EXT. NEON CITY - ROOFTOPS - NIGHT
CRESTFALL stands atop a gargoyle and surveys her city. She’s above most of the street lights and the stars are clearly visible. The city sprawls for miles in every direction.
CRESTFALL (V.O.)
Neon City. My city. I haven’t been here in years. The stillness of the night betrays the vibrant underbelly that I know exists just below the surface.
As she speaks we see glimpses of serene middle class city life. Fathers and mothers coming home from work, sitting down to a home cooked meal. College students studying the night away. College students partying the night away.
CRESTFALL (V.O.)
It’s there, the evil of the city. Hiding in the dark alleys and the shadows. It’s in the places most people are afraid to look.
In an alleyway we see a figure draped in shadow. The figure is wearing a trench coat and hat like something out of a 1950’s noir film. The figure backs slowly into the shadows and disappears.
CRESTFALL (V.O.)
It’s the feeling you get when you’re walking down the street at night by yourself. Suddenly you feel as though someone’s watching you. Like they’re right behind you but you can’t bring yourself to turn around and look. So you quicken your pace. You don’t look back to see if anyone’s there because seeing it would make it real.
As she’s speaking we see a MAN about 23 doing exactly what she’s describing.
CRESTFALL (V.O.)
In Neon City, chances are someone is right behind you.
The man is walking briskly in a panic. He glances over his shoulder and sees a HOODED TEEN matching his pace and gaining on him slowly. The man darts down an alley.
CUT TO:
EXT. NEON CITY - ALLEY - IMMEDIATELY FOLLOWING
The man is trying to catch his breath and is kneeling behind a dumpster. He pokes his head out from behind the dumpster to make sure the hooded teen has passed. He doesn’t notice the teen. The man closes his eyes and regains his composure. He stands up straight and turns to leave the alley.
The hooded teen is standing there with a menacing grin. He has a retractable baton in his hands and he slowly makes his way towards the man.
MAN
Please. I don’t want any trouble.
HOODED TEEN
Neither do I. I want your wallet, and I want you to scream a little.
The man nervously pulls his wallet from his pocket and throws it on the ground.
MAN
There. That’s everything I’ve got! Honestly. I can’t even make rent this month. Please don’t hurt me, man. Times are tough. I gotta work.
HOODED TEEN
How rude. You threw it on the ground? Man, I was only going to ding you up a bit. Now I’m thinking I need to break something to get your respect.
MAN
Please. Please don’t do this.
The man falls to his knees, tears streaming down his face. The hooded teen stands over him with the baton raised. The man braces for the hit. Nothing happens. The man is confused.
CRESTFALL (V.O.)
If someone’s behind you. I’m the one who’s behind them.
* IF I CAN INTERRUPT MY SCRIPT FOR JUST A MINUTE. THAT LAST LINE BY CRESTFALL IS CORRECT IN SENTIMENT BUT NOT CONTENT. I NEED TO ADJUST IT BECAUSE I HATE IT. IF YOU CAN THINK OF SOMETHING BETTER, PLEASE LET ME KNOW. - TIM *
The man looks up and sees the hooded teen on the ground. Crestfall stands over the teen with her wings spread. Lightning CRACKS across the new clouds in the sky.
Crestfall picks up the man’s wallet and hands it to him.
MAN
Thank you so much!
CRESTFALL
Next time, don’t run into alleys. Just go home.
MAN
Next time?
CRESTFALL
You know what I mean. Get out of here.
The man runs away. In the shadows a figure watches. Crestfall is unaware.
EXT. NEON CITY - SKYLINE - LATER
Crestfall flies slowly through the cloudy skies of Neon City. The neon lights add an eerie glow to the atmosphere.
CRESTFALL (V.O.)
This city needs me. I hear its cries day and night. I’ve been back a couple of weeks now. Living on the streets among the rats and the homeless. Bob wanted me to uncover some kind of conspiracy but I don’t see anything more organized than a few gang attacks and some half hearted bank robberies. I’m starting to wonder if I maybe overreacted. I don’t know what that symbol was. Did I fall prey to some sick joke from a senile old man? Did I run away from my only chance at a normal life?
INT. PARKING GARAGE - SAME NIGHT
The parking garage is abandoned. No one uses it except a community of homeless people. Crestfall is accepted as one of them. She goes to a corner where she’s rigged some old blankets over a clothes line. Inside of her rig is a dirty mattress. She lays down and the mattress and folds her wings around herself to keep warm.
BILLY an elderly homeless man approaches her “room” from the outside and calls to her.
BILLY
Hey, superhero! We’ve got some extra cans. Saved you some! Gotta keep up your strength girl!
Crestfall begrudgingly exits her corner. When Billy sees her, he smiles like a proud father. Crestfall stretches her wings and appears to relax a little. This is her home and these people are her family.
She walks over to the center of the community where there’s a bonfire lit in an old barrel. There are four or five other homeless folks there eating various items out of various cans. Some use rusty forks, others just use their fingers.
Billy excitedly hands her a can. She hesitates before she takes it.
BILLY (CONT’D)
You’ve earned it, Superhero! Ever since you cleared that gang out of here, you’ve earned yourself first picks! And if you ain’t here for first picks then old Billy here is gonna make sure you at least get SOMETHING!
CRESTFALL
Thank you Billy. This means a lot.
She is exhausted and can barely stand. She slumps down on the ground in front of the fire.
BILLY
Come on, Superhero! You gotta eat! Gotta keep up your strength! You can’t get weak on us now.
She drops the can. She’s too wiped out to even stand. She can barely speak.
CRESTFALL
How did... you know.. about...
Billy bunches up an old blanket for her to use as a pillow and slides it under her head.
BILLY
Oh, he’s told us a lot about you. He’s the one who keeps bringing us food. He says we can share it as long as you always get some. But that’s not why I like to make sure. You work hard for us. You deserve it. You get some sleep though. You can eat in the morning.
CRESTFALL
Who?
She glances up and as her vision blurs she sees the man in the trench coat step out of the shadows.
INT. GARBAZ’S APARTMENT - MORNING
Crestfall groggily awakes in a bed. Confused she looks around at the small apartment. The bed she’s on is folded out from the couch in the small living room. There are two doors that lead to other rooms. The kitchen is small and tucked away in the corner. Her recon stops when she sees the dinning room table.
On the table is a neatly made omelet with bacon and hash browns. A tall glass of orange juice sits next to it.
She scrambles over to the table and devours the food. As she does so, the door opens and a man of 70, CHARLES GARBAZ enters. He’s the man who has been draped in shadow, watching her for the past couple of weeks. He’s carrying a full grocery bag. They startle each other. She readies herself for a fight, he drops the bag.
CRESTFALL
Who are you? In fact, where am I?
He slowly bends down to pick up the groceries.
GARBAZ
My name is Charles Garbaz. I’m an old friend of your father’s. I’ve been keeping an eye on you for some time.
CRESTFALL
My father? Keeping an eye on me? Who the heck ISN’T watching me? I’ve got some mysterious corporate tool who’s supposedly been watching me since birth, I had all kinds of cameras on me in that place! Now I’ve got you saying that you’re watching me! What the hell is going on?
She glances around the room, the reality of her situation is dawning on her.
CRESTFALL (CONT’D)
How did I even get here? Are you kidnapping me? Why am I rambling?
He walks over to the table and offers her a seat.
GARBAZ
Here. Sit. I’m going to make some more food, then I’ll fill you in on everything you need to know.
INT. GARBAZ’S APARTMENT - LATER
There’s a stack of plates in the sink. She’s been eating all morning. They sit together at the table as she eats more food.
CRESTFALL
So let me see if I understand this. You’re an old friend of my dad’s and you’ve been keeping tabs on me since my parents died. You knew about my accident but thought I didn’t make it until Bob called you and told you I was on my way... Who are you? How do you know all this?
GARBAZ
I wasn’t just friends with your father. We were co-workers. We worked for The Facility when it was first started by Alexander Quitlove’s father. Our team was your father, myself, and Robert. We were tasked by Quitlove to create a enhancement serum for soldiers. Something that would add to their strength, endurance, stamina what have you. And we were successful. We created a compound that, when injected, boosted the human potential tenfold. But this wasn’t enough for Quitlove. He wanted bulletproof soldiers. He wanted unstoppable Marines. He wanted indestructable troops and he wanted to make sure it never wore off. This didn’t sit well with your father. He told Quitlove that he was finished. No more experiments, no more research, no more nothing. His wife, your mother, was pregnant with you at the time and he had to put his family first. Your father walked out.
CRESTFALL
Well that’s a nice story. It doesn’t explain anything though.
GARBAZ
Listen to you! Jumping the gun. I haven’t had visitors in ages. Sometimes an old man just wants to tell his stories.
Crestfall is grinning at him.
CRESTFALL
I’m sorry.
GARBAZ
Good. Now shut up.
The playful banter sets Crestfall’s mind at ease.
GARBAZ (CONT’D)
Robert and I continued our research based off of your father’s notes. We made some shocking breakthroughs. We found a way to alter a human’s genetic code through a mixture of... I can’t remember what we mixed. Suffice it to say, the mixture was a success. On paper at least. When we tried to mash the compound up with human DNA strands in the lab, they would bond for a fleeting moment, then dissipate. We came to discover that your father had been using bits of his own genetic code as the base for the original compound. We took a sample of his DNA from The Facility’s files and our new enhancement mixture took like a charm. Bonded completely. It enhanced his genetic sample to scientifically amazing... I’m getting off topic.
CRESTFALL
So wait. You’re saying that you created the perfect super human but it only works with my dad’s blood?
GARBAZ
Essentially, yes.
CRESTFALL
How does this relate to me? I mean besides the obvious.
She flexes her wings for emphasis.
GARBAZ
Your parents death was no accident. It was retaliation for what Quitlove saw as a grave injustice on your father’s part. Alexander Quitlove could not stand for this dishonor and he paid to have your parents taken care of in a manner that seemed like an accident.
CRESTFALL
No...
GARBAZ
Once he received word that only your father’s DNA could bond to the serum, Alexander Quitlove’s father killed himself and left his empire to his son. This new Quitlove learned quickly that crime pays in large doses. He now runs the crime in this city from his ivory tower. When he learned that you survived the accident, he made sure that you were never far from his sight. He had me keep tabs on you.
CRESTFALL
So you’re the who sent the bomb?
GARBAZ
No! No no. The bomb was Quitlove’s own doing. My job was to keep tabs on you. When the explosion killed your team, I feared you were lost forever. With you gone, I had no reason left to work at The Facility. I retired and gathered my pension. I’ve been in mourning since. Until a month ago when I got a call in the middle of the night from Robert telling me that not only had you been found. But you had been the victim of our serum. He notified me of you expected arrival and I’ve been watching you ever since.
CRESTFALL
If you’ve been watching me ever since... Why have you only approached me now? Why have you been paying Billy and the others with canned food and only watching from a distance?
GARBAZ
I had to be sure.
CRESTFALL
Sure of what?
GARBAZ
Sure that you were still in charge of your own facilities. The last thing I need is to have Quitlove and flunkies burst in here. I’m going to take him down. But I’m going to need your help.
CRESTFALL
What can I do?
GARBAZ
We need evidence against him. We need a direct line to Quitlove. I need you to continue doing what you’re doing every night already. But I need you to get information from the thugs and bullies. We need to find something concrete in order to pin him to the wall.
EXT. NEON CITY - ROOFTOPS - NIGHT
CRESTFALL stands atop a gargoyle. Neon tubing runs down the sides of monumental skyscrapers throughout the city’s skyline. Crestfall is in her normal jumpsuit, her blood red wings folded back as she surveys her city.
CRESTFALL (V.O.)
It’s cold tonight in Neon City. The air is still. It’s going to rain soon.
It begins to rain. Crestfall leaps into the air and spreads her wings. She flies into the night sky.
CRESTFALL (V.O. CONT’D)
The drops on my wings are refreshing. But I know that the thugs in this town like the rain. They’ll be coming out of the shadows soon. Like roaches.
EXT. NEON CITY - ALLEY - NIGHT
A WOMAN shuffles her feet through puddles in the rain. She’s clearly nervous and questioning her decision to cut through the alley. She turns a corner and is met face to face with a wall. She’s startled.
WOMAN (TO HERSELF)
Now you’re jumping at walls. Just turn around and head back to the street.
She turns around and notices a small group of THUGS standing before her. Some of them hold baseball bats. They snicker amongst themselves. The THUG LEADER stands at their forefront, dressed in a tacky leather outfit.
THUG LEADER
You know, I was just talking to Lenny (he’s my best bud y’see) and I says to him, I says ‘Lenny, you know what I really want?’ And he says in his typical deadpan Lenny fashion, he says ‘Nope sure don’t’.
Tears are streaming down her face as thugs move in closer with each word spoken by the leader.
CRESTFALL (V.O.)
They’re roaches, and I’m the exterminator.
THUG LEADER
So I explained it to Lenny. I says ‘What I really want is a new plaything.’ And baby,
I want to play with you!
The woman’s SCREAMS fade into the rainy night sky.
CRESTFALL (V.O.)
My name is Crestfall.
The leader grabs the woman by the arm. He’s tapped on the shoulder.
CRESTFALL
Excuse me.
The leader turns around to see Crestfall standing behind him. Her wings spread ominously. The few thugs that aren’t already on the ground, knocked out by her, are huddled off to the side cowering in fear.
CRESTFALL (CONT’D)
I don’t think she feels like playing right now.
The leader pushes the woman to the ground.
THUG LEADER
What are you ladies waiting for? Get her!
As their leader barks out order, the thugs gather their bearing and attack Crestfall.
CRESTFALL (V.O.)
This is my favorite part.
She makes quick work of them utilizing a specialized hand-to-hand combat technique. Part of the technique involves using her wings as a weapon, folding her wings back and thrusting them forward. She makes quick work of the remaining thugs as the leader watches. If he’s nervous he doesn’t show it. The woman is slumped on the ground in the alley, drenched by the rain.
Crestfall opens her wings again. She turns around and stares the leader in the eye.
CRESTFALL
Now you and I get to play.
Sunday, October 30, 2011
Sunday, October 16, 2011
Crestfall Week 3 Post
INT. “THE FACILITY” - WARDROBE ROOM - THE NEXT DAY
Crestfall enters the room clearly labeled “WARDROBE”. Inside the room people are testing new fabrics under various conditions. She notices as some fabrics are shot at and do not register the bullets, others drenched in napalm and never burn, others cannot even be cut.
She’s led to a corner of the room filled with nondescript suits and dresses. Standing by these clothes is GRETA. Greta has been in the Wardrobe Room for many years and her age is beginning to show. She’s absorbed in her clipboard as Crestfall approaches.
CRESTFALL
Uh... hi. I was told to come find a woman named “Greta”.
Greta SHUSHES her.
CRESTFALL (CONT’D)
Okay then. I’ll just wait over here then.
She crosses the room to an empty seat. She sits and looks around the room. More fabric tests are being conducted. She notices the symbol again in various places around the room. She’s still a little uncomfortable and doesn’t quite know how to process it.
GRETA
Jessica Crest.
Greta walks over with her clipboard and Crestfall notices the similarities between that and Waters’s own clipboard.
CRESTFALL
Yes ma’am. Are you Greta?
GRETA
What I am, is a a very busy woman with a lot of important things to do. I have better ways to spend my time than giving test subjects some dress up clothes.
CRESTFALL
I’m sorry. I don’t understand.
Greta hands Crestfall a piece of paper from the clipboard.
GRETA
This is an order my people received last night from your department. It clearly states that we’re to provide you with at least one outfit for you to wear to “relax in” or some such nonsense.
CRESTFALL
I really had no idea.
GRETA
What you have, is no respect for people that have worked hard to get here.
CRESTFALL
Okay, that was uncalled for. You don’t even...
Greta cuts her off.
GRETA
I’ve wasted enough time with you today. Follow me.
Greta leads her back to the corner with the suits. She hands Crestfall a bundle. Crestfall opens it and examines the clothes as Greta describes them.
GRETA (CONT’D)
We didn’t do anything flashy. You have a standard outfit so you can lounge around. We reenforced it so your wings won’t tear it to shreds and there’s easy access to slip in and out comfortably. Also we were bored so you also have some of the latest in the tweaks that we’ve been working on. Any part of you that’s covered with these will protect you from bullets, fire, yadda yadda. Now get out of my lab.
Greta walks away.
CRESTFALL
Uh... thanks?
INT. “THE FACILITY” - THE BOOM ROOM - LATER
Crestfall doesn’t talk to Waters or Bob. She just goes through the motions. In a montage we see her flying with the turbine on, then the turbine off. They throw new obstacles at her that she escapes with ease.
INT. “THE FACILITY” - WEAPONS ROOM - DURING MONTAGE
Crestfall is doing hand to hand combat, she utilizes her wings in ground fighting for disarming her oponents, she also uses escrima sticks as her weapon of choice. The montage highlights her dedication to learning her fighting techniques and also shows that she’s no longer talking to any of the people involved with her training.
INT. “THE FACILITY” - WEAPONS ROOM - AFTER MONTAGE
Crestfall dusts herself off. Two of the attending ORDERLIES walk off by themselves. Unbeknownst to them, Crestfall hears their conversation.
ORDERLY 1
Do you think she’s onto it?
ORDERLY 2
Onto what?
ORDERLY 1
You know... “IT”?
ORDERLY 2
Look man, all I know is that we take her from one place to another and at the end of every couple of weeks, I get a paycheck.
ORDERLY 1
Yeah, but sooner or later she’s going to find out the truth about...
Orderly 2 notices the Crestfall appears to be listening even though she’s too far to hear them.
ORDERLY 2
Dude, shut up. She’s like a superhero or something. What if she can hear us?
ORDERLY 1
Don’t be an idiot. She suspects something for sure. But she can’t hear us. Can she?
Crestfall leaves.
INT. “THE FACILITY” - CRESTFALL’S ROOM - EVENING
Crestfall is wearing her new outfit. A grey hoodie and grey sweatpants. She looks comfortable and almost relaxed for the first time in a long time. For tonight, she’s let her uncertainty go by the wayside.
There’s a KNOCK on the door and a manilla envelope is pushed beneath the door’s frame. Crestfall opens the door but the hallway is empty. She sits on her bed and opens the envelope. Inside is a single piece of paper that reads “TOMORROW. MIDNIGHT. ATRUIM.”
Crestfall burns the paper and envelope with a lighter and throws it in the garbage can. She lays back down on her bed.
INT. “THE FACILITY” - THE BOOM ROOM - THE NEXT MORNING
The doors to the turbine room open and Crestfall enters. Buzz saws, electrical rods and plumes of fire spit out from all angles.
BOB (OVER INTERCOM)
Okay C.F. We’re going to throw everything and more at you today. So, whenever you’re ready.
She stands there unmoving.
BOB (OVER INTERCOM) (CONT’D)
C.F. We’re on a schedule. Let’s go.
Crestfall says nothing and walks out into the hallway.
INT. “THE FACILITY” - HALLWAYS OUTSIDE THE BOOM ROOM - IMEDIATELY FOLLOWING
Doctor Waters comes storming into the hallway extremely angry. Crestfall seems unaffected by anything. She isn’t angry or irritated.
WATERS
What on Earth is wrong with you?
CRESTFALL
Nothing.
WATERS
We have tests to run!
CRESTFALL
I don’t think so.
WATERS
You don’t get to call the shots here sister. I do!
CRESTFALL
I’m not going to go in there and do that stuff today.
WATERS
What makes today so special?
CRESTFALL
Maybe it isn’t! Maybe I don’t want to play guinea pig any more.
Bob enters the hallway.
BOB
Alright. Let’s skip this stuff for today. We’ve been ahead of schedule for weeks. It’s not going to kill us to take an unscheduled day off. Why don’t you go to your quarters C.F. We’ll get everything ironed out on this end and see if we can’t streamline it a bit instead of just throwing everything at you at once.
Crestfall doesn’t speak. She just leaves.
INT. “THE FACILITY” - CRESTFALL’S ROOM - EARLY AFTERNOON
Crestfall is just sitting on her bed. There’s a quick KNOCK and the door opens. It’s Bob. He has never come to visit her before and based on their conversation it’s clear that they have never really had a personal conversation before.
BOB
Hey, C.F.
CRESTFALL
Bob.
BOB
What happened in there today?
CRESTFALL
I looked up and decided I wasn’t going to do it anymore. I’m done with these tests. I want out.
BOB
I understand that all too well. You haven’t really had a day off since we started this whole thing. You’re stressed and you need a break. No one understands that more than me. Maybe you’ll feel better tonight.
As he says “tonight” Crestfall becomes nervous.
CRESTFALL
Tonight? Why is tonight special?
BOB
Oh, you never know what might happen... after midnight.
INT. “THE FACILITY” - THE ATRIUM - LATER
The sun is setting as Crestfall walks through The Atruim. It’s a vast open air area with a class ceiling that seems to stretch into infinity. There are tall, beautiful trees from all over the world. Exotic flowers pepper the woodchipped path as she walks through.
She stumbles across a giant waterfall the tumbles into a large pond located right in the middle of The Atrium.
Waters walks up behind her.
CRESTFALL
I’ve never really walked around here.
WATERS
It’s very lovely. I often come down to the waterfall when I need some “me time”. It soothes me.
CRESTFALL
I can see how.
They stand for a silent moment. Watching the water.
CRESTFALL (CONT’D)
Sorry about... before.
WATERS
Well, I may have been a tad out of line myself.
Silence.
WATERS (CONT’D)
You feeling up for weapons training?
CRESTFALL
Always.
INT. “THE FACILITY” - WEAPONS ROOM - EARLY EVENING
Crestfall has used the escrima sticks earlier in the montage and she’s very comfortable with them. But tonight in the training room something “clicks” inside her and she uses them like a master painter who’s creating something beautiful.
Waters watches in awe as she realizes that her test subject might reach a higher potential than anyone ever thought possible.
Crestfall ends her exercise by demolishing a training dummy. Waters approaches her.
WATERS
Crestfall, that was simply astounding! How do you feel?
CRESTFALL
Hungry. Very hungry.
WATERS
You must have burned through all of your reserve energy. We thought this might be the case and it was the focus of our planned study today.
CRESTFALL
What do you mean?
INT. “THE FACILITY” - CAFETERIA - LATER
Crestfall has a large amount of food and scarfs it down.
WATERS
It seems your biggest weakness is your own body. The more energy you exert, the more you wear yourself down. It’s just like any quote, unquote “normal person” only for you it’s on a grander scale. If you don’t eat, you won’t have the energy to do anything at all. But after you’ve eaten your fill, you could be potentially be at the peak of your strength.
Crestfall BURPS then EXCUSES herself.
WATERS (CONT’D)
Charming.
Waters grins.
WATERS (CONT’D)
I’m off to bed. We’ll continue this discussion in the morning. Good night Crestfall.
Crestfall watches her leave and gets a small tear in her eye.
CRESTFALL (WHISPERS)
Goodbye.
INT. “THE FACILITY” - THE ATRIUM - MIDNIGHT
Crestfall enters The Atrium wearing her sweats over her jumpsuit. She has her escrima sticks attached to her belt. The Atrium is dark but she can see just fine. She makes her way to the waterfall in the center. She’s looking for a sign of what to do next.
CRESTFALL (WHISPERS)
Waters? Doc, are you here?
Bob steps out of the shadows.
BOB
You don’t have to whisper. I locked the doors behind you. It’s just you and me in here.
CRESTFALL
Where’s Waters? I thought she’d be here.
BOB
Waters? You can’t trust her. She’s deeper in this than any of us. She’s virtually his right hand man!
CRESTFALL
Who’s?
BOB
Quitlove. Alexander Quitlove.
CRESTFALL
I’ve heard that name before...
BOB
He’s the president, C.E.O., Evil Overlord, whatever you want to call it of Sinecorp. He’s the reason you’re here.
CRESTFALL
He’s the guy in the hospital that gave me the card?
BOB
Yeah, that was him too. But he’s the guy who’s responsible for your new limbs and abilities.
CRESTFALL
What? Why me?
BOB
I just do the work kid. You’re going to have to find that out for yourself. Be careful though, he’s a tough nut to crack. I’ve been boosting your training to try to test your limits so you might be ready to seek him out.
CRESTFALL
What do I do?
Bob is becoming nervous. He is speaker faster and is stumbling over his words.
BOB
Go home. Back to Neon City. That’s where Sinecorp H.Q. is. You can’t just burst in the door though. Uncover his ties to crime in the city.
CRESTFALL
Crime in the city? What?
BOB
He’s the crime lord in Neon! Prove it! Find the evidence. If you can bring him down, you should be able to get answers! Now go!
CRESTFALL
Go where?
BOB
Up! Through the ceiling. I’ve shut down the security grid. Burst out and head east. Head east til you get to Neon.
CRESTFALL
What do I do when I get there?
BOB
Whatever you can! Now go!
Crestfall leaps in the air and flies through the glass ceiling. She heads east.
BOB (CONT’D)
Good luck C.F.
The man from the hospital appears behind Bob still crowded in shadow. This man is QUITLOVE.
QUITLOVE
Yes, I expect she’ll need a little “luck”.
Surprised, Bob turns around to face his employer. There’s a BANG from a gun and Bob falls to the ground dead.
QUITLOVE (CONT’D)
I wasn’t expecting her to be ready quite so soon. This should prove to be very interesting. Very interesting indeed.
Crestfall enters the room clearly labeled “WARDROBE”. Inside the room people are testing new fabrics under various conditions. She notices as some fabrics are shot at and do not register the bullets, others drenched in napalm and never burn, others cannot even be cut.
She’s led to a corner of the room filled with nondescript suits and dresses. Standing by these clothes is GRETA. Greta has been in the Wardrobe Room for many years and her age is beginning to show. She’s absorbed in her clipboard as Crestfall approaches.
CRESTFALL
Uh... hi. I was told to come find a woman named “Greta”.
Greta SHUSHES her.
CRESTFALL (CONT’D)
Okay then. I’ll just wait over here then.
She crosses the room to an empty seat. She sits and looks around the room. More fabric tests are being conducted. She notices the symbol again in various places around the room. She’s still a little uncomfortable and doesn’t quite know how to process it.
GRETA
Jessica Crest.
Greta walks over with her clipboard and Crestfall notices the similarities between that and Waters’s own clipboard.
CRESTFALL
Yes ma’am. Are you Greta?
GRETA
What I am, is a a very busy woman with a lot of important things to do. I have better ways to spend my time than giving test subjects some dress up clothes.
CRESTFALL
I’m sorry. I don’t understand.
Greta hands Crestfall a piece of paper from the clipboard.
GRETA
This is an order my people received last night from your department. It clearly states that we’re to provide you with at least one outfit for you to wear to “relax in” or some such nonsense.
CRESTFALL
I really had no idea.
GRETA
What you have, is no respect for people that have worked hard to get here.
CRESTFALL
Okay, that was uncalled for. You don’t even...
Greta cuts her off.
GRETA
I’ve wasted enough time with you today. Follow me.
Greta leads her back to the corner with the suits. She hands Crestfall a bundle. Crestfall opens it and examines the clothes as Greta describes them.
GRETA (CONT’D)
We didn’t do anything flashy. You have a standard outfit so you can lounge around. We reenforced it so your wings won’t tear it to shreds and there’s easy access to slip in and out comfortably. Also we were bored so you also have some of the latest in the tweaks that we’ve been working on. Any part of you that’s covered with these will protect you from bullets, fire, yadda yadda. Now get out of my lab.
Greta walks away.
CRESTFALL
Uh... thanks?
INT. “THE FACILITY” - THE BOOM ROOM - LATER
Crestfall doesn’t talk to Waters or Bob. She just goes through the motions. In a montage we see her flying with the turbine on, then the turbine off. They throw new obstacles at her that she escapes with ease.
INT. “THE FACILITY” - WEAPONS ROOM - DURING MONTAGE
Crestfall is doing hand to hand combat, she utilizes her wings in ground fighting for disarming her oponents, she also uses escrima sticks as her weapon of choice. The montage highlights her dedication to learning her fighting techniques and also shows that she’s no longer talking to any of the people involved with her training.
INT. “THE FACILITY” - WEAPONS ROOM - AFTER MONTAGE
Crestfall dusts herself off. Two of the attending ORDERLIES walk off by themselves. Unbeknownst to them, Crestfall hears their conversation.
ORDERLY 1
Do you think she’s onto it?
ORDERLY 2
Onto what?
ORDERLY 1
You know... “IT”?
ORDERLY 2
Look man, all I know is that we take her from one place to another and at the end of every couple of weeks, I get a paycheck.
ORDERLY 1
Yeah, but sooner or later she’s going to find out the truth about...
Orderly 2 notices the Crestfall appears to be listening even though she’s too far to hear them.
ORDERLY 2
Dude, shut up. She’s like a superhero or something. What if she can hear us?
ORDERLY 1
Don’t be an idiot. She suspects something for sure. But she can’t hear us. Can she?
Crestfall leaves.
INT. “THE FACILITY” - CRESTFALL’S ROOM - EVENING
Crestfall is wearing her new outfit. A grey hoodie and grey sweatpants. She looks comfortable and almost relaxed for the first time in a long time. For tonight, she’s let her uncertainty go by the wayside.
There’s a KNOCK on the door and a manilla envelope is pushed beneath the door’s frame. Crestfall opens the door but the hallway is empty. She sits on her bed and opens the envelope. Inside is a single piece of paper that reads “TOMORROW. MIDNIGHT. ATRUIM.”
Crestfall burns the paper and envelope with a lighter and throws it in the garbage can. She lays back down on her bed.
INT. “THE FACILITY” - THE BOOM ROOM - THE NEXT MORNING
The doors to the turbine room open and Crestfall enters. Buzz saws, electrical rods and plumes of fire spit out from all angles.
BOB (OVER INTERCOM)
Okay C.F. We’re going to throw everything and more at you today. So, whenever you’re ready.
She stands there unmoving.
BOB (OVER INTERCOM) (CONT’D)
C.F. We’re on a schedule. Let’s go.
Crestfall says nothing and walks out into the hallway.
INT. “THE FACILITY” - HALLWAYS OUTSIDE THE BOOM ROOM - IMEDIATELY FOLLOWING
Doctor Waters comes storming into the hallway extremely angry. Crestfall seems unaffected by anything. She isn’t angry or irritated.
WATERS
What on Earth is wrong with you?
CRESTFALL
Nothing.
WATERS
We have tests to run!
CRESTFALL
I don’t think so.
WATERS
You don’t get to call the shots here sister. I do!
CRESTFALL
I’m not going to go in there and do that stuff today.
WATERS
What makes today so special?
CRESTFALL
Maybe it isn’t! Maybe I don’t want to play guinea pig any more.
Bob enters the hallway.
BOB
Alright. Let’s skip this stuff for today. We’ve been ahead of schedule for weeks. It’s not going to kill us to take an unscheduled day off. Why don’t you go to your quarters C.F. We’ll get everything ironed out on this end and see if we can’t streamline it a bit instead of just throwing everything at you at once.
Crestfall doesn’t speak. She just leaves.
INT. “THE FACILITY” - CRESTFALL’S ROOM - EARLY AFTERNOON
Crestfall is just sitting on her bed. There’s a quick KNOCK and the door opens. It’s Bob. He has never come to visit her before and based on their conversation it’s clear that they have never really had a personal conversation before.
BOB
Hey, C.F.
CRESTFALL
Bob.
BOB
What happened in there today?
CRESTFALL
I looked up and decided I wasn’t going to do it anymore. I’m done with these tests. I want out.
BOB
I understand that all too well. You haven’t really had a day off since we started this whole thing. You’re stressed and you need a break. No one understands that more than me. Maybe you’ll feel better tonight.
As he says “tonight” Crestfall becomes nervous.
CRESTFALL
Tonight? Why is tonight special?
BOB
Oh, you never know what might happen... after midnight.
INT. “THE FACILITY” - THE ATRIUM - LATER
The sun is setting as Crestfall walks through The Atruim. It’s a vast open air area with a class ceiling that seems to stretch into infinity. There are tall, beautiful trees from all over the world. Exotic flowers pepper the woodchipped path as she walks through.
She stumbles across a giant waterfall the tumbles into a large pond located right in the middle of The Atrium.
Waters walks up behind her.
CRESTFALL
I’ve never really walked around here.
WATERS
It’s very lovely. I often come down to the waterfall when I need some “me time”. It soothes me.
CRESTFALL
I can see how.
They stand for a silent moment. Watching the water.
CRESTFALL (CONT’D)
Sorry about... before.
WATERS
Well, I may have been a tad out of line myself.
Silence.
WATERS (CONT’D)
You feeling up for weapons training?
CRESTFALL
Always.
INT. “THE FACILITY” - WEAPONS ROOM - EARLY EVENING
Crestfall has used the escrima sticks earlier in the montage and she’s very comfortable with them. But tonight in the training room something “clicks” inside her and she uses them like a master painter who’s creating something beautiful.
Waters watches in awe as she realizes that her test subject might reach a higher potential than anyone ever thought possible.
Crestfall ends her exercise by demolishing a training dummy. Waters approaches her.
WATERS
Crestfall, that was simply astounding! How do you feel?
CRESTFALL
Hungry. Very hungry.
WATERS
You must have burned through all of your reserve energy. We thought this might be the case and it was the focus of our planned study today.
CRESTFALL
What do you mean?
INT. “THE FACILITY” - CAFETERIA - LATER
Crestfall has a large amount of food and scarfs it down.
WATERS
It seems your biggest weakness is your own body. The more energy you exert, the more you wear yourself down. It’s just like any quote, unquote “normal person” only for you it’s on a grander scale. If you don’t eat, you won’t have the energy to do anything at all. But after you’ve eaten your fill, you could be potentially be at the peak of your strength.
Crestfall BURPS then EXCUSES herself.
WATERS (CONT’D)
Charming.
Waters grins.
WATERS (CONT’D)
I’m off to bed. We’ll continue this discussion in the morning. Good night Crestfall.
Crestfall watches her leave and gets a small tear in her eye.
CRESTFALL (WHISPERS)
Goodbye.
INT. “THE FACILITY” - THE ATRIUM - MIDNIGHT
Crestfall enters The Atrium wearing her sweats over her jumpsuit. She has her escrima sticks attached to her belt. The Atrium is dark but she can see just fine. She makes her way to the waterfall in the center. She’s looking for a sign of what to do next.
CRESTFALL (WHISPERS)
Waters? Doc, are you here?
Bob steps out of the shadows.
BOB
You don’t have to whisper. I locked the doors behind you. It’s just you and me in here.
CRESTFALL
Where’s Waters? I thought she’d be here.
BOB
Waters? You can’t trust her. She’s deeper in this than any of us. She’s virtually his right hand man!
CRESTFALL
Who’s?
BOB
Quitlove. Alexander Quitlove.
CRESTFALL
I’ve heard that name before...
BOB
He’s the president, C.E.O., Evil Overlord, whatever you want to call it of Sinecorp. He’s the reason you’re here.
CRESTFALL
He’s the guy in the hospital that gave me the card?
BOB
Yeah, that was him too. But he’s the guy who’s responsible for your new limbs and abilities.
CRESTFALL
What? Why me?
BOB
I just do the work kid. You’re going to have to find that out for yourself. Be careful though, he’s a tough nut to crack. I’ve been boosting your training to try to test your limits so you might be ready to seek him out.
CRESTFALL
What do I do?
Bob is becoming nervous. He is speaker faster and is stumbling over his words.
BOB
Go home. Back to Neon City. That’s where Sinecorp H.Q. is. You can’t just burst in the door though. Uncover his ties to crime in the city.
CRESTFALL
Crime in the city? What?
BOB
He’s the crime lord in Neon! Prove it! Find the evidence. If you can bring him down, you should be able to get answers! Now go!
CRESTFALL
Go where?
BOB
Up! Through the ceiling. I’ve shut down the security grid. Burst out and head east. Head east til you get to Neon.
CRESTFALL
What do I do when I get there?
BOB
Whatever you can! Now go!
Crestfall leaps in the air and flies through the glass ceiling. She heads east.
BOB (CONT’D)
Good luck C.F.
The man from the hospital appears behind Bob still crowded in shadow. This man is QUITLOVE.
QUITLOVE
Yes, I expect she’ll need a little “luck”.
Surprised, Bob turns around to face his employer. There’s a BANG from a gun and Bob falls to the ground dead.
QUITLOVE (CONT’D)
I wasn’t expecting her to be ready quite so soon. This should prove to be very interesting. Very interesting indeed.
Sunday, October 9, 2011
Crestfall Week 2 post
INT. “THE FACILITY” - DAY - DAYS LATER
JESSICA enters The Facility accompanied by DOCTOR WATERS (a young female doctor around 35). The Facility is almost hospital like in it’s whiteness. The walls are covered with wires and various monitors. The technology is more advanced than most places. Clearly there are great scientific minds at work in this place.
Jessica is wearing jeans and hoodie with some patches cut out of the back to accommodate her wings. She’s a little uncertain of her surroundings.
WATERS
We’re so happy you decided to join us Ms. Crest! It was definitely unfortunate, the circumstances that surrounded your condition. Some of us were afraid that you might back out of our offer!
JESSICA
Thanks, Doctor Waters. I really don’t know what else I could have done. The Army doesn’t want me back and I’m pretty sure Starbucks would frown on these.
She flexes her wings and stretches them out. She knocks over a tray with some equipment on it.
JESSICA (CONT’D)
Oops! Sorry!
WATERS
Don’t worry about it. Here at The Facility we’re used to all manners of mishaps. You’ll fit right in.
JESSICA
Thanks. I think. So what is it you all actually do here?
They leave the entrance and walk down the main hallway. As they speak they pass all kinds of experiments and technological tests. No living creatures are being manipulated.
WATERS
I’m so glad you asked! I rarely get to gloat. Here at The Facility, we are tasked with “the advancement of science”. Essentially that means that we have an unlimited budget and almost no restrictions on what to study.
JESSICA
Almost?
WATERS
We’re not allowed to test on people. Not without their express written and verbal permission on forms in triplicate which I’m sure you’re aware of.
Jessica rubs her wrist.
JESSICA
Yeah, I think I remember a thing or two about that.
Doctor Waters laughs.
WATERS
You’d be surprised at some of the things that have come out of The Facility.
They walk down a hallway marked “Hall of Fame”. Along the walls are pictures of The Facility’s greatest achievements. Some of which are mentioned by Doctor Waters.
WATERS (CONT’D)
Microwave ovens, Velcro, anti-lock breaks, aglets...
JESSICA
What’s an aglet?
WATERS
The plastic thing on the end of shoelaces.
JESSICA
So you guys have been around for a while huh?
WATERS
Longer than anyone would care to admit I think. Let me show you where you’ll be spending a bulk of your time.
INT. “THE FACILITY” - THE BOOM ROOM - DAY - IMMEDIATELY FOLLOWING
Waters and Jessica enter a control room filled with panels and monitors. The room is black in a stark contrast to the white of the rest of The Facility. There is a large window that fills the far wall. It’s entirely black. BOB (about 43) sits at one of the monitors staring intently.
WATERS
This is Doctor Roberto Sinclair. He’s in charge of The Boom Room.
BOB
Everyone just calls me Bob.
He gets up. Jessica reaches out to shake his hand. He heads straight to her wings, running his hands up and down them. Jessica is not entirely comfortable with this.
WATERS
Don’t mind Bob, he’s been obsessed with self propulsion since he’s learned of your condition.
JESSICA
Ow! Watch it Bob! Those are attached.
BOB
Sorry!
JESSICA (TO WATERS)
Why is this place called The Boom Room?
BOB
I thought you’d never ask!
He runs over to the corner and stands excitedly by a series of switches.
WATERS
I told you, we never get to gloat!
He flips the switch and the lights turn on in the window. There’s a giant turbine engine in a room shaped like a tube. It’s big enough to fit a small jet inside.
Bob giggles as he throws a second switch. A loud BOOM ricochets through the room and the turbine begins to spin. As it spins faster and faster it sends out a huge blast of air. Small flags line the sides of the tube in the room around the diameter to indicate the intensity of the wind.
JESSICA
How do I get in there?
WATERS
Oh no! No no no. You can’t go in there dressed like that, the force alone could tear every piece of fabric to shreds. Besides, we’ll have to test out your skin to see if you’ll be able to withstand the blasts yourself!
JESSICA
Well if I can’t wear this, then what am I supposed to wear?
WATERS
Let me show to your room.
INT. “THE FACILITY” - JESSICA’S ROOM - DAY - SLIGHTLY LATER
They walk into a freshly painted blue room. It looks a bit like a military barracks room. There’s a twin size bed neatly made. A closed closet. A desk with a computer, and a tv in the corner.
WATERS
This is where you’ll be living! It’s not much but it’s all yours. I know it looks all Army-ish and stuff, but don’t worry! You won’t have any inspections or guidelines or anything. You can keep this room anyway you like, paint it any way you want.
Jessica sits on the bed to try it out.
WATERS (CONT’D)
You can even listen to music as obnoxiously loud as you please, the walls are sound proofed!
Jessica wanders over to the closet.
JESSICA
Did you guys supply me with an entire wardrobe too?
WATERS
Ah! The piece de resistance.
Jessica opens the closet door. Hanging inside is a state of the art suit it’s a grey/silver color and it appears as if it could be form fitting. The back of the suit has been altered to account for her wings.
JESSICA
This is amazing! It’s like something out of a cartoon or a comic book or something! Do I get a special “code name” or something?
WATERS
That’s something we wanted to talk to you about actually. Every project needs a title and we wanted to confer with you before we called it something you didn’t approve of. Did you have something in mind?
JESSICA
Crestfall. Call me Crestfall.
INT. “THE FACILITY” - CRESTFALL’S ROOM - DAY - MONTHS LATER
CRESTFALL puts on her suit. The entire thing fits like a glove. Her room is painted purple and is covered in poster prints from artists like Monet and Dali.
An intercom BUZZES. Crestfall hits a button
CRESTFALL
What’s up doc?
WATERS (OVER THE INTERCOM)
That gets funnier every time I hear it. Are you coming down?
CRESTFALL
Just putting on my Sunday best. I’ll be down in a bit.
WATERS (OVER THE INTERCOM)
Alright. We’ve got some new stuff lined up for you today. You’ve got the basics down, now we’re going to try some obstacles.
CRESTFALL
I bet Bob is ecstatic.
WATERS (OVER THE INTERCOM)
No comment.
INT. “THE FACILITY” - THE BOOM ROOM - DAY - LATER
Bob and Doctor Waters are conferring with a group of scientists in the control room.
BOB
She should be arriving any minute now.
WATERS
Alright, I’ll let Quitlove know so he can start his observations.
BOB
Do you think it’s weird that our boss is so interested in Crestfall?
WATERS
I know that he pays me and lets me play with all the cool toys.
BOB
Yeah, but it’s almost like he knew exactly where to find this girl and exactly what was wrong with her. Not only that, he happens to have a facility uniquely suited to train her in using her powers? Isn’t that a little convenient?
There’s a BEEP in the room signifying that Crestfall arrived at the tube.
WATERS
She’s here.
INT. “THE FACILITY” - INSIDE THE TUBE - DAY
Crestfall walks in. The door seals shut behind her.
WATERS (OVER THE INTERCOM)
Okay we’re going to start off the way we usually do.
The BOOM goes off, signifying the start of the turbine. She braces herself against the blast of the wind. As it intensifies She is lifted off of the ground.
She’s gliding against the wind. She’s done this several times before. She’s flipping through the air and flying laps around the length of the tube.
WATERS (OVER THE INTERCOM) (CONT’D)
Very good Crestfall. You’ve really gotten the hang of the basic maneuvers we worked on. Let’s see what you can do with these new surprises.
Small vents open up on the side of the walls. As she flies through her laps different poles and obstacles come jutting out at her. She dodges the obstacles fairly easily.
WATERS (OVER THE INTERCOM) (CONT’D)
Very good. Let’s try the next phase.
She flies around the next pole. As she does, another arm flips out. It has an electrical node on the end. It flips out and tags her wing. The shock drops her to the ground. The continual blast from the turbine sweeps her from the floor and slams her back against the wall.
WATERS (OVER THE INTERCOM) (CONT’D)
Crap! Shut it down! Shut it down!
The turbine shuts down with a THUD. She lays on the floor dazed. The door opens and two orderlies run in to help her.
(CUT TO)
INT. “THE FACILITY” - THE BOOM ROOM - DAY
Waters throws her clipboard down.
WATERS
What on Earth did you think you were doing, Bob?
BOB
I’m pushing your little pet to her limits! What are you doing?
WATERS
I’m doing my best to not hurt her!
BOB
Well look at your little project now!
He points to a monitor.
(CUT TO)
INT. “THE FACILITY” - INSIDE THE TUBE - DAY
The orderlies help Crestfall to her feet. She pushes them away. She crouches down and launches herself into the air. She flies under her own power. Weaving around the poles.
(CUT TO)
INT. “THE FACILITY” - THE BOOM ROOM - DAY
BOB
You see? She’s never...
WATERS
She’s never flown under her own power before. Get Quitlove on the phone. Now. He needs to hear about this.
INT. “THE FACILITY” - CRESTFALL’S ROOM - EVENING
She is laying on her bed, wrapped in a towel. Doctor Waters enters carrying her clipboard.
WATERS
What you did today was remarkable. I’m so proud of your progress. Why are you wearing a towel?
CRESTFALL
I don’t have any other clothes. Everything I wear gets shredded by the wings. I’d love to be able to wear some normal clothes on my down time.
WATERS
I’ll see what I can do. I just wanted you to know that I’m proud of you.
Crestfall glances at Doctor Waters’s clipboard. Engraved on it is a symbol.
CRESTFALL
I’ve seen that symbol before. Where have I seen it?
She flashes back to her time in the middle east. She remembers the canister with the purple goo. On the canister she saw a faded symbol. It matches the symbol on the clipboard. Underneath the clipboard’s symbol it reads “SINECORP”
WATERS
I’m not sure you know what you’re saying. You hit the wall pretty hard. Why don’t you get some rest and I’ll get to work on some clothes for you. We’re also working on a harness to hold your wings down so you might be able to take the weekend off for once.
CRESTFALL
Yeah, I think I need you to leave for a while. I have some stuff to think about. That symbol...
WATERS
It’s the symbol of The Facility and our parent company. You’ve seen the symbol a thousand times.
CRESTFALL
Why haven’t I noticed it until now?
WATERS
I really can’t say. Get some sleep.
Crestfall Cries.
JESSICA enters The Facility accompanied by DOCTOR WATERS (a young female doctor around 35). The Facility is almost hospital like in it’s whiteness. The walls are covered with wires and various monitors. The technology is more advanced than most places. Clearly there are great scientific minds at work in this place.
Jessica is wearing jeans and hoodie with some patches cut out of the back to accommodate her wings. She’s a little uncertain of her surroundings.
WATERS
We’re so happy you decided to join us Ms. Crest! It was definitely unfortunate, the circumstances that surrounded your condition. Some of us were afraid that you might back out of our offer!
JESSICA
Thanks, Doctor Waters. I really don’t know what else I could have done. The Army doesn’t want me back and I’m pretty sure Starbucks would frown on these.
She flexes her wings and stretches them out. She knocks over a tray with some equipment on it.
JESSICA (CONT’D)
Oops! Sorry!
WATERS
Don’t worry about it. Here at The Facility we’re used to all manners of mishaps. You’ll fit right in.
JESSICA
Thanks. I think. So what is it you all actually do here?
They leave the entrance and walk down the main hallway. As they speak they pass all kinds of experiments and technological tests. No living creatures are being manipulated.
WATERS
I’m so glad you asked! I rarely get to gloat. Here at The Facility, we are tasked with “the advancement of science”. Essentially that means that we have an unlimited budget and almost no restrictions on what to study.
JESSICA
Almost?
WATERS
We’re not allowed to test on people. Not without their express written and verbal permission on forms in triplicate which I’m sure you’re aware of.
Jessica rubs her wrist.
JESSICA
Yeah, I think I remember a thing or two about that.
Doctor Waters laughs.
WATERS
You’d be surprised at some of the things that have come out of The Facility.
They walk down a hallway marked “Hall of Fame”. Along the walls are pictures of The Facility’s greatest achievements. Some of which are mentioned by Doctor Waters.
WATERS (CONT’D)
Microwave ovens, Velcro, anti-lock breaks, aglets...
JESSICA
What’s an aglet?
WATERS
The plastic thing on the end of shoelaces.
JESSICA
So you guys have been around for a while huh?
WATERS
Longer than anyone would care to admit I think. Let me show you where you’ll be spending a bulk of your time.
INT. “THE FACILITY” - THE BOOM ROOM - DAY - IMMEDIATELY FOLLOWING
Waters and Jessica enter a control room filled with panels and monitors. The room is black in a stark contrast to the white of the rest of The Facility. There is a large window that fills the far wall. It’s entirely black. BOB (about 43) sits at one of the monitors staring intently.
WATERS
This is Doctor Roberto Sinclair. He’s in charge of The Boom Room.
BOB
Everyone just calls me Bob.
He gets up. Jessica reaches out to shake his hand. He heads straight to her wings, running his hands up and down them. Jessica is not entirely comfortable with this.
WATERS
Don’t mind Bob, he’s been obsessed with self propulsion since he’s learned of your condition.
JESSICA
Ow! Watch it Bob! Those are attached.
BOB
Sorry!
JESSICA (TO WATERS)
Why is this place called The Boom Room?
BOB
I thought you’d never ask!
He runs over to the corner and stands excitedly by a series of switches.
WATERS
I told you, we never get to gloat!
He flips the switch and the lights turn on in the window. There’s a giant turbine engine in a room shaped like a tube. It’s big enough to fit a small jet inside.
Bob giggles as he throws a second switch. A loud BOOM ricochets through the room and the turbine begins to spin. As it spins faster and faster it sends out a huge blast of air. Small flags line the sides of the tube in the room around the diameter to indicate the intensity of the wind.
JESSICA
How do I get in there?
WATERS
Oh no! No no no. You can’t go in there dressed like that, the force alone could tear every piece of fabric to shreds. Besides, we’ll have to test out your skin to see if you’ll be able to withstand the blasts yourself!
JESSICA
Well if I can’t wear this, then what am I supposed to wear?
WATERS
Let me show to your room.
INT. “THE FACILITY” - JESSICA’S ROOM - DAY - SLIGHTLY LATER
They walk into a freshly painted blue room. It looks a bit like a military barracks room. There’s a twin size bed neatly made. A closed closet. A desk with a computer, and a tv in the corner.
WATERS
This is where you’ll be living! It’s not much but it’s all yours. I know it looks all Army-ish and stuff, but don’t worry! You won’t have any inspections or guidelines or anything. You can keep this room anyway you like, paint it any way you want.
Jessica sits on the bed to try it out.
WATERS (CONT’D)
You can even listen to music as obnoxiously loud as you please, the walls are sound proofed!
Jessica wanders over to the closet.
JESSICA
Did you guys supply me with an entire wardrobe too?
WATERS
Ah! The piece de resistance.
Jessica opens the closet door. Hanging inside is a state of the art suit it’s a grey/silver color and it appears as if it could be form fitting. The back of the suit has been altered to account for her wings.
JESSICA
This is amazing! It’s like something out of a cartoon or a comic book or something! Do I get a special “code name” or something?
WATERS
That’s something we wanted to talk to you about actually. Every project needs a title and we wanted to confer with you before we called it something you didn’t approve of. Did you have something in mind?
JESSICA
Crestfall. Call me Crestfall.
INT. “THE FACILITY” - CRESTFALL’S ROOM - DAY - MONTHS LATER
CRESTFALL puts on her suit. The entire thing fits like a glove. Her room is painted purple and is covered in poster prints from artists like Monet and Dali.
An intercom BUZZES. Crestfall hits a button
CRESTFALL
What’s up doc?
WATERS (OVER THE INTERCOM)
That gets funnier every time I hear it. Are you coming down?
CRESTFALL
Just putting on my Sunday best. I’ll be down in a bit.
WATERS (OVER THE INTERCOM)
Alright. We’ve got some new stuff lined up for you today. You’ve got the basics down, now we’re going to try some obstacles.
CRESTFALL
I bet Bob is ecstatic.
WATERS (OVER THE INTERCOM)
No comment.
INT. “THE FACILITY” - THE BOOM ROOM - DAY - LATER
Bob and Doctor Waters are conferring with a group of scientists in the control room.
BOB
She should be arriving any minute now.
WATERS
Alright, I’ll let Quitlove know so he can start his observations.
BOB
Do you think it’s weird that our boss is so interested in Crestfall?
WATERS
I know that he pays me and lets me play with all the cool toys.
BOB
Yeah, but it’s almost like he knew exactly where to find this girl and exactly what was wrong with her. Not only that, he happens to have a facility uniquely suited to train her in using her powers? Isn’t that a little convenient?
There’s a BEEP in the room signifying that Crestfall arrived at the tube.
WATERS
She’s here.
INT. “THE FACILITY” - INSIDE THE TUBE - DAY
Crestfall walks in. The door seals shut behind her.
WATERS (OVER THE INTERCOM)
Okay we’re going to start off the way we usually do.
The BOOM goes off, signifying the start of the turbine. She braces herself against the blast of the wind. As it intensifies She is lifted off of the ground.
She’s gliding against the wind. She’s done this several times before. She’s flipping through the air and flying laps around the length of the tube.
WATERS (OVER THE INTERCOM) (CONT’D)
Very good Crestfall. You’ve really gotten the hang of the basic maneuvers we worked on. Let’s see what you can do with these new surprises.
Small vents open up on the side of the walls. As she flies through her laps different poles and obstacles come jutting out at her. She dodges the obstacles fairly easily.
WATERS (OVER THE INTERCOM) (CONT’D)
Very good. Let’s try the next phase.
She flies around the next pole. As she does, another arm flips out. It has an electrical node on the end. It flips out and tags her wing. The shock drops her to the ground. The continual blast from the turbine sweeps her from the floor and slams her back against the wall.
WATERS (OVER THE INTERCOM) (CONT’D)
Crap! Shut it down! Shut it down!
The turbine shuts down with a THUD. She lays on the floor dazed. The door opens and two orderlies run in to help her.
(CUT TO)
INT. “THE FACILITY” - THE BOOM ROOM - DAY
Waters throws her clipboard down.
WATERS
What on Earth did you think you were doing, Bob?
BOB
I’m pushing your little pet to her limits! What are you doing?
WATERS
I’m doing my best to not hurt her!
BOB
Well look at your little project now!
He points to a monitor.
(CUT TO)
INT. “THE FACILITY” - INSIDE THE TUBE - DAY
The orderlies help Crestfall to her feet. She pushes them away. She crouches down and launches herself into the air. She flies under her own power. Weaving around the poles.
(CUT TO)
INT. “THE FACILITY” - THE BOOM ROOM - DAY
BOB
You see? She’s never...
WATERS
She’s never flown under her own power before. Get Quitlove on the phone. Now. He needs to hear about this.
INT. “THE FACILITY” - CRESTFALL’S ROOM - EVENING
She is laying on her bed, wrapped in a towel. Doctor Waters enters carrying her clipboard.
WATERS
What you did today was remarkable. I’m so proud of your progress. Why are you wearing a towel?
CRESTFALL
I don’t have any other clothes. Everything I wear gets shredded by the wings. I’d love to be able to wear some normal clothes on my down time.
WATERS
I’ll see what I can do. I just wanted you to know that I’m proud of you.
Crestfall glances at Doctor Waters’s clipboard. Engraved on it is a symbol.
CRESTFALL
I’ve seen that symbol before. Where have I seen it?
She flashes back to her time in the middle east. She remembers the canister with the purple goo. On the canister she saw a faded symbol. It matches the symbol on the clipboard. Underneath the clipboard’s symbol it reads “SINECORP”
WATERS
I’m not sure you know what you’re saying. You hit the wall pretty hard. Why don’t you get some rest and I’ll get to work on some clothes for you. We’re also working on a harness to hold your wings down so you might be able to take the weekend off for once.
CRESTFALL
Yeah, I think I need you to leave for a while. I have some stuff to think about. That symbol...
WATERS
It’s the symbol of The Facility and our parent company. You’ve seen the symbol a thousand times.
CRESTFALL
Why haven’t I noticed it until now?
WATERS
I really can’t say. Get some sleep.
Crestfall Cries.
Sunday, October 2, 2011
Crestfall Act 1
EXT. NEON CITY - ROOFTOPS - NIGHT
CRESTFALL stands atop a gargoyle. Neon tubing runs down the sides of monumental skyscrapers throughout the city’s skyline. Crestfall is in her normal jumpsuit, her blood red wings folded back as she surveys her city.
CRESTFALL (V.O.)
It’s cold tonight in Neon City. The air is still. It’s going to rain soon.
It begins to rain. Crestfall leaps into the air and spreads her wings. She flies into
the night sky.
CRESTFALL (V.O. CONT’D)
The drops on my wings are refreshing. But I know that the thugs in this town like the rain. They’ll be coming out of the shadows soon. Like roaches.
EXT. NEON CITY - ALLEY - NIGHT
A WOMAN shuffles her feet through puddles in the rain. She’s clearly nervous and questioning her decision to cut through the alley. She turns a corner and is met face to face with a wall. She’s startled.
WOMAN (TO HERSELF)
Now you’re jumping at walls. Just turn around and head back to the street.
She turns around and notices a small group of THUGS standing before her. Some of them hold baseball bats. They snicker amongst themselves. The THUG LEADER stands at their forefront, dressed in a tacky leather outfit.
THUG LEADER
You know, I was just talking to Lenny (he’s my best bud y’see) and I says to him, I says ‘Lenny, you know what I really want?’ And he says in his typical deadpan Lenny fashion, he says ‘Nope sure don’t’.
Tears are streaming down her face as thugs move in closer with each word spoken by the leader.
CRESTFALL (V.O.)
They’re roaches, and I’m the exterminator.
THUG LEADER
So I explained it to Lenny. I says ‘What I really want is a new plaything.’ And baby, I want to play with you!
The woman’s SCREAMS fade into the rainy night sky.
CRESTFALL (V.O.)
My name is Crestfall.
The leader grabs the woman by the arm. He’s tapped on the shoulder.
CRESTFALL
Excuse me.
The leader turns around to see Crestfall standing behind him. Her wings spread ominously. The few thugs that aren’t already on the ground, knocked out by her, are huddled off to the side cowering in fear.
CRESTFALL (CONT’D)
I don’t think she feels like playing right now.
The leader pushes the woman to the ground.
THUG LEADER
What are you ladies waiting for? Get her!
As their leader barks out order, the thugs gather their bearing and attack Crestfall.
CRESTFALL (V.O.)
This is my favorite part.
She makes quick work of them utilizing a specialized hand-to-hand combat technique. Part of the technique involves using her wings as a weapon, folding her wings back and thrusting them forward. She makes quick work of the remaining thugs as the leader watches. If he’s nervous he doesn’t show it. The woman is slumped on the ground in the alley, drenched by the rain.
Crestfall opens her wings again. She turns around and stares the leader in the eye.
CRESTFALL
Now you and I get to play.
The leader takes some hokey stance that looks like something taught at a third rate karate school.
THUG LEADER
C’mon little girl! Let’s do this.
She walks over to him as he exaggerates his stance. He lunges towards her and she punches him in the face. He crumples to the ground unconscious. Crestfall walks over to the woman and helps her up. She escorts the woman out of the alley to well lit city streets. Crestfall WHISTLES to get the attention of a policeman.
Crestfall leaps into the sky and flies into the night once again. The woman looks on.
EXT. NEON CITY - ROOFTOPS - NIGHT
Crestfall perches once again on top of one of the city’s gargoyles. She resumes her overwatch.
CRESTFALL (V.O.)
There was a time when I was more than an exterminator. More than just a vessel for vengeance. More than just a soaking wet avatar of justice. Once I was just...
INT. BRIEFING ROOM - UNDISCLOSED DESERT FACILIITY - DAY - 5 YEARS AGO
A small Army unit sits in a makeshift briefing room. Among them sits JESSICA CREST who is Crestfall sans wings or super powers. She’s dozing a little as CAPTAIN JONES explains the situation.
CAPTAIN JONES
Corporal Crest! Pay attention! The information you receive here may be the difference between life and death for you, or your sorry excuse for a squad.
JESSICA
Sorry Sir! I’m awake, I swear. I don’t know what came over me.
CAPTAIN JONES
You’d better be, for your sake and for everyone else’s.
He switches on a slide projector that shows various bombs and explosives. Based on the reaction of everyone involved it seems as if the information that being given is common knowledge amongst most of those involved.
CAPTAIN JONES (CONT’D)
As I was saying, there’s been a rise in the amount of IED’s that have been cropping up lately. Crest! That would be an improvised explosive device! I wouldn’t expect you to know that, seeing how you like to fall asleep during crucial briefings!
JESSICA
Yes sir! I’m completely oblivious to all things explosive. It’s a wonder I’m part of an Explosive Ordinance Disposal squad.
He stares her down. His face red with anger.
JESSICA (CONT’D)
Sir.
CAPTAIN JONES
You better watch yourself Corporal. If you weren’t the best bomb tech this side of the Euphrates, you’d be in some deep waters. We need you. But we also need you at your best. Wake the hell up.
A PRIVATE runs into the briefing room, slightly winded from running.
PRIVATE
Captain, Sir, EOD is needed in the field ASAP. Echo Company uncovered some funny looking thing they think might be a bomb.
The captain cuts off the private before he can finish and turns to the room.
CAPTAIN JONES
Clear out EOD. I don’t want any dead soldiers today. Do you hear me Crest?
Jessica smiles and turns to him before she exits.
JESSICA
Yes, Sir!
EXT. DESERT STREET OUTSIDE OF AN UNDISCLOSED CITY - LATER
Echo company is providing security around the perimeter of the area. One of Echo’s Lieutenants, LT. COOPER takes Jessica and her team to the device. He nervously keeps his distance as he points at the device.
LT. COOPER
Here it is. We’re not going to touch the thing. Everyone’s been instructed to steer clear.
The bomb seems pretty standard to Jessica except for the foot long cylindrical canister attached to it. There’s a window going down the side of the canister that shows it’s filled with a purple goo.
JESSICA
Okay, I need you to make sure no one and I mean NO ONE touches anything. Nobody moves or does anything.
The Lieutenant is angered by her glib speech.
LT. COOPER
Is that how they teach you to speak to an officer in EOD Corporal?
JESSICA
I don’t give a crap what you rank is right now... SIR! What I need right now is for you to listen to what I’m saying so I can save some lives!
The Lieutenant sees the truth in what she’s saying. He reluctantly backs down.
LT. COOPER
Should we don our NBC gear?
JESSICA
No! Do nothing!
Jessica kneels down to examine the canister there’s no distinguishing marks except for one small design that seems to be rubbed off. It seems to be a faded company logo. Her team hovers over her staring at the canister.
Lt. Cooper turns to leave, he knocks over a pile of rocks uncovering a wire that was buried in the dirt. The wire leads back to the bomb and is pulled taught by the LT’s actions. Jessica realizes what happens far too late. Horrified, she looks down at the canister, the lid slides open she is sprayed with the goo.
The bomb explodes.
INT. MILITARY HOSPITAL ROOM - NIGHT - WEEKS LATER
Jessica awakens startled. She looks around the dark room and realizes where she is. She notices nodes and wires attached to her body. She pulls them off. The machine by her bed BEEPS loudly. She knocks it over and it CRASHES to the ground then falls silent.
She sits upright in her bed as if contemplating her situation. She GASPS in an expression of discomfort. She wriggles around, reaching behind her to scratch her back. She looks at her fingers, they are covered in blood. She SCREAMS as her body lurches forward. She spasms again.
The skin between her shoulder blades is bleeding, it looks like two arms are trying to push their way out. She stops convulsing for a minute. She takes a couple deep breaths.
She lurches forward uncontrollably as two giant red wings burst from her back. She SCREAMS.
Three nurses rush in. Two of them attempt to hold her down while the third speaks in hushed tones in a phone at by the door.
She throws them across the room with no effort. The third nurse backs against the wall, terrified. Jessica is scared as well.
A MAN stands in shadow in the doorway. He waits for Jessica to settle down.
MAN
Good evening Jessica.
JESSICA
What is happening to me?
MAN
You seem eerily calm for a woman in your unique... predicament.
JESSICA
When you’re in my line of work, you get used to adapting and overcoming.
The man doesn’t move out of shadow, his face is obscured by darkness.
MAN
Yes, I’d imagine that’s true.
JESSICA
Where are the others? My team. Echo Company.
MAN
The’re dead. The blast radius was bigger than anyone could have anticipated. You, my dear, are the only survivor of the explosion.
She’s taken aback by this information. She regains her composure quickly.
JESSICA
What happens now?
MAN
That’s a good question, and it’s what I’m here to talk to you about.
The man steps into the dark room, closer to her bed. His face still obscured.
MAN (CONT’D)
I represent a group of people that would love to research your new... state of being. My facility is one uniquely equipped to help people with new and interesting physical attributes.
JESSICA
Who are you? Professor X or something?
MAN
Not specifically, but I am in a position to help you train and learn to utilize your talents for the so called “greater good”.
JESSICA
What’s the name of this facility?
MAN
For all their brains, my team couldn’t think of anything better than “The Facility”. I’m not asking you to make a decision now, just take my card.
He holds out a business card to her. She takes it.
CRESTFALL stands atop a gargoyle. Neon tubing runs down the sides of monumental skyscrapers throughout the city’s skyline. Crestfall is in her normal jumpsuit, her blood red wings folded back as she surveys her city.
CRESTFALL (V.O.)
It’s cold tonight in Neon City. The air is still. It’s going to rain soon.
It begins to rain. Crestfall leaps into the air and spreads her wings. She flies into
the night sky.
CRESTFALL (V.O. CONT’D)
The drops on my wings are refreshing. But I know that the thugs in this town like the rain. They’ll be coming out of the shadows soon. Like roaches.
EXT. NEON CITY - ALLEY - NIGHT
A WOMAN shuffles her feet through puddles in the rain. She’s clearly nervous and questioning her decision to cut through the alley. She turns a corner and is met face to face with a wall. She’s startled.
WOMAN (TO HERSELF)
Now you’re jumping at walls. Just turn around and head back to the street.
She turns around and notices a small group of THUGS standing before her. Some of them hold baseball bats. They snicker amongst themselves. The THUG LEADER stands at their forefront, dressed in a tacky leather outfit.
THUG LEADER
You know, I was just talking to Lenny (he’s my best bud y’see) and I says to him, I says ‘Lenny, you know what I really want?’ And he says in his typical deadpan Lenny fashion, he says ‘Nope sure don’t’.
Tears are streaming down her face as thugs move in closer with each word spoken by the leader.
CRESTFALL (V.O.)
They’re roaches, and I’m the exterminator.
THUG LEADER
So I explained it to Lenny. I says ‘What I really want is a new plaything.’ And baby, I want to play with you!
The woman’s SCREAMS fade into the rainy night sky.
CRESTFALL (V.O.)
My name is Crestfall.
The leader grabs the woman by the arm. He’s tapped on the shoulder.
CRESTFALL
Excuse me.
The leader turns around to see Crestfall standing behind him. Her wings spread ominously. The few thugs that aren’t already on the ground, knocked out by her, are huddled off to the side cowering in fear.
CRESTFALL (CONT’D)
I don’t think she feels like playing right now.
The leader pushes the woman to the ground.
THUG LEADER
What are you ladies waiting for? Get her!
As their leader barks out order, the thugs gather their bearing and attack Crestfall.
CRESTFALL (V.O.)
This is my favorite part.
She makes quick work of them utilizing a specialized hand-to-hand combat technique. Part of the technique involves using her wings as a weapon, folding her wings back and thrusting them forward. She makes quick work of the remaining thugs as the leader watches. If he’s nervous he doesn’t show it. The woman is slumped on the ground in the alley, drenched by the rain.
Crestfall opens her wings again. She turns around and stares the leader in the eye.
CRESTFALL
Now you and I get to play.
The leader takes some hokey stance that looks like something taught at a third rate karate school.
THUG LEADER
C’mon little girl! Let’s do this.
She walks over to him as he exaggerates his stance. He lunges towards her and she punches him in the face. He crumples to the ground unconscious. Crestfall walks over to the woman and helps her up. She escorts the woman out of the alley to well lit city streets. Crestfall WHISTLES to get the attention of a policeman.
Crestfall leaps into the sky and flies into the night once again. The woman looks on.
EXT. NEON CITY - ROOFTOPS - NIGHT
Crestfall perches once again on top of one of the city’s gargoyles. She resumes her overwatch.
CRESTFALL (V.O.)
There was a time when I was more than an exterminator. More than just a vessel for vengeance. More than just a soaking wet avatar of justice. Once I was just...
INT. BRIEFING ROOM - UNDISCLOSED DESERT FACILIITY - DAY - 5 YEARS AGO
A small Army unit sits in a makeshift briefing room. Among them sits JESSICA CREST who is Crestfall sans wings or super powers. She’s dozing a little as CAPTAIN JONES explains the situation.
CAPTAIN JONES
Corporal Crest! Pay attention! The information you receive here may be the difference between life and death for you, or your sorry excuse for a squad.
JESSICA
Sorry Sir! I’m awake, I swear. I don’t know what came over me.
CAPTAIN JONES
You’d better be, for your sake and for everyone else’s.
He switches on a slide projector that shows various bombs and explosives. Based on the reaction of everyone involved it seems as if the information that being given is common knowledge amongst most of those involved.
CAPTAIN JONES (CONT’D)
As I was saying, there’s been a rise in the amount of IED’s that have been cropping up lately. Crest! That would be an improvised explosive device! I wouldn’t expect you to know that, seeing how you like to fall asleep during crucial briefings!
JESSICA
Yes sir! I’m completely oblivious to all things explosive. It’s a wonder I’m part of an Explosive Ordinance Disposal squad.
He stares her down. His face red with anger.
JESSICA (CONT’D)
Sir.
CAPTAIN JONES
You better watch yourself Corporal. If you weren’t the best bomb tech this side of the Euphrates, you’d be in some deep waters. We need you. But we also need you at your best. Wake the hell up.
A PRIVATE runs into the briefing room, slightly winded from running.
PRIVATE
Captain, Sir, EOD is needed in the field ASAP. Echo Company uncovered some funny looking thing they think might be a bomb.
The captain cuts off the private before he can finish and turns to the room.
CAPTAIN JONES
Clear out EOD. I don’t want any dead soldiers today. Do you hear me Crest?
Jessica smiles and turns to him before she exits.
JESSICA
Yes, Sir!
EXT. DESERT STREET OUTSIDE OF AN UNDISCLOSED CITY - LATER
Echo company is providing security around the perimeter of the area. One of Echo’s Lieutenants, LT. COOPER takes Jessica and her team to the device. He nervously keeps his distance as he points at the device.
LT. COOPER
Here it is. We’re not going to touch the thing. Everyone’s been instructed to steer clear.
The bomb seems pretty standard to Jessica except for the foot long cylindrical canister attached to it. There’s a window going down the side of the canister that shows it’s filled with a purple goo.
JESSICA
Okay, I need you to make sure no one and I mean NO ONE touches anything. Nobody moves or does anything.
The Lieutenant is angered by her glib speech.
LT. COOPER
Is that how they teach you to speak to an officer in EOD Corporal?
JESSICA
I don’t give a crap what you rank is right now... SIR! What I need right now is for you to listen to what I’m saying so I can save some lives!
The Lieutenant sees the truth in what she’s saying. He reluctantly backs down.
LT. COOPER
Should we don our NBC gear?
JESSICA
No! Do nothing!
Jessica kneels down to examine the canister there’s no distinguishing marks except for one small design that seems to be rubbed off. It seems to be a faded company logo. Her team hovers over her staring at the canister.
Lt. Cooper turns to leave, he knocks over a pile of rocks uncovering a wire that was buried in the dirt. The wire leads back to the bomb and is pulled taught by the LT’s actions. Jessica realizes what happens far too late. Horrified, she looks down at the canister, the lid slides open she is sprayed with the goo.
The bomb explodes.
INT. MILITARY HOSPITAL ROOM - NIGHT - WEEKS LATER
Jessica awakens startled. She looks around the dark room and realizes where she is. She notices nodes and wires attached to her body. She pulls them off. The machine by her bed BEEPS loudly. She knocks it over and it CRASHES to the ground then falls silent.
She sits upright in her bed as if contemplating her situation. She GASPS in an expression of discomfort. She wriggles around, reaching behind her to scratch her back. She looks at her fingers, they are covered in blood. She SCREAMS as her body lurches forward. She spasms again.
The skin between her shoulder blades is bleeding, it looks like two arms are trying to push their way out. She stops convulsing for a minute. She takes a couple deep breaths.
She lurches forward uncontrollably as two giant red wings burst from her back. She SCREAMS.
Three nurses rush in. Two of them attempt to hold her down while the third speaks in hushed tones in a phone at by the door.
She throws them across the room with no effort. The third nurse backs against the wall, terrified. Jessica is scared as well.
A MAN stands in shadow in the doorway. He waits for Jessica to settle down.
MAN
Good evening Jessica.
JESSICA
What is happening to me?
MAN
You seem eerily calm for a woman in your unique... predicament.
JESSICA
When you’re in my line of work, you get used to adapting and overcoming.
The man doesn’t move out of shadow, his face is obscured by darkness.
MAN
Yes, I’d imagine that’s true.
JESSICA
Where are the others? My team. Echo Company.
MAN
The’re dead. The blast radius was bigger than anyone could have anticipated. You, my dear, are the only survivor of the explosion.
She’s taken aback by this information. She regains her composure quickly.
JESSICA
What happens now?
MAN
That’s a good question, and it’s what I’m here to talk to you about.
The man steps into the dark room, closer to her bed. His face still obscured.
MAN (CONT’D)
I represent a group of people that would love to research your new... state of being. My facility is one uniquely equipped to help people with new and interesting physical attributes.
JESSICA
Who are you? Professor X or something?
MAN
Not specifically, but I am in a position to help you train and learn to utilize your talents for the so called “greater good”.
JESSICA
What’s the name of this facility?
MAN
For all their brains, my team couldn’t think of anything better than “The Facility”. I’m not asking you to make a decision now, just take my card.
He holds out a business card to her. She takes it.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)