ABSTRACTION
By
Daniel Silvas
Based on novel
Dealer of Happiness
By
Guzel Sungatullina
Story by
Daniel Silvas & Guzel Sungatullina
Daniel Silvas
206-953-1022 [email protected]
WGA Registration - #2321577
OVER BLACK
The sound of a motorcycle cuts the silence with a sharp
high-pitched whizzing.
Rain crashes on the city.
SUPER - Abstraction: A bio-interactive ribbon adhered to
the skin to digitally capture or seed human emotion.
Genres:
["Sci-Fi","Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
2 -
Racing Through Shadows
EXT. CITY SCAPE - NIGHT
A sleek bright orange gas-powered motorcycle races on the
pavement of a tempered gray city. The buildings are dull
devoid of color.
Rain and mist perpetually blankets the ground level.
SUPER - The distant future. Year. Unknown.
Clouds obscure the tops of skyscrapers with a splash of
light from above.
The flash of a bright green field lit by large
ultraviolet lights, a grand greenhouse, speckles the
rider’s helmet as he passes.
An abstraction glimmers in a series of colors and dances
at the rider’s side in the motorcycle’s draft.
The rider slaps the face guard of his helmet open.
NEIL (32) smiles, exhilarated, with the mist crashing
upon his cheeks. He’s handsome with stubble and a lean
muscular silhouette highlighted by the leather of his
gear.
He removes a blade tucked on his right leg protected by a
metal cover over his knee.
With a quick slice on his thigh, he expertly sheathes the
blade then applies the abstraction to his wound.
Like a racer, Neil turns a corner. The metal cover on his
knee sparks the ground in bright orange. He speeds faster
through traffic and obstacles as his vision tunnels and
blurs through the buildings down a long stretch of road.
The thrill oozes from his expression until, like a
switch, it changes blank, cold.
The abstraction radiates to a solid color of vermilion.
Neil recklessly breaks to a stop. He quickly removes the
abstraction and places it into a PROTECTED CONTAINER.
Expression fills his face again, drained and tired.
Neil slumps over the motorcycle barely able to keep it
balanced.
After a moment and a few deep breaths, Neil reignites the
motorcycle.
Genres:
["Sci-Fi","Action"]
Ratings
Scene
3 -
Tension in the Foyer
INT. LUXURIOUS BUILDING, FOYER - NIGHT
Neil limps into the foyer rain and blood soiling the
carpet. His prize abstraction tucked under his arm.
The foyer is dull and empty with the exception of a
beautiful secretary at the desk.
RACHAEL, young maybe 18 in a bright red dress highlighted
with a red scarf, observes Neil.
A simple RED ROSE pops the only other color visible in
the visage of blank but luxurious space.
NEIL
You’re new.
Racheal places an abstraction on her arm as she curiously
looks him over.
RACHAEL
So.
NEIL
I have a rush.
RACHAEL
What’s the hurry?
NEIL
Don’t keep me here to peddle your junk.
Her brow furrows as she quickly releases the abstraction
that radiates a bright yellow then fades a shade.
RACHAEL
Don’t ruin it.
NEIL
Too late.
RACHAEL
At least it lasts longer than your boner
and not nearly as dangerous.
Rachael eyes his bloody leg.
NEIL
At least mine could buy that rose. Is it
real?
RACHAEL
Do you care?
NEIL
Only one person I know actually grows
them.
Rachael shrugs, unimpressed. She types a few keys on her
pad and it ejects a pass.
RACHAEL
He’s on floor one-thirteen.
NEIL
Of course they wouldn’t be scared of
heights.
RACHAEL
If they were, they wouldn’t need us.
Genres:
["Sci-Fi","Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
4 -
Transaction in the Void
INT. LARGE OFFICE - NIGHT
Opulence stripped of soul. The furniture looks expensive
but uncomfortable.
A blank figure of a man glides his direction.
Do you understand what a rush means?
NEIL
Take your petal bike and do it yourself.
The figure, 49679, appears from the darkness, his face a
mask of indifference tattooed with permanent expression
lines, an illusion of humanity. A tattoo on his wrist
highlights his designation “49679”.
NEIL (CONT’D)
Vermillion. High grade.
Show me.
49679 observes Neil’s leg bleeding.
49679 (CONT’D)
Self-inflicted trauma creates... static.
It pollutes the sample. Cover it before I
deduct the cost of cleaning my carpet.
Neil applies a bandage and cleans his wounds with the
supplies from his pack.
NEIL
Why do you need this so bad?
Neil cracks the seal. A faint reddish glow illuminates
their faces. The air hums with the residue of Thrill.
Temper your curiosity.
49679 examines the abstraction.
Neil scoffs and rolls his eyes.
49679 (CONT’D)
It’s chaotic and irrational.
NEIL
Irrational?
Neil closes the container.
Chaos has its uses.
Neil sets the abstraction on a table.
NEIL
We done?
Accounts. First floor.
Neil rushes out.
49679 activates a panel to monitor work progress.
INSERT - PANEL READING
Synthetic Abstraction Program
Love - Fail 27% Effective
Envy - Fail 33% Effective
EXT. PERIPHERY - MORNING
The Sun filters through the clouds and mist to cast light
through the dark edge of the city.
The periphery, impoverished and lined in small homes and
cramped apartments, pops with color from porches and
balconies.
MISSING PERSON FLYERS attached to street lamps litter
some parts. Even the feelers have become numb to their
existence trampling some as they walk.
Kids play in the street. Abstractions attached to each.
A parent collects the abstraction when it turns a bright
Sun yellow and the kid goes blank or limp. Another child
is sent in to replace them.
Neil rides in on his motorcycle and parks in front of the
apartments.
Another PARENT rushes over.
PARENT
Hey! Neil! You got any sunray to resell?
NEIL
No. Why?
The parent looks over the other children, envious.
PARENT
The damn kid I got is only throwing
tantrums.
NEIL
Ever tried letting them just be a kid?
PARENT
Come on. I can’t produce like they can.
NEIL
I can’t help you. But looks like you’re
prime for a green.
Genres:
["Sci-Fi","Dystopian","Thriller"]
Ratings
Scene
6 -
Emotional Disconnect
INT. NEIL’S APARTMENT - MORNING
The apartment is sparse with two bunks and a small screen
on the wall for entertainment. It would resemble a prison
cell rather than a lively apartment if it wasn’t for the
fresh colorful plants on the window sills and balcony.
The screen displays “Feelers” persecuted by “Grey”
lawyers in a courtroom show. It blares at high volume.
Neil collapses onto his bunk.
TIM (O.S.)
You didn’t die.
TIM (30), thin with a scraggly appearance, rests on the
other bunk.
NEIL
Not yet.
TIM
Did it at least pay well?
Neil turns and stares blankly at him.
NEIL
What the hell are you watching?
An abstraction on Tim’s arm turns a bright amber and he
shows it off before going blank. He takes a deep
controlled breaths.
NEIL (CONT’D)
Again? Who needs the outrage?
TIM
That grey lawyer client.
(To himself)
When does it end?
NEIL
Can you put your headphones in at least?
Tim turns off the screen.
TIM
You wanna go pleasure eat?
NEIL
Why? Bill does that enough for all of us.
TIM
Yeah. But we haven’t just hung out in a
while.
NEIL
The rent doesn’t pay itself.
TIM
You can at least try to feel something
different.
Neil doesn’t acknowledge him.
TIM (CONT’D)
Maybe I should just scare the shit out of
you.
NEIL
You ruined my shit the last time.
TIM
Oh yeah. It turned like a shit brown. I
sold it to Tousseau.
NEIL
What? Why?
TIM
He wanted it for research. Something
about trying to make the abstractions
more pure. He only gave me scraps for it
anyway.
Neil finds a picture above his bunk of a motherly figure
with Neil and Tim as boys.
NEIL
(whispering)
There no value in being scared. Too many
of us already are.
Genres:
["Sci-Fi","Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
7 -
Tuna, Abstractions, and Unspoken Tensions
INT. CAFE - AFTERNOON
The cafe is simple, clean with small tables and counters
spaced perfectly for wheelchair access and movement.
BILL (45), the only customer, savors a tuna sandwich at
the counter. He’s a large man with a slovenly appearance.
Neil and Tim quietly enter but the door creaks and a bell
rattles.
BILL
Hey Neil! Come here! The tuna is
incredible. You’ve got to try it.
TIM
Do you even know what a tuna is?
Bill maximized with abstractions chews relentlessly until
each one lights up a bright Sun yellow. He slows to a
crawl then carefully removes each one to contain them.
NEIL
You need a shower.
BILL
Beats working the fields twelve hours a
day.
Neil holds Bill upright till he recovers.
BILL (CONT’D)
You need a one? It will help you eat.
Bill points to his abstractions.
NEIL
You barely make enough from them as it
is. I’ll get this one. I’ll even try the
tuna.
TIM
What about me?
NEIL
You can get your own tuna.
Bill provides a wry smile and pulls out an abstraction.
Neil pushes it back into place.
A loud thumps rocks the floor.
They all look toward that back.
BILL
It’s just Lily.
TIM
Don’t forget about the rent.
NEIL
I know.
TIM
Remember that restaurant we worked at?
BILL
You never told me that?
TIM
We’d literally serve these greys like a
fuckin’ ration and a patch and they’d be
like ape shit over it.
NEIL’S MEMORY
Neil and Tim serve two fancy plates with a dull protein
ration glazed in a similar color gravy then place Sun
Yellow abstractions for each of them.
A grey couple apply the abstractions before consuming the
meal. Their eyes flutter with joy with each bite.
BACK TO:
NEIL
Can you even eat that shit without one?
Tim receives a text on his phone. His expression changes.
TIM
I gotta run.
NEIL
An order?
Tim nods and hastily exits.
Another loud thump.
NEIL (CONT’D)
What hell is going on back there?
BILL
She’s moving flour bags.
NEIL
The big ones? By herself?
Bill nods.
BILL
Don’t test her. Trust me. Mila told me
the prices are changing by the way.
NEIL
Again? Only one making money is Tousseau.
Bill shrugs like it’s nothing new.
One last thump.
LILITH
Sorry about the wait.
LILITH (26), a beautiful redhead with piercing green eyes
and freckles, shyly smiles covered in an apron for work.
NEIL
Umm.
Neil looks for an abstraction and quickly applies it.
LILITH
Really?
He sheepishly shrugs when she captures an abstraction
too.
NEIL
Tuna. I’ll try the tuna.
Lilith winks at him.
Both abstractions turn a heavy pink color
LILITH
Coming right up.
Neil removes the abstraction and carefully places it into
a container.
JUDY (25), a female version of 49679 but not quite blank
but not quite emotive in a wheelchair, observes him from
across the cafe. She wears a set of headphones like she’s
tapped into a computer and types on a keyboard impeccably
fast and precise.
Lilith carefully whispers into Judy’s ear then places her
abstraction onto Judy.
Judy lights up with a smile like she’s just been hit with
a cupid’s arrow then returns to a blanks stare at Neil. A
number tattooed to her wrist is indistinguishable.
Bill taps Neil to get his attention.
BILL
That’s her sister.
NEIL
Right. What’s her designation?
BILL
How many people you know are actually
blood related here?
Lilith returns with a tuna sandwich.
BILL (CONT’D)
How’s your sis?
LILITH
She’s good.
NEIL
How can you tell?
LILITH
I just can.
NEIL
Right.
LILITH
Save your judgement for someone else.
NEIL
Like she would care.
LILITH
I care.
NEIL
I get it.
LILITH
Do you?
NEIL
I’ve got my own people to worry about.
Lilith looks over her sister.
LILITH
She may look like them. But sometimes,
it’s like she wakes up and understands.
NEIL
Maybe you’re reading to much into it.
Lilith returns a stern and defensive look at Neil.
LILITH
Am I? How many emotionless do you live
with?
NEIL
Why would I want to?
LILITH
She has to face their prejudice. She
doesn’t need yours too.
NEIL
Habit. They usually don’t leave them
here.
LILITH
I’m glad they did. She gets to be my
sister.
Neil’s phone pings.
BILL
Orders?
Neil scrolls through his phone and reads a text from
Tousseau.
NEIL
It’s like he hears us talking about him.
BILL
Maybe he does.
NEIL
How much do I owe you?
LILITH
You’re buying his, right?
Neil acknowledges with a nod.
Lilith turns her screen and Neil almost explodes.
NEIL
How many did you have?
LILITH
Ten.
NEIL
I’ll remember this.
BILL
I’ll get you back for them. Promise.
Neil pays and exits.
Genres:
["Sci-Fi","Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
8 -
Crossing Boundaries
INT. NEIL'S APARTMENT - NIGHT
Tim frantically races around the apartment packing
various items for an overnight stay elsewhere.
Neil trudges in to find Tim ready to make his exit.
NEIL
Where are you heading?
TIM
Remember that guy who ordered the amber?
My regular.
NEIL
What about him?
TIM
He invited me over.
NEIL
For the night?
TIM
It’s for a special request. I need to be
there in person.
NEIL
No. Eff that. We don’t go into their
world.
TIM
It’ll be fine.
NEIL
Those are the last words of every bad
decision.
TIM
Trust me.
NEIL
Right. Tell him to send the order like
everyone else.
TIM
It’s a couple of days max.
Neil stares through Tim like he should be blocking the
door.
Tim stops him from blocking it.
NEIL
Do I need to say it?
TIM
I get it. It’s an offer I can’t pass up.
NEIL
That doesn’t change my mind.
Tim and Neil exchange concerned glances.
Genres:
["Sci-Fi","Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
9 -
Reflections in the Mist
EXT. PERIPHERY - NIGHT
Neil trudges through the mist and watches his reflections
in the puddles and potholes.
NEIL
What are you doing Tim?
Neil stares into the cafe as Lilith and Judy share a
meal. He notices a wry smile on Judith’s expression with
an abstraction to assist.
NEIL (CONT’D)
She gets it my ass.
DANIEL, a local homeless man covered in a plastic film
over his already dirty clothes, steps close to Neil.
DANIEL
Think they’ll spare a meal?
NEIL
I don’t know. Just go to the shelter.
They’ll take care of you.
DANIEL
Too crowded tonight. Got anything?
NEIL
I’m not far behind you as it is.
Neil receives a ping on his phone. It shows another order
of Thrill. He’s relieved.
DANIEL
At least you can still do it?
NEIL
You can’t?
Daniel shrugs and marches off.
Neil looks toward his motorcycle.
NEIL (CONT’D)
Can’t use the it again so soon.
He searches the skyline for a tall building.
NEIL (CONT’D)
Up we go.
Genres:
["Sci-Fi","Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
10 -
Race to the Summit
EXT. TALL BUILDING - MORNING
The building has grooves and cut outs that would make it
a climber’s dream.
Neil stretches and readies his climbing gear to free solo
climb the tall building. He dips his hands in the chalk
pack on his back and slaps his hands creating a cloud.
When the cloud dissipates, MIKE (25), buff and pure
muscle, does the same.
NEIL
What the hell?
MIKE
We all have to make a living. Besides
it’s a new contract.
NEIL
We don’t need to compete.
MIKE
Unless you want to.
NEIL
Compete?
MIKE
Race to the top?
Neil huffs at him.
MIKE (CONT’D)
Winner gets the best one?
NEIL
Why am I going to compete for something I
already know I’ll have?
MIKE
Trust me. Mine will be better.
Mike removes a metal striker and places it on his hand.
Neil, shakes his head, and does the same then shows it
off.
NEIL
How about winner gets both?
MIKE
You’re on.
They both prepare abstractions to their sides.
NEIL
One. Two. Three.
They race to the wall on each side. They climb step for
step until Neil pulls away.
When Neil has a lead, he applies an abstraction to his
arm.
They break through the clouds and daylight shines on
them.
Neil finds a smooth patch of building with no grips. He
gouges the building’s concrete with the metal striker to
create a grip area.
Neil drains of emotion and Mike gains on him as they
approach the top.
Genres:
["Sci-Fi","Action","Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
11 -
Betrayal on the Rooftop
EXT. TALL BUILDING ROOFTOP - DAY
Neil stretches for the edge and pulls himself over just
in time to beat Mike. He slumps to the ground tired. Neil
reaches for his abstraction.
Mike slaps his hand on top of it first.
MIKE
Hold onto the moment.
Mike offers his hand to lift Neil from the ground.
Neil lifts himself up.
NEIL
Pay out. Loser.
Mike grabs a bag from the corner and unpacks a parachute.
Neil notices that Mike never applied his abstraction.
MIKE
Sorry.
Mike nods.
Out of nowhere, two enforcers grab Neil to push him to
the edge of the building. They’re emotionless,
expressionless, and ruthless.
NEIL
What the fuck? Grey Enforcers?
The enforcers push Neil over and dangle him from the
edge. Neil’s abstraction that had been glowing vermillion
changes to a deep black brown.
Neil dangles over the edge terrified. He glimpses part of
a tattoo on an enforcer’s wrist starting with “17”.
MIKE
That’s it.
The enforcers pull Neil back and remove the abstraction
from his arm.
Mike secures it as Neil goes limp on the ground.
The enforcers leave as quickly as they arrived.
Neil, drained, crawls toward Mike unable to speak.
MIKE (CONT’D)
Not sorry.
Mike steps to the edge, parachute secured, and applies an
abstraction. He flips a double bird and jumps.
Neil passes out.
EXT. STREET - AFTERNOON
Neil returns to his motorcycle. A container with a bright
vermillion abstraction and a note rests on the gas tank.
The note says “Fair Trade.”
Neil crumples the note and tosses it into the street.
Genres:
["Sci-Fi","Thriller","Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
12 -
Confrontation in the Foyer
INT. LUXURIOUS BUILDING FOYER - NIGHT
Neil trudges in exhausted.
Rachael spots him and applies makeup.
RACHAEL
At least you’re not making a mess this
time.
NEIL
Yeah. Yeah. Why the urgency? Again?
Rachael types onto her pad and it spits out a pass.
RACHAEL
You know where to go.
Neil looks her over to notice fresh bruises covered up by
makeup.
NEIL
Anything you want to tell me?
She shakes her head “No” then gently slides back into her
seat.
INT. LARGE OFFICE - NIGHT
49679 exercises intensely on a treadmill but it looks
like he’s leisurely walking.
Neil makes his way close to 49679 and enforcers stop him
before he gets too close.
That won’t be necessary.
49679 cycles the treadmill to a stop. He pats himself
with towel then offers it to Neil. 49679 pulls it back
when he doesn’t see any blood.
49679 (CONT’D)
You used a different method.
NEIL
There are several ways to achieve the
same results.
Is there? Your last offering didn’t yield
the results.
NEIL
You must have overused it.
We don’t make those mistakes.
49679 snaps his fingers and the enforcers come to his
side the encroach on Neil.
NEIL
I’ve already been terrorized once today.
You can’t spoil this one.
49679 tilts his head working out a problem.
NEIL (CONT’D)
I would almost think that was a question.
49679 snaps his fingers again.
The enforcers step forward and Neil pushes back.
Test it.
They remove the abstraction from Neil then use a device
to analyze it.
ENFORCER 1
Ninety-four percent pure.
You’ll only receive half the amount to
account for our losses. Your contract is
terminated.
The enforcers ruthlessly guide Neil out of the office.
49679 sorts through his collection to find a bright
yellow curiosity abstraction. He applies it with a rush
of squints and head turns that seem unnatural but
calculating.
49679 (CONT’D)
Why would someone spoil and harvest an
abstraction?
49679 snaps his fingers.
49679 (CONT’D)
Find who extracted it.
The enforcers comply and quickly exit.
Genres:
["Sci-Fi","Dystopian","Thriller"]
Ratings
Scene
13 -
Desolation and Discovery
INT. NEIL'S APARTMENT - NIGHT
The apartment is dark, silent, and plants slightly
wilted.
Neil trudges in and looks toward the empty bunk.
NEIL
You’d better be right.
He examines the plants.
NEIL (CONT’D)
You gotta water them Tim.
Another look back at the empty bunk.
Neil reaches the window and removes a small rain
collection barrel to water the plants. When he’s done, he
pours the balance into a water filter for a drink.
With the last bit of energy, he falls onto his bunk then
fast asleep.
A picture above his bunk shows Neil and Tim as kids, best
buddies.
INT. NEIL'S APARTMENT - MORNING
There’s a soft knock on the door.
Neil awakens to hear steps walking away. He rushes to the
door and opens it.
NEIL
Tim?
The door opens to reveal Lilith coming back to the door.
LILITH
You?
NEIL
How did you know?
Lilith presents Tim’s bag.
NEIL (CONT’D)
Where did you get that?
LILITH
Someone left it in the cafe.
She notices a note on the handle of his door.
LILITH (CONT’D)
There’s a note.
Neil rips off the red official-looking note.
NEIL
It’s nothing.
Neil pulls the bag from her.
LILITH
Yours?
NEIL
My roommate.
LILITH
Everything ok?
NEIL
Delightful.
Neil tempers this emotion as curiosity about the bag
grips him.
NEIL (CONT’D)
That it?
LILITH
I guess.
Neil rudely closes the door then rushes to check the bag.
His initial search of the bag yields nothing. Neil throws
it on Tim’s bunk.
Neil opens the red official-looking notice.
INSERT
EVICTION NOTICE. 7 days to pay or be evicted.
BACK TO SCENE:
Neil crumples the notice and throws it to a wall.
He checks his finances on his pad. The half-payment from
49679 barely registers. His balance is critical.
Neil reviews a stash of abstractions, also critical.
EXT. BACK ALLEY OF THE APARTMENTS - DAY
Neil carefully searches for witnesses as he pushes the
motorcycle to an area covered by wall ivy. He pushes
aside the ivy to reveal a gas barrel.
Neil taps the barrel to check the level to find it mostly
full.
NEIL
At least there’s that.
Neil transfers gas from the barrel to the motorcycle.
Genres:
["Drama","Sci-Fi"]
Ratings
Scene
14 -
Confrontation at the Cafe
INT. CAFE - DAY
Neil enters with a creak of the steps and rattle of the
bell.
The cafe looks busier with new patrons.
Bill pleasure eats at a counter savoring each bite.
LILITH
Can I help you?
NEIL
Hey, I’m sorry about earlier.
BILL
You might need to produce a purple to
prove it.
She frowns at him as he genuinely doesn’t know what to
say.
NEIL
Stay out of this.
BILL
Snapping at me now.
NEIL
It’s not like that.
LILITH
Then what’s it like?
NEIL
I didn’t mean to take it out on you.
LILITH
That’s your excuse.
NEIL
You don’t know anything.
LILITH
I think we all know what that red note
is.
Lilith stops, her expression hardening.
BILL
You’ve done it now.
Judy, in her normal location, observes the reactions.
Neil looks desperate. He glances at Judy, who has stopped
typing and watches him, blank but almost... analytical.
NEIL
What? Need a good fuckin’ laugh?
LILITH
Neil. Stop!
NEIL
Go on. Give her a hit of what you’re
feeling. Pity? Empathy? Disgust? What are
you? Just a broken grey.
LILITH
Enough! Get out!
Lilith stands defiantly protecting Judy from Neil’s
outburst. She inches forward ready for anything.
Neil grabs a towel and throws it at Judy.
Judy barely reacts.
Lilith about to get physical, weeps.
Neil applies an abstraction that radiates to a bright
purple.
LILITH (CONT’D)
It’s too late for that.
Lilith points to the door.
Neil, embarrassed in front of more onlookers, rushes out.
LILITH (CONT’D)
Are you ok?
JUDY
It was a lie. I was in no danger.
Genres:
["Drama","Sci-Fi"]
Ratings
Scene
15 -
Echoes of Loss
EXT. PERIPHERY STREET - DAY
Neil walks along the edge of the road as traffic passes.
He sights a woman placing a missing persons flyer on a
street lamp.
TERESA (55), wrinkled and aged by emotions with flashes
of beauty still left in her smile, slides out each edge
of the poster to give it a last look.
NEIL
You too?
TERESA
We all lose here.
Teresa waves to all the posters strewn across the
periphery.
TERESA (CONT’D)
Haven’t you ever wanted to change it?
NEIL
How? And why?
TERESA
There’s talk about striking.
Neil scoffs.
TERESA (CONT’D)
I have to believe she’ll come back.
The woman slowly walks away.
Neil examines the poster she placed.
FLASH NEIL’S MEMORY
Rachael with the red scarf.
NEIL
Wait!
The woman turns back.
NEIL (CONT’D)
When did this happen?
TERESA
Why would you care?
NEIL
What’s her name?
TERESA
Rachael. My daughter.
INT. NEIL'S APARTMENT - AFTERNOON
Neil contemplates while he eats a ration of food. He
chokes it down with some water.
Neil reaches for Tim’s bag for another look. This time a
note falls out.
TIM (V.O.)
If you got this, it’s probably not good.
Yes. I can see it on your face. You told
me so. I had to take a chance. There’s
more going on here. Things needs to
change. We either have to step up or step
out.
The concern on Neil’s face is palpable when the note
turns to scribbles.
TIM (V.O.)
Enforcers.
Genres:
["Drama","Sci-Fi"]
Ratings
Scene
16 -
Support in the Shadows
INT. CAFE - NIGHT
Bill examines a stack of bright amber abstractions. He
tests them for purity with a portable scanner.
Most register within ninety percent pure.
BILL
Keep collecting them.
NADIA (23), a beautiful woman with bright blue eyes,
covered by a dark coat collects the abstractions Bill has
just examined.
NADIA
Won’t we need more than this?
Bill receives a ping on his data pad then looks out the
window.
Nadia slinks out the back door.
EXT. PERIPHERY OUTSIDE THE CAFE - NIGHT
Neil paces back and forth.
Bill notices him.
Neil waves for him to come outside.
Bill sighs but obliges.
NEIL
I’m sorry about earlier.
BILL
I’m not the one you need to apologize to.
NEIL
Hey, do you think Mila will take trades?
BILL
Fuck no. She’s a hard line kind of gal.
NEIL
Who else might want my plants?
BILL
Not many. Do you need some money?
NEIL
I’m figuring it out. But, plants?
BILL
Tousseau?
Neil side eyes him.
BILL (CONT’D)
Then why come to me?
NEIL
Hoping for a better idea.
BILL
Sell them to Lily.
NEIL
Lily?
Bill points back into the cafe.
NEIL (CONT’D)
Right.
BILL
Hey. I’ll get her to buy them. Trust me.
NEIL
I can’t ask you to do that.
BILL
How long have we been friends?
Neil resists but give in.
BILL (CONT’D)
Like you just didn’t help me out a couple
nights ago. I got this.
Genres:
["Drama","Mystery","Thriller"]
Ratings
Scene
17 -
Negotiations in the Night
INT. BOUTIQUE - NIGHT
Various packs of abstractions line the store with grey
enforcers monitoring visitors. It’s fancy but gritty all
in the same view.
MILA (35), beautiful once now used, worn, and tired from
selling envy and lust, manages the shop.
Neil sheepishly enters and carefully strides past the
enforcers.
MILA
I don’t need your shit today Neil.
NEIL
Oh come on Mila, you love me.
MILA
Uh huh.
NEIL
What’s the rate?
MILA
Three thousand for a pack.
Neil checks his pad to an account. A recent transfer from
Lilith is registered to bring the account to less than
Mila’s demand.
NEIL
Cut me some slack.
MILA
I told you. I don’t need your shit.
NEIL
I need to make money too.
MILA
Your shit requires a purity.
NEIL
Tell me something I don’t know.
Mila points to the door.
A grey enforcer turns his direction.
NEIL (CONT’D)
Alright.
Neil avoids confrontation.
MILA
You should go after the easy stuff like
everyone else.
NEIL
You mean. Envy. Jealously. Lust... How’d
that work out for you?
MILA
How’d it work out for you? You helped.
Mila eyes him over like he’s naked then snaps her fingers
and the grey enforcer approaches.
NEIL
Ok. You got me. Chill the eff out.
Mila holds her palm out and the enforcer stops.
NEIL (CONT’D)
How does Tousseau get greys to work for
him anyway?
MILA
Cause he’s older than dirt and owns
everything they don’t.
NEIL
How about we make a deal?
Mila chastises him with her smirk.
NEIL (CONT’D)
Give me a mixed set so I can make some
money.
MILA
For you. That’s three thousand.
NEIL
How about a regular set and ten of your
best?
Mila contemplates for a moment.
MILA
You’re desperate.
NEIL
I’m just trying to make a deal.
MILA
Twenty two.
Neil lets out a sigh with relief.
NEIL
Deal.
MILA
Desperate enough to take a job?
Neil hesitates.
NEIL
Make me a better offer.
Mila glares at him.
MILA
You could get a pack of the good stuff
for nothing.
She eyes him over again.
NEIL
Fuck you Mila.
MILA
You’ve already done that plenty.
Neil taps his pad on the payment reader.
Mila grabs his items and places them on the counter.
He reaches for them but she covers them with her hand.
MILA (CONT’D)
It’s a good offer. Hear Tousseau out.
NEIL
I don’t need that kind of trouble.
Mila removes her hand.
MILA
Suit yourself.
Neil grabs his items and quickly exits flipping a bird to
the enforcer as he passes.
EXT. CITY SCAPE AT THE PERIPHERY EDGE - NIGHT
Neil rides through taking notice of posters and other
signs of distress filtering from the periphery out into
the grey world.
Someone gets high in a alley.
A couple stands outside a fancy home abstracting envy
with bright green abstractions.
A grey partnership inside the home applies a yellow
abstraction to an emotionless child.
The child lights up in a series of giggles.
EXT. PERIPHERY - NIGHT
The color resumes as Neil turns into the periphery.
Homeless encampments are kept warm by dumpster fires.
Grey enforcers lurk in various vehicles watching
everything.
A homeless shelter with a line around the building feeds
the needy.
The cafe looks lively with customers.
Genres:
["Sci-Fi","Dystopian","Thriller"]
Ratings
Scene
18 -
Silent Goodbyes and Desperate Pleas
INT. NEIL'S APARTMENT - NIGHT
Neil removes all of the plants from the apartment and
carefully stores them into transports. He looks each one
over like losing his friends.
Neil places a small stack of missing person posters for
Tim on a table. He throws a couple in his pack.
EXT. PERIPHERY OUTSIDE THE CAFE - NIGHT
Neil places all the plants in front of the building to be
collected. He shoots a text to Bill.
Bill peers through the window with a thumbs up.
Lilith watches him hidden behind a curtain with a
disheartened smile.
Teresa passes and finds a grey watching from a vehicle.
Neil follows her keeping out of sight.
Teresa pounds on the window.
TERESA
Tell me where she is!
The enforcer, expressionless, just watches her pound the
window relentlessly until she is out of energy.
Teresa stops and moves slowly away. She removes an
abstraction that is bright amber.
Neil gets a ping on his phone.
The contact registers as unknown.
Genres:
["Drama","Mystery","Thriller"]
Ratings
Scene
19 -
Cycle of Pain
INT. NEIL'S APARTMENT - DAY
Neil awakens from a deep sleep. His apartment is devoid
of all the color it once had. No plants. No Tim.
BATHROOM
Neil showers and gears up for a motorcycle adventure.
KITCHEN
He bites through a flavorless food bar.
NEIL
How?
Neil searches through his pack to find no more food then
the kitchen shelves which are bare.
EXT. CITY SCAPE - AFTERNOON
The mist falls relentlessly onto the streets.
The streets are filled with transports for grey
passengers returning home.
Neil eyes a pathway through the city with roads baked
with danger, transports, and obstacles to enhance the
thrill.
He idles on the motorcycle as he attaches an abstraction
to his side.
Neil unzips a portion of the leg panel to expose the
previous wound.
Neil’s emotions cycle between worry and concern.
NEIL
Calm yourself. Focus. Breathe.
Neil inhales slowly and exhales at the same pace. He does
this a few times before securing his helmet.
With an explosion of rotating tires creating smoke, Neil
guns it.
The motorcycle races through the city, its bright orange
color streaking the moisture on the road.
Neil slaps the face guard of the helmet open.
Neil, with the mist crashing upon his cheeks, smirks
worried.
He removes the blade tucked on his leg.
With a quick slice on his thigh, he expertly sheathes the
blade then attaches the abstraction to the wound.
Neil turns a corner close enough for the metal cover to
spark in bright orange. He speeds faster as the buildings
tunnel his vision down a long stretch of road. The
emotion oozes from his expression, cold.
The abstraction radiates to a dull vermillion.
NEIL (CONT’D)
FUCK!
Neil breaks to a controlled stop. He quickly removes the
abstraction. Expression fills his face again, drained and
tired.
Neil slumps over the motorcycle. He examines the
abstraction.
NEIL (CONT’D)
Worthless. Soiled.
After a moment and a few deep breaths, Neil reignites the
motorcycle.
MONTAGE
Neil tries the process again. Fail.
And again. Fail.
And again. Fail.
END MONTAGE
Neil rest on the motorcycle cuts bleeding down his leg.
He removes bandages from his pack to deal with the
wounds.
Neil, disappointed, winces in pain when he applies
antiseptic to the wound. The abstraction on it that was a
dull vermillion changes to a shade of dark brown.
NEIL (CONT’D)
Pain or fear?
Genres:
["Dystopian","Thriller","Sci-Fi"]
Ratings
Scene
20 -
Denied Access
INT. LUXURIOUS BUILDING FOYER - NIGHT
Neil trudges in with a more prominent limp than before.
His leg, wrapped but the bloody, shows through. The pain
abstraction tucked under his arm.
ENFORCER 1 (O.S.)
You are not welcome here.
Neil, startled, turns toward the enforcer.
NEIL
Can I see your boss?
ENFORCER 1
No.
NEIL
Talk to him?
ENFORCER 1
No.
NEIL
Do you only answer questions with “No.”?
The enforcer pauses.
ENFORCER 1
No.
NEIL
Can you give me a different answer?
ENFORCER 1
No.
The enforcer encroaches on Neil and he’s forced to
retreat. The enforcer grabs Neil by the shirt and tosses
him.
Genres:
["Dystopian","Sci-Fi","Thriller"]
Ratings
Scene
21 -
The Fear Experiment
INT. LARGE OFFICE - NIGHT
A grey enforcer pulls a figure by the shirt, beaten
barely conscious.
Take him downstairs evaluation.
The enforcer removes the slumped figure out of the
office.
INT. EVALUATION ROOM - NIGHT
The room is plain. There’s single table and two chairs
like a police interrogation but with clear windows on
each side that can see down a row of adjacent rooms. The
single light of this room pierces all the rooms.
The enforcer tosses the man into the room bleeding all
over the floor. He pulls the man up to sit on a chair.
Mike, almost unrecognizable, coughs from the beating.
The enforcer steps to a corner to observe.
49679 strides in careful to avoid the blood on the floor.
May I ask who you are?
Mike stares blankly at him.
49679 (CONT’D)
Do you register my voice?
Mike nods.
49679 (CONT’D)
Did he still have it?
The enforcer hands over the deep brown abstraction and
places it on the table.
49679 applies a synthetic yellow abstraction. It doesn’t
hit him like the previous bright yellow curiosity
abstraction.
49679 (CONT’D)
Why?
49679 taps on the container.
MIKE
I don’t know.
Who ordered it?
MIKE
I just provide what was needed.
Tell me. Or must I make it hurt.
MIKE
Like you give a shit.
I don’t.
49679 snaps his fingers.
The enforcer slams Mike onto the table in front of them
and holds him in place.
Mike screams in pain that awakens others held in the
rooms like prisoners.
49679 (CONT’D)
Enough.
MIKE
I don’t know who ordered it. I got
stiffed.
What is it exactly?
MIKE
It’s fear. Terror.
49679 snaps of his fingers again.
The enforcer pounds a punch into his back then pulls him
back to his seat.
Like that?
MIKE
It’s different.
How?
MIKE
It’s not exacted through pain.
49679 turn his head questioning.
Pure Terror?
MIKE
Something like that.
49679 examines the abstraction and motions for the
enforcer to stretch out his arm.
The enforcer complies.
49679 attaches the abstraction to him.
The enforcer’s eyes go wide with fear. He trembles and
struggles to maintain balance until he winds up curled
into a ball in the corner.
Interesting.
49679 removes the abstraction and resecures it into a
container.
The enforcer remains caught in a fearful gaze.
49679 snaps his fingers and the enforcer reacts with more
fear. Another snap. Same result.
MIKE
How do you like it? Asshole.
The enforcer, wide-eyed, stares blankly trembling as if
malfunctioning.
Genres:
["Dystopian","Sci-Fi","Thriller"]
Ratings
Scene
22 -
Confrontation at the Door
EXT. NEIL'S APARTMENT - NIGHT
Neil approaches the door to his apartment a noise can be
heard from inside.
NEIL
Tim?
Neil swipes his key at the door. It fails to open. He
jiggles the handle. Nothing. Neil pounds on the door.
NEIL (CONT’D)
Tim!
Heavy footsteps march toward the door.
MALE VOICE (O.S.)
Fuck off.
NEIL
This is my apartment.
MALE VOICE (O.S.)
Not anymore.
Neil pounds at the door.
NEIL
What the fuck!
MALE VOICE (O.S.)
I’m calling you in.
NEIL
Fuck you.
He relentless pounds on the door.
A car in the distance speeds and screeches to a stop in
front of the apartment building.
Neil jumps down the railing and into a back alley.
Genres:
["Thriller","Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
23 -
Desperate Salvage
EXT. BACK ALLEY OF THE APARTMENTS - NIGHT
Neil catches his breath from the escape. He finds his
climbing pack straps dangling out of a dumpster.
The dumpster has a few rats. They scream and squeak at
each other when Neil approaches.
Neil cautiously lifts the lid and pushes it over. His
belongings now a heap of trash.
The rats scamper to hiding spots but watch intently.
Neil pushes his motorcycle close and uses it to lift
himself into the dumpster. He cycles through a few things
but throws them deeper into the dumpster.
Neil finds the picture of himself and Tim as boys. He
packs it into the climbing bag. Neil finds a couple
articles of clothing not tainted by the garbage, gives
them a sniff, then pushes them into the bag.
A half eaten ration falls out when Neil chucks the bag
over the edge.
A rat examines it and scampers away.
NEIL
Saving it?
His stomach growls as he contemplates taking a bite.
Neil chucks it toward the group of rats watching.
They show interest but even they don’t want it.
NEIL (CONT’D)
Yeah. It’s shit.
Neil hops out of the dumpster. He hides his motorcycle
behind the ivy next to the gas barrel.
INT. TOUSSEAU'S MANSION, ROSE GARDEN
The beautiful garden is laid out like a labyrinth covered
by a large atrium and bathed in ultraviolet light.
TOUSSEAU (75), wheelchair bound impeccably dressed with a
rose boutonnière, calmly prunes the roses in the center.
A grey enforcer interrupts Tousseau whispering in his
ear.
TOUSSEAU
Send him in.
The enforcer strides through the labyrinth through its
straightest path.
49679 enters and analyzes the labyrinth. He finds the
shortest path through.
TOUSSEAU (CONT’D)
Welcome. How may I be of assistance?
I’ve come for your knowledge.
TOUSSEAU
I understand you are trying to put me out
of business.
Your business is secure.
TOUSSEAU
Organics will always be more pure.
49679 removes a deep brown abstraction in its container.
Tell me about this.
TOUSSEAU
I would assume it’s a spoiled
abstraction.
Is it?
TOUSSEAU
The color suggests it’s mixed with
another emotion.
Fear?
TOUSSEAU
Possibly.
What if I told you it was pure fear?
TOUSSEAU
That would be interesting. May I examine
it?
49679 hands the abstraction to Tousseau.
Tousseau examines the abstraction with a portable
analyzer.
TOUSSEAU (CONT’D)
You see this as a threat?
It’s a possible conclusion.
TOUSSEAU
Fear can be a powerful raw emotion. The
feeler experiences an extreme fight or
flight response. To weaponize this would
mean to scare yourself to near death. It
could have harmful effects to an amygdala
that’s never experienced fear.
You mean our amygdala.
TOUSSEAU
Diluted, it could be an extreme motivator
too.
A motivator suggests control.
TOUSSEAU
The response could make one willing to do
almost anything to escape it. Would you
like me to demonstrate?
Tousseau waves over the enforcer to the them.
The enforcer glides back to them.
TOUSSEAU (CONT’D)
Hold out your arm.
The enforcer holds out his arm while Tousseau rolls back
his sleeve. It reveals part of a tattoo “1732”.
Tousseau readies the abstraction to place onto his
enforcer. He inches closer.
Stop.
TOUSSEAU
Don’t you want to analyze?
I will complete my own research under
more controlled settings.
Tousseau resecures the abstraction and hands it to 49679.
49679 (CONT’D)
Scared to near death. Could death be
captured?
TOUSSEAU
Theoretically. Yes.
What might it yield?
TOUSSEAU
Possibly several emotions. Maybe even the
purest forms of them.
Genres:
["Sci-Fi","Thriller"]
Ratings
Scene
25 -
A Night of Apologies and Abstractions
EXT. PERIPHERY OUTSIDE THE CAFE - NIGHT
Neil paces back and forth on the sidewalk like he’s
building up the courage to enter.
Lilith watches from inside behind a curtain. She makes
the first move and opens a window.
LILITH
Come in.
NEIL
I need to apologize.
LILITH
Ok.
NEIL
To both of you.
Lilith waves him inside.
INT. CAFE - NIGHT
Neil sheepishly enters and trudges to Judy’s typical
booth.
Judy barely registers his existence.
Lilith taps her on the shoulder.
NEIL
May I sit?
Judy blankly stares at him and turns to Lilith.
LILITH
That’s Judy for yes.
Neil sits as Judy eyes him the whole way.
NEIL
What are you working on?
One image on the monitor shows human DNA. Another is an
image of a limbic system.
Judy’s eyes move to the screen then back to Neil.
JUDY
Are you familiar with Cellular and
Molecular Neuroscience?
NEIL
What?
They blankly stare at each other.
NEIL (CONT’D)
I want to apologize about the other
night. Do you understand what that is?
JUDY
I understand the mechanics.
NEIL
Do you have a magenta to help her?
LILITH
You haven’t apologized. She understands.
NEIL
I don’t get the mechanics.
BILL
You’re losing your chance.
NEIL
Really?
Neil finally relents.
NEIL (CONT’D)
I’m kind of losing my shit right now.
LILITH
You threw a cleaning rag at her.
NEIL
This doesn’t come easy for me.
Neil sticks his arm out for an abstraction.
NEIL (CONT’D)
If you need proof.
Judy, still blank, registers a micro expression of
empathy that Neil doesn’t notice.
JUDY
Is that all you’ve needed to say?
NEIL
I guess.
Judy returns to her monitor and types feverously.
LILITH
That’s all you’re going to get.
Neil stands, disappointed. He turns to exit.
Lilith sighs then applies an abstraction that lights to a
bright magenta.
BILL
Empathy. How do you do it?
LILITH
I just can. Are you hungry? Have a seat
with Bill. I’ll see what I can work out.
Lilith whispers in Judy’s ear.
LILITH (CONT’D)
(Whispering)
I saw it. This is what that really feels
like.
Lilith removes the abstraction and applies it to Judy.
Judy’s eyes move to Neil. Her gaze weepy before it
reverts to a blank stare.
Neil, resigned, sits next to Bill.
BILL
Talk about needing a shower.
NEIL
I just went dumpster diving to find a few
things.
BILL
Need a place to stay?
NEIL
I’m going to head up to shelter.
BILL
It’s no trouble.
Neil rejects it with his expression.
BILL (CONT’D)
If you change your mind.
Lilith places a slightly burnt sandwich in front of Neil.
LILITH
It’s a little brown. Didn’t want it to go
to waste.
NEIL
Better than a protein ration.
BILL
Fuck man that’s disgusting.
NEIL
Even the rats won’t eat them.
BILL
I’ll pay for his.
LILITH
It’s ok.
NEIL
I’ve done nothing to deserve this.
LILITH
It’s not about you.
Neil bites into the sandwich. He readies an abstraction
to capture the moment but Lilith holds his hand in place.
LILITH (CONT’D)
Don’t.
NEIL
What do you mean?
LILITH
When does it end?
NEIL
It doesn’t.
LILITH
That’s kind of my point.
NEIL
We live in their greenhouse. If we don’t
have something to harvest, what good are
we?
Lilith, defeated, slowly retreats to Judy.
BILL
They’d starve.
NEIL
So would we.
Neil retrieves the sandwich and makes for the exit. He
turns back.
NEIL (CONT’D)
Thanks for the sandwich.
Genres:
["Drama","Sci-Fi"]
Ratings
Scene
26 -
Initiation of Fear
INT. LABORATORY FLOOR PLATFORM - DAY
49679 stands above his workforce overlooking a laboratory
floor. The sterile white walls contrast against his skin.
Each worker tests and monitors synthetic abstractions.
The various stations house an organic sample of pure
emotion for Love, Envy, Curiosity, and Thrill in their
brightest forms.
49679 walks along the platform to observe various
stations.
A tether, attached to each worker, runs along the bottom
of the platform to a central location.
The central location has an organic thrill abstraction
fading inside it.
Deficient.
49679 carefully removes and discards the abstraction. He
reviews the production statuses that haven’t changed.
An enforcer brings the deep brown abstraction.
49679 places the abstraction into the central location.
He strokes a few keys that read “Ten percent.”
49679 (CONT’D)
Initiate.
A series of screams register through the workers. Incited
and scared, they work ferociously.
Genres:
["Sci-Fi","Dystopian"]
Ratings
Scene
27 -
Descent into Despair
INT. HOMELESS SHELTER - NIGHT
Neil, defeated, trudges into the shelter.
A smattering of distressed and worn faces line the tables
hoarding whatever soup or food they can eat.
Workers share abstractions of bright baby blue gratitude.
Neil queues in the line for a cot.
In front of him is Daniel, covered in the same plastic
sheeting.
DANIEL
First time here?
NEIL
Hasn’t everyone been through here once or
twice?
DANIEL
Maybe I can get a double wide for being a
regular.
NEIL
If there is such a thing.
There are a few people down the halls that take drugs
simply falling asleep on the ground.
DANIEL
Don’t want to be that regular.
NEIL
I’ll figure something out.
Neil removes his pad to search for more orders. The pad
is blank, nothing new.
VOLUNTEER
How can I help?
NEIL
Just a cot and place to stay warm.
The volunteer issues him a ticket.
VOLUNTEER
There’s a lock code for a locker if you
need it. Men’s shower is down the hall.
NEIL
What are you trying to say?
The volunteer points down an empty hallway.
Genres:
["Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
28 -
Watchful Vigil
INT. HOMELESS SHELTER DORM - MORNING
A sea of cots, filled with the downtrodden, looks like a
maze with many pushed together for groups or segregated
apart.
Neil’s cot is pushed alone next to wall. He sleeps with
his pack tied to an arm.
Daniel cautiously watches the room then taps Neil to wake
him.
DANIEL
Your watch.
NEIL
I didn’t agree to that.
DANIEL
Come on. I stayed up for you.
NEIL
I didn’t ask you to. Just get to sleep.
DANIEL
Enforcers are patrolling. I’ve heard
they’re beating the shit out of
“Feelers”.
NEIL
What do you have to worry about?
DANIEL
Everything.
Neil tosses and turns unable to return to sleep.
NEIL
Sleep. I’ll watch out.
DANIEL
Thanks.
Neil eyes the walls of the dorm. One side has a series of
missing person posters. He takes one of Tim out of his
pack.
Daniel falls fast asleep.
Neil walks to the wall to examine it and places Tim’s
poster. He finds Rachael’s poster with a glide of his
fingers over it to reveal an address.
Neil sights Daniel sleeping peacefully.
Genres:
["Drama","Sci-Fi"]
Ratings
Scene
29 -
A Desperate Encounter
EXT. RACHAEL’S APARTMENT - DAY
Neil knocks at the door. No answer. He knocks again.
The curtains rustle as if someone is watching.
NEIL
I’m here to see Rachael.
NADIA (O.S.)
Haven’t you seen the posters?
NEIL
I have. I guess I was just hoping she’d
come back.
NADIA (O.S.)
They took both of them.
NEIL
What?
The door slowly opens enough to see only half her face
with beautiful bright blue eyes.
NADIA
Why are you here?
NEIL
Who else is missing?
NADIA
Teresa.
The comments gain Neil’s curiosity.
NEIL
Can we talk?
The eye looks him up and down. The door opens to expose
Nadia’s half naked and beautiful body.
NADIA
Quickly.
Neil rushes in and Nadia locks the doors behind him in a
series of slaps and bangs.
Genres:
["Drama","Mystery","Thriller"]
Ratings
Scene
30 -
Seduction and Secrets
INT. RACHAEL'S APARTMENT - DAY
Nadia, half naked, envelopes Neil with a kiss and
seductive placement of her hands.
NEIL
Hey. I’m not here for that.
NADIA
You knock on this door. This is the
payment.
NEIL
I’ve already been used once this week.
Nadia touches his groin.
NADIA
Seems like it wants it.
NEIL
Who wouldn’t. But, I can’t.
Neil pushes her back and she charges harder at him.
NADIA
It’s not for you.
NEIL
Who buys this from you?
NADIA
Who do you think?
Neil fights her off for the moment and they circle around
the furniture.
Nadia’s lustful eyes take in each moment.
NEIL
Stop.
Nadia relents into tears. She removes an abstraction that
has barely registered to a light pink.
NADIA
Tousseau said he knows where they are.
NEIL
Tousseau?
Neil shakes his head, disgusted.
NADIA
He said someone would come to help me.
This would be his trade.
NEIL
He didn’t send me.
NADIA
I know that now.
Nadia covers herself in a robe and crawls into a ball on
the couch weeping.
NEIL
I’m sorry. My friend’s missing too.
NADIA
Rachael’s my sister.
NEIL
Blood sister?
She nods.
NEIL (CONT’D)
So your mom too.
Another nod.
NEIL (CONT’D)
Why’d they go missing?
NADIA
Look in there.
Nadia points to a closet.
Neil opens the closet door and finds a large collection
of amber abstractions.
NEIL
I watched her collect one.
Nadia’s eyes go wide.
NADIA
When?
NEIL
The other night. She was banging on a
door yelling at an enforcer.
Fear penetrates Nadia’s hope.
NADIA
Enforcers?
NEIL
Why is she collecting amber?
NADIA
We all are.
NEIL
Why?
NADIA
Rachael. We didn’t understand why she was
working for that grey until we saw that
other one.
NEIL
49679?
NADIA
How’d you know?
NEIL
He was my buyer.
Neil finds another abstraction that doesn’t radiate like
the others. He picks it out to examine it.
NEIL (CONT’D)
What is this?
NADIA
A synthetic.
NEIL
He’s making these?
Nadia confirms with a nod.
NEIL (CONT’D)
Is that why someone is organizing a
strike?
She shrugs her shoulders.
NEIL (CONT’D)
Tousseau?
NADIA
I don’t know.
Genres:
["Drama","Mystery","Thriller"]
Ratings
Scene
31 -
Descent into Chaos
INT. HOMELESS SHELTER DORM - AFTERNOON
Neil returns to his cot to notice Daniel missing. He
searches the dorm.
NEIL
Anyone see the guy that was here?
HOMELESS MAN
Not since this morning.
A volunteer walks through the cots passing out snacks.
VOLUNTEER
He was just here. But went out back.
EXT. BEHIND THE SHELTER - AFTERNOON
Neil comes out with two snacks looking for Daniel.
He finds a grey enforcer beating on something.
Neil cringes and hides behind a trash dumpster.
Screams and muffled noise burst from the Enforcers
target.
Neil throws a snack at the Enforcer to find that he’s
beating on Daniel.
Daniel, entirely beaten, slumps to the ground seconds
from dying.
Neil charges at the Enforcer.
The Enforcer easily throws Neil off.
Daniel dies exhaling his last breath. An abstraction on
his arm turns black.
The enforcer harvests the abstraction into a container.
NEIL
Death.
The Enforcer turns his attention to Neil and prepares
another abstraction.
Neil runs.
The Enforcer chases.
EXT. PERIPHERY - DAY
Neil skillfully navigates through the periphery to hold
off the Enforcer.
An abstraction falls out of Neil’s pack when the Enforcer
grabs and stops Neil in his tracks.
The Enforcer punches Neil in the stomach then reaches for
the abstraction.
Neil latches onto the fallen pink abstraction.
Another punch pushes the air out of Neil with a grunt.
Neil applies the pink abstraction onto the enforcer.
The Enforcer stops with an awkward confused look,
lovestruck.
Neil stands, worn, as the Enforcer just watches him.
Neil bolts.
The Enforcer goes blank and chases.
Genres:
["Drama","Thriller"]
Ratings
Scene
32 -
Confrontation in the Greenhouse
INT. LARGE GREENHOUSE - DAY
Various high yield protein crops, corn, wheat, and rice
fill the two acre space. Grow lights heat the area.
Neil hides along the corn, sweating. He searches for the
enforcer, panting.
From out of nowhere, Neil is tackled from behind.
The enforcer places his knee onto Neil’s back,
protective, searching through the crops. He pounds that
ground next to Neil’s face.
Neil glimpses a tattoo “17320” on the wrist of the
enforcer.
NEIL
I’m not scared of you this time.
Quiet.
Neil, confused, struggles but the enforcer adjusts to
keep him pinned down and protected.
NEIL
That wasn’t you in the alley.
No.
NEIL
Why?
Quiet.
The enforcer pulls Neil by this collar to his feet like
dragging a nagging child. He slows and pushes
relentlessly until they are at the edge.
The enforcer throws Neil out.
17320 (CONT’D)
Go.
Genres:
["Thriller","Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
33 -
Abstractions of Fear and Connection
INT. EVALUATION ROOM - NIGHT
Tim, mostly beaten, slumps at the edge of the room on the
floor.
A light pierces the window in the door.
Tim stands and peers through the glass.
The main door slides open to what looks like a guard’s
post outside the rooms. 49679 strides in, his focus on a
container held by the enforcer.
Tim places his ear to the glass to listen.
49679 retrieves the deep black abstraction. He applies a
synthetic curiosity abstraction. His head tilts,
calculating.
Did you follow my instruction?
ENFORCER 2
This was obtained randomly.
He places the black patch under a portable analyzer. The
screen flickers, attempting to categorize it.
INSERT - PANEL READING
Emotion: [ERROR: COMPOUND] Contains: [FEAR, RAGE, AGONY,
REGRET... LOVE] Key Signature: [UNIVERSAL]
BACK TO SCENE:
49679's blank face almost registers a micro-expression.
He stares at the screen, then at his own failing
"Synthetic Abstraction Program" status on a data pad.
I need another to test from our control
subjects.
49679 snaps his finger and the enforcer finds a random
room.
The light shines through all the rooms and Tim hears the
sounds of another captive, Mike, being brutalized to
death by an enforcer.
There is a knock on the window above him.
Tim finds Rachael frightened and also beaten. He places
his hand on the window.
Rachael places her hand in the same location on the other
side. She places her head on the window for comfort.
Tim does the same. He turns to look back toward the
guard’s post.
The enforcer returns with a deep black abstraction hands
bloodied.
Another test. Same Result.
49679 stares at the abstraction. The tattoo lines appear
to be smiling.
Genres:
["Drama","Sci-Fi","Thriller"]
Ratings
Scene
34 -
A Warm Reunion
EXT. PERIPHERY HOUSE - AFTERNOON
Neil runs through the periphery to a small house at the
edge.
The small house is quaint with perfectly manicured
flowers, plants, and a greenhouse for a vegetable garden
along the side.
GUZEL, an older woman with soft features and pleasant
smile, teaches three children how to trim the flowers and
pick from the garden.
Neil bangs on the door.
Guzel cautiously peers around the porch to find Neil
scared.
GUZEL
Neil?
NEIL
I needed to see you.
Neil rushes to hug her.
GUZEL
Where have you been?
NEIL
I’m sorry.
GUZEL
You stink.
Neil’s fear turns to an odd laugh.
GUZEL (CONT’D)
It’s true. Go inside and get cleaned up.
Neil releases her and smiles.
GUZEL (CONT’D)
Come in kids. Your brother’s here.
Genres:
["Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
35 -
Reflections in the Periphery House
INT. PERIPHERY HOUSE - AFTERNOON
Neil glides in with a sigh.
Guzel pushes him along. She covers her nose.
GUZEL
Go on. Go.
BATHROOM
Neil showers and washes the blood from his wounds. He
examines the cuts on his leg that have been reopened from
the beating.
BEDROOM
Clothes have been laid out for him to replace his dirtied
ones.
NEIL
Where’s my stuff?
GUZEL (O.S.)
Washing.
Neil reflects on the events when he sits on a bunk.
Etched onto the bunk is his name. The bunk across from
his is etched with another name “Tim”.
Neil walks over to it and gently rubs his fingers over
Tim’s name.
KITCHEN
Neil sheepishly strides in to find Guzel directing the
children to cook.
The older of the three children, Sam, is a young version
of 49679. He cooks with precision like every movement is
deliberate and mimicked from Guzel.
GUZEL (CONT’D)
You should try his tamales.
NEIL
I thought no one could make them better
than you.
GUZEL
He can.
Sam finishes and brings a tamale to Neil.
Neil cautiously looks it over.
GUZEL (CONT’D)
Trust me. He learned from the best.
Sam watches Neil, almost curious to his reaction.
Neil takes a small bite at first. His eyes light up with
delight.
NEIL
Maybe I’m just starving.
GUZEL
He loves it.
Sam looks over to Guzel and she gives him an ecstatic
thumbs up. Still expressionless, Sam returns to the
cooking counter.
GUZEL (CONT’D)
I just love that kid.
NEIL
They aren’t like us.
GUZEL
They?
Neil, surprised, retracts like a child being chastised.
NEIL
I’m sorry. When did you start adopting
gr... emotionless?
GUZEL
Not long after you stole my money to buy
your motorcycle.
Neil, fully remorseful, weeps over his tamale.
GUZEL (CONT’D)
Tears don’t taste good on a tamale.
NEIL
How long have you known?
GUZEL
Really?
NEIL
That long.
GUZEL
Of course.
NEIL
Why didn’t you say anything?
GUZEL
I saw. Your brother sent me a photo of
you on your bike. You looked so happy.
NEIL
But why?
GUZEL
Why do you think?
NEIL
But it made you take in one of them.
GUZEL
Them? You? There’s no difference. But he
changed how I feel. Like with you and
Tim, I got something I never expected.
NEIL
What was that?
GUZEL
A happiness I don’t need to sell.
Guzel walks over to Sam and pats him on the head then
gives him a kiss.
Sam looks up at her, emotionless, but with a hint of
recognition of the gesture.
Neil, dismisses it, not quite convinced.
Guzel pulls a flyer from the counter. It’s Tim’s missing
person’s poster.
GUZEL (CONT’D)
So, when were you going to tell me about
this?
NEIL
I was getting there.
GUZEL
Really?
NEIL
Some enforcer took him.
GUZEL
Why?
NEIL
He’s been harvesting amber. There’s talk
of a strike against the emotionless.
GUZEL
It’s about time.
NEIL
He didn’t even tell me.
GUZEL
Of course. You’re all wrapped up in me me
me. You’re too busy to think about
anything else.
NEIL
It’s crazy talk. They hold all the cards.
GUZEL
Is that what you think?
Neil sits back into his chair, contemplating.
GUZEL (CONT’D)
Tim would have left NO stone unturned to
look for you. He would’ve backed anything
you’d have asked of him. But, you come
running home to me.
NEIL
I witnessed an enforcer beat a guy to
death.
GUZEL
Still me me me.
NEIL
What am I supposed to do?
GUZEL
You already know.
Guzel pats him on the head and then with a kiss.
GUZEL (CONT’D)
You control the emotions. Even the scary
ones.
Neil reflects on her words and finishes his tamales.
Genres:
["Drama","Family"]
Ratings
Scene
36 -
Desperate Alliances
EXT. PERIPHERY STREET - NIGHT
Neil sleeks along the edge of the streets to not be seen.
He finds Enforcers actively searching alleys and other
places.
EXT. PERIPHERY OUTSIDE THE CAFE
Neil hides in the doorway to peer in. He finds Judy
typing away on her device and Lilith cleaning and closing
for the night.
INT. CAFE - CONTINUOUS
There’s a knock at the door that startles Lilith. She
sees Neil waving for her to open the door.
Lilith opens the door but blocks Neil from entering.
LILITH
What do you want?
NEIL
Open the door.
LILITH
Why?
Lilith notices his desperation.
NEIL
Please.
She lets Neil in and he races to hide behind the curtain
and search outside.
LILITH
What is it?
NEIL
Enforcers.
LILITH
Is Bill ok?
NEIL
He’s probably fine. Enjoying “Tuna”.
LILITH
I thought you might be with him.
NEIL
I was at the shelter.
Lilith, relieved, locks the doors and pulls the curtains
closed.
LILITH
You can’t stay here.
NEIL
I know.
Lilith pulls him to Judy’s booth and pushes him into the
stall.
LILITH
Why did you come here?
Neil points to Judy.
NEIL
I need help. She’s the only one I know
that might have some answers.
Lilith, curious, taps Judy to gain her attention.
LILITH
Judy.
Judy stops and acknowledges them.
JUDY
Yes.
LILITH
What is it you want to know?
NEIL
An enforcer tried to kill me. I only got
away because I slapped a pink on him. I
thought enforcers were different.
JUDY
Their machine is still the same.
NEIL
Is it?
LILITH
Yes.
Judy pulls up a screen with a limbic system. One image is
a normal feeler brain the other is a grey. The amygdala
is vibrant in one and quiet in the other.
JUDY
This is the amygdala.
NEIL
I take it one’s yours?
Judy changes the screen to show two similar amygdala.
NEIL (CONT’D)
What’s changed?
LILITH
Nothing. One’s mine the other is hers
when I place a color.
NEIL
Why were we born this way? And they
weren’t.
JUDY
Logic has limits. Pair bonding,
nurturing, growth all require an
emotional component.
LILITH
Don’t you see?
NEIL
See what?
JUDY
Love? Envy? Curiosity? Thrill?
NEIL
They’re stuck.
Neil stands and paces like finally all make sense.
LILITH
I told you she was smart.
NEIL
What would happen if you applied an amber
to the emotionless?
JUDY
It could create conflict in our
understanding.
NEIL
A dark brown?
LILITH
Why would someone harvest that?
NEIL
Tell me.
JUDY
I would need data.
NEIL
A black?
Lilith’s eyes grow fearful.
LILITH
What are you getting at?
NEIL
The enforcer who chased me harvested a
black.
LILITH
How?
NEIL
How do you think?
Neil races back to the booth. He finally comes to a
realization.
NEIL (CONT’D)
You don’t sell yours.
LILITH
I’d rather share.
NEIL
You have been seeding her with emotion
for years to make it take root like a
plant?
LILITH
Now he gets it.
JUDY
Our experiment has taken years.
NEIL
Isn’t that what they do too?
LILITH
Like a plant, it needs watering. Pruning.
Cultivating. Time. Not just fleeting
moments.
Lilith sees Judy flash a micro-expression of a smile.
NEIL
He’s trying to cut us out.
LILITH
Who?
NEIL
My buyer.
LILITH
How?
NEIL
Would it be possible to create a
synthetic copy?
LILITH
Maybe.
JUDY
You would need the purest form of each
emotion to gain enough data to mimic it.
LILITH
You said a black. Right?
Neil turns to her an nods.
NEIL
What would be more pure than experiencing
it all at once?
LILITH
I don’t know.
NEIL
Why does this feel like someone has been
planning all of this?
Lilith turns to Judy as if registering a question.
Judy shakes her head “No”.
NEIL (CONT’D)
The only person that could know is
Tousseau?
LILITH
Who is he?
Neil nervously shuffles back and forth.
NEIL
Danger. But he acts like your best
friend.
LILITH
Could he really be behind all of this?
NEIL
I wouldn’t put it past him. More than
once, he’s gotten us into some shit.
LILITH
Is there another way?
NEIL
He’s the only one that might know where
Tim is.
LILITH
I can come with you.
Neil, reluctant to answer, shakes his head “No.”
NEIL
I have to go alone.
JUDY
He’s lying.
NEIL
I am not.
JUDY
I’ve observed. We may not have the same
quantitative level of emotions. But we
can recognize a lie.
Neil relents.
NEIL
So maybe you’re right. I don’t want to go
alone.
LILITH
Then let me.
Genres:
["Thriller","Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
37 -
Tension at Tousseaus's Mansion
EXT. TOUSSEAU’S MANSION - DAY
Neil and Lilith ride on the motorcycle to the front gate
of the estate.
Lilith, already amazed by it’s tall trees and grandeur,
studies the surroundings.
NEIL
Don’t be lured in.
Neil presses a button for entry.
TOUSSEAU
(From the two-way speaker)
Neil. Welcome. Come in.
INT. TOUSSEAU'S MANSION - DAY
FOYER
Neil and Lilith enter to find beautiful artwork on the
walls, opulent furniture, and other luxurious decor.
LILITH
I’ve seen people draw in the periphery.
But, never anything like this.
NEIL
Temper yourself.
Neil reaches for an abstraction for her. She grabs it but
places it in a pocket.
LILITH
I’m just taking it all in.
NEIL
That’s what he wants.
A grey Enforcer steps to them one hand over his wrist.
This way.
The enforcer 17320, indistinguishable from the others,
guides them to another room.
PARLOR
17320 directs them in.
17320 (CONT’D)
He’ll be with you in a moment.
Lilith examines the room in awe.
Neil’s seen it before and searches for exits.
LILITH
Who lives like this?
NEIL
I warned you.
A ramp from another room shines in bright marble into the
parlor.
Tousseau, cordial, wheels down the ramp.
TOUSSEAU
I was hoping you’d visit. Who’s your
friend?
NEIL
This is... Lily?
LILITH
Lilith. Only my sister calls me that.
TOUSSEAU
I hope we can become acquainted enough
that I may be able to call you Lily as
well. Please sit.
Neil walks to a window, arms crossed and closed off.
Lilith makes herself comfortable.
TOUSSEAU (CONT’D)
May I get you some tea?
LILITH
I’ve never had tea before.
NEIL
Pass.
Tousseau rings a bell and a couple of servants bring a
kettle, a tray with cups, and sugar.
TOUSSEAU
Why so defensive? I’ve known you most of
your life. You could at least be cordial.
NEIL
Cut the act.
Lilith looks confused about how to ready her tea.
Tousseau pours the hot water into each cup then gently
spoons sugar into it. He glides the spoon in a stir to
show Lilith how.
Lilith copies his movement.
TOUSSEAU
Let it steep a moment.
NEIL
You know why I’m here.
TOUSSEAU
I do. Bill told me Tim has gone missing.
I’ve been concerned.
NEIL
Really.
TOUSSEAU
I have been.
NEIL
Don’t play dumb with me.
TOUSSEAU
I’m just an old man trying to live out my
days.
Tousseau reaches for his teacup then sips softly.
Lilith copies him. The sweet of the sugar hits her in a
rush of joy.
LILITH
Is that real sugar?
TOUSSEAU
Do you like it? Abstract the feeling. I
would be happy to pay for that feeling of
joy again.
LILITH
I don’t sell them.
NEIL
That’s how it starts.
TOUSSEAU
Neil. I realize you don’t trust me.
NEIL
Do you now.
TOUSSEAU
Allow me to earn your trust again.
NEIL
You already know where he is.
Tousseau smirks.
NEIL (CONT’D)
Are you the one organizing the outrage
strike too?
TOUSSEAU
What kind of person do you believe me to
be?
NEIL
Are you?
TOUSSEAU
I’ve warned Bill from the start that it’s
a dangerous move.
NEIL
What?
Lilith’s smile turns remorseful.
LILITH
He’s not lying Neil.
NEIL
Excuse me?
LILITH
He’s right. It’s been Bill’s plan all
along.
NEIL
Because he’s making him. What do you have
on Bill?
TOUSSEAU
Nothing. He asked for resources to which
I refused.
NEIL
Right. Like you’re really sitting this
one out.
TOUSSEAU
It doesn’t hurt to be informed.
NEIL
That what you call it?
TOUSSEAU
It provides me no advantage to be
involved.
NEIL
Plausible deniability. You’re just like
them.
LILITH
You are coy about it all.
TOUSSEAU
Coy?
LILITH
If you know where Tim is, just tell him.
TOUSSEAU
He’s not going to like it.
Neil’s anger boils over as he rushes toward him.
Lilith sneakily abstracts Neil’s rage by placing an
abstraction on the back of his neck. It turns amber.
Neil falls to his knees.
Lilith removes the abstraction and places it close to
Tousseau’s wrist.
TOUSSEAU (CONT’D)
Nice move.
LILITH
He’s right. What are you playing at?
17320, from out of nowhere, rushes to grab the
abstraction and destroys it. He pushes Lilith to her
seat.
TOUSSEAU
I’m sorry. He’s very protective of me.
Follow me.
Tousseau wheels toward the exit then outside.
17320 moves Neil to his feet and they follow Tousseau
outside.
Genres:
["Drama","Thriller"]
Ratings
Scene
38 -
The Garden of Deception
INT. TOUSSEAU'S MANSION, ROSE GARDEN - DAY
Tousseau leisurely wheels through the garden admiring the
roses and pruning them as he goes.
Neil’s energy comes back and he finds his balance.
17320 trails a few steps behind.
Lilith, now focused on Tousseau, ignores the beauty of it
all.
LILITH
I’m sorry.
NEIL
I was under control.
LILITH
Were you?
NEIL
You understand now?
Lilith nods.
TOUSSEAU
I’ll tell you where he is. But allow me
to indulge you in a story.
NEIL
Fine.
TOUSSEAU
Have you ever been outside of the city?
Beyond the mist?
NEIL
Nobody has.
TOUSSEAU
What if I told you there is more out
there?
LILITH
Are you talking about the Free People?
NEIL
Free people?
LILITH
It’s a myth. An old story my mom told us
when I was young.
NEIL
There’s nothing but acid rain and death
out there.
TOUSSEAU
Where do you think I got these?
Tousseau gestures to all of his roses.
TOUSSEAU (CONT’D)
The paintings inside. The trees.
NEIL
Nobody goes out there! And what’s this
have to do with Tim?
TOUSSEAU
Long before this city existed another
stood.
LILITH
We all know that. This city is all that’s
left.
TOUSSEAU
Is it?
Lilith and Neil look confused not quite ready to believe
but interested.
LILITH
They say it’s been centuries since anyone
has been outside.
TOUSSEAU
The clouds were created like a
greenhouse. But there are other ways and
places to survive.
LILITH
Are you saying there are people still out
there?
NEIL
What does this have to do with Tim?
TOUSSEAU
I offer a trade.
Neil looks to Lilith questioning.
TOUSSEAU (CONT’D)
His life for mine.
NEIL
I don’t needs yours.
LILITH
What’s out there?
TOUSSEAU
Something I need.
Tousseau grins.
Neil contemplates it.
TOUSSEAU (CONT’D)
If you want your brother, those are my
terms. I give you information and help to
find Tim. You escape beyond the city to
find an object for me.
LILITH
You can’t send him?
Lilith points to 17320.
TOUSSEAU
It must be someone who can feel raw
emotion and as you can see I can’t go
myself.
LILITH
He’s playing you Neil.
TOUSSEAU
What do you think will happen when he
synthesizes your emotions?
NEIL
How do you know about that?
Tousseau smirks.
TOUSSEAU
They don’t know how to really keep
secrets.
NEIL
You want him out of the way.
TOUSSEAU
Why? He pays me the same as you do.
NEIL
You don’t really hide things either.
TOUSSEAU
Who did you think has your brother? I can
help you get in.
NEIL
How?
TOUSSEAU
You’ll need someone to analyze the plans
to the building. And a distraction.
LILITH
Let’s go.
NEIL
Wouldn’t you do the same for Judy?
TOUSSEAU
Is it a deal?
Neil sighs and contemplates.
Lilith and Neil’s eyes connect.
NEIL
It’s a deal.
Neil and Lilith quickly exit.
Tousseau motions to 17320.
TOUSSEAU
Keep an eye on them. If he doesn’t
succeed, infiltrate and destroy the lab.
I want nothing left of it.
Affirmative.
EXT. TOUSSEAU'S MANSION - DAY
Neil and Lilith prepare to ride.
Lilith’s emotions run hot.
LILITH
I want to stick a spoon in that guy’s
eye.
NEIL
He wants me to destroy the lab.
LILITH
How do you know that?
NEIL
Experience. He knows we can’t get Tim out
unless we do.
Genres:
["Sci-Fi","Thriller","Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
39 -
Emotional Turmoil and Liberation
INT. CAFE - AFTERNOON
Bill relaxes at the counter reviewing notes.
Neil and Lilith enter with a creak of the step and ring
of the bell.
Neil rushes over to Bill and pushes him.
NEIL
When were you going to tell me?
BILL
I’m sorry.
Lilith pulls Neil back.
NEIL
Do you think this funny that I’m the last
one in on the joke?
BILL
Don’t be mad at them. Focus it here.
Neil, emotional as if betrayed, pleads.
NEIL
Why?
BILL
Look at me. Look at us.
Bill points to Neil’s leg.
BILL (CONT’D)
We’ve ruined ourselves for what?
Pleasure? Thrill?
NEIL
Tim trusted you.
BILL
I know. But we felt the risk was worth
it.
NEIL
How long?
BILL
What do you mean?
NEIL
How long have you been planning this?
BILL
Weeks.
NEIL
Weeks?
Neil’s emotions subside as he sits at a table, defeated.
BILL
It only came to us then we met them.
Bill motions to Lilith and Judy.
LILITH
Why us?
BILL
Tim got the idea that we could seed the
emotionless with Outrage when we saw you
with Judy.
JUDY
I told them it was possible.
BILL
We didn’t believe her at first. But I
went to Tousseau to deliver sunrays.
NEIL
Why does he need yours?
BILL
He hasn’t been eating well lately.
Neil and Lilith turn to each other.
BILL (CONT’D)
While I was there, he accidently placed
an abstraction on his enforcer.
BILL (CONT’D)
The thing lit up with a grin from ear to
ear. Powerful.
NEIL
“Accident”. He’s playing all of us.
BILL
Maybe. But he did offer you a chance to
get Tim back. Right?
NEIL
In exchange for something else.
LILITH
So what choice do we have?
BILL
Find Tim. Or do nothing.
NEIL
Those aren’t options. Those are suicide
pacts.
BILL
Neil. Come on.
NEIL
Oh let’s take a look Bill. Either we get
crushed by the enforcers in a strike that
will go really bad. Or we break in to a
highly secure lab to find Tim while they
kill us in the process.
JUDY
There are ways to succeed at both.
NEIL
Right. What’s your logic tell you?
JUDY
With the best information, you have a
probability of thirty-one percent of
finding Tim.
BILL
The strike?
JUDY
Unknown.
They look at each other questioning.
BILL
Do you like the odds?
NEIL
You’re all nuts.
Neil races out to his motorcycle and Lilith chases after
him.
EXT. PERIPHERY OUTSIDE THE CAFE - AFTERNOON
Neil rushes to ready his motorcycle and helmet. He
radiates with fear and anger.
LILITH
Let those feelings go.
NEIL
How?
Lilith envelopes him in an embrace.
LILITH
Take me for a ride.
EXT. CITY SCAPE - AFTERNOON
A glow of amber shades through the clouds highlighting
the wet ground below.
The motorcycle with two figures races through the city
with in a flash of an orange streak along the road.
LILITH
Faster!
Lilith arms move from Neil’s waist to a solid wrap around
his torso. Her helmet peers the road over his shoulder.
Neil shifts into high gear then slams the accelerator as
she screams with joy.
The road blurs and tunnels with the speed.
Neil slaps his helmet open to feel the mist on his
cheeks. He readies an abstraction.
Lilith places her hand over it to close it. She raises
her arms high into the air with a rush of emotion and
scream of pure thrill.
Neil smiles and takes it all in.
Genres:
["Drama","Thriller","Sci-Fi"]
Ratings
Scene
40 -
Edge of the Unknown
EXT. CITY’S EDGE - NIGHT
Clouds rush down to create a barrier. Nothing visible
through to the other side.
The road fades into the clouds with warning signs that
show eminent death.
The motorcycle speeds toward it but brakes to a stop a
few feet from the clouds.
Neil and Lilith rush off the motorcycle.
They stare at the clouds that ruffles the grass like a
curtain.
NEIL
Do you believe him?
LILITH
I don’t know.
Neil picks up a rock and tosses it through the cloud.
Nothing happens.
NEIL
What would Judy say?
LILITH
Judy-pie.
NEIL
Judy-pie?
LILITH
She’d probably calculate the odds.
Lilith reaches close to the cloud with her hand and Neil
pulls her back.
NEIL
What is wrong with you?
LILITH
Is it really a greenhouse? There doesn’t
seem to be anything stopping us.
NEIL
For a reason.
LILITH
What if?
NEIL
What?
LILITH
The bed time stories are true. Judy and I
shared a bed like most adoptees. I always
had trouble sleeping. My mom would come
in to check on us. She’d talk about this
mythical land of the free people. Where
emotion was never captured. It was only
ever to be felt and lost to time.
NEIL
Did Judy ever really understand?
LILITH
She’d place her hand on my chest to feel
my heartbeat. One day. Our mom told us a
story. And Judy felt my heart slow down
and calm. She said “And there it fades,
lost.” That’s when I knew. She was always
going to be my sister.
NEIL
I don’t care if there are free people out
there. I just need to get my brother
back.
Neil looks to the clouds.
LILITH
Can I ask you something?
NEIL
What?
LILITH
Why do you cut yourself when you
abstract?
Neil looks to the his leg and rubs his fingers over the
bandages.
NEIL
It changes the purity.
LILITH
That’s not a why.
NEIL
Cause it’s only something I can feel.
LILITH
What do you think your brother is feeling
right now? Or all those people who are
missing? Our friends in the periphery?
What about their scars?
Genres:
["Sci-Fi","Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
41 -
Calculating Sacrifices
INT. CAFE - DAY
Judy ferociously types at the computer. She analyzes
building schematics of 49679’s offices.
Neil and Lilith sleep back to back into a booth.
Bill knocks at the door.
The noise awakens Lilith and she quickly answers it and
lets Bill in.
BILL
Good morning.
NEIL
Fuck you Bill.
BILL
Nice to see you too. So, what’s the news?
LILITH
She’s been at it all night. Hacking.
Analyzing.
JUDY
I can hear you.
LILITH
Did you sleep at all?
JUDY
I rested.
Judy stops and wheels to the middle of the cafe.
LILITH
So?
JUDY
There’s a growing probability for
success.
NEIL
And?
JUDY
It may require some sacrifices.
BILL
What kind of sacrifices?
JUDY
Seventeen percent may not survive.
NEIL
Don’t talk about us in metrics.
JUDY
There are alternatives with a lower
probability of success with fewer
casualties. But the outcome will never be
zero.
NEIL
Just lay it on us.
JUDY
Why would an emotionless society care
that your kind go on strike?
NEIL
Because we have what they need. Right?
JUDY
You can deny them services. Yes. But for
how long? When does someone turn or give
in to the pressure and relent to them?
BILL
I thought Outrage abstractions would turn
them.
JUDY
In order to turn them, they need to
react.
LILITH
And they won’t act on emotion.
JUDY
The only way to have them react is
through violence. We register injury and
sense pain and they will defend
themselves if necessary.
NEIL
You’re saying we have to throw the first
punch.
JUDY
It means some of you may have to act
against your nature.
NEIL
But how do we win this?
JUDY
Unpredictability. People willing to
support you.
Genres:
["Drama","Sci-Fi","Thriller"]
Ratings
Scene
42 -
Mobilizing the Movement
EXT. PERIPHERY - DAY AND NIGHT
MONTAGE
Bill, Neil, and Lilith each go door to door seeking
support. Some close the door in their faces as others
listen.
Bill speaks with Nadia.
BILL
We have a plan to get them out. But we
need help.
Nadia joins them going door to door.
Neil speaks to a group at the homeless shelter while
showing a picture of Daniel to them. He rallies a small
group.
Lilith hosts guest at the cafe demonstrating a bright
yellow abstraction onto Judy.
Supporters grow.
Many make protest signs.
Feelers cancel orders on data pads.
Neil watches the periphery change and ready for the
strike.
Grey enforcers watch but do not react.
END MONTAGE
EXT. PERIPHERY - DAY
A large gathering of people march to the edge of the
periphery. Many carry signs of protest reflective of
their feeler sentiments.
Bill leads the group. Nothing is said between them, no
chants, many stark determined faces, and many scared
fearful ones.
INTERCUT
Genres:
["Drama","Sci-Fi","Thriller"]
Ratings
Scene
43 -
Tension at the Perimeter
INT. LARGE OFFICE - SAME TIME
49679 monitors the progress with updates to his program
on his data pad.
An update hits his data pad with a ping.
49679 snaps his fingers and two enforcers step to his
side.
They’re assembling. Gather your teams and
contain the situation. Do not engage.
Bill turns the group and yells at the top of his lungs.
BILL
We must not give into them! We must stay
united! I know many of us are scared!
Capture it! Use it!
49679 reviews the protest on his data pad. He snaps his
fingers again.
Bring that one to me.
A large group of grey enforcers march toward the
protestors. They’re emotionless and menacing all at once.
They form a line like a barrier in front of the
periphery.
There are no weapons in this fight. No guns. No
nightsticks. Just fists and brawn.
ENFORCER 1
Perimeter established.
END INTERCUT
Genres:
["Drama","Sci-Fi","Thriller"]
Ratings
Scene
44 -
Commitment in the Shadows
EXT. BACK ALLEY OF THE APARTMENTS - CONTINUOUS
Away from the protestors, Neil and Lilith gather a small
group of twenty people.
NEIL
Is she right?
LILITH
I trust her.
This group, made of people from the homeless shelter, has
weapons with sticks cut from the trees. Metal rods pulled
from balconies. Gas barrels closed with rags attached to
the cap.
Neil looks back to the group. He hesitates to move.
LILITH (CONT’D)
It’s the only way.
NEIL
I know.
Neil closes his eyes. After a few deep breathes, he looks
each of them over with a caring glance.
NEIL (CONT’D)
This is dangerous for all of you. Daniel
was our friend. He was one of us. I am
asking you to be in harms way. So we can
get our friends. Our family out. But it
may cost us. Maybe even with our lives.
He turns to Lilith then back to the group.
NEIL (CONT’D)
You don’t have to do this.
MALE VOICE
I’d rather die with my dignity than live
in fear.
Neil nods in agreement.
LILITH
I’m not doing this for you.
Neil rolls the barrel down the road away from the
protestor.
They all follow and do the same.
Genres:
["Drama","Action","Thriller"]
Ratings
Scene
45 -
Unleashed Chaos
INT. LUXURIOUS BUILDING, FOYER - DAY
A gas barrel crashes through the glass and explodes
rattling the building.
The group smashes the remaining glass and storm into the
foyer.
The grey enforcer jumps to fight but is overwhelmed by
the onslaught of the group. He dies beaten.
Neil and Lilith overlook the carnage they’ve brought on.
LILITH
There’s no going back.
NEIL
Get them to follow you back.
LILITH
You need to get his earpiece.
Neil looks down on the dead enforcer. He quickly
retrieves an earpiece from the enforcer and place it in.
EXT. CITY SCAPE - DAY
The group smashes windows and transports.
Most greys watch silent until the group hits one with a
rod.
They react, registering the potential for injury, stoic
but rushed.
Grey enforcers rush out of the building to give chase.
BACK TO:
Genres:
["Action","Drama","Thriller"]
Ratings
Scene
46 -
High-Stakes Coordination
INT. LUXURIOUS BUILDING FOYER - DAY
Neil and Lilith hide waiting for the building to clear.
An elevator pings open.
Neil taps his ear piece.
NEIL
What now?
INT. CAFE - SAME TIME
JUDY
Place a barrel in the elevator.
Neil and Lilith speed to push a barrel in. It barely
fits.
NEIL
Light it?
JUDY
Not yet.
NEIL
How do we get up there?
JUDY
Stairs.
NEIL
That’s a hundred floors up.
JUDY
I know.
END INTERCUT
Genres:
["Action","Thriller","Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
47 -
Harnessing Fear and Defiance
EXT. PERIPHERY - CONTINUOUS
The large group of protestors hear the sound of the
explosion in the distance. Some are rattled and become
fearful.
The line of enforcers doesn’t even flinch.
Bill motions for them to harvest the fear with an
abstraction by applying one himself.
BILL
They don’t know how it feels.
Bill’s abstraction turns a deep dark brown. As do many of
the protestor’s abstractions.
BILL (CONT’D)
Stay with me.
Bill falls to a knee, almost faint. He removes the
abstraction and holds it ready.
Many of the protestors become faint from the abstraction.
Others hold them in place for support.
PROTESTOR #1
Now?
BILL
Not yet. Ready the outrage. Hit them with
every emotion we have.
Protestor #1 helps Bill to his feet.
Nadia removes a bright amber abstraction. She silently
raises it clutched in her fist, defiant, and turns to the
enforcer line.
Bill stands defiant in front of an enforcer. The enforcer
pushes him back a few feet with ease.
ENFORCER 2
Stand back.
PROTESTOR #1
Now?
BILL
Not yet.
BACK TO:
INT. LUXURIOUS BUILDING STAIRS - CONTINUOUS
Neil and Lilith reach the ninth floor of the stairwell.
INTERCUT
Genres:
["Dystopian","Action","Thriller"]
Ratings
Scene
48 -
Tension in the Pursuit
INT. LARGE OFFICE - SAME TIME
49679 analyzes a series of screens. He assesses the
damage to the foyer. Searches for heat signatures in the
elevators. The second group of protestors running from
the building.
He applies a Synthetic Curiosity abstraction.
49679 readies another monitor to search the stairwells.
The screen flickers and fade.
With a tilt of his head, he assesses the screens.
Tricky.
49679 ferociously types on his data pad with impeccable
precision.
NEIL
How much further?
JUDY
(By earpiece)
Not mu-
The earpiece goes dead.
LILITH
Where is it?
NEIL
She didn’t say.
They hear the sound of an enforcer pounding the steps
down through the stairwell. Another enforcer’s steps slam
upward.
NEIL (CONT’D)
Judy? Judy?!
LILITH
They’re coming.
Neil and Lilith rush the stairs to the closest exit.
Capture them.
END INTERCUT
INT. CAFE - SAME TIME
Judy speeds to the window and knocks three times.
Protestor #3 sees her then runs toward the main group.
Judy returns to her pad to regain her connection.
CUT TO:
Genres:
["Dystopian","Action","Thriller"]
Ratings
Scene
49 -
Chaos at the Enforcer Line
EXT. PERIPHERY - DAY
The second group races toward the enforcer line chased by
other enforcers. They slam into the line with their
weapons hitting any enforcer they can.
The enforcers retaliate brutally.
BILL
Now!
The main group push forward into the line.
The enforcers punch and kick at anything near them.
Bill bull rushes an enforcer and applies an outrage
abstraction to its wrist then gets slammed in the face
with a punch.
The enforcer pauses and a concerned expression radiates
from his face. Protestors watch surprised. The enforcer
pushes back at other enforcers attempting to beat Bill
down. It lasts a few moments until his expression goes
blank.
The enforcer’s vigor to fight changes, almost unwilling.
It blocks and defends itself, nothing more.
The fight continues into a full blown riot as many are
beaten down by enforcers that swat at the abstractions so
they can’t be applied.
The cycle continues as others find ways to apply
abstractions to enforcers. Outrage, Love, Envy, and
curiosity send enforcer on different tangents but most
return to the fight after a few moments.
The protestors are losing badly.
BACK TO:
Genres:
["Action","Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
50 -
Desperate Escape
INT. LUXURIOUS BUILDING, EMPTY FLOOR - DAY
Neil and Lilith run out of the stairwell onto an empty
floor. Each enforcer finds another entry and stride
toward them.
Neil removes his bag and pulls out a metal striker. He
readies for a fight then looks over to Lilith clutching
his shoulder.
NEIL
Can you climb?
LILITH
Can I what?
NEIL
Climb.
Neil uses the striker to smash the window.
The tempered glass shatters into a thousand pieces and a
rush of wind blows through.
Neil wraps a rope around her waist then ties it around
his shoulders.
LILITH
I can’t do this.
NEIL
If you can throw flour bags, you can do
this.
Neil reaches for her hand.
NEIL (CONT’D)
Trust me.
They step onto the broken window’s edge.
Genres:
["Action","Thriller"]
Ratings
Scene
51 -
Precarious Ascent
EXT. LUXURIOUS BUILDING, FACADE - DAY
Neil stretches his foot along a ledge. Lilith follows and
pushes Neil forward as an enforcer reaches out for her
and nearly grips.
LILITH
Will they follow?
NEIL
Not likely.
The enforcer stares at them blankly but doesn’t press
out.
LILITH
What now?
NEIL
Step where I step. Three points of
contact at all times.
LILITH
Three points?
Neil slaps his legs and one arm holding onto the
building. He uses this free hand to break holds into the
concrete with the metal striker.
NEIL
Don’t move unless you’re sure.
LILITH
I can’t do this all the way up.
NEIL
I know. We’ll figure it out.
Genres:
["Action","Thriller"]
Ratings
Scene
52 -
Climbing the Walls of Despair
INT. LARGE OFFICE - DAY
49679 types away at the data pad preventing access. He
searches the screens to find his enforcers staring out
windows.
They’re outside the building.
49679 examines footage of the lab and footage of the
captives. He applies another Synthetic Curiosity
Abstraction. With a head tilt, his eyes filter between
the two screens.
49679 (CONT’D)
Protect the lab.
49679 sees the enforcers taking control of the
protestors. He changes the frequency with a tap of his
ear piece.
49679 (CONT’D)
Harvest from the dying. I’ll protect the
inventory from the intruders.
EXT. LUXURIOUS BUILDING, FACADE - DAY
Neil and Lilith slowly progress up the building. Neil’s
earpiece crackles back to life.
INTERCUT
INT. CAFE - DAY
Judy types away at the data pad.
JUDY
Neil?
NEIL
She’s back.
JUDY
He’s moving.
NEIL
Where?
JUDY
It’s a series of rooms.
NEIL
Prison cells.
JUDY
They could be defined as such.
NEIL
Where are they?
JUDY
Where are you? I don’t register you in
the building.
NEIL
Cause I’m not IN the building.
JUDY
Where’s my sister?
NEIL
She’s here.
Lilith looks up at Neil exhausted.
NEIL (CONT’D)
We’re climbing the outside.
JUDY
I’m going to run a series of lights along
the floors. Tell me when you see them.
They wait a few moments until a light flashes next to
them.
NEIL
Now.
The lights roll back to their location.
JUDY
Are they above or below you?
NEIL
One floor above.
JUDY
That floor is vacant. Can you find a way
back in?
Neil looks to his metal striker that shows signs of
damage.
NEIL
I think we can manage. What’s it look
like over there?
JUDY
Sixty eight percent have retreated to
safety. Enforcers are collecting a black
abstraction from those left on the
ground. Half are presumed dead.
NEIL
Sixteen percent. And Bill?
JUDY
I don’t register him standing.
Neil presses his head against the wall, disheartened.
LILITH
What’s going on?
NEIL
We’re going back in.
Genres:
["Sci-Fi","Thriller"]
Ratings
Scene
53 -
Defiance Amidst Chaos
EXT. PERIPHERY - DAY
Once colorful, the periphery is soaked in blood. Protest
signs a mess strewn along the edges. Many lay beaten.
Others taking their final breath.
Enforcers examine the dying and apply abstractions to
collect the moment.
Nurses assist those the enforcers leave behind breathing
and pull them to safety and care.
Bill, pummeled but alive, crawls along the floor. He sits
enough to take an overview of the scene.
Enforcers also lay dead among the protestors. Other’s
seem to be malfunctioning, eyes wide as if scared.
Bill observes the dark brown abstraction on these
enforcers.
BILL
It’s fear that sticks.
Bill finds an unused deep dark brown abstraction. He sees
Nadia, dead, with a black abstraction ready to harvest.
An enforcer grabs Bill by the ankle and pulls him with
ease.
Bill wrestles with the enforcer and applies the deep dark
brown abstraction to it.
The enforcer caves crumbling into a scared mess.
Bill crawls over to Nadia and brushes her hair around her
ear.
BILL (CONT’D)
I’m sorry.
Bill, curious, removes the black abstraction from her to
examine it.
Another enforcer smacks him and tries to take the
abstraction. Bill squeezes on the enforces wrist applying
the black abstraction onto it.
The enforcer immediately convulses then cycles through
different emotions until he dies.
BILL (CONT’D)
That’s it.
Bill retrieves several black abstractions collected by
the enforcer.
BILL (CONT’D)
Each one of these was a life.
Bill kicks the dead enforcer.
Enforcers close in on Bill.
Bill stands and readies a black abstraction.
They stop in their tracks noticing the dead enforcer with
a black abstraction. Each reviews the black abstractions
they’ve collected to realize the threat and toss them
aside.
Bill approaches close to one.
The enforcer creeps back.
Bill pulls in faster.
The enforcer escapes, self-preserving.
Bill turns to all of them, beaten but defiant.
Genres:
["Drama","Action","Sci-Fi"]
Ratings
Scene
54 -
Separation Under Duress
INT. LUXURIOUS BUILDING, EMPTY FLOOR - DAY
The window shatters with the tempered glass falling
everywhere.
Lilith peeks around the edge and sleeks to the floor,
careful.
Neil follows her in.
NEIL
Where are we?
INTERCUT
INT. CAFE - SAME TIME
Judy examines her data pad.
JUDY
You’re on the forty fifth floor. It’s six
floors above you.
NEIL
Is Tim there?
JUDY
Each is registered as a number. I do not
have enough data to determine it.
Bill rushes in the cafe almost breaking the door with his
size.
NEIL
Judy?
Judy registers his injuries and acknowledges his
presence.
BILL
He’s gotta find a black abstraction.
NEIL
What’s he saying?
Bill catches his breath from the excitement and shows
Judy a large collection of black “Death” abstractions.
JUDY
The abstraction from death.
BILL
They completely shut down and die.
JUDY
If you apply a black abstraction to the
emotionless, they’ll expire.
NEIL
You mean die.
JUDY
Affirmative.
Judy has a micro-expression of intense fear that Bill
notices.
Bill looks fascinated but careful and tender toward Judy.
BILL
I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to scare you.
JUDY
You need to separate now.
NEIL
No. I’m not leaving her.
JUDY
For this to succeed, you must.
Lilith, recovering from the climb, questions Neil with a
look.
NEIL
She wants us to separate.
LILITH
Give me the ear piece.
Neil removes the earpiece and hands it over.
LILITH (CONT’D)
What are you talking about? Yes. I
understand.
Lilith pulls the ear piece out and smashes it.
NEIL
What are you doing?
LILITH
We can get more done apart. Take the
stairs. She’ll guide you with the lights.
NEIL
What about you?
Lilith races to the elevator when it opens she finds the
barrel still inside.
LILITH
I’m making sure you get out.
Lilith kisses him then pushes him back as the doors
close.
Neil pries at the elevator doors when he hears it rise.
They don’t budge. He slides the metal striker between
them. The tip breaks when Neil twists it.
Neil races to the stairwell.
INT. LUXURIOUS BUILDING, STAIRS - CONTINUOUS
The stairwell is nearly pitch black with a single light
on a few floors above.
Neil pauses to think. After a beat, he cautiously steps
to the lit floor. Neil examines the metal striker’s
broken tip.
Neil hears the muffled sounds of a person getting beaten.
Genres:
["Action","Thriller","Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
55 -
Desperate Connections
INT. EVALUATION ROOM - DAY
49679 pounds on Tim relentlessly. He’s ruthless, callous,
and unforgiving but calm like leisurely walking.
Blood splatters onto 49679’s face. He reaches for a towel
and pats it off like sweat from a workout.
Our data predicts you might feel hope.
Fear. Several at once. What is it you
feel?
TIM
Guess.
Tim crawls to the window. He rises to find Rachael
watching. Tim places his hands on the glass and Rachael
matches his.
Love?
49679 pulls Tim around and beats him harder. His eyes
connect and remain locked but blank with Rachael in his
sights.
Tim falls to the ground, near death.
49679 readies an abstraction and applies it to Tim.
Neil slams through the door and tackles 49679. He punches
wildly striking blows.
49679, reactionless, pushes Neil off and defends himself
using different fighting techniques.
For every swing Neil makes, 49679 counters.
Genres:
["Drama","Action","Thriller"]
Ratings
Scene
56 -
Chaos and Reunion
INT. LARGE OFFICE - SAME TIME
The elevator opens Lilith finds enforcers guarding the
lab below.
Lilith kicks the oil barrel into the office.
Enforcers react defensively to avoid contact as the
barrel rolls through spilling onto the carpet. It breaks
through a glass double door.
Lilith lights the spill and flames follow the barrel.
The elevator doors close.
INT. PRODUCTION FLOOR PLATFORM - CONTINUOUS
The barrel slams through the glass double doors off the
platform and onto the production floor.
A large explosion rocks the entire floor in destruction.
INT. ELEVATOR - DAY
Lilith closes her eyes as the explosion rocks the
building. Her feet leave the floor as she becomes
weightless when the elevator falls.
INT. EVALUATION ROOM - SAME TIME
The large explosion shakes the building.
49679 stops beating on Neil. He quickly analyzes the data
to realize the lab has been destroyed.
NEIL
You should be angry.
I can build another.
49679 pulls Neil from the room and throws him into
another.
49679 (CONT’D)
If there was an emotion to be felt, it
would be gratitude. I can advocate for
your... replacement. And have you watch
as I abstract her death.
49679 gently closes the door behind him.
INT. EVALUATION ROOM #2 - DAY
Neil grabs at the door handle. Locked from the outside.
He punches at it with the metal striker. It’s too dull to
puncture the glass.
Neil turns to the glass looking into the next room.
Tim lies motionless.
NEIL
TIM!
He pounds on the glass.
NEIL (CONT’D)
TIM!
The emotions hits him heavy with tears and anger.
The door opens.
Lilith’s loving and concerned eyes greet him with warmth.
Neil races to hug her.
NEIL (CONT’D)
I thought-
LILITH
The elevator just stopped as it was
falling.
NEIL
Judy?
LILITH
I don’t know.
Neil races to the other evaluation room pulling Lilith
with him.
Genres:
["Action","Thriller","Sci-Fi"]
Ratings
Scene
57 -
A Farewell in Shadows
INT. EVALUATION ROOM - CONTINUOUS
Neil rushes in to check on Tim.
Tim is near death as the abstraction turns black.
TIM
I knew you’d come.
Neil holds Tim in his arms as Tim smiles, tears, and
dies. The emotion bursts from Neil.
Lilith comforts Neil with her touch. Her eyes move for
the black abstraction on Tim’s arm. She reaches for it.
Neil stops her and secures it himself. He gently sets Tim
down and stands. Neil views through the glass on each
side to find a series of faces staring back at him.
LILITH
Let’s get them home.
NEIL
Don’t come back for me.
LILITH
What are you talking about?
NEIL
Get these people out.
LILITH
We can make it out.
NEIL
But when does it end?
INT. GUARD’S STATION - DAY
A simple desk and screen monitor the evaluation rooms.
49679 watches calmly from it’s vantage point with a
yellow synthetic abstraction on his arm.
Neil and Lilith races through the hallways releasing all
the captives.
INT. HALLWAY - SAME TIME
NEIL
Go.
LILITH
Neil?
NEIL
Please.
Lilith kisses him but is slow to release.
LILITH
Make it out.
Lilith guides the captives to a stairwell.
Genres:
["Drama","Action","Thriller"]
Ratings
Scene
58 -
The Fall of 49679
INT. GUARD'S STATION - AFTERNOON
Neil cautiously approaches from the evaluation rooms and
peers to the edge.
49679 stands waiting for him in an open space in front of
the desk. He points to the synthetic yellow abstraction.
I was curious.
Neil sneers at him.
49679 (CONT’D)
Why do you continue?
NEIL
You haven’t calculated it?
You have less than a one percent chance
of stopping me.
NEIL
So you’re saying there’s a chance.
49679 tilts his head.
I see the vigor in your eyes. What
emotion are you feeling?
NEIL
Several. But mostly rage.
Neil readies an abstraction and applies it.
What will it pull? Anger? Outrage? Fear?
Neil circles 49679.
49679 observes curious and analytical.
NEIL
You’re not going stop us from leaving?
I will collect them again.
The abstraction on Neil’s arm turns a bright amber. Neil
removes it into a container then palms the black
abstraction.
NEIL
Want to try it?
49679 curiously contemplates.
Outrage? The only outrage I might feel
would be for your disruption of my work.
It would be fleeting.
Neil charges to tackle 49679.
49679 defends by knocking Neil’s hand first and tossing
him to the ground a few feet away.
The abstraction flies across the room.
49679 attacks relentless and emotionless. He pounds Neil
ferociously.
Neil counters with a punch to the face.
49679 (CONT’D)
Is that desperation? Interesting.
49679 gains control and pushes Neil to a wall. He lifts
Neil with one hand to his throat.
Neil chokes, feet dangling.
49679 stares blankly at Neil. Their eyes connected. He
reaches for an abstraction then like a light switch he
drops Neil.
49679’s eyes change fearful. He turns to see Lilith has
applied a black abstraction to him.
49679 (CONT’D)
Irrational.
Neil coughs and finds his balance.
NEIL
That one’s fear.
49679 turns to face Neil, eyes wide then teary.
NEIL (CONT’D)
That one’s sadness. Your life is coming
to an end.
49679 brows furrow into rage.
NEIL (CONT’D)
Be careful, that one is rage. Anger of a
one percent chance.
49679 convulses and falls to a knee. He looks up at Neil
with a brother’s love.
NEIL (CONT’D)
You don’t get to keep that one.
49679’s breathing shallows as he falls blankly to the
floor eyes open. His pupils dilate pitch black and he
dies.
Lilith and Neil stand over 49679 exhausted but
victorious.
FADE TO:
Genres:
["Action","Thriller","Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
59 -
Memorials and Manipulations
EXT. PERIPHERY - DAYS LATER
The periphery is returning to life. The posters that once
acknowledged the missing now shine remembering the
fallen. Flowers and color surround the memorials.
Teresa and Rachael place red roses at a memorial for
Nadia with Bill comforting them in their loss.
A fancy transport with dark tinted windows rolls through
to the cafe.
Lilith watches Neil exit from the cafe.
The window lowers to reveal Tousseau as he whispers into
Neil’s ear. He finds Lilith watching and tilts his cap
politely as if saying hello.
Neil looks to her with a half smile. He looks back to
Tousseau to notice a red rose boutonniere. The enforcer
closes a door to reveal a tattoo “17320”.
Shocked Neil looks at Rachael with a rose in her hand.
NEIL’S MEMORY
The rose on Rachael’s desk.
Tousseau cultivating roses in his garden.
The enforcer 17320 on the rooftop.
The enforcer 17320 closing the door for Tousseau.
The dark brown abstraction that Tim sold.
TIM (V.O.)
I sold it to Tousseau. He wanted it for
research.
The abstraction harvested from Neil on the rooftop.
Mila holding her hand over the abstractions.
MILA (V.O.)
Desperate enough to take a job?
Nadia’s bright blue eyes.
NADIA (V.O.)
He said someone would come to help me.
The transport silently rolls away.
Neil races over to Rachael.
NEIL
You knew this whole time.
BILL
Hey easy. She lost a sister.
NEIL
He fucking played us.
BILL
Who?
NEIL
Who do you think?
RACHAEL
I’m sorry. I didn’t know.
Rachael places her hand on Nadia’s memorial then
shamefully walks away with Teresa.
BILL
We all didn’t.
NEIL
He manipulated everyone.
Genres:
["Drama","Thriller"]
Ratings
Scene
60 -
A Bittersweet Farewell
INT. CAFE - DAY
LILITH
You’re still going to go?
NEIL
I have to. He’s made assurances that were
for the periphery.
LILITH
What kind of assurances.
Neil slides his fingers around Lilith’s ear moving her
hair over it.
NEIL
I’m not doing this for him.
LILITH
I don’t trust him.
NEIL
I have the advantage. To do all this,
he’s desperate.
Lilith relents but cautiously.
LILITH
Still.
NEIL
This is how we even the scoreboard.
Judy relaxes at her booth focused on her data pad.
Neil approaches her slowly.
NEIL (CONT’D)
May I sit?
Judy looks to Lilith.
NEIL (CONT’D)
I take that as a yes.
Neil falls into the booth.
Judy closes her data pad for his full attention.
NEIL (CONT’D)
How did you know?
JUDY
You needed to be what he couldn’t expect.
Neil, curious, reaches for an abstraction but stops.
NEIL
And what was that?
JUDY
Emotional.
Neil nods in agreement.
NEIL
I have to leave for a while.
JUDY
I know.
NEIL
I owe you and Lily so much.
Lilith holds his hand.
NEIL (CONT’D)
Take care of them for me.
JUDY
I will.
Judy slides her hand forward to touch Neil’s hand.
He looks down at it surprised then back to Judy. A single
tear runs down her cheek.
Neil, fully enthralled, looks to Lilith.
Neil turns Judy’s hand over to reveal a number on her
wrist “31415”.
NEIL
Judy-Pi.
EXT. CITY'S EDGE - AFTERNOON
Neil rides his motorcycle to the edge of the city. The
cloud drifts down the ground.
Neil slaps open the mask to let the mist crash upon his
cheeks. He takes slow deliberate breaths with a close of
his eyes.
Neil, eyes open, presses his hand into the cloud. Nothing
happens. He pulls it back to look. Neil looks back to the
city then forward into the cloud. He rides through it.
THE END.