by Robb House
Script created with Final Draft by Final Draft, Inc.
Script created with Final Draft by Final Draft, Inc.
TEASER
FADE IN:
INT. FRANK'S DINER - EARLY EVENING
The camera slowly PANS from left to right revealing that the
diner is deserted, as usual. The camera comes to rest on the
stairs which lead to Frank's upstairs apartment.
From off camera comes a CRASH! Seconds later, TYLER tumbles
urgently down the stairs, his face a mask of desperation.
Glancing quickly over his shoulder for signs of his pursuer,
he runs toward the front door. He pushes it. Locked! Hearing
footsteps on the stairs, he darts toward the kitchen.
At the last moment he changes his mind and dives under one of
the booths' tables. He backs himself up against the wall as
far as he possibly can. He struggles to quiet his breathing.
TYLER'S POV: A pair of MOTIONLESS LEGS, presumingly belonging
to an unconscious person lying on the floor, stick out from
behind the end of the counter.
PAN to the stairs as an UNKNOWN PERSON, seen only from waist
down, enters from the stairwell. The figure slowly makes its
way in Tyler's direction.
Tyler holds his breath as the figure stops in front of his
table. CU on Tyler's terrified face. His eyes dart to an
object on the counter.
CU on a set of keys laying on the counter top.
The figure moves on, heading toward the kitchen, walking out
of Tyler's line of site.
He hears the screech of the kitchen door opening and closing.
Tyler breathes a sigh of relief and then quickly crawls out
from under the table.
He grabs the set of keys from off the counter and moves
quickly to the body on the floor. It's MIKE!
Tyler quickly bends down, stooping beside his friend. He
slaps him lightly on the face.
TYLER
Mike?
Mike's face twitches. He gives a moan. Tyler grabs Mike by
the arm and pulls him into a standing position.
With his unconscious friend's arm over his shoulder, Tyler
quickly turns to head for the door. He runs smack into FRANK
who is standing right in front of him.
Frank smiles down at his nephew.
Tyler's eye's go wide.
Frank's smile turns into a cruel snarl as he lunges at Tyler.
Tyler dodges to his left and runs past Frank with Mike in
tow. Frank turns and GRABS Mike by the shoulder, spinning the
duo around.
Frank PUNCHES Tyler hard in the face. Tyler grabs his nose,
dropping Mike to the floor in the process.
Frank rears back for another punch, but Tyler is quick to
react and KICKS him in the groin. Frank goes down hard.
Tyler glances from Frank lying on the floor in pain to Mike
lying motionless.
TYLER (CONT'D)
(to Mike)
Sorry, bud.
Tyler turns to run from Frank, but Frank GRABS him by his
ankle. Tyler falls to the ground.
Tyler turns over into a sitting position as Frank tries to
get a better grip on his leg. With his free leg, Tyler KICKS
Frank's hand repeatedly until Frank finally lets go.
Tyler jumps up from the ground, but Frank is also up. Tyler
turns to face him, trying to anticipate his adversary's next
move.
Frank moves quickly to his left. Tyler moves to avoid him.
Franks moves to his right. Tyler stops dead in his tracks.
Frank gives Tyler a sinister grin. Tyler's eyes show his
fear.
Frank LEAPS at Tyler, slamming into him, causing the pair to
TUMBLE to the floor.
They ROLL to the right, slamming into a table. The table's
legs crumple causing it to turn on its side. Silverware,
ketchup bottles, and metal napkin dispensers hit the floor.
Tyler ROLLS on top of Frank as they struggle.
TYLER (CONT'D)
Frank!
Frank stares up at Tyler, his eyes cold.
Frank ROLLS on top of Tyler, pinning his nephew to the floor.
TYLER (CONT'D)
Frank! Please!
Frank's only response is to give a chilly laugh.
TYLER (CONT'D)
You don't want to do this!
FRANK
But it's just so much fun!
Tyler appears to be on the verge of tears as Frank continues
to hold him down.
TYLER
(pleading)
Uncle Frank! Please stop!
FRANK
Okay. I'll stop.
(beat)
Right after this.
Frank reaches out and picks up one of the fallen napkin
dispensers. He raises it high. Tyler's eyes widen in fear. As
Frank slams the object toward Tyler's head we:
BLACK OUT.
END OF TEASER
ACT ONE
FADE IN:
INT. FRANK'S DINER - MORNING
TITLE OVER - "12 hours earlier"
Frank and VI are behind the counter. Sitting at the counter
is TAMSIN. Frank is in the middle of telling a story.
FRANK
...and that, ladies, is why you
should never hook up with someone
you meet outside a demon bar.
TAMSIN
And you didn't realize she was a
vampire until she bit your neck?
FRANK
I was young, I didn't know any
better.
(shaking his head)
And it wasn't my neck.
TAMSIN
Your arm then?
Frank again shakes his head. Vi looks confused.
FRANK
(with a sly grin)
Let's just say that I was happy to
be wearing those loose fitting Army
issue boxers for the next few days.
Laughter all around as MIKE enters from the kitchen. He rubs
his head as he makes his way around the counter.
MIKE
Did I miss something?
Mike sits on a stool next to Tamsin.
TAMSIN
Oh, Frank was just regaling us with
sorted tales of his youth.
MIKE
(cocking his eyebrow)
Sounds like fun. Wish I could have
been here.
(beat)
But instead of hearing wacky and
possibly black-mail worthy stories,
I had to go downstairs and have
Kat's hot poker-o'-magic shoved
into my brain.
Frank gives Mike a concerned look.
FRANK
Still hurts, huh?
MIKE
Yeah, but on the bright side, now I
can levitate a shoe. That ought to
come in handy, right?
Tamsin gives Mike a comforting pat on the shoulder.
VI
Oh! Poor baby!
Vi runs from behind the counter, moving behind Mike. She
starts to MASSAGE his temples. Mike looks startled and very
uncomfortable.
Tamsin cuts her eyes to Frank who snickers quietly, turning
away.
Mike pats Vi on the wrist, shooing her off.
MIKE
Thanks. That's much better.
Vi giggles and happily retreats back behind the counter.
Frank turns back toward that counter, a plate of food in his
hand. He slides it in front of Mike who immediately digs in.
FRANK
How's Lon doing? Making any
progress in figuring out what that
thing we found last night is?
Mike smirks as he continues to stuff his face.
MIKE
If the swearing was any indication,
I'd say that's a negative.
(beat)
You know, for a snooty guy who
dresses like a butler, he's got
quit the dirty mouth.
The gang chuckles as TYLER enters from upstairs. He crosses
the diner and approaches the counter. The tension between he
and Frank is palpable.
TYLER
Hey guys.
Vi, Mike, and Tamsin greet Tyler. Frank nods, actually
acknowledging his presence. Vi hands him a to-go cup of
coffee. Tyler nods to her and turns to leave.
Tamsin looks at Frank sternly and nods toward Tyler. Frank
sighs. He moves toward the door.
FRANK
Tyler, wait.
Tyler stops. He turns to face the approaching Frank, a
cautious look on his face.
TYLER
What do you want?
FRANK
We need to talk.
TYLER
I'm going to be late for work.
(beat)
Oh, but wait, that's right. What I
do isn't important so it doesn't
matter if I'm late.
Frank's jaw sets as he tries not to lose his cool.
At the counter, Tamsin, Mike, and Vi watch anxiously.
FRANK
(firmly)
I didn't say that...
(beat)
...exactly.
TYLER
That's what it sounded like to me.
FRANK
(irritated; huff)
Stop being such a whiny little
baby!
Tyler gives Frank a sarcastic smile.
TYLER
Thanks, Frank.
Tyler once again turns and heads for the door.
FRANK
(sigh)
Stop.
Tyler stops. He once again turns around to face Frank, an
impatient look on his face.
FRANK (CONT'D)
(calmer)
Look. We're living under the same
roof. We need to get a few things
straightened out.
TYLER
That won't be a problem for much
longer.
Frank cocks his eyebrow and takes a step closer.
FRANK
What do you mean?
TYLER
The landlord at the apartment
complex called yesterday. My unit's
finally ready. I'm moving in this
weekend.
Frank's face falls.
FRANK
(beat)
If that's what you think is best.
TYLER
(shrugging)
Yeah.
(beat)
I gotta go.
Tyler turns away and walks to the door. He pushes it open and
exits.
Frank turns and walks back to his spot behind the counter. He
picks up a sponge and begins to wipe its surface as if
nothing happened. Tamsin looks at him, open-mouthed in
shocked disbelief.
TAMSIN
That's it?!
Frank looks up from his cleaning.
TAMSIN (CONT'D)
You're not going after him?
FRANK
(shrugging)
He seems to have his mind made up.
Tamsin crosses her arms and looks Frank up and down, a sneer
on her face.
TAMSIN
(coolly)
Look at you. Butter wouldn't melt.
(beat; frustrated)
Sometimes you are such a....
stupid... macho... pig-headed...
git!
Vi and Mike stiffen and scoot back from the arguing pair. Vi
moves around the counter to stand beside Mike.
FRANK
(defensively)
Hey! I'm not the one who's moving
out!
TAMSIN
You're the one who's pushing him
through the door!
Frank glares at Tamsin.
TAMSIN (CONT'D)
Don't you get it?! He's leaving!
You may never see him again! Is
this how you want to leave things?!
Frank is thrown by this statement. His features soften as a
look of confusion crosses his face.
FRANK
I'm... well... Sure I'll see him
again.
TAMSIN
You don't know that, Frank. Things
happen all the time that are beyond
our control. You should realize
that working in this bloody place.
You think I expected to never see
James again?!
Frank's expression softens further as tears come to Tamsin's
eyes. She grabs her coat and purse and stands.
TAMSIN (CONT'D)
The time we share on this planet is
precious. Don't waste it on petty
squabbles just because you're too
stubborn to swallow your pride.
FRANK
(softly)
I tried to talk to him.
TAMSIN
(sadly)
Not hard enough.
She turns and walks quickly to the door, flings it open, and
makes a hasty exit.
Frank furrows his brow, staring at the counter as he
contemplates what Tamsin said. Vi and Mike watch Frank, both
not sure what to say.
MIKE
(tentatively)
Who's James?
Frank comes out of his fog. He moves closer to Vi and Mike.
FRANK
James Sinclair. Tamsin's husband.
Vi and Mike look to one another and then back to Frank.
FRANK (CONT'D)
He and Tamsin were part of Gamma
Team stationed out of Stonehenge.
(beat)
About a year ago, they went out on
what they thought was a routine
mission. Got ambushed by a pack of
Hell hounds. Only Tamsin made it
out alive.
Vi looks on the verge of tears. Mike gives her a comforting
pat on the back. She leans her head on his shoulder,
snuggling into his chest. Mike rolls his eyes. Frank looks
toward the door.
FRANK (CONT'D)
Crap!
(beat)
It was a year ago today. I should
have realized.
The three stand there in silence for a few beats. The diner's
phone RINGS. Frank walks over and answers it.
FRANK (CONT'D)
Frank's Diner.
(beat)
Oh, hey, Lon.
(beat)
I'll be down in a minute.
Frank hangs up the phone and then turns back to Mike and Vi,
Vi still clutching at Mike.
FRANK (CONT'D)
Sounds like Lon's got something on
that device.
He moves toward the kitchen. At the door, he pauses and looks
back at Mike and Vi.
FRANK (CONT'D)
Coming?
MIKE
We start classes today...
Mike glances at the clock which reads "7:50."
MIKE (CONT'D)
...which we should have left for
five minutes ago.
Frank shrugs and exits into the kitchen.
Vi is still hugging onto Mike.
MIKE (CONT'D)
Vi.
CU on Vi's face. She no longer looks upset. Quit the
opposite, in fact. She looks VERY happy.
MIKE (CONT'D)
Vi! We're late!
Vi snaps out of her bliss, Looking up, she gives Mike an
embarrassed grin.
The two grab their backpacks off the floor and head for the
door.
VI
(sadly)
Frank and Tyler. And now Tamsin.
I'm not exactly big with the
"school spirit" right now.
MIKE
I know. But once you get to class,
all those sad feelings will melt
away and you'll be little Miss
Coed.
(pushing open the door)
Unless you accidentally signed up
that advanced puppy kicking course.
Mike exits, Vi right behind him.
VI
Advanced wha-?
The door closes as we:
CUT TO:
INT. COMMAND CENTRAL - LAB
The camera PANS, giving us the layout of the Command Central
laboratory area. It is an average-sized room complete with
various laboratory equipment. On the right wall is a large
glass window which looks into an isolation chamber.
LON stands at the window using a camera and a pair of remote
controlled arms to manipulate a fist-sized DEVICE currently
inhabiting the chamber.
CU on the device. It appears to be a mix of organic and
mechanical pieces. It's side is covered in some foreign
language.
Lon takes note of some of the letters. He leaves the remote
arms and moves to a table where several books are laid out.
He starts to examine one of them. Frank enters the lab.
FRANK
What you got?
LON
(looking up from his book)
It's Gafell in origin.
The inscriptions on the side thew
me at first, but I found this
ancient text--
FRANK
What I meant to say was, "What is
it?" Is is a weapon?
LON
(annoyed; under his
breath)
Let's just cut to the chase, shall
we?
Now it's Frank's turn to shoot Lon an annoyed look.
LON (CONT'D)
Very well, then.
(beat)
Yes... Or at least, I believe so.
It would fit perfectly with what we
know of the Gafell. They're an
ancient warrior species. Battles
between clans lasting several
centuries have been well
documented.
FRANK
What does it do?
LON
I haven't the foggiest.
Frank furrows is eyebrows.
LON (CONT'D)
The writing on the side would seem
to indicate some sort of timer--
Frank moves to the remote arms. He grabs the controls.
CU on the device rocking unsteadily.
LON (CONT'D)
Careful! Those controls are very
sensitive.
FRANK
(irritated)
You think I don't know how to
operate this thing?! This is my God
damn base!
Lon moves to stand closely beside Frank, watching as the
mechanical arms manipulate the object.
CU on object with Frank and Lon watching in the background.
LON
(indicating)
The writing is just on the side
there.
Frank moves the control arms. The object slips out of the
remote's grasp, hitting the floor of the room hard. Lon and
Frank freeze. A beat passes and nothing happens.
LON (CONT'D)
I warned you about the controls!
FRANK
Don't take that tone with me!
Lon and Frank turn away from the object.
LON
This is so bloody typical of you
Initiative blokes!
CU on the artifact. It LIGHTS up.
LON (CONT'D)
Where there's the possibility of
discovering a new toy to wage war
with, you throw caution to the
wind!
The light on the object begins to flash.
FRANK
At least we're not namby-pamby know
it-alls who want to get all touchy
feely with every new type of demon
we discover!
The light on the object begins to flash quicker. It emits a
high pitch whine. Frank and Lon slowly turn to see the object
on the floor.
They turn to face each other again, matching anxious looks on
their faces.
In unison, they run for the door.
CU of the object flashing quicker and brighter.
Frank and Lon are at the door when the object emits a
circular pulse of blinding LIGHT which emanates out in all
directions. The force BREAKS the glass window of the
isolation room, spreading out causing electronic equipment to
SHORT and light bulbs to BREAK. Lon and Frank are knocked to
the floor as the room is bathed in blinding light.
Suddenly the light is gone. The room is black.
CU on the emergency lights as they kick on.
The camera PANS around the room. It's a mess. Equipment
smoking, glass everywhere. The camera PULLS BACK to show the
motionless bodies of Lon and Frank.
A tight shot of Lon and Frank as we:
BLACK OUT:
END OF ACT ONE
ACT TWO
FADE IN:
EXT. MACROWARE - DAY
Establishing shot of Macroware.
CUT TO:
INT. MACROWARE - LUNCHROOM - DAY
Standing in line at the register is Tyler holding a tray of
food. He glances over to a table where sit CHAD and MITCH. He
pays for his food and walks a few feet, bumping into CALLIE
FORD. Callie is 23, brown hair, glasses, attractive in a
geeky/punk kind of way.
TYLER
Sorry! Are you okay? I...
Looking at Callie, Tyler becomes tongue-tied.
TYLER (CONT'D)
I... I...
CALLIE
Nothing dented. I don't think we
need to involve the police.
Tyler looks confused. Callie smirks and explains.
CALLIE (CONT'D)
You know, 'cause we crashed.
Tyler still can't form words.
CALLIE (CONT'D)
Ooo-kay...
Tyler struggles to speak, but only manages to move his lips.
Callie gives him an amused smile.
CALLIE (CONT'D)
See you around, Speed Racer.
She gives him a friendly wink, turns, and walks away. Once
Callie is several feet away, Tyler once again finds his
voice.
TYLER
(overly loud)
I'm Tyler! My name's Tyler!
People close to him turn and give him a funny look. Callie
laughs lightly to herself and keeps walking.
Having embarrassed himself, Tyler hangs his head and walks
over to his table. Chad and Mitch look sympathetically at
him, having seen the awkward event that just unfolded.
CHAD
Oh, I feel your pain, bro. You're
not the first lonely nerd to be
dumb struck by the awesomeness that
is Callie Ford.
Tyler looks up to see Callie across the room talking and
laughing with some friends. She glances over at him. He
quickly looks away.
TYLER
(unconvincingly)
She's okay, I guess.
CHAD
Who are you trying to kid, Newbie?
She's a geek's wet dream! Not only
is she hot, she can quote "Star
Wars", build a computer from
scratch, and frag your ass at Halo!
(beat)
And she is so out of your league.
Tyler rolls his eyes.
CHAD (CONT'D)
(bragging)
Not mine of course, but she's not
my type.
MITCH
(amused)
Oh, really? Do enlighten us. What
kind of woman is lucky enough to
attract the attention of Chad
Warchuck?
CHAD
I prefer my dames to be like
chickens.
Mitch and Tyler give Chad a questioning look.
CHAD (CONT'D)
Tender thighs, juicy breast, and
brain dead from the neck up.
MITCH
(with mock surprise)
And you're still single?
CHAD
That is by choice, man!
Mitch and Tyler chuckle.
TYLER
(glancing back at Callie)
Doesn't matter anyway. With the way
my home life is going, I don't
think I'd be much fun on a date.
CHAD
Still fighting with your uncle?
TYLER
Yeah.
(beat)
He just doesn't respect me. He is
so--
CHAD
(butting in)
So the big moving party still on
for Saturday?
Tyler slumps in his chair, and nods.
CHAD (CONT'D)
Sweet!
Tyler turns to Chad, an incredulous look on his face.
TYLER
What!?
CHAD
No! Listen to me, Newbie! This is
perfect. Not only do chicks love a
guy whose got his own place, which
face it, in this Kaminoan clone
factory is as rare as snow on
Tatooine, it's gonna show your
uncle that you 'da man!
Tyler looks less than convinced.
TYLER
How's that?
CHAD
Once he sees that you don't need
him, he'll come crawling back.
(beat)
This technique also works with
girls.
Mitch rolls his eyes as Tyler gives Chad an uncertain look.
CHAD (CONT'D)
Trust me, noobs.
CUT TO:
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Script created with Final Draft by Final Draft, Inc.