense of
responsibility from fulfilling this
role I do here on the air, taking
your calls, answering your questions
and talking to you...Please hear me.
And I mean really hear me when I say
this next thing. What happened to
Larry Wilder was not natural.
Pete picks up his water bottle and takes a sip.
PETE (CONT'D)
It isn't over until it's over, but
come on man, any living human being,
above the age of let's say 6 or 7 to
be fair to the learning curves of
children, but any child of a
sufficient age could see that man
suffered a sudden major 'scare.'
Reports are that the even was a
'cardiac' event that medical reports
say was within seconds of ending his
life or leaving him with permanent
brain damage. He's a brave man.
And I ain't enough of a fool to forget
to point that out. Santo Kasper went
on to will his team to victory against
all odds. When his main weapon went
down he shot out the lights and they
won. And we are sitting here talking
about it like that is what matters?
What happened to Larry Wilder? Will
the ABL pass this accountability
test and answer our questions about
what happened to Larry Wilder last
night. No one knows what we saw.
Except for the first ever on-court
medical emergency that led me to ask
some questions. I haven't been
stiffed on answers to these questions,
I just haven't asked them yet. I
will be curious to ask those
questions.
An on-stage camera change. Pete faces the new live camera.
PETE (CONT'D)
But I will get those answers. Like
Larry Wilder this story will not die
today. We'll be right back.
Genres:
["Sports Drama","Mystery"]
Ratings
Scene
58 -
Determined Pursuit of Justice
EXT. FBI - SHOOTING RANGE - DAY
Selena occupies the range. She eases into a round of shots.
Bang. Bang. Bang. Bang. Bang. Bang. Bang.
INT. BOROWITZ OFFICE - LATER
Selena knocks on the open office door. Borowitz looks up
from her work.
BOROWITZ
Come in.
Selena sits.
BOROWITZ (CONT'D)
Jason was not invited to this meeting.
What happened to you two, was horrific
but you pursued the case to it's
limits and beyond. You got the bad
guy.
SELENA
I didn't get anyone. I destroyed a
thing.
BOROWITZ
I understand you Selena. You're not
only wronged in this situation it's
the whole system that's failed you.
I have a few questions.
SELENA
You have questions for me? Where
does the law stand on this? Marcus
is not being held.
BOROWITZ
While what Marcus did was terrible
he did it with things that aren't
actually governed by any laws. We
might not even have a case against
him. As for him being held his
'winnings' enabled him to make bail
on his charges from that chase.
SELENA
So he made bail and that's that.
BOROWITZ
For now at least. That doesn't mean
he's not out there and dangerous,
with access to volatile intelligence.
SELENA
And Andrea?
BOROWITZ
She walks. Can't touch her.
SELENA
What about the players? Their bodies
were used. Will they ever be any the
wiser to any of this?
BOROWITZ
The players BCI implants were
confirmed through covert forensics
but determined to be irremovable.
(MORE)
BOROWITZ (CONT'D)
My superiors have decided the players
will be left in the dark.
SELENA
Left in the dark? They have a right
to know.
BOROWITZ
You want to be the one who tells
them? They could die from the shock
of it alone. Those things aren't
dangerous powered off so it's not
ideal but it will be okay.
SELENA
What about the game of Psi itself?
BOROWITZ
The console was rendered functionally
obsolete by that shot of yours. The
research value was in the algorithms
designed to stimulate brain activity.
It's worth every bit of that 1.2
billion dollar valuation. So it's
being securely stored until it can
be researched.
SELENA
You won't tell the players?
BOROWITZ
Would you be upset if we didn't?
SELENA
I think I would.
BOROWITZ
You want my advice?
Selena nods.
BOROWITZ (CONT'D)
Don't be. What happened here wasn't
just complex, logistically,
criminally, dogmatically. It was
evil. Do you know what 30 years in
this field have taught me about evil,
Agent Vargas?
Selena shakes her head.
BOROWITZ (CONT'D)
You will never stay completely ahead
of it. What's bothering you is that
this happened at all. You want to
wake up tomorrow and find that The
Game of Psi was just a bad dream.
It will take time to figure out what
justice can do here. Be patient.
The true work, the reason Jason's
not here, is the work that has begun
here is only half done.
SELENA
I'll do my best.
BOROWITZ
Are you going to be okay Agent Vargas?
SELENA
I think so. Funny thing to call
something like that - a game.
BOROWITZ
I hear your frustration. You'll be
okay. What you have to realize here
is that what started here hasn't
ended. You shot the console so that
game is over. But at it's core what
you fought here was an idea. That's
what's so incredible and difficult
about it. Ideas never die. The
game of psi is gone but our task in
containing that idea may just be
getting started. The real reason
you are here Selena is because it's
over for Jason. It's not over for
you.
SELENA
Okay. I'll fight the idea. But
what about Marcus? He can't go
unpunished.
Borowitz drifts into thought.
Genres:
["Crime","Thriller","Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
59 -
Reflections of Loss
INT. MARCUS NEW MANSION - MORNING
Marcus approaches the windows that mark an unobstructed view
of the Los Angeles Hillside. It is a house that could make
a man weak in the knees.
Marcus observes the distant horizon. A sparkling sunrise
reflects back at him.
BOROWITZ (V.O.)
On a day with perfect weather, in
Los Angeles California. Marcus Benson
will wake up and stare at the sunrise.
He will know the worst of his story
is behind him but he will not be
safe from his marks. This cut him
deeply.
SELENA (V.O.)
Cut him? He is not cut. He is
staring at a magnificent sunrise.
In a luxurious mansion.
BOROWITZ (V.O.)
Yes Selena that is true. But on
this day, as he stands at the window.
Marcus' eyes begin to water.
BOROWITZ (V.O.) (CONT'D)
He knows he has lost.
SELENA (V.O.)
I feel like you're trying to prove a
point I can't grasp.
A single solitary tear escapes Marcus' eyes, he lets it roll
down his cheek.
BOROWITZ (V.O.)
He lost the thing he cared about.
You destroyed his little game. He
walked with millions. Good for him.
Today as he stands at the window he
stands alone and all he can do is
cry.
Marcus whimpers.
INT. GOVERNMENT SECURE STORAGE FACILITY - DAY
Two SECURITY GUARDS walk down a narrow hallway. One pushes
a cart with the shot-up Game of Psi console on it.
They reach a metal door and both men input key cards into
slots in the wall, then press their fingers on two separate
finger print scanners.
Genres:
["Drama","Thriller"]
Ratings
Scene
60 -
The Enigmatic Console
INT. SECURED VAULT
The metal door to the vault slides open and the two guards
enter.
A bridge extends outward from where they enter to a round
platform that hangs suspended in the center of the vault,
attached only to the bridge on one side.
In the center of the platform is a stand where the console
will sit.
A wall of lasers blocks the entrance to the bridge.
Both guards press their thumbs on finger print scanners and
the lasers vanish. They trudge down the bridge to the center
of the platform where Guard 2 sets down the console on the
stand.
GUARD 2
Hey, you have any idea what this
thing is?
GUARD 1
I think it's like some sort of CIA
video game or something.
GUARD 2
Where'd you hear that?
GUARD 1
I overheard some people talking.
GUARD 2
Who'd you hear talking?
GUARD 1
Just some people.
Guard 1 presses a button and a clear orb begins to fold up
around the console, sealing it inside.
GUARD 2
I heard it's being stored to be
studied.
GUARD 1
To be studied? When?
GUARD 2
Not now bro.
The console, in the center of the vault, sits in the light.
The guards exit. The golden letters 'PSI' glimmer on the
front of the console one last time as the image fades to
black.