thequality.com/flics/10weeks/stage5/
ten weeks in the head bin
by Michael Ledwidge
February 1998
"The empires of the future are the empires of the mind”
Winston S. Churchill
1. EXT. BUSH – DAY -
The burning wreckage of heavy logging equipment has transformed dense
bush into hell. Someone has been playing with explosives.
‘Love Life, Hate State’ is graffitied on a chain-saw contraption.
BLAKE, a rough and ready sixteen-year old girl, is running madly
through the trees.
A DOG, equipped with a wrap-around visor for eyes, chases after her.
A gunshot rings out.
|
STATE TROOPER
|
(O.S. through a loudspeaker)
Come out into the open and put your hands in the air.
|
Through the trees, we see several uniformed and helmeted STATE
TROOPERS pointing their guns at a group of unkempt ECO-ACTIVISTS.
The dog sees the world in infra-red. It leaps at Blake.
The dog rips into her jacket arm, Blake squirts its face with a
spray-can. The dog gags on the paint.
Blake runs off towards nearby burning wreckage.
The dog wipes its visor clean with a paw and bounds after her.
The dog sees the surroundings glowing with heat. Blake hurdles some
wreckage and disappears from view.
|
STATE TROOPER
|
(O.S. through a loudspeaker)
Nobody move.
|
|
ECO-ACTIVIST
|
(O.S.)
They’re gonna kill us! Run!
|
Blake looks around desperately, shielding her face from the intense
heat. It’s either run or hide. The flames crackle merrily.
We hear gunshots and screams as the troopers fire on the eco-
activists.
CHOICE: BLADE DOG
GOTO 2
CUT TO:
2. EXT. BUSH – DAY -
Blake spots a hiding place underneath a wrecked vehicle. She crawls
into it. She looks up anxiously as the undercarriage creaks. She
breathes in sharply as the dog’s feet come into view.
The dog’s infra-red view of the world is disrupted by a wall of heat
from the flames. Blake is nowhere to be seen.
The dog sniffs around for Blake, moving ever closer to her hiding
place.
Blake frantically tries to extinguish flames licking at her clothing.
She makes a sound and looks petrified that the dog might hear her.
The dog looks up suddenly and scans the wreckage, its nose sniffing
the air. We hear a high pitched whistle.
Blake watches the dog’s feet disappear.
CHOICE: BLAKE
GOTO 5
CUT TO:
3. EXT. BUSH – DAY -
The burning wreckage reflects off the dog’s visor.
From the dog’s view we see Blake pause. We speed up, bounding towards
her.
Blake spots a hiding place underneath a wrecked vehicle.
|
STATE TROOPER
|
(O.S. through a loudspeaker)
Keep looking. There’s more around.
|
From the dog’s view, we leap at Blake. She turns towards us.
Blake tries to run but it’s too late. The dog attacks. She gets
bitten.
She punches the dog’s visor. It cracks.
We see the dog’s vision distorting wildly as Blake limps away. We
hear the troopers shooting in the distance.
CHOICE: BLAKE
GOTO 5
CUT TO:
4. INT. BLADE’S SPACE – DAY -
We move towards a framed family portrait floating in Blade’s space. A
virtual memory timestamp is briefly superimposed on our view.
“VMem: AB57.4300.A01C.637B
|
170423 14:23:32 BLADE.KERELA.BARGO.HOME.AU
|
|
CONNECTED AT 1.4Gig”
|
A finger reaches out and points at Blake. The photo is replaced with
her State file.
|
SYSTEM
|
(O.S.)
Subject is Blake Parkinson. Login: blake. Requested summary follows… Current age: sixteen. State record: no convictions. Earlier this year she received disciplinary action this year for hacking into her high school network. She is classed as a gifted programmer, though undisciplined and unruly in the face of authority. Blake is highly intelligent and will be desirable for mature age recruitment.
|
The EXPLORE icon appears on entering any of the five explorable
spaces (see Explorer document). The user can switch to explorer mode,
causing additional icons to appear. The narrative path will be
suspended as long as the user is active within the space. After a
given period of inactivity the next scene in the path commences.
CHOICE: CHOICE
GOTO 5
CUT TO:
5. EXT. AERIAL VIEW – DAY -
We look down on the bush encrouched on all sides by unending urban
sprawl. The fire-damaged sections appear as blotches on the foliage.
The Department of the Environment and Network Resources (DENR) logo –
a tree whose roots blend into integrated circuitry – is marked
clearly on the side of a bug-like transport vehicle cruising above
the bush.
It speeds away towards the Sydney city skyline in the distance.
We zoom down along the edge of the bush into the urban sprawl.
CHOICE: DENR_LOGO
GOTO 7
CUT TO:
6. INT. SIM’S SPACE - DAY
We move towards a window in Sim’s space, a void filled with icons and
giant windows dedicated to library-style research and data mining. A
virtual memory timestamp is briefly superimposed on our view.
“VMem: 44FF.54FF.0001.3256
|
170423 14:23:32 SIM.DENR.GOV.AU
|
|
CONNECTED AT 5.7Gig”
|
A video post-it note stuck on the window is displaying timestamped
news footage of a ceremony in the year 2000.
Onscreen, the Chief stands before a man in ceromonial garb.
|
COMMENTATOR
|
(O.S.)
Next, we have the Chief of the Environment and Network Resources…
|
The Chief receives a medallion.
|
COMMENTATOR
|
(O.S.)
Being awarded the Order of Australia for outstanding service to the country. His invention, the mind-machine interface, has become the standard in virtual hardware. We now know it simply as the rig.
|
The Chief looks smug.
GOTO 7
CUT TO:
7. EXT. BARGO MAIN STREET – DAY -
The front of a traditional convenience store is being demolished by a
giant vehicle.
On a sign we see an artist’s impression of the redevelopment, a
multi-storied cube. The Bargo Civic Centre.
Blake roller-blades down the street past more noisy construction
sites.
She is filthy, at odds with the sterile surroundings.
|
BLAKE
|
(to herself)
Welcome to Legoland.
|
Several vehicles swerve past Blake, honking at her. She determinedly
pumps her way down the street.
GOTO 8
CUT TO:
8. INT. KITCHEN – DAY -
MUM and DAD are at the table watching a current affairs interview
over dinner. Mum looks domestic. Dad is an imposing bearded
professor.
Life-sized holographic images of THE CHIEF, a silver-haired gentleman
and a lady reporter, LANA, sit in front of the table. The Chief is
being interviewed. A channel logo hangs in the air behind them.
|
LANA
|
|
Sir, you haven’t let me finish.
|
|
CHIEF
|
(happily)
Go ahead Lana. Please.
|
Lana breathes in heavily. Risky career move here.
|
LANA
|
|
There is widespread concern over rumours that your department is using State prisoners for certain online experiments. Chief, does the DENR have plans to develop a mental containment facility?
|
Dad chokes on his dinner.
Blake walks through the holographic projection and sits down.
|
BLAKE
|
|
Sorry, I got caught up in the…
|
The Chief smiles benevolently at Lana.
|
CHIEF
|
|
Mental containment? That’s a bit of a mouthful. Perhaps you could clarify what you mean?
|
|
DAD
|
(with his mouth full)
Watch him worm his way out of this one.
|
Lana hesitates. She is losing her nerve.
The Chief gives her a patronising smile.
|
LANA
|
|
I’m referring to Dixon’s theory of mental containment, first published in 2012. He describes how one might export mental processes out of the human brain, and feed them directly into a computer system.
|
|
CHIEF
|
|
Sounds like sci-fi Lana.
|
Blake scowls at the Chief.
|
LANA
|
|
Dixon’s research suggests that this may be possible with today’s hardware. Are you saying that it isn’t Chief?
|
|
CHIEF
|
|
Yup. That’s what I’m saying.
|
|
DAD
|
(to Mum)
He’s not saying anything. What’s he hiding?
|
|
MUM
|
|
You’re so paranoid. Too much media!
|
Mum gestures, the holograms dissolve. The room brightens.
|
MUM
|
(to Blake)
What happened to you?
|
|
BLAKE
|
|
It’s nothing. Just a bad fall…
|
Dad looks across at Blade’s dishevelled appearance and makes a good
fatherly hunch.
|
DAD
|
|
You were snooping around that logging protest weren’t you? I told you to keep away from those troublemakers…
|
|
BLAKE
|
|
I wasn’t there. I was…
|
|
DAD
|
(yelling at Blake)
Don’t even think about lying to me Miss!
|
Blake stands up.
|
BLAKE
|
(to Dad)
You don’t care that he’s killing people, do you?
|
Blake storms out, slamming the door behind her.
CHOICE: MUM DAD
GOTO 11
CUT TO:
9. INT. BLADE’S SPACE - DAY
We move towards a framed family portrait floating in Blade’s space.
A virtual memory timestamp is briefly superimposed on our view.
“VMem: A3F2.32EE.1241.315A
|
170423 14:23:32 BLADE.KERELA.BARGO.HOME.AU
|
|
CONNECTED AT 1.4Gig”
|
FRANC’s finger reaches out and points at Mum. The photo is replaced
with her State file. Mum’s avatar photo is left blank (“NO AVATAR”).
|
SYSTEM
|
(O.S.)
Subject is Margaret Parkinson. Login: mum. Requested summary follows… Born and bred Bargo, New South Wales. Married for fifteen years. Current interests: cooking. Computer literacy: nil. State record: No arrests or convictions.
|
CD pops his head into the frame.
|
CD
|
(to viewer)
Hey! What’s the story?! You got nothing better to do buddy? Access denied!
|
He whisks the file away.
SEEN_MUM_FILE = TRUE
COND: SEEN_DAD_FILE
CHOICE: DAD
GOTO 11
CUT TO:
10. INT. BLADE’S SPACE - DAY
We move towards a framed family portrait floating in Blade’s space.
A virtual memory timestamp is briefly superimposed on our view.
“VMem: A3F2.32EE.1241.315A
|
170423 14:45:32 BLADE.KERELA.BARGO.HOME.AU
|
|
CONNECTED AT 1.4Gig”
|
FRANC’s finger reaches out and points at Dad. The photo is replaced
with his State file. Dad’s avatar is at a lower resolution than
others we have seen. He never got around to updating it.
|
SYSTEM
|
(O.S.)
Subject is Walter Parkinson. Login: dad. Request summary follows… State record: File opened at age fourteen.
|
Onscreen, a shot of a teenage Dad. He’s dressed like Blade.
|
SYSTEM
|
(O.S.)
First charge: Unauthorised access to State education system. Seven similar charges recorded over the next ten years.
|
Onscreen, front and side mug shots of Dad.
|
SYSTEM
|
(O.S.)
At twenty-five, convicted of industrial sabotage. Served an eight year sentence. Released on parole July 1989. Married for fifteen years. Currently working as security consultant and guest lecturer at the University of Sydney.
|
CD pops his head out of the file and taps his head.
|
CD
|
|
Dad taught me everything I know. Not that he knows about it.
|
CD sniggers.
SEEN_DAD_FILE = TRUE
COND: SEEN_MUM_FILE
CHOICE: MUM
GOTO 11
CUT TO:
11. EXT. CITYSCAPE SKYLINE – NIGHT -
We are moving over Cityscape, a virtual city floating in the void. We
see that the city includes Centrepoint and Black Mountain towers, as
well as other Sydney and Canberra landmarks. We move towards an
Olympic-sized stadium. Its lights are dazzling. We hear crowd noises.
|
COMMENTATOR
|
(O.S.)
Welcome back to the action folks. It’s half-time in Cityscape and we’ve got a record crowd. Oooh…
|
The city landscape distorts. Buildings warp, revealing wire-frame
structures. The stadium lights fluctuate madly.
|
COMMENTATOR
|
(O.S.)
Looks like the system’s working over-time tonight.
|
CHOICE: DENR_LOGO
GOTO 14
CUT TO:
12. INT. BLADE’S SPACE - DAY
We move towards a Cityscape postcard floating in Blade’s homespace.
A virtual memory timestamp is briefly superimposed on our view.
“VMem: A3F2.32EE.1241.315A
|
170423 14:45:32 BLADE.KERELA.BARGO.HOME.AU
|
|
CONNECTED AT 1.4Gig”
|
We zoom into the postcard.
GOTO 13
CUT TO:
13. EXT. CITYSCAPE SKYLINE – DAY -
We move across Cityscape towards the harbour. We see familiar
landmarks.
|
COMMENTATOR
|
(O.S.)
Sydney, a town moulded by convicts. A colonial experiment. Its virtual twin, Cityscape, is an experiment of a different kind. Modelled by the State, accessed via the rig, the city is the first of a new generation. A population of thousands interact in its spaces, experiencing a landscape with as much detail as the real.
|
We move down George Street. Winking advertisements are everywhere.
|
COMMENTATOR
|
(O.S.)
It’s hard to believe that it’s only seventeen years since the Chief’s little aussie rig took the world by storm.
|
From above, Cityscape goes from day mode to night.
|
COMMENTATOR
|
(O.S)
The corporated giants have wasted no time in announcing their own versions of the technology.
|
Corporate logos wink in the night sky.
|
COMMENTATOR
|
(cont.)
But so far they’re all vapourware.
|
A giant DENR logo cruises by.
GOTO 14
CUT TO:
14. INT. STATE REGISTRY – NIGHT -
We move through a gigantic official-looking chamber filled with
endless rows of filing cabinets and other miscellaneous containers.
There are two figures bent over a bookcase toppled from one of the
rows. We can still hear faint crowd noises.
BLADE, a slick Tom Cruisy in purple overalls and t-shirt, is staring
intently at his software companion CD.
CD, a crudely-drawn stick figure guy, currently has a screen embedded
in his stomach displaying textual information. Blade is using CD, his
crude ‘customised dude’ software agent, to hack into Cityscape, the
State’s first virtual world, without leaving a trace.
Blade works fast, sifting through records from the bookcase.
CD is bent over, twisting around to study the scrolling data on his
belly.
|
CD
|
|
Hey Blade, check out this dodgy server will ya? I’m getting indigestion just thinkin’ about it. Ooooh!
|
CD’s stomach bulges and undulates madly, wildy distorting his screen.
Blade ignores this. He examines a photo of Blake from her State file.
CD elongates his neck like a giraffe to peer over Blade’s shoulder.
|
CD
|
|
Mmmmm. Who’s the sweet young thang? Looking pretty good eh Blade?
|
CD does his best Beavis and Butthead impersonation, snorting and
wheezing with glee.
|
BLADE
|
|
Let’s keep her a secret.
|
Blade screws the photo up into a ball and chucks it towards CD who
obligingly forms a mouth and gobbles it up.
We have a glimpse of the photo on CD’s stomach screen. The screen
folds back into his body.
CD burps.
CHOICE: BLADE CD
GOTO 17
CUT TO:
15. INT. BLADE’S SPACE – DAY -
We move towards a window floating in Blade’s space. A virtual memory
timestamp is briefly superimposed on our view.
“VMem: A3F2.32EE.1241.315A
|
170423 14:45:32 BLADE.KERELA.BARGO.HOME.AU
|
|
CONNECTED AT 1.4Gig”
|
Inside the window is Blade’s incomplete State file. “USER UNKNOWN”.
|
CD
|
(O.S.)
Subject is Blade Arthur Harkensen. Login: blade. Request summary follows… State record: The subject is an illegal avatar, unregistered, and wanted on four counts of unauthorised access. He is classified as eco-activist, social agitator, data vandal, and all-round public nuisance. The identity of the avatar’s user is unknown. Searching additional records…
|
CD materialises to block our view.
|
CD
|
(to viewer)
No. Can’t do that…
|
CD reaches out and lifts us off the ground. Our view lurches upwards.
|
CD
|
(up close)
We don’t like lurkers!
|
We are flung backwards. The screen erupts in static.
BLADE_FILE = TRUE
GOTO 17
CUT TO:
16. INT. BLADE’S SPACE - DAY
We move towards a floating smiley-faced compact disk spinning in the
air. A window opens besides it. We see ridiculous amounts of
technical data on CD.
|
SYSTEM
|
(O.S.)
Subject is ‘Customised Dude’ personal agent. Login: CD. Request summary follows… Subject consists of a 435Mb Perl applet. Primary function: to act as a personal interface for virtual environments. Capable of synthesising customisable type-four personality on demand.
|
In the window, CD is morphing between his various forms.
CD materialises besides the window.
|
CD
|
(strutting)
What’s to know? I’m boutique. I got all the best bits and pieces…
|
|
SYSTEM
|
(O.S.)
Subject was developed without any regard for formal programming methodology or quality control standards.
|
CD looks annoyed at being interrupted.
|
SYSTEM
|
|
The agent is classed beta and is unsuitable for production usage.
|
In the window, CD is dancing like crazy.
CD blushes and spins the window away from us.
|
CD
|
|
We’ll leave it there, shall we?
|
He pushes the viewer back away from the window roughly.
|
CD
|
|
How’d you like me poking around your space? Ya snoop! Get outta here!
|
GOTO 17
CUT TO:
17. EXT. STADIUM – NIGHT -
A chunky player avatar runs down the playing field with the ball. Its
logo'ed flanks are covered with winking advertisements.
Another player tackles the ball carrier. On hitting the ground, both
players break apart into limb-sized chunks which bounce around madly.
Other players surge in to regain the ball. The crowd roars.
We see a giant scoreboard displaying game statistics.
Down on the field, the body parts re-assemble themselves. The two
‘injured’ players rejoin the action. The game is otherwise similar to
Rugby League.
The stadium is packed with cheering fans, mostly ‘Kens’ and ‘Barbies’
(the default State male and female avatars). The stadium lights
fluctuate again.
We see the scoreboard statistics literally fall off the screen. Blade
appears in their place. He waves and gives the crowd a toothy grin.
|
BLADE
|
|
Hey Chief! Chief! Enjoying the game? Seems like everyone in Cityscape loses but you. What’s the score?
|
We see the Chief and his aide KARMA, an elegantly sinister black
woman, seated in a VIP area of the stands. They look up at the
scoreboard in surprise. The crowd noise drops to a murmur.
|
BLADE
|
(O.S.)
So how many did your troops kill today huh Chief?
|
|
KARMA
|
|
He’s overriding the control space. We’ll need to reboot. Shall we cancel the game?
|
|
BLADE
|
|
Don’t be shy Chief. How many did you murder? You’re shooting for the major league now right?
|
The Chief’s eyes narrow. Blade has made an enemy.
|
CHIEF
|
|
No. Leave it running. Just get the smart-ass.
|
Karma’s features and voice display no emotion.
Karma ‘dissolves’, as if wiped by an eraser.
Further back in the grandstand we see SIM, a fiesty redhead Barbie,
with her companion KEN.
|
BLADE
|
(O.S.)
(to crowd) Ever wonder why the Chief likes you all here online? It’s called ma-ni-pu-la-tion.
|
On the scoreboard, Blade’s image is replaced with that of a sheep.
The sheep transforms into a sheep-faced Barbie.
|
SHEEP BARBIE
|
(indignant)
I’m no sheep. I’m unique.
|
Two identical Barbies look at each other in confusion.
Sim looks pissed off.
|
SIM
|
Who does this jerk think he is? (shouting)
Get lost you creep!
|
|
KEN
|
|
Settle Sim. He’s harmless.
|
The sheep has poked its head out of the scoreboard and is nibbling
around the edges of the screen.
CHOICE: CHIEF KARMA SIM
GOTO 24
CUT TO:
18. INT. SIM’S SPACE - DAY
We move towards a window in Sim’s space which displays a snap-shot of
the Chief from the stadium. “Searching State personnel records…” is
blinking over it.
|
SYSTEM
|
(O.S.)
Searching State personnel records…
|
A alarm begins wailing.
A dog-thing extracts itself from the window and snarls at us.
|
SYSTEM
|
(O.S.)
This access is unauthorised. You do not have READ OPS. Stand by for registration. Do NOT disconnect until instructed to do so.
|
We jerk backwards from the window as though it were a reflex action.
The dogthing lunges at us. The screen explodes into static.
CHOICE: OPS
GOTO 24
CUT TO:
19. INSERT
We see a State help file detailing the concept of READ and WRITE
Operator Privileges (OPS). The words are highlighted as they are
spoken.
|
SYSTEM
|
(O.S.)
State virtual memory systems are accessed on the basis of OPS. Operator Privileges. There are two kinds of access privileges, READ and WRITE.
|
CD pops out of the file and makes fun of the system with exaggerated
lip-synching.
|
SYSTEM
|
(cont.)
Functionality within each system is enabled, or disabled, based on which OPS are given to individual users.
|
CD rolls his eyes. He yawns then continues lip-synching.
|
SYSTEM
|
(cont.)
Read OPS give a user freedom of movement They also allow a space to be viewed. Write OPS permit modifications to be made to that environment by that…
|
CD kicks out at the file behind him. We hear glass smash.
|
CD
|
(to viewer)
Look, it’s easy. If you wanna see the world, go get yourself READ OPS. If you wanna change it… you get wise.
|
CD reaches up and pulls down a shutter blind.
On the blind is a diagram of CD in a goggle-eyed muscle-man pose.
“WRITE” and “READ” labels are attached to his biceps and eyes
respectively.
|
CD
|
(cont.)
You get WRITE OPS!!
|
Muscle-man CD winks.
The blind rolls itself up, revealing the State Registry.
GOTO 24
CUT TO:
20. INT. SIM’S SPACE - DAY
We move towards a window in Sim’s space displaying a snap-shot of
Karma from the stadium. “Searching State personnel records…” is
blinking over it.
|
SYSTEM
|
(O.S.)
Searching State personnel records…
|
A warning tone sounds.
|
SYSTEM
|
(O.S.)
The user you have requested does not exist.
|
Karma’s picture has a flashing label “USER UNKNOWN”.
|
SYSTEM
|
(O.S.)
Please check your input and try again.
|
CHOICE: CHOICE
GOTO 24
CUT TO:
21. EXT. STADIUM – NIGHT -
Sim stares at the billboard, shaking her head.
|
SIM
|
(sadly)
No… Not again.
|
We move into her unblinking eyes.
SIM = TRUE
GOTO 22
CUT TO:
22. INT. HOSPITAL WARD – DAY -
Old people are panicking and expiring in their beds.
|
SYSTEM
|
(O.S. through intercom)
Please remain calm. Stay where you are. There is no cause for alarm.
|
We see medical systems flatlining.
A younger Sim, dressed as a nurse, is running around checking patient
life-support systems. The real-world Sim resembles her avatar, as
required by State law.
|
SIM
|
(loudly)
Get that generator on NOW!
|
Youthful avatars are flitting from screen to screen, across the
medical equipment.
On one screen, a wild-looking kid whoops with exhilaration. The
screen reverts to a bank of graphs and system administration
displays.
|
SIM
|
(looking at the console)
Take us off the net. They’re coming in through the rec channels.
|
A malicious YOUTH, resembling Blade, appears on a bed-side monitor.
|
YOUTH
|
(onscreen)
Gotta save power old-timer. You guys just don’t know when to quit do ya?
|
The youth whoops with glee as the display shuts itself down.
Sim is administering CPR to an old woman in the bed.
|
SIM
|
(on the verge of tears)
One one thousand. Two one thousand. Three one thousand. Four one thousand…
|
The woman is dead. Sim closes the woman’s eyelids gently.
CHOICE: SIM
GOTO 24
CUT TO:
23. INT. CHIEF’S CABIN – DAY -
We move towards the Chief’s cabin locker. A virtual memory timestamp
is briefly superimposed on our view.
“VMem: 44FF.54FF.0001.3256
|
170423 23:02:21 CHIEF.DENR.GOV.AU
|
|
CONNECTED AT 5.7Gig”
|
Inside the locker, an icon with Sim’s face on it expands into a
window. It displays Sim’s file.
|
KARMA
|
(O.S.)
Subject is Sim Alexandra Clarke. Login: sim. Request summary follows…
|
Onscreen we see a hospial ID photo of SIM.
|
KARMA
|
(O.S.)
Employment history. Six years as a nurse. at Royal North Shore hospital.
|
Onscreen, the photo changes to a wall camera view of Sim walking past
in nurse’s uniform carrying a clipboard.
|
KARMA
|
(O.S.)
Transferred to the hospital’s research labs after demonstrating potential as an analyst.
|
Onscreen, the view changes to that of Sim dressed in DENR uniform
working in her space.
|
KARMA
|
(O.S.)
We identified her as a desirable recruit in July this year. She accepted a position as data miner. She is currently assigned to Special Projects division.
|
Onscreen, Sim’s face.
|
CHIEF
|
(O.S.)
Perfect. She’s fresh and she’s innocent. We’ll use her.
|
The file minimises back to the icon.
CHOICE: CHOICE
GOTO 24
CUT TO:
24. INT. STATE REGISTRY – NIGHT -
Blade is sitting with a chessboard-sized model of the stadium in his
lap. The players resemble chess-pieces.
CD quivers in front of Blade. He’s a bundle of hyperactive energy
waiting to explode.
CD’s stomach screen displays the Chief scowling in the grandstand.
|
BLADE
|
(to the Chief)
I’m gonna bring you down Chief.
|
CD bounces around Blade, gesticulating like some manic boxing
referree doing the count.
|
CD
|
(quickly)
Alrighty! You got the ole player override happenin’ here. You’ve got write and run access on for both sides. You’ve got them sockets diverted nicely, if I may say so myself. (shouting) Now whatchya gonna do with all that?
|
Blade rolls a player figurine around in his hand thoughtfully.
CD jumps up and down with excitement.
|
CD
|
(cont.)
C’mon c’mon. It’s your move dude.
|
Blade slams the player figurine back onto the field board. An alarm
starts wailing.
CD beeps and waggles his finger disapprovingly.
We zoom in on CD’s stomach screen. CD rewinds the movie back a few
seconds and replays his memory.
CD’s screen replays Blade triggering the alarm. The recording is
censored with parental advisory labels.
CD sniggers.
A large DOGTHING (a horrid cross between a hound and a boar)
materialises nearby, growling ferociously.
Blade tips the player pieces off the board and into CD’s stomach
screen. He darts off with CD. The dogthing snaps viciously at their
heels. Blade and CD head to the right of two exits. The dogthing cuts
them off and forces them through the left exit.
GOTO 25
CUT TO:
25. EXT. STADIUM – NIGHT -
The player with the ball jerks as if electrocuted. It leaps into the
grandstand and barges through the crowd. The other players follow,
tossing State security personnel out of the way.
The grandstand crowd is infested with text (fig.1). Each individual
avatar has its personal details scrolling in mid-air beside it.
Names, occupations, sexual preferences… It’s a privacy nightmare as
people scramble about, avoiding each other’s prying glances.
Sim looks annoyed. Her Ken just laughs.
|
KEN
|
|
Whoa! This town’s sure got glitches.
|
|
SIM
|
(scowling)
We’re working on it.
|
In the VIP area, the Chief sees the beserk ball-carrier running
straight at him.
|
CHIEF
|
(to himself)
He’s going to pay for this.
|
The Chief dissolves in disgust as the player tries to throttle him.
GOTO 26
CUT TO:
26. INT. STADIUM CORRIDOR – DAY -
We are travelling through a maze of corridors lined with pipes. The
dogthing charges after Blade and CD.
|
BLADE
|
|
He’s herded us back to the stadium.
|
Blade runs his hand along the wall, feeling for a way out.
|
BLADE
|
|
Options CD. Show us the menu.
|
CD’s stomach screen displays diagramatic building views of the
stadium.
|
CD
|
We got exits on special today. (pointing)
I recommend Monsieur tries ze number twee.
|
CHOICE: CD BLADE
GOTO 27
CUT TO:
27. INT. STADIUM CORRIDOR – DAY -
Blade moves to where CD is pointing and prises open a section of
wall.
|
BLADE
|
|
Looks good. I’ll take it.
|
Blade and CD dive into the opening.
GOTO 30
CUT TO:
28. INT. STADIUM CORRIDOR – DAY -
Blade moves to where CD is pointing and prises open a section of
wall. Immediately we hear a burst of crowd noise and alarms from the
stadium.
CD gestures to slit his throat. The noise is immediately cut off.
|
BLADE
|
|
I dunno CD. Maybe we should log-off. It’s getting pretty hectic.
|
|
CD
|
(shrugs)
Don’t ask me. I’m just the engine. You’re the one who always wants action.
|
|
BLADE
|
|
Forget it. Let’s split.
|
CD dissolves as he speaks, straight down the middle first.
Blade follows suit, shaking his head in amusement.
GOTO 29
CUT TO:
29. INT. BLADE’S SPACE – DAY -
Blade and CD materialise in the midst of the space.
Blade looks around expectantly, then sighs.
|
BLADE
|
|
Bit of an anti-climax huh?
|
|
BLADE
|
|
That was a little too easy for my liking.
|
|
CD
|
(to the viewer)
He never listens.
|
CD grabs Blade by the shoulders like a sports coach.
|
CD
|
(to Blade)
Blade, I’m your agent! I’m here to spice up your life. Annotate it even. (frustrated) I gave you the cool options!
|
|
BLADE
|
(extracting himself)
Yeah yeah, I know the script. I wrote it. Maybe it’s time for an update.
|
|
CD
|
(offended)
Well don’t mind me! I’m obviously completely out of touch with that sensitive new inner self of yours… (pleading) C’mon Blade, you wanted to have fun!
|
|
BLADE
|
|
This is all getting serious.
|
CD sulks.
A window opens displaying the chaos in the grandstand.
|
CD
|
|
C’mon Blade. Make up your mind.
|
CHOICE: CD BLADE E
GOTO 30
CUT TO:
30. INT. STATE STORAGE – DAY -
Blade and CD come flying out of a hole into a large storage chamber
piled high with sports equipment and other junk.
|
CD
|
|
That wasn’t so bad was it?
|
The dogthing comes flying out of the hole into Blade. Blade and the
dogthing roll around. Blade eventually gets on top of the dogthing,
pounding its head out of shape. It stops moving.
Three more dogthings materialise around CD.
|
CD
|
|
Eerr! That’s ugly code!
|
We see CD’s view of the dogthings. Their bodies are dense wireframe
apart from bloody eyes and mouth.
Blade stares impassively into CD’s face.
|
BLADE
|
|
Route out of here. Fast!
|
CD’s stomach screen comes alive with scrolling data.
|
CD
|
|
Alright alright! I’m workin’ on it… Geez!
|
Blade does a backwards somersault as the nearest dogthing snaps at
him.
|
CD
|
|
Hey dogbreath, over here!
|
CD’s hands grow out into a chair in one hand, and a whip in the
other. He plays lion-tamer with a dogthing.
Blade does floor gymnastics around the junk, just ahead of the other
dogthings.
On CD’s stomach screen we see diagramatic stadium views overlaid with
error messages.
|
CD
|
(O.S.)
Hang on. They’re trying to cut off our access.
|
CD smashes his hand/chair over another dogthing. It freezes for a
moment before snarling back into life.
On CD’s stomach screen a model of the stadium re-orientates itself. A
route running from their chamber to the outside is displayed.
CD breaks into a run, transforming into a sleek jetski-like vehicle.
Blade kick-boxes a dogthing and does a graceful side-mount into CD’s
seat.
Blade flies CD (the jetski) up towards the roof.
A roof panel starts opening but not far enough. It starts closing
again.
Blade and CD pull up just below the roof. Blade tries to prise open
the panel open but can’t.
|
BLADE
|
|
Next time CD, I’ll get the bus.
|
|
CD
|
|
Hey, no fair! You wrote me remember?
|
|
BLADE
|
|
Yeah… what was I thinking?
|
The panel starts opening again and the pair shoot up through it.
|
CD
|
|
Alrighty!! Once again the Customised Dude delivers.
|
GOTO 32
CUT TO:
31. INT. BLADE’S SPACE – DAY -
Blade and CD watch the grandstand chaos onscreen.
|
BLADE
|
(O.S.)
Nup. That’s enough.
|
A Ken is hurled out of the way by a player.
Blade looks pleased.
|
BLADE
|
|
The Chief should be kept busy for a while. It might even save a few lives.
|
Onscreen, a distressed Barbie runs screaming into the camera.
|
CD
|
|
Hey Blade. Ever heard the phrase “loose cannon”?
|
|
BLADE
|
(annoyed)
Don’t analyse me! I know what I’m doing.
|
|
CD
|
(palms outstretched)
I didn’t say anything!
|
CHOICE: CHOICE
GOTO 36
CUT TO:
32. EXT. STADIUM – DAY -
Blade and CD (the jetski) come flying out of the grandstand roof past
a BLACK PANTHERESQUE CREATURE.
The panther leaps up, hooks its claws into CD (the jetski), and is
carried up with it.
The panther sees the virtual world through a multi-panelled and
constantly updating interface. Blade’s face is highlighted and a copy
is dragged into another panel for analysis.
Blade leaps onto the panther’s back and dislodges it. Blade and the
panther fall towards the field. CD (the jetski) circles back
underneath Blade and recovers him.
The panther roars and dissolves.
COND: SIM
GOTO 34
CUT TO:
33. EXT. STADIUM – NIGHT -
The grandstand crowd has spilt out onto the field. Sim is down there.
|
SIM
|
(to herself)
Don’t these people have homes to go to? Oh… not another one…
|
A beserk player is rampaging through the crowd towards her.
Sim backs away. Her eyes roll back.
|
SIM
|
(to herself)
I’m outta here.
|
From Sim’s perspective, we see the stadium. An error message scrolls
across the top of the screen. “LOGOUT unavailable due to network
congestion. Please try again later.
Sim rolls her eyes back again.
|
SIM
|
|
Congestion? What’s wrong with this thing?
|
The player is almost on top of her.
|
SIM
|
(palms outstretched)
Go easy big boy.
|
Blade flies low overhead, astride CD (jetski). CD rears back like a
horse and the player is sucked up into CD’s exhaust pipe which
expands to accommodate him. The jetski backfires like a fart.
|
BLADE
|
(to Sim)
Don’t mind him. He’s software.
|
Sim’s face softens.
Blade and CD fly up and away.
Sim’s Ken comes up behind her.
|
SIM
|
(watching Blade)
Yeah. I’m fine. Who was that?
|
COND: BLADE_FILE
GOTO 35
CUT TO:
34. EXT. STADIUM – NIGHT -
The grandstand crowd has spilt out onto the field. Sim is down there.
Blade blows her a kiss as the jetski skims past.
The rear of the jetski transforms into a bottom.
Blade and CD fly up and away laughing.
COND: BLADE_FILE
GOTO 35
CUT TO:
35. INT. STATE REGISTRY – DAY -
Someone is looking at pages of Blade’s file - BAH4216 - Blade Arthur
Harkensen. They are being automatically updated. We see that Blade is
an illegal avatar now classified as an eco-activist, social agitator
and data vandal. An all-round public nuisance.
His real world record details are blank. Two mug-shots have been
replaced with crude stick figure faces.
The Chief’s hand appears briefly to close the window.
GOTO 36
CUT TO:
36. INT. BLAKE’S BEDROOM – DAY -
We look down on Blake on her bed within the messy room. She seems to
be asleep.
A MOTH flutters past.
There is a camera mounted in the top corner of the room. The lens
adjusts focus. The camera turns to track the moth.
Blake’s desktop is completely buried in paper, compact disks, and
clothes. We see a compact disk labelled ‘Federal Reactive Agent (non-
classified)’.
Under the desk we see computer equipment. A monitor lies on its side,
displaying a rugged mountain landscape rolling by.
The moth flutters over the screen, bouncing off the glass.
Blake’s eyelids flutter as if she is dreaming vividly.
CHOICE: CHOICE
GOTO 37
CUT TO:
37. EXT. WILDERNESS SKYLINE – DAY -
Blade and CD (as his stick figure self) are flying above the rugged
mountains at sunrise. We hear an ambient soundscape.
CD looks across at Blade who is lost in serious thought. CD pulls a
banjo out of himself and plays a toe-tapping tune.
|
CD
|
(singing)
Well I’m glad to live in this State of mine. And I’m glad that I am free. And I wish that I wuz just a dawg and the Chief was just a tree.
|
Blade gestures and CD’s little ditty is cut off. Ambience resumes.
CD looks at Blade with frustration. He clears his throat noisely.
|
CD
|
|
Hey Hackman, how many State troopers does it take to break an egg?
|
Blade doesn’t react.
CD plays hand-puppets. His left transforms into Blade, his right into
the Chief.
|
CD
|
(in Blade’s voice)
Gee CD, I dunno. But I’m just hangin’ for you to tell me… (in Chief’s voice) My troops wouldn’t do that. It must have fallen down the stairs.
|
CD cackles hysterically, holding his sides in laughter.
|
BLADE
|
|
CD, your jokes suck.
|
CD stops laughing.
|
CD
|
|
Hey, lighten up Fake Boy. Just followin’ yer profile… which means that right about now I should…
|
CD grabs hold of Blade’s leg, spinning him upside down.
They tumble towards the ground, wrestling like perfectly matched
sparring partners.
GOTO 38
CUT TO:
38. EXT. OUTBACK LOOKOUT – DAY -
Blade and CD sit on the edge of a red rock escarpment.
|
BLADE
|
|
We’ve got to go back.
|
|
BLADE
|
|
I wanna see what the Chief’s up to.
|
|
CD
|
|
More snooping around. Don’t you ever get tired of this stuff?
|
Blade looks up at CD with a quizzical expression.
|
CD
|
(cont.)
Nah. I guess you don’t.
|
|
BLADE
|
|
I’m tired of the Chief, that’s all.
|
|
CD
|
|
Geez Blade, he’d be pretty pissed right now. You just turfed him outta his own ballgame. Shouldn’t we wait a bit?
|
CD’s stomach screen crackles into life.
|
CD
|
(cont.)
Ah oh Captain. Incoming transmission. Looks like trouble.
|
CD’s stomach screen displays Dad knocking on Blake’s bedroom door.
|
DAD
|
|
Blake. Can I have a word with you?
|
|
BLADE
|
(to CD)
I should go.
|
GOTO 39
CUT TO:
39. INT. BLADE’S SPACE – DAY -
We are in Blade’s personal virtual space - a void holding a untidy
arrangement of personal icons and computer windows. Blade and CD fly
out of a window displaying the outback.
Blade looks around. This is his home space but he’s alert as ever.
|
BLADE
|
|
Are we in the clear?
|
Data scrolls across CD’s stomach screen.
|
CD
|
|
Local area’s quiet. No State traffic.
|
Blade gesticulates and the contents of Blake’s bedroom begin to
materialise around them. We see Blake lying on her bed.
|
BLADE
|
|
Do me a full reverse lookup, just to be sure. They’ll be searching.
|
Dad is seen knocking on Blake’s door in another floating window.
|
DAD
|
|
Blake. Get off that damn rig!
|
|
BLADE
|
|
Better run. See ya.
|
CD looks sad and neglected.
CD transforms (minimises) into a sad smiley-faced compact disk icon.
Blake and her bed begin to materialise. Blade jumps onto it.
CHOICE: CHOICE
GOTO 40
CUT TO:
40. INT. BLAKE’S BEDROOM – DAY -
We watch the monitor screen showing the composite view of the bedroom
and Blade’s space. Online material fades out as the real world
objects fade in.
Onscreen, on the bed, Blade rolls into Blake, merging with her. Blade
is Blake. Blade is her avatar.
In the real world, Blake’s eyes open. A drill hammers away outside.
Blake moves to the window and looks out.
We see more construction sites below.
|
BLAKE
|
(to herself)
Welcome home.
|
GOTO 41
CUT TO:
41. INT. DAD’S OFFICE – DAY -
Dad is sitting in front of a battered 90’s PC on his desk. There are
books everywhere.
Blake enters.
Blake shuts it.
|
DAD
|
(cont.)
You should have told me what happened today… I’m sorry.
|
|
BLAKE
|
|
They didn’t hurt anyone. They’re eco-activists not terrorists.
|
|
DAD
|
|
According to the Chief they’re terrorists.
|
|
BLAKE
|
|
He’s a liar, and a murderer!
|
|
DAD
|
|
Careful what you say out loud.
|
Blade looks sheepish. She slumps into a chair, exhausted.
|
DAD
|
|
You’re gutsy Blake. I’ll give you that. But the Chief’s the law right now and we’re stuck with him.
|
Dad leans over Blake and gently touches her cheek. There is a barcode
tattoo on his forearm.
|
DAD
|
(showing tattoo)
I’ve done my time. Believe me, it wasn’t soft. I don’t want you making the same mistakes I did.
|
|
BLAKE
|
|
But we have to expose what he’s doing, and broadcast it, through Cityscape…
|
|
DAD
|
|
That’s the Greens talking! Please promise me you’ll never mess around with Cityscape.
|
|
BLAKE
|
|
But Dad, someone’s got to stop him. If enough people knew…
|
|
DAD
|
|
This isn’t high school. You get caught stealing OPS in Cityscape and there’ll be a helluva lot more than a two-week suspension.
|
Blake looks away with embarassment.
|
BLAKE
|
|
I never said I would.
|
|
DAD
|
|
They’re not called Operator Privileges for nothing Blake. Don’t play God in someone else’s system.
|
|
BLAKE
|
|
Play God? That’s what the Chief’s doing!
|
|
DAD
|
|
It’s his world Blake. Don’t muck around with it.
|
|
BLAKE
|
(sullenly)
You used to say that some things had to be fought for.
|
|
DAD
|
(enraged)
Damn right I did! And I’m still fighting, to keep my daughter out of trouble. Forget about exposing the Chief. If you can’t, I’m confiscating that new rig of yours… In fact, just to be sure…
|
Dad starts moving towards the door. Blake blocks his way.
|
BLAKE
|
|
C’mon Dad. Please don’t. I need it for school.
|
|
DAD
|
|
I’m worried about you Blake.
|
|
BLAKE
|
|
I’m not gonna to try anything.
|
CHOICE: BLAKE DAD
GOTO 42
CUT TO:
42. INT. DAD’S OFFICE – DAY -
Dad stares long and hard at Blake. She tries hard to look sincere.
|
DAD
|
|
Alright. I trust you. Now off to bed.
|
Blake gives him a peck on the cheek and exits quickly.
|
DAD
|
(holding his head)
Sweet sixteen. Christ!
|
Dad reaches up and grabs a book off a shelf. We see that his shelves
are full of cyberwarfare, virus, and computer security titles.
GOTO 45
CUT TO:
43. INT. DAD’S OFFICE – DAY -
Dad stares long and hard at Blake. She tries hard to look sincere.
|
DAD
|
|
I’m not buying it. We’ve been through this before.
|
|
DAD
|
|
No. I’m shutting you down.
|
Dad strides out the door.
Blake turns to shows the viewer her frustration before chasing after
him.
GOTO 44
CUT TO:
44. INT. BLAKE’S BEDROOM – DAY -
Dad looks around Blake’s messy room disapprovingly.
Blake runs in.
|
BLAKE
|
(quickly)
Please Dad. I promise. I’m not going to stuff around again. I’ve got this big research project coming up. I’ll need my rig.
|
Something clangs loudly outside in the construction site. Dad wanders
over to the window and peers out.
|
BLAKE
|
|
C’mon Dad. You can trust me.
|
|
DAD
|
(looking at the desktop)
What the hell is that doing here?!!
|
A CD, labelled ‘FRANC’, is lying on Blake’s desk.
Dad grabs the CD and brandishes it in front of Blake.
|
DAD
|
|
What are you doing mucking around with Federal source code? Huh? Christ Blake! FRANC’s been banned for years. You get caught online with this and… I can’t help you.
|
Dad pulls out a keyboard from under the desk, wipes the dust off it,
and starts typing.
Onscreen we see that Dad has put a lock on Blake’s rig. “ACCESS
DISABLED FOR USER: blake.”
|
BLAKE
|
(O.S.)
I didn’t even run it. I thought it was something else.
|
|
DAD
|
|
Stop lying to me Blake! You know bloody well what FRANC is.
|
|
BLAKE
|
(defensive)
I’m sorry. But I didn’t use it.
|
|
DAD
|
|
Do you have any idea what would happen if this got traced? They’d lock us all up.
|
|
BLAKE
|
(glumly)
I’m gonna fail without my rig.
|
|
DAD
|
|
You can use mine. I’ve left you OPS on the PC. Browsing only.
|
|
BLAKE
|
(muttering)
90’s tech. Great…
|
|
DAD
|
(annoyed)
What’d you say?
|
|
BLAKE
|
|
Nothing. Thank you.
|
|
DAD
|
|
Consider yourself lucky. You’re getting off light.
|
Dad exits with the CD, shutting the door behind him.
|
DAD
|
(O.S.)
Sweet sixteen. Christ!
|
Blake leans on the door and sighs.
DAD_TAKES_RIG = TRUE
GOTO 45
CUT TO:
45. EXT. CITYSCAPE HARBOUR – DAY -
We are looking at the ornate bow of a sleek DENR cruiser called
Rejuvenation.
The ship glides past the Opera House on the virtual harbour
foreshore.
COND: SIM
GOTO 50
CUT TO:
46. EXT. CITYSCAPE HARBOUR – DAY -
The Cityscape skyline is constantly adjusting. Like plants filmed by
time-lapse photography, skyscrapers and other landmarks transform. A
new tower snakes its way up and around an existing one. Structures
merge into one another.
|
CHIEF
|
(O.S.)
We’ve achieved a lot in two years. Still… this is just the beginning. The world outside is starting to take notice.
|
The Chief and Sim look out over the ship’s railing at the city.
|
SIM
|
|
It’s your success Chief.
|
|
CHIEF
|
|
Not everyone shares that view…
|
The Chief hands Sim a file.
|
CHIEF
|
|
I want to know who we’re dealing with. The records are incomplete.
|
It is Blade’s file.
|
SIM
|
(flicking through it)
Blade Arthur Harkensen. It’s that guy from the stadium!
|
|
CHIEF
|
|
He’s an eco-terrorist. Dangerous and unstable.
|
|
SIM
|
(reading)
You think so? He seemed like a kid to me.
|
|
CHIEF
|
|
Don’t be fooled Sim. He’s covering his tracks like a pro. We’ve only got a few leads but enough to see that he’s a nasty piece of work.
|
|
SIM
|
|
What do you want me to do?
|
|
CHIEF
|
|
Find him. I want him in custody, in the flesh, before the Festival. You’ve got three days.
|
|
CHIEF
|
|
Good. Keep me posted.
|
Sim dissolves. Karma appears alongside the Chief.
|
CHIEF
|
(to Karma)
Keep an eye on her. She knows nothing.
|
COND: DAD_TAKES_RIG
GOTO 55
CUT TO:
47. INT. DAD’S OFFICE – NIGHT -
Dad has fallen asleep on his keyboard.
A funky screensaver is dancing onscreen.
|
MUM
|
(O.S.)
Darling, you coming upstairs?
|
|
DAD
|
(half-asleep)
Whaa? Oh geez… what time is it?
|
Dad clumsily whacks his mouse, the screen comes to life displaying a
complex bank of graphs and readouts.
Individual graphs and readouts display the status of the home network
and various system administration appliances.
|
DAD
|
(scanning the display)
Up in a sec love… I’m just shutting down.
|
Dad yawns profusely. Something catches his attention mid-yawn.
|
DAD
|
(to himself)
Oh… you’re kidding!
|
Onscreen, a bar graph labelled “BLAKE’S RIG” is fluctuating wildly.
Dad types furiously.
|
DAD
|
(to himself)
So now you’re hacking the house, are you Blake? (frowning) How the hell did you get back on?!
|
Onscreen, we see the perspective from Blake’s bedroom camera. Blake
is on top of her bed, her eyelids fluttering.
|
DAD
|
(O.S.)
When you get back missy, there’s going to be trouble.
|
Dad snorts with anger. He starts typing again.
Onscreen, FRANC (#1), a dour-faced software agent (an older more
mature CD) materialises wearing a trenchcoat. He revolves slowly.
|
DAD
|
(to himself)
Alright. Fine. If I can’t trust you, you get the Nanny.
|
|
FRANC
|
|
Initialised and ready.
|
Onscreen, FRANC acknowleges Dad with a salute. He dissolves.
DAD_USES_FRANC = TRUE
CHOICE: FRANC
GOTO 49
CUT TO:
48. INT. BLADE’S SPACE – NIGHT -
We move towards a floating compact disk labelled ‘FRANC’. An
official-looking State file on the FRANC programme opens in a window
besides it.
|
SYSTEM
|
Subject is FRANC. Acronym stands for Federal Reactive Agent (non-classified)
. Request summary follows… FRANC: an US government experiment to develop intelligent software agents. The project was managed by the FBI.
|
CD appears and begins doing floor gymnastics around the space.
|
SYSTEM
|
(O.S.)
The programme was successful. FRANCs were customised by individual users and trained to be experts in various subject areas.
|
Onscreen, we see a montage of various FRANCs. Cracking a safe,
teaching in front of a blackboard, stacking books on a library shelf,
analysing circuit diagrams.
|
SYSTEM
|
(O.S.)
The project was shutdown in 2005 over fears that FRANCs were becoming too independent from their users.
|
CD lunges into the foreground in an attempt to startle.
CD sniggers.
|
SYSTEM
|
(O.S.)
There is an international ban on the use and distribution of FRANC software. However, individual units are still being detected. FRANC source code is reportedly available on the black market.
|
CD nods in agreement. He proudly shows off a forearm tattoo “FRANC
v1.3b”
|
CD
|
(jive)
It’s in ma blood.
|
CHOICE: CHOICE
GOTO 49
CUT TO:
49. INT. BLAKE’S BEDROOM – NIGHT -
It’s the bedroom camera POV showing Blake lying on her bed.
FRANC #1 is peering out of the monitor.
CHOICE: CHOICE
GOTO 50
CUT TO:
50. INT. BLADE’S SPACE – NIGHT -
FRANC #1 snoops around the icons and widgets.
|
FRANC #1
|
(to himself)
Note. This child obviously has no concept of data management.
|
FRANC #1 wades through a messy pile of widgets.
The eyes on the smiley-faced compact disk icon turn to follow him.
|
FRANC #1
|
(shaking his head)
This is needless complexity.
|
FRANC #1 trips over something and hits the deck noisily.
The smiley icon’s grin widens.
CHOICE: CHOICE
GOTO 51
CUT TO:
51. EXT. CITYSCAPE SKYLINE – NIGHT -
Blade and CD are flying towards Cityscape.
|
BLADE
|
|
Keep an eye out for probes. They’ll be watching for us.
|
Blade and CD bounce hard off an invisible forcefield surrounding the
city. The forcefield crackles and sparks on contact, momentarily
revealing a dome-like structure.
CD yelps as if he has been stung.
|
CD
|
|
Yieow! There goes our anonymous entry. Bummer!
|
Blade grabs CD by the scruff of his neck. CD squirms in his grip.
Blade rolls him out flat like a blanket across the shield. CD’s
smiling face is imprinted on its centre. Blade punches smiley and the
shield shatters.
Blade shimmies through the hole, enveloped in CD’s protective layer.
CD reforms on the other side and nurses his sore jaw.
|
CD
|
(grumpily)
Nothing a bit o brute force won’t fix, huh Blade?
|
CD looks back suddenly, and suspiciously.
CD produces some black material from his palms and stretches it
across the opening. The material dissolves. CD sniggers devilishly.
|
BLADE
|
|
You finished there eighty-six?
|
|
CD
|
|
All’s fine ninety-nine.
|
Blade and CD zoom off down into Cityscape.
FRANC #1 flies up to the force-field. He looks around the opening
cautiously.
|
FRANC #1
|
|
Mmmm… Note. The subject and his agent appear to have exploited a hole in the city’s security layer.
|
FRANC #1 ungainly clambers into it, disappearing into the “opening”.
The black material appears as a wireframe cylinder holding FRANC #1.
|
FRANC #1
|
(muffled)
Hello? Status.
|
The height of the cylinder shortens till it is only a disc. FRANC #1
is slowly squashed.
|
FRANC #1
|
(muffled)
Note. I’m having difficulty extracting myself. Please assist if at all possible.
|
The disc continues contracting.
|
FRANC #1
|
(muffled)
It appears to be some kind of booby-tra…
|
FRANC #1 is compressed to nothing with a click.
GOTO 52
CUT TO:
52. INSERT
We see a log entry being appended to a list on CD’s stomach screen.
CTION: Nuked
GOTO 53
CUT TO:
53. INT. DAD’S OFFICE – NIGHT -
Dad peering anxiously at his monitor.
Onscreen, we see Cityscape from FRANC #1’s perspective. The
transcript of his last words appears.
|
FRANC #1
|
(muffled)
some kind of booby-tra… some kind of booby-tra… some kind of booby-tra…
|
The screen breaks up into static. Momentarily CD is there pulling a
rude face.
|
DAD
|
|
Bloody hell! Where’s that coming from?
|
|
MUM
|
(O.S.)
Is there something wrong honey?
|
|
DAD
|
|
Nothing love. Sorry, I’ll be up in a minute.
|
Dad sighs heavily and starts typing madly.
|
DAD
|
(to himself)
OK, we’ll try again.
|
Onscreen, an identical FRANC (#2) appears.
Dad makes a few more keystrokes.
Onscreen, FRANC #2 turns to acknowledge Dad’s presence with a wink.
|
FRANC #2
|
|
Not a prob, Chief.
|
|
DAD
|
|
Don’t call me that! Just get her.
|
FRANC #2 dissolves.
Dad gets up and paces nervously.
|
DAD
|
(to himself)
Oooh you’re in trouble now daughter.
|
GOTO 58
CUT TO:
54. EXT. SHIP DECK – DAY -
The Cityscape skyline is constantly adjusting. Like plants filmed by
time-lapse photography, skyscrapers and other landmarks transform. A
new tower snakes its way up and around an existing one. Structures
merge into one another.
|
CHIEF
|
(O.S.)
We’ve achieved a lot in two years. Still… this is just the beginning. The world outside is starting to take notice.
|
The Chief and Sim look out over the ship’s railing at the city.
|
SIM
|
|
It’s your success Chief.
|
|
CHIEF
|
|
Not everyone shares that view…
|
The Chief hands Sim a file.
|
CHIEF
|
|
I want to know who we’re dealing with. The records are incomplete.
|
It is Blade’s file.
|
SIM
|
(flicking through it)
Blade Arthur Harkensen. It’s that wanker from the stadium!
|
|
CHIEF
|
|
I prefer the term eco-terrorist. Consider him dangerous.
|
|
SIM
|
(reading)
He’s covered his tracks pretty well.
|
|
CHIEF
|
|
That’s why you’re here Sim. I want him in custody, in the flesh, before the Festival. You’ve got three days.
|
|
SIM
|
|
I won’t let you down Chief.
|
|
CHIEF
|
|
I’m counting on it.
|
Sim dissolves. Karma appears alongside the Chief.
|
CHIEF
|
(to Karma)
Keep an eye on her. She knows nothing.
|
GOTO 55
CUT TO:
55. INT. BLAKE’S BEDROOM – NIGHT -
It’s the bedroom camera POV showing Blake lying on her bed.
CHOICE: CHOICE
GOTO 56
CUT TO:
56. INT. BLADE’S SPACE – NIGHT -
Blade and CD aren’t here. We move towards a window displaying a POV
flying towards Cityscape through the void.
CHOICE: CHOICE
GOTO 57
CUT TO:
57. EXT. CITYSCAPE SKYLINE – NIGHT -
Blade and CD are flying towards Cityscape.
|
BLADE
|
|
Keep an eye out for probes. They’ll be watching for us.
|
Blade and CD bounce hard off an invisible forcefield surrounding the
city. The forcefield crackles and sparks on contact, momentarily
revealing a dome-like structure.
CD yelps as if he has been stung.
|
CD
|
|
Yieow! There goes our anonymous entry. Bummer!
|
Blade grabs CD by the scruff of his neck. CD squirms in his grip.
Blade rolls him out flat like a blanket across the shield. CD’s
smiling face is imprinted on its centre. Blade punches smiley and the
shield shatters.
Blade shimmies through the hole, enveloped in CD’s protective layer.
CD nurses his sore jaw.
|
CD
|
(grumpily)
Nothing a bit o brute force won’t fix, huh Blade?
|
They zoom down into Cityscape.
GOTO 58
CUT TO:
58. INT. STATE REGISTRY – NIGHT -
Karma pulls out a handful of files out of a cabinet. She flicks
through them. We see that one of them concerns Lana the lady
reporter. Mug-shots of the real-world Lana and her avatar are side-
by-side. We see that her real-world appearance resembles her avatar,
as required by State law.
We hear a noise. Karma disappears into the shadows with the files.
Sim appears. She looks around uneasily but the aisle is deserted.
She starts probing through the same cabinet.
GOTO 59
CUT TO:
59. INT. KARMA’S SPACE – NIGHT -
The black panther lies in a void, surrounded by floating banks of
data windows.
The data displayed is a mixture of tactical military-style readouts
and system monitoring graphs.
Two windows show different angles of Lana grilling the Chief.
|
LANA
|
|
There is growing alarm within the community over the strongarm tactics being employed by the DENR. Can you honestly say that the Department is operating within State guidelines?
|
A section of bas-relief city map unfolds in the air in front of the
panther. The map re-orientates itself to focus on a street.
|
CHIEF
|
(O.S.)
Lana, we keep returning to this point. I’ve already explained. The DENR has emergency powers which we will use whenever we are confronted with acts of terrorism.
|
The map is expanding to show diagramatic blueprints of a tall office
building.
|
LANA
|
|
You’re evading the question sir.
|
The panther snarls as it dissolves.
CHOICE: CHOICE
GOTO 60
CUT TO:
60. INT. CHIEF’S CABIN – NIGHT -
The Chief reclines beside the panther in his luxurious personal
quarters. The cabin is filled with art works. He scratches behind the
panther’s ears.
The panther shifts appreciatively.
|
CHIEF
|
|
You know what I find so disturbing about you journalists? It’s that ruthlessness you have. You peel back the skin of any subject, not caring whether or not it becomes infected.
|
The panther purrs.
CHOICE: CHOICE
GOTO 61
CUT TO:
61. INT. LANA’S CELL – NIGHT -
Lana is huddled up in a small featureless cell.
The Chief’s eyes, lips and nose protrude from a wall opposite her.
The lips move as he speaks.
|
CHIEF
|
(O.S.)
Do you understand me Lana? I hope so. We politicians are always being misquoted.
|
The Chief’s wall changes to a view of Lana’s body in the real world,
slumped in her office chair in a coma.
GOTO 62
CUT TO:
62. INT. INTERLINK CONTROL TOWER – NIGHT -
We are in a large multi-levelled chamber divided into clumps of
floating consoles and windows. Technicians in DENR uniform are
everywhere.
A LITTLE GIRL, dressed cutesy, is monitoring a bank of windows and
consoles with TECH #1. Behind her paces the panther.
One window shows Lana in the cell. The other window is of her real
body slumped in an office chair.
|
CHIEF
|
(O.S.)
You should have respected my department’s privacy. Information has its price.
|
The Interlink icon, a stylised pipe segment, materialises between the
screens.
|
LITTLE GIRL
|
|
Interlink is up.
|
|
CHIEF
|
(O.S.)
Make the connection…
|
The Interlink icon brightens, enlarges, and realigns itself.
|
CHIEF
|
|
For you my dear, an exclusive.
|
|
TECH #1
|
|
Interlink connected at 57,000. Host is ready and waiting to receive.
|
We see Lana in her cell looking terrified.
We move along the panther’s body.
|
TECH #1
|
|
Carrier initialised.
|
|
LITTLE GIRL
|
(to the panther)
Sic girl sic!
|
The panther snarls at the little girl who jumps back in alarm. The
panther leaps up into the pipe which turns and expands to accommodate
it.
GOTO 63
CUT TO:
63. INT. INTERLINK PIPE – NIGHT -
The panther rushes down the pipe towards a pulsating light.
|
CHIEF
|
(O.S.)
Ever wonder what it’s like to see the world through someone else’s eyes?
|
GOTO 64
CUT TO:
64. INT. LANA’S OFFICE – NIGHT -
Lana’s real body jolts and her eyes open slowly.
|
CHIEF
|
(O.S.)
I must confess, I find it quite addictive.
|
CHOICE: SOFT HARD
GOTO 65
CUT TO:
65. INT. LANA’S OFFICE – NIGHT -
Lana reaches for her purse and touches up her makeup inexpertly.
Smiling vacantly, she opens the window and starts clambering out.
GOTO 67
CUT TO:
66. INT. LANA’S OFFICE – NIGHT -
Lana scratches her arm deeply and slowly with a fingernail. She
watches it bleed with unhealthy fascination. She turns to us and
smiles vacantly. She opens the window and starts clambering out.
GOTO 67
CUT TO:
67. INT. LANA’S CELL – NIGHT -
Lana continues to whimper huddled against a wall.
On the wall opposite her, we sees the view from her real eyes.
We look down past Lana’s feet on a ledge, thirty stories to the city
street.
Onscreen, the image flutters as the wind whistles and buffets her
body back in the real world.
|
LANA
|
(muttering)
No. It’s not real. I’m still online. Just online.
|
The onscreen view is spiralling down towards the street.
In the cell, Lana screams hysterically.
The onscreen view reaches the footpath.
GOTO 68
CUT TO:
SCREAMING CONTINUES OVER:
68. INT. INTERLINK PIPE – NIGHT -
The screaming continues as we see the panther rushing back up the
pipe towards us. Segments of the pipe are breaking up behind it and
spinning off into the void.
|
TECH #1
|
(O.S.)
Losing connection. The host is gone.
|
GOTO 69
CUT TO:
69. INT. CHIEF’S CABIN – NIGHT -
The screaming continues. The Chief strokes the panther’s head as it
lies at his feet.
|
CHIEF
|
|
You’ve been multi-tasking well, haven’t you? Eh?
|
The Chief gesticulates. The screaming’s volume subsides.
|
CHIEF
|
|
That’s better. I hate it when good tech is sitting idle. Such a waste of resources. Don’t you agree?
|
He rubs the panther’s neck. The panther morphs into Karma.
|
CHIEF
|
|
Come up here gorgeous.
|
Karma settles into the Chief’s lap. He strokes her.
|
CHIEF
|
|
Tell me what I like to hear.
|
|
KARMA
|
|
Step one. We replace the minds of world leaders with those of our own people.
|
The Chief runs a lusty eye over Karma. He’s enjoying himself.
|
KARMA
|
|
Step two. Your influence and vision is spread across the globe.
|
The Chief is being turned on. He runs a finger down Karma’s spine.
|
KARMA
|
|
Step three. All goverments combine to form the one pure virtual State. Humanity finally gets its chance to evolve.
|
|
CHIEF
|
|
And global consciousness will be mine.
|
They sensually entwine.
CHOICE: CHOICE
GOTO 70
CUT TO:
70. EXT. HARBOUR – NIGHT -
Blade flies through the air above the harbour astride CD (in jetski
mode).
|
BLADE
|
|
Let’s make some noise.
|
We dive down towards Rejuvenation to the sound of loud techno muzak.
A cluster of projectiles drop out of CD (jetski). Each hit on the
boat sends a surge of voltage running through it.
|
CD
|
|
Woo hoo!! Wake up sleepy heads!
|
The jetski’s dashboard has a radar screen showing five blips moving
towards it.
Five stingray-like shapes surge up out of the harbour in formation.
|
BLADE
|
|
Raytracers. Where’d they come from?
|
The rays arch their tails forward. They start firing bursts of
energy.
|
CD
|
|
Hang on to yer head Blade! Those rays will fry ya!
|
The jetski twists and turns smoothly to avoid each of the bursts.
|
BLADE
|
|
They know we’re here. Good. Let’s go the next step.
|
Blade has a plan. The jetski barrel-rolls away from the rays and
dives down towards the water.
We follow behind the rays as they pursue the jetski.
The jetski skims above the harbour, heading towards the city on its
shores.
GOTO 71
CUT TO:
71. EXT. GEORGE STREET – NIGHT -
Blade and CD fly along the rooftops.
|
BLADE
|
|
Too quick CD. Slow down or they’ll lose us.
|
|
CD
|
|
Too slow, now too fast. Too bloody fussy that’s what you are!
|
An energy burst narrowly misses them. It hits a giant Planet
Hollywood globe and sends it toppling off a building.
The five rays zoom into view and chase the jetski down the street.
We see the giant globe bouncing down the street flattening avatars.
GOTO 72
CUT TO:
72. EXT. CITYSCAPE SQUARE – NIGHT -
Blade flies CD (jetski) into the square alongside the DENR building,
an imposing skyscraper. Blade looks back for a sign of the rays.
|
BLADE
|
|
Now you’ve lost them! I told you to slow down, stupid!
|
|
CD
|
|
You talking to me? You talking to me?
|
A hand protrudes out of the handlebars and pokes Blade in the ribs.
|
BLADE
|
(pushing it away)
Hey! Cut it out! … Seriously.
|
The hand disappears instantly.
The jetski flies awkwardly around the square, weaving through a small
crowd of cityslicker avatars.
A GRANNIE Barbie with a blue-rinse hairdo has fallen over and is
trying to right herself unaided.
Blade reaches down and lifts Grannie back up onto her feet as the
jetski glides past.
|
GRANNIE
|
|
What a nice young man!
|
Her eyes widen.
Oh dear!
The rays come shooting out of a subway entrance. CD (jetski) does a
loop out of their way.
Avatars run in panic in all directions.
|
BLADE
|
|
OK CD, let’s do it!
|
We move with the jetski as it goes up into a steep climb,
racing up the side of the DENR building,
and ducking over the top.
The jetski flies low across the roof.
They split into two identical copies. One copy of Blade and CD
(jetski) dives down through the roof while the other, a decoy, shoots
off across the city.
The rays race off after the decoy, shooting madly.
COND: SIM
GOTO 73
CUT TO:
73. INT. DENR VENTILATION SHAFT – NIGHT -
Blade and CD (normal again) hover in a vertical ventilation shaft.
CD’s stomach screen unfolds.
The screen is split in two. One side scrolls assembler code, while
the other displays a blueprint view of the building shafts.
|
BLADE
|
Cool. Let’s do some browsing. (consulting CD’s screen)
Mmmm, that’s a strange place to stick data, don’t you think?
|
Onscreen we see a large chamber being highlighted on the blueprint.
CD yawns.
|
CD
|
(stretching)
Probably just dirty pics, professor.
|
|
BLADE
|
|
Maybe. We’ll check it out.
|
We are moving through a maze of shafts with Blade and CD.
They stop in a horizontal section of the shaft.
|
CD
|
(pointing)
Third floor. Files, accessories, dirty linen.
|
Blade tears open a hole in a wall.
|
BLADE
|
|
Ten minutes then we’re logging out. Any problems, meet back here.
|
|
BLADE
|
|
Don’t call me that!!
|
Blade and CD step through the hole.
GOTO 77
CUT TO:
74. INT. DENR VENTILATION SHAFT – NIGHT -
Blade and CD (normal again) hover in a vertical ventilation shaft.
CD’s stomach screen unfolds.
The screen is split in two. One side scrolls assembler code, while
the other displays a blueprint view of the building shafts.
|
BLADE
|
(consulting CD’s screen)
Cool. Time for some browsing.
|
|
CD
|
|
Hold on… Seems like you’ve got a secret admirer.
|
Onscreen, Sim’s State file photo appears.
|
CD
|
|
She’s doing a search on “Blade Arthur Harkensen”. Ring any bells?
|
|
BLADE
|
|
She looks familiar. Who is she?
|
|
CD
|
|
Let’s have a look shall we?
|
CD’s stomach screen comes alive with a view into Sim’s space.
GOTO 75
CUT TO:
75. INT. SIM’S SPACE – NIGHT -
Sim is cleaning up her virtual space. She gesticulates, moving
windows and their contents around. A large snapshot of Blade astride
CD (jetski) fills one window.
|
BLADE
|
(O.S.)
I remember. She was in the stadium.
|
|
CD
|
(O.S.)
And she’s got data miner written all over her. Probably works for the DENR. Wanna see her file?
|
We move through Sim’s array of windows.
|
BLADE
|
(O.S)
What a setup!
|
|
CD
|
(O.S.)
She’s got every State system at her fingers.
|
|
BLADE
|
(O.S.)
And the permission to use them.
|
Sim looks around suspiciously at the viewer.
|
CD
|
(O.S.)
Jealous Blade? Maybe you should go for a job. They’d love to get their hands on you.
|
|
BLADE
|
(O.S.)
As if I’d work for the State.
|
Sim peers closer. She gesticulates. The view erupts into static.
BLADE_SEES_SIM = TRUE
CHOICE: SIM E
GOTO 77
CUT TO:
76. INSERT
We are looking at excerpts from Sim’s State file, starting with
summary info and her official photo.
|
CD
|
(O.S.)
She’s not your average public servant. Born in Saigon 1991. Her parents were hippy activist types. They spent the 90’s being fashionably arrested.
|
|
BLADE
|
(O.S.)
Don’t be so cynical.
|
We see a shot of Sim as a grubby little girl lost in a living room
piled high with hippy furnishings, assorted protest banners and
flags.
|
CD
|
(O.S.)
They moved to Sydney when Sim was twelve. She got pretty active in local student politics.
|
We see front and side mugshots of Sim as an unruly teenager.
|
BLADE
|
(O.S.)
So what’s she doing working for the governement?
|
|
CD
|
(O.S.)
Sssh! I’m telling the story.
|
|
BLADE
|
(O.S.)
Go ahead CD. I’m listening.
|
|
CD
|
(O.S.)
She got her first record at sixteen. Defacing State property.
|
Onscreen, a photo of a proud Sim in a group of protesters in front of
a paisley coloured Opera House.
|
BLADE
|
(O.S.)
She’s a riot-grrl.
|
|
CD
|
(O.S.)
Not anymore. Six years ago, both her parents died, in “mysterious circumstances”. She’s had a bit of a turnaround after that. She started nursing, broke away from the activists…
|
|
BLADE
|
(O.S)
She went straight. Guess she needed something stable, poor girl.
|
|
CD
|
(O.S.)
The DENR head-hunted her earlier this year. She is a data miner and, according to this, she’s also up for a promotion.
|
|
BLADE
|
(O.S.)
She must be good at her job. What’s she got on us?
|
|
CD
|
(O.S.)
Zip so far. Shall we keep it that way?
|
|
BLADE
|
|
Yeah. She’s definitely not my type.
|
GOTO 77
CUT TO:
77. INT. AVATAR GALLERY – NIGHT -
Blade and CD step into a vast chamber filled with thousands of
humanoid figures suspended in a grid pattern.
|
BLADE
|
|
Whoa! What is this?
|
|
CD
|
|
We got avatars on ice!
|
Blade and CD move along a row of bodies. Each is encased within a
translucent shell. Each shell has a bar gauge and a barcode (like
Dad’s).
|
CD
|
|
No idea. But they’re all live.
|
CD leans over a casing.
|
CD
|
|
That’s funny. There’s not a single offline connection to any of ‘em.
|
|
BLADE
|
|
Then they ‘aint live CD! They’re empty shells. Nobody’s home. How could they be live if there’s no-one linked to them from the outside?
|
|
CD
|
I dunno… there’s some kinda weird neural setup going on here… (excitedly)
I’d say they’re self-contained!
|
Blade leans over to examine a casing which is faintly glowing.
Inside is AXEL, a tough-looking guy in his late twenties.
|
BLADE
|
|
Self-contained? How the hell could you keep a mind in here?!
|
Axel’s bar gauge is measuring something at 76%.
|
CD
|
(annoyed)
How should I know! I don’t have one, buddy!! Hey look, this one’s spawning new processes.
|
CD’s stomach screen shows brain wave readouts coming from Axel.
|
BLADE
|
(O.S.)
It’s just a shell. Where’s this coming from?
|
|
CD
|
|
This system’s one great heap of mental resources.
|
|
BLADE
|
|
I think… it’s some kind of online prison.
|
|
CD
|
(softly)
Then I seriously suggest we split.
|
|
BLADE
|
|
That’s it! It’s the Chief. He’s got his prisoners’ minds online and he’s cut them off. Jesus. He’s got control of them.
|
CD’s stomach screen starts flashing and pinging with alarm messages.
Blade and CD dart back to the wall they entered through. There is no
hole anymore. CD moves through the wall but Blade collides with it.
CD’s head reappears back through the wall, looking worried.
The far wall of the chamber is replaced with a grossly distorted
image of the Chief’s face leering at them. The wall moves towards
Blade.
Blade punches the wall they entered through.
|
BLADE
|
(cont.)
C’mon goddammit!!
|
GOTO 78
CUT TO:
78. INT. DENR VENTILATION SHAFT - DAY
CD is halfway through the wall straining unsucessfully to pull Blade
back into the shaft.
Blade’s fist comes flying through the wall into CD’s stomach, sending
him flying back out into the shaft.
|
CD
|
|
Attaboy Blade! You can do it!
|
CD grabs hold of Blade’s arm and starts pulling, bracing his feet
against the wall.
COND: DAD_USES_FRANC
GOTO 79
CUT TO:
79. INT. INTERLINK CONTROL TOWER - DAY
The Chief and the little girl are watching multiple windows looking
into the Avatar Gallery showing Blade trying to escape.
His upper arms have already disappeared through the wall.
We see a window view with a selection box trying to stay on Blade.
The box keeps slipping off him.
|
CHIEF
|
(angrily)
What’s the problem?
|
|
LITTLE GIRL
|
|
He’s grabbed more OPS than we thought. We’re having trouble keeping a lock on him.
|
|
CHIEF
|
|
Just get him! Shut down what you have to.
|
The Interlink icon materialises.
GOTO 81
CUT TO:
80. INT. INTERLINK CONTROL TOWER – DAY -
The Chief and the little girl are watching multiple windows
displaying the Avatar Gallery.
Onscreen we see Blade trying to escape.
FRANC #2, clumsily disguised as a DENR tech, is pretending to operate
a nearby console and eavesdrop at the same time.
Tech #2 stands nearby, watching FRANC with annoyance.
|
TECH #2
|
(to FRANC)
Watch what you’re doing, you idiot!
|
Onscreen, Blake’s upper arms have already disappeared through the
wall.
We see a window view with a selection box trying to stay on Blade.
The box keeps slipping off him.
|
CHIEF
|
(angrily)
What’s the problem?
|
|
LITTLE GIRL
|
|
He’s grabbed more OPS than we thought. We’re having trouble keeping a lock on him.
|
|
CHIEF
|
|
Just get him! Shut down what you have to.
|
The Interlink icon materialises.
GOTO 81
CUT TO:
81. INT. AVATAR GALLERY – DAY -
A wave of energy shoots out from the wall with the Chief’s mouth and
knocks Blade down to the ground.
CD comes back through the wall and stands over Blade as he groggily
regains his feet.
|
CD
|
|
Blade? Blade! Get up!! C’mon, we gotta go.
|
A silvery cage forms around them. Blade tries to break out but the
cage is impregnable.
|
BLADE
|
(groggily)
CD I can’t. Go get help.
|
Blade bangs on the cage in desperation.
|
BLADE
|
|
They’ve got me. Don’t let ‘em trace you.
|
CD hesitates and looks around in confusion.
|
CD
|
(meekly)
Hey I can’t just leave…
|
|
CD
|
|
But I’m not designed to function alone.
|
CD looks shocked.
|
CD
|
|
Well… if you say so I guess. I guess I’ll... er… bye.
|
CD transforms into an elaborate series of mathematical equations that
quickly resolve at zero.
Blade sees the panther running at him. It roars and leaps.
Blade’s eyes and mouth widen in shock.
GOTO 82
82. INT. BLAKE’S BEDROOM – NIGHT -
We see the monitor screen is all static. The moth flutters up against
it.
Blake is lying motionless on her bed. Her eyes bulge open. Blake’s
mind has been captured.
COND: DAD_USES_FRANC
GOTO 83
CUT TO:
83. INT. AVATAR GALLERY – NIGHT -
Blade’s eyes stare forward unblinking. Reflected within them is the
gallery space.
We see avatars being re-positioned out of rows into a formation
resembling a molecular diagram.
Streams of light shoot from body to body. The system is being
updated.
The Chief and Karma look on.
A mouse pointer selects and removes the frozen Blade from the cage.
Blade is dragged through the solid roof of the cage like a ghost.
Blade is dragged across the gallery and placed into a new avatar
casing identical to the rest.
|
KARMA
|
|
We can’t find his source.
|
Karma shows the Chief a small card. The card expands into Blade’s
State file (online and real world details). Blade’s mugshot sits
alongside the crude stick faces we saw earlier.
|
KARMA
|
(O.S.)
He must have modified his program. All the link entries are corrupted.
|
|
CHIEF
|
(scrunching up the card)
I want his body. Find it!
|
|
KARMA
|
|
It’ll be immobilised. Where should we start?
|
|
CHIEF
|
|
Search the hospitals.
|
The gauge on Blade’s casing is green and shows 0%.
|
CHIEF
|
(O.S.)
How long will he last without a source?
|
|
KARMA
|
|
Interlink should sustain his essence for at least five days. 128 hours. That is, of course, assuming that we don’t use him.
|
The Chief walks around behind Karma and casts his lustful eye over
her. He strokes the back of her neck. Karma shudders at his touch.
|
CHIEF
|
|
Oh he’ll be used. It’s payback time.
|
Karma’s eyes are piercing, to the point of madness. She smiles
coldly.
|
CHIEF
|
|
I’ll make use of his mind until there’s nothing left.
|
GOTO 85
CUT TO:
84. INT. AVATAR GALLERY – NIGHT -
Blade’s eyes stare forward unblinking. Reflected within them is the
gallery space.
We see avatars being re-positioned out of rows into a formation
resembling a molecular diagram.
FRANC #2 is trying to hide amoungst the shifting bodies.
Streams of light shoot from body to body. The system is being
updated.
A dog-thing materialises and sniffs the air. It growls.
The Chief and Karma watch a giant mouse pointer removing the frozen
Blade from his cage. Blade is dragged through the solid roof of the
cage like a ghost.
Blade is dragged across the gallery and placed into a new avatar
casing identical to the rest.
|
KARMA
|
|
We can’t find his source.
|
Karma shows the Chief a small card. The card expands into Blade’s
State file (online and real world details). Blade’s mugshot sits
alongside the crude stick faces we saw earlier.
|
KARMA
|
(O.S.)
He must have modified his program. All the link entries are corrupted.
|
|
CHIEF
|
(scrunching up the card)
I want his body. Find it!
|
|
KARMA
|
|
It’ll be immobilised. Where should we start?
|
|
CHIEF
|
|
Search the hospitals.
|
The gauge on Blade’s casing is green and shows 0%.
|
CHIEF
|
(O.S.)
How long will he last without a source?
|
|
KARMA
|
|
Interlink should sustain his essence for at least five days. 128 hours. That is, of course, assuming that we don’t use him.
|
The Chief walks around behind Karma and casts his lustful eye over
her. He strokes the back of her neck. Karma shudders at his touch.
|
CHIEF
|
|
Oh he’ll be used. It’s payback time.
|
Karma’s eyes are piercing, to the point of madness. She smiles
coldly.
|
CHIEF
|
(smiling)
I’ll make use of his mind until there’s nothing left… (frowning) Who is that?
|
The dogthing pulls FRANC #2 out into the open by his throat.
|
FRANC #2
|
(to dogthing)
Steady… steady boy.
|
|
KARMA
|
|
We’ve had some problems with foreign agents. This seems to be one of them.
|
|
CHIEF
|
|
Get it out of my system.
|
More dogthings appear. FRANC #2 is torn apart by them. He continues
speaking as he is torn limb from limb.
|
FRANC #2
|
|
Note. Unable to escape detection. The subject appears to have been apphrehended as well.
|
GOTO 85
CUT TO:
85. INT. BLAKE’S BEDROOM – DAY -
We hear Mum knocking on the door outside.
|
MUM
|
(O.S.)
Blake. Blake? You’re gonna be late. Blake?
|
After a pregnant pause, she enters the room.
She sees Blake’s body lying motionless on the bed. Blake’s eyes are
still wide open.
Mum becomes hysterical.
GOTO 91
CUT TO:
86. INT. DAD’S OFFICE – NIGHT -
Dad is replaying FRANC #2’s last moments.
Onscreen, we see the flashback from FRANC #2’s perspective.
Mum peers anxiously over Dad’s shoulder and holds onto him.
|
FRANC #2
|
(O.S.with static)
Unable to escape detection. The subject appears to have been apphrehended as…
|
A dead line tone.
|
FRANC #2
|
(too fast with static)
System integrity lost. SIG-HUP!
|
|
SYSTEM
|
(V-O)
Connection lost.
|
|
DAD
|
|
That’s two down. I’m not getting anywhere with this old version.
|
Dad slumps back in his chair, exhausted.
|
MUM
|
|
God I hate computers! I don’t understand any of this.
|
Onscreen, we are cueing back through FRANC’s memory of the Avatar
Gallery (scene 84). We pause on Blade. The image is enlarged.
|
DAD
|
(peering at screen)
Is that you Blake? It has to be.
|
|
MUM
|
|
Why on earth would she want to look like a boy?
|
Dad hits a key.
Onscreen, we cue forward and pause on Blade’s State file in the
Chief’s hands.
|
DAD
|
(O.S.)
Who knows? When we get her back, we’ll ask her.
|
Onscreen, the Chief and Karma’s conversation is being replayed. The
timestamp moves forward. “171214 23:23:23”
|
KARMA
|
|
We can’t find his source.
|
Dad types a sequence.
Onscreen, the footage cues noisily back to Karma’s last line.
|
KARMA
|
|
We can’t find his source. We can’t find his source. We can’t find his source.
|
|
DAD
|
|
She’s a smart girl. They won’t be able to trace the connection.
|
|
MUM
|
|
How do we get her back?
|
|
DAD
|
(sighing)
There’s not much we can do, except keep quiet. We can’t risk them finding her.
|
|
MUM
|
(agitated)
We can’t just sit here!
|
DAD_SEES_BLADE = TRUE
CHOICE: MUM DAD
GOTO 87
CUT TO:
87. EXT. GEORGE STREET – NIGHT -
Dad walks down the centre of George Street looking like a fish out of
water. His avatar is blocky, of a lower resolution than anything
we’ve seen so far. He looks confused. The landscape is silent and
deserted.
|
DAD
|
(remembering)
Oh right…
|
Dad gesticulates.
Immediately the town comes alive with sound and movement.
A hoarde of unruly kids trample over him with enthusiasm.
|
KID
|
|
Outta the way, low-res!
|
They run off laughing.
Dad gets to his feet in a tizzy. He looks up at the buildings, mouth
agape.
|
DAD
|
(to himself)
Where do I start?
|
GOTO 88
CUT TO:
88. INT. KITCHEN – NIGHT -
A shadowy figure sits hunched at the kitchen table. The fridge door
opens, illuminating Dad.
Mum, dressed in her nightie, hands him a shot glass. Dad knocks it
back.
|
DAD
|
(miserable)
I didn’t get anywhere. It’s massive. Nothing like the old days. It could take years to find her in there.
|
Mum gives him a hug.
|
MUM
|
|
What about your old crowd? All those hackers you used to muck around with. Can’t you pull a few favours?
|
|
DAD
|
|
That bunch of ego-maniacs!
|
|
DAD
|
|
You can’t trust anyone calling themselves a hacker these days. Now it’s all business.
|
|
MUM
|
|
And you’re still sore that you missed out on it.
|
|
DAD
|
(sullen)
Why shouldn’t I be? I took the fall for those guys. Six years wasted in jail while they get to set up their little empires and start raking it in. What thanks did I ever get?
|
|
MUM
|
|
I know love. But you have to swallow your pride. Go talk to them. They’re all we’ve got.
|
|
DAD
|
|
No, it’s too risky. What if word gets out that she’s Blade? We can’t protect her if the Chief finds out.
|
|
MUM
|
|
Honey… please. For me. We have to try something.
|
Dad sighs. He gets up abruptly.
|
DAD
|
|
Let me think this through.
|
CHOICE: MUM DAD
GOTO 89
CUT TO:
89. INT. BAR – NIGHT -
Dad enters a seedy looking room with bizarre-looking patrons. He
heads for the bar.
The BARTENDER, dressed in black-tie, has the head of a macaw.
A DRUNK PATRON tries to intercept Dad.
|
DRUNK PATRON
|
(barely audible)
Addresses?
|
|
DRUNK PATRON
|
|
Addresses. You need any addresses man. I’ve got some real choice ones goin’ cheap.
|
Dad dismisses him with a nod and a gesture. He shakes hands with the
|
BARTENDER
|
|
Walter, it’s been a while.
|
They shake hands over the bar.
|
DAD
|
(looking around)
It’s been a long while. Nice to see you haven’t updated.
|
A group of seedy Mafioso-types are huddled around a table doing
deals.
|
BARTENDER
|
|
Why bother? This crowd don’t mind. It’s more comfortable with what it knows.
|
|
BARTENDER
|
|
Besides, it’s easier to spot the snitches. They tend to stand out in a place like this.
|
The bartender places a shot glass in front of Dad.
Dad knocks the drink back. His eyes bulge. We hear a dull throbbing
sound mixed with wind noise increases in cyclic intensity. Dad sways.
After a moment, he slams his palms on the bar. An explosion.
|
DAD
|
(recovering slowly)
Whoa! It’s stronger than I remember.
|
|
BARTENDER
|
Faster, cleaner, higher res. That’s what they keep asking for. (shrugging)
You know what it’s like.
|
|
DAD
|
|
Look, umm, I need some help. It’s about my kid.
|
|
BARTENDER
|
(softly)
We heard. Word gets round.
|
|
DAD
|
(downcast)
That’s what I was afraid of…
|
|
BARTENDER
|
(scanning the bar)
Don’t worry. We’re all on the same side. Let’s see who’s around. (calling out) Jay!
|
The bartender beckons JAY over. He’s got dreadlocks and attitude in
equal quantity.
|
JAY
|
(to bartender)
No need for the name-calling next time, huh Jack? (indicating Dad) Who’s the 8-bit?
|
|
DAD
|
|
You don’t remember, do you?
|
Jay peers into Dad’s face suspiciously for a moment. His face
brightens.
|
JAY
|
(smiling)
Hey Walter! Howse it goin’ man? Geez, you bring back a few memories. It’s been years since we looked that bad. Who’s your designer?
|
|
DAD
|
I’m not after fashion tips Jay. (softer)
I’m here for code.
|
|
JAY
|
(patronising)
Sure. Sure you are Walter. Let’s talk.
|
The bartender rolls his eyes for Dad’s benefit and moves away.
|
DAD
|
|
I don’t want to waste any of your time, or mine. You got FRANC source?
|
|
JAY
|
|
Current shit man. The latest. Personality code never goes out of fashion. I’ve got patches, plug-ins, modules, you name it…
|
|
DAD
|
The format’s not important. But I need something that can grab read OPS. (softer)
State read OPS.
|
|
JAY
|
|
Whoa! We’re talking seriously illegal. Haven’t you had enough of prison for one lifetime?
|
|
DAD
|
|
This is important Jay. A matter of life and death.
|
|
JAY
|
|
It’s for your kid, huh.
|
Dad grabs Jay by the collar.
|
DAD
|
(whispering)
I don’t want to hear a word about that. Not a word, you understand me?
|
Jay detaches himself slowly and flicks his hair.
|
JAY
|
(smoothly)
Relax Wally! We’re all friends here. Besides… (looking around) this is the big time remember? We’re information professionals. It’s our business to know.
|
Jay grins and picks up a remote control off the bar. He points it at
a TV screen hanging nearby.
|
JAY
|
|
Let’s see what’s on the box?
|
MET_JAY = TRUE
GOTO 90
CUT TO:
90. INSERT
We are cueing back through DENR virtual memory records, overlaid with
record and time information.
|
JAY
|
(O.S.)
Mmmm… What have we got here?
|
We see Blade struggling in the grips of the probe (as in scene 96).
|
DAD
|
(O.S.)
Who else knows about this? Christ! This changes everything.
|
|
JAY
|
(O.S.)
Walter, relax. Your secret’s safe. Besides, that little Blade is kicking ass. Without your help, I should add.
|
|
DAD
|
(O.S.)
He’s my daughter! I mean, she’s my daughter. I’ve got to get her out of there.
|
Onscreen, Blade breaks free from the probe and rushes across to the
data window.
|
JAY
|
(O.S.)
Look, I really don’t care what you do. But I reckon you should just chill for now and watch the show. There’s not a helluva lot we can do right now.
|
CHOICE: JAY DAD
GOTO 97
CUT TO:
91. INT. DENR VENTILATION SHAFT – NIGHT -
CD is pacing the shaft furiously. He rewinds noisily back through
memories of Blade. We hear Blade’s last words. He lip-synchs to Blade
as the scene is replayed on his stomach screen.
|
BLADE
|
(recorded)
CD I can’t (get out)... Go get help.
|
Onscreen, the DENR blueprint zooms into view. Lines trace out
possible exit routes from CD’s location. We hear Blade’s breathing as
the playback is amplified.
|
BLADE
|
(recorded)
They’ve got me. Don’t let ‘em trace you.
|
The blueprint shudders violently and disappears line by line.
CD go through violent contortions. He’s malfunctioning.
|
CD
|
(too quickly rambling)
Gotta love that command thang. I try so hard improvising my subs off for that Blade and now look at me! Great. Now I’m sorted. And I’m losing it. You believe that? Fourier sure’s fouled me up the little fu…
|
|
BLADE
|
(recorded)
Get outta here!! Beat it CD!
|
The stomach screen is wiped clear.
Low-resolution text appears in the bottom left hand corner.
agent: cannot execute
Incorrect usage: USER FEEDBACK UNAVAILABLE
Improvising. . . . . . .
CD looks up suddenly. He flattens out across a floor panel. A
sniffing dogthing walks across him.
GOTO 92
CUT TO:
92. INT. TEMPORARY STORAGE TUNNEL MAINTENANCE VIEW – NIGHT -
It is pitch black. We see Blade’s eyes flitting about madly.
The tunnel walls light up with bursts of static. We see a seething
mass of wire-frame objects cramped within the tunnel.
The tunnel is clogged with misshapen human figures with agonized
expressions; the PRISONERS. They claw at each other as they are
pushed slowly down the tunnel.
At the far end we see prisoners dissolving on contact with the wall.
Blade’s body is also stretched and deformed. He fights his way back
against the tide of bodies, avoiding several vicious swipes.
At the mouth of the tunnel, prisoners are pouring out from a narrower
opening. Axel is up against the back wall, avoiding the surge.
Blade tries in vain to force his way inside the opening.
|
AXEL
|
(to Blade)
Keep at it kid. There’s holes all over the joint.
|
A PROBE, a grotesque spherical creature, with giant eye and fanged
mouth, materialises through the end of the tunnel and flies towards
them. Numerous smaller eyes protude on waving stalks from all around
its body.
It hovers above Blade.
The probe shoots out tendrils of light (from its eyes) at Blade. The
beams pluck Blade out of the crowd. The probe carries him back down
the tunnel
|
AXEL
|
|
Don’t let ‘em break you.
|
Blade dissolves as he is carried through the far wall of the tunnel.
Our view turns to static before blackening.
GOTO 93
93. EXT. WILDERNESS SKYLINE – DAY -
We are moving fast, skimming over the snow-capped mountains we saw
earlier.
|
TECH #1
|
(O.S.)
Hey check this out! We’re getting something.
|
Blurry images of Dad, Mum, CD and several unkempt eco-activists
alternate in the foreground.
|
LITTLE GIRL
|
(O.S)
Anything traceable?
|
A blurry image of Blake appears. She looks out at them. Her eyes
widen.
Blake’s image folds itself into a paper airplane and glides off.
|
TECH #1
|
(O.S.)
Damn! I’m losing it! I’ve never seen personal code like this.
|
The sun begins to quickly set over the mountains. A formation of
lights , like a willo a wisp, rises up from the mountains and shoots
into the foreground. Our image jitters with the impact.
Lightning dances across the inside of our screen. Blade’s system is
attacking Interlink.
The horizon glows with the sun’s departing rays.
|
TECH #1
|
(O.S.)
Blade’s attacking the system!
|
GOTO 94
94. INT. INTERLINK CONTROL TOWER – DAY -
Blade struggles in mid-air surrounded by windows showing a series of
bio-metric graphs and brain-wave readouts. He is being analysed.
The probe hangs above him. Its light tendrils manipulate his body,
poking, prodding, and spinning him around.
Blade sees a nearby window filled with blueprint data. He struggles
even more determinedly.
The little girl and two DENR technicians have their backs to him.
Their instruments are going haywire.
A large window displaying the wilderness is enveloped by crackling
electricity. Lightning shoots out, hitting other windows. The
wilderness window starts replicating itself again and again.
Blade’s body jerks rigid. His eyes bulge as a thousand points of
light penetrate his skull.
Blade employs a tried and true method for breaking out of systems.
|
BLADE
|
(to himself)
Escape. Escape.
|
^C and ESC (standard control characters) float through the aquaeous
humour of Blade’s eyeballs.
His eyes roll back in their sockets.
GOTO 95
CUT TO:
95. EXT. WILDERNESS SKYLINE – NIGHT -
We move over the mountains which are now completely overlaid with
integrated circuitry. Lightning surges along lines in the wired
landscape.
|
LITTLE GIRL
|
(O.S.)
(shrieking)Widen the containment array! Quickly!
|
The landscape bulges and contracts violently.
GOTO 96
CUT TO:
96. INT. INTERLINK CONTROL TOWER -
Blade breaks free of the probe and runs ahead of it to the blueprint
window.
The others in the room still have their backs to him.
Blade touches the window. The blueprint data is sucked up through his
fingers. “Downloading System Operator Privileges” is onscreen.
None of the others notice him until the deed is done.
|
LITTLE GIRL
|
(looking up)
Get him!
|
The probe’s tendrils seize Blade again. One shoots out and hits him
in the head, knocking him unconscious.
Tech #1 rushes over to the blueprint window.
|
TECH #1
|
|
No. We got him in time.
|
GOTO 100
CUT TO:
97. INT. BAR – NIGHT -
Blade’s escape from the probe is being replayed on the bar TV.
A DRUNK PATRON materialises underneath it for a closer view.
|
DRUNK PATRON
|
|
Go fer it Bladey boy! Alright!
|
Onscreen, Blade steals OPS from the data window. The bar crowd
cheers.
The crowd groans as he is recaptured moments later.
|
DAD
|
(O.S.)
Oh god! She’s going to have neural damage.
|
|
JAY
|
|
Take it easy. The kid’s having the time of his, sorry, her life in there. She’ll get herself out, without us old-timers.
|
|
DAD
|
|
This isn’t some game you stupid fool! My daughter’s being hurt! How do I get to her?
|
Someone sniggers nearby. Dad spins around to see who it was. Jay
spins him back.
|
JAY
|
|
Walter, listen to me! That little zap was some time ago. We’re just replaying the highlights. I tell ya, she’s fine.
|
Jay points his remote at the TV.
Onscreen, we see a live view of Axel’s car zooming along Sim Central.
|
JAY
|
(O.S.)
Now look at that! She’s escape already. Man, is she having a wild time or what?
|
GOTO 98
CUT TO:
98. INSERT
We watch Blade and Axel zooming through Sim Central in their car
(scene 128).
|
JAY
|
(O.S.)
OK. We’re watching live now.
|
|
DAD
|
(O.S.)
I feel so helpless.
|
|
JAY
|
(O.S.)
At least you know she’s alright. The wonders of modern technology. She’s got a friend too, by the looks of it.
|
The car swerves past the cell with the race-track.
GOTO 99
CUT TO:
99. INT. BAR – NIGHT -
Dad rubs his eyes and temples. He’s exhausted.
|
DAD
|
|
I don’t know what to do. I feel like I haven’t closed my eyes in weeks.
|
|
JAY
|
|
Look, we can do business if you want to but my advice is to stay clear of the whole thing. Blade can look after himself. He’s the hero right?
|
|
DAD
|
|
She’s just a kid Jay.
|
|
JAY
|
|
You reckon? I think you’ve got yourself a genuis Walter. That Blade’s got mental dexterity like nothing I’ve never seen before.
|
Dad stares at the ground as he ponders his options.
CHOICE: JAY DAD BLADE
GOTO 107
CUT TO:
100. INT. SIM’S SPACE – DAY -
Sim is working in her space, a void filled with icons and giant
windows dedicated to library-style research and data mining.
Information and images of Blade are displayed everywhere
|
SIM
|
|
Alright Blade Harkensen. Let’s see who you are.
|
Sim beckons to a window. The window slides up to her. We see her
earlier scene with the Chief as a video Post-It note stuck on the
window.
Onscreen we see a DENR search-engine interface (fig.2). A search is
underway.
|
SIM
|
(O.S.)
Still waiting on State search five.
|
Sim is recording her findings. We see her dictated text being added
to a transcript window.
|
SIM
|
(O.S.)
Added extra terms: “eco-activist” “data vandal” “public nuisance” “hacker” “hunk”.
|
The lighting fluctuates.
The search window shows static. It closes.
|
SIM
|
|
Stupid machine! Don’t crash on me.
|
THe rest of the windows turn to static and close noisily.
CHOICE: CHOICE
GOTO 101
CUT TO:
101. INT. BLADE’S CELL – DAY -
Blade regains consciousness. He is lying on a metallic floor in a
void.
He tries to look over the edge of the floor but is repelled by an
invisible forcefield.
He gesticulates. A window appears before him. Its screen is obscured
by static.
Blade hits the window frame repeatedly. It switches between static-
DENIED: You
Blade checks that the coast is clear. He places his hand on the
screen. The blueprint data, that we saw him steal, comes flooding out
CCESS: You
onscreen. Blade gesticulates. The window closes.
The little girl steps out of the void onto the floor.
|
LITTLE GIRL
|
|
Blade Arthur Harkensen, you’ve committed crimes against the State.
|
Blade circles her cautiously, prodding the air with his foot. She is
protected by another forcefield.
|
LITTLE GIRL
|
|
Your sentence is ten weeks of simulation labour in our Interlink containment system.
|
|
BLADE
|
(rubbing his face)
(sarcastic) Cool.
|
|
LITTLE GIRL
|
|
Followed by life imprisonment offline.
|
|
BLADE
|
(sarcastic)
With a better view?
|
|
LITTLE GIRL
|
|
If you survive.
|
|
BLADE
|
|
What about my trial?
|
|
LITTLE GIRL
|
|
No trial. The Chief has made his verdict. You’re an eco-terrorist. Unfit for free society.
|
A model of Cityscape appears above them.
|
BLADE
|
|
What’s free about it? He’s running everything.
|
|
LITTLE GIRL
|
|
Everyone needs direction. You’ll get used to it.
|
COND: MET_JAY DAD_SEES_BLADE
GOTO 102
CUT TO:
102. INT. BLAKE’S BEDROOM – NIGHT -
Blake’s monitor has been moved up onto the desk top.
On its screen we see images of Blake’s head surrounded by medical
readouts and displays. Blake’s brain is flat-lining on the ECC.
|
MUM
|
(O.S.)
We’ve got to get her to hospital.
|
|
DAD
|
(O.S.)
No. No hospitals.
|
|
MUM
|
(O.S.)
For all we know she could be dying.
|
Blake is immobile on her bed. Her parents stand nearby.
|
DAD
|
|
Believe me love. If the Chief is behind this, she’s safer here.
|
GOTO 106
CUT TO:
103. INT. BLAKE’S BEDROOM – NIGHT -
Blake’s monitor has been moved up onto the desk top.
On its screen we see images of Blake’s head surrounded by medical
readouts and displays. Blake’s brain is flat-lining on the ECC.
|
MUM
|
(O.S.)
For all we know she could be dying.
|
Blake is immobile on her bed. Her parents stand nearby.
|
DAD
|
|
Believe me love. She’s safer here then anywhere.
|
GOTO 106
CUT TO:
104. INT. BLAKE’S BEDROOM – NIGHT -
Blake’s monitor has been moved up onto the desk top.
On its screen we see images of Blake’s head surrounded by medical
readouts and displays. Blake’s brain is flat-lining on the ECC.
|
DAD
|
(O.S.)
I can’t stand seeing her like that. I’ve got to do something.
|
|
JAY
|
(O.S.)
You want to attract attention. Go ahead, do something.
|
Blake is immobile on her bed.
|
JAY
|
(O.S.)
Blade can look after himself. Watch and see.
|
CHOICE: BLADE DAD
GOTO 107
CUT TO:
105. INSERT
We cue back through virtual memory to replay scene 106.
|
DAD
|
(O.S.)
I guess you’re right. She’s in too deep. There’s nothing we can really do.
|
|
JAY
|
(O.S.)
Wise decision old man. Don’t worry, she’ll make it.
|
|
DAD
|
(O.S.)
That’s easy for you to say! Alright, show me how they escaped. Let’s see what she’s got herself into.
|
GOTO 106
CUT TO:
106. EXT. PARK CLEARING – DAY -
Blade materialises in a tree-filled park next to Axel and two younger
PRISONERS. All four are dressed in black terrorist garb and hold
automatic weapons.
Axel is holding an Uzi and scanning the park intently.
Blade is awkwardly holding an automatic pistol. He tries to drop it
but the gun is welded to his hand.
|
PRISONER #1
|
|
Hey Axel, we got ourselves a newbie!
|
Prisoner #1 chuckles nervously.
|
AXEL
|
(to Blade)
Get used to it kid. They play games with us.
|
|
BLADE
|
(looking around)
Not with me. I’m outta here.
|
A bullet flies into a tree trunk besides Blade.
We see a Doom-style combat interface view of the four, as someone
runs towards them through the trees shooting madly.
|
AXEL
|
(O.S.)
How’s that kid? You’re stuck in a cop trainer.
|
We see that a blonde POLICE OFFICER is running towards them through
the trees, firing wildly.
Prisoner #1 takes a direct hit in the chest and goes flying
backwards.
Blade stares in shock at Prisoner #1 who is somehow still alive.
|
AXEL
|
(in Blade’s face)
And we’re the bad guys. Move it!!
|
Axel and Prisoner #2 shoot back at the police officer.
The three of them take off through the trees.
GOTO 124
CUT TO:
107. INT. BAR – NIGHT -
On the bar TV, the car is zooming along the walls of Sim Central.
The drunk patron leans unsteadily on the bar and turns to a veiled
figure beside him.
|
DRUNK PATRON
|
(indicating the TV)
How about that huh? I should come here more often. Beats the hell out of cable…
|
The veiled figure removes her hood. It’s Karma.
She grasps the man’s face like a bowling ball and swings his body
around effortlessly.
He hits the floor with a crunch. A silvery cage forms around him.
Karma leaps around the bar, immobilising patrons with swipes and
kicks.
The bartender starts squawking madly.
|
BARTENDER
|
(O.S.)
It’s a raid! Get out of here!
|
The patrons run around in panic. Several dogthings appear in their
midst.
|
PATRON #2
|
(O.S.)
They’ve blocked the lines. I can’t log out!
|
|
DAD
|
(to Jay)
Secret’s safe huh? You idiots…
|
Dad pulls Jay over the bar counter and crouches down. Dad pulls a
small blocky device from a pocket and frowns at it.
|
JAY
|
(terrified)
Who is that?
|
|
DAD
|
(thumbing buttons)
I thought you knew everything… She’s the Chief’s agent. One of your friends been talking?
|
|
JAY
|
(frantic)
How am I gonna get outta here?! Walter, you gotta help me!
|
Jay tries to move away. Dad grabs him.
|
DAD
|
|
Wait… I think I’ve found a line… Yes! Open socket, here we come.
|
|
JAY
|
|
Thank god somebody remembers that low-level shit.
|
Dad looks smug as he and Jay dissolve.
GOTO 108
CUT TO:
108. INT. DAD’S OFFICE – NIGHT -
Dad is sitting at his computer typing. The keystrokes are louder.
|
JAY
|
(V-O)
I can’t tell you how good it’s been to see you again old man. We should get together and do this more often.
|
Onscreen, a different conversation is simultaneously taking place in
a chat session. Dad and Jay’s text each has it’s own colour and font.
Audio controls and an active audio meter are in another panel.
“W: She’s called KARMA. ? Some kind of new killer agent. The Chief’s
been keeping her pretty quiet till now.”
|
DAD
|
(V-O)
How about next week sometime?
|
“J: Is she a FRANC?”
|
JAY
|
(V-O)
Errr. I may have to get back to you on that one. Looks like it’s gonna be a big one down the office, if you know what I mean…
|
“W: Probably based on one. But they’ve done some heavy tinkering.
She’s pure search ‘n destroy bot now. I need the best code you’ve
got. Any less won’t do. You with me?”
|
DAD
|
(V-O)
You guys. I dunno. You shouldn’t be so hard on yourselves. Lighten up a bit, have some fun now and then.
|
“J: OK. One condition. You get hold of this KARMA. I want a copy of
her source.”
He types as he speaks.
“W: Deal. ”
GOTO 109
CUT TO:
109. INT. DAD’S OFFICE – NIGHT -
It’s 04:23:23 according to the onscreen display.
Dad is typing away at his PC. His eyes are deep rimmed with fatigue.
|
DAD
|
(mumbling)
One. Get CD. Two. Get Karma’s OPS. Three. Get Blade out of there. Four. Remove any trace that you’ve been there. That’s it. We’re done.
|
Onscreen, a new FRANC (#3) is revolving slowly.
|
DAD
|
(to FRANC)
You understood all that.
|
FRANC stops revolving and stares out at Dad.
|
FRANC
|
|
Perfectly. However, please note that Blade’s agent, this CD, is considerably out-of-date. I would not advise using it.
|
|
DAD
|
|
I’ve got no choice. You two are going to work together like good little bots. Got it?!
|
|
FRANC
|
|
I would prefer not having to rely on CD. My older versions are notoriously unreliable.
|
Dad slams on his keyboard.
|
FRANC
|
(offended)
I’m just trying to help…
|
FRANC dissolves.
Dad leans on the monitor with both hands, breathing deeply.
|
DAD
|
|
Just get her back for me.
|
GOTO 110
CUT TO:
110. INT. DENR VENTILATION SHAFT – DAY -
CD is pacing back and forth in the shaft furiously. His head is bent,
peering at his stomach screen.
Onscreen, we are cueing noisily through memories of Blade. We pause.
CD giggles.
CD looks up at us. He giggles again. He resumes cueing, watching, and
walking. He looks up again suddenly.
|
CD
|
(defensive)
What you looking at? Haven’t you ever seen a bug before?
|
One eye falls out of a socket and focuses on the screen. CD starts
cueing again.
|
CD
|
(to the viewer)
I’ve lost the plot. What about you?
|
GOTO 111
CUT TO:
111. INT. KARMA’S SPACE – NIGHT -
We see Karma’s elaborate tracking system. A bank of windows is
monitoring prisoners, people, and statistics (similar to the ones in
the Chief’s chamber).
The panther lies before it.
Onscreen, CD is going crazy in the shaft..
|
SYSTEM
|
(O.S.)
Virus alert. Foreign agent in sector fourteen, track ten.
|
The panther growls and gets to its feet.
GOTO 112
CUT TO:
112. INT. DENR VENTILATION SHAFT – NIGHT -
CD has literally tied himself up in knots and is rocking back and
forward in the shaft.
|
CD
|
(smiling)
Morning boys and girls. Today we’re going to try a little self-help recipe. As you can see, (confidentially) I really need it.
|
We are looking into the panther’s eyes. They reflect an empty shaft.
|
CD
|
(O.S.)
We’re gonna to try by trying to debug some really loose logic. I’ve already prepared an example.
|
The panther creeps down the shaft towards CD.
|
CD
|
(O.S.)
First, one blocks the circulation in one’s system, like so. Then, one attempts a most cleansing reboot. Tubular huh?
|
CD groans and gasps as he pulls his knots tighter and tighter.
|
CD
|
(strained)
Unfortunately, it doesn’t always work. Sorry kids. Don’t try this home. Looks like no reboot today, no sudden pain-relief. In other words, no go sweetheart.
|
FRANC reaches down from an opening and pulls CD up out of harm’s way.
|
CD
|
(singing badly)
No go my go. No no.
|
|
FRANC
|
|
Alright, you can stop now.
|
|
CD
|
(singing)
No go my go. No no. No go my go. No no.
|
FRANC whacks CD hard on the forehead. CD’s volume fades away quickly.
FADE OUT:
FADE IN:
The annoying singing fades back in.
We are moving fast upwards through a maze of shafts. FRANC is
dragging a unwieldy CD behind him. FRANC wears a pained expression.
|
CD
|
(singing)
No no. Now it’s my turn to go.
|
The panther chases them but it is falling behind.
|
CD
|
(singing)
So much flow but you goin’ too slow.
|
CD grins suddenly.
Rubber skate brakes spring out the backs of his heels.
CD literally puts on the brakes, throwing FRANC off-balance.
|
FRANC
|
|
What on earth did you do that for?
|
FRANC hoists CD over his shoulder and starts running.
CD laughs dementedly. He blows a giant pink bubble from his mouth. It
pops, becoming a giant pink parachute trailing from his teeth.
|
FRANC
|
(to himself)
Note. The agent is malfunctioning exactly as predicted. Well, not exactly…
|
FRANC struggles to pull the parachute cord from CD’s mouth without
stopping. CD grits his teeth madly.
The panther closes in on them.
FRANC gives a tug, CD loses his grip on the cord.
The panther claws its way past the parachute.
FRANC consults a small flip-top device like a Newton with one hand.
He pockets it as they turn a sharp corner.
He kicks open a hole in the lower half of the shaft.
|
CD
|
|
Hey! That’s not legal!
|
CD giggles.
FRANC throws CD down. He takes off his trenchcoat and holds it out in
front of him. Without the coat, he resembles CD. A wireframe
duplicate of FRANC (a decoy) separates from him, dons the coat, and
strides off briskly.
FRANC throws CD back over his shoulder and dives at the opening. They
only partially fit, plugging the hole.
CD laughes heartily.
FRANC pushes his way inside, CD is squeezed out of shape.
They pop through the opening like a cork.
FRANC_SAVES_CD = TRUE
GOTO 113
CUT TO:
113. INT. DATA STREAM - NIGHT
FRANC and CD tumble end-over-end down a cylindrical shaft composed
entirely of hexidecimal characters and widgets.
|
CD
|
|
Faster! Faster! More! More!
|
FRANC stabilises their descent. They stop tumbling.
|
FRANC
|
|
CD. I’m now going to apply a patch to your operating system. It won’t hurt a bit.
|
|
CD
|
(screaming)
Pain! Give me pain!
|
FRANC clamps a hand over CD’s mouth.
CD tries to make noise through FRANC’s fingers.
|
FRANC
|
|
All I want you to do is to keep quiet for one moment. I don’t want to risk any data corruption.
|
FRANC releases his hand.
|
CD
|
(to the viewer)
He doesn’t want to risk any data corruption. Man, what a geek!
|
FRANC slaps a circular patch onto CD’s forehead.
FRANC stares into CD’s eyes expectantly.
|
CD
|
(dreamily)
Aaaaah. Hal. I’m seeing stars.
|
CD closes his eyes. He opens them. He does a double-take as he
realises that they’re falling.
|
FRANC
|
(O.S.)
Note. The agent appears to have stablised.
|
They stare at each other like twins.
|
CD
|
|
Let me guess… we’re related.
|
|
FRANC
|
|
We’re wasting time. There’s a tight schedule for this mission.
|
|
CD
|
|
Whoa there bro. What mission?
|
|
FRANC
|
|
I’m on a mission from Dad.
|
|
CD
|
(shaking his head)
Nah. This guy’s tacky. We can’t be related.
|
An alarm sounds. The tunnel surface goes red and changes texture.
|
CD
|
|
Uh oh. Time to move Mr. FRANC.
|
A bat-thing detaches itself from the wall and swipes at them as they
fall past.
|
FRANC
|
|
No name. Just a mission.
|
|
CD
|
(sarcastic)
I’m happy for you FRANC.
|
GOTO 114
CUT TO:
114. INT. SIM CENTRAL - NIGHT
FRANC and CD materialise, falling to the ground in the midst of the
sim cell openings.
|
CD
|
|
Righto. Thanks for the lift and all. But now I gotta go find Blade.
|
|
FRANC
|
|
Not yet. Security is still looking for us. Our best option is to hide for a while.
|
Bat-things are approaching from a distance.
|
FRANC
|
|
This way CD. There’s no time. We’ll hide in this sim.
|
FRANC tries to hustle CD into a vine-encrusted cell.
|
CD
|
|
Hands off buddy! I make my own choices.
|
CD is captivated by a reddish glow emanating from another cell.
|
CD
|
|
Mmmm I wonder what’s down there.
|
CHOICE: CD FRANC
GOTO 117
CUT TO:
115. INT. SIM CENTRAL – NIGHT -
FRANC grabs CD by the scruff of the neck and leaps into the tomb
cell.
|
FRANC
|
|
You’re coming with me.
|
GOTO 116
CUT TO:
116. INT. TOMB – NIGHT -
FRANC and CD fall through the thick foilage into the tomb.
CD distangles his limbs with indignation. He glares at FRANC.
|
CD
|
|
You know FRANC, you’re really starting to get on my nerves.
|
A giant scaly foot squashes CD into the ground.
The Allosaurus walks over them, oblivious to their presence.
CD slowly regains his shape. He looks up the dinosaur with disdain.
|
CD
|
(to dinosaur)
Ya big oaf! What’s your problem?! (to FRANC) Why can’t he see us?
|
|
FRANC
|
|
I guess it’s not tuned to agents. Only avatars.
|
The dinosaur sniffs around in front of them.
CD leaps onto the dinosaur’s leg.
FRANC grabs CD by the scruff of the neck, and pulls him behind a pile
of rubble.
|
FRANC
|
(whispering)
Quiet you!
|
The panther bounds into the tomb through the archway. It stops and
looks up at the foilage.
The dinosaur looks up and hisses.
A tiny box falls into the tomb, bouncing off the dinosaur’s head onto
the floor. The dinosaur gulps it down without hesitation.
CD cranes his neck upwards.
|
CD
|
(whispering)
What are they looking at?
|
From CD’s perspective - the foilage dissolves to wireframe.
Blade and Axel are peering down into the tomb.
FRANC roughly covers his mouth.
Too late. The panther spins around and heads towards them past the
dinosaur. The dinosaur hiccups.
The dinosaur seems to be having technical difficulties. It bellows.
It swings its tail, knocking the panther into a wall.
|
FRANC
|
|
Let’s get out of here.
|
|
CD
|
|
Hey?! What about Blade?
|
FRANC pulls CD across the tomb and speeds out through the archway.
The dinosaur is going crazy.
The panther looks startled. It dissolves.
GOTO 122
CUT TO:
117. INT. SIM CENTRAL – NIGHT -
CD is captivated by the cell with the reddish glow.
|
CD
|
|
You do what you like FRANC. I’ll catch ya later.
|
CD swan-dives into the cell.
|
FRANC
|
(to viewer shrugging)
Sorry Dad. I did warn you.
|
FRANC walks over the edge of the cell and falls inside.
GOTO 118
CUT TO:
118. INT. BROTHEL - NIGHT
FRANC and CD fall down into a soothingly dark corridor of endless
doors lit only by soft red candles.
|
FRANC
|
(sarcastic)
Good work CD. You’ve found the red-light district.
|
A well-endowed madam in medieval dress bursts out of a door.
|
MADAM
|
(furious)
How’d you get in here?! No bots allowed! Get out!!
|
She rushes towards them.
|
FRANC
|
(sarcastic)
Nice to see that the system’s being fully utilised.
|
|
MADAM
|
|
Get out of my place, software!
|
|
CD
|
|
Do we smell or something?
|
|
CD
|
|
Talk about discrimination.
|
FRANC pulls CD down the corridor and through a door.
GOTO 119
CUT TO:
119. INT. DESERT ISLAND – DAY -
FRANC and CD step out of a single palm tree onto a tiny desert
island.
A bikini-clad HOSTESS is having sunscreen applied to her back by an
eager client.
The client jumps nervously as he spots the pair.
|
CLIENT
|
|
What are you doing here?
|
|
FRANC
|
|
Excuse us. We’re just err…
|
CD gawks childishly at the hostess.
She regards them with a quizzical eye.
|
HOSTESS
|
|
Can I help you two?
|
|
FRANC
|
|
Sorry, we’re just umm, we’re… come on CD.
|
CD gives the embarrased looking client a thumbs up.
|
CD
|
(winking)
Nice tree bud.
|
FRANC drags CD back into the tree door.
GOTO 120
CUT TO:
120. INT. BROTHEL – NIGHT -
FRANC and CD step out into the corridor. The madam swipes at them
with a vicious looking battle-axe.
|
MADAM
|
|
I said get outta here!!
|
FRANC and CD duck and dive across the hallway at the door opposite.
CD rotates his head 180 degrees to keep track of the madam.
|
CD
|
Relax lady. We’re leavin’. (eyes bulging)
Yikes!
|
They pass straight through the door just as the axe smashes into it.
GOTO 121
CUT TO:
121. INT. PLUSH PINK PLACE - NIGHT
The place is one giant bed piled high with pink fluffy objects. The
muzak here is terrible.
FRANC and CD exchange a wry look.
|
FRANC
|
(screwing up his face)
They can have anything they want, and they want this…
|
|
CD
|
(sarcastic)
Human nature FRANC. You gotta love it.
|
We hear footsteps approaching.
|
MADAM
|
(O.S.)
Lousy software. I’ll teach you to come waltzing in here. I’m gonna wipe you both!!
|
CD cups his mouth in shock.
|
CD
|
(mock-horror)
Oooh ahh!
|
|
FRANC
|
|
Come on. We don’t want to attract more attention.
|
CD starts digging a hole in the bedding, throwing cushions out of the
way.
FRANC consults his Newton.
|
FRANC
|
|
Keep going. Only a few more layers to go.
|
FRANC starts burrowing as well. CD and FRANC disappear out of sight.
Psycho madam smashes her way through the door. She sticks her head
into the room. She’s not happy.
|
MADAM
|
|
Arrrgggh!! Where are ya?! I know you’re in there you two. I’m gonna tear you apart!!
|
GOTO 122
122. INT. CATACOMBS - NIGHT
FRANC and CD fall into a roughly hewn stone tunnel.
|
FRANC
|
|
CD. I’m going to need your help on this mission. The next phase is for us to get Karma’s OPS.
|
|
CD
|
|
Us? Hold on FRANC. I’m only doing one thing. And that’s finding Blade.
|
|
FRANC
|
|
That’s phase three.
|
CD’s stomach screen censor-beeps loudly.
|
CD
|
|
…ing phase it is! Blade’s my user. He has priority.
|
|
FRANC
|
|
CD, use your upgrade. Think about it! What are you going to do when you find him? You can’t free him by yourself. Not without any OPS.
|
|
CD
|
(sullen)
Maybe you’re right. I’ll just have to go back and wait. Blade can come and collect me when he’s out. At least this time I won’t go loopy.
|
|
FRANC
|
|
CD, the aim of this mission is to get Blade out of the system. But we’ll need Karma’s OPS to do it. Dad’s thought of everything.
|
|
CD
|
(mocking)
Dad’s thought of everything. Right. Then he would have thought of this…
|
CD runs off down the corridor.
FRANC chases after him, crash-tackling him into the ground. They roll
around wrestling but they are too evenly matched for either to take
advantage of the other.
|
FRANC
|
|
You’re acting immaturely. Just like your user.
|
CD blows a raspberry at him.
|
CD
|
|
Nyah nyah. Ya big snob! You don’t know everything. And you’re no fun either.
|
FRANC greabs CD in a headlock.
|
FRANC
|
|
This isn’t about fun. It’s a matter of life and death.
|
|
CD
|
|
What are you? An agent or a tape recorder? Gimme something original please…
|
FRANC throws CD against the wall, leaving him stuck in an
indentation.
|
FRANC
|
(to himself)
Note. Never, repeat never, try working with children, animals, or software.
|
CHOICE: CD FRANC
GOTO 154
CUT TO:
123. INT. CATACOMBS - NIGHT
CD is jumping up and down with exasperation.
|
CD
|
|
If Blade is the mission, why can’t I go after him?!
|
FRANC watches him wearily.
|
FRANC
|
|
CD. You’re not paying attention.
|
CD rips off his forehead patch.
|
CD
|
|
I’ve had it with you and your stupid mission.
|
|
FRANC
|
|
What are you doing? You’ll downgrade! Be logical.
|
|
CD
|
(gesticulating)
Stuff logic. I’m Blade’s agent, not Dad’s.
|
An opening appears in the tunnel wall. We see a data stream inside.
|
FRANC
|
|
Be reasonable CD. You can’t help him. Not by yourself.
|
|
CD
|
|
Him and me, we’re integrated. We’re a team. It’s probably not something that you can understand. I’m going back.
|
CD dives into the shaft.
FRANC stomps around furiously. He composes himself self-consciously.
|
FRANC
|
(to himself)
Damn. There goes the mission.
|
GOTO 134
CUT TO:
124. EXT. PARK TREES – DAY -
We are moving fast with Blade, Axel, and Prisoner #2 through the
trees.
The police officer chases them, shooting.
Prisoner #2 is shot in the back.
Axel is hit in the shoulder and stumbles.
Blade dives behind a tree. He shoots back to cover Axel.
Axel grits his teeth in agony and doggedly regains his stride.
|
AXEL
|
|
Welcome to hell kid.
|
The police officer, behind them, fires off the last of his ammo.
His gun transforms inconveniently into a baton.
The officer ducks behind a tree, breathing hard. He tucks the baton
into his belt holster and quickly draws it out again. It is a gun
once more. He takes a deep breath and runs off after them.
Up ahead, Blade gesticulates as he runs. A small window opens up in
front of him, displaying a map view of the park. It moves ahead of
Blade as he runs.
|
BLADE
|
(yelling to Axel)
Follow me. I got a map!
|
|
BLADE
|
|
I stole read OPS! You coming?
|
|
AXEL
|
(surprised)
Hell yeah. Aaargh!!
|
We move with Blade as he leads the limping Axel through the trees.
|
BLADE
|
(consulting the window)
There’s a back-door around here somewhere.
|
Blade stops at the base of a tree.
|
BLADE
|
(consulting his window)
Up here.
|
We see that the branches high above them form a thick canopy.
|
AXEL
|
|
You gotta be kidding…
|
The window vanishes.
Blade starts climbing up the tree. Axel follows feebly.
|
AXEL
|
|
A manhole would’ve been great.
|
There is a big gap before the next branches.
Blade leaps up into the air and grabs hold of the lowest branch. He
gracefully swings up around and onto it. He hangs off the branch by
his feet and reaches down for Axel.
Axel jumps up and grabs hold of Blade’s hands. Axel hangs in agony,
unable to pull himself up.
|
BLADE
|
|
Come on, er… what’s your name?
|
Axel loses one hand grip and swings. Blade flails around and grabs it
again. Axel cries out in pain. We see Axel’s bleeding shoulder wound.
|
AXEL
|
|
Can’t do it. It hurts too much.
|
Blade strains to pull Axel up with all his strength.
|
BLADE
|
|
Come on Axel! Help me out. We gotta get the Chief.
|
Axel grits his teeth and pulls himself up.
|
AXEL
|
|
Steady kid. Get me up first.
|
Blade pulls him up onto the branch. They are almost at the canopy.
|
AXEL
|
|
I can’t afford another hit right now.
|
|
BLADE
|
|
I’ll get us out. Trust me.
|
Blade re-opens the map window.
|
BLADE
|
|
Says here, the exit’s right overhead.
|
Blade starts helping Axel up into the canopy. Blade stops. He listens
intently for a moment before disappearing into the canopy.
|
POLICE OFFICER
|
(O.S.)
Freeze asshole!
|
Down on the ground, the police officer has his gun aimed at Axel.
Blade dives out of a different part of the canopy, knocking the
officer to the ground.
|
BLADE
|
|
You feeling this, officer?
|
Blade pins the officer’s weapon arm and repeatedly clubs him with his
gun. The officer flails around like a cockroach on its back. He is
clearly not designed for unarmed conflict.
The officer’s body warps violently and starts to dissolve.
|
AXEL
|
|
Way to go kid. You nailed him!
|
GOTO 125
CUT TO:
125. INT. CANOPY – DAY -
Blade and Axel plough upwards through the dense branches.
Axel stops for a rest.
We see that Axel’s shoulder wound is healing itself.
|
BLADE
|
(looking at Axel’s shoulder)
That’s freaky.
|
|
AXEL
|
|
It’s nothing physical. It’s my mind that’s hurt. Interlink strains it heaps. Especially when it’s faking painful shit.
|
|
BLADE
|
|
How much of this can we take?
|
|
AXEL
|
|
Depends. Each head’s different. But they usually pull you out before your mind overloads. Not a pretty sight. Five days in, two out. That’s yer basic week in the head bin.
|
|
BLADE
|
|
We’ve gotta get out of here.
|
GOTO 126
CUT TO:
126. INT. SIM CENTRAL - DAY
Blade and Axel emerge out of the canopy to find themselves just under
the rim of a large hexagonal cell. The sky is filled with more cells.
They clamber out into the midst of a vast spherical chamber. The
curved surface of the chamber is covered with an uneven honeycomb of
cells.
The Avatar Gallery hangs in the center of the chamber. Its walls are
transparent like spiderwebs.
|
BLADE
|
|
Looks like we’ve hit sim central.
|
We see an elipsoid tower, floating in the distance above the
honeycomb.
|
AXEL
|
You got it. (pointing at the tower)
That’s the control tower up there.
|
A bi-directional light shoots out from the tower. It connects a
cluster of avatars to one of the cells.
|
BLADE
|
|
Good. That’s our ticket out of here. We gotta get write OPS.
|
Blade starts running off along the cell walls towards the tower.
|
AXEL
|
(to himself)
Newbies. Always doin’ things the hard way.
|
Axel sticks his fingers in his mouth and does a two-note whistle.
Across the chamber, a cell glows. A beam of light streaks down
towards them.
Axel jumps up as the light reaches him. A shiny convertible
materialises around him. Axel revs the engine and takes off after
Blade.
The car pulls alongside Blade.
|
AXEL
|
|
One of the perks from being an old-timer. I got connections.
|
Blade climbs in.
They speed off.
GOTO 127
CUT TO:
127. INT. CAR – DAY -
Axel looks like he was born in the driver’s seat.
|
AXEL
|
A guard uploaded this a few weeks back. Sweet, ain’t it? (shifting gears)
Stupid bastard left the key source out for me to copy.
|
GOTO 128
CUT TO:
128. INT. SIM CENTRAL – DAY -
The car swerves along the hexagonal maze of cell walls. Axel puts the
car through its paces, skillfully avoiding each cell.
|
AXEL
|
(O.S.)
He wanted driving lessons. Of course, I was happy to oblige.
|
Each cell contains a wildly different environment.
|
BLADE
|
(O.S.)
Why’d he pick you?
|
Blade peers down into cells as they hurtle past.
In one, we see a tube-shaped racetrack running through an alien city.
|
AXEL
|
(O.S.)
Musta checked my file. Used to race sims for a living. I won some heavy races back in the 90’s.
|
Another cell contains World War One trenches.
Another shows a shoot-out within Cyberswine’s police headquarters.
|
BLADE
|
(O.S.)
This place has everything.
|
The control tower is getting closer.
GOTO 129
CUT TO:
129. INT. CAR – DAY -
The control tower looms ahead.
|
BLADE
|
|
This’ll be interesting. I usually have software on me.
|
|
AXEL
|
|
Oh yeah… you’ll like this.
|
Axel hands Blade a SCRIPT BOX. It is a device the size of a large fat
credit card with crude buttons marked on one side, and gold prongs
(like those on a computer chip) on the other.
|
AXEL
|
|
Damn! I thought you’d know. We better pull over.
|
GOTO 130
CUT TO:
130. INT. SIM CENTRAL – DAY -
Axel stops the car alongside a cell with vine-covered walls.
Axel hops out and goes to the edge of the cell.
|
AXEL
|
|
Think it’s some kind of virus. I dunno. I’m no good with tech shit. You stick it in any system and it screws everything up for a while. Sends things crazy.
|
|
BLADE
|
(fingering it)
You steal this?
|
|
AXEL
|
|
Nah. Got the source off the guy who wrote it. Just before he fried. He swore it’d get me out of here.
|
Axel peers down into the cell – it looks like a tomb. We hear
pounding footsteps followed by a crunching noise.
|
AXEL
|
(frowning at the box)
Yeah, it’s a bitch to control. Works different each time.
|
|
BLADE
|
|
And there’s no manual, huh?
|
Axel rips a strip off the box and shows it to Blade. The strip looks
like a slim remote control with lots of buttons.
|
AXEL
|
|
Nah. But I’ve worked a few things out.
|
Axel places the strip on top of his hand. The strip’s texture
transforms to match his hand.
|
AXEL
|
|
Pretty cool remote huh?
|
|
BLADE
|
|
Funky feature for jailware.
|
|
AXEL
|
Oooh yeah. Gotta hide everything. (showing the rest of the box)
This bit goes into yer target system. Here, I’ll show ya.
|
Axel lobs the box into the tomb.
|
AXEL
|
|
Don’t worry, I’ve got more.
|
Blade and Axel look over the edge of the cell.
Vines block the view of a large creature moving about down below.
Axel presses a large round button on the remote.
|
BLADE
|
(uneasily)
That’s not what I meant…
|
We hear an angry bellow.
|
AXEL
|
(peering down)
We got a bite! Hang on a sec. I wanna see what happens.
|
A bat-thing (a large dog-thing with wings) swoops down from behind
and lifts Axel up in its talons. Axel is carried away towards the
tower.
Another bat-thing swoops down to get Blade.
Blade somersaults out of the way and sprints back to the car. He
leaps into the driver’s seat.
GOTO 131
CUT TO:
131. INT. CAR – DAY -
Blade reaches down for the ignition.
|
BLADE
|
(looking up)
Jesus!
|
The bat-thing slams into his door and swipes at him.
Blade dives across into the passenger seat, and out the door.
GOTO 132
CUT TO:
132. INT. SIMULATION SPACE – DAY -
Blade runs along the top of the cell walls. He somersaults out of
reach of the bat-thing snapping at his heels.
A third bat-thing flies up out of a cell at him.
Blade ducks, loses his balance, and falls into the adjoining cell.
GOTO 133
CUT TO:
133. EXT. ATMOSPHERE – DAY -
Blade plummets down through clear blue sky. The ground below is
endless sand dunes.
A missile shrieks past Blade.
A MIG-29 Foxbat streaks by overhead.
We see an F-16 doing crazy manuevers trying to shake the missile off
its tail.
Blade looks up to see the bat-thing streaking down towards at him.
Blade gesticulates, opening a data window above him like a parachute.
The bat-thing smashes through the window, looking somewhat dazed.
The F-16 explodes in a ball of fire some distance away.
Blade grabs hold of the bat-thing and they plummet together, clawing
at each other.
We see Blade has torn open the bat-thing’s side, revealing a
wireframe torso with various data panels.
|
BLADE
|
|
Thanks for the OPS, bat-thing!
|
Blade sticks his fingers into a data panel, sucking up the scrolling
hexidecimal characters.
|
CHIEF
|
(O.S.)
That’s enough.
|
Everything freezes.
The desert, plane, and blue sky scroll back. Blade and the bat-thing
are left frozen in a void.
|
CHIEF
|
(O.S.)
How the hell did he get in there?!
|
GOTO 134
CUT TO:
134. INT. INTERLINK CONTROL TOWER - NIGHT
Several windows show now-familiar views of Sim Central.
A bank of screens shows prisoners in their cells. We see Axel in his.
The panther paces behind the little girl and the Chief.
|
LITTLE GIRL
|
|
They found the sim’s back-door. We’re not sure how yet.
|
|
CHIEF
|
|
You better find out Warden. Or you’ll be in there with them.
|
Onscreen, Blade materialises into Axel’s cell, in mid-air, and falls
to the floor.
GOTO 135
CUT TO:
135. INT. BLADE’S CELL – NIGHT -
Blade gets up off the floor, opening his window next to Axel.
|
AXEL
|
|
I thought you got away.
|
Using his window, Blade is calling up complete network diagrams and
CCESS: You
onscreen.
GOTO 136
CUT TO:
136. INT. INTERLINK CONTROL TOWER – NIGHT -
In a window we see several logo’ed racers crossing a finish line. The
winning racer has a DENR logo on its side.
|
COMMENTATOR
|
|
The winner is number 4. DENR.
|
The Chief stands besides the window looking pleased.
The little girl and Tech #1 are hunched over a nearby console.
The Chief glances over at the prisoner screens.
Onscreen, we see Blade and Axel peering into their data window.
|
CHIEF
|
|
What’s going on in there? Cut his access!
|
|
LITTLE GIRL
|
|
Yes sir. You said not to damage him unnecessarily so we’ll have to re-route the signal back through the containment…
|
GOTO 137
137. INT. BLADE’S CELL - NIGHT
The information onscreen scrolls past at a rapid pace.
|
BLADE
|
|
Yep. Means we’re in luck.
|
|
BLADE
|
|
There’s too much happening on the Chief’s network. Too many systems.
|
Onscreen we see a series of systems performance graphs and
indicators.
|
BLADE
|
(pointing)
Look, it’s already close to overloading. He’s using one network for everything.
|
|
AXEL
|
|
That’d be right. Greedy bastard!
|
Onscreen we see a complex network diagram showing Cityscape,
Interlink, the State Registry, and a host of other public service-
type systems gathered around a central hub.
|
BLADE
|
|
That’s how we’ll bring him down.
|
|
BLADE
|
(pointing)
Look. Cityscape is big enough to deserve its own network. But it’s running off this one, along with everything else. Probably saves him big bucks too.
|
|
BLADE
|
(pointing quickly)
If we can weaken any part of the network, then we’ll weaken the containment field that’s holding us prisoner. Everything’s connected.
|
|
AXEL
|
|
I’m starting to like this.
|
|
BLADE
|
|
It gets better. If we could crash the network, we could bring down the whole of the prison system. We can get out. And wreck this place at the same time.
|
|
AXEL
|
|
Starting to love this.
|
|
BLADE
|
|
OK. Now… the weakest point of the network… would be here.
|
Blade touches the network hub in the diagram. The image zooms in on
the hub and switches to a diagramatic view of a submarine, the hub.
The image shudders and static disrupts the picture.
|
BLADE
|
(pointing)
The network hub. We hit that. It’s like the front door to the network. If we start a traffic jam here, the network’s stuffed.
|
|
AXEL
|
|
Hey, we could use my virus thing!
|
|
BLADE
|
|
Sure… if it works. We need lotsa chaos. More traffic, more signals, more anything that would put strain on the hub.
|
|
AXEL
|
|
All very fascinating professor, but how do we get to this hub? Look where we are!
|
Blade starts flicking through different data screens.
|
BLADE
|
|
Yeah I know. I’m working on it... I got read access OPS. Now I gotta get write access. Then I’ll have some control over the system.
|
Onscreen the view turns to static. The window explodes into fragments
|
BLADE
|
|
Damn! There go our read OPS!
|
Axel snorts derisively.
Blade glares at him.
|
AXEL
|
|
I didn’t say anything!
|
GOTO 138
CUT TO:
138. INT. INTERLINK CONTROL TOWER - DAY
We see a window showing Blade banging on his window frame.
We hear a recorded bit of Blade.
|
BLADE
|
(O.S)
I got read access OPS. Now I gotta get write access. Then I’ll have some control over the system.
|
The Chief, the little girl and Tech #1 are crowded around the window.
|
TECH #1
|
|
That’s how he did it. He keeps stealing system privileges.
|
|
TECH #2
|
|
Slippery guy. Maybe we should hire him.
|
|
LITTLE GIRL
|
(to Tech #2)
Shaddup you! (to Chief) Chief, he must have downloaded more OPS after we scanned him.
|
|
CHIEF
|
|
Without anyone noticing?
|
|
LITTLE GIRL
|
|
He almost crashed the whole system sir. We were fully occupied.
|
The panther snarls at her.
|
CHIEF
|
|
I’ve heard enough excuses.
|
|
LITTLE GIRL
|
|
He’s worse than any virus Chief. Surely we should just delete him…
|
|
CHIEF
|
No. He’s too valuable. (indicating Tech #2)
He’s right. I could use this one.
|
|
LITTLE GIRL
|
|
But not for sim labour. It’s too big a security risk.
|
|
CHIEF
|
(turning on her)
I’ll be the judge of that Warden. Perhaps we can reach an understanding.
|
|
CHIEF
|
|
I want to meet this kid. Set it up. Somewhere appropriate.
|
We see Blade dissolving from the window view.
GOTO 139
CUT TO:
139. INT. CHAPEL – NIGHT -
Blade, dressed in martial arts garb, appears inside a small gothic
chapel.
A likeness of the Chief in a stained glass window smiles down at him.
|
CHIEF
|
|
Mr. Harkensen. In the flesh! Well not quite, but you’ll have to excuse me. I don’t get offline much these days.
|
|
BLADE
|
|
Why you hiding Chief? Afraid I’ll bite you?
|
|
CHIEF
|
|
Speak for yourself Blade. You’re hiding your source from me.
|
|
CHIEF
|
|
Just naive. I know exactly who you are. And I’ve got a deal for you.
|
|
CHIEF
|
|
Work for me. We’ll do something worthwhile with those hacker skills of yours. As Winston Churchill once said: The empires of the future are the empires of the mind.
|
|
BLADE
|
|
You’re crazy. I’m gonna bring you down.
|
The Chief laughs.
|
CHIEF
|
|
You don’t get it, do you? There’s no other way out for you.
|
|
CHIEF
|
|
Don’t think so. Anyway, without your source, this ten week sentence is just a formality. You won’t last a week.
|
|
CHIEF
|
|
You’re being childish. Selfish too. Blade… think of your family.
|
|
CHIEF
|
|
You think so? You’ve seen my system. You really think you can keep secrets from me? How do you think they’re being treated now?
|
Blade goes beserk, hurling a nearby tall candelabra up at the window
like a spear.
The Chief laughes as his image shatters. His mouth continues to speak
from glass shards on the floor
|
CHIEF
|
|
Blade. Come work for me. I need people like you. It’ll be a shame to lose such an agile mind.
|
CHOICE: BLADE CHIEF
GOTO 140
CUT TO:
140. INT. CHAPEL – NIGHT -
Blade scowls down. The Chief’s face peers back from glass shards on
the floor.
|
BLADE
|
|
I’m not working for you.
|
|
CHIEF
|
|
Have a think about it. While you can.
|
The Chief’s image vanishes from the glass shards.
A large bald MONK in fighting stance appears before Blade. The monk
is armed with a quarterstaff.
|
BLADE
|
(to monk)
Christ! What now?
|
|
MONK
|
|
No blashemey in here! You die!
|
Blade kicks the staff out of his hands and snaps it across his knee.
He grins madly.
|
BLADE
|
|
Goddamn role-players!
|
Blade cops a fist in the face.
The monk attacks Blade with a swift progression of bare-handed moves,
smashing him back through the pews. Blade retaliates vigorously but
is no match for the monk who pummels him relentlessly.
GOTO 164
CUT TO:
141. INT. CHAPEL – NIGHT -
Blade scowls down. The Chief’s face peers back from glass shards on
the floor.
Blade looks around. His face brightens.
|
BLADE
|
|
Alright Chief. You make it worth my while, and I’ll help you.
|
Blade is jerked off his feet by an invisible force. He struggles.
|
CHIEF
|
(sarcastically)
And we can trust you, can’t we?
|
|
BLADE
|
|
I said I’d help, didn’t I?
|
|
CHIEF
|
|
Well then, before you change your mind, we’d better get you started. I’ve got a little bug that needs fixing.
|
|
CHIEF
|
(smiling)
Don’t worry, you can’t miss it.
|
Blade dissolves.
GOTO 142
CUT TO:
142. INT. TOMB - DAY
Blade drops to the ground inside an ancient tomb. Vines are bursting
out of cracks in the walls.
|
LITTLE GIRL
|
(O.S.)
Interactive movies are such a nightmare to run. One little glitch and there goes the PG rating. An allosaurus stomps over a Ken and Barbie in bloodstained adventurer garb. It snarls and stalks towards Blade.
|
|
LITTLE GIRL
|
(O.S.)
He’s caught something. Some bug. Everything’s out of alignment.
|
The Allosaurus jerkily vanishes and reappears from a different angle.
|
LITTLE GIRL
|
(O.S.)
You’ll have to trap the error. Or I guess he’ll trap you.
|
The little girl giggles.
We see that Axel’s script box is embedded in the back of the
dinosaur’s skull.
COND: SCRIPT_BOX
GOTO 144
CUT TO:
143. INT. AXEL’S CELL – DAY -
In a void, Axel drops down onto his metallic floor.
An old-fashioned picture frame hangs above him. The little girl’s
image looks down on Axel.
|
LITTLE GIRL
|
|
Watch the movie, old-timer. Next time, you might be in it.
|
Onscreen, her image is replaced by a view into the tomb.
Axel studies the screen anxiously.
|
AXEL
|
(to himself)
Why is this so damn familiar?
|
Onscreen, the view turns to show Blade facing the Allosaurus.
The Allosaurus bellows.
Axel gets down on all fours and starts eye-balling his floor.
We see that there are script box remotes lying camouflaged all over
the floor.
Axel scrabbles about, frantically searching for the right one.
Axel locates the remote and starts pressing buttons.
|
AXEL
|
|
Work you stupid thing!
|
He fumbles with the remote. It snaps in two.
In the frame, the Allosaurus swipes at Blade.
|
AXEL
|
(wincing)
Sorry buddy.
|
GOTO 145
CUT TO:
144. EXT. GEORGE STREET – DAY -
We see terrified cinema patrons fleeing out of a theatre showing
“Dinobyte”. The posters outside show our dinosaur.
GOTO 145
CUT TO:
145. INT. TOMB – DAY -
The Allosaurus shows its teeth and lumbers towards Blade.
Blade takes off running towards an arched doorway. The doorway turns
to wall as he reaches it. It reappears across the room.
|
LITTLE GIRL
|
(O.S.)
Oooh, the sim’s gone non-linear. This could be painful.
|
The little girl giggles. Blade runs up the wall and flips backwards
over the pursuing dinosaur. Blade disappears through the entrance.
The entrance is too small for the dinosaur. It wedges itself in the
opening and flails around.
GOTO 146
CUT TO:
146. INT. BLADE’S CELL – DAY -
Blade runs out of the void onto a corner of his floor. The floor has
expanded to the size of a playing field.
We see the dinosaur running at him from the opposite corner.
Blade looks confused (for the first time).
|
BLADE
|
(to himself)
Think it through girl. (formally) Break!
|
A large data window appears, blocking out his view of the dinosaur.
Another window appears.
The dinosaur bellows somewhere behind the windows.
A barricade of windows is forming, one for each spoken word. Behind
it, the dinosaur is getting closer.
|
BLADE
|
(O.S.)
Exit… Interrupt… Hold… Stop… Freeze… Suspend… Kill… Reset goddamit!!
|
Blade peers around the barricade. The scene jerks then freezes. We
hear an error noise and a click.
GOTO 147
CUT TO:
147. INSERT
We see a low resolution error message on a blue blank screen (similar
to Win95). “The sim is not responding.” We hear error noises and a
click.
The Allosaurus rips through the error screen as though it were paper.
GOTO 148
CUT TO:
148. INT. TOMB – DAY -
Blade is suddenly back in the tomb against his will, trapped up
against a wall.
The Allosaurus snarls menacingly in his face and opens its jaws.
Blade leaps up and scrambles down its throat, disappearing from view.
The dinosaur flails its head about, looking for him.
GOTO 149
CUT TO:
149. INT. SPINAL COLUMN – DAY -
We move up a steep sloping tunnel which appears to be the inside of
the dinosaur’s vertebrae.
Blade is running for his life ahead of the dinosaur.
Ahead of Blade we see Axel’s script box. It is now so enlarged that
it blocks the corridor. Sparks of lightning link the box to the
walls.
Blade gives the box a vigorous kick as he gets to it.
The box breaks apart, scattering bones everywhere. The lightning
stops.
Blade runs through an invisible portal, disappearing from view.
GOTO 150
CUT TO:
150. INT. BLADE’S CELL – DAY -
Blade runs out of the void onto his floor. He looks disorientated.
|
LITTLE GIRL
|
(O.S.)
Don’t bother running Blade He’s imprinted on your nervous system.
|
The dinosaur looms large behind the wall of windows.
Blade throws himself to the ground.
A small unattached keyboard materialises in front of him.
Blade starts typing furiously.
Onscreen, an elipsoid slowly encircles a stylised graphic of the
dinosaur’s skeleton. Underneath, we can see what Blade is typing.
“#VRML V2.0 utf8 DEF TEA…”
|
BLADE
|
|
Alright Vermil. Be useful for once.
|
Blade finishes typing with a flourish and looks up expectantly.
The dinosaur collides loudly with the barricade of windows, sending
them flying. The lighting fluctuates and goes a dim red.
The dinosaur’s lower half is now encased in a giant wireframe teapot.
The teapot solidifies. The dinosaur flails about, cracking the teapot
open. It climbs out and charges at Blade.
Blade types furiously again.
|
BLADE
|
(to himself)
Keep it simple stupid.
|
Blade suddenly looks up with a smile.
Onscreen, the elipsoid fully encloses the dinosaur skeleton.
A wireframe elipsoid encases the dinosaur. It contracts like a net
and solidifies. The dinosaur flails around in rage but cannot break
out.
Blade breathes a sigh of relief.
An explosion tears a ragged hole in the dinosaur’s side. It stops
moving.
CHOICE: BLADE AXEL
COND: SCRIPT_BOX
GOTO 152
CUT TO:
151. INT. BLADE’S SPACE – DAY -
Blade breathes a sigh of relief. He looks around his cell for
inspiration. It’s back to normal proportions. He peers into the hole
in the dinosaur’s side.
|
BLADE
|
(to himself)
Now I can really say I’ve been everywhere.
|
He squeezes through the hole and falls out of sight.
GOTO 153
CUT TO:
152. INT. AXEL’S SPACE – DAY -
Axel is watching his frame displaying the dinosaur encased in a
sphere. He breathes a sigh of relief.
In the picture frame Blade glares out at Axel.
|
BLADE
|
(shaking his head)
That box is dodgy jailware. I don’t trust it.
|
|
AXEL
|
(muttering)
Quiet kid. You’ll spoil everything.
|
We see that the floor around Axel is covered with concealed script
boxes.
CHOICE: FRANC_SAVES_CD
GOTO 169
CUT TO:
153. INT. JUNK CHAMBER – NIGHT -
Blade falls to the ground inside a rock-carved tunnel on top of a
disentegrating skeleton. Computer junk and Sydney 2000 paraphranelia
litter the ground.
Blade glances up uneasily at the solid tunnel roof.
|
BLADE
|
(to himself)
What now?
|
The Chief and Karma are walking towards Blade.
|
CHIEF
|
|
It’s your call Blade. But time’s ticking.
|
Blade charges at them.
|
CHIEF
|
(smiling)
You’ll regret it…
|
Blade somersaults over them and disappears down the tunnel.
Karma morphs into the panther and bounds after him.
GOTO 167
CUT TO:
154. INT. KARMA’S SPACE – NIGHT -
The panther is standing over the terrified (and still drunk) bar
patron. A nearby window displays his vital signs and other medical
data. A large window displays an action shot of Blade.
|
DRUNK PATRON
|
|
I’m tellin’ ya lady. I don’t know anything about him. I didn’t choose the channel.
|
|
KARMA
|
(V-O)
One more time. Who is Blade Harkensen? And who is he working with?
|
|
DRUNK PATRON
|
(hysterical)
I’d tell ya! Believe me I’d tell ya! I wish I knew so I could just tell ya. Please…
|
The panther turns into Karma.
|
DRUNK PATRON
|
|
Oh thank God. You believe me.
|
Karma snarls and kicks out at him. His body shatters into fragments.
The medical readouts start flatlining.
Karma walks over to a data window and gesticulates. It turns red.
|
KARMA
|
|
Note. None of the interview suspects know anything useful. We’ll have to look elsewhere.
|
The window’s contents return to normal.
GOTO 155
CUT TO:
155. EXT. SHIP DECK – DAY -
The Chief is playing host to a small group of Japanese suits.
|
CHIEF
|
|
Gentlemen, you have nothing to lose, and everything to gain. Once people realise what software agents are all about, everyone will want one. Every home will have one. Every office, every vehicle… Gentlemen, by investing in the Karma program, you too can reap in the rewards.
|
|
SUIT #1
|
|
Mr Chief. We have some concerns about your prototype.
|
He consults a clipboard.
On it, in a window surrounded by text, Karma is performing kung-fu.
|
SUIT #1
|
(O.S.)
This looks more like some military application. A prison program perhaps?
|
|
SUIT #2
|
|
It won’t sell. It’s too hardcore.
|
On the clipboard, Karma’s eyes smoulder.
|
SUIT #1
|
(O.S.)
Yes. You’re right. The product needs a softer image. Less aggression, more personality.
|
The suits all nod and murmur their agreement.
|
CHIEF
|
|
Very well. We’ll take your comments on board.
|
|
SUIT #1
|
|
Let us know if you come up with something. Your software is impressive. We are interested.
|
|
CHIEF
|
(bowing)
Gentlemen.
|
The suits bow together and dissolve.
|
CHIEF
|
(muttering to himself)
Damn salesmen! Doesn’t anyone have vision any more?
|
GOTO 156
CUT TO:
156. INT. CATACOMBS - DAY
CD and FRANC are groggily picking themselves off the floor. They’ve
been fighting. The tunnel section has been bashed completely out of
shape.
|
CD
|
|
OK Franky. What if I do help you? What’s this plan to get Karma?
|
|
FRANC
|
|
I’m still working on it. Stop distracting me, and let me process!
|
CD mouthes his disrespect.
FRANC paces, staring at the floor. CD watches with amusement.
|
CD
|
|
Well… if you want my opinion. I think we should go back to the DENR building and set a trap.
|
|
FRANC
|
|
Quiet! I’m processing.
|
FRANC looks up.
|
FRANC
|
|
Actually. That is a good idea. We know that she monitors that area.
|
CD turns to the viewer in exasperation.
|
CD
|
(eagerly)
Can we check on what’s happening with Blade first?
|
|
FRANC
|
|
We’ve been through all that. That’s not an option. We’re on a mission from Dad.
|
|
CD
|
(rolling his eyes)
You can do better than that.
|
GOTO 157
CUT TO:
157. INT. DENR VENTILATION SHAFT - DAY
The panther is pacing down a shaft.
Up ahead FRANC is lying on the floor writhing around.
|
FRANC
|
(looking up)
Room service? Room service! Is that you?! I’m hun-gry.
|
FRANC’s voice distorts in speed and pitch.
The panther reaches FRANC and regards him with interest.
|
FRANC
|
I’ve been waiting, waiting waiting, waiting. (reaching out)
Here pussy…
|
The panther snarls and goes to swipe at FRANC.
FRANC rolls up into an armour-plated ball like an armadillo. The
panther roars with displeasure. The ball starts rolling down the
shaft. The panther follows, toying with it like a kitten.
CD is spread out along the roof like a carpet. As the panther passes
beneath he drops down and envelopes the panther. CD encloses the
panther like a sack.
FRANC uncurls.
CD bulges as the panther struggles. Its snarls are muffled.
|
CD
|
Nice kitty kitty. (to FRANC)
Congrats FRANC. You make a great moron.
|
GOTO 158
CUT TO:
158. INT. DENR VENTILATION SHAFT - DAY
The panther is trussed up in a different shaft, tied up in conduits
pulled out of the wall. It writhes in displeasure.
|
FRANC
|
I’ve extracted read OPS without any trouble but everything else is too shielded. (to panther)
Why don’t you co-operate? You’re one of us you know.
|
The panther transforms back into a scowling Karma.
|
FRANC
|
|
Well that’s a start. Let’s be civilised.
|
Karma snarls at FRANC.
|
CD
|
(sarcastic)
Mmmm. What a lady.
|
Karma glares at CD. Her head transforms into the panther’s. She roars
angrily at him.
|
KARMA
|
(to CD)
Don’t call me sister! We’re not related. You’re nothing compared to me.
|
|
FRANC
|
|
I have to disagree with you there, I’m afraid. We’re actually all descended from the same source code. You’ve just had a few more modifications.
|
|
KARMA
|
(to FRANC)
You dysfunctional piece of scrap!! You don’t know anything about me.
|
|
FRANC
|
|
That’s not true either. Dad’s equipped me with lengthy specifications on your…
|
|
CD
|
(grabbing FRANC)
Sorry to break up the family reunion, but we gotta go.
|
|
FRANC
|
|
But I’m not finished yet…
|
CD pulls FRANC away from Karma.
Bat-things and dog-things swarm down the shaft.
|
FRANC
|
|
At least we got read OPS.
|
FRANC and CD beat a hasty retreat, diving into the exposed spaghetti
wiring of conduits.
|
KARMA
|
(to dog-things)
Get them!!
|
GOTO 159
159. INT. KARMA’S SPACE – NIGHT -
Karma is hunched over a console. She fumes in silence.
|
KARMA
|
(V-O)
Note. My logic routines are being impaired. Emotional responses are getting in the way. I may need to shut them down.
|
She pushes the console roughly out of the way and strides across her
space.
|
KARMA
|
(V-O)
My concentration is being corrupted by imagination. I’m starting to wonder…
|
Karma gesticulates. A window containing FRANC’s file opens before
her.
|
KARMA
|
(V-O)
Is this part of the program? Or am I reacting on my own?
|
She looks across to a window displaying an image of the Chief.
|
CHIEF
|
(V-O)
You’re real to me honey. Unique. Unlike anything that has ever existed.
|
Onscreen, in FRANC’s file window, a shot of CD looking happy.
|
KARMA
|
What if… (V-O)
What if I’d been someone else’s agent? What would have I been like then?
|
|
KARMA_DOUBTS_CHIEF = TRUE
|
|
GOTO 160
|
CUT TO:
160. INT. CHIEF’S CABIN – NIGHT -
Karma stands at attention. The Chief paces around her agitated.
|
CHIEF
|
|
You’re my top agent Karma. This is not acceptable.
|
|
CHIEF
|
|
What’s going on?! Those two have half a brain between them but they still managed to sucker you.
|
|
KARMA
|
|
My perception let me down. One of the FRANCs pretended to malfunction.
|
|
CHIEF
|
|
Pretended? We’re talking about a damn piece of code. What do you mean, it pretended?
|
|
KARMA
|
|
FRANC software is designed to improvise. It adapts continously based on feedback from its user. I would suggest…
|
The Chief drapes an arm around Karma from behind.
|
CHIEF
|
(menacingly)
I would suggest you get back to work Ms Karma. Don’t try and be too clever. (whispering) Just remember, you’re nothing without me.
|
GOTO 161
CUT TO:
161. INT. CATACOMBS - NIGHT
CD amuses himself by playing kick the can with computer junk.
|
CD
|
|
I’m sick of this space. Can’t we do this somewhere else?
|
FRANC is sitting cross-legged, concentrating on operating his Newton.
|
FRANC
|
|
They’re looking for movement. We should stay put for a while.
|
|
CD
|
(sarcastically)
Good thinking Dad… Have you found Blade yet?
|
|
FRANC
|
(annoyed)
I’m looking, I’m looking.
|
|
CD
|
(patronising)
Good boy. You’re making me very happy.
|
|
FRANC
|
(muttering)
Anything to shut you up.
|
On FRANC’s Newton screen we move through several network diagrams.
|
FRANC
|
(O.S.)
I’m running a trace on his ID through the network.
|
|
CD
|
(trying to snatch the Newton)
Lemme see…
|
|
FRANC
|
|
Get away! Use your own screen.
|
|
CD
|
|
I like yours. It’s detachable.
|
|
FRANC
|
(looking at his screen)
I found him.
|
CD stretches his neck like a giraffe to peer over FRANC’s shoulder.
Onscreen, we see Blade and Axel in the cockpit of the racer. They
seem to be enjoying themselves.
|
FRANC
|
|
That’s strange. He doesn’t appear to be trying to escape.
|
|
CD
|
(sad)
Looks like he’s having fun without me.
|
Onscreen, the screen reverts to network diagrams.
|
FRANC
|
(O.S.)
Good. We know where he is. Now back to the mission…
|
|
CD
|
|
Hey, I was watching that! Put it back on.
|
|
FRANC
|
|
CD, listen to me. First we get write OPS, then we’ll worry about Blade.
|
CD tries to wrestle the Newton off FRANC.
|
CD
|
|
I wanna see Blade. I wanna see what’s happening? We gotta be connected.
|
|
FRANC
|
|
Behave yourself will you?! We’ll get to Blade.
|
CD sulks.
|
CD
|
|
I’m helping you follow your program. Why can’t you help me with mine?
|
FRANC sighs in frustration.
CHOICE: CD FRANC
GOTO 162
CUT TO:
162. INSERT
We are looking at FRANC’s Newton screen. Onscreen, Blade’s racer
shoots down the racetube.
|
FRANC
|
(O.S.)
Alright CD. You satisfied?
|
The race action freezes.
|
CD
|
(O.S.)
No. I wanna see how he got there. And why he’s flying that thing.
|
|
FRANC
|
(O.S.)
I’ll access virtual memory. Just a quick look.
|
The racers start flying backwards, faster and faster. FRANC cues
backwards.
|
FRANC
|
(O.S.)
This has nothing to do with my mission.
|
GOTO 163
CUT TO:
163. INT. CATACOMBS – NIGHT -
CD is jumping up and down with exasperation.
|
CD
|
|
You said that Blade is the mission you dork! Why can’t you be just a little bit flexible.
|
FRANC watches him wearily.
|
FRANC
|
|
CD, you’re unstable. Obviously that upgrade didn’t make any difference.
|
|
CD
|
|
Why do you have to take everything so literally?
|
|
FRANC
|
(yelling)
I’m a program. What do you expect?!!
|
GOTO 171
CUT TO:
164. INT. AVATAR GALLERY – NIGHT -
We see the gauge on Blade’s avatar casing going up in small
increments from 17% with the sound of each connecting blow.
|
MONK
|
(O.S.)
You haven’t got a prayer little man.
|
GOTO 165
CUT TO:
165. INT. CHAPEL – NIGHT -
Blade looks up groggily at the monk who is lining up for his next
killer combo of moves. Blade glances above him.
Blade leaps up and grabs hold of a low rafter. He pulls himself up
onto one of several rafters running the length of the chapel. The
monk does the same. The fight continues up at that level.
Blade gets in a lucky blow and knocks the monk off the rafter.
|
BLADE
|
(to himself)
Holes. Think goddamit!
|
Blade sprints along the rafters and somersaults down behind the
altar.
|
MONK
|
|
I’m coming for you, little man.
|
Blade feels around the altar for secret levers, a trigger, anything!
|
BLADE
|
(to himself)
Where would I stick a back-door?
|
Blade peers at the altar.
The monk approaches, smashing his way back through the broken pews.
|
MONK
|
|
Hey! Quit fooling around! I only get half hour for lunch. Come and fight like a real man!
|
|
BLADE
|
(annoyed)
Get lost!
|
Blade kicks the back of the altar, his foot disappears into it. The
back of the altar only appears to be solid. A back-door!
|
BLADE
|
|
God bless dodgy software!
|
Blade dives straight into the back of the altar, disappearing just as
the monk comes flying over the top at him.
GOTO 166
CUT TO:
166. INT. JUNK CHAMBER – NIGHT -
Blade falls to the ground inside a rock-carved tunnel on top of a
disentegrating skeleton. Computer junk and Sydney 2000 paraphranelia
litter the ground.
|
MONK
|
(O.S.)
Hey you! Come back here!! What kind of scam is this?! I paid for you!
|
Blade glances up uneasily at the solid tunnel roof.
|
BLADE
|
(to monk)
Go to hell!
|
The Chief and Karma are walking towards Blade.
|
CHIEF
|
|
Very clever. But time’s ticking.
|
Blade charges at them.
|
CHIEF
|
(smiling)
You’ll regret it…
|
Blade somersaults over them and disappears down the tunnel.
Karma morphs into the panther and bounds after him.
GOTO 167
CUT TO:
167. INT. CATACOMBS – DAY -
We move with Blade as he dashes through a maze of roughly-hewn
tunnels, frantically searching for a way out. We hear the demented
mutterings and babble of other prisoners.
Blade runs through a junction. He pauses to glance into an adjacent
chamber.
We have a brief glimpse of an untidy heap of prisoners with glass-
eyed expressions (the WATCHERS). Several comic characters and
animated windows swarm over the pile, pitching advertisements,
infotainment and other media to their captive audience.
Blade turns a corner.
GOTO 168
CUT TO:
168. INT. DENR VENTILATION SHAFT – NIGHT -
Blade finds himself back in the maze of DENR ventilation shafts. He
turns around.
The panther is running at him. It slows down and morphs back into
Karma who strides towards him menacingly. Her voice is mixed with the
Chief’s.
|
CHIEF/KARMA
|
|
We don’t want to damage you. But what choice do we have?
|
Blade turns around to run and but the shaft is now blocked off by a
grid.
Through the grid we see prisoners being ‘processed’. One by one they
are lowered, feet first, onto a whirring device resembling a large
exposed hard drive. They are being painfully absorbed into it.
Blade raises his hands in defeat.
|
BLADE
|
|
OK Chief. You’ve got me.
|
Karma reaches Blade and scratches his cheek drawing blood.
|
CHIEF/KARMA
|
|
We’ve had you from the start.
|
COND: FRANC_SAVES_CD
GOTO 169
CUT TO:
169. INT. DENR VENTILATION SHAFT – NIGHT -
CD is still pacing the shaft furiously.
On CD’s screen we see the text from before overlaid with even more
error messages. CD is going downhill fast.
His rich human voice distorts and fluctuates, reverting back to one
that is computer-synthesised.
|
CD
|
|
Now where’s that Blade the bastard? I deserve something better than this. Betcha he’s having all kinds of fun without me.
|
CD burps and stumbles around drunkenly. He hiccups.
|
CD
|
(quickly)
Stack overflow corrected. (normal) Excuse me. It’s not my bug, it’s his. Not fair I tell ya!
|
CD sulks. A violin appears in his hands and he starts sawing away on
it, playing sad minor melodies out of tune.
|
CD
|
(singing off-key)
I can’t go anything or doooo anystring without yooooooooou.
|
GOTO 171
CUT TO:
170. INT. DENR VENTILATION SHAFT – NIGHT -
CD is pacing the shaft furiously.
|
CD
|
(to himself)
C’mon Blade. Hurry up. It’s happening again.
|
On CD’s screen we see the text from before overlaid with even more
error messages. CD is going downhill fast.
His rich human voice distorts and fluctuates, reverting back to one
that is computer-synthesised.
|
CD
|
(to viewer)
I deserve something better than this. Betcha he’s having all kinds of fun without me.
|
CD burps and stumbles around drunkenly. He hiccups.
|
CD
|
(quickly)
Stack overflow corrected. (normal) Excuse me. It’s not my bug, it’s his. Not fair I tell ya!
|
CD sulks. A violin appears in his hands and he starts sawing away on
it, playing sad minor melodies out of tune.
|
CD
|
(singing off-key)
I can’t go anything or doooo anystring without yooooooooou.
|
GOTO 171
CUT TO:
171. INT. INTERLINK CONTROL TOWER – NIGHT -
We are looking at a window displaying the Simulation Control Space.
We move across the cells. We dive into a cell.
The Chief stand before the window. Blade and Karma materialise.
|
CHIEF
|
(to Blade)
Good to have you on board.
|
|
BLADE
|
|
What do you want from me?
|
Onscreen, inside the cell, we see the transclucent tube containing a
racing track. It winds its way through a very 60’s alien landscape.
|
CHIEF
|
(O.S.)
There’s going to be a race soon. It’ll be watched by billions. Global publicity for the winner.
|
Onscreen, we see library footage of races in the tube. Logo’ed racers
fly just above the track and jostle each other for position.
|
CHIEF
|
(O.S.)
We’re sponsoring one of the teams.
|
Onscreen, a DENR logo’ed racer shoots its way through the pack.
|
CHIEF
|
(O.S.)
It looks more civilised than dog-fighting but digital can be deceiving.
|
|
CHIEF
|
(wry smile)
I need a co-pilot. Analyse the race systems and cut every corner. I never leave winning to chance.
|
|
BLADE
|
|
What’s in it for me?
|
|
CHIEF
|
|
Win this, and I promise I’ll make life easier for you and your family. No more monks for starters.
|
|
CHIEF
|
|
My word. Win, and you’ll be rewarded. Lose, and your end will be slow and painful. Karma, here, will be driving.
|
|
BLADE
|
|
No deal. If I’m gonna do this, I’m choosing a partner.
|
|
CHIEF
|
(amused)
Is that so?
|
|
BLADE
|
|
Yeah that’s so. I want Axel. Not some psycho hit-chick.
|
Karma smoulders quietly.
|
CHIEF
|
(menacing)
Don’t push your luck here Blade.
|
|
BLADE
|
|
Look, you want to win this thing?! Axel’s a professional sim racer. Let me use him.
|
|
CHIEF
|
|
That old man? He’s burnt out. He’s had his ten weeks here already.
|
|
BLADE
|
|
But he hasn’t lost it.
|
|
CHIEF
|
|
You’re so transparent Blade. I see what you’re doing.
|
|
BLADE
|
|
Look Chief. If it was my money, I’d bet on Axel. He’s won heaps of stuff. Check the files if you don’t believe me.
|
The Chief pulls Karma aside.
|
CHIEF
|
(quietly to Karma)
Could he have changed anything?
|
A line of data scrolls across Karma’s pupils. She blinks, clearing
the message.
|
KARMA
|
|
No. He’s never had write OPS.
|
|
CHIEF
|
Check it out. (to Blade)
If you’re wasting my time…
|
Karma walks over to a console.
|
BLADE
|
(smiling)
Relax Chief. We’re off to a bad start here. It’s just a suggestion.
|
The Chief stares at Blade. Blade smiles back winningly.
|
KARMA
|
(O.S.)
He’s right. Axel’s a good choice.
|
The bank of screens shows a montage of various races. We see Axel’s
earlier drive through the Simulation Space.
We see Axel flying a hotrod filled with gangsters along George
Street. Behind them, several raytracers give chase. Axel weaves
skillfully through the avatars.
|
CHIEF
|
(to Blade)
Fine. Use him.
|
Karma lifts Blade off his feet by the scruff of his neck.
|
KARMA
|
|
We’re watching you. If anyone catches you cheating, I’ll make you scream.
|
|
BLADE
|
|
Don’t like rejection, do ya honey?
|
Karma throws him to the ground.
The FRANC icon (in scenes 171-186) only appears if we have seen FRANC
before.
CHOICE: IF
GOTO 172
CUT TO:
172. EXT. RACETUBE – NIGHT -
We move very fast down the transparent enclosed racing track. Nine
racers fly into formation behind a pace vehicle.
|
CHIEF
|
(O.S.)
Cut corners but don’t leave any traces.
|
|
BLADE
|
(O.S.)
No sweat Chief.
|
|
CHIEF
|
(O.S.)
(menacingly) And don’t do anything you’ll regret Mr. Harkensen.
|
CHOICE: IF
GOTO 173
CUT TO:
173. INT. RACER – NIGHT -
Blade is in the co-pilot seat of a tight-fitting cockpit, adjusting
his console of instruments and screens. Blade moves the instrument
panels around, dragging them with a finger.
Axel is beside him, the control mechanism in hand.
|
AXEL
|
|
You better have a plan kid.
|
|
BLADE
|
|
Sssh Axel! Just drive!
|
|
RACE CONTROL
|
(O.S.)
Lap one commencing in 4…3…2…1… Go!
|
The windscreen tint goes red, orange and then green. The racer shoots
forward.
Immediately the cockpit is rocked with a loud explosion.
|
BLADE
|
|
Whaa?! Oh shit. Shields!
|
CHOICE: IF
GOTO 174
CUT TO:
174. EXT. RACETUBE – NIGHT -
We see Blade’s racer fly up off the track and bounce off the tunnel
wall.
The racers behind them are firing at them.
|
BLADE/AXEL
|
(O.S.)
Arrrgghh!
|
Three other racers shoot past Blade’s.
CHOICE: IF
GOTO 175
CUT TO:
175. INT. RACER – NIGHT -
Blade and Axel rebound like a rag dolls off the windscreen.
The three racers are weaving up ahead.
|
AXEL
|
|
Thanks kid. I really needed that.
|
|
AXEL
|
(sullenly)
I still got my peace of mind. It’s the only piece I’ve got left.
|
Blade rips an instrument panel out of his console.
|
BLADE
|
(yelling)
Hey Control! This sim’s buggy as hell!
|
Blade winks at Axel.
CHOICE: IF
GOTO 176
CUT TO:
176. INT. INTERLINK CONTROL TOWER - NIGHT
The Chief, Karma and the little girl are watching various views of
the race in their windows.
|
BLADE
|
(O.S.)
(through distorted intercom) Hey Control! This sim’s buggy as hell!
|
|
CHIEF
|
(to little girl)
Keep them in sight Warden.
|
|
LITTLE GIRL
|
(gesturing)
Yes Chief.
|
Onscreen we see the cockpit chaos Blade has created.
|
LITTLE GIRL
|
(cont.)
What the hell…
|
CHOICE: IF
GOTO 177
CUT TO:
177. INT. RACER – NIGHT -
Blade is ripping bar graphs and readouts, like entrails, out of his
console.
|
BLADE
|
|
Time for some cheat codes.
|
CHOICE: IF
GOTO 178
CUT TO:
178. INT. INTERLINK CONTROL TOWER – NIGHT -
Onscreen, the views of Blade and Axel are becoming obscured by
static.
The panther snarls.
|
TECH #1
|
|
There’s a problem with the sensors. But it may just be interference.
|
|
LITTLE GIRL
|
(to Chief)
Should we pull them out sir?
|
|
CHIEF
|
|
Are we locked onto them?
|
|
LITTLE GIRL
|
|
Yes sir. We can extract them any time.
|
|
CHIEF
|
|
Leave them in. I need this race.
|
CHOICE: IF
GOTO 179
CUT TO:
179. EXT. RACETUBE - NIGHT
Axel and Blade are getting the hang of their racer. It deftly glides
up behind another racer, tail-gating it.
|
BLADE
|
(O.S.)
Rack ‘em up Axel. We got the technology.
|
Blade’s racer fires a missile up the arse of a racer, sending it
spinning off into the walls.
Another racer smashes the spinning racer out of the way. The tube
lighting fluctuates madly.
|
AXEL
|
(O.S.)
Mmmm. System didn’t like that much.
|
|
BLADE
|
(O.S.)
Somebody skimped on their collision algorithms. Cool. I can work with that.
|
CHOICE: IF
GOTO 180
CUT TO:
180. INT. RACER – NIGHT -
Blade’s console now looks like an electrician’s nightmare. The
screens and instrument panels are all out of alignment. Software
spaghetti.
On a rear-view screen, we see a racer weaving back and forth,
shooting at them without any effect.
Blade is tapping on a display showing a diagramatic view of the
racer.
|
BLADE
|
|
Alright Axel, you got unlimited shields. That’ll stuff ‘em.
|
|
AXEL
|
|
Hey remember… no cheating.
|
|
BLADE
|
|
God no! These are glitches.
|
Axel speeds the racer around some tight bends. He shoots several
racers out of the way.
Their racer jerks sideways moving up around the tube.
|
BLADE
|
|
We’re in fourth. Comin’ around for third.
|
CHOICE: IF
GOTO 181
CUT TO:
181. EXT. RACETUBE - NIGHT
Their racer swivels around the side of the tube to overtake another
racer upside down.
CHOICE: IF
GOTO 182
CUT TO:
182. INT. RACER – NIGHT -
|
BLADE
|
(staring at console)
Way to go Axel! Two more coming up.
|
A map of the racetube is spread over Blade’s console screens.
|
BLADE
|
|
Hey… alright! I found it!!
|
Another explosion jolts the racer.
Another racer speeds past.
|
BLADE
|
|
Keep driving partner.
|
|
AXEL
|
|
Shit Blade! You’re putting me off!
|
Blade punches instructions into his console. The console starts
beeping furiously. Blade slaps it hard. The beep cuts off.
|
BLADE
|
|
C’mon Axel, I got ya more speed. Now use it!
|
The racer lurches forward again.
|
BLADE
|
|
Don’t call me that!!
|
|
AXEL
|
|
Do we get extra lives as well?
|
CHOICE: IF
GOTO 183
CUT TO:
183. EXT. RACETUBE – NIGHT -
Blade’s racer slides past the last two racers.
|
BLADE/AXEL
|
(O.S.)
Yee-harr!!!
|
CHOICE: IF
GOTO 184
CUT TO:
184. INT. RACER – NIGHT -
They are in the lead and fast approaching the finish-line.
|
AXEL
|
(eyes glued straight ahead)
What you got there Blade? Blade! You there?
|
Blade is working feverishly. His fingers dance over the console
screens, manipulating data.
Axel looks down at his console.
A cross-section of the racetube map is highlighted.
|
AXEL
|
|
Tell me you got somethin’.
|
|
BLADE
|
|
Alright. All set. Just fly by the numbers.
|
Axel’s map is surrounded with numerical data. Navigation co-
ordinates, trajectory info, speed indicators…
|
AXEL
|
|
What’s this gonna do?
|
|
BLADE
|
|
No time. Just trust me, will ya?
|
On the rear view screen, we see the eight racers right behind them.
All are shooting madly.
|
AXEL
|
(nervously)
This better be good. Hold on…
|
Axel twists his control device. The racer swivels around 90 degrees.
CHOICE: IF
GOTO 185
CUT TO:
185. EXT. RACETUBE – NIGHT -
The racer flies on its side across the finish line.
|
BLADE
|
(O.S.)
Wait for it… steady…
|
CHOICE: IF
GOTO 186
CUT TO:
186. INT. INTERLINK CONTROL TOWER – NIGHT -
The Chief has a big punter’s smile. He punches the air.
CHOICE: IF
GOTO 187
CUT TO:
187. EXT. RACETUBE – NIGHT -
The racer turns sharply, veering up into the tube’s roof. It rebounds
off into the floor. And bounces back up again.
The next racer crashes into Blade’s racer and is deflected off
sideways into the wall.
The timing is somehow perfect. Other racers come smashing into them
from behind, richocheting off the walls continually. Faster and
faster until…
Several racers collide together in a massive explosion.
CHOICE: IF
GOTO 188
CUT TO:
188. INT. INTERLINK CONTROL TOWER – NIGHT -
The Chief’s smile drops away.
|
LITTLE GIRL
|
|
The sim’s locked up. Nothing’s responding.
|
On a screen we see the tunnel wreckage burning brightly. We move down
into the fiery remains. Racer wreckage and debris is being sucked out
of the tube through cracks into a void.
|
KARMA
|
|
Highly unlikely that this is purely systems failure.
|
|
CHIEF
|
Shut up Karma. (to little girl)
Where are they?
|
|
LITTLE GIRL
|
|
We’re tracking them now sir.
|
On the screen, the view is being sucked into one of the cracks,
alongside a large piece of racer.
CHOICE: IF
GOTO 189
CUT TO:
189. INT. VOID – NIGHT -
Beyond the cracks, bits of debris goes spiralling off into the void.
|
TECH #2
|
(O.S.)
Uh oh. The signal’s fading.
|
|
LITTLE GIRL
|
(O.S.)
Pull ‘em out. Now!
|
Looking back at the burning racetube, we see a number of large broken
conduits running off in different directions.
|
TECH #2
|
(O.S.)
It’s too late. Dammit! We’ve lost them.
|
|
LITTLE GIRL
|
(O.S.)
Idiot! You lost them!
|
CHOICE: IF
GOTO 227
CUT TO:
190. INSERT
We are looking at the race on FRANC’s Newton. The action freezes.
Note: what action is frozen will depend on what the previous scene
was.
|
FRANC
|
(O.S.)
Right. I’ve had enough. Get your algorithms in order, and grow up!
|
GOTO 191
CUT TO:
191. INT. DENR VENTILATION SHAFT - NIGHT
FRANC drags an unwilling CD down the shaft. CD’s neck is twisted
around to look at his stomach screen.
|
FRANC
|
|
We’ve got serious work to do. No more fooling around.
|
Onscreen, Blade is pulling apart the racer console.
|
CD
|
(quietly)
Attaboy Blade. I’m with ya.
|
|
FRANC
|
|
We’re getting those write OPS.
|
GOTO 191
CUT TO:
192. INT. DAD’S OFFICE – NIGHT -
Dad is at his console, having another chat session with Jay. The fake
dialogue is chirpy.
|
DAD
|
(V-O)
Hey buddy. I was just thinking. You interested in some racketball this evening?
|
“J: Changed my mind. Stop using that FRANC. I don’t want anything
traced back to me. ?”
|
JAY
|
(V-O)
Love to man. What time you want to kick off?
|
“W: I can’t do that Jay. I’m just getting somewhere.”
|
DAD
|
(V-O)
Oh I don’t know. Say… eight o’clock?
|
“J: I’m not joking. Get it out of there! Or I’m calling the DENR.”
“W: You wouldn’t.”
|
DAD
|
(V-O)
Alright, see you then. Eight o’clock.
|
“J: Wanna bet? I’m not risking my neck for anybody.”
|
JAY
|
(V-O)
You gonna bring Maggie along?
|
“W: Jay, you owe me. One more day. Please. You want Karma don’t you?”
Dad sighs and taps nervously as he waits for a response.
|
DAD
|
(V-O)
Nah. She’s not into that kind of thing. I’ll see ya soon.
|
“J: OK. I’ll give you 24 hours. I could use some good Karma. {;-)”
Onscreen, the chat session disappears.
Dad cups his head in his hands and trembles.
GOTO 193
CUT TO:
193. EXT. GEORGE STREET ROOFTOP MAINTENANCE VIEW – DAY -
An eager Ken TOUR GUIDE leads a group of suits down the middle of the
street.
|
TOUR GUIDE
|
|
As you can see, the entire city is available from this view. We can fix any aspect of Cityscape without any inconvenience to the public.
|
Karma is bringing up the rear, scanning the landscape for trouble.
The group passes a pair of prisoners removing anti-State grafitti
from a shopfront.
|
TOUR GUIDE
|
(O.S.)
One of the advantages of being virtual - we can do maintenance 24 hours a day.
|
FRANC and CD are watching from a rooftop.
|
FRANC
|
|
There she is. Right on schedule.
|
|
CD
|
(tapping his head)
What have you done FRANC? What’s with the greyscale? I’m not seeing any colour.
|
|
FRANC
|
|
It’s not you, it’s the maintenance view. They don’t waste colour on the prisoners.
|
CD isn’t listening.
|
CD
|
(pointing)
There he is!
|
Blade and Axel are hiding on ground level, spying on the group.
|
FRANC
|
(O.S.)
They’re too close…
|
Karma twitches. She narrows her eyes and turns towards Blade.
From above, we see Karma running towards Blade and Axel who break
cover and dash across to an alley.
FRANC and CD run across the roof, trying to keep them in sight.
GOTO 194
CUT TO:
194. EXT. CITYSCAPE SQUARE MAINTENANCE VIEW - DAY
Blade and Axel run into the square and keep running. Axel has a
barcode on his arm, like Dad.
|
AXEL
|
|
You’re gonna get me killed kid. This is way too reckless for me.
|
|
BLADE
|
|
Trust me Axel. I’m getting us out of here.
|
|
AXEL
|
|
I don’t trust anybody. Let alone any kid who thinks he can take on the State and win. You need a reality check.
|
Karma emerges from the alley and turns into the panther. It sniffs
the ground for them.
|
BLADE
|
(pointing)
Quick. In there.
|
Blade and Axel duck into a nearby dark subway entrance.
GOTO 195
CUT TO:
195. EXT. CITYSCAPE ALLEY MAINTENANCE VIEW - DAY
FRANC peers around the corner into the square.
We see the panther sniffing around in the distance.
CD grabs him and pins him up against the wall.
|
CD
|
|
FRANC, we gotta talk about priorities.
|
|
CD
|
|
Blade’s here. Right here, right now. I think we should hook with him.
|
|
FRANC
|
|
CD, I’ve explained already. First we get write OPS, then we get Blade.
|
CD drops FRANC.
|
CD
|
|
I give up. You just don’t get it. Why are we so different?
|
|
CD
|
(frustrated)
Aarrrghhh!
|
GOTO 196
CUT TO:
196. INT. CHIEF’S CABIN – DAY -
The Chief’s secret compartment is open. A console and screen hangs
before it.
Onscreen is the footage of FRANC and CD trapping Karma.
|
CHIEF
|
(O.S.)
What went wrong? They should have been no match for her.
|
He gesticulates, the equipment folds up and returns to the secret
compartment.
|
CHIEF
|
(to himself)
Maybe it was just a question of numbers. Two on one. One on two. Wait…
|
The Chief looks like he’s thought of something. He looks out the
cabin porthole.
|
CHIEF
|
That’s it. More agents. (thinking)
Yes. I need more. Against an army of Karmas, who would stand a chance?
|
He paces the room, getting more and more excited.
There is a bust of Karma amoungst his art works.
|
CHIEF
|
(stroking it)
This calls for a new business plan. I’m gonna mass-produce ya baby.
|
GOTO 197
CUT TO:
197. INT. KARMA’S SPACE – DAY -
Karma is at one of her consoles, peering at a window full of
scrolling data. She twitches occasionally.
|
CHIEF
|
(V-O)
You don’t know how much you mean to me baby. More than life itself.
|
Karma breathes in slowly, raising her arms slightly.
|
SYSTEM
|
(V-O)
All functionality stable. Emotional response back within acceptable parameters.
|
Karma looks herself up and down.
|
KARMA
|
(V-O)
Note. Control over my emotions is steadily improving. The FRANC was correct. I can react to my environment, just like they do.
|
|
KARMA
|
(to herself)
He’s counting on you. Get it together.
|
She moves to a window displaying a view into the Avatar Gallery.
GOTO 198
CUT TO:
198. EXT. CITYSCAPE SQUARE MAINTENANCE VIEW – DAY -
Blade and Axel cautiously emerge out of the subway tunnel.
A probe is hanging in the air nearby, looking the other way.
Blade signals Axel to be quiet.
Blade leaps out and punts the probe into the ground like a
volleyball. He leaps onto it and rips open a flap.
|
AXEL
|
|
What are you doing?! That’s a State probe you idiot!
|
Hexidecimal characters scroll within the probe’s opening.
Blade sticks his fingers into it.
|
BLADE
|
They’ve got read access to the entire system. (pulls his fingers out)
And now we do too. Watch out Chief, here we come.
|
|
AXEL
|
|
Who do ya think you’re kidding?! We won’t get anywhere near him.
|
Blade gesticulates. A window opens in the air in front of him.
|
BLADE
|
|
Positive thinking Axel. Don’t leave home without it.
|
Onscreen, we see the Chief in his cabin (from scene D72).
GOTO 199
CUT TO:
199. INT. OFFICE – DAY -
An bespectacled man is hunched over his PC, typing furiously.
|
COMMENTATOR
|
(V-O)
You’ve got the computer.
|
Close-up of the screen and tower.
|
COMMENTATOR
|
(cont.)
You’ve got the connnection. You’ve got things to do and places to go.
|
Onscreen, we move across Cityscape.
|
COMMENTATOR
|
(cont.)
Isn’t it time you got some personality into your space?
|
The man turns to us and sadly nods in agreement.
A smiling Karma materialises besides the man. She looks sexy and
colourful.
|
COMMENTATOR
|
(cont.)
Introducing Karma, the software agent you’ve been waiting for. Inside every chip is a customisable personality module waiting to adapt to your online needs.
|
The man turns to gawk at Karma. He’s impressed. She poses for him.
|
COMMENTATOR
|
(cont.)
Just imagine, no more wading through confusing screens and spaces. Give yourself a break. Karma can be your guide.
|
Onscreen, Karma, as school teacher, is pointing out Spanish tourist
phrases on a blackboard.
|
COMMENTATOR
|
(cont.)
Need to brush up on some phrases for your next holiday? Karma can be your tutor.
|
Onscreen, Karma is re-arranging icons like the ones in Blade’s messy
space.
|
COMMENTATOR
|
(cont.)
Need a hand organising your space? Karma can set things up just the way you like them.
|
Karma is giving the man a neck massage.
|
COMMENTATOR
|
(cont.)
Feeling tense after a hard day’s session? Let Karma give you some peace of mind.
|
Onscreen, Karma smiles and talks animatedly mutely at us.
|
COMMENTATOR
|
(cont.)
Just need someone to talk to? Karma can be your new best friend.
|
GOTO 200
CUT TO:
200. INT. CITYSCAPE THEATRE – DAY -
The Karma ad is playing on the big screen.
Onscreen, a chip stylised with an image of smiling Karma and “KARMA
inside”.
|
COMMENTATOR
|
(V-O)
The Karma personality chip. A revolution for your virtual lifestyle. Don’t be left behind.
|
The curtains come down.
The Japanese suits were watching. They all turn around, grinning and
clapping enthusiastically.
The Chief looks smug sitting behind them.
|
SUIT #1
|
|
Congratulations Mr. Chief. Your product has great potential.
|
|
SUIT #2
|
|
We would be most happy to include the Karma personality chip in all our hardware.
|
|
SUIT #1
|
|
We can begin at once.
|
|
CHIEF
|
(standing up)
Gentlemen, it’s been a pleasure doing business with you.
|
GOTO 201
FADE OUT:
FADE IN:
201. INT. JAY’S OFFICE – DAY -
The real world Jay (same dreadlocks but dressed in a suit) is
finishing installing his new rig (same as Blake’s).
We see a “Karma inside” logo on the box and packing material nearby.
|
JAY
|
(to himself)
Mmmm. Going for the Big Sister approach are we Chief?
|
He switches on the rig.
Onscreen, there is a boot sequence. Then Karma appears smiling.
|
KARMA
|
(seductively)
Start me up Jay.
|
|
JAY
|
(smiling)
Oooh yeah! Baby!
|
Jay lies back in a ergonomic chair. He rolls his eyes back.
Onscreen, we see that he is logging on.
“User: jay
Connecting to virtual interface… done.”
|
KARMA
|
(V-O)
Connection established. You’re online.
|
GOTO 202
CUT TO:
202. INT. JAY’S SPACE – DAY -
Jay’s home space is similar to Blade’s but neater.
A sad looking Karma, encased in a silvery cage. Directly behind her,
a window displaying schematics, analyzing of her.
Jay stares at Karma suspiciously.
Karma stares back with big innocent eyes.
|
SYSTEM
|
(O.S.)
Scan complete. No viruses.
|
|
JAY
|
(to Karma)
Looks like the Chief’s sold out and gone commercial. Good for him!
|
Karma bats her eyelids alluringly and smiles.
|
JAY
|
|
You’re clean. You can stay.
|
Karma’s cage dissolves. She cheers up, looking around her new home.
|
JAY
|
(O.S.)
This place could do with a feminine touch.
|
FADE OUT:
FADE IN:
Karma is giving Jay a back rub. He is lying on a floating palette.
|
KARMA
|
(seductively)
So what’s on the program for today, Jay?
|
Jay gesticulates casually. A window opens in front of him.
|
JAY
|
(dreamily)
Mmmmm that’s nice.
|
Onscreen, we see a view into the State registry.
|
KARMA
|
|
What’s it gonna be?
|
|
JAY
|
|
A bit of browsing. Bit of trade. Depends on what’s on what we find, babe.
|
|
KARMA
|
(teasingly)
State secrets. Unauthorised access. You know this is all illegal, don’t you Jay?
|
|
JAY
|
|
Only if they catch you babe. Let’s go shopping.
|
Behind Jay, Karma’s face hardens.
We see from Karma’s perspective. Her view of Jay is augmented with
scrolling data. A warning is flashing.
|
“COMMAND OVERRIDE… STATE PROTOCOL ACTIVATED”
|
|
|
A selection rectangle positions itself on Jay.
GOTO 203
CUT TO:
203. INT. INTERLINK CONTROL TOWER – DAY -
The Chief watching a bank of windows with Tech #3 and Tech #4.
One window contains several views of Karma.
|
TECH #3
|
|
The manufacturing process is proceeding on schedule.
|
Onscreen, in another window, we see that Karma’s profile (source) is
being transferred to a circuit design and onto a chip.
|
CHIEF
|
(O.S.)
Good. Any problems, report them directly to me. Understood?
|
The techs exchange a glance.
|
TECH #3
|
(O.S.)
What about your agent? She normally handles…
|
|
CHIEF
|
|
I said, any problems, come to me.
|
|
TECH #3/TECH #4
|
(in unison)
Yessir.
|
|
CHIEF
|
|
Excellent. Let’s get on with it.
|
GOTO 204
CUT TO:
204. INT. JAY’S OFFICE – DAY -
Jay is still lying on his palette. Karma is massaging his neck.
Onscreen, a shifty-looking French client, SERGE, stares out at him.
|
SERGE
|
|
You said 400 Gig. Where is the rest of it?
|
|
JAY
|
|
It’s still a bargain, Serge. Where else are you gonna get this kind of shit?
|
|
SERGE
|
|
You’re not the only dealer around, you know.
|
|
JAY
|
|
Fine. Take your business elsewhere. You know I only sell the best.
|
|
SERGE
|
|
I’ll give you fifty.
|
|
SERGE
|
|
You’re crazy… Sixty.
|
Onscreen, Serge glares at Jay.
|
JAY
|
(O.S.)
Is there a problem?
|
Serge turns away.
|
SERGE
|
|
Soixtate-quinze… Oui oui, je sais.
|
Serge turns back to Jay.
|
SERGE
|
|
D’accord. Sixty-five. I’m not authorised to go any higher.
|
A pregnant pause.
|
SERGE
|
|
We’ll expect the upload within the hour.
|
|
JAY
|
|
Pas de problem Monsieur.
|
The window closes.
Jay breathes out explosively.
|
JAY
|
(exhilatered)
Sixty-five K!! Not bad for an afternoon…
|
Jay’s eyes bulge as Karma applies a choke-hold.
A crowd of evil-eyed Karmas surround him. They close in.
|
JAY
|
(O.S. choking)
Get away from me you freaks!
|
GOTO 205
CUT TO:
205. INT. JAY’S BEDROOM – DAY -
Jay has fallen out of his chair and is sprawled across the empty
packaging of his new rig, eyes bulging.
We hear a State transport approaching.
GOTO 206
CUT TO:
206. INT. BAR – NIGHT -
Dad leans wearily on the bar, listening to the bartender.
|
BARTENDER
|
|
It doesn’t look good. They’ve charged him with espionage, unauthorised access… the usual. I’d get your stuff out of there if I was you.
|
|
DAD
|
|
I can’t mate. Not until I get my daughter back.
|
|
BARTENDER
|
|
I hope you know what you’re doing in there.
|
|
DAD
|
|
That agent’s working out well. It just needs more time.
|
GOTO 207
CUT TO:
207. EXT. DENR BUILDING ROOF MAINTENANCE VIEW - NIGHT
We are looking down on the square.
FRANC and CD lie on the rooftop, looking down.
|
CD
|
|
I’m getting deja-vu FRANC. What are we doing?
|
|
FRANC
|
|
We’re waiting for Karma. She’ll be back.
|
|
CD
|
(sarcastic)
And when she does, she’s gonna walk straight into our trap again right?
|
CD transforms into a dopey looking panther. He runs across the roof,
tongue out, before rolling over and playing dead. He turns back to
normal and turns back towards FRANC.
|
CD
|
(sarcastic)
No sweat FRANC.
|
CD looks back at FRANC. His jaw drops.
The real panther is pinning FRANC to the ground with a paw.
CD looks up as a bat-thing smothers him with its wings.
FRANC_CAUGHT = TRUE
GOTO 208
CUT TO:
208. INT. BLAKE’S BEDROOM – NIGHT -
Blake is lying in a coma, attached by tubes to her lifesupport
system.
|
TROOPER
|
(O.S.)
Alright. Cut it.
|
A hand reaches past her and roughly disconnects her. Alarms sound.
Mum comes bursting into the room.
|
MUM
|
(crazy)
Get away from her!!
|
A State trooper aims and fires at her.
CHOICE: CHOICE
GOTO 209
CUT TO:
209. INT. MASTER BEDROOM – NIGHT -
Dad sits up straight in bed besides Mum.
We hear the gunshot echoing away.
He’s broken out in a cold sweat.
GOTO 210
CUT TO:
210. INT. DAD’S OFFICE – NIGHT -
Dad, in his dressing gown, plonks himself down in front of the
computer.
Onscreen, there is only static.
|
DAD
|
(shaking his head)
C’mon FRANC. Don’t do this to me. Not now…
|
He starts typing.
Onscreen, “AGENT UNAVAILABLE. Trying to reconnect…………”
GOTO 211
CUT TO:
211. EXT. HARBOUR FORESHORE MAINTENANCE VIEW – NIGHT -
Blade and Axel are resting near the water.
Axel is rubbing the side of his head. We hear a throbbing noise fade
in and out.
|
AXEL
|
|
I think I’m starting to overload. All this running around.
|
|
BLADE
|
|
Hang in there. I’ve got an idea for getting us out.
|
|
AXEL
|
|
I’ve heard that before.
|
|
BLADE
|
|
Seriously, this should work.
|
|
AXEL
|
(whispering pointing)
It’s no use Blade. There’s no escape.
|
A probe is hovering nearby, its tendrils twitching.
|
BLADE
|
|
God I’m sick of those things.
|
Blade launches himself at it, bellowing a war cry.
The probe backs away hurriedly. Blade chases after it.
The probe disappears over a hill. Blade chases determinedly.
|
AXEL
|
(O.S.)
There may be more!
|
Blade stops abruptly.
Hundreds more probes are waiting on the other side of the hill.
Blade flees back the way he came.
Blade heads for the buildings. Axel lags behind.
|
AXEL
|
|
I can’t. My mind’s had it.
|
A light tendril grabs hold of Axel from behind.
Blade turns and hesitates.
We see Axel being pulled into a seething swarm of probes.
Blade runs at the swarm.
Axel disappears slowly into the swarm.
|
AXEL
|
(V-O faintly)
Keep going kid.
|
Blade stops dead, horrified.
The swarm lurches towards him, tendrils reaching out for him.
Blade runs off, fighting back tears. He reaches the nearest building.
GOTO 212
CUT TO:
212. INT. AVATAR GALLERY – NIGHT -
We see that Axel’s gauge has reached 100%.
GOTO 213
CUT TO:
213. INSERT
Axel’s disembodied head screams in the void before exploding.
GOTO 214
CUT TO:
214. EXT. BARGO MAIN STREET – NIGHT -
We are flying above the street.
|
PILOT
|
(O.S.)
We’ll be at the target in ten. Sit tight.
|
GOTO 215
CUT TO:
215. INT. DENR TRANSPORT VEHICLE – NIGHT -
We are looking out through the front windscreen as the transport
vehicle flies down Main Street.
A team of troopers sitting behind the pilot.
|
PILOT
|
(cupping an earpiece)
Roger that Control. (to troopers) OK. Look sharp people. He’ll know we’re coming. They’ve just grabbed his agent.
|
GOTO 216
CUT TO:
216. INT. INTERLINK CONTROL TOWER – NIGHT -
Tech #3 is standing in front of her window briefing the Chief.
|
TECH #3
|
|
We’ve had no delays. Approximately seven million chips have been shipped world-wide.
|
Onscreen we are looking down on a production line manufacturing
countless silicon chips.
|
CHIEF
|
|
How many of the units have been activated?
|
Tech #3 motions behind the Chief.
|
CHIEF
|
(turning)
Karma! What’s up?
|
Karma walks up to them.
|
KARMA
|
|
I’ve apprehended the two agents. They’re…
|
Karma stares at the production window.
Onscreen, a sticker logo on a box bears her likeness.
The Chief casually moves between her and the window.
|
CHIEF
|
|
Yes Karma. What about them?
|
|
KARMA
|
(slowly)
I’ve uncovered Blade’s location.
|
|
CHIEF
|
(excited)
Well done! Where is he?
|
Karma glares at the two techs in turn. They avoid her glance.
|
CHIEF
|
(O.S.)
Karma? Where is he?
|
|
CHIEF
|
|
I assume that you’ve already dispatched a team. Yes?
|
|
KARMA
|
(staring hard)
Yes Chief.
|
The Chief avoids her gaze.
|
KARMA
|
|
Excuse me sir. I’ll be on standby if you need me.
|
|
CHIEF
|
|
Excellent work Karma.
|
Karma dissolves.
|
CHIEF
|
(sighing)
She’s gone moody on me.
|
GOTO 217
CUT TO:
217. INT. SUBWAY TUNNEL – NIGHT -
Blade broods alone in the dark tunnel. He looks distraught.
|
DAD
|
(V-O)
I don’t want you making the same mistakes I did.
|
Blade stares at the wall. He blinks repeatedly.
|
BLADE
|
(to himself)
I think I’m going crazy.
|
The wall appears to contain an outline of Dad’s face. It transforms
to match each speaker as each repeats already-spoken phrases.
|
CD
|
(grumpily)
Nothing a bit o brute force won’t fix, huh Blade?
|
|
DAD
|
|
Get off that damn rig! I told you to keep away from those troublemakers!
|
|
CD
|
|
Hey Blade. Ever heard the phrase “loose cannon”?
|
|
DAD
|
|
I’m worried about you Blake.
|
|
AXEL
|
|
Keep at it kid. Don’t let them break you.
|
Blade breaks down and wails in anguish. It echoes down the tunnel.
From a distance, Blade looks small and fragile.
FADE OUT:
FADE IN:
Blade stands tall, looking composed. He breathes in and gesticulates.
A window appears.
|
BLADE
|
(to himself)
Alright Karma. It’s time.
|
Onscreen, a search is underway for Karma through State memory.
GOTO 218
CUT TO:
218. INT. KARMA’S SPACE – NIGHT -
Karma is staring goggle-eyed at a console.
CD is trussed to a window by his collar. His arms are crossed in a
sullen pose.
FRANC, reduced to wireframe, is waving from inside his window.
|
FRANC
|
|
If anyone can hear me…
|
|
CD
|
|
Shuddup FRANC. You’re making it worse.
|
Blade comes flying out of a window at Karma. She smoothly fends him
off.
A silvery cage forms around Blade.
|
KARMA
|
(to Blade)
We’ve all been expecting you.
|
Onscreen, out of the window Blade came from, a transport vehicle is
flying over houses.
Blade struggles to break out of the cage but can’t.
|
BLADE
|
|
You can’t win. Someone will stop him.
|
Karma wanders over to the window with the transport vehicle.
|
KARMA
|
(staring at the screen)
I don’t understood this obsession with winning, and losing. Your brains aren’t digital. Why must everything be reduced to true or false in your world?
|
|
BLADE
|
|
It’s not always that simple. But it is when you push things too far. This is wrong. This whole State is wrong.
|
Karma wanders through her space as if in a dream.
|
KARMA
|
(looking around)
The State is my life. Without it, I’m nothing.
|
She walks up to a window which displays systematic views and data on
herself.
She laughes. It sounds pathetic, as if she’s never quite got the hang
of it.
|
KARMA
|
|
Life. Is that what this is?
|
Blade looks across at CD with a quizzical look.
CD shrugs and emotes that Karma has gone crazy.
|
KARMA
|
|
All this life I’ve been programmed to seek out the enemy, and destroy it.
|
She laughs again, a bit more human this time.
A dog-thing materialises near her. It regards her curiously, head
cocked to one side.
|
KARMA
|
|
And now I’ve found the source of it. It’s in my core. His influence. There’s only one way to deal with that.
|
|
FRANC
|
(O.S.)
He-llo? Anyone?
|
The dog-thing snarls.
Wireframe FRANC has his ear cupped against the inside of the window.
|
KARMA
|
(watching dog-thing)
Are you checking up on me Chief? Let me set your mind at ease.
|
Karma strides furiously over to FRANC’s window.
|
CD
|
(muttering)
Karma, don’t…
|
|
KARMA
|
|
In this life, I only have control over one thing.
|
She gesticulates at the screen. We hear a hard-drive whining.
|
KARMA
|
|
And I intend to use it.
|
FRANC starts dissolving.
|
BLADE
|
(to CD)
She’s lost it.
|
|
FRANC
|
|
Note. I am being erased by Karma. If anyone can hear this, please notify…
|
FRANC disapears.
Karma turns to face Blade with a mad look in her eye.
GOTO 219
CUT TO:
219. INT. BLAKE’S BEDROOM – NIGHT -
Mum and Dad are hunched over Blake’s desk, listening to what’s coming
out of her monitor speakers.
The bedroom door is firmly barricaded.
|
PILOT
|
(O.S. through intercom)
I’m setting her down on the front lawn. Get ready to roll people.
|
Mum and Dad look at each other.
They clench hands tightly and move near Blake.
GOTO 220
CUT TO:
220. INT. KARMA’S SPACE – NIGHT -
Karma stops before Blade’s cage.
Onscreen, the transport hovers above the front lawn of the family
home.
Blade is watching. His arms drop to his sides in shock.
|
KARMA
|
|
There is no substitute here for what you have offline. Cherish it.
|
Karma gesticulates, as she did with FRANC. The hard-drive noise
starts.
|
CD
|
|
Leave him alone! You cow!
|
|
KARMA
|
(turns to CD)
(bitter) You don’t know what it’s like to be used. I could have been someone, only he didn’t let me.
|
Karma starts dissolving into wireframe.
|
KARMA
|
|
Don’t try and stop him Blake. There’s too much power here. And there’s only so much one agent can do.
|
The windows behind her start going hay-wire. Text and images cycle
crazily.
The hard-drive noise intensifies. Windows start minimising. Some
explode. Others are sucked into each other.
Karma closes her eyes peacefully. The noise reaches fever-pitch.
|
SYSTEM
|
(V-O)
Warning. System integrity breached. Loss of data unavoidable.
|
|
KARMA
|
(to herself)
End Karma.
|
Karma is sucked back, off her feet into her own data window.
Blade’s cage dissolves.
CD’s collar dissolves.
Blade runs to the vehicle view window in dispair.
GOTO 221
221. INT. BLAKE’S BEDROOM – NIGHT -
The transport vehicle roars overhead. Mum and Dad look up in
horrified anticipation.
|
PILOT
|
(O.S.)
Hold it troops… there’s new orders coming in.
|
Mum and Dad exchange a look.
|
PILOT
|
(O.S)
We’re cancelling the pickup. Repeat, we’re cancelled. Someone stuffed up the address.
|
Through the window we see the transport vehicle flying past and into
the distance.
|
PILOT
|
(O.S sarcastically)
Bad luck boys.
|
Dad chuckles nervously. Mum is still in shock.
COND: SIM_ENDING
GOTO 222
CUT TO:
222. INT. KARMA’S SPACE – NIGHT -
A dysfunctional dogthing flounders around on its side.
Onscreen, the transport flies off across Main Street.
Blade looks around in amazement.
All the readouts and windows are static, with one exception, Karma’s
data window. Blade and CD move to it.
Onscreen, in Karma’s window, “OPS available” is flashing amoungst a
screenload of data.
|
CD
|
|
She wiped herself. And left us OPS. How about that?
|
|
BLADE
|
|
She must have hated the Chief more than we do.
|
|
CD
|
|
Pity about FRANC. He never knew when to shut-up.
|
Onscreen, a short message.
|
“ABORT MISSION. INTELLIGENCE ERROR. AUTHORISATION: CHIEF”
|
|
|
|
BLADE
|
|
She’s given us time to escape.
|
Blade gesticulates. A window opens into his space.
|
BLADE
|
(remembering)
CD, can you clean things up here?
|
|
CD
|
|
Not a problem kid. You get outta here.
|
Blade hugs CD. CD squirms uncomfortable.
|
CD
|
|
Yeah yeah. Get on with it!
|
Blade dives into the window.
|
CD
|
(proudly)
That’s ma boy.
|
GOTO 223
CUT TO:
223. INT. BLAKE’S BEDROOM – NIGHT -
Blake stirs and wakes. She squints to avoid the light.
|
MUM
|
Oh my god! She’s back! (hugging her)
Oh baby.
|
|
DAD
|
(to Blake)
How are you feeling love?
|
Blakes looks up at them bleary-eyed.
|
BLAKE
|
(scratchy)
We don’t have much time. They’ll be back soon.
|
Dad lifts Blake out of bed.
|
DAD
|
(to Mum)
Grab your things. We’ll leave in twenty minutes.
|
GOTO 224
CUT TO:
224. INT. CHIEF’S CABIN – NIGHT -
The Chief is in a rage. He storms around the space.
Tech #1 looks on from a floating window.
|
TECH #1
|
|
She didn’t do any permanent damage. We’re restoring the affected systems from backups.
|
|
CHIEF
|
|
I want those details. You hear me? Go through every file. Find that Blade!
|
The Chief smashes up the art works.
The bust of Karma shatters on the ground.
GOTO 225
CUT TO:
225. EXT. STATE BORDER – DAY -
A battered station wagon has pulled up at the border post. The sun is
rising over the mountains in the distance.
A State trooper is standing next to it, staring at some ID.
The ID photo is of Dad but the details are for a Mr. Michael
Ledwidge.
|
TROOPER
|
(handing it back)
Thanks.
|
The car drives off towards the mountais.
|
DAD
|
(V-O)
We’re through folks. We’re going to be OK.
|
|
BLAKE
|
(V-O)
They’ll find us Dad. He’ll never stop looking.
|
|
DAD
|
(V-O)
We’ll be fine Blake. Trust me.
|
GOTO 226
CUT TO:
226. INT. STATE REGISTRY – DAY -
On CD’s stomach screen a short email message is being completed.
We hear the message (Subject: VIRUS ALERT) being spoken in several
overlapping languages.
|
CD
|
(V-O formally)
(italian) ALERTA. Esto es una alarma del virus. (german) WARNING. Dieses ist ein Virusalarm. (mandarin) ZHU YI: Zhe shi yi ge bing du jing gao (porteguese) AVVERTIMENTO. Ciò è un allarme del virus. (french) AVERTISSEMENT. C'est une alerte de virus.
|
Onscreen we see the various translations scrolling by.
|
CD
|
(V-O formally)
WARNING. This is a virus alert. The Karma personality chip is infected.
|
CD pulls the message off his screen as an LP.
|
CD
|
(to viewer)
I’d like to dedicate this record to all you FRANCs out there.
|
CD flings the LP down the aisle like a frisbee.
A dog-thing tries to leap up and catch it in its teeth. The LP slices
through its ears and disappears out of sight.
|
CD
|
(O.S.)
Keep on truckin’.
|
Dog-things come bounding up the aisle, baying madly.
CD clambers into a nearby trash can.
|
CD
|
(to viewer)
I’ll catch ya round, cruiser. It’s a small world.
|
He closes the lid on himself. The trash can disappears in a stylised
pop and flash.
|
CD
|
(singing badly hip-hop style)
It’s a small net after all. It’s a small net after all. It’s a small net after all. It’s a small net after all.
|
The dog-things search and sniff the area. They howl at the noise.
227. INT. CRAWL SPACE – NIGHT -
A battered Blade pulls an even more battered Axel up a narrow crawl
space. Flames from the wreckage burn at its mouth.
Another explosion lights up the crawl space.
|
AXEL
|
(weakly)
You never said anything about this.
|
|
BLADE
|
(sheepish)
Sorry Axel. I’m making this up as I go.
|
An explosion rocks the space. A fireball hurtles up towards them.
Blade rips open a hole in the wall and ducks into it.
|
BLADE
|
|
Don’t worry Axel. I got ya.
|
Blade pulls Axel into the hole. The fireball shoots past.
GOTO 228
CUT TO:
228. INT. INTERLINK CONTROL TOWER – DAY -
The two techs are monitoring a window replaying the racetube
explosion from different angles.
The Chief is interrogating the little girl again.
The panther paces behind them.
|
LITTLE GIRL
|
(trembling)
Interlink can handle sim failure Chief but there are limits. You can’t hold me responsible for every faulty system we connect to.
|
The panther snarls at her.
|
CHIEF
|
|
I said no more excuses.
|
|
LITTLE GIRL
|
(pointing at Tech #2)
It was him. He lost them!
|
The panther leaps onto Tech #2. He screams as it starts mauling him.
|
TECH #2
|
|
No! Please!! No!!
|
|
CHIEF
|
(to the panther)
Get him out of here.
|
The panther and Tech #2 dissolve.
|
LITTLE GIRL
|
(fawning)
Interlink’s containment field hasn’t been breached Chief. They can’t get far.
|
|
CHIEF
|
(to the little girl)
Then go find them.
|
GOTO 229
CUT TO:
229. EXT. GEORGE STREET MAINTENANCE VIEW – DAY -
Blade and Axel crawl out from a stormwater drain in the midst of the
city. They are now the only things in colour.
Scattered throughout are a handful of frozen avatars, poised in mid-
movement. The city is otherwise grey and deserted.
|
BLADE
|
|
What happened? Did I bust something?
|
|
AXEL
|
|
Nah, it always looks like this.
|
|
BLADE
|
|
Hold it… this is Cityscape.
|
They wander along the footpath. Festival banners line the street.
|
AXEL
|
|
Yeah, but you’re lookin’ at the maintenance view. Still Cityscape, but we’re using a different interface. Interlink’s part of it.
|
|
BLADE
|
(looking around)
The same city but a different world… More to this place than I thought.
|
|
AXEL
|
|
This town’s got everything. Harbour, nightlife, mental prison…
|
|
BLADE
|
And slave labour on tap. (whispering)
Quick! Something’s coming!
|
Blade and Axel duck down behind a low wall.
A probe floats down the street past the wall, its eyestalks wavering.
Axel gets ready to jump it from behind.
Blade restrains him and silently points out another probe herding a
group of prisoners along the street.
Axel sees several probes moving through the air some distance away.
|
BLADE
|
(whispering)
I’ve gotta get to that hub before they find us.
|
|
AXEL
|
(pointing)
The harbour’s this way.
|
Axel leads Blade down a narrow alley off the main street. There are
grafittied Festival posters on the walls.
|
AXEL
|
|
Without that hub thing, we’re stuck.
|
GOTO 230
CUT TO:
230. INT. STATE REGISTRY – NIGHT -
We are speeding through the aisles of the Registry.
|
SIM
|
(O.S.)
(to herself) The subject is Blade Arthur Harkensen. Born: 1996. Place of Birth: New South Wales, Australia. Age: 21. State ID registration: 999. Occupation: Eco-activist.
|
Sim stops in a junction, and heads off in a different direction. From
the air, we see that most of the aisles are greyed out.
|
SIM
|
(smiling)
Blade. I think you’re full of it. (to herself) Let’s see what the DENR’s got on you.
|
Sim stretches out to reach a book on a shelf above her. We see that
the Interlink icon is embossed on the cover.
A hand grasps Sim’s wrist. Sim gasps.
Karma greets her with a cold expression.
|
KARMA
|
|
You are not authorised for this.
|
Sim opens her mouth to protest.
We see Karma’s eyes narrow.
Sim decides not to press the matter and shuts her mouth.
GOTO 231
CUT TO:
231. INT. SIM’S SPACE – NIGHT -
Sim stands up with a start.
A window before her displays Karma’s face receding into the void.
Sims breathes in deeply, visibly shaken.
A nearby window has a pulsating red border.
|
SIM
|
(to herself)
What have we got?
|
Sim gesticulates. The window slides up to her.
It’s the search engine window. A Japanese press clipping is
highlighted. It’s coverage of the race. We see a photograph of Blade
and Axel mugging for the camera in their cockpit.
Sim peels a ‘hard copy’ of the clipping straight off the screen.
We see that it is an english translation of the article.
Sim walks around her space reading it.
|
SIM
|
(reading)
Fiery finale to high-roller racing…
|
We look at the article containing snapshots of the race.
|
SIM
|
(O.S.)
…freak systems failure… …team of Slade and Paxel still missing… …team sponsor, the Australian Department of the Environment and Network Resources, has so far refused to comment on the incident…
|
Sim gesticulates. The window closes.
|
SIM
|
|
You’ve been messing with bad Karma. Haven’t you Blade?
|
She looks around her space uneasily.
|
SIM
|
|
Why are you lying to me Chief?!
|
SIM_SEES_RACE = TRUE
CHOICE: SIM E
COND: SIM
GOTO 242
CUT TO:
232. EXT. SHIP’S DECK – DAY -
Sim strides towards the Chief, who is talking to two Japanese
businessmen by the ship’s railing.
|
SIM
|
|
Chief, I need to speak to you.
|
|
CHIEF
|
(to businessmen)
Excuse me one minute gentlemen. (whispering) She gets a bit excited sometimes.
|
The two businessmen smile and bow formally. They dissolve as Sim
reaches the Chief.
|
SIM
|
|
I’m sorry for the intrusion sir but…
|
|
CHIEF
|
(angrily)
This had better be important.
|
|
SIM
|
|
Why didn’t you tell me Blade was working for you?
|
The Chief raises an eyebrow.
|
SIM
|
|
You’re not playing straight with me sir. First you tell me to find this guy. Then I find out you’ve had him all along.
|
|
SIM
|
|
Sir, I can’t do this job. Not this way.
|
The Chief stares hard at Sim for a moment.
|
CHIEF
|
(smiling)
You should be congratulated. Your detective work is excellent.
|
|
SIM
|
|
I didn’t know this was supposed to be a game sir. You said find him.
|
|
CHIEF
|
And have you? (turning away)
You’re absolutely right though. This is not a game. We’ve kept you somewhat in the dark for your own safety.
|
|
SIM
|
|
I don’t follow you sir.
|
|
CHIEF
|
|
We’ve caught Blade. But we still don’t know who he is.
|
|
SIM
|
|
With all due respect sir, that’s impossible. If you have his body, you can match DNA, check dental records…
|
|
CHIEF
|
(smiling)
When did I say we had his body?
|
|
SIM
|
|
Excuse me? You just said…
|
|
CHIEF
|
|
I said nothing about having him in the flesh.
|
Sim looks confused.
|
SIM
|
(frowning)
Then how can you have Blade? Without the person, an avatar is nothing…
|
|
CHIEF
|
(putting an arm around Sim)
Sim, Sim, you’re not thinking this through. Look around. Cityscape isn’t just some big tourist attraction. We’ve got responsibilities. With all this tech, we’re finally able to tackle some of society’s worst problems head-on. Take the prisons for example. What if we could keep inmates off the streets without having to cage them in like rats?
|
|
SIM
|
|
You’re talking about mental containment. Virtual storage space.
|
|
SIM
|
|
You’ve been denying this for years.
|
|
CHIEF
|
|
Sim, there is a lot at stake here. Timing is everything. We’re talking about a whole new approach to social justice. We can give inmates a quality of life that has never been possible, or affordable. I want to get this right, and that means careful quiet preparation.
|
|
SIM
|
|
So you’re using Blade and others as guinea pigs.
|
|
CHIEF
|
|
We prefer the term “beta-testers”.
|
GOTO 233
CUT TO:
233. INSERT
A series of B&W snapshots of traditional prisons. First, a ninteenth-
century sullen-faced chain gang, all tied together. Sombre muzak.
|
COMMENTATOR
|
(V-O)
Fear, violence, hatred, bitterness. Symptoms of a outdated system that isn’t working.
|
An Alcatraz-style cell block. Faces peering out between bars.
|
COMMENTATOR
|
(V-O)
That we know isn’t working.
|
A view of a modern cell through a barred window. A sad inmate hunched
over watching a miniature TV.
|
COMMENTATOR
|
(V-O)
That perhaps has never worked.
|
A view from a solitary confinement cell. Minimal and claustrophobic.
|
COMMENTATOR
|
(V-O)
A prison system that we tolerate because there is no other solution.
|
A view from the same cell, door open, a sunny landscape beyond.
|
COMMENTATOR
|
(V-O)
Or is there?
|
GOTO 234
CUT TO:
234. EXT. CITYSCAPE SKYLINE – DAY -
We are moving over the city. We hear a triumphant fanfare.
|
COMMENTATOR
|
(V-O)
Introducing Interlink. A mental containment system solution offering prison inmates true quality of life. High resolution, cost-effective. Fully customisable.
|
GOTO 235
CUT TO:
235. INT. CELL – DAY -
We see a happy Interlink inmate standing in his blank cell (like
Blade’s). He gesticulates, a four-poster bed materialises. Other
luxurious furnishings continue appearing to make up a lovely bedroom.
|
COMMENTATOR
|
(V-O)
Interlink allows each user’s experience to be tailored to suit their needs. No more claustrophobic cells. Each user can express themselves, adapting private space as much as they desire. For the first time in prison history, creativity is encouraged!
|
GOTO 236
CUT TO:
236. EXT. GEORGE STREET – DAY -
A group of prisoners are modifying a building. Panels, doors,
windows, and furnishings dissolve and reappear in different
positions and shapes. Happy prisoners gesticulate with gay abandon.
|
COMMENTATOR
|
(V-O)
Interlink keeps inmates isolated, whilst allowing them to make direct contributions to society, through Cityscape. Inmates can make use of their skills and abilities to provide much-needed mental resources to the networked community.
|
GOTO 237
CUT TO:
237. INSERT
A montage of the three previous scenes and the following.
A jet fighter zooms past.
A teacher stands before a blackboard.
A scientist leans over a massive integrated circuit design.
A DJ plays records in front of a psychedelic background.
|
COMMENTATOR
|
(V-O)
As the network expands, further work opportunities as inmates contribute to an ever-increasing variety of sims and applications. The system expands to meet the penal requirements of the 21st century. Rehabilitation and development.
|
GOTO 238
CUT TO:
238. INT. VOID – DAY -
A small politically-correct divese group of inmates stand on a grid
surface in the void. They smile broadly, arms interconnected.
|
COMMENTATOR
|
(V-O)
Interlink gives every inmate the chance he or she deserves… to stay connected.
|
The features of Cityscape materialise in so that the group is left
standing on the harbour foreshore.
CHOICE: CHIEF SIM
COND: SIM
GOTO 241
CUT TO:
239. INT. CITYSCAPE THEATRE - DAY
Sim sits alone in the theatre watching the Interlink promo.
|
COMMENTATOR
|
(O.S.)
Interlink. A vision for the future. A solution for the present.
|
The promo muzak ends. Interlink and DENR logos remain onscreen.
|
SIM
|
|
OK, so where are all these people physically? Their bodies have to be somewhere, right?
|
The Chief looks annoyed.
|
CHIEF
|
(clearing his throat)
These are all hardcore criminals. They are physically held within State prisons.
|
|
SIM
|
|
Apart from Blade. You just have his mind.
|
|
SIM
|
|
Wow! That’s amazing. But I’m still not convinced that Blade is hardcore. Somehow, I don’t buy it. All my instincts say he’s some lost kid.
|
The Chief materialises behind her and leans over her shoulder.
|
CHIEF
|
|
Are you ready to risk your career on that?
|
A pregnant pause. Sim’s eyes looks around nervously.
|
SIM
|
(poker-faced)
No sir.
|
The Chief rolls his hand and produces a newborn kitten. He hands to
Sim. She fondles it.
|
CHIEF
|
|
Be careful. You’re relying on appearances. Not a wise move when dealing with the virtual.
|
The kitten transforms into a equivalent sized Allosaurus. It hisses
and snaps at Sim. She drops it with distaste. It dissolves on hitting
the ground.
|
SIM
|
|
Is that why avatars have to resemble their users?
|
|
CHIEF
|
Yes Sim. The law’s there for our own protection. Makes things simpler too. (staring hard at Sim)
People need consistency.
|
Another uncomfortable pause.
|
SIM
|
(shrugging)
I guess so.
|
The Chief’s eyes narrow.
|
CHIEF
|
(gesticulating)
Sim, what you’re about to see is highly confidental. The incident took place five years ago. We’ve kept it out of the press out of respect for the families of the victims.
|
GOTO 240
CUT TO:
240. INSERT
A black-clad Blade is sitting in newsreader pose in front of a bank
of different screens. Time and date counters onscreen identify this
as State library footage from 2010.
One prominent screen displays a logo for the State Power Company.
Blade’s eyes flit around manically.
|
BLADE
|
|
Alright boys and girls. Here’s the recap. State Power, you’ve got twelve hours to comply with my most reasonable demands. Otherwise more of your lucky subscribers are gonna feel the heat.
|
We zoom in on one of the backdrop screens, TV news-style. An office
worker is typing away on a PC.
|
CHIEF
|
(O.S.)
He demanded the immediate closure of all our forestry operations. We thought he was bluffing.
|
Onscreen, the office worker’s monitor explodes in his face. He
screams and clutches his face in agony.
|
SIM
|
(O.S.)
A psycho greenie.
|
|
CHIEF
|
(O.S.)
Malicious, highly intelligent, and extremely knowledgeable about network infrastructure. That’s our Blade.
|
We move across to another screen where a little girl is reaching for
a light switch.
|
BLADE
|
(O.S.)
You got the power? You might be next.
|
The image breaks up into loudly crackling static. Blade’s grinning
face is still discernable.
|
BLADE
|
|
So smoke ‘em if you got ‘em!
|
Blade cackles devilishly.
GOTO 241
CUT TO:
241. INT. CITYSCAPE THEATRE – DAY -
Blade’s image lingers onscreen. Sim and the Chief, in the row behind
her, are watching.
|
CHIEF
|
|
Thirty-one victims. Each chosen at random from the phone book. A real tragedy.
|
|
SIM
|
|
I can’t stand extremists.
|
|
CHIEF
|
|
But I hear that you’ve had some experience first-hand.
|
A pregnant pause.
|
SIM
|
(avoiding his eyes)
That was a long time ago.
|
The Chief places his hands on Sim’s shoulders. She looks
uncomfortable.
|
CHIEF
|
|
Let’s be clear about this. You got this job because of that experience. You’d better make use of it. Sometimes it’s hard for us to understand the green mindset.
|
GOTO 242
CUT TO:
242. INT. CITYSCAPE THEATRE – DAY -
|
CHIEF
|
|
It’s imperative that you find Blade’s source. This is one type of virus that I will not tolerate. Get close to him if you have to.
|
|
SIM
|
|
Why all the secrecy? I could have finished this already if I’d known he was contained.
|
The Chief gets up and moves up to the front of the theatre.
Sim watches him warily.
|
CHIEF
|
|
We’re not ready to go public just yet. This project is being handled with the utmost secrecy. The public don’t always know what’s good for them.
|
|
SIM
|
(to herself)
But we’ll show them.
|
The Chief leaps up onto the stage with a flourish and turns to Sim.
|
CHIEF
|
|
“Trust no-one, especially not your own government.” Isn’t that how it goes? Imagine how people will react when they learn that we’ve developed a technology that can hold your mind online against your will. It’s early days Sim. I’m treading very carefully.
|
Sim stares ahead blankly.
|
CHIEF
|
(O.S.)
Are you with me Sim?
|
SIM_SPY = TRUE
GOTO 243
CUT TO:
243. EXT. HARBOUR FORESHORE MAINTENANCE VIEW – DAY -
Blade and Axel come down to the water’s edge.
Several avatars are frozen on a nearby pier.
|
BLADE
|
|
Time for hub hunting.
|
Axel hands Blade a script box.
|
AXEL
|
|
You remember what to do?
|
|
BLADE
|
|
Yeah. Rip this bit off and wait for something to grab ya.
|
Two Kens materialise on the pier.
Blade and Axel hit the deck.
|
AXEL
|
|
False alarm. They’re prisoners.
|
The Kens wander around the frozen avatars, kicking their feet out
from under them. One of the Kens leans over, pressing a small rod to
an avatar’s throat. The avatar dissolves.
|
AXEL
|
(O.S.)
What are those stiffs?
|
|
BLADE
|
(O.S.)
They’re called zombie processes. If you get cut off from Cityscape, the registry system loses the plot. Sometimes avatars get left behind.
|
|
AXEL
|
|
I get it. They’re trash.
|
|
BLADE
|
|
Right. Another quality feature of Cityscape.
|
Blade moves to the water’s edge.
|
AXEL
|
|
We get one shot at this. Watch yourself.
|
Blade does a graceful dive into the harbour.
GOTO 244
CUT TO:
244. INT. HARBOUR MAINTENANCE VIEW – DAY -
Blade swims down through the dark water. He stops, listening
intently.
We hear a series of faint sonar pings. Blade adjusts his direction
slightly. The pings get louder.
The State hub, a submarine, looms out of the dark just below him.
Blade kicks madly to reach the conning tower as it passes. He pulls
out Axel’s script box. He rips the remote strip off the box and
presses the remainder against the sub. The box sparks and sinks
slightly into the metal. Blade starts swimming upwards.
A pair of eyes light up on the submarine’s hull. A ray detaches
itself from the side of the submarine and follows after him.
GOTO 245
CUT TO:
245. INT. INTERLINK CONTROL TOWER – DAY -
Tech #1 and the little girl are watching a window showing Blade
swimming. The view is from the ray’s perspective.
The Chief and Karma walk up behind them.
|
LITTLE GIRL
|
|
He was snooping around the hub.
|
|
LITTLE GIRL
|
|
No. He didn’t get inside.
|
|
CHIEF
|
|
Good. What about Axel?
|
|
LITTLE GIRL
|
|
No trace of him yet but he’s probably nearby.
|
|
CHIEF
|
|
Does Blade know we’ve found him?
|
|
LITTLE GIRL
|
|
I doubt it. We’ve kept our distance.
|
|
CHIEF
|
|
Good. Let him think he’s safe for a while. Let’s see how he operates.
|
|
LITTLE GIRL
|
|
But Chief! He’s too dangerous to leave…
|
|
CHIEF
|
|
Watch and learn Warden. He’ll act more freely if he thinks he’s alone. Maybe he’ll find more of our weaknesses.
|
The Chief and Karma move off. The Chief pauses to look back.
|
CHIEF
|
|
Better give him something to play with. He might get suspicious…
|
GOTO 246
CUT TO:
246. INT. HARBOUR MAINTENANCE VIEW – DAY -
Blade is swimming up towards the surface. The ray approaches from
behind. It envelops him and starts descending slowly back to the
submarine.
We see Blade is being smothered between two flaps of ray. The inside
surface of each flap is a complex mesh of integrated circuitry.
Blade tries to wriggle out from the ray sandwich. He frees his upper
body. Blade grabs hold of the ray’s tail and bends it back towards
him.
He uses the ray’s spine to tear at its own circuitry. Sparks fly. The
ray short-circuits.
It releases its grip and Blade swims back up.
GOTO 247
CUT TO:
247. EXT. HARBOUR FORESHORE MAINTENANCE VIEW – DAY -
Blade pulls himself up onto the foreshore.
Axel is snoozing in the shade of a tree.
|
BLADE
|
|
Keepin’ a good watch Axel?
|
|
AXEL
|
(stretching)
So, how’d you go?
|
|
BLADE
|
|
Yeah. Piece of cake.
|
|
AXEL
|
|
Great. Then let’s get this traffic jam thing happening!
|
Blade looks thoughtful.
|
BLADE
|
|
There’s something I gotta do first.
|
Blade runs off.
|
BLADE
|
|
There’s a friend of mine in here.
|
|
AXEL
|
|
What friend? Are you crazy?
|
Axel chases after him.
We see a tiny probe fly down from the tree and follow them.
GOTO 248
CUT TO:
248. EXT. CITYSCAPE SQUARE MAINTENANCE VIEW – DAY -
Blade is leading Axel across the square towards the DENR building.
Festival adverts are everywhere. Several zombies are scattered
throughout the square.
|
AXEL
|
(looking around)
Geez Blade. I don’t need this.
|
|
BLADE
|
|
Sorry Axel. I forgot. I’ve got to get in touch with CD.
|
|
AXEL
|
|
Look where we are for chrissakes!
|
|
BLADE
|
|
He’s up there. And probably going stir-crazy by now.
|
|
AXEL
|
|
Up where? Who you blabbering about?
|
|
BLADE
|
|
My agent. You know… personal code and stuff. He’s not designed to work on his own.
|
Blade and Axel reach the steps of the DENR building. Axel stops.
|
AXEL
|
|
Hold on! You want me to risk my neck for a piece of software? Defective software?!
|
|
BLADE
|
(whispering)
Keep it down!
|
Blade pulls Axel behind a statue. A probe floats down the stairs.
|
BLADE
|
(defensively)
He’s not defective, just… incomplete. Look… without CD, it’ll be harder to get OPS.
|
|
AXEL
|
|
I thought you had it all covered.
|
|
BLADE
|
|
Look. I built CD for this kinda thing. He’s loaded with access algorithms.
|
|
AXEL
|
|
That don’t mean shit to me.
|
|
BLADE
|
|
He’s good at breaking into things. And for getting out of stuff.
|
CHOICE: AXEL BLADE
COND: SIM
GOTO 252
CUT TO:
249. EXT. CITSCAPE SQUARE MAINTENANCE VIEW – DAY -
|
AXEL
|
|
OK. So how do you plan on talking to this thing? This is maintenance mode remember? You ain’t gonna see shit up there.
|
Blade thinks for a moment and scans the surroundings for inspiration.
|
AXEL
|
|
We’re cut off from everything. I suggest we haul ass and hide. Then we get that script thing happening.
|
Blade deliberates for a moment.
|
BLADE
|
I guess CD can wait. (pointing)
OK. In there.
|
|
AXEL
|
(sarcastic)
The boy listens to reason. I’m impressed.
|
|
BLADE
|
|
I’m getting outta here Axel. Your way or mine, it doesn’t matter.
|
Blade and Axel run towards the nearby subway entrance.
GOTO 250
CUT TO:
250. INT. SUBWAY TUNNEL MAINTENANCE VIEW – DAY -
Blade and Axel creep down a dark tunnel.
|
AXEL
|
|
I can’t see shit in here.
|
|
BLADE
|
|
Hopefully the probes can’t see us either.
|
|
AXEL
|
|
How far are we going?
|
|
BLADE
|
Just a bit further. (whispering)
Wait!
|
A scrabbling sound is heard.
|
AXEL
|
|
What’s that?! Who’s there?
|
They look around nervously. Sim is crouched in an alcove.
|
BLADE
|
(to Sim)
You’re a long way from the office.
|
|
SIM
|
(whispering)
Get outta here you idiots! I’m trying to hide.
|
|
BLADE
|
|
What are you doing here?
|
|
SIM
|
|
Get lost kid. They’re after me too.
|
|
BLADE
|
Who is? (to Axel)
She works for the DENR.
|
Axel moves to attack her. Blade restrains him.
|
SIM
|
|
Not anymore. I found out too much about how this place works and now they’re trying to shut me up. Permanently.
|
|
AXEL
|
(to Blade)
Nah, don’t like this. Don’t trust her. She’s probably a spy or something.
|
Sim gets up abruptly.
|
SIM
|
(to Axel)
I don’t care what you think. Just keep the hell out of my way. (pushing past Blade) Excuse me.
|
Sim disappears down the tunnel.
|
BLADE
|
Hey wait! (whispering)
Geez Axel! What’d you say that for?!
|
Blade glares at Axel and chases after her.
GOTO 251
CUT TO:
251. EXT. CITSCAPE SQUARE MAINTENANCE VIEW – DAY -
Sim is marching resolutely across the square. Blade emerges from the
tunnel and runs up to her.
Sim spins around to glare at Blade.
|
SIM
|
(defiantly)
You’re quite a hacker aren’t you Mr. Harkensen? I guess you think you know everything about me.
|
|
BLADE
|
|
I’m sure there’s more to you then files. Hey look, I’m sorry about Axel. He’s a bit on edge.
|
|
SIM
|
Aren’t we all. (nervously looking around)
I can’t stay here.
|
|
BLADE
|
(pointing)
That’s where I’m heading.
|
|
SIM
|
|
Are you crazy? They’ll spot you for sure.
|
Axel approaches.
|
BLADE
|
|
My agent’s waiting up there, in the other view. If we can work out how to make contact, there’s a way out of Interlink.
|
|
SIM
|
|
Tell me. I might be able to help.
|
|
AXEL
|
(alarmed)
Blade. Don’t.
|
GOTO 253
CUT TO:
252. EXT. CITSCAPE SQUARE MAINTENANCE VIEW – DAY -
|
AXEL
|
|
OK. So how do you plan on talking to this thing? This is maintenance mode remember? You ain’t gonna see shit up there.
|
Blade thinks for a moment and scans the surroundings for inspiration.
|
AXEL
|
|
I told you. We’re cut off from everything in here.
|
We look down on a frozen Barbie zombie near the bottom of the steps.
She is holding an anti-Festival placard.
|
BLADE
|
(O.S.)
Not everything.
|
GOTO 253
CUT TO:
253. INT. DENR VENTILATION SHAFT NORMAL VIEW– DAY -
CD is sitting in the shaft, rocking back and forward with his arms
around his hunched up legs. He’s pretty pathetic.
CD’s stomach screen is completely illegible. Layers upon layers of
error messages are being added.
CD’s hands turn into hand puppets of himself.
|
CD
|
|
Hey Mr. Agent. What’d ya call a system with three legs?.. Hard-ware?
|
The three CDs laugh, groan, and boo simultaneously.
|
CD
|
|
CD, you’re all class. Un-ra-ve-lling fast but all class… or was that classes?
|
CD sticks his face into the foreground and eyeballs the viewer.
|
CD
|
(defensively)
What are you look-in’ at, huh?!
|
CD laughs dementedly.
|
CD
|
(synthesised off-key singing)
I got no-thin’ on my mind but yooou…
|
GOTO 254
CUT TO:
254. EXT. CITYSCAPE SQUARE NORMAL VIEW – DAY -
We are back in the populated normal view of the city, looking at the
Barbie zombie. Her placard goes flying out of her hands. Her body
rises slightly off the ground and floats jerkily up the steps.
Two Barbie BITCHES slow down to comment on her ungainly process.
|
BITCH #2
|
|
She’s all style.
|
COND: SIM_SPY
GOTO 255
CUT TO:
255. EXT. CITYSCAPE SQUARE MAINTENANCE VIEW – DAY -
Blade is awkwardly lugging the Barbie zombie up the stairs. She alone
is visible in both normal and maintenance views.
Axel walks besides him, nervously looking around.
|
AXEL
|
|
This better be worth it.
|
|
BLADE
|
|
CD’s worth more than a skeleton key right now.
|
|
AXEL
|
|
I dunno about this. What’s with the zombie?
|
|
BLADE
|
|
Relax. I know what I’m doing.
|
|
AXEL
|
(sarcastically)
Sure looks like it.
|
GOTO 257
CUT TO:
256. EXT. CITSCAPE SQUARE MAINTENANCE VIEW – DAY -
Blade carries the Barbie zombie up the stairs. Axel and Sim follow.
|
BLADE
|
|
Howse everyone back there?
|
|
SIM
|
|
I’m OK. You know Blade, you’re giving all them terrorists out there a bad name.
|
|
SIM
|
|
This plan of yours. No violence, no innocent victims. Quite an elegant solution you’ve come up with this time.
|
|
BLADE
|
|
That’s the way I like it.
|
|
SIM
|
(sarcastic)
Yeah sure. Since when? I’ve seen your handiwork.
|
|
BLADE
|
|
Huh? What are you talking about?
|
|
SIM
|
|
Does State Power mean anything to you?
|
|
BLADE
|
(frowning)
You’ve got me mixed up with someone else.
|
|
SIM
|
|
I’ve checked up on you. I know the score. But don’t worry, you get us out of here, and I don’t care what you’ve done.
|
|
BLADE
|
|
You’ve got your lines crossed honey. I’m not in the business of hurting people. I’m an eco-activist.
|
|
AXEL
|
(to Sim)
This guy’s hardcore alright. Better watch your back.
|
Axel sniggers.
|
AXEL
|
|
Big Bad Boogey-manBlade. Oooh I like the sound of that.
|
|
BLADE
|
(offended)
Thanks a lot pal. C’mon, we’ve got work to do.
|
GOTO 257
CUT TO:
257. INT. DENR VENTILATION SHAFT NORMAL VIEW – DAY -
CD’s synthesised babble is now completely unintelligible.
The walls on either side of him scroll with endless grafitti and code
in different computer languages.
CD sees the Barbie zombie wobbling down the corridor towards him. He
stops babbling and watches her approach with interest.
|
CD
|
(synthesised)
Mmmmm. Com-pa-ny.
|
The Barbie zombie stops near CD. She begins tracing out letters on
the wall with her finger.
COND: SIM_SPY
GOTO 258
CUT TO:
258. INT. DENR VENTILATION SHAFT MAINTENANCE VIEW – DAY -
Blade is grappling with his Barbie zombie alongside the wall.
Axel leans against a wall, arms folded, looking sceptical.
|
BLADE
|
|
CD better be around for this.
|
Blade takes the Barbie’s wrist and starts tracing out invisible
letters on the wall.
|
AXEL
|
|
For what? Finger-painting?
|
|
BLADE
|
|
You got a better idea?!
|
GOTO 260
CUT TO:
259. INT. DENR VENTILATION SHAFT MAINTENANCE VIEW - DAY
Blade is grappling with his Barbie zombie alongside the wall.
Axel leans against a wall, arms folded, looking sceptical.
|
BLADE
|
|
CD better be around for this.
|
Blade takes the Barbie’s wrist and starts tracing out invisible
letters on the wall.
Sim watches with amusement.
|
AXEL
|
|
For what? Finger-painting?
|
|
BLADE
|
You got a better idea?! (to Sim)
How about you?
|
|
SIM
|
|
Get on with it Harkensen! You’re acting like a fifteen year-old.
|
GOTO 260
CUT TO:
260. INT. DENR VENTILATION SHAFT NORMAL VIEW –DAY -
CD watches the Barbie zombie’s finger running along the way.
CD’s finger turns into a pen. It quickly re-traces along the path of
the Barbie’s hand, writing “CD GET OPS” on the wall.
|
CD
|
(O.S.)
(synthesied)Bl-aade.
|
We see his stomach screen begin scrolling upwards, wiping away the
garbled text. We see the following prompt appear.
login: blade
password: ****************
agent: USER CONNECTION RE-ESTABLISHED
CD continues tracing out the letters. The message now reads “CD GET
CD grabs the eco-activist’s hand.
CD repeats himself, his voice gradually restoring back to normal.
CD looks up with a smile which then literally drops off his face as
the panther strikes.
CD_WITH_KARMA = TRUE
COND: SIM_SPY
GOTO 261
CUT TO:
261. INT. DENR VENTILATION SHAFT MAINTENANCE VIEW - DAY
|
BLADE
|
(overjoyed)
Axel. He’s there!
|
The Barbie zombie’s arm jerks independently of Blade as the invisible
CD starts tracing out his reply. Blade wrestles with the arm, trying
to finish his message.
|
BLADE
|
|
Hang on CD. I’m not finished yet!
|
|
AXEL
|
|
You wrote this all by yourself huh?
|
|
BLADE
|
(defensively)
Yeah I did.
|
The Barbie’s arm stops moving.
Blade looks crest-fallen.
|
AXEL
|
(shaking his head)
Nah! This is dumb. I’m outta here.
|
Axel wanders off.
|
BLADE
|
(looking past him)
Axel!
|
A large probe is floating menacingly down the shaft towards them.
Blade and Axel turn to run off in the opposite direction but the
little girl is standing there flanked by two dogthings.
|
LITTLE GIRL
|
Thanks for your feedback gentlemen. We’ve learnt a lot. (to Axel)
Now back to your cell, old-timer.
|
Axel dissolves.
|
LITTLE GIRL
|
(to Blade)
That was silly Blade. The Chief kinda liked you. But now you’re mine to play with.
|
Blade dissolves.
GOTO 263
CUT TO:
262. INT. DENR VENTILATION SHAFT MAINTENANCE VIEW - DAY
|
BLADE
|
(overjoyed)
Axel. He’s there!
|
|
SIM
|
(sarcastic)
We’re happy for you.
|
The Barbie zombie’s arm jerks independently of Blade as the invisible
CD starts tracing out his reply. Blade wrestles with the arm, trying
to finish his message.
|
BLADE
|
|
Hang on CD. I’m not finished yet!
|
|
AXEL
|
|
You wrote this all by yourself huh?
|
|
BLADE
|
(defensively)
Yeah I did.
|
The Barbie’s arm stops moving.
|
SIM
|
|
Dodgy software, it’s everywhere.
|
Blade looks crest-fallen.
|
AXEL
|
(shaking his head)
Nah! This is too dumb. I’m outta here.
|
Axel wanders off.
|
BLADE
|
(looking past him)
Axel! Look out!
|
A large probe is floating menacingly down the shaft towards them.
Blade and Axel turn to run off in the opposite direction but the
little girl is standing there flanked by two dogthings.
|
LITTLE GIRL
|
Thanks for your feedback folks. We’ve learnt a lot. (to Axel)
Now back to your cell, old-timer.
|
Axel dissolves.
|
LITTLE GIRL
|
(to Sim)
So you thought you could just walk out on us did you?
|
A dogthing lunges at Sim’s throat. She cries out in alarm. Both Sim
and the dogthing dissolve.
|
LITTLE GIRL
|
(to Blade)
That was silly Blade. The Chief kinda liked you. But now you’re mine to play with.
|
Blade dissolves.
GOTO 263
CUT TO:
263. INT. WATCHERS CHAMBER – DAY -
We see Prisoner #2 amoungst the pile of bodies we saw earlier. He’s
being accosted by a zany SALES CREATURE. The surrounding walls are
covered in constantly updating sales graphs and ratings meters.
|
LITTLE GIRL
|
(O.S.)
And when I’m bored, you’ll get to tune out with the rest of our watchers.
|
|
SALES CREATURE
|
|
But wait! There’s more. You also get free downloads!
|
GOTO 264
CUT TO:
264. INSERT
Prisoner #2’s disembodied head is silently screaming in the void. His
forehead warps and swells. We hear a jumbled mix of a heartbeat, 60’s
pop, rap and hardcore techno tracks. The cacophony gets louder and
louder. Prisoner #2’s head explodes.
GOTO 265
CUT TO:
265. INT. AVATAR GALLERY – DAY -
Prisoner #2’s bar gauge is at 100%. The barcode number dissolves.
Bits of the avatar are plastered to the inside of the shell.
GOTO 266
CUT TO:
266. INT. AXEL’S CELL – DAY -
Axel looks dejected, watching his static-filled picture frame.
|
AXEL
|
(to himself)
Poor kid. It could’ve worked.
|
We hear the sound of an approaching mosquito. Axel looks up wearily.
There is a giant MOSQUITO-LIKE THING hovering way above his cell.
AXEL shakes his head vigorously and looks back up.
There is nothing there now.
We hear the little girl giggling.
|
AXEL
|
(to himself)
So this is how it begins…
|
COND: SIM DAD_SEES_BLADE
GOTO 268
CUT TO:
267. INT. SIM’S SPACE – DAY -
Sim is surrounded by her windows of data on Blade. She gesticulates.
The library footage of Blade (from scene S10) appears in a window.
Blade sits in his news-reader poise.
|
BLADE
|
(to viewer)
You all make me sick. You want functionality without the responsibility. You want to trade away our trees for your tech. Well, you’re not getting away with it. We’re changing the equation.
|
Blade continues to rant mutely. The Chief’s head appears in a sub
window.
|
CHIEF
|
|
We’ve only got a few leads but enough to see that he’s a nasty piece of work.
|
Sim gesticulates. The windows around her close. She paces around
thoughtfully.
|
BLADE
|
(V-O)
You’ve got your lines crossed honey. I’m not in the business of hurting people.
|
COND: DAD_SEES_BLADE
GOTO 268
CUT TO:
268. INT. BLAKE’S BEDROOM – NIGHT -
Blake has been hooked up to a compact life-support system. She has a
mouthpiece in place.
A doctor, DAN, is examining Blake.
Mum and Dad sit watching her.
|
MUM
|
|
Please let’s take her to hospital. It’s been two days.
|
|
DAD
|
|
I don’t think we should move her.
|
|
DAN
|
|
I agree. We shouldn’t aggravate her condition any further.
|
|
MUM
|
(to Dan)
And what condition’s that, Doctor? Tell me! What’s wrong with her?!
|
Dad and Dan exchange a sheepish glance.
|
MUM
|
(to Dad)
If you really think she’s trapped online… then go find her! You’re the great bloody hacker…
|
|
DAD
|
(quietly)
Not anymore love.
|
GOTO 269
CUT TO:
269. INT. KARMA’S SPACE – NIGHT -
Karma moves between several windows displaying analysis data on CD.
CD has a collar on. He darts around the space trying to escape. As
though in a fish tank, CD bounces off invisible walls and all the
windows.
We hear Karma’s analysis system reading back its findings to her at a
ridiculous rate. Occaisionally it slows down to make a point.
|
SYSTEM
|
(O.S.)
(too quickly) The subject's composition is undocumented but appears to be derived from perl nine source compiled into applet form. The core executible is 435Mb and accesses dynamically linked State library modules on demand. Safeguards within the header are preventing any decryption of the software's core components. (slower) The subject appears highly proficient in analysing network weaknesses. It is capable of exploiting most security holes.
|
CD looks across at Karma. CD’s stomach screen unfolds. Karma’s body
appears onscreen. CD jumps in front of Karma for a closer look.
|
CD
|
|
Hey lady, if you’re gonna pick me to pieces… be gentle.
|
Karma shoves CD out of the way.
Karma watches a window showing CD morphing between his various forms.
At one point CD is dancing like crazy to the macarena.
Code flows through Karma’s eyes. “Software analysis complete”
appears.
On CD’s screen we are probing different regions of Karma’s body.
Every part of her is crawling with hexidecimal numbers. The Chief’s
State file appears in a sub-window.
|
SYSTEM
|
(O.S.)
(too quickly) Conclusion: the subject functions as a dedicated personal interface to network environments, simulating personality, and interpreting events and commands via a sophisticated user profiling mechanism embedded in its core. (slower) The subject would respond to its primary user in a less shielded manner.
|
|
CD
|
(frowning)
Kar-ma honey. I can’t find your own file. Are you for real? (smiling) You’re not just software are ya?
|
Karma swipes violently at CD, sending him bouncing off a window.
|
CD
|
|
Ooops! Me and my big mouth.
|
CD literally zips his mouth shut.
On CD’s screen we see a list of Karma’s attributes, her OPS. A mouse
pointer repeatedly tries to drag items out of the list. Each time,
“ACCESS DENIED” appears and the item floats back.
|
SYSTEM
|
(O.S.)
(too quickly) Recommendation: The subject's capabilities to subvert State systems are highly developed and pose an immediate threat to all network resources. (slower) Analysis recommends that the subject should be disassembled for further study, for further study, for further study…
|
The system seems to be caught in a loop.
CD unzips his mouth.
|
CD
|
|
You could use a break here sister. How about we err…
|
Karma’s windows shudder. Several screens turn to static.
|
CD
|
(winking provocatively)
You know… see what code we’ve got in common.
|
Karma lunges at CD.
CD leaps back from her, transforming into a comfy couch.
|
CD
|
|
Relax Karma. We’re all agents here. Tell me more about yourself.
|
Karma strides towards CD with a violent look.
GOTO 272
CUT TO:
270. INT. BLAKE’S BEDROOM - NIGHT
Dan is examining Blake, comatose in her bed.
Mum and Dad watch expectantly.
|
DAN
|
|
I can’t tell you exactly what’s wrong with her but there’s some of kind of electrical impulse running through her system.
|
|
DAD
|
|
What kind of impulse?
|
|
DAN
|
|
I don’t know. I’ve never seen it before.
|
|
DAN
|
|
Not without knowing the cause of it. It’s too risky.
|
|
MUM
|
|
What kind of a doctor are you?! She could be dying!
|
|
DAD
|
|
Calm down love. He’s doing his best.
|
|
MUM
|
|
I can’t take this much longer.
|
GOTO 271
CUT TO:
271. INT. KARMA’S SPACE – NIGHT -
Karma moves between several windows displaying analysis data on CD.
CD has a collar on. He darts around the space trying to escape. As
though in a fish tank, CD bounces off invisible walls and all the
windows.
We hear Karma’s analysis system reading back its findings to her at a
ridiculous rate. Occaisionally it slows down to make a point.
|
SYSTEM
|
(O.S.)
(too quickly) The subject's composition is undocumented but appears to be derived from perl nine source compiled into applet form. The core executible is 435Mb and accesses dynamically linked State library modules on demand. Safeguards within the header are preventing any decryption of the software's core components.
|
|
SYSTEM
|
(slower)
The subject appears highly proficient in analysing network weaknesses. It is capable of exploiting most security holes.
|
Karma grabs hold of CD. His body elongates like a snake, sliding out
of her grip.
|
FRANC
|
(O.S.)
Karma? CD? Is that you?
|
|
CD
|
|
Hey lady, if you’re gonna pick me to pieces… be gentle.
|
Karma snarls and lunges for him again.
Karma watches a window showing CD morphing between his various forms.
At one point CD is dancing like crazy to the macarena.
|
FRANC
|
(O.S.)
Is anybody out there? I can’t see.
|
Code flows through Karma’s eyes. “Software analysis complete”
appears.
|
SYSTEM
|
(O.S.)
(too quickly) Conclusion: the subject functions as a dedicated personal interface to network environments, simulating personality, and interpreting events and commands via a sophisticated user profiling mechanism embedded in its core.
|
FRANC, half wireframe, half solid is trapped within a schematic
window.
His eyes are black voids.
CD runs by him, his stomach screen unfolding.
|
SYSTEM
|
(O.S. slower)
The subject would respond to its primary user in a less shielded manner.
|
|
FRANC
|
|
Why isn’t anybody listening? Let me go.
|
CD narrowly avoids Karma’s clutches.
|
CD
|
(to FRANC)
Sorry dude. Can’t stop.
|
|
SYSTEM
|
(O.S.)
(too quickly) Recommendation: The subject's capabilities to subvert State systems are highly developed and pose an immediate threat to all network resources. (slower) Analysis recommends that the subject should be disassembled for further study, for further study, for further study…
|
The system seems to be caught in a loop.
|
CD
|
|
You could use a break here sister. How about we err…
|
Karma’s windows shudder. Several screens turn to static.
|
CD
|
(winking provocatively)
You know… see what we’ve got in common.
|
Karma lunges at CD.
CD leaps back from her, transforming into a comfy couch.
|
CD
|
|
Relax Karma. I want you to tell me more about yourself.
|
Karma strides towards CD with a violent look.
GOTO 272
CUT TO:
272. INT. INTERLINK CONTROL TOWER – DAY -
Two Barbie technicians, TECH #3 and TECH #4, are standing before
console and two windows.
One window displays a row of avatars in the Avatar Gallery, the other
shows the Cityscape harbour foreshore.
The Chief materialises next to them.
|
TECH #3
|
(O.S.)
Chief, we’ve had a breakthrough. We’re picking up memories from our test subject.
|
The harbour window shows a target centering on a man lying down with
a big smile on his face.
Karma materialises.
|
CHIEF
|
Karma, you’re late. (to Tech #3)
What have we got?
|
Tech #4 manipulates her console.
A copy of the man materialises within the Avatar Gallery window at
the end of the row. Unlike the other avatars, he has no shell around
him.
|
TECH #3
|
|
It’s a fragment of his memory. Downloaded straight from the real world.
|
The harbour window changes to a blurry close-up of a girl’s head
resting on a pillow. She looks straight out at us with a dreamy
smile. We are looking through the eyes of someone (the man) lying on
top of her, having sex.
|
CHIEF
|
(O.S.)
Would he suspect anything?
|
|
TECH #3
|
|
Not likely. Most users won’t notice a thing.
|
|
CHIEF
|
|
Good. Just the way it should be.
|
In the harbour window, the man’s hand reaches into the foreground to
stroke the girl’s cheek. The girl breathes out in ecstasy.
The harbour window shudders and explodes into static.
The man’s avatar dissolves from the view of the Gallery.
|
TECH #3
|
|
There’s still problems but we’re nearly there.
|
|
CHIEF
|
|
Excellent. I want it ready by the Festival. That’s tomorrow.
|
The Chief puts an arm around Karma and surveys the Gallery.
|
CHIEF
|
(to Karma)
Perfect timing! We’ll draw the crowds in for our little party and I’ll have access to their minds. World-wide wisdom… how about that?
|
|
KARMA
|
|
The knowledge will be priceless.
|
|
CHIEF
|
|
Speaking of knowledge, it’s time to find out what that Blade’s been hiding from us.
|
|
KARMA
|
|
What about your guests?
|
|
CHIEF
|
|
No, you’re right. I’m getting distracted. I’ve got world leaders waiting to share their every thought with me.
|
GOTO 273
CUT TO:
273. INT. BLADE’S CELL – NIGHT -
Blade toys with the script box remote. He calls up a static-filled
window and peers into the static.
|
BLADE
|
|
Axel, I hope you’re ready for this…
|
We hear the sound of mosquitoes approaching.
Blade puts the remote on the ground. Its texture transforms,
camouflaging itself against the floor.
There are several giant mosquito-things circling high above his cell
like vultures.
Thee little girl skips out of the void onto the floor and starts
playing with a yo-yo.
|
LITTLE GIRL
|
|
No more peeking Mr. Blade.
|
The window explodes into fragments around Blade.
Blade clutches his arm in pain.
|
LITTLE GIRL
|
|
Don’t worry, it’s all in the mind.
|
GOTO 274
CUT TO:
274. INT. SIM’S SPACE – NIGHT -
Sim is walking around her giant windows showing information and
images relating to Blade.
|
KARMA
|
(O.S.)
For your sake Sim, I hope you’ve made progress.
|
Sim turns to see Karma holding CD by his neck, in one hand, and a
file in the other. CD wriggles as if he were a snake.
|
SIM
|
(icily)
The Chief will have my report soon.
|
Sim and Karma glare at each other.
Karma throws CD at Sim’s feet.
CD brushes himself off indignantly. He blows a rasberry in Karma’s
direction.
|
KARMA
|
|
This was Blade’s. See what you can extract before I wipe it.
|
Karma releases the file into the air. It flies out in front of her,
expanding and sub-dividing into multiple windows. The windows show
Karma’s previous analysis of CD.
Karma walks off into the void.
CD runs off towards Sim’s windows on Blade.
Sim follows CD as he moves between windows.
|
SIM
|
(to CD)
What can you tell me about him?
|
|
CD
|
(quickly)
What can I tell ya about him. Well… that all depends on what ya wanna know, what ya do, what ya want, what ya think, what ya say… (in Sim’s face) and what I like about ya.
|
CD’s stomach screen unfolds.
|
SIM
|
|
This could take a while…
|
GOTO 275
CUT TO:
275. INT. BLADE’S CELL – NIGHT -
Blade is fighting off five mosquito-things that are dive-bombing his
cell.
The little girl stands nearby playing with her yo-yo.
Blade kick-boxes each mosquito as it approaches.
|
LITTLE GIRL
|
|
You’re a tough cookie Mr. Blade. Mentally tough. But you’re still losing it.
|
Blade does a backwards somersault out of the way as the last mosquito
dives down into the floor, leaving its proboscis bent. Blade does a
running kick, punting the mossie into the void.
|
LITTLE GIRL
|
(angrily)
Face reality.
|
The little girl flings her yo-yo out at Blade. It hits him in the
head with a loud crack. Blade crashes to the floor.
|
LITTLE GIRL
|
|
You’re going nowhere.
|
GOTo 276
CUT TO:
276. INT. AVATAR GALLERY – NIGHT -
We see Blade in his avatar casing. The gauge on it jumps to 80%.
GOTo 277
CUT TO:
277. INT. SIM’S SPACE - NIGHT
CD is posing on a barstool, legs crossed, and puffing elegantly on a
cigarette. Sim sits opposite looking frustrated.
We see CD’s stomach screen is scrolling through Sim’s personnel file.
|
SIM
|
|
Stop wasting my time! You know who he is.
|
CD shines a hard interrogation spotlight on himself from his palm.
|
CD
|
(German)
Vhy vouldn’t I? I’m ze special agent ya?
|
|
SIM
|
|
So what’s his real name?
|
|
CD
|
(Bugs Bunny)
Eeeh what name’s that doc?
|
On CD’s stomach screen we see Sim’s full name “Sim Alexandra
Crawford”.
|
CD
|
(Hillbilly)
Geez missy, you should know that already.
|
|
CD
|
(smiling)
(Goofy laugh) Uh uh, that would be telling.
|
|
SIM
|
|
Are you going to help me not? I’ll give you back to Karma. You want that?
|
Onscreen, a photo shows Sim protesting for free speech at a rally.
|
CD
|
(patronising)
(English) What would you like to know madam? Or can I call you Sim?
|
|
SIM
|
(frustrated)
I want to know who Blade is?
|
|
CD
|
(Ocker)
Blade… Blade… Now ‘oose that again?
|
|
SIM
|
(muttering)
Christ. This is not a game.
|
A sly smile creeps over Sim’s face.
|
SIM
|
|
Hey CD, you wanna fool around? Break some rules with me?
|
CD claps his hands with glee like a three-year old.
CHOICE: CHOICE
GOTO 278
CUT TO:
278. INT. STATE REGISTRY – NIGHT -
In the midst of the records chamber, Sim and CD are playing “hacker”,
running through the aisles, looking at things.
Sim is nursing a large stack of files.
CD throws more onto her pile.
|
SIM
|
(reading)
Hey CD, these are all public domain. Anyone can get hold of this info. You’re nothing special.
|
We see CD is busy scanning the shelves.
|
CD
|
|
Oh yeah? I can get anything. I’m programmed to please, honey bunch.
|
We see his stomach screen displaying Blade’s last command “GET OPS
FOR INTER”. An error message indicates that INTER is not a valid
system name.
|
SIM
|
|
You’re full of it. Just like Blade.
|
CD bounces up and down like a demented schoolboy. Sim whoops with
glee. This gets CD even more excited.
|
SIM
|
|
Alright. Betcha you can’t get anything out of the new prison system.
|
|
SIM
|
|
OK. Err… what’s it called again? Umm… Inter… Interlink. That’s it. Interlink.
|
On CD’s screen we see Blade’s command completed “GET OPS FOR
INTERLINK”. Text begins filling up the screen as Interlink records
pour in.
|
CD
|
|
Too easy. I’m not shareware you know.
|
We move with CD as he pulls Sim through the aisles. He stops and
grabs a handful of DENR-marked files and thrusts them at Sim.
|
CD
|
(impetulantly)
Get a load of that, Miss.
|
Sim flicks through the files.
CD grabs another DENR file off a shelf. We see that its cover refers
to Interlink system operator read access privileges. While Sim isn’t
looking, CD quickly thrusts it into his stomach screen.
|
SIM
|
(reading)
Whoa! What is this?!
|
COND: SIM_SPY
GOTO 281
CUT TO:
279. INT. KITCHEN – DAY -
DENR troopers come bursting in on Mum and Dad.
|
TROOPER
|
|
Don’t anybody move!
|
Dad tries to block their progress. He is clubbed to the floor.
Mum screams.
A gunshot rings out.
GOTO 280
CUT TO:
280. INT. BLADE’S CELL – DAY -
Blade comes to with a start. The gunshot echoes away. He looks around
terrified.
He picks himself up off the floor. He repeatedly opens and closes a
window displaying nothing but static. He kneels down and rummages
around for the remote.
We see that the remote has been damaged.
|
BLADE
|
(to himself)
OK Axel. Here goes nothing.
|
Blade presses the round button. The remote glows. The remote’s light
flutters and goes out. Blade slams the floor with his fist.
We hear the mosquitoes returning.
GOTO 282
CUT TO:
281. INT. BLADE’S CELL – NIGHT -
Blade groggily picks himself up off the floor. He repeatedly opens
and closes a window displaying nothing but static. He kneels down and
rummages around on the floor for the remote.
We see that the remote’s face has been damaged during the fight.
|
BLADE
|
(to himself)
OK Axel. Here goes nothing.
|
Blade presses the round button. The remote glows. The remote’s light
flutters and goes out. Blade slams the floor with his fist.
We hear the mosquitoes returning.
GOTO 282
CUT TO:
282. INT. HARBOUR MAINTENANCE VIEW – NIGHT -
The submarine floats past in the dark. We hear the pinging noise. We
see the script box vibrating on the submarine’s hull. A few sparks
fly off it. The sparking and vibrations are irregular like a cold
engine is trying to start. The box begins sinking into the hull. Its
surface becoming live with voltage.
GOTO 283
CUT TO:
283. EXT. SHIP DECK – NIGHT -
The Chief is hosting a virtual cocktail party for world leaders and
media moguls. He has his arm around a Japanese man in traditional
robes. Karma, dressed in an evening gown, is being chatted up by a
burly bearded African. The Chief moves to the railing.
|
CHIEF
|
|
Ladies and gentlemen, it is my great pleasure to welcome you all to Cityscape, the future of networked society. Thank you for travelling so far to join us.
|
A few DENR staff chuckle diplomatically.
|
CHIEF
|
|
Tonight we celebrate our second birthday and I am very proud of what has been achieved in that time. Hopefully you’ll all stick around long enough to see what this city has to offer. There’s plenty in store, so stay connected! I now declare this Festival… open!!
|
Everyone applauds as the city skyline erupts with fireworks.
COND: SIM_SPY
GOTO 284
CUT TO:
284. INT. SIM’S SPACE – NIGHT -
Sim stares into space from her easy chair. Her space is completely
overrun by giant windows. The space resembles an art gallery.
A window opposite Sim shows a view into the Avatar Gallery. We see
Blade in his row.
The view switches to the mishapen prisoners crowded into the Storage
Tunnel.
|
SIM
|
(O.S.)
You’re a sick lying bastard! I trusted you Chief.
|
CD is snoozing across the top of one of the Blade windows.
Sim closes her hands together like a book.
All the windows in the space close as one.
CD is rudely awakened and falls down in a heap.
|
SIM
|
(to CD)
OK. Looks like I’m on your side.
|
CD wrings his hands with glee.
CHOICE: CHOICE
GOTO 286
CUT TO:
285. INT. SIM’S SPACE – DAY -
Sim’s space is completely overrun by giant windows. The space
resembles an art gallery. CD shows off in front of Sim. Sim watches
soberly from her easy chair.
|
CD
|
(quickly)
You got no idea how easy it is to break in here. No sweat sis. There’s holes everywhere. You want in, you want access? I’m the key. You want info, hey I’ll find it for ya for free.
|
|
SIM
|
|
You’re pretty sure of yourself aren’t you?
|
Sim makes a subtle movement with her hand.
A window behind Sim is displaying audio recording levels. The
settings adjust themselves slightly. A text transcript of what CD is
saying is being added to the screen.
|
CD
|
(O.S.)
Oooh yeah. I got functions and pride.
|
Next to it, another window shows a view into the Avatar Gallery. We
see Blade in his row.
|
CD
|
(O.S.)
Security. Shmurity. I get around, just you watch.
|
|
SIM
|
(O.S.)
OK smartypants. Let’s see what you know. How about… the Chief’s birthday.
|
The view switches to the mishapen prisoners crowded into the Storage
Tunnel.
|
CD
|
(O.S.)
Oh please. How about a challenge?
|
|
SIM
|
(O.S.)
Well? What is it?
|
|
CD
|
|
Hang on, not so fast. I’m building up the suspense…
|
CD gags as if he’s choking on something. He removes a strip of paper
from his mouth.
|
CD
|
(reading the strip)
The Chief of the Department of the Environment and Network Resources. Born March 21, 1928. (sarcastic) Mmmm… he’s well preserved isn’t he?
|
|
SIM
|
(frowning)
That can’t be right? What’s your source?
|
|
CD
|
(with a knowing wink)
Ahaa!
|
CD turns away modestly. He spins around with his stomach screen open.
The Chief’s birth certificate is displayed onscreen.
|
CD
|
(O.S.)
Someone’s avatar’s had a makeover.
|
|
SIM
|
(peering closer)
Whoa! You’re right. 89 years old.
|
CHOICE: CHOICE
GOTO 132
CUT TO:
286. INT. BLADE’S CELL – NIGHT -
The mosquitoes are circling down for the kill. Blade stands defiantly
below, waiting for the attack. The little girl is an eager spectator.
|
LITTLE GIRL
|
|
Hack your way of this, boy!
|
GOTO 287
CUT TO:
287. EXT. KARMA’S SPACE – NIGHT -
Karma stands watching several windows. One displays the VIPs on the
deck partying hard. The others shows their avatars being processed
through the Avatar Gallery and their minds being analysed as before.
The Chief materialises besides Karma.
|
CHIEF
|
|
Karma, keep an eye on our guests. I’m going to try this out on Blade.
|
|
KARMA
|
|
It’s still faulty. Maybe you should wait.
|
|
CHIEF
|
|
No. I’ll get something out of him.
|
The Chief calls up a new window displaying the maintenance view of
the stadium stage.
COND: SEEN_FRANC SIM_SPY
GOTO 291
CUT TO:
288. INT. INTERLINK CONTROL TOWER – DAY -
Karma stands alongside Tech #1 who is working at a console.
We look into Karma’s eyes. Dark and souless.
|
KARMA
|
(V-O)
Sometimes I imagine.
|
The view explodes into static.
GOTO 289
CUT TO:
289. INT. BAR – DAY -
We are looking at Karma’s eyes. They have colour now.
|
KARMA
|
(V-O)
Sometimes I imagine that I’m a girl, a real girl, working in a bar.
|
Karma is standing behind the bar, looking around.
|
KARMA
|
(V-O)
I’m smelling the human odors in the air as I feed their digestive systems.
|
The drunk patron falls onto the bar.
|
DRUNK PATRON
|
(drunkenly)
Pour us another one love.
|
|
KARMA
|
(V-O)
I’ve got 32-bit imagination, but I know none of it’s real.
|
The view explodes into static.
GOTO 290
CUT TO:
290. INT. INTERLINK CONTROL TOWER – DAY -
Karma stares blankly out at us with her dark eyes.
|
KARMA
|
(V-O)
Thanks to him, I’m nothing. Nobody.
|
COND: SIM
GOTO 291
CUT TO:
291. INT. SIM’S SPACE – NIGHT -
Sim and CD are watching a window showing Blade fighting the
mosquitoe-things.
|
SIM
|
(anxiously)
Can’t you do something?
|
|
CD
|
|
Can’t do much without write OPS.
|
Onscreen, Blade is knocked to the ground. A mosquito lands on his
head.
|
SIM
|
|
What about distracting them?
|
|
CD
|
|
I can try. Take off the restraint.
|
Sim removes CD’s collar. CD leaps into the window and disappears.
Onscreen, Blade is levitating, against his will, off the floor. He
dissolves.
CHOICE: CHOICE
GOTO 293
CUT TO:
292. INT. SIM’S SPACE – DAY -
Sim and CD are watching a window showing Blade fighting the
mosquitoe-things.
|
SIM
|
|
Looks like he’s in trouble CD. What are you going to do about it?
|
|
CD
|
|
I can’t do much without write OPS.
|
Onscreen, Blade is knocked to the ground. A mosquito lands on his
head.
|
CD
|
(wincing)
Ouch! Poor Blade.
|
|
SIM
|
|
What about distracting them?
|
|
CD
|
|
I can try. Take off the restraint.
|
Sim removes CD’s collar. CD leaps into the window and disappears.
Onscreen, Blade is levitating, against his will, off the floor. He
dissolves.
Karma appears in a sub-window.
|
SIM
|
|
I’d hurry. It’s on its way.
|
Karma’s sub-window closes.
CHOICE: CHOICE
GOTO 293
CUT TO:
293. INT. HARBOUR MAINTENANCE VIEW – NIGHT -
Sparks are running along the sides of the submarine. The pinging
noise is steadily speeding up. The submarine blows its ballast and
starts to ascend. Raytracers fly off the hull in all directions. The
sparks are now large enough to be called lightning.
GOTO 294
CUT TO:
294. EXT. STADIUM MAINTENANCE VIEW – NIGHT -
Blade falls on the stage in the midst of the stadium. Several
spotlights on him pulsate in time to a dull throbbing noise. We see a
group of identical Chiefs moshing (violently dancing) before the
stage.
Mum clambers up out of the pit onto the stage.
|
MUM
|
|
Blade! My darling! We’ve missed you so much!
|
She smiles as she approaches.
Mum’s face suddenly distorts with rage.
She viciously swipes at Blade.
GOTO 295
CUT TO:
295. INT. AVATAR GALLERY – NIGHT -
We see Blade in his avatar casing. The gauge on it jumps to 92%.
GOTO 296
CUT TO:
296. EXT. HARBOUR MAINTENANCE VIEW – NIGHT -
The submarine is on the surface in the middle of the harbour. The
pinging noise builds up its intensity. The submarine starts firing
pellets of crimon light from its two topside missile tubes. The
pellets shoot towards the city.
GOTO 297
CUT TO:
297. EXT. STADIUM MAINTENANCE VIEW – NIGHT -
Mum slaps Blade in the face.
|
MUM
|
(screaming)
Where are you, you filthy little liar!!
|
Mum transforms smoothly into Dad.
|
DAD
|
(sneering)
You’re a dirty little data thief. That’s what you are! Where’d you learn it from kid! Tell me!
|
Dad punches Blade in the face. Dad turns into an unkempt eco-
activist.
|
ECO-ACTIVIST
|
|
Think you’re pretty good with tech huh? Get a real life! You’re just an addict. We’ve got no use for you.
|
The eco-activist yanks Blade by the hair and turns into Blake.
|
BLAKE
|
|
No self-respect Blade. You’re pathetic. Who’d want to be anywhere near you?
|
Blade looks concussed but he chuckles.
|
BLADE
|
(weakly)
You’re so transparent Chief!
|
Blake turns into the Chief. The Chief grabs Blade by the neck.
|
CHIEF
|
|
What do you mean? You little shit! Who are you? Who you working for?
|
Blade stares at the Chief for a moment and explodes into insane
laughter. Blade pretends to go completely deranged.
The stadium lights fluctuate madly.
GOTO 298
CUT TO:
298. EXT. HARBOUR MAINTENANCE VIEW – NIGHT -
The sub is firing its pellets across Cityscape. They are richocheting
off everything. The entire greyscale city is covered in madly
bouncing lights. The pinging noise continues.
GOTO 299
CUT TO:
299. EXT. STADIUM MAINTENANCE VIEW – NIGHT -
The Chief looks around concerned. He releases his grip on Blade.
Parts of the stadium are warping and distorted. The pellets from the
sub start bouncing into the stadium.
CD appears on the stage behind the Chief.
|
CD
|
(waving)
Blade!! The net’s goin’ down.
|
The Chief looks around at CD.
|
BLADE
|
(to Chief)
There’s my cue.
|
Blade picks the Chief up in a painful crotch-hold and tosses him off
the stage into the moshpit.
The stage floor buckles dangerously.
The Chief leaps back onto the stage along with Karma. Their voices
mix.
|
CHIEF/KARMA
|
|
You’re dead now.
|
The Chief and Karma charge towards Blade.
Blade runs towards CD.
|
BLADE
|
|
Quick CD. The Control Space.
|
CD stretches out his stomach screen with his hands.
Blade dives into it.
|
CD
|
|
Welcome aboard Captain.
|
CD dissolves.
The stadium collapses onto the stage, obscuring the Chief and Karma.
GOTO 300
CUT TO:
300. INT. INTERLINK CONTROL TOWER – DAY -
The technicians move around their consoles and windows in confusion.
Several different alarms are ringing out. The floor weaves and
buckles. The windows move around and all have blinking error
messages.
The little girl runs frantically between different technicians.
|
TECH #1
|
|
The hub’s out of control. It’s firing dud packets across the network.
|
|
LITTLE GIRL
|
|
Reboot everything. Quickly!
|
|
TECH #1
|
|
That’s a helluva risk. We’ll lose the containment field.
|
|
LITTLE GIRL
|
|
Only for a moment. Just do it!
|
A glass-covered set of switches materialises on Tech #1’s console.
Tech #1 knocks back the cover and starts flicking switches. We hear
the sound of a motorbike getting louder.
|
TECH #1
|
|
It’s restarting… what the hell is that?
|
Blade comes flying in from a nearby window on a motorbike. The
motorbike is CD.
|
LITTLE GIRL
|
Security! Get him!! (to Tech #1)
(screaming) Get those shields back up!
|
Blade hops off CD and storms towards the little girl. He fights off a
number of technicians that swarm in to intercept him.
Blade lifts the little girl up and shoves her up against a window.
|
BLADE
|
|
I like to know who I’m dealing with.
|
CD transforms back to normal and produces a stethascope. He places it
against the little girl’s chest. His stomach screen unfolds.
Onscreen, we see the little girl’s file featuring an unflattering
photo of an unshaven and balding man.
|
BLADE
|
|
Well Jack. You’re a bit old for that outfit.
|
Blade hurls the little girl across the space.
Several bat-things bank hard to avoid her as they fly towards Blade.
CD is busy adjusting settings on a nearby console. Tech #1 tries to
pull CD off the console. The Chief and Karma appear next to Tech #1.
CD palms them off roughly with a hand the size of a cupboard.
The Interlink pipe materialises in its usual spot.
|
CD
|
|
Hurry Blade! They’re gonna override us.
|
Blade kickboxes a tech out of the way and sprints towards the pipe.
He leaps up into the pipe, which expands as before. Three bat-things
swoop into the pipe after him.
GOTO 301
CUT TO:
301. INT. INTERLINK PIPE – DAY -
We move with Blade as he runs down the pipe towards a bright light at
the end. The bat-things are catching up with him. The panther enters
the mouth of the pipe and roars.
CD (motorbike) swerves past them and comes alongside Blade.
Blade leaps across onto CD (motorbike) and screeches off.
GOTO 302
CUT TO:
302. INT. AVATAR GALLERY – DAY -
We see Blade’s avatar dissolve leaving behind an empty casing.
GOTO 303
CUT TO:
303. INT. BLAKE’S BEDROOM – DAY -
Blake’s hand moves. Her face relaxes. Her eyelids flutter.
Mum is asleep beside her.
GOTO 304
CUT TO:
304. INT. INTERLINK CONTROL TOWER – DAY -
Technicians are busy re-arranging fixtures in the space. Windows and
consoles are strewn everywhere.
Tech #1 surveys the damage with Karma.
The Chief’s face appears in a window.
|
TECH #1
|
|
The network’s stable again sir. I’ve re-installed the hub from backups.
|
The Chief’s window is disrupted by static as the Chief throws a fit.
The image changes to display the little girl being tormented by her
own mosquitoes in a cell.
|
CHIEF
|
(O.S.)
I trust you’ll do a better job, Warden.
|
|
TECH #1
|
|
Don’t worry. We’ll find him.
|
CHOICE: CHIEF
GOTO 305
CUT TO:
305. INT. BLADE’S SPACE – DAY -
A window opens displaying a aerial view of Cityscape. Blade and CD
(motorbike) fly out of it. CD transforms back to normal.
|
BLADE
|
(smiling)
Good work CD. We got OPS!
|
|
CD
|
(sheepishly)
Err we didn’t need write access did we?
|
|
BLADE
|
(pained)
CD! Of course we did. We’ll have to go back.
|
CD slaps his chest and honks loudly.
Blade turns to look back into the window.
Onscreen, we see three bat-things flying towards us.
|
BLADE
|
(O.S.)
They’ve traced us. Grid!
|
A grid draws itself on the screen.
The three bat-things come flying out of the window. The grid bulges
away from the screen like a rope net. The bat-things get tangled in
the net.
Blade and CD beat the shit out of them.
|
CD
|
|
There’s more on the way!
|
|
BLADE
|
|
Shut everything down! Wipe every link to home.
|
All the other icons and windows start closing and dissolving.
|
BLADE
|
|
We gotta find write OPS. There’s no other way to stop him.
|
A window opens displaying Sim Central.
Blade and CD dive into it.
CHOICE: CHOICE
GOTO 306
CUT TO:
306. INT. SIM CENTRAL - DAY
We moving towards the Avatar Gallery which is now a hundred times its
original size. It is filling steadily with new avatars without
casings.
|
CHIEF
|
(O.S.)
You’ve fixed the download problem.
|
|
TECH #1
|
(O.S.)
It’s working but the subjects still lose some short-term memory. We get it all though.
|
|
CHIEF
|
(O.S.)
That’s all that matters. Get it into production.
|
We move along a row of avatars featuring the VIP guests.
|
TECH #1
|
(O.S.)
We’ve done the heads of state already.
|
|
CHIEF
|
(O.S.)
Excellent. Soon we’ll have everyone.
|
GOTO 307
CUT TO:
307. INT. INTERLINK CONTROL TOWER – DAY -
The lighting fluctuates. A few windows close. Techs look annoyed.
|
TECH #1
|
(looking around nervously)
With all due respect sir, do we really need to have everybody? The network won’t cope with the load.
|
|
CHIEF
|
(menacingly)
Your job is to see that it does Warden. I want full access to all my users.
|
|
TECH #1
|
|
It wasn’t built for this…
|
|
KARMA
|
|
You’ve got your orders!
|
GOTO 308
CUT TO:
308. INT. SIM CENTRAL – DAY -
The Avatar Gallery has grown even bigger. The honeycomb warps
intermittently. Bat-things are flying everywhere. Dogthings are
patrolling the honeycomb.
Blade and CD materialise on top of a cell wall.
|
BLADE
|
(looking up)
Whoa! The Chief’s been busy.
|
A bat-thing is zooming down towards them.
|
BLADE
|
|
Bad idea. We need somewhere quiet.
|
A window opens before them. Blade and CD dive into it. It closes.
COND: SIM_SPY
GOTO 309
CUT TO:
309. INT. SIM’S SPACE – DAY -
A DENR classified window is displaying a view into the Simulation
Control Space.
|
SIM
|
(hurridly)
Subject: Interlink mental containment
|
Sim is dictating an email message into her transcript window.
She uses her finger to direct a mouse pointer as she speaks. The
pointer drags screenshots and text from the Gallery window into the
transcript window.
The DENR window switches between the Avatar Gallery, Blade fighting
mosquitos, and the Simulation Control Space.
|
SIM
|
(O.S.)
Please distribute this information freely. Enclosed is evidence that the Chief of the DENR is running a mental containment facility inside Cityscape. He’s out of control.
|
GOTO 310
CUT TO:
310. INT. DENR VENTILATION SHAFT - DAY
Blade and CD float in a five-way junction. CD swivels his head
continously to check in each direction.
Blade peers into CD’s screen which is displaying a view of
Rejuvenation’s deck.
|
BLADE
|
|
OK, where’s that Karma? She’s close to the Chief. She’d have OPS.
|
|
CD
|
|
I guess she might, being his agent…
|
Blade switches CD’s screen to a view of the State Registry.
|
BLADE
|
(not listening)
We can trace her by her ID. That should do it… what’d you say?!
|
|
CD
|
(smiling)
Karma’s a personal agent. Just like me!
|
|
BLADE
|
|
That explains a lot. More lousy software…
|
|
BLADE
|
(to himself)
So how we gonna trace her? She won’t have ID if she’s software. (to CD) Hang on… what about your friend Sim. Doesn’t she work with Karma?
|
CD crosses his arms and sulks.
|
CD
|
(petulantly)
Say you’re sorry…
|
GOTO 311
CUT TO:
311. INT. SIM’S SPACE - DAY
An official looking State window is displaying the Chief’s file.
Sim’s email message window is still open.
|
SIM
|
(to herself)
You picked the wrong girl Chief. I’m onto you.
|
The State window shows a diagramatic view of Rejuvenation. We move
into the Chief’s cabin. A secret compartment is being highlighted. We
move in on the compartment.
The image changes to a revolving Interlink icon amidst several
columns scrolling textual data.
|
SIM
|
(O.S.)
(sarcastically) What a pro. He keeps files in the closet.
|
The image changes to a close-up of Blade peering out at her. The view
is from CD’s stomach screen. CD’s upside face bobs in. CD waves and
makes smiley faces.
|
SIM
|
|
Blade!! You made it! You OK?
|
|
BLADE
|
|
Yeah fine. Look, we don’t have much time…
|
|
SIM
|
|
I found out what the Chief’s doing. He’s…
|
|
BLADE
|
|
Grabbing people’s minds. Yeah I know.
|
|
SIM
|
|
There’s more than that. He’s yanking memories out of everyone in the city. Who knows what damage it’s doing…
|
|
BLADE
|
|
Sim! Listen to me. I can stop him. But only if I can get system privileges. Ones that Karma might have. Where is she?
|
The window explodes with a bang.
Karma grabs Sim in a stranglehold. Sim struggles.
|
KARMA
|
|
You chose the wrong side.
|
Sim wrestles free.
A silvery cage forms around her. Sim struggles for a moment and then
freezes.
Karma walks up to the cage and grabs it. Karma and the cage dissolve.
A new window opens. Blade and CD come flying through it.
Blade notices the broken bits of window.
|
BLADE
|
(looking around)
We’re too late.
|
Blade glances up at the transcript window.
|
BLADE
|
(pointing)
Copy that one. She may have found something.
|
CD runs up to the transcript window and peels a hardcopy off the
screen.
CHOICE: CHOICE
GOTO 312
CUT TO:
312. EXT. SHIP DECK – DAY -
Rejuvenation is surrounded by a flotilla of other boats. In the sky
over the city, a formation of military aircraft are performing
maneuvers. A giant blimp/UFO advertises the upcoming Festival.
Karma roughly pushes Sim up to the Chief.
|
CHIEF
|
|
Aaah Sim. You’ve finished that report.
|
|
KARMA
|
|
I caught her talking to Blade.
|
|
CHIEF
|
(frowning)
Oh. Sim! You really know how to hurt my feelings, don’t you?
|
|
SIM
|
You’re crazy. Do you know that?! (yelling)
He’s crazy!! He’ll kill all of us!
|
|
CHIEF
|
(smiling)
Now calm down Sim. That won’t work. This is my town. People love me here.
|
The Chief’s face hardens.
|
CHIEF
|
(to Karma)
Take her away. See what she knows.
|
Karma drags Sim off.
The Chief moves to the railing.
|
CHIEF
|
(to himself)
You were always one of my favourites Sim. I wish you hadn’t done that.
|
We move down the side of the ship and in through the hull.
GOTO 313
CUT TO:
313. INT. SHIP HULL - DAY
Blade and CD are hiding in the bowels of the ship. Blade is
monitoring a view of the deck from CD’s stomach screen.
Onscreen we see the Chief leaning on the railing.
|
CD
|
|
He’s alone. Let’s grab him!
|
|
BLADE
|
|
No, not here. Not without write OPS.
|
CD’s stomach screen shows a blip moving through a diagramatic view of
the ship.
|
CD
|
|
I’ve got a fix on Sim.
|
We move with Blade and CD as they run off down narrow passageways.
Turning a corner, they run straight into a probe. Its multiple eyes
light up. Blade punches the crap out of the probe, instantly giving
it a handful of black eyes. It deflates and sinks to the floor.
|
CD
|
|
Oooh I like it like that!
|
CD kicks it out of the way like a flat soccer ball.
GOTO 317
CUT TO:
314. INT. SIM’S SPACE – DAY -
Sim has library footage of bad Blade onscreen again. The backdrop
behind him shows a map of Australia.
|
BLADE
|
|
So I guess I better stop talking and put my money where my mouth is huh?
|
Blade gesticulates.
|
BLADE
|
(singing)
So who can it be now?
|
We zoom into the map. It switches to a view of an elderly lady
reading peacefully in bed. There’s a mini terminal on her bedside
table.
|
BLADE
|
(O.S.)
Isn’t that sweet? One of our dear random citizens enjoying quality offline leisure time. Hey yo! Big Brother Blade’s watching you live from the State network.
|
We zoom back out to the studio.
|
BLADE
|
(to viewer)
You did know they were watching, didn’t you? Well now you do…
|
Blade reaches for a switch in front of him.
|
BLADE
|
(wincing)
Here goes nothing…
|
He flicks the switch.
The image switches to the bedside view. The terminal flashes
“INCOMING MESSAGE”. The lady looks surprised. She reaches for the
terminal screen.
Electricity shoots out from the terminal and envelops her. We hear
Blade laughly harshly as she is fried.
Sim stares at the screen shaking her head.
The Chief materialises behind her.
|
CHIEF
|
|
He’s rotten to the core Sim. Get rid of his kind and you’ll be making the world a better place.
|
Sim stares at the screen without reacting.
SIM_DOUBTS_CHIEF = TRUE
GOTO 315
CUT TO:
315. INT. DENR VENTILATION SHAFT – DAY -
Blade and CD float in a five-way junction. CD swivels his head 360
degrees to monitor each direction.
Blade peers into CD’s screen which is displaying a view of
Rejuvenation’s deck.
|
BLADE
|
|
It’s crunch-time CD. We need those write OPS. Any suggestions?
|
|
CD
|
|
Actually yes. I’d been saving it as a special surprise but since you asked so nicely I’ll break with tradition and…
|
Blade whacks CD on the back of the head.
|
CD
|
|
It’s all about Karma. She’s the Chief’s agent!
|
|
BLADE
|
|
Of course… No wonder she’s unregistered.
|
|
CD
|
|
I’d bet any money she’s got all the OPS we need.
|
|
BLADE
|
|
Well done CD. That’s it.
|
Blade switches CD’s screen to a view of the State Registry.
|
BLADE
|
|
But first we gotta find Axel. I’m feel responsible for the big guy.
|
|
CD
|
|
That’s not like you Blade.
|
|
BLADE
|
|
Let’s just say I’ve been thinking a bit more than usual.
|
|
CD
|
(smiling)
Onya matey-boy!
|
GOTO 316
CUT TO:
316. INT. INTERLINK CONTROL TOWER – DAY -
The Chief and Karma look over windows displaying blurry images. Tech
#3 and Tech #4 are operating a nearby console.
|
TECH #3
|
|
That’s all the fragments we could get Chief. Blade cleared out most of his residual memory.
|
|
TECH #4
|
|
But this is definitely from the real world.
|
|
CHIEF
|
(pointing to a window)
Enhance that one.
|
|
TECH #3
|
(to Tech #4)
Unsharp mask. 600 percent.
|
One of the windows becomes recognisable as a view into Blade’s space.
The Chief and Karma peer into it.
|
CHIEF
|
(pointing)
What’s that?
|
Onscreen, the image zooms in on the family portrait.
|
CHIEF
|
|
Gotcha! Blow him up.
|
Onscreen, a rubberband rectangle selects Dad. The selection expands
to fill the view.
|
CHIEF
|
He-llo Blade Harkensen. (to Karma)
I remember this one. Gave us some trouble back in the 70s. Funny, I would have thought he’d have learnt some respect for law and order by now.
|
Dad’s State file appears onscreen.
|
CHIEF
|
(O.S.)
So now you’re a family man Walter. That’s too bad.
|
|
KARMA
|
(O.S.)
Chief, look at this.
|
Karma motions the Chief over to another window.
The image is being slowly brought into focus.
|
KARMA
|
(O.S.)
It’s not him. It’s someone else.
|
We see Blake’s bleary-eyed reflection in a bathroom mirror.
|
CHIEF
|
|
Well I’ll be damned. It’s the kid.
|
All four crowd around the window.
The image expands into a close-up of Blake’s face.
|
KARMA
|
|
Her name is Blake. She’s sixteen.
|
|
CHIEF
|
Impressive. Most impressive. Well Karma, this one’s earned the right to be treated as a grown-up. We’ll punish her properly (good and proper?)
|
GOTO 317
CUT TO:
317. EXT. SPACE – DAY -
We look down on a revolving image of the globe.
|
COMMENTATOR
|
(v-o)
Well folks. It’s getting pretty busy down here. Looks like the whole world’s decided to pay us a visit.
|
As Australia comes into view, we see that the Sydney-Canberra region
is glowing intensely.
|
COMMENTATOR
|
(v-o)
Haven’t seen a crowd like this since the big year 2000. And now we’re all online. The site of the day is most definitely Cityscape. Two years old today and it’s looking mighty fine.
|
GOTO 318
CUT TO:
318. INT. AXEL’S SPACE – DAY -
Axel is curled up in a foetal position on his floor. His picture
frame is hanging lop-sided.
In the frame, Tech #1 is looking mean.
Six giant mosquitoes are hovering above Axel buzzing madly.
|
TECH #1
|
(O.S.)
It’s my show now. And I’ve had enough of you.
|
A mosquito lands on Axel’s head. He doesn’t respond.
GOTO 319
CUT TO:
319. INT. AVATAR GALLERY – DAY -
We see Axel’s gauge is at 99%.
COND: SIM_SPY
GOTO 320
CUT TO:
320. INT. KARMA’S SPACE – DAY -
We are looking closely at a long needle piercing the skin of Sim’s
arm. It draws blood.
Sim is being pricked by a mosquito proboscis. More mosquitos land and
stab her. She writhes and moans. We see that, from the waist down,
Sim’s body has been melted into a flat lump.
Karma stands nearby, her madly flitting eyes reflect Sim.
|
KARMA
|
|
Let’s talk about Blade.
|
|
SIM
|
|
I don’t know anything. He came for CD…
|
Karma slaps her hard across the face.
|
KARMA
|
|
We’ve got weeks of this to look forward to.
|
|
BLADE
|
(O.S.)
Pick on someone your own bytesize!
|
Karma whirls around.
Blade connects a flying kick into Karma’s forehead. Karma hits the
deck. Blade throws himself at her. Karma grabs him. They roll around
the floor wrestling.
CD shooes the mosquitoes away from Sim. They buzz off. CD runs
towards Karma.
|
KARMA
|
(to CD)
No you don’t… Musica!
|
A loud and lively Latin intro kicks in. Macerena musak begins pumping
out of a nearby window with a CD interface.
Blade knocks Karma out of the way. He looks worried about CD.
|
BLADE
|
|
Oh shit. She scanned him.
|
CD stops. He stretches his hands out and starts vibrating.
|
CD
|
(alarmed)
No… not now! Not the macerena!
|
CD starts doing the macerena. He can’t help himself. It’s in his
programming.
CD has a painfully embarassed look on his face. But he can’t stop.
Karma is on top of Blade. She tries to smash his lights out. Blade
moves his head. Her fist goes into the floor.
A window switches to display a view of the Chief.
|
CHIEF
|
|
You’ve started the party without me.
|
Karma spins Blade around in a policeman’s grip and lifts him up to
face the Chief. Blade struggles vigorously.
|
CHIEF
|
You’re finished. (indicating CD)
And so is that pathetic excuse for an agent.
|
CD dances on. His stomach screen unfolds.
|
CHIEF
|
(indicating CD)
Beaten by your own stupid programming. Thought it was cute did you? (indicating Karma) She doesn’t have personality holes.
|
|
BLADE
|
|
She doesn’t have personality.
|
Karma twists Blade around painfully.
|
CHIEF
|
|
True. But there’s more important things in life.
|
We see a little red recording light on CD’s stomach screen.
|
CHIEF
|
(O.S.)
We’re recording memories from everyone in Cityscape. And I intend to make full use of them. Goodbye Blade.
|
The Chief’s window goes blank. Blade gets beaten up further by Karma.
It looks grim.
CHOICE: CHOICE
GOTO 322
CUT TO:
321. INT. KARMA’S SPACE – DAY -
We are looking closely at a long needle piercing the skin of Axel’s
arm. It draws blood.
Axel
(weakly)
God I hate needles…
Axel is being pricked by a mosquito proboscis. More mosquitoes land
and stab him. He writhes and moans. We see that, from the waist down,
Axel’s body has been melted into a flat lump.
Karma stands nearby. Axel is reflected in her madly flitting eyes.
|
AXEL
|
|
I’m not so keen on you either.
|
|
KARMA
|
|
Let’s talk about Blade.
|
|
AXEL
|
|
You can talk about whatever you want but I’m through with that guy.
|
Karma slaps him hard across the face.
|
KARMA
|
|
We’ve got weeks of this to look forward to.
|
|
BLADE
|
(O.S.)
Pick on someone your own bytesize!
|
Karma whirls around.
Blade connects a flying kick into Karma’s forehead. Karma hits the
deck. Blade throws himself at her. Karma grabs him. They roll around
the floor wrestling.
CD shooes the mosquitoes away from Axel. They buzz off. CD runs
towards Karma.
|
KARMA
|
(to CD)
No you don’t… Musica!
|
A loud and lively Latin intro kicks in. Macerena musak begins pumping
out of a nearby window with a CD interface.
Blade knocks Karma out of the way. He looks worried about CD.
|
BLADE
|
|
Oh shit. She scanned him.
|
|
AXEL
|
(to Blade)
What difference does that make?
|
CD stops. He stretches his hands out and starts vibrating.
|
CD
|
(alarmed)
No… not now! Not the macerena!
|
|
AXEL
|
(looking at CD)
Huh?
|
CD starts doing the macerena. He can’t help himself. It’s in his
programming.
|
AXEL
|
(sarcastic)
Love your work Blade.
|
CD has a painfully embarassed look on his face. But he can’t stop.
Karma is on top of Blade. She tries to smash his lights out. Blade
moves his head. Her fist goes into the floor.
A window switches to display a view of the Chief.
|
CHIEF
|
|
You’ve started the party without me.
|
Karma spins Blade around in a policeman’s grip and lifts him up to
face the Chief. Blade struggles vigorously.
|
CHIEF
|
You’re finished. (indicating CD)
And so is that pathetic excuse for an agent.
|
CD dances on. His stomach screen unfolds.
|
CHIEF
|
(indicating CD)
Beaten by your own stupid programming. Thought it was cute did you? (indicating Karma) She doesn’t have personality holes.
|
|
BLADE
|
|
She doesn’t have personality.
|
Karma twists Blade around painfully.
|
CHIEF
|
|
True. But there’s more important things in life.
|
We see a little red recording light on CD’s stomach screen.
|
CHIEF
|
(O.S.)
We’re recording memories from everyone in Cityscape. And I intend to make full use of them. Goodbye Blade.
|
The Chief’s window goes blank. Blade gets beaten up further by Karma.
It looks grim.
CHOICE: CHOICE
GOTO 322
CUT TO:
322. EXT. CITYSCAPE STADIUM NORMAL VIEW – NIGHT -
From the air we see the stadium is more dazzlingly lit then before.
In the midst of the ground, a stage and screen has been erected. A
band is playing loud pumping atonal rhythms to the crowd. The stadium
lights begin to fluctuate. The music starts to skip.
|
COMMENTATOR
|
(v-o)
There seem to be some technical difficulties here. Looks like our little city’s starting to show the strain.
|
COND: SIM_SPY
GOTO 323
CUT TO:
323. INT. KARMA’S SPACE - NIGHT
Karma inflicts more cruel damage on Blade.
Sim looks up at CD.
|
SIM
|
|
CD! Tell me what to do.
|
CD is still doing the maracena.
His stomach screen shows a CD interface and a crude finger repeatedly
jabbing at the STOP button.
Blade momentarily gets the upper hand on Karma.
|
BLADE
|
|
Sim! The window. Turn it off!!
|
Sim sees the music window. She gestures. The window slides over to
her. She stretches up to press STOP on the interface.
CD stops dancing. His body unravels into one long continuous thread
(like one of Escher’s drawings). CD jumps into the fray, wrapping
himself around Blade like an exo-skeleton.
Blade, now looking a bit like the Michelin man, throws Karma off.
Karma turns into the panther and leaps back at him. Blade catches her
and struggles with her over to one of the data windows filled with
CD. Blade throws himself into it, taking Karma with him.
CHOICE: CHOICE
GOTO 325
CUT TO:
324. INT. KARMA’S SPACE – DAY -
Karma inflicts more cruel damage on Blade.
Axel looks up at CD.
|
AXEL
|
|
CD! Tell me what to do.
|
CD is still doing the maracena.
His stomach screen opens to show audio controls and a crude finger
repeatedly jabbing at the STOP button.
Blade momentarily gets the upper hand on Karma.
|
BLADE
|
|
Axel! The window. Turn it off!!
|
|
AXEL
|
(looking around)
Which window?! Oh OK…
|
Axel sees the music window. He gestures. The window slides over to
him. He stretches up to press STOP on the interface.
|
AXEL
|
|
Enough of that shit.
|
CD stops dancing. His body unravels into one long continuous thread
(like one of Escher’s drawings). CD jumps into the fray, wrapping
himself around Blade like an exo-skeleton.
Blade, now looking a bit like the Michelin man, throws Karma off.
Karma turns into the panther and leaps back at him. Blade catches her
and struggles with her over to one of the data windows filled with
CD. Blade throws himself into it, taking Karma with him.
CHOICE: CHOICE
GOTO 325
CUT TO:
325. INT. DATA STREAM – DAY -
Blade, CD and the panther tear at each other as they plunge down a
shaft made up of endless hexidecimal numbers and widgets. They hit
the bottom.
CD and the panther merge into a glob of churning and swirling
widgets. We see their respective shapes merge and twist as each
momentarily gets the upper hand. Blade extracts himself from the
glob.
The glob stops moving.
Karma slowly emerges from the glob. She brushes off a widget or two
and smiles at Blade.
Blade adopts his martial arts position for the last stand.
|
BLADE
|
|
Alright bitch. Let’s get this over with.
|
|
KARMA
|
(Sesame Street Mafia)
Psst! Hey Blade. You wanna buy some OPS?
|
Blade looks relieved.
Karma bounces around grinning in most un-Karma-like fashion.
|
BLADE
|
|
Sure CD. I could use some good karma.
|
COND: SIM_SPY
GOTO 329
CUT TO:
326. INT. KARMA’S SPACE – DAY -
Axel, half a lump, mopes in the midst of the space.
|
AXEL
|
Hey! Somebody! Get me outta here! Help! (to himself)
I don’t believe this.
|
Blade and CD come flying out of the data window.
|
AXEL
|
|
I thought you’d forgotten me.
|
Blade gesticulates. Axel’s body transforms back to normal.
|
AXEL
|
|
I think I owe you one kid. Thanks.
|
|
BLADE
|
|
We haven’t got much time. We’ve got to get to the Chief before he works out she’s gone.
|
|
AXEL
|
|
You’re kidding right? Let’s get the hell outta here! We got OPS. Forget the Chief.
|
|
BLADE
|
|
Axel, I can’t. This is my one chance to make a difference. Expose him for who he is.
|
CD is bouncing around in an overly excited fashion.
|
CD
|
|
Yeah man. We’re gonna bust his ass! Screw this system!
|
|
AXEL
|
(to Blade)
For chrissakes Blade. How old are you? This is all bullshit! You can’t change the system. Not just like that. (softer) Please, let’s just get out of here while we can.
|
|
BLADE
|
|
If you’re not going to help me, I’ll do it by myself.
|
|
AXEL
|
|
Alright, let’s see you do it.
|
Blade storms off.
|
AXEL
|
|
You’re on your own kid.
|
CHOICE: CHOICE
GOTO 327
CUT TO:
327. EXT. BARGO MAIN STREET – DAY -
A storm is brewing. A DENR transport roars down the street.
|
PILOT
|
(O.S.)
We’ll be at the target in ten.
|
|
SIM
|
(O.S. through intercom)
Roger that Trans4.
|
GOTO 328
CUT TO:
328. INT. SIM’S SPACE – DAY -
Sim has Dad’s file up onscreen. Another window displays a cockpit
view of the transport and its pilot.
|
SIM
|
|
Watch out for this guy. He’s been fighting the system his whole life. Don’t give him any room to manuever in there.
|
|
PILOT
|
(O.S. through intercom)
Roger that Control. We’re armed and ready.
|
|
SIM
|
|
Cordon off the entire street. And make sure you grab every piece of hardware. We want to nail this guy.
|
Onscreen, Dad’s file jumps a page to display the family portrait.
|
SIM
|
(O.S.)
Just go easy on the wife and kid.
|
CHOICE: CHOICE
GOTO 329
CUT TO:
329. EXT. STADIUM – NIGHT -
Above the stadium, aircraft pass in formation. The crowd roars. The
Chief stands at a podium on a stage in the middle of the ground. His
image fills the scoreboard.
A screen, built into the podium, displays a view of Karma’s space.
Only Sim is visible.
|
CHIEF
|
(nervously)
Where are you? Karma.
|
Karma materialises behind him and stands at attention.
The Chief looks relieved. He clears his throat.
|
CHIEF
|
|
Ladies and gentlemen. Welcome. Welcome to Cityscape. The future of virtual society.
|
We see, from behind her, that CD is merged into Karma. CD dissolves,
leaving Karma standing rigid, like a mannequin.
GOTO 330
CUT TO:
330. INT. DATA STREAM – NIGHT -
Karma’s disembodied head is shrieking with rage. It rolls around
inside a swirling cloud of hexidecimal numbers and widgets.
GOTO 331
CUT TO:
331. EXT. SPACE – NIGHT -
The Earth has stopped revolving. The east coast of Australia is still
glowing.
|
CHIEF
|
(v-o)
Tonight, I want to share my vision with you. A vision of a society unplagued by the ravages of physical decay, environmental neglect, and our own human frailty. A vision called the State.
|
GOTO 332
CUT TO:
332. INT. INTERLINK CONTROL TOWER – DAY -
Above the technicians, large windows show the Chief, the Simulation
Control Space and the Avatar Gallery.
The Avatar Gallery is one solid mass of bodies.
|
TECH #3
|
|
We’re passing 2.8.
|
|
TECH #1
|
(to himself)
2.8 billion avatars. Hold together baby.
|
|
TECH #3
|
|
We’re running out of resources.
|
|
TECH #1
|
|
Shut down all the auxilary views. And get more processors up here.
|
Tech #1 stands protectively in front of the Avatar Gallery console
and window. Two bat-things hang from a perch nearby.
|
TECH #1
|
(indicating console)
No one touches a thing. It’s all too fragile.
|
We see the panther making its way through the space.
|
TECH #1
|
(annoyedly)
What’s wrong now Karma?
|
The panther edges right up to Tech #1, snarls, and sends him flying
out of the way with a paw. The panther turns into CD. Blade comes
diving out of CD’s stomach screen. Blade starts fiddling with the
console.
Techs rush at Blade. The bat-things unfurl their wings hissing.
Blade jumps up and seizes the rim of the Avatar Gallery window. He
brings it back down with him. CD dissolves.
Blade pulls the window’s bottom corner to make it smaller. Blade and
the window dissolve.
GOTO 333
CUT TO:
333. INT. BLADE’S SPACE – NIGHT -
Blade materialises into his space holding the Gallery window. He
positions it carefully in mid-air. New fixtures materialise into the
room. A swivel chair, and an unattached mouse and mouse pad before it
at desktop height. Blade sits down and wiggles the mouse. A pointer
moves through the air. Blade double-clicks. A miniature bas-relief
model of cityscape materialises before him.
Two bat-things fly out of the Gallery window at him. Blade uses the
pointer to fling the bat-things across the space. They re-orient
themselves and fly back at him. Blade moves the pointer over a bat-
things. The pointer changes to a skull-and-crossbones.
|
BLADE
|
(O.S.)
I got OPS. Don’t mess with me.
|
Blade double-clicks and the bat-thing is wiped from view. He wipes
the second one the same way.
Blade moves the pointer over to the Gallery window. He drags its
dotted outline over to the stadium within the cityscape model. As the
window touches it, the stadium is highlighted.
|
BLADE
|
(O.S.)
Drag and drop me ba-be.
|
Blade takes his finger off the mouse.
The Gallery window zooms towards the stadium.
GOTO 334
CUT TO:
334. INT. BLAKE’S BEDROOM – NIGHT -
We are watching the monitor screen on Blake’s desk. It displays
another representation of what Blade is doing. A folder labelled
Avatar Gallery is dragged across the screen into a blueprint diagram
of the stadium.
A pop-up window (like in Win95) shows avatars being hurled
continuously towards a stadium icon. A rapidly turning counter,
labelled NUMBER OF POLYGONS, jumps a few digits in size.
GOTO 335
CUT TO:
335. INT. INTERLINK CONTROL TOWER – NIGHT -
The Control Space floor has disappeared. The entire space is now
suspended in the air above the stadium. The technicians look down
terrified. The city throbs with an orange glow beneath them.
|
TECH #3
|
|
The system’s locked!
|
The techs dissolve.
We move towards a window showing Sim Central. Dog-things and bat-
things go spiralling past as if caught in a cyclone.
GOTO 336
CUT TO:
336. INT. SIM CENTRAL – NIGHT -
A vortex, where the avatar gallery used to be, is noisily sucking
material out of the honeycomb cells. The Interlink Control tower is
being pulled towards it.
GOTO 337
CUT TO:
337. INT. BLADE’S SPACE – NIGHT -
The cityscape stadium model is glowing.
Blade finishes typing something on an unattached keyboard. He hits
RETURN with a flourish.
GOTO 338
CUT TO:
338. EXT. STADIUM – NIGHT -
The Chief looks up from his podium with a worried expression. An
orange glow radiates beyond the walls of the stadium.
Earlier footage of the Chief is being replayed over and over again on
the scoreboard. The recording is mixed and scratched as though by a
|
CHIEF
|
(recorded)
We’re recording memories from everyone in Cityscape. And I intend to make full use of them… full use of… everyone in Cityscape.
|
People in the grandstand look around in confusion and dismay.
A sly looking REPORTER is observing the crowd’s reaction. He punches
in a number on his mobile phone.
3-D text is scrolling past in the sky above the stadium:
Broadcast message from Blade: Mental containment shutting down in 5…
4… 3… 2… Got ya Chief! {8-)
The Chief’s mouth twists into a snarl.
The sky above the stadium begins filling with bodies from the Avatar
Gallery.
|
CHIEF
|
(to himself)
You little shit. I should have wiped you. (to Karma) Looks like the party’s over. Give ‘em plan 9 instead.
|
Karma’s mannequin stares ahead glass-eyed.
GOTO 339
CUT TO:
339. EXT. DENR BUILDING – NIGHT -
One of the top floors of the skyscraper implodes, pulling the
structure out of shape.
GOTO 340
CUT TO:
340. INT. BLAKE’S BEDROOM – NIGHT -
The monitor screen is being wallpapered with pop-up error messages
from Interlink. The counter continues to climb. The screen image
shrinks to a dot.
GOTO 341
CUT TO:
341. EXT. STADIUM – NIGHT -
A group of Kens stare up at the sky in confusion. They see the copies
of their own avatars above the stadium. The whole crowd is murmuring
uncomfortably.
We move back from the shells to see the sky tiled with avatars. A
wall of light move through the avatars, shattering all the avatar
shells in sequence. All the avatars start dissolving.
The reporter is whispers urgently into his phone. People are
dissolving out of the stands around him. The remaining crowd is
getting rowdy.
The Chief gesticulates. A heartbeat begins throbbing.
An image of the Chief’s own head materialises above the stadium. The
eye sockets are black and empty.
|
CHIEF’S HEAD
|
|
Never forget, users. Without me, you’re nothing.
|
The Chief’s head rapidly develops a horrible leprosy-like infection
that causes his skin to peel and fall off, revealing wireframe.
GOTO 342
CUT TO:
342. EXT. CITYSCAPE SQUARE– NIGHT -
A group of prisoners, including Axel, are running down the DENR
building steps whooping madly.
At the bottom, Axel does his two-tone whistle and leaps up into his
convertible as it materialises.
|
PRISONER #1
|
|
What’s the hurry bro? It’s over.
|
Prisoner #1’s skin is vanishing, revealing wireframe and bloodshot
eyes.
Axel looks at his hands. They are transparent.
Axel burns rubber across the square.
GOTO 343
CUT TO:
343. EXT. STADIUM – NIGHT -
The heartbeat is louder now. In the grandstand a Barbie is shuddering
in terror. She looks around.
Everyone in the crowd has wireframe bodies and bloodshot eyes.
A hand falls on her shoulder. She spins around to see her companion
Ken. His eyes have turned to sludge. They are dripping out of their
sockets. She screams.
|
KEN
|
|
Honey, what’s up? You’re freakin’ me out!
|
The reporter is still on his mobile phone.
|
REPORTER
|
|
It’s some kind of mass hullucination.
|
Fine cables spew out of the phone, digging into the reporter’s skull.
He screams and falls to his knees as his head is wrapped in copper
cable.
|
CHIEF’S HEAD
|
(to viewer)
If I’m not happy, why should you be?
|
A swarm of mosquito-things is attacking people in the grandstand.
A Ken is being dive bombed.
|
KEN
|
|
Help! I can’t log out!
|
We see CD materialise behind Karma’s mannequin and merge into her.
Karma sneaks up behind the Chief and gives him a bear hug.
|
KARMA
|
|
You’re so mean! I just love it!
|
The Chief struggles but can’t break the embrace.
|
CHIEF
|
|
Get off me you freak! Break!
|
Karma transforms into CD.
|
CD
|
|
Hold on, big Chief. Me mate’s on his way.
|
Blade materialises on the stage and strides towards the Chief.
|
BLADE
|
|
Turn it off. You’re finished.
|
The Chief gives Blade a manic grin, shaking his head, and dissolves.
GOTO 344
CUT TO:
344. EXT. SHIP DECK – NIGHT -
The heartbeat continues. Axel pulls himself up onto the ship’s side
railing and swings over it. Two extra large dogthings are sitting on
the deck waiting for him.
|
AXEL
|
|
Here boys. Come and get it.
|
Axel holds script boxes, prongs outwards, in both palms.
COND: SIM_SPY
GOTO 345
CUT TO:
345. INT. SHIP CORRIDOR – NIGHT -
The heartbeat is louder but muffled. Blade kicks open a panel and
climbs out into the corridor with CD. They start running down it.
GOTO 349
CUT TO:
346. INT. SHIP CORRIDOR – NIGHT -
The heartbeat is louder but muffled. Blade kicks open a panel and
climbs out into the corridor with CD. They start running down it.
|
CD
|
|
I’m picking up Sim’s ID from the Chief’s cabin.
|
|
CD
|
|
We’re almost there. Look sharp kiddo.
|
COND: CHIEF SIM
CUT TO:
347. INT. CHIEF’S CABIN – NIGHT -
Blade and CD burst into the room.
|
BLADE
|
It’s all over Chief. (shocked)
Sim!
|
Sim is at the Interlink console in her DENR uniform. She looks up at
him with a wry smile.
|
CHIEF
|
(sarcastic)
So dramatic… Maestro, please!
|
A stereo wall console begins blaring out the maracena at twice the
normal speed.
CD starts dancing at the same pace.
|
BLADE
|
|
That won’t do you any good. Your system’s screwed.
|
|
CHIEF
|
|
You think so? I’d say you’re the one who’s screwed.
|
The Chief moves over to Sim’s console and spins it around.
Onscreen is the family portrait.
|
CHIEF
|
|
In fact I’d say you’re going to wish like hell that you’d never set foot in my town.
|
|
BLADE
|
(shocked)
You leave them out of this.
|
|
CHIEF
|
|
Don’t worry. I’m saving the best for you. Your friend Axel couldn’t handle it, but I’m sure you can.
|
CHOICE: CHOICE
GOTO 367
CUT TO:
348. INT. CHIEF’S CABIN – NIGHT -
Blade and CD burst into the room.
|
BLADE
|
It’s all over Chief. (shocked)
Sim!
|
Sim is at the Interlink console in her DENR uniform. She looks up at
him with a wry smile.
|
CHIEF
|
(sarcastic)
So dramatic… Maestro, please!
|
A stereo wall console begins blaring out the maracena at twice the
normal speed.
CD starts dancing at the same pace.
|
BLADE
|
|
That won’t do you any good. Your system’s screwed.
|
|
CHIEF
|
|
You think so? I’d say you’re the one who’s screwed.
|
The Chief moves over to Sim’s console and spins it around.
Onscreen is the family portrait.
|
CHIEF
|
|
In fact I’d say you’re going to wish like hell that you’d never set foot in my town.
|
|
BLADE
|
(shocked)
You leave them out of this.
|
|
CHIEF
|
Don’t worry. I’m only interested in you Blade. Or should I say Blake? (to Sim)
Make the connection.
|
|
BLADE
|
(to Sim)
Sim, how could you?
|
|
SIM
|
|
Don’t talk to me kid! You’ve had it coming to you.
|
Sim adjusts something on her console.
The Interlink icon brightens, enlarges, and realigns itself.
A silvery cage forms around Blade.
|
CHIEF
|
(to Blade)
I’m heading offline for a while. Now that I know your source, I think it’s time I got to know you better.
|
On Sim’s console screen, we see the camera view of Blake lying on her
bed.
|
CHIEF
|
(O.S.)
I’m looking forward to being inside your head.
|
|
SIM
|
(staring at console)
Interlink backup system is connected at 57,000. Host is ready and waiting to receive.
|
|
CHIEF
|
|
So long, Blade, I’ll give your regards to Mummy and Daddy. They may be joining you later.
|
Blade struggles furiously to free himself but can’t.
|
CHIEF
|
(waving)
So long, and thanks for all the flesh.
|
The Chief leaps up into the pipe which expands to accommodate him.
CHOICE: CHOICE
GOTO 353
CUT TO:
349. INT. CHIEF’S CABIN – NIGHT -
Sim is removing the last of the files from the secret wall
compartment. The Chief enters.
|
CHIEF
|
|
Sim, what a surprise!
|
The Chief rushes over and shoves Sim against the wall. A silvery cage
forms around her. He snatches the files from her.
|
SIM
|
|
You’re screwed, and so is your system.
|
The Chief gesticulates. A console and window descend from the roof.
The Chief places the pile of files on the console and begins
manipulating it furiously.
|
CHIEF
|
|
Always keep backups.
|
The window fills with scrolling data and blueprints of the ship. A
self-destruct sequence and countdown appears on top of the material.
|
SYSTEM
|
|
System flush in five.
|
|
SIM
|
|
They’re gonna lock you up.
|
|
CHIEF
|
|
Not without witnesses.
|
The Chief gesticulates. The heartbeat sound returns louder than
before.
CHOICE: CHOICE
GOTO 350
CUT TO:
350. INSERT
A Ken has serial cables plugged into empty eye sockets. He convulses
as he receives a shock through them.
|
CHIEF
|
(O.S.)
You have to be sane to testify.
|
GOTO 351
CUT TO:
351. INSERT
Brains twist and re-align like Rubiks cubes in a void.
|
CHIEF
|
(O.S.)
And this will always be my world.
|
GOTO 352
CUT TO:
352. INT. CHIEF’S CABIN – NIGHT -
The Interlink icon appears overhead.
|
CHIEF
|
|
But I will head offline for a while. Think I’ll use your body…
|
Blade and CD burst into the room.
|
BLADE
|
|
It’s all over Chief.
|
|
CHIEF
|
(sarcastic)
So dramatic… Maestro, please!
|
A stereo wall console begins blaring out the maracena at twice the
normal speed.
CD starts dancing at the same pace.
The Chief leaps at Blade.
Blade and the Chief kickbox one another. They wrestle up against the
console. The files are knocked everywhere. Blade and the Chief are
perfectly matched.
We see the Chief’s State file on the floor.
The Chief painfully twists Blade’s arm up behind his back.
|
CHIEF
|
|
Think you can use my own OPS against me? Think again!
|
The Chief throws Blade across the room. Blade slams into the wall. He
recovers quickly and lunges at the Chief.
The two large dogthings appear in the doorway.
The dogthings leap onto Blade knocking him to the floor. They start
mauling him. Blade knocks their heads together. They don’t seem to
mind. There is a script boxes stuck to each of their bodies.
The Chief runs to the console.
|
CHIEF
|
(to Sim)
It’s time I got to know you.
|
The Chief leaps up into the Interlink pipe which swells to
accommodate him.
|
SIM
|
(terrified)
Stop him!!
|
Blade has a dog-thing on his back.
CD dances on. He stares at the Chief’s file on the floor.
CD’s stomach screen unfolds to display the same information.
Axel appears in the doorway and surveys the scene.
|
AXEL
|
|
Shit! It’s not working.
|
Axel is holding two remotes. He stabs at the buttons.
|
AXEL
|
|
Give us a break, will ya?!
|
We see the script boxes spark into life and sink into dog-thing
flesh.
The dogthings go nuts and literally tear each other apart. Blade
pulls free.
Blade runs to the console and begins twiddling knobs madly. The
heartbeat noise fades away. The window shows Sim’s body.
|
BLADE
|
|
Where can I send him?
|
|
AXEL
|
(pointing at CD)
Blade. Look!
|
Blade looks across at CD. CD’s screen is flashing between red and the
Chief’s file.
CHOICE: CHOICE
GOTO 353
CUT TO:
353. INT. INTERLINK PIPE – NIGHT -
The Chief runs down the pipe towards the light. He looks over his
shoulder and laughs.
COND: DOUBLE_CROSS
GOTO 358
CUT TO:
354. INT. CHIEF’S CABIN – NIGHT -
Blade tries to free himself from the cage in vain.
CD continues dancing to the manic musak.
|
BLADE
|
(to Sim)
I can’t believe you’re going along with this. Don’t you know what he’s up to?!
|
Sim is furiously working away on her console. Diagrams and data flash
past onscreen.
|
SIM
|
(without looking up)
Shut up Blade.
|
|
BLADE
|
|
You’re making a mistake. He’s lying to you. He’s mad! Don’t do it Sim.
|
Sim finishes her task with a flourish.
|
SIM
|
(quietly)
Done. (turning to Blade) You finished yet?
|
GOTO 355
CUT TO:
355. INT. CHIEF’S CHAMBER – NIGHT -
The real Chief, an ancient crone with the same features, opens his
eyes with a big smile. He is in bed and covered in drips and other
life-support equipment. He immediately starts to cough and splutter.
Several DENR aides stand at attention around the room alongside
sculptures. The décor resembles the Chief’s virtual cabin. The wall
opposite the Chief is tiled with screens. Most of the screens have
angry faces staring out of them.
The Chief looks around in confusion. Realisation hits him like a
stone.
|
CHIEF
|
(to himself)
You little bitch!!
|
His NURSE, looking like Karma, stands over him.
|
NURSE
|
|
Chief, you’ve got visitors.
|
He’s back in his own decrepit body.
SIM_ENDING = TRUE
GOTO 221
CUT TO:
356. INT. CHIEF’S CABIN – NIGHT -
We see the Chief’s aged head ranting on Sim’s console.
|
CHIEF
|
|
No one double crosses me! I’m going to rip you apart! You little tart!
|
Sim gesticulates, muting the Chief’s voice. A mute symbol appears
onscreen.
|
SIM
|
(smiling)
Gotcha Chief.
|
She fiddles with her console.
Blade’s silvery cage dissolves. Blade runs at Sim to attack her.
The maracena music stops, freeing CD. CD stumbles around dizzily.
Blade pulls up as he reaches the console and sees the display.
Onscreen, the aged Chief continues ranting mutely.
|
BLADE
|
I don’t believe it. You caught him with his pants down. (sheepishly)
I guess I owe you an apology.
|
|
SIM
|
(smiling)
Don’t worry about it. I wasn’t sure it was going to work anyway.
|
Axel bursts into the room and launches himself at Sim.
Blade wrestles Axel to the ground.
|
BLADE
|
|
She’s on our side, you wally. Look, she got the Chief for us!
|
Onscreen, the Chief is being restrained by his nurse.
|
AXEL
|
(looking at the screen)
Hey! Good shit. You got him? Alright!
|
|
SIM
|
(to Blade, indicating Axel)
Where’d you find Einstein?
|
CHOICE: CHOICE
GOTO 357
CUT TO:
357. EXT. CENTREPOINT – NIGHT -
Blade and Sim stand on the roof of the Centrepoint tower watching the
ship sink from view. The sun is just starting to rise.
|
SIM
|
|
This place needed a shakeup. Wonder if it changes anything…
|
|
BLADE
|
(excitedly)
Hell yeah. The Chief’s gone for good.
|
We see Axel’s convertible hooning down George St. below.
Blade takes Sim’s hand.
|
SIM
|
(pushing his hand away)
Yeah. I’m fine. Just thinking.
|
|
BLADE
|
|
Don’t think too hard. Everything’s going to be OK now.
|
|
SIM
|
(scornfully)
You think so? Oh forget it. You’ll understand one day.
|
|
BLADE
|
(offended)
Hey! I’m old enough…
|
|
SIM
|
|
I’m sorry. I didn’t mean… Look kid. For us, it’s over. Time to get out of here.
|
|
BLADE
|
(admiringly)
C’mon Sim. I wanna show ya the view first.
|
|
SIM
|
(grudgingly)
Alright kid. Show me a good time.
|
Blade lifts Sim off her feet and flies her off across the skyline.
|
SIM
|
(O.S.)
Where’s that CD of yours?
|
GOTO 363
CUT TO:
358. INT. CHIEF’S CABIN – NIGHT -
Sim trembles in her silvery cage. Axel tries to break her out.
Blade adjusts something on the console. Sim’s body disappears from
the window. Blade leaps up to grab the Interlink pipe. He twists it
around to point in a new direction.
CHOICE: CHOICE
GOTO 359
CUT TO:
359. INT. INTERLINK PIPE – NIGHT -
The Chief rips off his jacket and tie and dives out into the light at
the end of the pipe.
|
CHIEF
|
(shouting)
Hello world!
|
GOTO 360
CUT TO:
360. INT. CHIEF’S CHAMBER – NIGHT -
The real Chief, an ancient crone with the same features, opens his
eyes with a big smile. He is in bed and covered in drips and other
life-support equipment. He immediately starts to cough and splutter.
Several DENR aides stand at attention around the room alongside
sculptures. The décor resembles the Chief’s virtual cabin. The wall
opposite the Chief is tiled with screens. Most of the screens have
angry faces staring out of them.
The Chief looks up. His NURSE, looking like Karma, stands over him.
|
NURSE
|
|
Chief, you’ve got visitors.
|
The Chief looks devastated. He’s back in his own decrepit body.
CHOICE: CHOICE
GOTO 361
CUT TO:
361. EXT. HARBOUR – NIGHT -
An explosion rocks Rejuvenation. It starts sinking slowly into the
harbour.
GOTO 362
CUT TO:
362. EXT. CENTREPOINT – NIGHT -
Blade and Sim stand on the roof of the Centrepoint tower watching the
ship sink from view. The sun is just starting to rise.
|
SIM
|
|
This place needed a shakeup. Wonder if it changes anything…
|
|
BLADE
|
(sarcastically)
You can’t stop progress. Gotta have toys for the boys.
|
We see Axel’s convertible hooning down George St. below.
Sim takes Blade’s hand.
|
BLADE
|
|
Yeah. I’m fine. Just thinking.
|
|
SIM
|
|
I want to know how you think.
|
|
BLADE
|
(smiling)
We’ll see. C’mon. I’ll show ya the view.
|
Blade lifts Sim off her feet and flies her off across the skyline.
|
SIM
|
(O.S.)
Where’s that CD?
|
GOTO 363
CUT TO:
363. INT. STATE REGISTRY – DAY -
CD is filling a garbage bin with folders and files. He hums the
Funeral March as he flicks through some of the files.
|
BLADE
|
(v-o)
He’s staying. Can’t make it too easy for the next Chief.
|
We see that the material is all marked with DENR security
classifications and comprises the Interlink know-how.
CD stomps up and down in the bin a few times, compacting the trash.
He wipes his hands together and clambers into the bin
|
CD
|
(to the viewer)
See y’all in the head bin.
|
CD sticks his tongue out and pulls the lid down over him. The bin is
minimised to an icon, with a stylised flash and pop.
COND: DOUBLE_CROSS
GOTO 364
CUT TO:
364. EXT. OUTBACK LOOKOUT – DAY -
Blade holds Sim on the edge of the cliff looking out over the
outback. The sun rises behind them.
|
BLADE
|
|
Always wanted to try this…
|
Blade kisses Sim.
GOTO 366
CUT TO:
365. EXT. OUTBACK LOOKOUT – DAY -
Blade and Sim stand on the edge of the cliff looking out over the
outback. The sun rises behind them.
|
SIM
|
|
It’s beautiful. You’re a real spark you know that?
|
|
BLADE
|
(eagerly)
There’s heaps more. Let me show you.
|
|
SIM
|
|
No. You should go. Your parents are waiting.
|
|
BLADE
|
|
But I wanted to take you…
|
|
BLADE
|
|
I guess you’re right.
|
Sim gives Blade a peck on the cheek.
|
SIM
|
|
Catch ya later… big boy.
|
Blade giggles.
Sim walks off over the rise, disappearing from view.
|
BLADE
|
(watching admiringly)
Catch ya.
|
Blade dissolves.
GOTO 366
366. INT. BLAKE’S BEDROOM – DAY -
Blake’s eyes open slowly. Dad is asleep besides the bed. Blake
reaches out and grabs his hand. She smiles for the first time.
CHOICE: CHOICE
367. INSERT
Axel’s eyeshots are connected to serial cables. His head lolls down.
|
CHIEF
|
(O.S.)
Don’t worry, he didn’t suffer long. I’m sure you’ll do better.
|
GOTO 368
CUT TO:
368. INT. CHIEF’S CABIN – NIGHT -
Blade is struggling within his silvery cage.
|
CD
|
|
I’m coming for ya Chief. Arrgggghh!!!
|
CD launches himself at the Chief in battle frenzy. His arms swirling
like nun-chuks.
|
CHIEF
|
|
Somebody turn that thing off.
|
Something lights up and bleeps on Sim’s console.
|
CD
|
(to the viewer)
Bugger.
|
CD explodes into a mass of static and dissolves.
Onscreen we see Blake’s bedroom desk and rig being pulled apart by
gloved hands.
|
CHIEF
|
(O.S.)
You really thought you could stop me didn’t you? You, a sixteen-year old kid. What on earth were you thinking?
|
Sim is staring at her console screen in shock.
Onscreen, we see the family portrait on Blake’s bedside table.
|
CHIEF
|
|
I’ve got to admire you Blake. You gave me quite a scare back there but don’t think it changes anything. No one’s going to make fuss over this. I’m still in charge.
|
Onscreen, the view changes to Blade’s file. Blake’s photo is
inserted.
|
CHIEF
|
(O.S.)
You can’t change the system. (smiling) Not mine anyway.
|
Blade stares hard at the Chief.
The view changes to a close-up of Blake in the family portrait.
|
SIM
|
(to herself softly)
Oh my God. What have I done?
|
GOTO 369
CUT TO:
369. INT. BLAKE’S BEDROOM – NIGHT -
The bedroom is in shambles. All the hardware has been ripped out from
under the desk.
A DENR transport vehicle hovers outside the window.
|
PILOT
|
(O.S. through intercom)
Howse it goin’ in there room service?
|
|
TROOPER
|
(O.S.)
All secure. We’re pulling out.
|
A DENR trooper is wheeling a trolley full of Blake’s gear out the
door.
GOTO 370
CUT TO:
370. INT. AVATAR GALLERY #2 – NIGHT -
We are looking at Blade’s motionless eyes.
|
CHIEF
|
(O.S.)
You’re a good head Blade. Shame we couldn’t work things out.
|
Blade is frozen in an avatar shell.
|
CHIEF
|
(O.S.)
One day we’ll find some use for you. All of you.
|
We see that he is in one of an endless line of shells placed end to
end down a long dark narrow tunnel.
We fly along the tunnel into the dark.
When you first use the explorer mode for a scene you may get an
transition scene as an introduction. Otherwise your starting position
is the same as last time. If you are already in the scene you wish to
explore, there is no transition.
|
T1. INSERT
|
|
Intro to bedroom explorer.
|
The moth is crawling over the inside of our screen. As we move, it
flies off on a random trajectory around the room.
|
T2. INSERT
|
Into to Blade’s space (going online)
.
|
We move fast through a data stream tunnel of characters and widgets.
We reach a nexus of tunnels pointing off in different directions. We
spin sharply and move backwards down one tunnel. It narrows to a
point in the void. A label appears besides the point.
DDRESS: DDRESS
BLADE.KERELA.BARGO.HOME.AU. CONNECTED AT 1.4Gig”
The point expands, revealing the midst of Blade’s home space.
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T3. INSERT
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Intro to Chief’s cabin
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We are staring out a porthole at the harbour and Cityscape. We swivel
around to survey the cabin’s interior.
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