Faces of the Monitor | Pt. 1 of 2
Screenplay
Written in July/August of 2005:
FACES OF THE MONITOR
PART ONE OF TWO (Divided due to length)
© 2005,ADAM MULLIN
[ © 2024 — with added punctuations and some grammar corrections, and paragraph and scene organization. Some words were replaced for clarity. Note]
[ MATURE CONTENT ]
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FACES OF THE MONITOR FADE IN:
1. EXT. EKIOHK CHIPS BUILDING — RUSSIA, NIGHTTIME IN WINTER
People in warm attire are walking in and out of the large skyscraper. A well-lit concrete sign with the words “EKIOHK CHIPS INC.” sits still as people continue to walk back and forth. A few cars pass by. Above the sign are flagpoles waving. Of the many country flags, one is Russia’s. Snow is lightly drifting down on the pavement in front of the building.
2. INT. EKIOHK MAIN LOBBY — NIGHTTIME
The marble floors reflect the late night workers gathering around the elevators or talking to the security workers in front of their desks. The dialect of the conversations in the room has an array of Russian, German and Indian accented voices. There are several different time zone digital clocks on the wall behind a desk. The time for Russia is 19:43. SYMPHONY MUSIC is playing, with a slight echo.
3. INT. EKIOHK HALLWAY TO ELEVATORS — NIGHTTIME
Boots are heard TAPPING ON THE MARBLE FLOOR as the elevators come closer and closer into view. There is a feeling that we are becoming one of the many people going to work. A BLACK GLOVED HAND of a MALE comes into view and presses the up button.
4. EXT. EKIOHK ELEVATORS — NIGHTTIME
SYMPHONY MUSIC ends. There are three golden elevators. There is a small black security camera above each elevator with a blue blinking light. It is SILENT. Then, a sound of an ELEVATOR DESCENDING rises. It is again SILENT. A light BELL rings and the middle elevator opens.
5. INT. EKIOHK FLOOR 14 — NIGHTTIME
BORIS a forty-five-year-old man, with a goatee and dark business suit walks from a copy machine with a few papers in his arms. BORIS is a bit overweight, and his BREATHING is deep when walking. BORIS walks to a cubicle jungle next to windows reflecting city lights and shadows of snow.
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Other employees are walking about. The same mix of accents in dialogue is heard: RUSSIAN, INDIAN and GERMAN. BORIS heads over to one of the cubicles.
6. INT. BORIS’ CUBICLE
BORIS sits down and fondles with papers. His big hands roam over the keyboard. The monitor screen turns on and displays a hamburger smothered with sauce as the background.
7. INT. BORIS’ MONITOR
The MOUSE ARROW moves slowly over the hamburger picture.
BORIS
Mmm… Simply delicious.
He burps. The MOUSE ARROW heads to the screen icon labeled “EKIOHK DATA”, and clicks it. He burps again. SOPHIA a thin blond, thirty-five years of age, wearing a dark green dress appears in a reflection on the screen.
SOPHIA
I don’t know which meaty object is more grotesque.
8. INT. BORIS’ CUBICLE
BORIS turns around on his desk chair, and faces SOPHIA. SOPHIA crosses her arms.
SOPHIA
Boris, you filthy hog, all you do is sit around masturbating to greasy food.
BORIS
At least it is a healthy habit.
SOPHIA
Healthy? Healthy? You’re the slob of the office! You use the lavatory every fifteen minutes and wipe your hands on these cubicle walls.
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BORIS
Geez, I was just doing some copies. Sophia, Sophia, get yourself some good Vodka, and I promise you, I will finish the first two piles.
SOPHIA
Piles! You finish all the papers, and I mail them. We are not going through this again! You have the easiest job out of all these men; you can’t even pick up the phone. It rings five times, and I am thinking you’re thinking in that “hamburger head of yours” whether you should eat that phone or not.
BORIS
Sophia, vodka, now. Left Click.
BORIS moves the mouse with one hand behind himself, and clicks on it.
SOPHIA
Boris, move your ass towards the papers. Hell, why should I even care? Maybe vodka might help.
BORIS
Help? Vodka saved our country.
SOPHIA
Some historian you’ll be.
SOPHIA walks away and BORIS turns towards his screen. He burps. SOPHIA GASPS. BORIS seems distressed this time after he belches. BORIS tries to swallow, and coughs. BORIS’ HANDS shake a bit on the keyboard. BORIS then gets up.
EXT. HALLWAY NEXT TO CUBICLES — NIGHTTIME
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BORIS starts heading down the hall with HEAVY BREATHING. His hands are shaking by his side. He walks quickly. SOPHIA’S head peeks behind him.
SOPHIA
You know I think you interpreted “healthy” the wrong way.
BORIS
Healthy… I am doing healthy. I am getting a call on line two.
SOPHIA
Boris, your phone is not even ringing.
BORIS
Dense.
SOPHIA
… Perverted male!
9. INT. EKIOHK ELEVATOR
ELEVATOR doors open, with a light BELL RING. The light is dim and the floor in the front of the elevator is carpeted just like the flooring near BORIS and SOPHIA’S cubicles. The cubicle jungle is reflected on glass walls near the elevator.
10. INT. SECURITY CAMERA ABOVE ELEVATOR
The SECURITY CAMERA rotates left as if watching a particular person getting off the elevator. The light of the camera is blinking blue.
11. INT. A WINDOW IN THE OFFICE — NIGHTTIME
The lights of the city seem to stand still in the window. An airplane’s light passes by. There is also the reflection of the office cubicles. A tall male FIGURE is coming down the hallway. His face is not visible, and his dark colored business clothes are barely reflected making the figure mirage-like. The sound of BOOTS WALKING ON A CARPET is heard.
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12. INT. BORIS’ MONITOR SCREEN
The sound of BOOTS WALKING ON A CARPET is heard until a black pant leg is reflected in the monitor as if stopping to turn towards the MONITOR.
13. INT. A BLACK GLOVED HAND ON MOUSE
A BLACK GLOVED HAND is on BORIS’ computer and moves it slightly to the left.
14. INT. BORIS’ MONITOR SCREEN
A male eye is visible at first on the reflection of the screen until a BLACK GLOVED HAND turns the monitor away from the light. The mouse ARROW double-clicks the icon labeled “EKIOHK DATA”. The file opens up to a DOS-style screen with a choice list that includes “9. STOCK INFORMATION”. TYPING NOISE of FINGERS TYPING while the words, “9. STOCK INFORMATION / ENTER” appear. A list of numbers pass down that is continuously changing. Then another list opens that includes “7 SHAREHOLDERS”.
15. INT. BLACK GLOVED HANDS TYPING
The BLACK GLOVED HANDS are moving quickly with a TYPING NOISE.
16. INT. SIDE OF HEAD WITH EAR
This male FIGURE is wearing sunglasses; the only part that is visible though is the ear holder part of his glasses. A pearl of sweat drips down his head to his neck. A DEEP BREATH is heard.
RASPY MALE WHISPER
Almost there, hold on. Shit, fifteen seconds.
17. INT. MEN’S RESTROOM DOOR
The restroom HANDLE on the door begins to twist. TWISTING noise.
18. INT. BLACK GLOVES TYPING
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The BLACK GLOVES begin to pick up more pace typing. Then the right hand moves away towards the mouse. The hands freeze for a second. The sound of SHOES WALKING ON A CARPET is heard in slowly ascending volume. The BLACK GLOVES continue typing.
RASPY MALE WHISPER
Steady.
The phone RINGS once. The BLACK GLOVES freeze again.
RASPY MALE WHISPER
Shit.
SOPHIA is shaking her head back and forth. Then, she turns off her monitor screen. The phone RINGS again.
SOPHIA
Still dealing with line two?
Silence. SOPHIA waits for an answer. She is about to get up, but suddenly goes to her monitor and turns it on.
SOPHIA
How are we going to ship letters if Mr. Form is still on line two?
20. INT. BORIS’ MONITOR SCREEN
More numbers appear scrolling down. Then a loading bar appears with the words “TERMINATING SHAREHOLDER” next to the loading bar.
RASPY MALE WHISPER
Almost there…
The bar fills up. A HEARTBEAT is heard and is beginning to pick up in beats. The words appear on the screen, “TERMINATION COMPLETED”.
21. INT BLACK GLOVE’S TYPING
The BLACK GLOVES continue TYPING.
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22. INT. BORIS’ MONITOR SCREEN
The words, “SENDING RORTPADO CODE” appear with another loading bar. The sound of shoes on a carpet stop, and it becomes SILENT.
23. INT. OUTSIDE SOPHIA’S CUBICLE IN THE HALLWAY
BORIS is about to walk to his cubicle, but SOPHIA clears her throat to get his attention.
SOPHIA
How was your call? Were the minutes free or were you roaming?
BORIS
I bet when you go through menopause, you’ll change your tone.
SOPHIA
Menopause!
24. INT. BORIS’ MONITOR SCREEN
BORIS and SOPHIA continue their argument. The bar on the screen fills up. The words “FILE SENT” appears. The Phone RINGS.
25. INT. OUTSIDE SOPHIA’S CUBICLE IN THE HALLWAY
BORIS and SOPHIA suddenly stop arguing. SOPHIA passes a sinister glare.
SOPHIA
Get it, if you want me to leave tonight!
BORIS
Fine, be that way, Sophia. But remember, men-o-pause.
26. INT. BORIS’ CUBICLE
The male FIGURE in an almost black suit with a white shirt is pulling a mask over his head, and is just pulling it over
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his chin. Only his eyes are visible. The MASKED FIGURE takes out a black GUN WITH A SILENCER and stands up.
27. INT. OUTSIDE BORIS’ CUBICLE
BORIS and SOPHIA gasp. SOPHIA begins to yell, and BORIS clasps her mouth quickly. The MASKED FIGURE has a gun pointed at both of them; his arm is waving back and forth as if deciding which to kill.
BORIS
I did not want to hear her either.
SOPHIA
(Murmurs.)
28. INT. SECURITY CAMERA ABOVE ELEVATOR
The SECURITY CAMERA rotates to the right this time, with the blue light blinking.
29. INT. CARPET FLOORING
The sound of two SILENCED GUNSHOTS ripple in the air, and SOPHIA falls on the flooring with a bullet market in her forehead, and blood dripping down her face.
30. INT. THE STAIRS
ALARM SOUNDS are going off, and flashing red lights beat on the stairs. The MASKED FIGURE runs down the stairs with the red lights flashing against his body. He runs down four flights of stairs. The sound of POLICE SIRENS echo in the stairwell. There is a window reflecting the night sky between the next flights of stairs. The MASKED FIGURE gets up and through the window.
31. EXT. EKIOHK BUILDING — NIGHTTIME
HELICOPTER PROPELLERS are approaching. One flies by with a searchlight pivoting back and forth on the building.
32. EXT. BALCONY ON TENTH FLOOR — NIGHTTIME
The MASKED FIGURE gets down from the window, and lands on the balcony. He ducks as a helicopter light just misses his body. Then, he looks to the side, and sees an escape ladder
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running from the balcony to the other balconies below. He grabs the ladder and starts moving downward quickly. The MASKED FIGURE reaches into his pocket and takes out a cell phone.
FEMALE VOICE (FROM PHONE)
Transaction is clear?
MASKED FIGURE
Yes, the code is in and the share is out. (Worried)
FEMALE VOICE
Good, but why are you so fucking nervous?
MASKED FIGURE
I killed two people.
FEMALE VOICE
You wore gloves right?
MASKED FIGURE
Yes, but I did sweat; see it wasn’t my time yet to be elected.
FEMALE VOICE
Next time you won’t be elected… But, you’re alive, they’re not -don’t sue me.
MASKED FIGURE
Jamis is meeting me down there, right?
FEMALE VOICE
Are you sure you sent it to Matthew Giddens?
MASKED FIGURE
Sent it? I screwed him with it! I mean what next? We screw a billionaire and then what?
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FEMALE VOICE
You got to think like them. If they can do it, we can do it. The team in the States, if they see this — we’ll be heroes.
MASKED FIGURE
The U.S. Hacker Squad, some joke… hey…
The MASKED FIGURE is almost down the ladder.
There are some hackers in the U.S. we could use. I mean we have Germany, India, now we need some Americans.
FEMALE VOICE
Delicious. We could have a Hacker Wanted ad! But, seriously, okay I got it: hack into a top university and screw someone else, I mean like you.
MASKED FIGURE
You mean like “us”? Like we just did.
FEMALE VOICE
Us. Bye.
33. EXT. THE END OF THE ESCAPE LADDER — NIGHTTIME
The MASKED FIGURE gets down the ladder, and THREE OFFICERS run to him and he falls down. One OFFICER handcuffs him, and ANOTHER beats him, and THE OTHER OFFICER just watches. The OFFICERS are in their thirties and seem more built than the MASKED FIGURE. The MASKED FIGURE rolls around and gets up and jabs one OFFICER in the stomach. One of the other OFFICERS SLAMS him in the back. The MASKED FIGURE wheezes. The MASKED FIGURE takes out his gun and SHOOTS the watching OFFICER in the leg. That OFFICER takes out his gun and fatally SHOOTS the MASKED FIGURE in the back. The OFFICER who killed the MASKED FIGURE removes the cell phone from the MASKED FIGURE’S gloved hand.
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OFFICER
Madam, Ridnick has passed.
FEMALE VOICE
Don’t just sit there, dispose the bastard!
OFFICER
Yes, will do madam. Isn’t it a beautiful evening?
34. EXT. FRONT OF THE GIDDEN’S ESTATE — DUBLIN, IRELAND — MORNING
News Reporter JANET WYOMING with MSM News is in her early thirties and has brown wavy hair; she is clearly American compared to all the other accented reporters around her. She is wearing a bright red suit, and is chewing gum. She spits the gum out on the street. A microphone is handed to her. She tests it.
JANET
Is this on?
CAMERAMAN’S VOICE
Sure is, Ms. Wyoming.
JANET
I mean the camera, sorry, is that on?
CAMERAMAN’S VOICE
On in five, four, three…
JANET
Good evening, America, this is Janet Wyoming covering another hacking incident- the third to have happened this month. Billionaire Matthew Giddens sent a large virus out to all EKIOHK shareholders terminating their shares. The virus sender location was found through a Mega-Blocker for anti-hacking. Mr. Giddens
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will appear in court on Monday.
36. EXT. THE ELECTRONIC STORE — PHOENIX, ARIZONA — AFTERNOON
A television screen is on display at an electronics store displaying JANET WYOMING reporting the news. Suddenly, a light green old Mustang drives by the television set. MIKE ELROY is driving the Mustang and is singing a song from the radio. He is twenty-one years of age, has dark blond hair, wears sunglasses, is a bit slender, and is wearing a collared shirt.
37. EXT. BRIDGES OVER HIGHWAY — AFTERNOON
MIKE drives under a few bridges and keeps singing.
38. EXT. A CITY PARK — AFTERNOON
Then he drives by a park. A FEMALE JOGGER jogs along with a red MP3 player attached to her waistband. The MP3 player has EKIOHK’s logo on it.
39. EXT. GRANTON UNIVERSITY — AFTERNOON
MIKE drives passed a “GRANTON UNIVERSITY ESTABLISHED 1924” sign. The old Mustang drives under a row of trees, each tree is reflected on the car. Then, he takes a right turn at a four-way intersection.
40. EXT. MIKE’S APARTMENT BUILDING — AFTERNOON
MIKE parks behind a stucco apartment building that is spread out and partially covered with ivy. Some of the windows have cracks in them. MIKE gets out of the car wearing cargo shorts and flip-flop sandals with the car keys in his hand.
41. INT. MIKE’S APARTMENT
MIKE walks into a studio-sized apartment with a pile of clothes on the floor. He kicks them out of the way. There is a kitchen area to the right. The kitchen area has a refrigerator/freezer, an oven and a sink. In the sink are some dirty dishes and some glasses. MIKE opens the refrigerator and takes out a can of MOUNTAIN DEW. On the MOUNTAIN DEW can there is a contest stating: “Enter this
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number- 256606 at www.ekihok.com and become eligible to win a new EKIOHK MP3 player. MIKE then walks back to the main area that has a queen-sized bed, a few posters scattered around, a bookshelf, a computer with the logo “EKIOHK” on the 19-inch flat monitor on a light-colored cypress desk, a desk chair, a sofa chair, and one window that can open outward. MIKE unbuckles his belt, opens the can and sits down on the sofa chair. He is about to scratch his crotch when his CELL PHONE in his pocket makes a loud ROCK GUITAR SOLO noise. MIKE buckles his belt and answers his phone.
MIKE
Y-ellow.
TIFFANY’S VOICE
Mike, what the hell? You’re going to be late for work.
MIKE
Oh little lady, I am sorry, I think you have the wrong number.
TIFFANY’S VOICE
That’s absolutely funny Mike because I can hear you down the hall.
MIKE
That is funny, little lady, ha ha.
TIFFANY’S VOICE
Ha ha. You know where I am?
MIKE takes another sip and accidentally drinks too quickly resulting in a few coughs.
Didn’t mean to scare you, old man.
MIKE
You know what, I don’t want to go to work.
TIFFANY’S VOICE
Mike, guess what?
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MIKE
What?
TIFFANY begins to KNOCK on the door to MIKE’S apartment.
Don’t do that, it’s bad for the wood.
TIFFANY’S VOICE
Hey, you would know…
MIKE
Hey, what’s that suppose to mean?…(understanding) With an attitude like that, why bother?
TIFFANY’S VOICE
I really don’t know anymore, but if you don’t open the door in five minutes and drive me there, our employment is hopeless.
MIKE
Right, how come I’ve never seen you at work?
TIFFANY’S VOICE
Mike is that a trick question? We work in different sides of the mall.
MIKE
Okay, I’ll let you in after I dab a bit of mascara on my dirty pores.
TIFFANY’S VOICE
Mike, geez! You’re a stubborn man.
MIKE
Hey, an attitude like that is bad for the wood.
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TIFFANY’S VOICE
Mike, I can’t believe it. I take the bus over, you promise a ride, and you really don’t give a-
MIKE
Honey, I’ll let you in, okay?
MIKE places his cell phone back into his pocket, gets up and then opens his apartment door. There is TIFFANY, age 20, with light red hair in formal business attire, with a smirk on her face. She is wearing two shiny earrings matching her attire. TIFFANY has her arms crossed.
MIKE
Hey, wow, nice attire…Uh, hold on a sec; I mean, take a seat in the room, I got to use the bathroom.
MIKE jumps into his bathroom.
TIFFANY
Thanks, I, I guess I’ll just use the Internet.
MIKE walks out quickly with his belt unbuckled, pants undone and shirtless.
MIKE
Don’t touch my PC! You can use the television, but don’t touch my PC.
TIFFANY
You went to the bathroom for that?
MIKE
What do you mean that? Okay, I’ve only known you, how long?
TIFFANY
About three weeks, but still, I mean…
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MIKE
I mean, not to sound conservative, but you’d think I was stripping-not that, that is bad or anything.
TIFFANY
Well, maybe… Do you work out?
MIKE
Ya, I bet you were thinking an architect major like me doesn’t work out.
TIFFANY
No, that’s not what I was thinking at all, Mike.
TIFFANY stares into MIKE’S eyes.
Can I feel?
TIFFANY begins to lift her hands towards MIKE’S abs, MIKE is a little nervous.
Shit, sorry, I shouldn’t have, I mean it’s only been three weeks.
MIKE
Hey, whoa sorry, I… I mean no hard feelings.
TIFFANY
Thanks, you’re so stubborn, but sweet.
MIKE smiles, so does TIFFANY. MIKE heads towards the bathroom and bends over to pick up a dress shirt. MIKE buttons it up quickly, and lowers his pants to tuck in his shirt. Suddenly, TIFFANY’S hand lands on MIKE’S right shoulder. MIKE drops his pants in surprise.
TIFFANY
Let me pick those back up for you.
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MIKE
Thanks.
TIFFANY lifts up MIKE’S pants up over his shirt to his waist. MIKE gets a hold of his zipper and zips it up. Then MIKE gets to his belt, but TIFFANY nudges his hands away.
TIFFANY
Aw-aw!
TIFFANY buckles up MIKE’S belt, and kisses him on the cheek.
42. EXT. THE MALL — AFTERNOON
MIKE and TIFFANY get out of the car, and start walking towards the MALL from the parking lot. They get to the front doors, and MIKE opens up the front door for her. One of TIFFANY’S eyebrows rises up.
TIFFANY
Why thanks, Mike.
MIKE and TIFFANY walk in and the SEARS store is directly to the right of the front doors. TIFFANY looks up into MIKE’S eyes and straightens his collar out.
TIFFANY
You look good, Mike. You know three weeks seems like a long time.
MIKE
Ya, well want to do something for dinner? We could meet up at Panda Thai, sound good?
TIFFANY
See you then.
TIFFANY and MIKE kiss. TIFFANY walks off and MIKE heads to the SEARS department store.
43. INT. SEARS DEPARTMENT STORE
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MIKE walks into a SEARS store that has several different departments including a hardware section, a toy and electronics section, a clothing and jewelry department section. The SEARS department store is bustling with people looking around. MIKE walks past his MANAGER, a short chubby bald man with a blue and white striped shirt on. The MANAGER grins at MIKE.
MANAGER
I’ll let it slip this time, but the next time…-Hardware section this week. The specials this week are in row 14-A!
MIKE
Okay, thanks, sir.
MIKE walks by the electronic section and waves at his friend, PETER PATRICO, a cheerful Hispanic guy in his early 20s, with curly hair. PETER is wearing an orange colored shirt with jeans on, and is working behind the counter with a cash register. MIKE walks by and turns to PETER briefly.
MIKE
Sup, Pete?
PETER
Hey, how’s it going, Michelangelo? Ready for Finals with Professor Harrold?
MIKE
We’ll see, talk about it at break. But, Pete, I got to tell you about this girl.
PETER
How about right now?
MIKE
I’ll be in the hardware section across today. Later.
PETER gives an odd one-eyebrow stare to MIKE as he passes by with a grin on his face.
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PETER
Nope, can’t see you in any other section today.
MIKE walks into the Hardware section, and thinks he sees TIFFANY in one of the rows. He checks each of the rows quickly and shakes his head.
MIKE (TO HIMSELF)
I need to stop thinking about Tiffany. Okay, think plants, think plants!
MIKE walks out of one of the rows talking to himself and steps on the end of a hoe that catapults and hits MIKE straight on in the face. MIKE falls down and blacks out.
44. EXT. MIKE’S APARTMENT BUILDING
A BLACK CORVETTE drives into the parking lot and parks in the place MIKE’S car took up.
45. INT. SEAR’S DEPARTMENT STORE — EARLY EVENING
MIKE opens his eyes up and sees that there are several PEOPLE including the MANAGER and PETER standing around him. MIKE then notices there is a thick red binder on his crotch. As PETER starts to help MIKE back up, the PEOPLE, many of them smiling (but with a sense of concern) back off and walk away talking. MIKE feels the pain on his swollen forehead and rubs it.
MIKE
What, dude, just happened?
PETER
Okay, man, here goes. When you said “girl”, I knew something was up.
MIKE (REALIZING)
You did this, didn’t you!? You placed the hoe in front of me!
PETER
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No, but listen, after you walked away, I saw it clearly. The Mike Man, you were already more prepared than the hoe that struck you. You see your “Jose” was already in line before the “Maria” had time to prepare the quesadillas.
MIKE
Okay, what does that mean?
PETER moves aside the red binder, and MIKE clearly has an erection.
MIKE
Oh, hey Jose!
PETER
So, when you went by the electronics section, just as you went by, it shot up when you said “hardware”; and then, in a few seconds, there’s this big bam! We go there, and you’re down.
MIKE is pushing down the erection with his hands.
MIKE
And Jose was up, right? How long was I out?
PETER
About twenty minutes.
MIKE
They didn’t think I was dead?
PETER
Nope: just dumb and horny.
The MANAGER comes over to MIKE and PETER shaking his head.
MANAGER
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Completely uncalled for, but somehow it brightened my day. We have a change of plans: Peter you take the Hardware section, and Mike, you okay?
MIKE
Sure-
MANAGER
‘Course you are, and I bet “she” is, too. But I’m not her. In fact, because of what your erected collision caused, you have to man Manny’s post in the Men’s Underwear Department.
MIKE
Under-
MANAGER (NUDGES MIKE)
See, it’s working already.
MIKE and PETER walk across the departments towards the Men’s Underwear Department.
PETER
So tell me about this girl.
MIKE
She lives around here in Phoenix.
PETER
Well, on the topic of “geography”, I meant.
MIKE
Hey, look up ahead, the Men’s Underwear Department.
PETER
No way. But, Mike, I tell you all about mine. That could be the problem or the reason why you couldn’t control your
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Jose; you need to open up to the world.
MIKE
Okay, you know what, Mr. Self-Help, sometimes you need to know when to control your mouth.
PETER
-Or your manhood!
MIKE
Okay, I will tell you a bit about her, but I must warn you, I will have another uplifting, so I want you to keep your hand right here-
PETER
Fine, Mike, you win. See you in class, tomorrow.
46. INT. MEN’S UNDERWEAR DEPARTMENT — EARLY EVENING
MIKE goes behind a cashier desk that is surrounded by shelves of men’s underwear ranging from colors to white; this seems like torture for MIKE. The MANAGER briefly eyes MIKE from a distance and grins; MIKE forces a grin on his face and stares at a “Bun Enhancer Brief”, and then moves his head up towards a mannequin in the Women’s Lingerie department to the right of his section who is wearing a red bra and panties set.
Then a SEARS EMPLOYEE walks over and places a polka-dot nightgown on the mannequin.
MIKE turns his head back to his front and there stands a FLAMBOYANT MAN who is slender and wearing tight low-rise jeans, a skin-tight shirt, an anchor tattoo on his right arm, and has brown hair with blond highlights. The FLAMBOYANT MAN is holding two clothes hangers, one in each hand. On the right clothes hanger is a dark blue thong, and the left, a white thong with black stripes.
FLAMBOYANT MAN
Yoo-hoo! Hey boy, I was interested in your opinion. I see that you’re so cute and all. I thought you would
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like to have a say in what undergarments I wear.
MIKE
I would?
FLAMBOYANT MAN
Of course you would. Please, let me see, Mike Elroy- oh, I love that name! You wouldn’t break my heart would you?
MIKE is about to stubbornly refuse the FLAMBOYANT MAN’S offer when the MANAGER is looking at him across the Department with a stern face, as if he heard the whole conversation.
MIKE
No, I will not break your heart, hold them up here.
FLAMBOYANT MAN
Oh, you mean closer, so you can get a glimpse.
MIKE
Yes, I mean, no. I mean, okay, which one do you think best describes your inner…inner sexuality?
FLAMBOYANT MAN
Oh Mike, I thought you would never ask, well I-
MIKE
Okay, what I meant to say-
The MANAGER is in the Men’s Underwear department checking up on MIKE with his arms crossed.
I meant to say was the dark blue personifies peace and the, the stripes personify embracement, and those are what your bride will feel about seeing those.
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FLAMBOYANT MAN
Oh thank you, you’re cute. But Mike, dear, I’m gay.
MIKE (SARCASTICALLY)
I completely should have known.
FLAMBOYANT MAN
Whoa, Mike, what are you saying?
MANAGER
Does there seem to be a problem here?
FLAMBOYANT MAN
Oh, Mr. Penguin, does it ever! I’m in a fix, I can’t choose between peaceful blue and embrace-me white and black stripes.
MANAGER
Our underwear department employee can’t help you with that today?
MIKE
Know what? I think the blue would be… hot on that body of yours.
The MANAGER’S mouth is wide open at what MIKE just said. The FLAMBOYANT MAN is blushing and at the same time flabbergasted as to what to say.
FLAMBOYANT MAN
Wow, oh thank you, thank you, I am blushing from your loving words, Mike. Here, I’ll pay cash.
MIKE
Okay.
FLAMBOYANT MAN
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I only have four twenties and the price is $68.99.
The MANAGER, upon hearing “four twenties”, walks away with his hand over his mouth in disgust.
MIKE
I think four twenties are fine, let me check what I have in the cashier drawer.
MIKE opens up the cashier drawer, and there is no change except for a few pennies.
That’s odd, let me check my wallet.
FLAMBOYANT MAN
It’s okay, I can just use my card.
MIKE
No really, let me.
A feeling of concern comes to MIKE as he moves his hands about in both his front pockets. He then feels around his other pockets. The FLAMBOYANT MAN gasps as MIKE’S searching is something else to him. He puts his hand lightly to his mouth.
The MANAGER has both hands on his face.
MANAGER
Okay, Mike, I think the customer would like to pay in credit card!
FLAMBOYANT MAN
Mike, it looks like your boss is somewhat of a hot head.
The MANAGER shoves MIKE away from the cashier desk. The FLAMBOYANT MAN reluctantly gives the MANAGER the credit card, fills out a receipt, then leaves.
MANAGER
I’ve had it with you, today, and this whole week. You’ve been late four times; you almost killed yourself by not
27
controlling your dick. And third, you attempted to sexually harass a customer!
MIKE
I can explain. I was late because of something I had to deal with at the apartment, and the rest is just Mother Nature’s way of-
MANAGER
I’m not that dumb, shit head.
MIKE
Sorry, I-
MANAGER
I don’t even think you’re mature enough to have this job.
MIKE
Sir, I know you’re thinking the worst, but today just started out bad-see it can’t get any worse.
MANAGER
I know that goes perfectly well for me.
MIKE
Thanks.
MANAGER
But as for you, I got to let you go.
MIKE
You don’t understand, I need this job!
MANAGER
You’re a college kid, have your parents deal with it.
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The MANAGER takes out some papers he has in his binder. MIKE stares a bit as one paper after the next are being signed.
47. INT. MALL ENTRANCE — NIGHT
MIKE is sitting down on a bench in front of the SEARS entrance. A giant hanging clock shows that the time is 8:30. MIKE rubs his head and looks down. The lights start turning off in the SEARS store, and EMPLOYEES begin walking out.
Following the herd of EMPLOYEES, is PETER. PETER sits right next to MIKE on the bench.
PETER
Mike, look I’m sorry. It was pretty cataclysmic today. Besides, I quit too.
MIKE
Thanks-you did what?
PETER
I kid! I kid!
MIKE
Oh, because I was thinking you really need the job. I mean it’s a good job.
PETER
What else are you going to do now?
MIKE
I don’t know, but tonight, I am having dinner with Tiffany. I’m not going to tell her what happened; the last thing I need is for her to leave me.
PETER
Wish you could say that about me.
MIKE
Look, I’m opening up, I just got fired and I have no idea
29
how I’m going to pay for rent now. Sorry, please, goodbye.
PETER
Later.
PETER gets up from the bench and begins to walk away.
MIKE
Wait, Pete.
PETER
Ya, what is it?
MIKE
Were you the first person to come to me when I blacked out?
PETER
No, why?
MIKE
My wallet’s gone. I found out in the underwear department.
PETER
That is a dilemma. Hey, tell you what I will check the store tomorrow, and the lost-and-found, and call you about it, okay?
MIKE
Thanks, Pete.
PETER
No Prob.
PETER walks out the front doors. The clock is now 8:45. MIKE is waiting and looks at his reflection on the front doors. A SECURITY CAMERA above the front door looks back at him with a blinking blue light.
TIFFANY’S silhouette appears by MIKE’S reflection and MIKE turns around and stands up to TIFFANY’S presence.
TIFFANY
30
Hey Mike, wait here long? I’m so stressed out, it was chaotic today. Jenny accidentally placed an old lady’s checks for her son into another man’s account, and then I spilled coffee on my blouse, and then the power went out. So then I-
MIKE
Shut up, Tiffany.
TIFFANY
What?
MIKE
You look beautiful tonight.
TIFFANY
Wow, I don’t know what to say, I mean are you feeling all right? You look really pale.
TIFFANY starts examining MIKE’s face with her hands.
MIKE
Hey, I just gave you a compliment.
TIFFANY
Okay, I’m sorry, but you do, or it could be the lighting.
MIKE
Yes, it very well could be. Look I’m stressed out, you’re stressed out, let’s get something to eat before we start naming diseases for each other.
TIFFANY
Definitely.
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MIKE extends his left arm over TIFFANY’S back and they start walking. TIFFANY’S right hand moves towards MIKE’S back pocket where his wallet would be. She, then begins to place her hand into this same pocket.
MIKE stops walking, and a sense of terror comes over him.
MIKE
Tiffany, I know this may not be masculine, but my right shoulder is aching and was wondering —
TIFFANY
What’s not masculine about it? Sure.
TIFFANY places her right arm on his shoulder.
48. INT. PANDA THAI RESTAURANT — NIGHT
TIFFANY and MIKE are sitting in a somewhat fancy restaurant talking to each other. The mall is visible through the entrance of the restaurant. The lighting is dim and the surrounding walls have a dark shade of blue. The ground is all carpeted with an oriental design. The tables are regular tables except for their granite tops. There are only three PARTIES in the restaurant besides MIKE and TIFFANY.
A WAITER brings an order for another table, and walks by MIKE and TIFFANY. TIFFANY is drinking a MAI TAI, and Mike from a MILLER LIGHT bottle.
TIFFANY
So then, get this, Jenny said she heard from Chrissy that there was a guy at SEARS who had an erection that was uncontrollable. It was so uncontrollable that he stepped on a hoe and the hoe hit him back.
MIKE
Funny story. Ya, I heard something like that from my department.
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TIFFANY bursts out into laughter, and MIKE smiles briefly, and looks around trying not to be suspicious. TIFFANY suddenly starts to cough a bit.
Funny. Tiffany, relax, it’s not that funny. Tiffany, I got something very serious to tell you; I just don’t know how to put it to you.
TIFFANY
Okay, let me catch my breath. Whew! Okay, Mike, what is on your mind?
MIKE
Did I tell you, you look dazzling tonight?
TIFFANY
What, what is the matter?
MIKE
At my job, my wallet was taken.
TIFFANY
How could your wallet get taken, and then you not even knowing the “someone” who took it from you?
MIKE
Tiffany, can you keep a secret, secret?
TIFFANY
Maybe that’s why they’re called secrets. Mike, do you trust me?
MIKE
A girl has never asked me that before. I think so; you’re honest and you’re beautiful, so far… But you got to keep this a secret.
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TIFFANY
Yes, I will, Mike.
MIKE
I was the one, who encountered the tool in the store, and well I woke up and the wallet wasn’t in my pants pocket.
TIFFANY
You were?
TIFFANY can’t hold it in and bursts out laughing, and accidentally knocks over her MAI TAI. All the PARTIES stop talking. MIKE is tapping his fingers on the table and looking away.
Erecto-Boy, you are!
MIKE
This is serious, Tiff, please!
TIFFANY
Okay, okay, okaaaay! Sorry, I had to calm down, but that’s horrible. What made it go up like that?
MIKE
You don’t understand, I can’t pay for dinner tonight. I don’t even have my ID on me.
TIFFANY
Don’t worry, I’ll pay for it, but can you at least tell me what you were thinking about.
MIKE
Tiffany, I was thinking about you. I was thinking about you.
TIFFANY
That’s romantic.
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MIKE
I guess so, you could say it —
TIFFANY reaches over the table and kisses MIKE. A WAITER comes by during the kiss and cleans up the MAI TAI mess.
49. INT. MALL ENTRANCE — NIGHT
MIKE and TIFFANY are walking toward the doors out. Then, MIKE sees his WALLET opened on the bench where he sat, and lets go of her, to sprint towards it.
MIKE
Oh my God, it’s all here.
TIFFANY
That is weird, but congrats.
MIKE
Did you have anything to do with this? You felt my pocket.
TIFFANY
Ya, like I was searching around for your wallet. Don’t you trust me?
MIKE
You asked me that at dinner — why?
TIFFANY
Because you asked me, okay. I’m glad you found your wallet.
TIFFANY gives a serious look to MIKE’S suspicious eyes.
They get together and walk out the doors.
50. EXT. THE GRANTON UNIVERSITY SIGN — NIGHTTIME
The Granton University sign is in front of a set of large buildings, and to the right of the sign is the City Park. There is a headlamp shining over the “Granton”
35
part of the sign. TIFFANY has one foot out of the green Mustang door and has her head turned to MIKE.
TIFFANY
Mike, I just realized, I think I left something at your apartment.
MIKE
I can take you back if you want. I just don’t want you to stay out too late with finals and all.
TIFFANY
Thanks for looking out for me, but it’s best we head back to your place.
MIKE
But, I don’t remember you putting anything down.
TIFFANY
I dropped it as you went to the bathroom to privately change.
MIKE
You sure you want to stay out late with finals?
TIFFANY
Mike I’m sure. Would it help if I need it for finals?
MIKE
I’ll take you, but what exactly is it?
TIFFANY
I’ll tell you when we get there.
TIFFANY brings her foot back into the car and closes the door. MIKE drives her away from the campus.
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51. EXT. THE ROAD — NIGHTTIME
The Green Mustang drives under some lampposts. In the left lane, the Black Corvette that was at MIKE’S apartment earlier in the day, passes their vehicle heading the opposite direction.
52. INT. THE BLACK CORVETTE — NIGHTTIME
The inside of the Black Corvette is quiet, except for the sound of the motor and the passing cars. There are FOUR MEN sitting in the car dressed completely in all black. All their hands are covered in black gloves.
A CELL PHONE RINGS and the DRIVER’S right black gloved hand picks the cell phone up. The FEMALE VOICE that was heard earlier comes on the phone’s speaker.
FEMALE VOICE
Good evening, did you insert the virus?
DRIVER
Yes, Ms. Fates, we have inserted the virus. Granton should be expecting a removal of shares soon.
MS. FATES (FEMALE VOICE)
Fabulous. Once this “episode” is complete and the news media has scared the U.S. citizens, kill the tenant off- or do what you want. Then meet me in Vegas for a little surprise. And remember, the League of Hackers never fails.
DRIVER
Will do, Ms. Fates.
53. EXT. MIKE’S APARTMENT BUILDING — NIGHTTIME
The Green Mustang goes into the same parking spot the Black Corvette was in.
54. INT. MIKE’S APARTMENT
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MIKE turns on the light next to the door, and then proceeds to open the door wider to his apartment. He lets TIFFANY in first.
She goes and pretends like she is looking for something, but is beginning to unbutton her blouse. MIKE glances, and then moves towards the bathroom.
MIKE
Hey, I’ll be back, got to use the can.
TIFFANY
Okay.
55. INT. MIKE’S BATHROOM
MIKE flushes the toilet and zips his fly. He looks into the mirror that reflects himself and the blue tiles of his shower. MIKE fixes his hair, and takes off his collared shirt, and looks at his shirtless body. He makes eye contact with himself.
MIKE (WHISPERING TO HIMSELF)
I think I can do this. But…I know I can. Here goes.
MIKE opens the bathroom door and all the lights are off in his apartment, except for the light in the bathroom. It is shockingly silent. The only other light is from MIKE’S computer monitor.
MIKE
Tiffany, where are you?
TIFFANY
Come here, I think I found it.
MIKE
To be honest, I don’t know if you’re trying to kill me or-
TIFFANY
Or what?
The LIGHTS come on, and TIFFANY is standing next to the closed door in her underwear. MIKE is bamboozled by her beauty. To calm him down, TIFFANY goes up to him and takes a slow smooth kiss on his mouth. She then kisses his chest and begins to unbuckle his belt. MIKE’S pants drop on the ground, and they head for his bed.
MIKE
I take it you were looking for the cheat sheets.
TIFFANY
Exactly.
MIKE’S boxers go on the floor, and there is some HEAVY yet PLAYFUL BREATHING. MIKE’S COMPUTER MONITOR changes from its normal background to a security camera recording of when MIKE and TIFFANY were eating dinner at the Panda Thai restaurant.
MIKE, while kissing, notices the change while TIFFANY is caressing his chest. MIKE gets up from the bed.
MIKE
What the hell?
TIFFANY
Mike? C’mon, after we finish please?
MIKE
No, it’s us!
The LIGHTS come on and there is MIKE in the nude staring at the computer monitor. By the light switch is Tiffany, topless.
TIFFANY
Well, you’re a “9”.
MIKE
Ya, well that’s what they- hey! Stop looking — I mean (trying not to sound off) what is this?!
MIKE grabs his boxers off the floor and places them back on. TIFFANY puts a hand to her mouth when she sees herself on camera, on his monitor.
TIFFANY
What the fuck is that? You recorded us eating together; it’s a little odd, but why?
39
MIKE
I didn’t. That’s what I was going to ask you. I think you’re the one who really stole my wallet!
TIFFANY
Mike, you heard what you just said?
MIKE
That’s funny because it sounds like you don’t trust me, either.
TIFFANY
Mike, how can you say that?
Just as the argument starts, the recording of the dinner transforms into a shocking graphic of a bloodied LAUGHING SKULL with the words “She is going to die today by the hands of Mike” underneath the LAUGHING SKULL.
TIFFANY notices it first and kicks MIKE in the balls. MIKE coughs and writhes in pain.
MIKE
How could you do this?! This doesn’t make any sense at all.
TIFFANY
You psycho, you fucking psycho! I thought I loved you! But, that is the last train of thought I ever want to be with you!
MIKE
I didn’t do it. Look into my eyes, what do you see?
TIFFANY
I see… I see a stubborn asshole that can’t control his penis in public. I’m getting a bus, bye!
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TIFFANY puts on her pants, and MIKE gently places his arms on her shoulders. TIFFANY shoves them off. TIFFANY picks up her blouse, and then slams the door in MIKE’s face. MIKE opens the door a bit to yell.
MIKE
Tiffany, what do you think you’re doing?! What the fuck do you think you’re doing?!
MIKE slams the door and places his head in his hands.
MIKE
Damn it! What is going on?
MIKE sits next to his computer and tries pressing the keyboard: nothing happens. Then, he turns the computer on and off, and immediately does a Mega-Blocker 3.5 Virus Scan.
An hour has passed by on the clock above his computer, and it is 12:15 am. The monitor screen reads clearly that his computer has 40,005 viruses. MIKE moves his MOUSE ARROW to the button, “CURE VIRUSES”, and clicks it.
The word “ERROR” comes on his screen blinking with a BEEP sound. Suddenly, there is a loud BUZZING SOUND, and MIKE turns off his volume switch on his computer. It is now completely SILENT.
Then, the computer screen changes to a HORRIFIC IMAGE.
MIKE’S eyes open wider. The picture displays TIFFANY’S head on a bloodstained stake. The background of the picture is of a metal gate image. There is a loud LAUGHING SOUND coming from the muted computer. MIKE turns off the computer and the LAUGHING SOUND ceases.
MIKE
Why in the world did I get this virus? I thought I had the best scanner, Mega-Blocker. Why the fuck? All I can do, now, is sleep for the finals- that are now in seven hours! God, why did Tiffany have to leave?
MIKE covers his head and a lone TEAR drizzles down near his RIGHT EYE.
57. INT. MIKE’S APARTMENT — MORNING
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The ALARM of his digital clock is going off. MIKE who is sleeping on the floor jumps up with a gasp.
MIKE
Finals, it’s an hour passed. Oh my, God!
On his computer monitor is the HORRIFIC PICTURE of TIFFANY’S decapitated head. MIKE unplugs the computer and the picture vanishes.
58. EXT. GRANTON UNIVERSITY — MORNING
The Green Mustang passes the Granton University sign with the morning light reflection on it.
59. EXT. GRANTON UNIVERSITY’S MAIN FIELD — MORNING
The sun is SHINING DIMLY on the gravel and greenery around the brick and stucco university buildings. MIKE walks quickly onto the GRAVEL from the parking lot dressed in the same clothes he wore for his job the previous day, and red backpack on. The university seems SILENT. Only the sound of SHOES HITTING the GRAVEL is heard ECHOING throughout the campus.
60. EXT. GRANTON UNIVERSITY ARCHITECT SCHOOL — MORNING
MIKE walks up stairs leading into a large brick building, about the size of a standard city high school. He walks in.
61. INT. GRANTON UNIVERSITY ARCHITECT SCHOOL — MORNING
There is a hallway extending to the left and right of MIKE. MIKE begins to walk forward towards a flight of stairs. It is SILENT.
MIKE stops on the second step, and turns around. He goes right around the hallway to an elevator and presses the up button, and waits. An elevator arrives after a few seconds.
The door opens, and it is PROFESSOR HARROLD. MIKE’S eyes open in surprise as does PROFESSOR HARROLD’S. PROFESSOR HARROLD is a short man with a full gray beard, a stern expression and his plaid collared shirt stand out.
PROFESSOR HARROLD
They were right. They knew you’d be here. Michael, please, come this way.
MIKE
What? What’s going on?
PROFESSOR HARROLD
Mike, your life depends on it. Come this way.
MIKE
Okay, Professor Harrold.
PROFESSOR HARROLD starts walking quickly, and goes down the right hall past several doors, and then opens a BLUE DOOR with the numbers “495–13” on it. MIKE follows closely behind.
62. INT. EMPTY WINDOW-LESS CLASSROOM
The room is almost bare except for five desks and stacked chair sets, and one large desk with a chair. The walls are white all around. There is one long blackboard, too. PROFESSOR HARROLD closes the door after MIKE enters. PROFESSOR HARROLD takes out a folded piece of paper and looks over it.
MIKE just watches trying to figure out what is wrong.
MIKE
Professor Harrold, I am sorry for being late to the finals, today.
PROFESSOR HARROLD
Don’t worry, Mr. Elroy, you have plenty reason to be.
MIKE
Professor Harrold? What is going on?
PROFESSOR HARROLD
I think my theory is right: you’re the fourth one to have
43
to suffer their consequences. But oh, I could be wrong.
MIKE
Excuse my French, but what the hell are you talking about, sir?
PROFESSOR HARROLD
The campus got an e-mail from your address. On the address, there was an odd character that ended with your name. I don’t think the letter could be yours, but I could be wrong.
MIKE
I didn’t send an e-mail to the campus, I never have. What does it say?
PROFESSOR HARROLD
The e-mail was sent last night, approximately at one a.m... Here goes: “Dear students at Granton University; Today I would like to mention the seriousness of smoking marijuana in your dormitory and what it has brought students to do. Error 653. Professors of the school are believed to be homosexual. Error 923. Student, Felicity Sanders was raped by myself yesterday and am damn proud of it. I humped her as many times as I hate this school. Error 455. This morning at four a.m., I killed the woman I was dating last night, Tiffany Edwards. Here’s a recording of our data with the aftermath. Enjoy, Michael Elroy” And then here’s a picture of Tiffany’s head on a pike.
The picture is the same HORRIFIC PICTURE of TIFFANY that was on MIKE’S computer screen. MIKE shudders.
MIKE
I didn’t do it. I love her, I would never hurt her.
PROFESSOR HARROLD
Mike, be honest, what did you do last night?
MIKE
Hey, that is none of your business; how do I even know this letter went out to the whole campus? You could be the only one.
PROFESSOR HARROLD
Mike, you’re a great student, don’t you trust your own professor?
MIKE
I trust you, it’s just that-
A CELL PHONE RING is heard and PROFESSOR HARROLD picks up his phone.
PROFESSOR HARROLD
Yes, he’s in here… There’s a crowd? Okay, see you then.
MIKE
Who’s that?
PROFESSOR HARROLD
He did that? You mean the virus has everyone’s social security, credit numbers and everything? He sure sounds pretty dangerous. He doesn’t sound like he is part of the three who were hacked
45
this month. You can pick him up when you’re ready.
MIKE
So you’re just going to believe the cops- is that who you were talking to?
PROFESSOR HARROLD
I don’t know what to say, I thought you matched the other people who were hacked this month. Why did you do it, then?
MIKE
I told you, I didn’t do it; I love her.
PROFESSOR HARROLD
Love can make you do crazy, even psychotic things.
MIKE
Where are these assumptions coming from? I’m a good student.
PROFESSOR HARROLD
I don’t know, Mr. Elroy. What I thought is that maybe there’s a chance. Maybe you didn’t pull off this virus, and that the hack had to do with the EKIOHK Chips Company. If it did, the people who were placed behind bars could be innocent. But now that the hacking which you have, or may have not caused, has no connection to any employee or personnel of EKIOHK… and in addition all traces of the virus were found on your computer, then I really can’t do anything
46
unless you have solid evidence with you.
MIKE
This is, this is truly fucked up! How can you do this?
PROFESSOR HARROLD
Well, there was a reward on the TV this morning.
MIKE
Your own student! What type of professor are you?
PROFESSOR HARROLD
It is not the professor who judges his profession, it is measured by the success or failure of his students. And with you, Mr. Elroy, that opinion is incomplete since you have not completed my class.
63. EXT. GRANTON UNIVERSITY’S MAIN FIELD — MORNING
There are over three-hundred STUDENTS and PROFESSORS yelling and throwing projectiles towards a huddled-over MIKE, who is held and being led out handcuffed by THREE POLICEMEN.
This scene is like that of Quasimodo being attacked by the crowds of Paris in Victor Hugo’s novel, “The Hunchback of Notre Dame”. YELLS are coming from the crowd.
YELL 1
You destroyed my family! Now we can’t afford to stay here in America.
YELL 2
Rapist!
YELL 3
Asshole!
YELL 4
You fucking terrorist!
On MIKE’S way through the crowd, a 25-YEAR-OLD-MAN takes out a knife and SLASHES MIKE’S shirtsleeve, and blood drips out, and runs off. MIKE clenches his teeth in pain as he is forced to move forward.
The sound is MUTED except for the SPLASHING DROPS of MIKE’S BLOOD onto the pavement. MIKE’s beet red face drips with tears, and the THREE POLICEMEN force him into a blue, white, and black “PHOENIX POLICE” VAN. With the SIRENS SHRIEKING, the VAN drives off.
64. INT. PHOENIX POLICE STATION OFFICE — MORNING
There are SEVERAL POLICEMEN and POLICEWOMEN TALKING in a large office area with some of the POLICEMEN answering calls. The TWO POLICEWOMEN are in the front desk speaking to PEOPLE in a LINE. The woman in the front of the line, who is speaking to them is ISABELLA.
ISABELLA is trying to explain that her money has disappeared due to the virus. ISABELLA is wearing a blue sweater with orange tight jeans. The POLICEWOMAN (1 of 2) is having trouble understanding her language.
The other PEOPLE IN LINE all have lost money from the outbreak of this computer virus and are enraged about this. The office is chaotic.
POLICEWOMAN 1
We need a translator up here, please!
ISABELLA
Mira! Mira! No moneda porque- mira, mira, no moneda porque el virus de computadora!
POLICEWOMAN 2
Mary, it’s the same with everyone we’ve had in the past five hours. The virus has spread all over the e-mail system of Phoenix.
POLICEWOMAN 1
Nancy, hold on I am getting a call. Nancy, deal with the lady, please.
NANCY (POLICEWOMAN 2) begins to try to calm ISABELLA down. MARY (POLICEWOMAN 1) picks up the phone.
Good morning, Mary Stevens, Phoenix Police Department. Officer Liam, okay. He’ll be in here any second. Don’t make a big deal out of it; we already have a line of angry people in here. Oh, sorry, there’s an angry line of traffic behind you? Okay, you need some protection getting in? Okay, okay. Thank you.
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MARY places the phone down, and whispers in NANCY’S ear the information, and walks over to the other POLICEMEN to explain the situation. NANCY then addresses the crowd.
NANCY
All right everyone, if we could please have your attention!
ISABELLA
No, Yo quiero mi moneda por mi familia. Por favor! Por favor!
NANCY
OKAY EVERYONE QUIET!
NANCY blows her WHISTLE, and everyone begins to quiet down.
Everyone, there has been a major emergency down at our other station. We need everyone to clear out, so the other station’s prisoners can come into here.
ISABELLA
How gullible do you think we are?
MARY
You speak English?
The PEOPLE IN LINE start protesting and yelling in disagreement.
Okay everyone, including you Ms. Pretend to-be-señora, to please evacuate the building. We’re closing this office right now!
A MAN IN LINE
You can’t do that! Phoenix is in the Great Depression, again; you can’t close your doors!
49
A WOMAN IN THE LINE
Talk about a common courtesy from our taxes!
NANCY
This is an official order. If you do not leave the premise within a minute you will be arrested, is that clear?
ANOTHER WOMAN IN THE LINE
Fuck you!
MARY
We know your concern ma’m. Please leave the building or you’ll be arrested.
The long line of PEOPLE IN LINE begins to slowly get out of position to head back through the front doors.
They pass A POLICEMAN who is on the phone at a separate desk.
A POLICEMAN
Everything? It’s all gone, Diana! Oh my God! I bet the government- Please! Get the kids home. The air condition is off too? The virus affected it?! Damn kid, he’ll kill us all. What am I saying?!
This policeman (A POLICEMAN) hangs up the phone and starts crying. A POLICEWOMAN (3 — a third one) who was on a phone near a desk behind him, goes to him and rubs his shoulder. After the PEOPLE IN LINE all exit, the entrance door SLAMS HARD agains the doorway.
65. EXT. THE GRAND CANYON — MID-MORNING
The sun is glaring down the Grand Canyon making the landscape a bright red and shaded landscape.
66. EXT. STREET ACROSS FROM POLICE STATION — MORNING
The POLICE VAN drives forward on the street and stops to a halt with SCREECHING BRAKES in the front of the station. There are several other POLICEMEN and now the 3 POLICEWOMEN (from the office) all holding protective shields in front of them. All of their eyes are looking in sheer terror at what will soon approach them from the VAN.
There is the LINE OF TRAFFIC and PEOPLE IN THE STREET (including the people from the line) are SCREAMING, throwing PROFANITY, and YELLING. The VOLUME is
50
ASCENDING as the VAN door opens.
MIKE is quickly pushed out by two of the POLICEMEN who escorted him earlier from GRANTON UNIVERSITY. MIKE tries to fight, but is shoved forward toward the front doors of the PHOENIX POLICE STATION. The POLICE WITH THE SHIELDS line up quickly behind MIKE and the POLICEMEN.
NANCY pulls out a red loudspeaker to address the crowd coming at their position. There must be THOUSANDS of PEOPLE beginning to emerge into the vicinity. NANCY swallows in nervousness.
NANCY
People of Phoenix we feel your pain, please stop marching and head back home so we can fix this problem, right now!
FEMALE VOICE (1) IN THE CROWD
Who are you to tell us that?
NANCY
We’re your only source of protection, without us-
MALE VOICE (1) IN THE CROWD
Some protection! My Dad just died on life support when the power went off. Some fucking protection that is!
NANCY
Please calm down. The Phoenix Energy Systems called and the power will be back on in an hour. There is a community center that can house up to eight thousand, seven blocks from here. Please go back to your houses, we do not want to hurt you.
The crowd continues moving forward.
MARY
Nancy, some negotiator you are!
NANCY
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If everyone could please quiet down, we will settle the problem.
MALE VOICE (2) FROM THE CROWD
The problems can’t be settled. There are probably hundreds like this man; ya, this man. This man who has just lost a loved one. Can’t you just kill the suspect in front of us, it would save a lot of time?
FEMALE VOICE (2) FROM THE CROWD
I do not believe in the death penalty. How the hell do you know he did do it?
MALE VOICE (3) FROM THE CROWD
Lady, all the facts lead directly towards him!
FEMALE VOICE (3) FROM THE CROWD
Shirley don’t know what she be talking about. We want that boy dead-Kentucky Fried Chicken-dead!
NANCY
Please, please, if everyone could please walk back to wherever they came from, we can deal with the problem.
FEMALE VOICE (4) FROM THE CROWD
For justice’s sake, can we kill him?
NANCY
We do not want to kill anybody, today, so please go home! Go home! All of you please, go home.
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A few PEOPLE FROM THE CROWD start to leave the scene, while the front of the crowd start sprinting, in rampaging speeds, at the SHIELDED OFFICERS (POLICE WITH SHIELDS). Some of the OFFICERS are tackled down and beat up.
A BASEBALL BAT hits NANCY straight on across the face, and she falls to the ground. MARY’S right hand sprints towards her gun, and she tries to fire it upwards, but another arm of the CROWD takes control of the gun, while she manages to hold it. FIVE SHOTS ring out in the CROWD. All of the shots hit, as two MEN, two WOMAN and one TEENAGER of the CROWD falls down with their wounds soaking into their clothing. SCREAMS echo. SWEARING and YELLING ricochet from all directions.
FIVE SWAT VANS drive onto the scene, and SWAT OFFICERS quickly assemble.
ONE OF THE SHIELDED POLICEMEN
Finally, our backup has arrived.
MARY
We could use the whole military now. Nancy?!
TWO SMOKE GRENADES stream downwards across the CROWD.
Eleven of the SHIELDED OFFICERS are down with bloodied injuries. NANCY is dead, and MARY who now has some SWAT TEAM assistance is attending to her. It is terror and tragedy all at once.
67. INT. MIKE’S JAIL CELL — AFTERNOON
MIKE is sitting in a dimly lit jail cell. His right sleeve is torn off, and there are stitches where he was cut (by knife). He has a notebook and is JOTTING NOTES of what happened. The police office and jail cell area are completely QUIET, with some murmurs of the crowds and SIRENS trailing off.
MIKE looks at a copy of the letter again which it looks like was provided to him by the police. He is a mix of emotions, but mostly confused. MIKE looks up at the ceiling, and stands up. He turns around and eyes through the metal bars in front of the cell. Behind him are two hanging beds and a metal toilet. MIKE begins to weep.
MIKE
Why does the world think it’s me? I am innocent, and no one will listen. It’s just like I was assigned to be here.
POLICE OFFICER’S VOICE
Like you were assigned to be here, right? Damned right, isn’t it?
A shadow of the POLICE OFFICER whose VOICE he hears comes and covers over sobbing MIKE. The POLICE OFFICER is tall with a “big-boned” body. He is African American and in his late forties. He is holding a cell phone in his hand.
MIKE
I’m going to die now, right?
POLICE OFFICER
No, no, much worse. I have your mother on it.
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MIKE
You think you’re so fucking funny.
POLICE OFFICER
Hey, I need humor to work for the government; what can I say? You want to take the phone or not, kid?
MIKE
Okay, sorry I said that. Thanks.
POLICE OFFICER
No problem, just talk.
MIKE
Hi…Mom?
There is a loud CLICKING on the phone. MIKE’S MOM has had it. She just heard about everything on the news. She is ready to have MIKE have it.
MIKE’S MOM
YOU KNOW DAMN FUCKING WELL WHO I AM!
MIKE
Mom. Please.
MIKE’S MOM
WHAT THE HELL IS WRONG WITH YOU? DAMN IT! Michael! You had a life, a damn good life! NOW, you through it all down the fucking toilet!
MIKE
Mom, please stop and try to reason with me. I didn’t do it; it was another hacker on campus, not me.
MIKE’S MOM
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You know this other hacker, Michael?
MIKE
No, I don’t, Mom.
MIKE’S MOM
THEN YOU’RE DAMN WELL GOING TO STAY IN JAIL! THEN TO PRISON, AND YOU KNOW WHAT? You’ll be raped by another man, and you’ll be crying every day on the floor.
MIKE
Mom, you’re way overreacting! Please Mom-
MIKE’S MOM
OVER-REACTING! It sounds like you did it?! Did you Mike? That’s what all the papers and news channels are saying. Didn’t you, Mike, just to screw us all?
MIKE
Mom, listen, I- well yesterday someone stole my wallet…and they, I think are the ones to blame.
MIKE’S MOM
STOLE YOUR WALLET? You’re still wearing that chain that wags right next to your ass!
MIKE
Mom, believe me, I’m your son.
MIKE’S MOM
But, I don’t know who you are! In fact, I don’t even want to see you or support you anymore. You killed your family, aren’t you happy now?
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MIKE
Don’t you love me? I love you.
MIKE’S MOM
My love for you is a choice.
The cell phone CLICKS indicating that MIKE’S MOM has hung up.
MIKE rubs his face. He hands the POLICE OFFICER the cell phone. MIKE looks into the POLICE OFFICER’S eyes while shaking, and then begins to cry.
POLICE OFFICER
You know real men don’t cry.
MIKE
I really don’t know what I am anymore. I used to have a family, I used to have a girlfriend, but ever since this morning it’s like I died the second I was lifted on that that van. I need to tell someone my story. Can I tell you? You’re the only person I’ve really spoken to in the last five hours.
POLICE OFFICER
Sure, I’ll begin: Once upon a time…
MIKE
Hey, Mr. Police-dude, I wrote it already. Take this.
POLICE OFFICER
Mike, call me, Mr. Manderson.
MR. MANDERSON begins to glance at the notepad papers a bit.
You’re some writer, you know that? I don’t even believe you’re a hacker and you’re completely innocent after this first paragraph.
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MIKE
That’s hilarious.
MR. MANDERSON
Let me finish this in the office. Yell if you need something like the keys for those bars.
68. EXT. A TRAFFIC JAM — HWY 17 — DESERT AREA -PHOENIX, AZ— AFTERNOON
JANET WYOMING has a microphone in hand and other REPORTERS are being taped to the side of this long line of VEHICLES, of which are HONKING impatiently. With this comes an intermittent symphony of SWEARING and LOUD COMPLAINING.
A MAN WEARING BAGGY JEANS runs up near JANET checking her out and then proceeds to urinate on a cactus near her. She is solely focused on the camera until she hears him begin to pee, and moves quickly to the side. The CAMERAMAN gives her the hand motion she is live.
JANET WYOMING
As you can see the people of Phoenix cannot even use public bathrooms because of the mass electricity shortage, followed by the water shutdown. These cars have been back-to-back for almost four hours. This all started this morning when Granton University student, Michael Elroy, son of Chris Elroy and Diane Elroy, placed out a virus that began in a group of campus e-mails and spread out to now the entire state of Phoenix-err. Sorry, I am not a meteorologist- I can’t think in this heat, please forgive me.
A fellow NEWS CREW MEMBER of WYOMING’S suddenly hands her some PAPERS. She then eyes them to begin reading the current state of MIKE’S IMPRISONMENT. The MAN WEARING BAGGY JEANS finishes, and then creepily approaches her and flips her hair over her face.
MAN WITH BAGGY JEANS
Googly, googly, goo!
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JANET WYOMING
Oh God, did you even wash your hands?
MAN WITH BAGGY JEANS
Janet, your hair was close enough.
CREW MEMBER
Sir, could please move out of the shot?
MAN WITH BAGGY JEANS
Sure will. By the way, Janet has a fully rounded ass — that’s why there’s a line of traffic.
JANET WYOMING
Geez, men these days! Well, just in: Michael Elroy had an accomplice. Peter Patrico’s name was found in a new e-mail that uses that same special character with the previous e-mail attached. At the end of the e-mail, it states “his accomplice, Peter”. Sources have verified he was talking to Peter at a Sears location.
MAN WEARING BAGGY JEANS crawls underneath JANET and looks under her skirt. JANET pretends not to notice, but quickly takes one of her high-heeled feet and jabs it into his stomach. The MAN WEARING BAGGY JEANS covers his stomach and stumbles away.
69. INT. MIKE’S JAIL CELL — LATE AFTERNOON
MIKE is staring at the ceiling. He plays catch by hitting the scrunched up email copy as a paper wad against the ceiling and catches it as it falls back. MIKE’S face is red and his eyes are red and still teary.
MIKE
I can’t wait to die, today. Seems like I was just chosen to be. I wonder. I wonder how the world chooses the jailed and the un-jailed. It’s not the justice, it’s like it’s just us and everyone else is
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not responsible. It is or less, not us, but the world has already made its choice- and we die.
PETER’S VOICE
Today, we’re not going to die.
MIKE
Peter?
PETER comes dressed in exercise clothing with handcuffs, and is led into the jail cell by way of MR. MANDERSON shoving his back into the cell, and closing the gate.
PETER
Hey Mike, what’s up?
MIKE
Not heaven, definitely.
PETER
I didn’t find your wallet.
MIKE
I did. Pete, tell me something, did you fucking take my wallet?
PETER
No, man, why would I? Did you type my name on the e-mail?
MIKE
No. I was checking my wallet, and the extra keys to my apartment were gone.
PETER
So all you need is me, right? Fucking right?
MIKE
Imagine how I feel.
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Now imagine yourself considered a terrorist by the whole world. That just about sums it up.
PETER begins to tear up, yet is more enraged. He punches the wall.
MIKE
Who would have thought, us, the best two guys in the world would be walking into the gates of Hell on something we didn’t do?
PETER
Don’t be surprised, it happens all the time. You know Mike, while you’ve been in here, people have been dying because of the disappearance of money- it affects everything. We got so used to living on it; I guess without it, the American society would seem useless. I know you didn’t do it, but where did all the money go?
MIKE
The man in the monitor ate it up- fucking technology!
PETER
Ya- technology. Our fiction has it all wrong. They say our technology will turn to robots, and then those robots will kill us and such and such. But, by a matter of fact, it’s the humans who made the technology who use it on other humans, and in the end, we all die.
MIKE
Wow, that was some philosophical shit. I
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understand it somehow. This might be, hell, why should I care what they think? They messed up pretty badly already.
PETER
Sure did, me too. We’re in it for life, now.
MIKE
Well, it’s Tiffany-
PETER
Your girlfriend set us up?
MIKE
No, I’ve thought that over several times. I mean I’ve known her for almost a month. I mean, I don’t think she is dead, either. I mean, shit, I still feel she is here, just somewhere.
PETER
Like love?
MIKE
Like love.
MR. MANDERSON comes back to them holding the notebook MIKE gave to him earlier. He gives it back to MIKE.
MIKE
Thanks, Mr. Manderson.
MR. MANDERSON
Ya, no prob. You and Pete are going to be here till seven tomorrow morning, just to warn you. But yes, I liked your story. She sounds pretty foxy to me. Tell me if you two discover something, otherwise, see you in the
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morning. Oh, I’ll also be here all night if you want me to get you some small milk cartons, just yell!
MIKE
Oh, okay.
PETER
His name is Mr. Manderson? Not officer… How long have you been in here?
MIKE
Seems like till I opened my eyes.
MIKE suddenly thinks of something, and takes out the e-mail letter copy which Professor Harrold read to him from his pocket. MIKE then takes his pen out of his other pocket and circles all the numbers right next to each of the “Error” statements. MIKE opens up the notebook and writes the numbers down: “653923455”.
MIKE
They could be a clue.
PETER
Huh?
MIKE
The numbers, I will tell you in a sec.
MIKE starts to draw out a chart starting with “A=1 and Z=26”. He then matches the numbers to the letters “FEC, IBC, and DEF”. He starts to unscramble them. He writes “FED”, and scribbles it out. MIKE then writes “BEEF, and the word, “CIDE”. He scribbles the word “CIDE”. MIKE then writes in “DICE”.
MIKE
Dice beef? But, that is not a clue. Okay… Iced beef? That’s it. It has to be it! It’s the evidence I needed.
PETER
You must be really hungry.
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MIKE
Pete, get this: remember the numbers in the email with the words “Error” next to them? Well, translated into letters, they spell the words “Iced Beef”.
PETER
I think someone’s desperate.
MIKE
It’s either desperate or dead. Mr. Manderson! Mr. Manderson!
PETER
He won’t come, the guy’s a joke. I could tell instantly.
MIKE
There was a great man who once said I was too stubborn to express myself. Now, he is just as stubborn as I was twelve hours ago.
PETER
Know what Mike? That was beautiful.
PETER approaches MIKE in an attempt to hug him. MIKE clearly wasn’t feeling it, but awkwardly puts his arms out. PETER rushes into it. MR. MANDERSON walks by and is stunned.
MR. MANDERSON
Hey, where’s my hug?
MIKE
I’ve found evidence.
MR. MANDERSON
You’re right, hackers don’t embrace people, they break
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in- not that didn’t make much sense. What did you find?
MIKE
You sound interested?
MR. MANDERSON
Nightshift you know, it’s pretty boring. But, tonight, I’m up for grabs. My wife and the kids left town because their electricity went out because of someone. And you know if we have the wrong people in here, why not see if well, well… there are people more justified to fill your shoes.
PETER eyes MR. MANDERSON, and walks back to take a leak.
MIKE
You agree that we didn’t do it?
MR. MANDERSON
I need evidence to say that.
MIKE
Here, I have some evidence. I think the hacker is at a meat processing plant .
MR. MANDERSON
Don’t tell me, he’s making a batch of patties with arsenic and shipping them to all the McDonald’s in America.
MIKE
Please listen, Mr. Manderson. Remember, the letters on the e-mail after words, “Error”? Well, I think the numbers represent letters. These unscrambled to “ICED BEEF”. It’s all clear, and I think that’s our only hope.
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MR. MANDERSON
Iced beef, huh? Almost sounds like the next big sushi craze.
MR. MANDERSON bursts out into laughter, and MIKE rushes out his arm through the bars with the e-mail in his hand.
MR. MANDERSON
What? Is this the recipe?
MIKE
I want you to read this please. Please, I don’t care how fucking screwed up you think my friend and I are. I just want you to make the most honest and justified decision. If you don’t believe us, fine, keep us locked up and watch us die on public television- or read about it. Consider understanding that maybe everyone is wrong, and maybe there is someone else who is responsible for this. You read my story yourself: I love Tiffany, just as you love your wife. You know what, someday? I wish she could be my wife. And even though this e-mail was spread around with this picture of her decapitated, I almost feel her presence. It is not in my mind or my heart; I feel she is alive right now. Right now her heart is beating, I can feel it. I feel she is here. I know, you may think I’m just a screwed up kid, please pick the paper up. Please understand it, and make the right justified decision that Phoenix needs.
MR. MANDERSON
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Okay, kid, I’ll take a look at it.
MR. MANDERSON walks away to the office. PETER look sat MIKE.
MIKE
Sure hope it works, otherwise.
PETER
I believe you.
MIKE
That’s a start.
PETER
No, I really fucking believe you.
MIKE
There’s hope.
70. EXT. PHOENIX DOWNTOWN AREA — NIGHT
It’s almost pitch black. Barely any of the street lights are working. There are FLASHLIGHTS moving about.
HELICOPTERS are FLYING OVERHEAD with lights beaming on the ground. Their lights cover over an endless line of traffic, some firetrucks use propelled water on a FLAMING CAR.
The sounds of CRYING, SWEARING, and the sound of a SHOT from a GUN being fired are heard in the heat of the night. The HELICOPTERS PULL UP and their lights shine on the Phoenix Mountain Range, and above, a full moon.
71. EXT. INDIAN RESERVATION — NIGHT
There are several HUNDREDS OF PEOPLE with sleeping bags, others can be HEARD in their cars outside waiting to leave the area.
The SIGN appears near all this commotion, “ PROPERTY IS PART OF THE ARIZONA INDIAN RESERVATION #10030”.
NATIVE AMERICAN FAMILY MEMBERS are going around trying to help some of the reservation members who are on their property in their sleeping bag.
It is strangely like looking into a shot from the devastation from a war.
JOSEPH, a fifty-year old Native American dressed in a dark colored collar shirt, with long-partly braided hair and wearing a cowboy style hat, stands outside his house which looks down on what is happening below in the street. JOSEPH is watching almost in sadness but more with a rooted anger. His brother, PAUL,
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taller and wearing a red and black patterned collared shirt, has long hair which is tied up. He is not wearing a hat, though. He walks over to JOSEPH who is looking down on the mess.
PAUL
Joseph, America is falling apart. They do not deserve to be here, after all the devastation they have caused our ancestors.
JOSEPH
You are wrong, brother. They are our brothers and sisters too. They have always needed us.
PAUL
From the beginning, America has fallen apart.
JOSEPH
Brother, that is what is wrong with America, we look too far or behind ourselves, but we never look at what is in front of our face.
72. INT. MIKE’S JAIL CELL — NIGHT
MIKE is resting. PETER keeps throwing up into the toilet.
MIKE
You feel better?
PETER
I don’t know what to feel like.
MIKE
Just say you feel good, and it will all be over with.
PETER
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Without your imaginative motivation, I don’t know where I’d be.
MIKE
I don’t know where I’d be, either.
MIKE leans back. FOOTSTEPS are heard. MR. MANDERSON comes holding two CUPS of COFFEE.
PETER
Don’t tell me there’s a Starbucks in Hell?
MR. MANDERSON
Boys, you’ll be needing this.
MIKE
So you believe us?
MR. MANDERSON
No, you guys look like you need coffee.
PETER
Okay, wait, this is not some joke like decaf, right?
MIKE
Find any particular place that fits the description?
MR. MANDERSON
Now you’re giving me orders, I think I want those coffee cups back.
MIKE
For a second there, there was some hope. I thought you believed us.
MR. MANDERSON
I’m sorry, I can’t release you based on zero evidence.
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MIKE
I believe you’re lying, Mr. Manderson.
MR. MANDERSON
Some faith you have.
MIKE
You know that there is a processing plant around here. Do you know of any cattle meat processing plant, tell me!
PETER
Whoa Mike, calm down!
MIKE
Fucking tell me!
MR. MANDERSON
There is a large processing plant about two hours away from the city.
MIKE
It does cattle meat?
MR. MANDERSON
Yes.
MIKE
Is it pretty isolated?
MR. MANDERSON
Kind of. Why? You and him want to get a room out in the desert?
MIKE
Shut the fuck up!
PETER
Mike, damn it! Please stop it.
MIKE
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You know, Mr. Manderson, it all makes sense, no matter how small the clues are. The meat plant it’s where Tiffany is.
MR. MANDERSON
But how in the world, can I just get you guys into a car and drive you out into the open? Phoenix is bumper-to-bumper in chaos.
PETER
So you finally believe us? Thank God!
MIKE
It is simple we don’t take the fucking road. We duck down in your car; they don’t see us, that simple. You said almost all the electricity is out, right?
MR. MANDERSON
We’ll never make it. In fact I’d lose my job, and probably get killed on the spot.
PETER
Imagine how we feel, right now.
MIKE
The virus is spreading across the state, if we can stop it now at the source, we can save more than just our lives- but the lives of the state.
PETER
There are probably thousands now who are dying because of this virus we didn’t start.
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MIKE
The choice is almost as clear as life and death and itself. Pick one, Mr. Manderson.
MR. MANDERSON
Okay, I have to turn off all the security systems in the building. Then we will have five minutes before the Internet cameras come back on again to do their webcam update. Once we get out of the building stay directly behind me. Now, I am giving you two armed weapons, because either way we’re going to have to defend ourselves; just don’t shoot to shoot. I trust you two because you seem mature enough to-
MIKE
Thanks, those words are what we have waited for all day.
73. EXT. A SECURITY SYSTEM COMPUTER MONITOR IN THE POLICE OFFICE
On a security computer MONITOR’S screen there is an open web page window with a webcam frozen frame of the outside of the Phoenix Police Station at nighttime. The mess from the march of people earlier in the day has left broken glass and some debris on the road in front of the station. There is a cactus plant right next to the building of the station. The only visible light that is on, is the police office light which is being charged on a generator. No one is in the office.
74. INT. MIKE’S JAIL CELL
MR. MANDERSON is opening the cell door with a key. A CLANKING sound is heard while MR. MANDERSON swings the door open. MIKE and PETER walk out.
MR. MANDERSON
We have five minutes from right, right, now!
