by Robb House
Script created with Final Draft by Final Draft, Inc.
by Robb House
Script created with Final Draft by Final Draft, Inc.
TEASER
INT. FRANK'S DINER - NIGHT.
The diner lights are dim. MIKE exits the kitchen. Backing
out, pushing the door with his back, he turns to reveal that
he is carrying a tray of food. He walks around the bar and
begins heading for the stairs.
He makes an annoyed face and turns back to the bar as if he's
forgotten something. Setting the tray on the bar, his back to
the door, he lifts the glass lid covering a plate of donuts,
pulling one out and placing it on his tray. Mike picks the
tray back up as the bell over the door CHIMES and the lights
flick on.
Turning to face door, he is greeted by JON BATES and MITCH
PETERSON.
MIKE
(surprised)
Oh! Jon. Mitch.
(confused)
Uh... What's up? Tyler's poker game
is next week.
JON
(sorrowful)
I'm sorry, Mike.
MIKE
It's okay, he'll just be thrilled
that you're...
The friendly smile fades from his face as he realizes that is
not what Jon is talking about.
Mitch begins to unbutton his shirt.
MIKE (CONT'D)
What's going...
Mike's eyes go wide as Mitch opens his shirt. Latched to his
chest is something that looks very much like a jellyfish!
CUT TO:
INT. FRANK'S APARTMENT - MIKE'S ROOM - CONTINUOUS.
LON is lying shirtless in Mike's bed, hands behind his head
as he stares up at the ceiling. He gives a big yawn. Pulling
one of his hands from behind his head, he cups it in front of
his mouth, breathing into it. Sniffing it, he nods
approvingly to himself.
A beat and then a questioning look crosses his face. He turns
his head and tentatively sniffs his arm pit as we:
CUT TO:
INT. FRANK'S DINER - CONTINUOUS.
Before Mike can react, the creature shoots out a tentacle
slapping him in the face. Mike drops his tray and begins to
grab at his throat as a huge red welt rises on his face.
CUT TO:
INT. FRANK'S APARTMENT - MIKE'S ROOM - CONTINUOUS.
Lon hears the sound of Mike's tray hitting the floor
downstairs and sits up, a curious look on his face.
CUT TO:
INT. FRANK'S APARTMENT - HALLWAY - MOMENTS LATER.
Pulling on a shirt, Lon exits Mike's room where he
encounter's FRANK and VI who are also entering the hallway
from their bedrooms. Both, dressed for bed, they wear the
same curious expression Lon was sporting moments earlier.
CUT TO:
INT. FRANK'S DINER - MOMENTS LATER.
The diner lights are again dimmed as Lon, Frank, and Vi enter
from the stairwell. At the same time, TYLER, rubbing his
eyes, stumbles out of his bedroom located behind the
staircase. His unsteady, disheveled appearance evidence that
he has just woken up.
TYLER
Who's making all the damn--
All eyes lock on the limp, unconscious form of Mike lying on
the floor. In an instant they are all gathered on the floor
around him frantically looking for signs of life.
TYLER (CONT'D)
He's not breathing!
LON
He's pulse is weak! Quickly,
downstairs!
Frank picks up the limp body of Mike, throwing him over his
shoulder in the fireman's carry.
The four scramble off the floor and exit into the kitchen.
CUT TO:
INT. COMMAND CENTRAL - MEDICAL LAB - MOMENTS LATER.
The gang enters. Frank hurriedly lays Mike down on the
nearest bed. Lon grabs a handful of small sensors off a
nearby tray and sticks them to Mike's naked chest and
forehead.
Vi begins giving him mouth-to-mouth resuscitation.
A readout screen above the bed displays Mike's vital signs.
His heart beat and brain waves, while still active, are
steadily dropping.
FRANK
We're losing him!
A frantic look crosses Lon's face. He runs from the room.
Everyone looks at his exiting form for a beat but are more
concerned with Mike.
CUT TO:
INT. COMMAND CENTRAL - THE VAULT - MOMENTS LATER.
Lon rushes into the room. He glances quickly at the various
drawers and boxes before settling on one drawer. He opens it,
grabs its contents, and darts from the room.
CUT TO:
INT. COMMAND CENTRAL - MEDICAL LAB - MOMENTS LATER.
CU on the readout screen as Mike's vitals continue to drop.
The camera PULLS BACK to reveal Vi, Tyler, and Frank still
working frantically on him.
The camera PANS quickly to the left as Lon enters. In his
hand it the object he retrieved from the vault.
LON
Move back!
Everyone takes a step back as Lon takes the object and places
it on Mike's chest. It is small, blue, box-shaped, and
appears to be made out of rock.
FRANK
Is that what I think it is?
Lon nods as he continues to manipulate the object, pressing
indentions on its surface.
TYLER
What is it?
Frank eyes the device warily.
FRANK
(with an edge in his
voice)
An Ovid stasis module. Suspends
body functions. They use 'em to
hibernate.
(to Lon)
It's never been tested on humans.
It could kill him.
Lon looks at the vital readouts as they continue to decline.
Lon clenches his jaw as he struggles to keep his cool.
LON
I know.
Frank looks at the readouts and back to Lon. Realizing he has
no other choice, he nods. Lon nods back.
LON (CONT'D)
Here we go.
Vi and Tyler both exchange fearful looks.
Lon hits a button on the device. Mike's body JERKS as we:
CUT TO BLACK:
END OF TEASER
ACT ONE
FADE IN:
INT. COMMAND CENTRAL - MEDICAL LAB - LATER.
TAMSIN rushes into the room. Her forehead is sweaty and she
appears pale.
She moves quickly to Mike's side where stand Tyler, Vi, and
Frank. Lon is sitting at the room's desk looking into a
microscope.
TAMSIN
(concerned)
I came as soon as I got your
message. How is he?
Mike lies motionless on the bed. The readout on the monitor
appears to be frozen in place. Tamsin sees the Ovid stasis
module on Mike's chest.
TAMSIN (CONT'D)
Oh my God! Is that--
Frank nods.
TAMSIN (CONT'D)
Is he--
TYLER
He's alive. And in perfect
hibernation.
(beat)
Damn. I finally get the chance to
quote Lando Calrissian, and it just
feels... hollow.
Tyler hangs his head. Vi puts a supportive hand on his
shoulder.
Lon turns from the microscope, his face strained. All look
toward him.
FRANK
What's the verdict?
Lon rubs his eyes.
LON
As I suspected. A toxin very
similar to that found in jellyfish.
FRANK
Is there an... ah... anti-venom?
LON
There are several treatments, but
this toxin seems to also have a
mystical component. I fear
conventional treatments will prove
ineffective.
Understanding, Frank nods.
FRANK
Keep on it.
Lon nods softly. Frank realizes that his last sentence was
entirely unneeded.
LON
Frank. You realize what this attack
means?
Frank nods again.
FRANK
Jerry wasn't alone.
A thoughtful look crosses Tamsin's face.
TAMSIN
So if there is someone else, why
tip his hand by attacking Mike? I
mean, we thought this was all over.
TYLER
(thoughtfully)
He needed Mike out of the way.
VI
But why Mike?
Lon's face shows that he's already worked it out.
LON
Because he stopped the portals.
FRANK
But we're the only ones who knew
that. Us and...
(frowning)
...crap.
Frank's brow furrows as we:
JUMP CUT TO:
INT. JON'S CAR - LATE NIGHT.
Jon is driving, looking very depressed. On the passenger side
of the car sits Mitch who is looking gleefully at the scenery
as it passes by.
MITCH
In a matter of hours, I'll be home!
(wistfully)
No more walking, or itching, or
bowel movements. No more living in
this putrid "meat sack".
Mitch giggles excitedly.
Jon laughs also, a smug, sarcastic laugh. Mitch's laughter
dies down, he looks curiously at Jon.
MITCH (CONT'D)
What's so funny?
JON
You're an idiot.
MITCH
(stunned)
I'm sorry. What did you say?
JON
You killed Mike! With that weird
demonic jellyfish, no less, just
like Chad. You think they can't put
two and two together? Might as well
have left a MacroWare business card
on their doorstep.
A panicked expression flickers across Mitch's face.
JON (CONT'D)
(smugly)
I told you his affect on the
portals was only temporary, but you
wouldn't listen.
(beat; mockingly)
Looks like the "once great ruler of
an entire dimension" isn't so smart
after all.
Jon chuckles spitefully. Rage fills Mitch. He holds up his
fist and clenches it. Jon seizes up in pain.
EXT. HEAVEN'S GATE STREET - CONTINUOUS.
Breaks squeal as Jon's car jerks out of control, swerving
wildly.
INT. JON'S CAR - CONTINUOUS.
Mitch releases his hand. Jon regains control of the vehicle,
breathing heavily.
MITCH
You're lucky I still need you.
Mitch closes his eyes calming himself for a beat.
MITCH (CONT'D)
Perhaps I was a bit careless, but
no matter. There's nothing those
fools can do now to stop me now.
Not with their friend dead.
Mitch again smiles to himself, but this time his smile is
more thin and contemplative. He looks back out the window as
we:
CUT TO:
INT. COMMAND CENTRAL - MEDICAL LAB - LATER.
Everyone is still around Mike while Lon continues his work at
the microscope.
Tyler is on his cell phone.
TYLER
(into phone)
No, Cal. Sit tight. I'll call if
there's any change.
The camera PANS over to Frank who is also on his cell. He
frowns and hangs it up.
FRANK
(to Tamsin)
Damn. Still can't get hold of
Corrine.
TAMSIN
She won't believe that Jon betrayed
her.
Frank frowns. Turning away from Tamsin, he dials his phone
again.
Tamsin puts her hand to her mouth as if she is about to be
sick.
VI
(concerned)
Are you alright?
TAMSIN
(nodding)
Just a bit of an upset tummy.
VI
That's the third time this week.
You've got to quit eating those
microwave burritos from the gas
station.
Tamsin gives a small chuckle.
TAMSIN
You sound just like Mike.
Her smile quickly fades as she glances down at Mike. Her lip
quivers. She takes Mike's hand and leans in to him.
TAMSIN (CONT'D)
(to Mike)
Hang in there. We need you. Lon
needs you.
Vi gives a soft smile and places a supportive hand on
Tamsin's shoulder.
TAMSIN (CONT'D)
And if you die, I'm going to let Vi
kick your ass.
Both woman smile softly.
Over at his desk, Lon looks up from his microscope and slams
his fist on the desk.
LON
Damn!
All eyes look to him. He face looks very discouraged. Seeing
everyone looking at him, he turns to address them.
TYLER
(in phone)
Gotta go.
Tyler quickly hangs up his phone to give Lon his full
attention.
LON
It's as I feared. Nothing I've
tried has had any affect on the
toxin.
Everyone's faces fall.
LON (CONT'D)
I've got one last test running.
I'll know more in a few hours.
All eyes go to Mike's unconscious body as we:
FADE TO:
EXT. MACROWARE - MORNING.
Establishing shot of the building.
CUT TO:
INT. MACROWARE - HALLWAY - CONTINUOUS.
Corrine walking down the hallway. Her cell phone rings. She
stops, pulls it out, glances at the caller ID, and answers
it.
CORRINE
What, Frank?
CUT TO:
INT. COMMAND CENTRAL - MEDICAL LAB - CONTINUOUS.
CU on Frank on his cell.
FRANK
Where the Hell have you been?! I've
been calling you all night.
INTERCUT BETWEEN CORRINE AND FRANK:
CORRINE
I had my phone turned off, Frank. I
needed my sleep. In case you've
forgotten, we're launching the new
OS this morning.
FRANK
You can't!
Corrine rolls her eyes.
CORRINE
Frank. Jerry's gone. Lon gave us
the all clear.
Frank frowns. This isn't going to be pleasant.
FRANK
Um. About that. Jerry wasn't alone.
(beat)
Something attacked Mike last night.
We think the same thing that killed
Chad.
CORRINE
(concerned)
Is he--
FRANK
No. He's alive. For the moment. But
we think he was attacked because he
stopped the portals from opening.
Um...
(beat)
...the only person other than us
who knew that was...
The color drains out of Corrine's face.
CORRINE
Jon.
FRANK
I know you and he are close, but--
CORRINE
(coolly)
I'll take care of it.
She hangs up her phone. A sad look crosses her face for a
second turning to an icy glare as she continues walking down
the corridor.
CUT TO:
INT. COMMAND CENTRAL - MEDICAL LAB - CONTINUOUS.
Frank hangs up his phone. The camera pulls back to reveal
everyone is in pretty much the same positions as they were
hours ago.
The door opens and BILLIE JACKSON enters. She glances to
Mike's body on the bed and then gives her attention to Frank.
BILLIE
I called the other teams, put them
on alert, just in case.
Frank nods. Billie leans in closer.
BILLIE (CONT'D)
(quietly)
I could call in some old favors.
Ask the New Initiative for help.
Frank frowns and shakes his head. Billie sighs.
BILLIE (CONT'D)
I feel like we should be out there
doing something. Like going over to
MacroWare and kicking Jon Bates'
ass.
Frank furrows his brow.
FRANK
I think that one's covered.
CUT TO:
INT. MACROWARE - AUDITORIUM - MOMENTS LATER.
The room is filled with members of the press. The camera PANS
to behind the stage where stand Jon and Mitch out of sight of
the audience.
Corrine enters through a side door and approaches Jon. Mitch
backs away from the couple.
JON
(smiling)
Hey! There you are! I thought you
were going to miss the big show.
Corrine's face is all business. Jon's smile fades.
JON (CONT'D)
What's wrong?
CORRINE
I know.
JON
Know what?
CORRINE
I know that you're in on all this!
Jon's face goes pale.
JON
It's not like that. You don't
understand.
Corrine has no sympathy.
CORRINE
No, Jon. I don't understand. I
don't understand how a man so
generous and caring could have
gotten himself into a situation
like this!
Jon's face falls. Corrine is fighting back tears.
CORRINE (CONT'D)
I'm so disappointed in you. And in
myself for falling for you again!
Corrine's face turns cold.
CORRINE (CONT'D)
But none of that matters. I don't
know what you're up to and I don't
care, I'm not going to let you
launch the new OS.
She takes a step toward the stage. Jon steps in front of her.
JON
Corrine, wait.
Corrine's anger is clear.
CORRINE
(firmly)
Move, Jon.
Realizing he can't take her in a fight, Jon steps to the side
allowing her to pass. Standing to her left, Mitch opens the
top of his shirt, revealing a tentacle of his jellyfish pet.
Seeing the imminent danger to Corrine, Jon's eyes go wide. He
leaps into action. Grabbing a fire extinguisher off the wall,
he SWINGS and HITS Corrine with it!
She falls to the ground unconscious. Jon looks sadly at
Corrine on the floor and then glares angrily at Mitch. Mitch
smiles menacingly as we:
CUT TO:
INT. COMMAND CENTRAL - MEDICAL LAB - MOMENTS LATER.
All are gathered around Lon who has a resolved look on his
face.
LON
According to these last test, there
is no way to stop the toxin from
killing Mike. It's sole purpose is
to kill.
(beat)
He will die.
Panicked looks cross Tyler, Vi, and Tamsin's faces. Frank
clenches his jaw. Billie looks almost annoyed.
TYLER
There's got to be something we can
do!
Lon shakes his head.
LON
(matter-of-factly)
The magical properties act as a
safeguard against any form of
treatment.
Tears well up in Tyler's eyes as he glares at Lon.
TYLER
You bastard! How can you stand
there so cool while you tell us
that he's going to die?! I thought
you loved him!
Lon flinches.
LON
I do! More than life itself! You
didn't let me finish.
(beat)
Despite what the toxin is designed
to do, we're going to save him.
Tyler looks confused. He's not the only one.
FRANK
I thought you said--
LON
He'll live.
(beat)
But first... we have to kill him.
Uncertain and stunned looks cross everyone's faces as we:
CUT TO BLACK:
END OF ACT ONE
ACT TWO
INT. MACROWARE - AUDITORIUM - LATER.
Jon and Mitch have tied up Corrine with heavy duty extension
cord and have duct-taped her mouth. Still unconscious, the
two men stuff her in a trunk. Jon is obviously upset as he
looks down at her.
JON
I'm sorry, Corrine.
MITCH
Sorry? For what? You just saved her
life.
Mitch slams the trunk lid shut.
MITCH (CONT'D)
And alive she'll continue to stay
as long as your a good boy.
Mitch slaps Jon lightly on the cheek. Jon frowns.
MITCH (CONT'D)
Cheer up, Jonny-boy. Soon, I'll be
outta here. Then you and your
little Slayer can patch things up
and live happily ever after.
Jon looks stunned by this revelation by this.
JON
You mean I'm not going to just go
"poof" when you leave.
He motions with his hands as if something just disappeared.
MITCH
You're made up of magic from
another dimension, Jon, but like
me, you're human. And you'll remain
so even after I leave.
(beat; softer)
I know my methods may seem "harsh"
at times, but you're a part of me,
like a son. I don't wish any harm
to come to you.
Wanting to believe Mitch's words, Jon's mood lightens.
MITCH (CONT'D)
Now. You ready to launch this damn
thing and get me the Hell out of
here?
Jon nods. The two men head for the stage.
ANGEL ON: Jon walks out on the stage, his "happy face" on.
The audience claps excitedly. After a few beats, he puts up
his hands to quiet the crowd.
JON
(to the audience)
Thank you. Thank you.
(beat)
You all know why you're here, so
I'm not going to bore you with a
long speech about how this new OS
is faster than the others out
there.
(beat)
Or how it's more stable.
(beat)
Or how it's so light you can
install it on a flash drive.
(beat)
Or how it's what all the cool kids
will be using.
He stops and smiles at the crowd. They laugh at his attempt
at humor.
JON (CONT'D)
Or even how the beta is available
for download...
(looks at his watch)
...now!
Jon hits a red button on the podium before him.
JON (CONT'D)
No. I'm not going to mention any of
that. Instead, let me introduce you
to the power of Portals OS.
Jon gestures to a huge screen behind him where is displayed
the MacroWare logo. Rock music begins to play as the screen
changes to different scenes of people interacting with the
new operating system.
The camera PANS over to Mitch. Close up in his gleeful smile
as we:
CUT TO:
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Script created with Final Draft by Final Draft, Inc.