INT. NEWSROOM - NEWS BROADCAST - EARLY EVENING
STEPHANIE BROWN is a news anchor. As she goes over the details of the day, images of earlier events flash across the screen.
STEPHANIE
...and in tonight’s top story: A brawl broke out in downtown Neon City between, what sources say, looked like a giant and an angel. Eyewitness reports place the fight across various points throughout the city, ending pretty remarkably in Neon’s “Iridescent Park”.
CUT TO:
INT. MARIE’S APARTMENT
Marie sits on the couch, tears streaming down her face, she’s surrounded by friends and family as they watch the news. She can’t bring herself to look at the screen as Stephanie’s broadcast describes the worst day of her life.
STEPHANIE (V.O.)
While there were a number of injuries reported in the aftermath of the altercation, at least one fatality was confirmed. Doctor Kent Rosen was in the park with his fiancee when the fight was brought to their dinner. Dr. Rosen was one of the top surgeons in Neon City. He will be missed by the entire community and our thoughts are with his fiancee; Neon City Police Detective Marie Briggs.
As Stephanie speaks, Marie clutches a photo of her with Kent. She wipes away a tear and walks to another room.
MARIE
I’m going to go to work for a while. I need to clear my head.
CUT TO:
INT. GARBAZ’S APT.
Garbaz watches intently as the news story unfolds in front of him. Regret reads across his face.
STEPHANIE (V.O.)
One question on everyone’s mind tonight is: Who were these individuals? Joining me tonight in the newsroom is our Senior Crime Analyst: Eric Simms. Eric?
CUT TO:
INT. NEWSROOM
Sitting across from Stephanie is ERIC SIMMS. The format of the show switches to a more “talking heads” segment than a news story.
ERIC
Thank you Stephanie. Who are these people indeed? We have a “brute” of some kind and some sort of crestfallen angel. Both of whom seem to have a blatant disregard of everything from private property to public safety. We’re talking about a pair of murderers for Pete’s sake Stephanie!
STEPHANIE
Is it safe to say “a pair of murderers” Eric? It seems as if the giant was only interested in beating down the angel who, in turn, was playing mostly reactionary.
ERIC
In which case, she’s his accomplice at best! These looked like highly trained, well armed soldiers!
CUT TO:
INT. QUITLOVE’S OFFICE
Quitlove sits at his desk staring at the large TV inserted into his wall. He grins from ear to ear as the debate continues on TV.
ERIC (V.O.)
What kind of sick individuals hype themselves up on drugs and smack each other around town for fun? For fun! How many people are going to have to die before we start to get concerned? Today it’s giants and angels, tomorrow what will it be? Demons and ogres? We need to find the source of these freaks and cut it off at the head. And another thing...
Quitlove CLICKS off the TV. He stretches his legs on his desk, immensely pleased with himself. Theresa enters from off screen and hands him a large cup of coffee.
QUITLOVE
Everything is going according to my master plan Theresa.
THERESA
Of course it is sir. Never doubted you at all.
QUITLOVE
No, you haven’t. Don’t think I haven’t noticed, my dear. Has our guest been fully prepped?
THERESA
Yes sir. Mr. Brute has seen to the safety and security of Ms. Crest. She’s safely tucked away in suite 12.
QUITLOVE
Ah yes... suite 12. Did we ever get the roaches removed?
THERESA
No, sir.
QUITLOVE
Even better.
THERESA
Sir.
Theresa turns to leave.
QUITLOVE
Please send in Doctor Waters.
THERESA
Of course.
QUITLOVE
One more thing. Find me all the personal information you can gather on our Mr. Eric Simms, will you? No one refers to my children as “freaks” without facing some dire consequences.
INT. QUITLOVE’S WAITING ROOM - IMMEDIATELY FOLLOWING
Doctor Waters is sitting on the pristine white couch in the hyper sanitized waiting room. White furniture and artwork pepper the white room and white shag carpet rests beneath her shoes. The only real splash of color is the red and black “Sinecorp” logo on the wall.
Doctor Waters looks as if she hasn’t slept in days. She’s disheveled and her hair is a frizzled mess. She’s staring into space until she’s startled by Theresa’s return. Theresa sits at her computer and CLICKS away at the keys. She looks over at Doctor Waters as almost an afterthought.
THERESA
He’s ready to see you now.
WATERS
If he’s busy I can always come back later.
THERESA
He’s always busy. It just so happens that right now, he’s busy with his meeting with you. If you don’t go in now you’ll just be wasting his time, and he doesn’t appreciate his time being wasted.
WATERS
Okay then.
She stands and adjusts her clothes. She catches her reflection in a mirror and mutters a CURSE. She regains her composure and enters his office.
INT. QUITLOVE’S OFFICE - IMMEDIATELY FOLLOWING
As Doctor Waters enters, Quitlove rises to his feet to greet her. He grabs her hands in his and shakes them vigorously.
QUITLOVE
Doctor! I trust you’ve seen the news tonight?
WATERS
I have, sir. Congratulations.
QUITLOVE
When that bumbling Bob decided to throw a wrench in the fine machine that is my master plan, I thought for sure we’d lose everything. But you, my dear Doctor, have made sure that everything is flowing as we need it to. The success of Operation Crestfall rests on your shoulders, almost as much as it rests on mine. You should be incredibly proud.
WATERS
Yes, sir. I am, sir.
Quitlove catches a tone from Waters that suggest maybe she’s not incredibly proud.
QUITLOVE
Is everything alright, Doctor? You seem unhappy with our progress.
WATERS
Oh no, sir! Everything is fine. I’ve just been up for days refining the new formula. I want to make sure that everything is set for the next stage of trials.
QUITLOVE
Ah yes! The new formula.
WATERS
It’s just as you requested. Our original purple goo mixed with Crestfall’s own blood. My research suggests that after we’ve merged the two, we should be able to replicate the effects Crestfall herself experienced.
QUITLOVE
That, my dear doctor, is amazing news. Go take some time off and get some rest. Leave the serum here with me.
WATERS
Sir?
QUITLOVE
The serum. I know you have it. Leave the syringe here. I’ll see to it’s safe keeping.
WATERS
What are you planning on doing?
QUITLOVE
Planning? Doctor, you should know fairly well that I have quite a lot planned. If you need further proof, check out suite 12.
WATERS
Suite 12?
QUITLOVE
It’s one of our finer holding cells. You may leave now, Doctor.
WATERS
Yes, sir.
INT. SUITE 12 - EVENING
It’s pitch black. Everything is dark. Water is DRIPPING in the room. As Crestfall regains consciousness, light appears and we can see that she’s strapped to chair in a concrete cell. Roaches are crawling all over her body. Her clothes are torn and she is bloody and bruised from her fight with The Brute.
There is an IV stand next to Crestfall. It’s dripping into her arm. She’s startled as she awakes but she doesn’t have the strength to scream. She can barely move her head as a roach runs down her cheek. Her inner monologue is stilted and tired.
CRESTFALL (V.O.)
Okay. Again, ouch. Suck it up, Crest. Where are you. Okay. Gross. And apparantly, I can’t move. There’s some kind of drip in your arm. Okay. And your body is one massive bruise. I’m sure it’s nothing. No big deal for the big time super hero.
A rat runs across the floor.
CRESTFALL (V.O. CONT’D)
Okay. I’m pretty sure I’m going to die here. No biggie. Death I can handle. I’m at least going to bring someone down with me.
The cell door MOANS and CREAKS as it’s opened. Quitlove saunters in wearing a nice suit. He’s carrying a metal folding chair. Crestfall is aware of his entrance but can’t physically move her head to look at him. He sets the chair down in front of her. He fiddles with her IV drip and takes a seat.
QUITLOVE
Why, hello again Ms. Crest. Do you remember me?
Crestfall can’t respond. This irritates Quitlove a little.
QUITLOVE (CONT’D)
I’ve adjusted your fluids. The least you could do is acknowledge the courtesy. You should have a small resurgence of strength soon. I know we’ve had our differences but there’s no call for being uncivil.
Crestfall COUGHS out a painful LAUGH.
QUITLOVE (CONT’D)
I suppose you find this all very amusing.
When she speaks, it’s like a loud whisper.
CRESTFALL
Only a little.
QUITLOVE
What do you mean?
CRESTFALL
You can’t even face me yourself. You have this huge obsession with bringing me down and you can’t seem to even be in the same room with me unless I’m in a hospital or tied to a chair.
Quitlove leans forward and runs his hand down her cheek.
QUITLOVE
Bring you down? My dear, I want nothing more than to bring you up. I want you by my side. I need you here with me. Your genetic code holds the formula for a massive army, and you, sweet princess, will be their leader.
CRESTFALL
Why me?
QUITLOVE
Because of your sneaky father. That’s why. When he was removed from The Facility, he took with him just enough of his research to leave us running in circles. It was brought to my attention that he had been steadily injecting himself with samples. His intention with this was not to turn himself into a superior being, but to ensure that his future spawn would be protected.
CRESTFALL
Protected. Yeah. That worked out. Thanks Dad.
QUITLOVE
Intentions notwithstanding, you are here now. You’ve been humbled before my son, and now you can take your place at my side... daughter.
Her voice is definitely stronger.
CRESTFALL
Really? That’s your ploy? Take everything away from me then pretend that you want to create some kind of grotesque new family? A corporate magnate, a giant, and an angel? Quick, call Fox I’ve got an idea for a new show.
QUITLOVE
Trust me, my dear. I’m not being coy. I’m not messing around. Join me. My army is yours to lead. To command.
CRESTFALL
To create, you mean. You haven’t got an army. If you did, you wouldn’t have just sent Brute.
QUITLOVE
You are correct. I wanted you here at my side. Together we can show the world what it should be. I can rule it and you can police it.
CRESTFALL
Wow. Okay. Crazy much?
QUITLOVE
What is your final answer my dear. Choose your words carefully.
CRESTFALL
Choose my words carefully. Let’s see.
Quitlove leans close to her face. She has enough strength to hold her head up and look him in the eyes.
CRESTFALL (CONT’D)
Well with an offer like that how could I ever say “no”?
Quitlove grins.
QUITLOVE
Fantastic, my dear! Let’s get started on changing the world!
CRESTFALL
Oh! I know how. How about: Hell. No.
The grin drops from Quitlove’s face.
QUITLOVE
What?
CRESTFALL
I’m sorry. Did I stutter “dad”? I’m not going to lead your apocalyptic army of doom. I’m not even going to play cheerleader for your football team. I can’t stress enough exactly how much against you I actually am.
QUITLOVE
I understand.
CRESTFALL
No, I don’t think you do. What I’m saying is...
Before she can finish, Quitlove lunges towards her and punches her in the face, knocking her out cold. He pinches her IV to a slow drip and hits an intercom on the wall.
QUITLOVE
Theresa? Clear my date book. We’ve hit a small snag.
He storms out of the cell.
Sunday, November 20, 2011
Sunday, November 13, 2011
Crestfall (end of act 2)
INT. GARBAZ’S TRAINING ROOM - AFTERNOON
Crestfall is punching a punching bag suspended from the ceiling. The intensity with which she does this shows that her determination is at its peak. We don’t see Garbaz on screen but his words are driving her.
GARBAZ (V.O.)
We cannot underestimate our enemy, Crestfall. We can’t simply assume that he’ll hear you’re coming and throw in the towel. We have to be prepared to fight. We have to be prepared to face a danger greater than anything we’ve faced yet. We have to be ready to die.
Crestfall punches the bag so hard that it FALLS to the ground.
GARBAZ (V.O.)
And by that, I mean that you have to be ready to die. In order to bring this man, Quitlove, to justice. You have to throw yourself to the wolves both proverbial, and actual. The threat of death looms over you and you must embrace it, or you must turn away now.
She stares at the bag on the ground. Sand spilling from its torn seams. Her gaze lingers on it for a moment.
GARBAZ (V.O.)
I know you’ve worked hard to get here. I know that you’ve suffered. I know that the pain you’ve put yourself through is more than you can imagine would ever be inflicted on you by another.
Crestfall looks at her hands. They are bloody from the force with which she hit the bag.
GARBAZ (V.O.)
You’d be mistaken. Alexander Quitlove will make every pain you’ve ever felt, seem like a stubbed toe. His perpetuation for evil can not be outshined. You must show him that your good, will kick his evil’s butt.
Crestfall stands up straight as she hears this. She becomes more stoic. She spreads her wings as a wave of inspiration crosses her demeanor.
GARBAZ (V.O.)
You have to show him that no longer will the good people of this city follow his rule of fear. No longer will we stick to the shadows and timidly fight from the sidelines. No longer will we allow his guns in our schools, his drugs on streets. No longer will we tolerate his whores on our corners and our money to line his pockets. It’s time for Alexander Quitlove to pay the piper.
INT. VAN - PARKED ACROSS FROM BANK - AFTERNOON
THOMAS and JERRY are sitting in the van. They’re clearly nervous. They are a part of RALEIGH GANG, one of the biggest gangs in Neon City.
JERRY
Look, Thomas, I’m just freaked out is all. I mean, what about those stories?
THOMAS
What stories, Jerry?
JERRY
You know the ones!
THOMAS
Are you talking about that supernatural so-and-so everyone’s been talking about?
JERRY
She ain’t no “so-and-so” Thomas, she’s an angel!
THOMAS
An angel, right.
JERRY
She is! Freddy saw her with his own eyes! Said they was roughing up some skirt in the alley a couple of days ago, and this angle swoops out of Heaven, knocks them all down in a blinding flash, and takes the girl with her up to the pearly gates!
THOMAS
Sounds like a load of garbage to me.
JERRY
Freddy might be a lot of things, but he ain’t no liar.
THOMAS
What’s that got to do with us anyway?
JERRY
Just got me thinking about the work and all is all, man. I mean it goes back to that whole thing of “if God is for us, who can be against us” kind of thing. If they have angels what do we have?
THOMAS
We have The Brute.
JERRY
The Brute? Isn’t that just a rumor?
THOMAS
You can believe that an angel came down from “on high” to rescue some dame in an alleyway, but you can’t believe that the boss concocted some formula to make a super strong dude?
JERRY
You might have a point there.
THOMAS
Stop freaking out about nothing and let’s get ready to do this.
They pull ski masks over there faces.
JERRY
When are the others showing up?
THOMAS
Most of the others are inside already. We burst in, start the commotion, and the others join us. We got the element of surprise and no one has to get hurt too bad.
They reach in the back seat and each grab a shotgun and a large gym bag.
JERRY
Let’s do this!
THOMAS
Raleigh Gang, represent!
They get out of the van.
EXT. SKIES ABOVE NEON CITY - AFTERNOON
Crestfall is flying above her city. Re-invigorated after the pep talk that she received from Garbaz. She darts in between buildings as she tests her speed.
CRESTFALL (V.O.)
Garbaz is right. I have to do this. I’m the only one who can. My parents were killed by this psycho and he’s been manipulating my entire life ever since. He wants me to be his little pawn. Yeah, that’ll happen.
She shoots through the air straight up and hovers over her city.
CRESTFALL (V.O.)
Am I ready to die though? Am I ready to put it all on the line? If I do have to die, will my sacrifice be in vain? Will anyone even notice?
Miles below, an alarm RINGS.
CRESTFALL (V.O.)
It doesn’t matter what I think now. Trouble’s going down and I can stop it.
She dives towards the sound of the alarm.
EXT. NEON CITY - BANK - AFTERNOON
Thomas and Jerry are outside the bank shooting towards the entrance. There are three other masked individuals carrying a limp fourth to the van. The alarm RINGS loudly. One of the masked gang members tries to start the van. It refuses.
JERRY
Oh man, oh man. What do we do Thomas? What do we do?
THOMAS
Just chill out Jerry. It’ll be fine.
They’re taking cover behind some parked cars and bullets are FIRED back from the bank.
JERRY
I didn’t think security guys had guns!
THOMAS
They don’t usually. The recon on this mission was Freddy’s job. Still believe that whole thing about “angels”?
JERRY
That two-timer! Next time I see him I’m going to give him a piece of my mind!
The shooting has halted.
THOMAS
Shut up for a second, Jerry. You hear that?
JERRY
I don’t hear nothing.
THOMAS
Exactly. They ain’t shooting anymore.
Thomas sticks his head in the van.
THOMAS (CONT’D)
Yo! What’s going on in there?
The van is empty. Thomas is panicking.
JERRY
You know that thing about angels Thomas?
THOMAS
Yeah, Jerry?
JERRY
I believe it.
Thomas steps out of the van to see Crestfall hovering above him. The other gang members neatly tied up and sitting on the corner. Jerry has wet himself.
CRESTFALL
Your friend will be fine. He’s been shot but it’s nothing serious. Time for you guys to turn yourselves in.
There’s a faint BOOM in the distance. Thomas smiles. Jerry freaks out. Jerry runs over and falls to his hands and knees in front of her.
JERRY
Tell God I’m sorry! I’m sorry for my wicked ways! I deserve His punishment!
BOOM
CRESTFALL
What are you talking about?
JERRY
My dear, Angel! Descended from above to dish out our punishment. Take me with you into the heavens so that I might be blessed!
BOOM
CRESTFALL
You’re crazy. Get over there! And you, what’s with the grin?
BOOM
THOMAS
Me? Oh, nothing. I would just like to introduce you to our big brother. Ms.
Angel-lady, meet The Brute.
The Brute’s arm smacks into Crestfall sending her flying through the wall of the bank.
INT. BANK OF NEON CITY
Crestfall flies through the front wall, lands on her back and skids to the counter. One of the GUARDS who’d been observing is now standing over her looking dumbfounded. A series of BOOMS can be heard as The Brute comes closer to the entrance of the bank.
ANOTHER GUARD opens fire on The Brute as he casually makes his way up the stairs into the building. The customers all flee in a loud mass leaving only the TELLERS behind the counter, the BANK MANAGER, the guards, and a roughed up Crestfall.
CRESTFALL
Okay, that hurt. A lot.
The Brute comes into the bank as Crestfall gets to her feet.
BRUTE
Brute hurt.
CRESTFALL
No, no I’m Crestfall. I think you have me confused with someone else.
BRUTE
Brute hurt!
CRESTFALL
Oh! You’re Brute, and you’ve come to hurt me?
BRUTE
Yes.
CRESTFALL
Yeah, that’s not going to work for me.
Brute runs towards her, faster than his size would allude to. He swings at her again with his giant arms. She flies through the ceiling.
The guards shoot at him. He walks over to one of the guards and rips the guard’s arms out of their sockets. He leaps through the new skylight he and Crestfall just created.
CUT TO:
EXT. NEON CITY - PARK
MARIE and KENT are strolling through the park with a picnic basket and blanket. Marie lays out the blanket while Kent pulls out a bottle of wine.
KENT
You know how much I love you, Marie.
MARIE
Oh, Kent. I do.
He hands her a glass of wine.
KENT
Well there’s something I’ve been meaning to ask.
She places some sandwiches she’d made earlier out on the blanket.
MARIE
Ask me anything, my darling.
KENT
Marie, will you...
Crestfall lands on top of the sandwiches. The force of her landing leaves an IMPACT on the ground and the blanket is lost beneath her. Marie SCREAMS. Crestfall is bloody. She’s bruised and clearly has a couple of fractured bones.
CRESTFALL
Run.
Her voice is a whisper. Kent runs over to her.
KENT
I’m a doctor. Don’t move. You’ve just had a terrible accident.
CRESTFALL
Brute. Run. Run away.
MARIE
Kent? What is she saying. Baby, call the cops! Call an ambulance! Do Something!
KENT
Honey, I love you but I need you to shut the heck up for a minute.
He runs his hands down Crestfall’s neck to check for damages.
KENT (CONT’D)
Your spine seems to be in tact but we do need to get you to a hospital. Let me get my phone.
The Brute lands with a THUD next to Crestfall. His feet buried in the ground up to his ankles. He lets out and loud ROAR and swings at Kent’s head, removing it from his shoulders. Marie SCREAMS again and passes out.
BRUTE
Brute!
Crestfall pulls herself up slowly. She brushes herself off and shakes her head to try to quell the dazed feeling she has from being knocked across the city.
CRESTFALL
Okay. We get it. You’re Brute. You hurt people.
She stumbles to her knees, and somehow manages to stand again. She stretches her wings and finds her inner strength.
CRESTFALL (CONT’D)
Well I’m Crestfall. I fight for the hurt. I fight for the tired. I fight for the victims of your violence.
Brute seems to be stuck in the ground. He can’t move forward. She slowly, deliberately moves towards him.
CRESTFALL (CONT’D)
You don’t get to smack people around anymore. None of your kind. Not you, not Doc Waters, not Quitlove.
At the sound of Quitlove’s name, Brute finds a renewed strength as well.
BRUTE
Dad!
Crestfall realizes what Brute means.
CRESTFALL
Are you serious? He’s your father?
Brute swings his arms at Crestfall again, she dodges easily. She punches him a few times and strikes him with her wings. He’s unaffected. As she moves around him, he stands there taking it.
BRUTE
Brute. Hurt.
He steps out of the ground that held his feet captive. He lunges at Crestfall, dazing her.
CRESTFALL
Oh, crap.
He SMACKS Crestfall on the head, knocking her out instantly.
BRUTE
Brute. Dad.
He grabs her leg and drags her behind him into the horizon.
Crestfall is punching a punching bag suspended from the ceiling. The intensity with which she does this shows that her determination is at its peak. We don’t see Garbaz on screen but his words are driving her.
GARBAZ (V.O.)
We cannot underestimate our enemy, Crestfall. We can’t simply assume that he’ll hear you’re coming and throw in the towel. We have to be prepared to fight. We have to be prepared to face a danger greater than anything we’ve faced yet. We have to be ready to die.
Crestfall punches the bag so hard that it FALLS to the ground.
GARBAZ (V.O.)
And by that, I mean that you have to be ready to die. In order to bring this man, Quitlove, to justice. You have to throw yourself to the wolves both proverbial, and actual. The threat of death looms over you and you must embrace it, or you must turn away now.
She stares at the bag on the ground. Sand spilling from its torn seams. Her gaze lingers on it for a moment.
GARBAZ (V.O.)
I know you’ve worked hard to get here. I know that you’ve suffered. I know that the pain you’ve put yourself through is more than you can imagine would ever be inflicted on you by another.
Crestfall looks at her hands. They are bloody from the force with which she hit the bag.
GARBAZ (V.O.)
You’d be mistaken. Alexander Quitlove will make every pain you’ve ever felt, seem like a stubbed toe. His perpetuation for evil can not be outshined. You must show him that your good, will kick his evil’s butt.
Crestfall stands up straight as she hears this. She becomes more stoic. She spreads her wings as a wave of inspiration crosses her demeanor.
GARBAZ (V.O.)
You have to show him that no longer will the good people of this city follow his rule of fear. No longer will we stick to the shadows and timidly fight from the sidelines. No longer will we allow his guns in our schools, his drugs on streets. No longer will we tolerate his whores on our corners and our money to line his pockets. It’s time for Alexander Quitlove to pay the piper.
INT. VAN - PARKED ACROSS FROM BANK - AFTERNOON
THOMAS and JERRY are sitting in the van. They’re clearly nervous. They are a part of RALEIGH GANG, one of the biggest gangs in Neon City.
JERRY
Look, Thomas, I’m just freaked out is all. I mean, what about those stories?
THOMAS
What stories, Jerry?
JERRY
You know the ones!
THOMAS
Are you talking about that supernatural so-and-so everyone’s been talking about?
JERRY
She ain’t no “so-and-so” Thomas, she’s an angel!
THOMAS
An angel, right.
JERRY
She is! Freddy saw her with his own eyes! Said they was roughing up some skirt in the alley a couple of days ago, and this angle swoops out of Heaven, knocks them all down in a blinding flash, and takes the girl with her up to the pearly gates!
THOMAS
Sounds like a load of garbage to me.
JERRY
Freddy might be a lot of things, but he ain’t no liar.
THOMAS
What’s that got to do with us anyway?
JERRY
Just got me thinking about the work and all is all, man. I mean it goes back to that whole thing of “if God is for us, who can be against us” kind of thing. If they have angels what do we have?
THOMAS
We have The Brute.
JERRY
The Brute? Isn’t that just a rumor?
THOMAS
You can believe that an angel came down from “on high” to rescue some dame in an alleyway, but you can’t believe that the boss concocted some formula to make a super strong dude?
JERRY
You might have a point there.
THOMAS
Stop freaking out about nothing and let’s get ready to do this.
They pull ski masks over there faces.
JERRY
When are the others showing up?
THOMAS
Most of the others are inside already. We burst in, start the commotion, and the others join us. We got the element of surprise and no one has to get hurt too bad.
They reach in the back seat and each grab a shotgun and a large gym bag.
JERRY
Let’s do this!
THOMAS
Raleigh Gang, represent!
They get out of the van.
EXT. SKIES ABOVE NEON CITY - AFTERNOON
Crestfall is flying above her city. Re-invigorated after the pep talk that she received from Garbaz. She darts in between buildings as she tests her speed.
CRESTFALL (V.O.)
Garbaz is right. I have to do this. I’m the only one who can. My parents were killed by this psycho and he’s been manipulating my entire life ever since. He wants me to be his little pawn. Yeah, that’ll happen.
She shoots through the air straight up and hovers over her city.
CRESTFALL (V.O.)
Am I ready to die though? Am I ready to put it all on the line? If I do have to die, will my sacrifice be in vain? Will anyone even notice?
Miles below, an alarm RINGS.
CRESTFALL (V.O.)
It doesn’t matter what I think now. Trouble’s going down and I can stop it.
She dives towards the sound of the alarm.
EXT. NEON CITY - BANK - AFTERNOON
Thomas and Jerry are outside the bank shooting towards the entrance. There are three other masked individuals carrying a limp fourth to the van. The alarm RINGS loudly. One of the masked gang members tries to start the van. It refuses.
JERRY
Oh man, oh man. What do we do Thomas? What do we do?
THOMAS
Just chill out Jerry. It’ll be fine.
They’re taking cover behind some parked cars and bullets are FIRED back from the bank.
JERRY
I didn’t think security guys had guns!
THOMAS
They don’t usually. The recon on this mission was Freddy’s job. Still believe that whole thing about “angels”?
JERRY
That two-timer! Next time I see him I’m going to give him a piece of my mind!
The shooting has halted.
THOMAS
Shut up for a second, Jerry. You hear that?
JERRY
I don’t hear nothing.
THOMAS
Exactly. They ain’t shooting anymore.
Thomas sticks his head in the van.
THOMAS (CONT’D)
Yo! What’s going on in there?
The van is empty. Thomas is panicking.
JERRY
You know that thing about angels Thomas?
THOMAS
Yeah, Jerry?
JERRY
I believe it.
Thomas steps out of the van to see Crestfall hovering above him. The other gang members neatly tied up and sitting on the corner. Jerry has wet himself.
CRESTFALL
Your friend will be fine. He’s been shot but it’s nothing serious. Time for you guys to turn yourselves in.
There’s a faint BOOM in the distance. Thomas smiles. Jerry freaks out. Jerry runs over and falls to his hands and knees in front of her.
JERRY
Tell God I’m sorry! I’m sorry for my wicked ways! I deserve His punishment!
BOOM
CRESTFALL
What are you talking about?
JERRY
My dear, Angel! Descended from above to dish out our punishment. Take me with you into the heavens so that I might be blessed!
BOOM
CRESTFALL
You’re crazy. Get over there! And you, what’s with the grin?
BOOM
THOMAS
Me? Oh, nothing. I would just like to introduce you to our big brother. Ms.
Angel-lady, meet The Brute.
The Brute’s arm smacks into Crestfall sending her flying through the wall of the bank.
INT. BANK OF NEON CITY
Crestfall flies through the front wall, lands on her back and skids to the counter. One of the GUARDS who’d been observing is now standing over her looking dumbfounded. A series of BOOMS can be heard as The Brute comes closer to the entrance of the bank.
ANOTHER GUARD opens fire on The Brute as he casually makes his way up the stairs into the building. The customers all flee in a loud mass leaving only the TELLERS behind the counter, the BANK MANAGER, the guards, and a roughed up Crestfall.
CRESTFALL
Okay, that hurt. A lot.
The Brute comes into the bank as Crestfall gets to her feet.
BRUTE
Brute hurt.
CRESTFALL
No, no I’m Crestfall. I think you have me confused with someone else.
BRUTE
Brute hurt!
CRESTFALL
Oh! You’re Brute, and you’ve come to hurt me?
BRUTE
Yes.
CRESTFALL
Yeah, that’s not going to work for me.
Brute runs towards her, faster than his size would allude to. He swings at her again with his giant arms. She flies through the ceiling.
The guards shoot at him. He walks over to one of the guards and rips the guard’s arms out of their sockets. He leaps through the new skylight he and Crestfall just created.
CUT TO:
EXT. NEON CITY - PARK
MARIE and KENT are strolling through the park with a picnic basket and blanket. Marie lays out the blanket while Kent pulls out a bottle of wine.
KENT
You know how much I love you, Marie.
MARIE
Oh, Kent. I do.
He hands her a glass of wine.
KENT
Well there’s something I’ve been meaning to ask.
She places some sandwiches she’d made earlier out on the blanket.
MARIE
Ask me anything, my darling.
KENT
Marie, will you...
Crestfall lands on top of the sandwiches. The force of her landing leaves an IMPACT on the ground and the blanket is lost beneath her. Marie SCREAMS. Crestfall is bloody. She’s bruised and clearly has a couple of fractured bones.
CRESTFALL
Run.
Her voice is a whisper. Kent runs over to her.
KENT
I’m a doctor. Don’t move. You’ve just had a terrible accident.
CRESTFALL
Brute. Run. Run away.
MARIE
Kent? What is she saying. Baby, call the cops! Call an ambulance! Do Something!
KENT
Honey, I love you but I need you to shut the heck up for a minute.
He runs his hands down Crestfall’s neck to check for damages.
KENT (CONT’D)
Your spine seems to be in tact but we do need to get you to a hospital. Let me get my phone.
The Brute lands with a THUD next to Crestfall. His feet buried in the ground up to his ankles. He lets out and loud ROAR and swings at Kent’s head, removing it from his shoulders. Marie SCREAMS again and passes out.
BRUTE
Brute!
Crestfall pulls herself up slowly. She brushes herself off and shakes her head to try to quell the dazed feeling she has from being knocked across the city.
CRESTFALL
Okay. We get it. You’re Brute. You hurt people.
She stumbles to her knees, and somehow manages to stand again. She stretches her wings and finds her inner strength.
CRESTFALL (CONT’D)
Well I’m Crestfall. I fight for the hurt. I fight for the tired. I fight for the victims of your violence.
Brute seems to be stuck in the ground. He can’t move forward. She slowly, deliberately moves towards him.
CRESTFALL (CONT’D)
You don’t get to smack people around anymore. None of your kind. Not you, not Doc Waters, not Quitlove.
At the sound of Quitlove’s name, Brute finds a renewed strength as well.
BRUTE
Dad!
Crestfall realizes what Brute means.
CRESTFALL
Are you serious? He’s your father?
Brute swings his arms at Crestfall again, she dodges easily. She punches him a few times and strikes him with her wings. He’s unaffected. As she moves around him, he stands there taking it.
BRUTE
Brute. Hurt.
He steps out of the ground that held his feet captive. He lunges at Crestfall, dazing her.
CRESTFALL
Oh, crap.
He SMACKS Crestfall on the head, knocking her out instantly.
BRUTE
Brute. Dad.
He grabs her leg and drags her behind him into the horizon.
Sunday, November 6, 2011
More Crestfall
EXT. NEON CITY ROOFTOPS - NIGHT
Crestfall is perched upon one of Neon City’s many adorning gargoyles. She finds these gargoyles convenient perches due to their frequency of placement. This is mirroring where we left at the beginning of the first act. We’re back to the exact moment we initially left her. The rain still pours down in buckets. THUNDER rolls in the distance.
CRESTFALL (V.O.)
A lot has happened in these last two years. I thought my time in EOD would define who I was for the next few years. I never thought I’d be on some quest to avenge anyone, let alone myself or my parents.
She leaps in the air once again. Flying straight up. She may have tears in her eyes or the rain might just be smacking her cheeks. She stares straight up, unblinking.
CRESTFALL (V.O.)
I can do this! How can I do this? It doesn’t make any sense. I’m supposed to be with my team, disarming bombs and making things safe for the other troops. Now I’m so far above them. Not figuratively. I have to get this figured out. If I can get answers for me then I can make sure this doesn’t happen to anyone else.
She stops miles above the city. She hovers, overlooking the city scape. A plane flies right past her, she’s too far in her own mind to notice.
CRESTFALL (V.O.)
No more time for second guessing. No more time to sit around moping and wondering “what if?” Now it’s time for action. I have to find the source and cut off it’s head.
She steels herself. A newfound surge of courage courses through her. Back down in the streets GUNFIRE is being exchanged. She hears and dive-bombs down into the streets.
CRESTFALL
Showtime.
EXT. NEON CITY - CORNER OF KONTOR BLVD. & SCHUR ST.- NIGHT
JOE is leader of The Kontor Kings, a local gang who are trying to stake a claim in this dirty corner of Neon City. He’s meeting with BRIAN, rival leader of the Schur Street Hellions, who are also trying to stake a claim. Each leader is backed by about five thugs who stand around and look menacing. They meet each other in the street.
JOE
Brian.
BRIAN
Joe.
JOE
We’ve got some things we need to work out. Some, let’s call them, boundary issues.
BRIAN
Yeah we do. You don’t seem to know where your boundaries are.
JOE
Excuse me? Are you trying to tell me my boys’ business?
BRIAN
Nope. I’m trying to tell you yours!
JOE
These streets are mine! You better back off.
Joe pulls out a gun. This is met with Brian pulling out a gun of his own. Each member of both gangs respond in kind, weapons drawn and at the ready.
BRIAN
Alright, bro. Let’s just chill out. We don’t want to do anything rash.
JOE
No we don’t. You need to tell your boys to back off my turf. These streets are claimed.
BRIAN
Maybe so, but maybe...
A GUNSHOT rings out before Brian can finish his thought. Brian and Joe drop to the ground. GUNFIRE is exchanged from either side. Bullets whip over their heads as they lay on the street both with their eyes closed. The shooting stops. They slowly get up and survey their surroundings. The gang members from both sides are all laying on the ground, unconscious. They stand back to back.
JOE
Yo, man. What happened? They get shot?
BRIAN
I don’t think so. They couldn’t have all been shot. It looks like they’re breathing.
JOE
What could have done this?
CRESTFALL (O.S.)
What or who?
They’re startled at the sound of her voice. Frantically, they’re searching from the safety of the street for any sign of the voice. One never leaving the other’s back.
BRIAN
What do you want?
JOE
Who are you?
Still in shadow, she taunts them.
CRESTFALL (O.S.)
Your boss. How can I find him?
JOE
Hey! I’m the boss here. These are my streets!
A garbage can flies over their heads and CRASHES behind them. They spin around to the source and fire their guns, emptying the magazines.
CRESTFALL (O.S.)
No. These streets are mine now. All of them. Tell your “friends” that crime is no longer a lucrative source of income in Neon City. A bomb’s about to blow up.
BRIAN
A bomb?
CRESTFALL (O.S.)
Figuratively.
JOE
Look, I don’t want any trouble. You’re looking for Quitlove.
BRIAN
Joe!
JOE
Alexander Quitlove! He runs Sinecorp. He’ll kill me if he finds out I told you. But if you think you can take him down. I say go for it.
BRIAN
We’re screwed! Everyone is screwed!
Crestfall steps out of the shadows behind them and SMACKS their heads together, knocking them out.
CRESTFALL
You are now.
She CLICKS off the video recording device she was carrying with her. She now has some evidence worth using against Quitlove.
INT. SINECORP - QUITLOVE’S OFFICE - NIGHT
Quitlove sits at his desk in his big office. He’s working on stacks of paperwork. It’s raining outside and SIRENS can be heard wailing down the streets below his 34th floor window. His assistant JEREMY is there with him.
QUITLOVE
Running the world is tedious work Jeremy.
JEREMY
The world, sir?
QUITLOVE
Well, not “the world” per se, but Sinecorp as a whole.
JEREMY
Yes, sir.
QUITLOVE
The thing about villainous plans, Jeremy, is that you never quite know who to trust.
He walks over to Jeremy and throws his arm over Jeremy’s shoulder. Jeremy’s pants are wet.
QUITLOVE (CONT’D)
You seem nervous, son. Are you nervous?
JEREMY
Maybe a little, sir.
QUITLOVE
Well what on Earth for?
JEREMY
It’s my first day and you’ve told me quite a lot about your business plans for the future. I’m just intimidated I suppose.
QUITLOVE
Don’t be intimidated Jeremy!
A GUNSHOT. Jeremy’s lifeless body slumps to the floor.
QUITLOVE (CONT’D)
I haven’t told you half of it.
The intercom BUZZES.
THERESA
Sir. I’m sorry for bothering you. I have The Facility on the line.
QUITLOVE
Perfect! Thank you, my dear.
THERESA
Shall I have a cleaning crew come up?
QUITLOVE
Why don’t you give me a little time with my new throw rug. I want to see how it goes with the rest of my office.
THERESA
Yes sir. One final thing, the girl you’re expecting should be on her way here shortly.
QUITLOVE
Ms. Crest? Already? She’s earlier than I expected! Good. Very good indeed.
INT. GARBAZ’S APARTMENT - THE NEXT DAY
Garbaz and Crestfall sit and review the video footage of the fight from the night before. The audio is a little sketchy but it’s easy to make out the important things.
CRESTFALL
So, what do we do with this? We take it to the cops right? Some attorneys?
GARBAZ
We will do that. We will. But first we need to figure out which cops we can trust.
CRESTFALL
So where does that leave us? I can’t just sit here and wait for him to show his hand.
GARBAZ
Maybe you don’t have to. Maybe you can force it.
CRESTFALL
I don’t understand.
Garbaz gets up and opens the door into the dinning room. On the table is a lot of food. A veritable feast prepared for her.
GARBAZ
We take the fight to Quitlove. We stop playing defense. We stop fighting from the shadows. We take a proactive stance. We hit him where he lives and we sock him where it hurts. What do you think?
Crestfall grins.
INT. SINECORP - QUITLOVE’S OFFICE - AFTERNOON
Quitlove is almost giddy. He’s pacing his office like a boy on Christmas Eve.
QUITLOVE
This is it. The last steps of my first phase. The culmination of my life’s work is coming to pass.
The doors open and his security team enter.
QUITLOVE (CONT’D)
Welcome gentlemen. You’ve all been chosen to bear witness to history. Well, one of you will live it. The others will bear witness. If they survive. Gentlemen I need a volunteer.
Everyone raises their hand in a militaristic manner. No one more enthused than the next. Quitlove walks in front of them, inspecting them like a platoon leader would. He stops in front of MILES, very tall, muscular. Large and intimidating.
QUITLOVE (CONT’D)
Miles hmm? Do you think you could be a Brute?
MILES
A Brute sir?
QUITLOVE
You heard me. Do you think that you could handle being a brute?
MILES
No, sir! If I’m going to be a Brute, I’m going to be the best Brute! I will be THE Brute sir!
QUITLOVE
Yes. I like you.
Quitlove walks over to the cylinder on the wall and attaches it to a large gun shaped syringe.
QUITLOVE (CONT’D)
Yes, I like you quite a lot Brute. You’ll be my first soldier, if this trial run proves fruitful. Your brothers here will follow your lead shortly. By the way, this will hurt a lot.
Quitlove shoves the giant needle into Miles’s neck and squeezes the trigger. The purple goo moves into his veins. Miles SCREAMS in agony and is brought to his knees.
MILES
Dear God! It hurts!
The security team nervously back away from their comrade who’s writhing on the floor in agony.
QUITLOVE
Steel yourselves men! Nothing worth doing is easy! Pain and sacrifice pave the way to prosperity and wealth! This man on the floor in front of you is no one to pity! He’s to be admired! He’s to be emulated!
As he lies on the floor, Mile’s clothes rip as his muscles bulge through, blood pools beneath him as his skin can no longer contain his insides. His body has taken on an unnatural purple hue. He’s no longer screaming. Just growing.
QUITLOVE (CONT’D)
Fascinating. Are you still with us Miles?
Miles no longer exists. There is only The Brute.
BRUTE
No. Miles. Only. Brute.
He rises to his feet. He towers over everyone. Standing at about 8 feet tall. He stands a grotesque figure in the otherwise pristine office.
QUITLOVE
Ah, yes. Brute. How do you feel Brute?
Brute doesn’t respond. He just stands there BREATHING HEAVILY.
QUITLOVE (CONT’D)
Very good.
The security team is looking nervous.
QUITLOVE (CONT’D)
Brute?
Brute looks at him inquisitively.
QUITLOVE (CONT’D)
Kill.
The Brute lets out a blood curdling ROAR. He runs towards his former teammates. He tears off their limbs one by one. Tossing a few through the 34th floor window. Quitlove observes, LAUGHING. As Brute twists the head off the last of the security team, Quitlove walks over to him and attempts to put his arm around him.
BRUTE
Brute. Good?
QUITLOVE
Yes. Brute very good! Very good indeed.
Brute CHUCKLES an unholy chuckle.
QUITLOVE (CONT’D)
And call me “dad”!
BRUTE
Dad.
Quitlove hits the intercom button.
QUITLOVE
Theresa, I think we’re ready for some field testing.
THERESA (O.S.)
Very good, sir.
Crestfall is perched upon one of Neon City’s many adorning gargoyles. She finds these gargoyles convenient perches due to their frequency of placement. This is mirroring where we left at the beginning of the first act. We’re back to the exact moment we initially left her. The rain still pours down in buckets. THUNDER rolls in the distance.
CRESTFALL (V.O.)
A lot has happened in these last two years. I thought my time in EOD would define who I was for the next few years. I never thought I’d be on some quest to avenge anyone, let alone myself or my parents.
She leaps in the air once again. Flying straight up. She may have tears in her eyes or the rain might just be smacking her cheeks. She stares straight up, unblinking.
CRESTFALL (V.O.)
I can do this! How can I do this? It doesn’t make any sense. I’m supposed to be with my team, disarming bombs and making things safe for the other troops. Now I’m so far above them. Not figuratively. I have to get this figured out. If I can get answers for me then I can make sure this doesn’t happen to anyone else.
She stops miles above the city. She hovers, overlooking the city scape. A plane flies right past her, she’s too far in her own mind to notice.
CRESTFALL (V.O.)
No more time for second guessing. No more time to sit around moping and wondering “what if?” Now it’s time for action. I have to find the source and cut off it’s head.
She steels herself. A newfound surge of courage courses through her. Back down in the streets GUNFIRE is being exchanged. She hears and dive-bombs down into the streets.
CRESTFALL
Showtime.
EXT. NEON CITY - CORNER OF KONTOR BLVD. & SCHUR ST.- NIGHT
JOE is leader of The Kontor Kings, a local gang who are trying to stake a claim in this dirty corner of Neon City. He’s meeting with BRIAN, rival leader of the Schur Street Hellions, who are also trying to stake a claim. Each leader is backed by about five thugs who stand around and look menacing. They meet each other in the street.
JOE
Brian.
BRIAN
Joe.
JOE
We’ve got some things we need to work out. Some, let’s call them, boundary issues.
BRIAN
Yeah we do. You don’t seem to know where your boundaries are.
JOE
Excuse me? Are you trying to tell me my boys’ business?
BRIAN
Nope. I’m trying to tell you yours!
JOE
These streets are mine! You better back off.
Joe pulls out a gun. This is met with Brian pulling out a gun of his own. Each member of both gangs respond in kind, weapons drawn and at the ready.
BRIAN
Alright, bro. Let’s just chill out. We don’t want to do anything rash.
JOE
No we don’t. You need to tell your boys to back off my turf. These streets are claimed.
BRIAN
Maybe so, but maybe...
A GUNSHOT rings out before Brian can finish his thought. Brian and Joe drop to the ground. GUNFIRE is exchanged from either side. Bullets whip over their heads as they lay on the street both with their eyes closed. The shooting stops. They slowly get up and survey their surroundings. The gang members from both sides are all laying on the ground, unconscious. They stand back to back.
JOE
Yo, man. What happened? They get shot?
BRIAN
I don’t think so. They couldn’t have all been shot. It looks like they’re breathing.
JOE
What could have done this?
CRESTFALL (O.S.)
What or who?
They’re startled at the sound of her voice. Frantically, they’re searching from the safety of the street for any sign of the voice. One never leaving the other’s back.
BRIAN
What do you want?
JOE
Who are you?
Still in shadow, she taunts them.
CRESTFALL (O.S.)
Your boss. How can I find him?
JOE
Hey! I’m the boss here. These are my streets!
A garbage can flies over their heads and CRASHES behind them. They spin around to the source and fire their guns, emptying the magazines.
CRESTFALL (O.S.)
No. These streets are mine now. All of them. Tell your “friends” that crime is no longer a lucrative source of income in Neon City. A bomb’s about to blow up.
BRIAN
A bomb?
CRESTFALL (O.S.)
Figuratively.
JOE
Look, I don’t want any trouble. You’re looking for Quitlove.
BRIAN
Joe!
JOE
Alexander Quitlove! He runs Sinecorp. He’ll kill me if he finds out I told you. But if you think you can take him down. I say go for it.
BRIAN
We’re screwed! Everyone is screwed!
Crestfall steps out of the shadows behind them and SMACKS their heads together, knocking them out.
CRESTFALL
You are now.
She CLICKS off the video recording device she was carrying with her. She now has some evidence worth using against Quitlove.
INT. SINECORP - QUITLOVE’S OFFICE - NIGHT
Quitlove sits at his desk in his big office. He’s working on stacks of paperwork. It’s raining outside and SIRENS can be heard wailing down the streets below his 34th floor window. His assistant JEREMY is there with him.
QUITLOVE
Running the world is tedious work Jeremy.
JEREMY
The world, sir?
QUITLOVE
Well, not “the world” per se, but Sinecorp as a whole.
JEREMY
Yes, sir.
QUITLOVE
The thing about villainous plans, Jeremy, is that you never quite know who to trust.
He walks over to Jeremy and throws his arm over Jeremy’s shoulder. Jeremy’s pants are wet.
QUITLOVE (CONT’D)
You seem nervous, son. Are you nervous?
JEREMY
Maybe a little, sir.
QUITLOVE
Well what on Earth for?
JEREMY
It’s my first day and you’ve told me quite a lot about your business plans for the future. I’m just intimidated I suppose.
QUITLOVE
Don’t be intimidated Jeremy!
A GUNSHOT. Jeremy’s lifeless body slumps to the floor.
QUITLOVE (CONT’D)
I haven’t told you half of it.
The intercom BUZZES.
THERESA
Sir. I’m sorry for bothering you. I have The Facility on the line.
QUITLOVE
Perfect! Thank you, my dear.
THERESA
Shall I have a cleaning crew come up?
QUITLOVE
Why don’t you give me a little time with my new throw rug. I want to see how it goes with the rest of my office.
THERESA
Yes sir. One final thing, the girl you’re expecting should be on her way here shortly.
QUITLOVE
Ms. Crest? Already? She’s earlier than I expected! Good. Very good indeed.
INT. GARBAZ’S APARTMENT - THE NEXT DAY
Garbaz and Crestfall sit and review the video footage of the fight from the night before. The audio is a little sketchy but it’s easy to make out the important things.
CRESTFALL
So, what do we do with this? We take it to the cops right? Some attorneys?
GARBAZ
We will do that. We will. But first we need to figure out which cops we can trust.
CRESTFALL
So where does that leave us? I can’t just sit here and wait for him to show his hand.
GARBAZ
Maybe you don’t have to. Maybe you can force it.
CRESTFALL
I don’t understand.
Garbaz gets up and opens the door into the dinning room. On the table is a lot of food. A veritable feast prepared for her.
GARBAZ
We take the fight to Quitlove. We stop playing defense. We stop fighting from the shadows. We take a proactive stance. We hit him where he lives and we sock him where it hurts. What do you think?
Crestfall grins.
INT. SINECORP - QUITLOVE’S OFFICE - AFTERNOON
Quitlove is almost giddy. He’s pacing his office like a boy on Christmas Eve.
QUITLOVE
This is it. The last steps of my first phase. The culmination of my life’s work is coming to pass.
The doors open and his security team enter.
QUITLOVE (CONT’D)
Welcome gentlemen. You’ve all been chosen to bear witness to history. Well, one of you will live it. The others will bear witness. If they survive. Gentlemen I need a volunteer.
Everyone raises their hand in a militaristic manner. No one more enthused than the next. Quitlove walks in front of them, inspecting them like a platoon leader would. He stops in front of MILES, very tall, muscular. Large and intimidating.
QUITLOVE (CONT’D)
Miles hmm? Do you think you could be a Brute?
MILES
A Brute sir?
QUITLOVE
You heard me. Do you think that you could handle being a brute?
MILES
No, sir! If I’m going to be a Brute, I’m going to be the best Brute! I will be THE Brute sir!
QUITLOVE
Yes. I like you.
Quitlove walks over to the cylinder on the wall and attaches it to a large gun shaped syringe.
QUITLOVE (CONT’D)
Yes, I like you quite a lot Brute. You’ll be my first soldier, if this trial run proves fruitful. Your brothers here will follow your lead shortly. By the way, this will hurt a lot.
Quitlove shoves the giant needle into Miles’s neck and squeezes the trigger. The purple goo moves into his veins. Miles SCREAMS in agony and is brought to his knees.
MILES
Dear God! It hurts!
The security team nervously back away from their comrade who’s writhing on the floor in agony.
QUITLOVE
Steel yourselves men! Nothing worth doing is easy! Pain and sacrifice pave the way to prosperity and wealth! This man on the floor in front of you is no one to pity! He’s to be admired! He’s to be emulated!
As he lies on the floor, Mile’s clothes rip as his muscles bulge through, blood pools beneath him as his skin can no longer contain his insides. His body has taken on an unnatural purple hue. He’s no longer screaming. Just growing.
QUITLOVE (CONT’D)
Fascinating. Are you still with us Miles?
Miles no longer exists. There is only The Brute.
BRUTE
No. Miles. Only. Brute.
He rises to his feet. He towers over everyone. Standing at about 8 feet tall. He stands a grotesque figure in the otherwise pristine office.
QUITLOVE
Ah, yes. Brute. How do you feel Brute?
Brute doesn’t respond. He just stands there BREATHING HEAVILY.
QUITLOVE (CONT’D)
Very good.
The security team is looking nervous.
QUITLOVE (CONT’D)
Brute?
Brute looks at him inquisitively.
QUITLOVE (CONT’D)
Kill.
The Brute lets out a blood curdling ROAR. He runs towards his former teammates. He tears off their limbs one by one. Tossing a few through the 34th floor window. Quitlove observes, LAUGHING. As Brute twists the head off the last of the security team, Quitlove walks over to him and attempts to put his arm around him.
BRUTE
Brute. Good?
QUITLOVE
Yes. Brute very good! Very good indeed.
Brute CHUCKLES an unholy chuckle.
QUITLOVE (CONT’D)
And call me “dad”!
BRUTE
Dad.
Quitlove hits the intercom button.
QUITLOVE
Theresa, I think we’re ready for some field testing.
THERESA (O.S.)
Very good, sir.
Descriptive Text
*So, for this assignment I was supposed to write 600 words on an object that is important to my story. I wracked my brain over what to use until it occurred to me to use the bomb that put Crestfall in this position in the first place.
It had to be written like "you see a table..." etc. the point of this assignment was to get us to think about writing scenes as opposed to just dialogue (or "dialog" as my teacher wrote it).*
At first glance, you don’t notice anything specifically out of place with the improvised explosive device. As you examine the device in your hands, the wind whips up a mixture of sand and dust that flakes on your goggles. You’ve been in the desert too long, but the war serves only as a backdrop to your major exploits. You’re here to diffuse this bomb.
Your heart thumps in your chest as you examine the case. It looks like a shoebox though it’s odd size denotes that it couldn’t be that. It’s just too narrow, and just too long. The weight is something you’ll never forget, like new hardcover novel by your favorite author. It would be re-assuring if it weren’t a death trap.
Carefully, you cut into the seal around the lid. You don’t allow the knife to penetrate the box itself, just the seal. The glue that holds the lid in place gives way with ease to the sharp intrusion of the blade.
Gently you pull back the lid. If the lid’s been booby-trapped this would be the easiest way to find out. It’d also be the messiest. Inside is a crude series of wires, a clay-like substance, a cell phone and a cylinder. Duct taped to the back of the cellphone is a transmitter with an LED timer counting down. It’s got ten minutes left. There’s a pair of wires moving from the cell phone to the clay, no, upon closer inspection you can see the two blasting caps imbedded in the clay. This is definitely C4. It’s rigged to blow as soon as the timer reaches zero. At least you’ve got some time to figure it all out.
There’s another pair of wires that go from the C4 to the cylinder, in which they disappear into seamlessly. This cylinder is unlike anything you’re seen before. It’s about a foot long with a diameter of about an inch and a half. On the top of the canister is a symbol, you’ve seen a symbol like this before but you can’t quite place it. Was it something your father used to have? Your mother maybe? It’s etched into the surface. Someone went to great lengths to try to cover up this symbol. It’s something you’ll need to look into later. There don’t appear to be any seams on the metallic piece except for a small window that goes down the length of the device. You need to figure out what you’re dealing with before diving in to disarm the bomb so you move in for a closer look.
Inside the cylinder is a purple liquid. It looks like it could be a type of coolant except for its consistency; it’s a little too thick. It’s less watery.
A loud crack rings across the desert followed by the faint aroma of gunpowder. This brings you back into the now. Bravo Company is out there, engaging a relentless enemy. You need to clear this road of bombs before your brothers and sisters come back this way.
You lean in with your wire cutters, your training notwithstanding, you feel trepidation. If you make a mistake, it’s not just your life on the line; it’s also everyone else’s. You follow the wires backwards, going from the cylinder, to the C4, back to the transmitter. Less than four minutes to go.
You hold two wires in your hand, and lean in close to inspect them. A wrong decision here can end in tragedy. You make your decision.
The phone rings. Everyone is startled. You’ve lost your focus for second, disoriented by the jarring sound of the phone. Dread crosses your face as you realize that the phone isn’t just powering the transmitter, it also serves as the kill switch. Time seems to slow as the LED flashes zero. The canister slides back a hidden compartment and the purple goo is sprayed on your face like a thick spray of mace. You take an instant to recognize that the goo smells like strawberries. The blast is fierce, or so you’d imagine. The impact from being at the epicenter knocks you out cold. This is only the beginning of your troubles.
It had to be written like "you see a table..." etc. the point of this assignment was to get us to think about writing scenes as opposed to just dialogue (or "dialog" as my teacher wrote it).*
At first glance, you don’t notice anything specifically out of place with the improvised explosive device. As you examine the device in your hands, the wind whips up a mixture of sand and dust that flakes on your goggles. You’ve been in the desert too long, but the war serves only as a backdrop to your major exploits. You’re here to diffuse this bomb.
Your heart thumps in your chest as you examine the case. It looks like a shoebox though it’s odd size denotes that it couldn’t be that. It’s just too narrow, and just too long. The weight is something you’ll never forget, like new hardcover novel by your favorite author. It would be re-assuring if it weren’t a death trap.
Carefully, you cut into the seal around the lid. You don’t allow the knife to penetrate the box itself, just the seal. The glue that holds the lid in place gives way with ease to the sharp intrusion of the blade.
Gently you pull back the lid. If the lid’s been booby-trapped this would be the easiest way to find out. It’d also be the messiest. Inside is a crude series of wires, a clay-like substance, a cell phone and a cylinder. Duct taped to the back of the cellphone is a transmitter with an LED timer counting down. It’s got ten minutes left. There’s a pair of wires moving from the cell phone to the clay, no, upon closer inspection you can see the two blasting caps imbedded in the clay. This is definitely C4. It’s rigged to blow as soon as the timer reaches zero. At least you’ve got some time to figure it all out.
There’s another pair of wires that go from the C4 to the cylinder, in which they disappear into seamlessly. This cylinder is unlike anything you’re seen before. It’s about a foot long with a diameter of about an inch and a half. On the top of the canister is a symbol, you’ve seen a symbol like this before but you can’t quite place it. Was it something your father used to have? Your mother maybe? It’s etched into the surface. Someone went to great lengths to try to cover up this symbol. It’s something you’ll need to look into later. There don’t appear to be any seams on the metallic piece except for a small window that goes down the length of the device. You need to figure out what you’re dealing with before diving in to disarm the bomb so you move in for a closer look.
Inside the cylinder is a purple liquid. It looks like it could be a type of coolant except for its consistency; it’s a little too thick. It’s less watery.
A loud crack rings across the desert followed by the faint aroma of gunpowder. This brings you back into the now. Bravo Company is out there, engaging a relentless enemy. You need to clear this road of bombs before your brothers and sisters come back this way.
You lean in with your wire cutters, your training notwithstanding, you feel trepidation. If you make a mistake, it’s not just your life on the line; it’s also everyone else’s. You follow the wires backwards, going from the cylinder, to the C4, back to the transmitter. Less than four minutes to go.
You hold two wires in your hand, and lean in close to inspect them. A wrong decision here can end in tragedy. You make your decision.
The phone rings. Everyone is startled. You’ve lost your focus for second, disoriented by the jarring sound of the phone. Dread crosses your face as you realize that the phone isn’t just powering the transmitter, it also serves as the kill switch. Time seems to slow as the LED flashes zero. The canister slides back a hidden compartment and the purple goo is sprayed on your face like a thick spray of mace. You take an instant to recognize that the goo smells like strawberries. The blast is fierce, or so you’d imagine. The impact from being at the epicenter knocks you out cold. This is only the beginning of your troubles.
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