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Life After BOB: The Chalice Study (shooting script) (edit)
Revision as of 16:51, 28 July 2021
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[[Droning]] - voluntary possession of your nervous system by another person or an artificial agent like BOB.
[[Droning]] - voluntary possession of your nervous system by another person or an artificial agent like BOB.
Jewel - in IRL it is a neural hardware set between a person’s eyes. In WV, it is a marker for summoning BOB.
[[Jewel]] - in IRL it is a neural hardware set between a person’s eyes. In WV, it is a marker for summoning BOB.
INT. BLACK VOID - CARDS - SEQ100
INT. BLACK VOID - CARDS - SEQ100
''It is a Great Anomic Era.''
''It is a [[Great Anomic Era]].''
''[[Zoroaster Immeasurables (ZIM) | ZOROASTER IMMEASURABLES (ZIM)]] emerges as a giant in the [[Wavyverse | WAVYVERSE]] - a maturing neural medium.''
''[[Zoroaster Immeasurables (ZIM) | ZOROASTER IMMEASURABLES (ZIM)]] emerges as a giant in the [[Wavyverse | WAVYVERSE]] - a maturing neural medium.''
''While enjoyed by an elite few, BOB bears inconclusive results, enraging the HUMANISTA and eroding trust in neural manipulation.''
''While enjoyed by an elite few, BOB bears inconclusive results, enraging the HUMANISTA and eroding trust in neural manipulation.''
''Eager to answer the anomic crisis, [[Zoroaster (Z) | ZIM’s own CEO]] leaks the secretive work of pioneering neural engineer DR WONG:''
''Eager to answer the anomic crisis, [[Zoroaster (Z) | ZIM’s own CEO]] leaks the secretive work of pioneering neural engineer [[Dr. James Moonweed Wong | DR WONG]]:''
''A new BOB rumored to guarantee anybody a winning life path…''
''A new BOB rumored to guarantee anybody a winning life path…''
''DESTINY BOB''
''[[Destiny BOB | DESTINY BOB]]''
EXT. WINDING SHORE CLIFF ROAD - PRE-DAWN - SEQ200
EXT. WINDING SHORE CLIFF ROAD - PRE-DAWN - SEQ200
ORLANDO, 17, in sportswear, a medal around his neck, zips down a coastal road on a performance bicycle. Floating camera orbs trail behind him. On a straightaway, he takes his hands off the handle bars and holds them together in a prayer pose. Steady like a pro. Closes his eyes. Still steady. High speed.
[[Orlando de Blair | ORLANDO]], 17, in sportswear, a [[Orlando's Destiny Medal | medal]] around his neck, zips down a coastal road on a performance bicycle. Floating camera orbs trail behind him. On a straightaway, he takes his hands off the handle bars and holds them together in a prayer pose. Steady like a pro. Closes his eyes. Still steady. High speed.
ORLANDO
ORLANDO
This is it my BOB. You’ve delivered me to my destiny.
This is it my BOB. You’ve delivered me to my destiny.
His third eye jewel shimmers.
His third eye [[Jewel | jewel]] shimmers.
ORLANDO (CONT'D)
ORLANDO (CONT'D)
<Cold> Separation from a Destiny 5 BOB can be a shock at first.
<Cold> Separation from a Destiny 5 BOB can be a shock at first.
ORLANDO’s face drops. He grabs a knife from Z’s belt. Z scurries back, cautious. ORLANDO points the knife.
ORLANDO’s face drops. He grabs a [[Orlando Incident Safety Knife | knife]] from Z’s belt. Z scurries back, cautious. ORLANDO points the knife.
ORLANDO
ORLANDO
Stop droning you fat snake! I know you’re in there!
Stop [[Droning | droning]] you fat snake! I know you’re in there!
Z’s body language shuffles: suddenly he stands, panting hard.
Z’s body language shuffles: suddenly he stands, panting hard.
Z
Z
Orlando - hey - just feel alive to this moment. <Inhales morning air>
Orlando - hey - just feel alive to this moment. <Inhales morning air>
*Zaaaah* This is your second act. You’re no longer a birth ID. You’re defined by a history of action now -
*Zaaaah* This is your second act. You’re no longer a [[birth ID]]. You’re defined by a history of action now -
ORLANDO turns resolute. He plunges the knife into his own throat. The blade retracts into safety mode and beeps. Cams snap and flash.
ORLANDO turns resolute. He plunges the knife into his own throat. The blade retracts into safety mode and beeps. Cams snap and flash.
Z (CONT'D)
Z (CONT'D)
<To the cams> Well humanistas... Guess that settles it. Destiny BOBs ain’t the anomic cure we hoped for.
<To the cams> Well [[humanistas]]... Guess that settles it. Destiny BOBs ain’t the anomic cure we hoped for.
Z’s behavior shuffles back, droning. He clears his throat, and abruptly jogs off. ORLANDO, abandoned, crumples in place, futilely stabbing his own face. Beep. Beep. Beep. The orb cams crowd him, chattering: “We love you Orlando!” “Evil ZIM” “Wong’s design” “Need a lawyer?” “ZIM short- sellers rejoice” “Is The Chalice Study cursed?” Bleeds over to -
Z’s behavior shuffles back, droning. He clears his throat, and abruptly jogs off. ORLANDO, abandoned, crumples in place, futilely stabbing his own face. Beep. Beep. Beep. The [[orb cams]] crowd him, chattering: “We love you Orlando!” “Evil ZIM” “Wong’s design” “Need a lawyer?” “ZIM short- sellers rejoice” “Is [[The Chalice Study]] cursed?” Bleeds over to -
EXT. CITY - TITLES - SEQ300
EXT. CITY - TITLES - SEQ300
Cam chatter bleeding over from prior scene - A shuttle flies toward an apartment tower.
Cam chatter bleeding over from prior scene - A [[shuttle]] flies toward an apartment tower.
SUPERTITLE: LIFE AFTER BOB
SUPERTITLE: [[Life After BOB | LIFE AFTER BOB]]
SUPERTITLE: THE CHALICE STUDY
SUPERTITLE: [[The Chalice Study | THE CHALICE STUDY]]
A portrait: Dr Wong, Chalice, and BOB, collaged in.
A portrait: [[Dr. James Moonweed Wong | Dr Wong]], [[Chalice Wong | Chalice]], and [[Destiny BOB | BOB]], collaged in.
INT. WONG APARTMENT — MORNING - SEQ400
INT. WONG APARTMENT — MORNING - SEQ400
We scan thru the Wong apartment: an entropic household covered in neural equipment, prototypes, and neoprotein cases; kid-sized musical instruments, hobby plants, and athletic equipment. We hear two voices:
We scan thru the Wong apartment: an entropic household covered in neural equipment, prototypes, and [[neoprotein]] cases; kid-sized musical instruments, hobby plants, and athletic equipment. We hear two voices:
CHALICE (V.O.)
CHALICE (V.O.)
CHALICE (V.O.)
CHALICE (V.O.)
Chalice the BOB (this is you): “I - am - a - BOB. Let me cook a perfect egg.”
Chalice the BOB (this is you): “I - am - a - BOB. Let me cook a [[Perfect Egg | perfect egg]].”
BOB (V.O.)
BOB (V.O.)
INT. WAVYVERSE. CHALICE’S CONFLUX - SEQ410
INT. WAVYVERSE. CHALICE’S CONFLUX - SEQ410
CHALICE in her LANDSCAPE CONFLUX: a sloping mountainous space with a series of branching rivers, running upstream, toward a ridge. A vague landmark peaking beyond it. The sky rapidly changing colors in a distracting way.
CHALICE in her [[Conflux | LANDSCAPE CONFLUX]]: a sloping mountainous space with a series of branching rivers, running upstream, toward a ridge. A [[Destiny Tree | vague landmark]] peaking beyond it. The sky rapidly changing colors in a distracting way.
Alongside is her Destiny BOB: serpent-like, friendly, three eyed. BOB gazes at her exactly 90 degrees to the left of her face. It stays pinned to her, its body rippling behind like a ribbon.
Alongside is her [[Destiny BOB]]: serpent-like, friendly, three eyed. BOB gazes at her exactly 90 degrees to the left of her face. It stays pinned to her, its body rippling behind like a ribbon.
BOB
BOB
Thank you. We’re aligned.
Thank you. We’re aligned.
BOB’s head faces forward, now locked in same direction as CHALICE. A dreamy logo appears: ZOROASTER IMMEASURABLES. It collapses into ZIM: A WAVY PATH COMPANY; a sound plays *ZEEEEM*. A buffet of educational modules leak in.
BOB’s head faces forward, now locked in same direction as CHALICE. A dreamy logo appears: [[Zoroaster Immeasurables (ZIM) | ZOROASTER IMMEASURABLES]]. It collapses into ZIM: A WAVY PATH COMPANY; a sound plays *ZEEEEM*. A buffet of [[Learning educational modules | educational modules]] [[leak]] in.
CHALICE
CHALICE
Let me look. Go eat for me BOB.
Let me look. Go eat for me BOB.
BOB’s entire body zips into CHALICE’s third eye jewel on her forehead. It pulses. This is BOB droning CHALICE’s IRL body.
BOB’s entire body zips into CHALICE’s third eye jewel on her forehead. It pulses. This is BOB [[droning]] CHALICE’s IRL body.
CHALICE browses through the modules: Math 102, Programming Wetware 205, Dancing, Painting, Plant Grafting, Dog Farming, Time Management for Teens, Contracts for Teens, Nah, Cooking with NeoProtein, Skin Care, Nerve Care, Frac-Tonal Music, Your First Club, Cam Piloting with Commander Alan, Life Sims 201, Little Leaks, How to Dress For Today, Make Up, Renaissance Guitar with Orlando de Blair, Gamelan Time, Steering Dreams in Five Cyclettes or Less, Droning for Idiots, Droning Animals, When to Hive, Four Hour Demigods, Foxy Negotiation, Dating by Doing, Regarding Strangers, Keeping Score With Your Body, Advanced Conjuring, History of Surprises, Renaming Yourself.
CHALICE browses through the [[Learning educational modules | modules]]: Math 102, [[Programming Wetware]] 205, Dancing, Painting, Plant Grafting, Dog Farming, Time Management for Teens, Contracts for Teens, Nah, Cooking with [[NeoProtein]], Skin Care, Nerve Care, [[Frac-Tonal Music]], Your First Club, Cam Piloting with [[Commander Alan]], Life Sims 201, Little [[Leaks]], How to Dress For Today, Make Up, Renaissance Guitar with [[Orlando de Blair]], Gamelan Time, Steering Dreams in Five Cyclettes or Less, Droning for Idiots, Droning Animals, When to Hive, Four Hour [[Demigods]], Foxy Negotiation, Dating by Doing, Regarding Strangers, Keeping Score With Your Body, Advanced Conjuring, History of Surprises, Renaming Yourself.
BOB returns.
BOB returns.
SISTER SAN (O.S.)
SISTER SAN (O.S.)
Is the Orlando Study yours too? Are 11 you a ZIM sorcerer?
Is [[The Orlando Study | the Orlando Study]] yours too? Are you a ZIM sorcerer?
DR WONG (O.S.)
DR WONG (O.S.)
I’m the inventor of BOBs. Now give 12 me my silk!
I’m the inventor of BOBs. Now give me my silk!
FLIP TO IRL:
FLIP TO IRL:
INT. WONG APARTMENT - IN REAL LIFE -SEQ420
INT. WONG APARTMENT - IN REAL LIFE -SEQ420
CHALICE flips to see her father, DR WONG, picking himself off the floor of their apartment docking deck, shaking his wig dry, his bald head dotted with neural ports. Protein balls scattered. A shuttle is departing with a young woman yelling:
CHALICE flips to see her father, DR WONG, picking himself off the floor of their apartment docking deck, shaking his [[Dr. Wong's wig | wig]] dry, his bald head dotted with [[neural ports]]. Protein balls scattered. A shuttle is departing with a young woman yelling:
SISTER SAN
SISTER SAN
Shame on you. Sister World Hand Pulled Neoprotein can no longer be accessory to the mass torture of children. Dr James Moonweed Wong: Banned from our story.
Shame on you. [[Sister World Hand Pulled Neoprotein]] can no longer be accessory to the mass torture of children. Dr James Moonweed Wong: Banned from our story.
DR WONG
DR WONG
I'm not paying for your unfiltered irrelevant Dead World thoughts on my life’s work!
I'm not paying for your unfiltered irrelevant [[Dead World]] thoughts on my life’s work!
CHALICE sees this ugliness. DR WONG sees her see, quickly shifts and mutes the glass with a gesture. She looks away.
CHALICE sees this ugliness. DR WONG sees her see, quickly shifts and mutes the glass with a gesture. She looks away.
DR WONG (CONT'D)
DR WONG (CONT'D)
Hey - I got orbital silk neoprotein for my supergirl.
Hey - I got [[Orbital Silk Neoprotein | orbital silk neoprotein]] for my supergirl.
CHALICE
CHALICE
Thanks dad.
Thanks dad.
Then: DR WONG holds his ear, a voice beams into his head.
Then: DR WONG holds his ear, a voice beams into his head.
DR WONG
DR WONG
Ava. Slow down. No. Z issued - No. 3 Z! - Inaccurate - Listen! - What?
Ava. Slow down. No. Z issued - No. Z! - Inaccurate - Listen! - What?
FLIP TO WV:
FLIP TO WV:
INT. WAVYVERSE. CHALICE’S CONFLUX.
CHALICE flips back. She focuses, the sky color stabilizes.
CHALICE flips back. She focuses, the sky color stabilizes.
CHALICE
CHALICE
I want to preview Renaming Yourself. Can’t you just do the Math one for me?
I want to preview Renaming 1 Yourself. Can’t you just do the
Math one for me?
BOB
BOB
Yes I can. But how about Frac-Tonal 2 Music?
Yes I can. But how about Frac-Tonal Music?
CHALICE
CHALICE
Chalice - um - the Great.
Chalice - um - the Great.
A colored conflux portal appears over a section of the landscape ahead of her, its contents look continuous with the landscape, but shift slightly, rivers turning into a low incline path leading to an abandoned ditch.
A colored conflux [[portal]] appears over a section of the landscape ahead of her, its contents look continuous with the landscape, but shift slightly, rivers turning into a low incline path leading to an abandoned ditch.
CHALICE (CONT'D)
CHALICE (CONT'D)
Cyber Wong.
The stream speeds up violently, eating up its banks.
CHALICE (CONT'D)
CHALICE (CONT'D)
Susan.
The stream looks cheerful then suddenly bends and dries up.
CHALICE (CONT'D)
CHALICE (CONT'D)
BOB
BOB
It’s a subplot to your prime path. 10 Naming is rather advanced. <Beat>
It’s a [[subplots | subplot]] to your [[Life path | prime path]]. Naming is rather advanced. <Beat> Father is having a very bad day. Did you know Frac-Tonal music can rewire muscle memory?
Father is having a very bad day. Did you know Frac-Tonal music can
rewire muscle memory?
BOB cues up the Frac-Tonal Music Module. Her path again resembles forking rivers leading to the familiar ridge.
BOB cues up the Frac-Tonal Music Module. Her path again resembles forking rivers leading to the familiar ridge.
FLIP TO IRL:
FLIP TO IRL:
INT. ZIM SHUTTLE. IN REAL LIFE. - Seq 440
CHALICE finds herself seated beside DR WONG in a ZIM SHORE SHUTTLE, zipping fast somewhere. He’s pale and trembling.
CHALICE finds herself seated beside DR WONG in a ZIM SHORE SHUTTLE, zipping fast somewhere. He’s pale and trembling.
DR WONG
DR WONG
What? No. What’re you talking about? Z - he’s trying to pin
What? No. What’re you talking about? Z - he’s trying to pin something on me -
something on me -
CHALICE
CHALICE
DR WONG
DR WONG
Chalice. Listen. <Long pause> ZIM’s called us in. Chairman Ava herself
Chalice. Listen. <Long pause> ZIM’s called us in. [[Chairman Ava]] herself is requesting that you - break contract with BOB.
is requesting that you - break
contract with BOB.
CHALICE
CHALICE
DR WONG
DR WONG
Terminate BOB. <Beat> They’re scared. But don’t worry. Wongs
Terminate BOB. <Beat> They’re scared. But don’t worry. Wongs don’t blink. Now listen -
don’t blink. Now listen -
FLIP TO WV:
FLIP TO WV:
INT. WAVYVERSE. CHALICE’S CONFLUX. - Seq 450
CHALICE observes a nearby section of landscape that is doubled, different from each other. Sky flickers erratically.
CHALICE observes a nearby section of landscape that is doubled, different from each other. Sky flickers erratically.
Renaming is a full year’s course. Let’s continue path planning.
Renaming is a full year’s course. Let’s continue path planning.
BOB continues moving forward, but CHALICE hangs. CHALICE
BOB continues moving forward, but CHALICE hangs.
CHALICE
What would it look like if we break contract?
What would it look like if we break contract?
BOB (CONT'D)
BOB (CONT'D)
I see. <Beat> I should complete the math module and reconcile our life
I see. <Beat> I should complete the math module and reconcile our life logs. I could factor in a year of therapeutics or a new sport
logs. I could factor in a year of
therapeutics or a new sport
CHALICE
CHALICE
BOB stop - thinking ahead! Just show me what you see.
BOB stop - thinking ahead! Just show me what you see.
BOB conjures a preview conflux of her landscape. It is a path fractured in fits and stops, leading into thick grey fog.
BOB conjures a preview conflux of her landscape. It is a path fractured in fits and stops, leading into thick grey fog.
CHALICE (CONT'D)
CHALICE (CONT'D)
<Interpreting> Um so I’d just be a normal dumb humanista without you? Worrying about normal dumb humanista problems?
<Interpreting> Um so I’d just be a normal dumb humanista without you?
Worrying about normal dumb
humanista problems?
BOB
BOB
No. Far worse. <Points> At our age, the delta drop would be an anomic
No. Far worse. <Points> At our age, the [[delta drop]] would be an anomic catastrophe. Chalice would not survive. <Beat> We’re here.
catastrophe. Chalice would not
survive. <Beat> We’re here.
FLIP TO IRL:
FLIP TO IRL:
INT. ZIM SHUTTLE. IN REAL LIFE. - Seq 460
Out the shuttle window: a large buddha ruin with a broken face in coastal fog, then: ZIM COMPOUND emerges at its base.
Out the shuttle window: a large buddha ruin with a broken face in coastal fog, then: ZIM COMPOUND emerges at its base.
CUT TO:
CUT TO:
EXT. SHORE COMPOUND. SLOPE GARDEN. - SUNSET - Seq 500
An event area modestly hung with New Years Eve decorations. Music plays in the background and a large screen throbs the ZIM logo. Shuttles landing and taking off. A couple weary BOARD MEMBERS exiting personal shuttles, greeted by ZIM personnel.
An event area modestly hung with New Years Eve decorations. Music plays in the background and a large screen throbs the ZIM logo. Shuttles landing and taking off. A couple weary BOARD MEMBERS exiting personal shuttles, greeted by ZIM personnel.
DR WONG exits shuttle holding CHALICE by the hand. He waves away an eager ZIM personnel. CHALICE trails.
CHALICE
CHALICE
They can’t make me!
They can’t make me!
DR WONG stops at a clearing. He makes a gesture. Floating lamps cluster around and light CHALICE harshly.
DR WONG stops at a clearing. He makes a gesture. [[Floating lamps]] cluster around and light CHALICE harshly.
CHALICE (CONT'D)
CHALICE (CONT'D)
BOB is mine! It’s my brain! It’s my life!
BOB is mine! It’s my brain! It’s my life!
DR WONG
DR WONG
Anomics - Chalice - Anomics
Anomics - Chalice - Anomics Audit. December 31 -
CHALICE (CONT'D)
CHALICE (CONT'D)
You have to break my brain
You have to break my brain before I break contract!
CHALICE (CONT'D)
We’ll run away!
DR WONG (CONT'D)
DR WONG (CONT'D)
Tell me your name.
DR WONG takes a breath, kneels and tries to settle her. He folds his arms into a twist around hers, forcing hers to do the same. A familiar Wong technique.
DR WONG takes a breath, kneels and tries to settle her. He folds his arms into a twist around hers, forcing hers to do the same. A familiar Wong technique.
CHALICE
CHALICE
Chalice the post-human cyborg super weapon brain witch!
Chalice the post-human cyborg super weapon brain witch!
DR WONG unphased, presses on.
DR WONG unphased, presses on.
DR WONG
DR WONG
Age?
CHALICE (CONT'D)
Ten.
Ten.
DR WONG
DR WONG
<Embarrassed> Ava, ignore that. The lights turn off and disperse, revealing CHAIRMAN AVA, 90. She was watching the entire time. The Wongs break technique.
<Embarrassed> Ava, ignore that.
The lights turn off and disperse, revealing [[Chairman Ava | CHAIRMAN AVA]], 90. She was watching the entire time. The Wongs break technique.
CHAIRMAN AVA
CHAIRMAN AVA
We’ve always loved your work,Doctor. But this sounds like
We’ve always loved your work,Doctor. But this sounds like another one act play.
another one act play.
DR WONG
DR WONG
CHAIRMAN AVA
CHAIRMAN AVA
We’re dealing with Z. <Beat> Experiments are allowed to fail, James. I need you to deal with your
We’re dealing with Z. <Beat> Experiments are allowed to fail, James. I need you to deal with your daughter.
daughter.
DR WONG chases, dragging CHALICE by the arm. CHALICE tracks AVA with a sneer, hisses.
DR WONG chases, dragging CHALICE by the arm. CHALICE tracks AVA with a sneer, hisses.
DR WONG
DR WONG
Destiny BOB is work that takes a generation to make a generation. Only a parent can understand that
Destiny BOB is work that takes a generation to make a generation. Only a parent can understand that kind of time. Z doesn’t get that. The humanistas don’t get that. Not yet. But she can show them.
kind of time. Z doesn’t get that. The humanistas don’t get that. Not
yet. But she can show them.
CHAIRMAN AVA
CHAIRMAN AVA
CHAIRMAN AVA
CHAIRMAN AVA
Because your BOB promises to guide you to your destiny. But even if it
Because your BOB promises to guide you to your destiny. But even if it arrives, there’s no telling you will recognize or accept the person you’ve become. If you don’t like her, you might - do something.
arrives, there’s no telling you
will recognize or accept the person
you’ve become. If you don’t like
her, you might - do something.
CHALICE (DRONED BY BOB)
CHALICE (DRONED BY BOB)
Failure to self actualize is the leading cause of death. Father says
Failure to self actualize is the leading cause of death. Father says that’s a natural law.
that’s a natural law.
CHAIRMAN AVA
CHAIRMAN AVA
<Brow relax> Indeed. And ZIM cannot be responsible for aiding that law.
<Brow relax> Indeed. And ZIM cannot be responsible for aiding that law.
C(B) looks AVA in the eye, unblinking.
C(B) looks AVA in the eye, unblinking.
CHALICE (DRONED BY BOB)
CHALICE (DRONED BY BOB)
My destiny is to use my BOB-born advantage to become a symbol of the New Era. I will dedicate myself to [[wavecasting]] my unique experiences.
My destiny is to use my BOB-born advantage to become a symbol of the
New Era. I will dedicate myself to
wavecasting my unique experiences.
CHALICE (V.O.)
CHALICE (V.O.)
CHALICE (DRONED BY BOB)
CHALICE (DRONED BY BOB)
For that I will endure much hate. My teenage years will be trying. Relationships will be ugly. I will
For that I will endure much hate. My teenage years will be trying. Relationships will be ugly. I will learn betrayal. I will grow distant from father. He will be hurt. But this will ensure his parental influence dies during my critical Turn Years. Along the way I will frequently merge with my classic half to ensure we recognize the person we’re becoming.
learn betrayal. I will grow distant
from father. He will be hurt. But
this will ensure his parental
influence dies during my critical
Turn Years. Along the way I will
frequently merge with my classic
half to ensure we recognize the
person we’re becoming.
CHALICE (V.O.)
CHALICE (V.O.)
CHALICE (DRONED BY BOB)
CHALICE (DRONED BY BOB)
One day, I will arrive as my own someone. Forged by seven tortures. Low anxiety. No want of do overs. No parts left at home. A world
One day, I will arrive as my own someone. Forged by seven tortures. Low anxiety. No want of do overs. No parts left at home. A world others want to live in. A model of a life well lived. <Beat> Credit to the partnership of ZIM and Dr Wong.
others want to live in. A model of
a life well lived. <Beat> Credit to
the partnership of ZIM and Dr Wong.
CHALICE (V.O.)
CHALICE (V.O.)
DR WONG
DR WONG
My perfect girl. Absolutely.
My perfect girl. Absolutely.
CHALICE’s behavior shifts back. The smile disappears. She frowns, uncertain. She looks at DR WONG.
CHALICE’s behavior shifts back. The smile disappears. She frowns, uncertain. She looks at DR WONG.
END ACT 1 / 4
END ACT 1 / 4
EXT. SHORE COMPOUND. SLOPE GARDEN. - EVENING - Seq 500
Suddenly: the music cuts out. ZIM BOARD MEMBERS look around, confused. Then, an amplified voice:
Z (O.S.)
Z (O.S.)
Z’s grinning face appears on the event screen. BOARD MEMBERS mutter, annoyed, eager for answers. DR WONG and AVA frown.
Z’s grinning face appears on the event screen. BOARD MEMBERS mutter, annoyed, eager for answers. DR WONG and AVA frown.
Z (ON SCREEN) (CONT'D)
Z (ON SCREEN) (CONT'D)
Humanistas. Mad at ZIM again. 2 What’s new? They believe all lives
Humanistas. Mad at ZIM again. 2 What’s new? They believe all lives are equal. Wrong. Only children have total divine potential. Beyond that, the game of life is on, and there’s no shortage of losers choking on their life scripts. Daddy says “Sweetheart: I give you the gifts you need, never the ones you wish for!” You go script a life where wishes never come true if you dare speak them. Mommy says, “My darling: achieve till you die.” You go script a life where the goalpost always moves and you’re never allowed to arrive. That’s parental programming. Nice start. Mix in a twist of reality’s Guaranteed Chaos. Add a pinch of aging. Then jam it all straight with ZIM’s prime pathing BOB tech. *wah-lah* We livin’ da [[anomic crisis]]!
are equal. Wrong. Only children
have total divine potential. Beyond
that, the game of life is on, and
there’s no shortage of losers
choking on their life scripts. Daddy says “Sweetheart: I give you
the gifts you need, never the ones
you wish for!” You go script a life
where wishes never come true if you
dare speak them. Mommy says, “My
darling: achieve till you die.” You
go script a life where the goalpost
always moves and you’re never
allowed to arrive. That’s parental
programming. Nice start. Mix in a
twist of reality’s Guaranteed
Chaos. Add a pinch of aging. Then
jam it all straight with ZIM’s
prime pathing BOB tech. *wah-lah*
We livin’ da anomic crisis!
DR WONG arms crossed. AVA impatient. Z grabs the cam, doing a “close talk” directly into it now.
DR WONG arms crossed. AVA impatient. Z grabs the cam, doing a “close talk” directly into it now.
Z (ON SCREEN) (CONT'D)
Z (ON SCREEN) (CONT'D)
I was jogging this morning and a 3 bug flew in my mouth. Old world Z would have spit the choker out. No time today little bug! Know what I did? I tasted it. Mmhmm. I let it surf my tongue, crawl up my roof, pray in my molar. Could I be your home little bug? Then it hit me: This ain't a prime path thought! Sorry BOB... It's a god thought. It's a life after BOB thought. That there is ZIM's problem. *zuh* It's BOBs. Wong's BOBs. The whole product line.
I was jogging this morning and a 3 bug flew in my mouth. Old world Z
would have spit the choker out. No
time today little bug! Know what I
did? I tasted it. Mmhmm. I let it
surf my tongue, crawl up my roof, pray in my molar. Could I be your
home little bug? Then it hit me:
This ain't a prime path thought!
Sorry BOB... It's a god thought. It's a life after BOB thought. That
there is ZIM's problem. *zuh* It's
BOBs. Wong's BOBs. The whole
product line.
We focus on DR WONG: anger, offense, growing on his face.
We focus on DR WONG: anger, offense, growing on his face.
Z (O.S.) (CONT'D)
Z (O.S.) (CONT'D)
BOBs can’t conceive of anything but the path. Fine. Ok. Nice IP. But
BOBs can’t conceive of anything but the path. Fine. Ok. Nice IP. But they retard you of your divine thoughts too?! Bad deal. That's what eats good souls in the end. Just look at our [[The Orlando Study | two year study]], Orlando. Catastrophic withdrawal. ZIM has hyped BOBs like they are the cure to our anomic crisis when they are...a starter kit. So the humanistas are mad at ZIM? They goddamn should be!!
they retard you of your divine
thoughts too?! Bad deal. That's
what eats good souls in the end. Just look at our two year study, Orlando. Catastrophic withdrawal. ZIM has hyped BOBs like they are
the cure to our anomic crisis when
they are...a starter kit. So the
humanistas are mad at ZIM? They
goddamn should be!!
DR WONG inaudibly protests. BOARD MEMBERS look at each other, unsure if they should feel guilty. CHALICE bored. Then: Z appears both on screen and in person at the crowd’s edge.
DR WONG inaudibly protests. BOARD MEMBERS look at each other, unsure if they should feel guilty. CHALICE bored. Then: Z appears both on screen and in person at the crowd’s edge.
Z (CONT'D)
Z (CONT'D)
Now imagine if someone could fix all this? That’s what I’m doing
Now imagine if someone could fix all this? That’s what I’m doing tonight. It’s called [[1000 Lives Demo | 1000 LIVES]]. A cure for the deep trouble of living in time.
tonight. It’s called 1000 LIVES. A
cure for the deep trouble of living
in time.
A rebranded ZIM logo bounces on screen, vulgarly squashing the old one. DR WONG looks at AVA: she’s engrossed. C amused.
A rebranded ZIM logo bounces on screen, vulgarly squashing the old one. DR WONG looks at AVA: she’s engrossed. C amused.
Z (CONT'D)
Z (CONT'D)
So eyes wide open oh Senior Board 6 of Worry. In the next ten minutes, you’ll meet our first trial candidates, out the other side with soul fire in their eyes. Tonight we’re turning ZIM from an anomics response company into an anomics solution company. In the meantime - fireworks!
ZIM BOARD MEMBERS clap hesitantly as champagne flutes are distributed. Some exchange looks with AVA. They nod. She claps so they clap too. DR WONG grabs her hand, interrupting her mid clap.
ZIM BOARD MEMBERS clap hesitantly as champagne flutes are distributed. Some exchange looks with AVA. They nod. She claps so they clap too. DR WONG grabs her hand, interrupting her mid clap.
DR WONG
DR WONG
My Perfect Girl. BOB. Sing. We focus on CHALICE: stunned.
My Perfect Girl. BOB. Sing.
We focus on CHALICE: stunned.
CHALICE (V.O.)
CHALICE (V.O.)
BOB! CHALICE eyes well up. Then BOB begins droning her mouth.
BOB!
CHALICE eyes well up. Then BOB begins droning her mouth.
CHALICE (V.O.)
CHALICE (V.O.)
Z (V.O.)
Z (V.O.)
Psst little god. I got something for you.
Psst little god. I got something for you.
CHALICE now feels something in her palm: an orb pill.
CHALICE now feels something in her palm: an [[1000 Lives Demo Pill | orb pill]].
Z (V.O.)
Z (V.O.)
Eat it while it’s fresh. The orb pill begins to throb in color. She sneaks a look. Then in a tiny high frequency only children can hear:
Eat it while it’s fresh. The orb pill begins to throb in color. She sneaks a look. Then in a tiny high frequency only children can hear:
PILL
PILL
**I’m fresh I’m fresh I’m fresh**
**I’m fresh I’m fresh I’m fresh**
Z (V.O.)
Z (V.O.)
1000 Lives invite. My design (you like?). C’mon. Let them eat
1000 Lives invite. My design (you like?). C’mon. Let them eat fireworks.
fireworks.
CHALICE watches Z eat his own pill on screen. Her mouth hits a long note, agape. Then: CHALICE crams in the pill. She gags. Her hands keep it down. Everyone startled.
CHALICE watches Z eat his own pill on screen. Her mouth hits a long note, agape. Then: CHALICE crams in the pill. She gags. Her hands keep it down. Everyone startled.
BOB (V.O.)
BOB (V.O.)
CUT TO WV:
CUT TO WV:
CHALICE enters the 1000 LIVES DEMO conflux. She sees a giant TURTLE with a series of pools for its shell. Above it: an undulating ribbon of two dozen small orbs containing coiled DEMO BOBs.
INT. WAVYVERSE. 1000 LIVES DEMO CONFLUX - Seq 700
CHALICE enters the [[1000 Lives Demo | 1000 LIVES DEMO]] conflux. She sees a giant [[TURTLE]] with a series of pools for its shell. Above it: an undulating ribbon of two dozen small orbs containing coiled [[100 Lives Task Bob | DEMO BOBs]].
TURTLE
TURTLE
Welcome Chalice.
Welcome Chalice.
She sees a figure in the pool. It’s Z, already doing his own demo. A DEMO BOB envelops him from head to spine. His body contorts to match the DEMO BOB into poses, mimicking snapshots from a person’s life in fast forward. It looks like an offensive use of a body. Z turns his head out.
She sees a figure in the pool. It’s Z, already doing his own demo. A DEMO BOB envelops him from head to spine. His body contorts to match the DEMO BOB into poses, mimicking snapshots from a person’s life in fast forward. It looks like an offensive use of a body. Z turns his head out.
Z
Z
That’s old world Z. Intense guy. Me 5 and Wong have diverged over the years. I do god work now. <Regards her> What’s bugging you? Air it.
That’s old world Z. Intense guy. Me and Wong have diverged over the years. I do god work now. <Regards her> What’s bugging you? Air it.
CHALICE
CHALICE
Z
Z
Pointless. Ha. Yes. Wanna know a 9 secret? I barely run my own company. I got an Ava to do that. You got a BOB to do yours. Know what that means?Us gods are free to do the pointless paths. I call them subplots. That’s da god work.
Pointless. Ha. Yes. Wanna know a secret? I barely run my own company. I got an Ava to do that. You got a BOB to do yours. Know what that means? Us gods are free to do the pointless paths. I call them [[Subplot | subplots]]. That’s da god work.
Then: the other candidates leak in. ORLANDO, 17, in a better mood than earlier, ALAN, 26, tall and stoic, and WENDY, 10, a princess. Each keeps a conflux portal open with their respective BOBs peeking out.
Then: the other candidates leak in. [[Orlando de Blair | ORLANDO]], 17, in a better mood than earlier, [[Commander Alan | ALAN]], 26, tall and stoic, and [[Princess Wendy | WENDY]], 10, a princess. Each keeps a conflux portal open with their respective BOBs peeking out.
Z (CONT'D)
Z (CONT'D)
Z
Z
Mmm. Baby me. Choking on a bone. Oh. A lamb bone. Ha. How’d that get there? Ack! Mom smacking my back.
Mmm. Baby me. Choking on a bone. Oh. A lamb bone. Ha. How’d that get there? Ack! Mom smacking my back.
Z (CONT'D)
Z (CONT'D)
Ah! Not working! Can’t breathe! She mimes hacking. *Ack* I copy. It’s out. Oh - I survived! I’m on Mars now. You’re there Alan. Shuttle just exploded. Uh shit. Choking. Again! Ah! Can’t breathe! Alan’s hacking up martian sand. Weird. *Ack* I copy. I’m good now. I rally the solarnauts. I’m an old man now. Ha. Nice projection, BOB. I’m wavecasting a gag class to kids. One little god goes *Ack aaack*-
Ah! Not working! Can’t breathe! She mimes hacking. *Ack* I copy. It’s out. Oh - I survived! I’m on Mars now. You’re there Alan. Shuttle just exploded. Uh shit. Choking. Again! Ah! Can’t breathe! Alan’s hacking up martian sand. Weird. *Ack* I copy. I’m good now. I rally the [[solarnauts]]. I’m an old man now. Ha. Nice projection, BOB. I’m wavecasting a gag class to kids. One little god goes *Ack aaack*-
CHALICE catches herself laughing with delight. WENDY and ORLANDO look disgusted. They look to ALAN. He’s stoic. Then:
CHALICE catches herself laughing with delight. WENDY and ORLANDO look disgusted. They look to ALAN. He’s stoic. Then:
CHALICE plunges into the pool. A DEMO BOB locks into her spinal cord. It’s terrifying, so different from her own BOB. So free from her own life. She beams with excitement.
CHALICE plunges into the pool. A DEMO BOB locks into her spinal cord. It’s terrifying, so different from her own BOB. So free from her own life. She beams with excitement.
INT. WAVYVERSE 1000 LIVES DEMO CONFLUX - INDETERMINATE TIME
INT. WAVYVERSE 1000 LIVES DEMO CONFLUX - INDETERMINATE TIME - Seq 800
[note: each “Now” below is a tableau vivant still-ish image]
[note: each “Now” below is a tableau vivant still-ish image]
Now: She beholds the lizard: her hand makes a gesture, the lizard curls into a shape. Again. Another shape. Again. It grows up a bit each time. She’s delighted.
Now: She beholds the lizard: her hand makes a gesture, the lizard curls into a shape. Again. Another shape. Again. It grows up a bit each time. She’s delighted.
Now: She lays nestled in the lizard’s curled body like its furniture. She’s blissed out.
Now: She lays nestled in the lizard’s curled body like its furniture. She’s blissed out.
Now: The lighting goes blinding red. CHALICE squints. She hears faint distorted voices: “Invalid candidate” “Wong” “Prefer spending new years with him?” She looks confused at the lizard.
Now: The lighting goes blinding red. CHALICE squints. She hears faint distorted voices: “Invalid candidate” “Wong” “Prefer spending new years with him?” She looks confused at the lizard.
Now: it puts on sunglasses. She feels sunglasses resting on her head too. She puts them on. She smiles.
Now: it puts on sunglasses. She feels sunglasses resting on her head too. She puts them on. She smiles.
END ACT 2 / 4
END ACT 2 / 4
EXT. ZIM SHORE COMPOUND, FUTURE — AFTERNOON We’re close on Z’s face; he opens his eyes and squints.
EXT. ZIM SHORE COMPOUND, FUTURE — AFTERNOON - Seq 900
We’re close on Z’s face; he opens his eyes and squints.
Z (V.O.)
Z (V.O.)
Sorry little god this is the best I could do. Did you miss me?
Sorry little god this is the best I could do. Did you miss me?
He looks at his hands like he’s never seen them before. Touches his face. We zoom out to see Z mounted on a RAPTOR, in a drippy, verdant, ruined interior space.
He looks at his hands like he’s never seen them before. Touches his face. We zoom out to see Z mounted on a [[Lizard Lounger | RAPTOR]], in a drippy, verdant, ruined interior space.
CHALICE (V.O.)
CHALICE (V.O.)
Z (V.O.)
Z (V.O.)
*Zah* you like? Drone tech now. So A+. My gen six raptor lounger ain’t bad either.
*Zah* you like? Drone tech now. So A+. My [[Lizard Lounger | gen six raptor lounger]] ain’t bad either.
RAPTOR winks. Z (DRONED BY CHALICE) [Z(C)] rides up a flight of stone steps into the open. The sunlight burns her eyes. CHALICE tries to like the feeling.
RAPTOR winks. Z (DRONED BY CHALICE) [Z(C)] rides up a flight of stone steps into the open. The sunlight burns her eyes. CHALICE tries to like the feeling.
CHALICE (V.O.)
CHALICE (V.O.)
10 Your demo wasted ten years of my 10 life?!
10 Your demo wasted ten years of my 10 life?!
Z (V.O.)
Z (V.O.)
11 “Wasted”? *zuh* that’s old world 11 talk. Time is a toy for us gods.
11 “Wasted”? *zuh* that’s old world 11 talk. Time is a toy for us gods.
CHALICE (V.O.)
CHALICE (V.O.)
12 Stop calling me a god! Stop 12 trotting! Stop -
12 Stop calling me a god! Stop 12 trotting! Stop -
FLIP TO WV:
FLIP TO WV:
INT. WAVYVERSE. 1000 LIVES DEMO CONFLUX. FUTURE.
INT. WAVYVERSE. 1000 LIVES DEMO CONFLUX. FUTURE. Seq 910
CHALICE flips into the demo conflux, now in an inert state. TURTLE is asleep or dead, unclear. She taps her third eye jewel - her conflux portal comes into focus, but it’s blocked and fractured. Z’s avatar looks on.
CHALICE flips into the demo conflux, now in an inert state. TURTLE is asleep or dead, unclear. She taps her third eye jewel - her conflux portal comes into focus, but it’s blocked and fractured. Z’s avatar looks on.
CHALICE (CONT'D)
CHALICE (CONT'D)
Why didn’t anyone come for me?!
Why didn’t anyone come for me?!
Z
Z
FLIP TO IRL:
FLIP TO IRL:
EXT. ZIM SHORE COMPOUND SLOPE GARDEN, FUTURE — AFTERNOON
EXT. ZIM SHORE COMPOUND SLOPE GARDEN, FUTURE — AFTERNOON - Seq 1000
Z(C) and RAPTOR nearing an event. Shuttles parked. A dozen people gathered. Many more orb cams hover. An event screen displays “DOUBLE DESTINY (presented by ZIM)” in an expressive design. A small banner adjacent to the screen: 2:24 I’M YOURS. A wall of floating flower arrangements occludes the banner. It’s a wedding. At the center: ORLANDO in androgynous ornate attire, at ease. Leaning into ORLANDO’s ear, awkward: ALAN in a tuxedo, proper, but fists clenched. No one notices Z(C).
Z(C) and RAPTOR nearing an event. Shuttles parked. A dozen people gathered. Many more orb cams hover. An event screen displays “DOUBLE DESTINY (presented by ZIM)” in an expressive design. A small banner adjacent to the screen: 2:24 I’M YOURS. A wall of floating flower arrangements occludes the banner. It’s a wedding. At the center: ORLANDO in androgynous ornate attire, at ease. Leaning into ORLANDO’s ear, awkward: ALAN in a tuxedo, proper, but fists clenched. No one notices Z(C).
ORLANDO
ORLANDO
She knows. I know. But this is our 2 Double Destiny Wedding. Do you want to maybe find your place?
She knows. I know. But this is our Double Destiny Wedding. Do you want to maybe find your place?
Z(C) spots AVA, older, yet exactly the same. Then: a familiar figure, with an exoskeletal brace: DR WONG. She trembles. They both calmly pull ALAN back a step.
Z(C) spots AVA, older, yet exactly the same. Then: a familiar figure, with an exoskeletal brace: DR WONG. She trembles. They both calmly pull ALAN back a step.
CONTINUOUS:
CONTINUOUS:
EXT. ZIM SHORE COMPOUND SLOPE GARDEN, FUTURE — AFTERNOON
EXT. ZIM SHORE COMPOUND SLOPE GARDEN, FUTURE — AFTERNOON - Seq 1100
C(B) struggles. RAPTOR unsure if it should bite. C(B)’s arm scrapes against RAPTOR’s teeth, drawing blood. C(B) unpained.
C(B) struggles. RAPTOR unsure if it should bite. C(B)’s arm scrapes against RAPTOR’s teeth, drawing blood. C(B) unpained.
C(B) stops. In a surprisingly husky voice:
C(B) stops. In a surprisingly husky voice:
CHALICE (DRONED BY BOB)
CHALICE (DRONED BY BOB)
Is that you?
Is that you?
CHALICE (DRONED BY BOB)
CHALICE (DRONED BY BOB)
I did every module. I broke bones. I renamed myself. You should have
I did every module. I broke bones. I renamed myself. You should have seen when I wavecasted -
seen when I wavecasted -
Z (DRONED BY CHALICE)
Z (DRONED BY CHALICE)
CHALICE (DRONED BY BOB)
CHALICE (DRONED BY BOB)
Yes. Father was so proud. He was 17 ready to declare the Chalice Study complete.
Yes. Father was so proud. He was ready to declare the Chalice Study complete.
Z (V.O.)
Z (V.O.)
CHALICE (DRONED BY BOB)
CHALICE (DRONED BY BOB)
I - I could keep going? Would you like that? Tell me where you want to go now. I’ve learned I can do 90% of classic human life for you. 9% could use your preferential input. 1% are for pivotal moments like this. Tell me. I can do it. I like doing it. Being a body. It’s all ours whenever you want. I have so many
I - I could keep going? Would you like that? Tell me where you want to go now. I’ve learned I can do 90% of classic human life for you. 9% could use your preferential input. 1% are for pivotal moments like this. Tell me. I can do it. I like doing it. Being a body. It’s all ours whenever you want. I have so many unfinished -
unfinished -
Z (DRONED BY CHALICE) (CONT'D)
Z (DRONED BY CHALICE) (CONT'D)
CONTINUOUS:
CONTINUOUS:
EXT. ZIM SHORE COMPOUND SLOPE GARDEN, FUTURE - Seq 1200
CHALICE stumbles back from Z. Her feet instinctively reposition her balance against the downward slope. Other senses come flooding in. Bugs. Head chatter. Her eyes sting.
CHALICE stumbles back from Z. Her feet instinctively reposition her balance against the downward slope. Other senses come flooding in. Bugs. Head chatter. Her eyes sting.
END ACT 3/4
END ACT 3/4
CUT TO BLACK
CUT TO BLACK
INT. WAVYVERSE. CHALICE’S CONFLUX. FUTURE Seq 1300
CHALICE wakes up in her LANDSCAPE CONFLUX. Her avatar is of her 20 year old self. She observes her landscape: it’s a foggy mess in front of her. She looks behind: it drops off to a void. A giant gap in her continuity.
CHALICE wakes up in her LANDSCAPE CONFLUX. Her avatar is of her 20 year old self. She observes her landscape: it’s a foggy mess in front of her. She looks behind: it drops off to a void. A giant gap in her continuity.
CHALICE flips to IRL.
CHALICE flips to IRL.
INT. ZIM SHUTTLE. FUTURE — MORNING - Seq 1400
CHALICE finds herself inside a docked ZIM SHUTTLE, sunken in a seat. Bruised, dressed in comfy clothes, her wedding hair still done up. Two fibers exit her skull ports to a small device on the adjacent seat. She scans out the window: it’s the WONG APT. Furniture is missing. A huge pile of junk in one corner. ZIM ENGINEERS haul out trash bags marked “DBX”. Others bring in cams, potted plants, and balloon letters that spell DESTINY. She sees AVA outside on the balcony deck yelling.
CHALICE finds herself inside a docked ZIM SHUTTLE, sunken in a seat. Bruised, dressed in comfy clothes, her wedding hair still done up. Two fibers exit her skull ports to a small device on the adjacent seat. She scans out the window: it’s the WONG APT. Furniture is missing. A huge pile of junk in one corner. ZIM ENGINEERS haul out trash bags marked “DBX”. Others bring in cams, potted plants, and balloon letters that spell DESTINY. She sees AVA outside on the balcony deck yelling.
DR WONG
DR WONG
No. Your Atemporalysis is too 5 severe. Ten years without integration: it would break your brain.
No. Your [[Atemporalysis]] is too severe. Ten years without integration: it would break your brain.
He taps the device.
He taps the device.
DR WONG (CONT'D)
DR WONG (CONT'D)
This patch. I’ve been composing it for you. No false memories. All things BOB did for you. Best things. Filtered and sequenced so you can put your life back in some order. Chalice - are you listening?
This [[Dr. Wong Patch | patch]]. I’ve been composing it for you. No false memories. All things BOB did for you. Best things. Filtered and sequenced so you can put your life back in some order. Chalice - are you listening?
CHALICE
CHALICE
DR WONG
DR WONG
After the New Years incident, I needed the part of both of us that could see this through. <Beat> I was afraid of messing up.
After the [[New Years Eve 2074 | New Years incident]], I needed the part of both of us that could see this through. <Beat> I was afraid of messing up.
CHALICE
CHALICE
FLIP TO WV:
FLIP TO WV:
INT. WAVYVERSE. CHALICE’S CONFLUX. Seq 1410
CHALICE again in her landscape conflux. The zombified BOB has conjured a colored conflux overlapping hers: the preview of Dr Wong’s proposed life log edit.
CHALICE again in her landscape conflux. The zombified BOB has conjured a colored conflux overlapping hers: the preview of Dr Wong’s proposed life log edit.
CHALICE
CHALICE
<Sighs> Ok.
<Sighs> Ok.
CHALICE gestures. BOB overlaps her. The conflux landscapes merge. Before her eyes, the scene resolves: the river runs towards a ridge, the gap behind her is filled. In an instant, she is some kind of 20 year old.
CHALICE gestures. BOB overlaps her. The conflux landscapes merge. Before her eyes, the scene resolves: the river runs towards a ridge, the gap behind her is filled. In an instant, she is some kind of 20 year old.
FLIP TO IRL:
FLIP TO IRL:
INT. ZIM SHUTTLE. FUTURE. - MORNING. - Seq 1420
CHALICE regards the cup again. She drinks it without gagging.
CHALICE
CHALICE
<Recognizing> Your supergirl silk reduction - during The Long Typhoon
<Recognizing> Your [[Supergirl Silk Reduction | supergirl silk reduction]] - during [[The Long Typhoon]] - the only neoprotein we had for 53 cycles. <Sing-song> [[Supergirl Silk Reduction | “Tastes awful.”]]
- the only neoprotein we had for 53 cycles. <Sing-song> “Tastes awful.”
DR WONG wells up with tears of joy.
DR WONG wells up with tears of joy.
CUT TO:
CUT TO:
CHALICE sits at a makeshift table with a huge buffet breakfast untouched. A blank look. She tracks ZIM ENGINEERS hauling BOB’s trash aboard the docked ZIM shuttle. One puzzles over a strange third-eye jewel pin.
INT. WONG APARTMENT. FUTURE - MORNING - Seq 1500
CHALICE sits at a makeshift table with a huge buffet breakfast untouched. A blank look. She tracks [[ZIM ENGINEERS]] hauling BOB’s trash aboard the docked ZIM shuttle. One puzzles over a strange third-eye jewel pin.
ZIM ENGINEER 1
ZIM ENGINEER 1
The turtle retracts. She pins the jewel onto the turtle’s shell and pockets it.
The turtle retracts. She pins the jewel onto the turtle’s shell and pockets it.
CUT TO: 1600 INT. WONG APARTMENT GARDEN ROOM, FUTURE - HIGH NOON 1600
CUT TO:
INT. WONG APARTMENT GARDEN ROOM, FUTURE - HIGH NOON - Seq 1600
AVA, DR WONG, and CHALICE stand together among the new plants. The room is prettier than it has ever been. Cams drift inside and out. CHAIRMAN AVA begins a formal address.
AVA, DR WONG, and CHALICE stand together among the new plants. The room is prettier than it has ever been. Cams drift inside and out. CHAIRMAN AVA begins a formal address.
CHAIRMAN AVA
CHAIRMAN AVA
Sister San. Will The Sister World commit to its pledge of three hundred thousand enterprise installations of Destiny BOB?
Sister San. Will [[The Sister World]] commit to its pledge of three hundred thousand enterprise installations of Destiny BOB?
CHALICE, confused, this isn’t a public launch. It’s something smaller. She tries to glimpse the shuttles.
CHALICE, confused, this isn’t a public launch. It’s something smaller. She tries to glimpse the shuttles.
I invite you for a closer look.
I invite you for a closer look.
The door of the central shuttle opens. It’s SISTER SAN, now the representative of an entire market share of Wavyverse nodes. DR WONG surprised, then frowns at AVA.
The door of the central shuttle opens. It’s [[Sister San | SISTER SAN]], now the representative of an entire market share of Wavyverse nodes. DR WONG surprised, then frowns at AVA.
SISTER SAN
SISTER SAN
CHALICE
CHALICE
I recommend - being born with one - so it feels like it’s always been a
I recommend - being born with one - so it feels like it’s always been a part of you.
part of you.
SISTER SAN
SISTER SAN
DR WONG
DR WONG
That’s not what BOB’s designed to - AVA silences DR WONG with a look. They’re unaligned.
That’s not what BOB’s designed to -
AVA silences DR WONG with a look. They’re unaligned.
SISTER SAN
SISTER SAN
We know you’ve been away Chalice. Permadroned. Didn’t that trouble
We know you’ve been away Chalice. Permadroned. Didn’t that trouble you?
you?
DR WONG looks away.
DR WONG looks away.
CHAIRMAN AVA
CHAIRMAN AVA
Lovely. A pained look comes over DR WONG.
Lovely.
A pained look comes over DR WONG.
DR WONG
DR WONG
DR WONG
DR WONG
My BOBs... are not for you...
My BOBs... are not for you...
SISTER SAN frowns, confused, looks at AVA.
SISTER SAN frowns, confused, looks at AVA.
DR WONG
DR WONG
BOB would break your brain! Ha ha! * CHALICE gets the idea.
BOB would break your brain! Ha ha!
CHALICE gets the idea.
CHALICE
CHALICE
AVA puts a finger in CHALICE’s face. CHALICE effortlessly breaks AVA’s finger. Instantly, AVA drones, holds her forearm precisely in her mouth and pops her finger back into place. AVA leaves abruptly.
AVA puts a finger in CHALICE’s face. CHALICE effortlessly breaks AVA’s finger. Instantly, AVA drones, holds her forearm precisely in her mouth and pops her finger back into place. AVA leaves abruptly.
CHALICE’s giggle reflex flickers in and out. She looks at DR WONG. Then direct to his head, her pupils oscillating:
CHALICE’s giggle reflex flickers in and out. She looks at DR WONG. Then direct to his head, her pupils oscillating:
DR WONG looks at CHALICE, then nods, conceding to the logic. A relieved finality comes across his face. He rests his eyes. We close in on CHALICE. Time lapses over her. The giggle reflex subsides into a hum. She moves the jewel pin over different spots on her body. Multiple small expressions snapshot across her face. They resolve into a smile.
DR WONG looks at CHALICE, then nods, conceding to the logic. A relieved finality comes across his face. He rests his eyes. We close in on CHALICE. Time lapses over her. The giggle reflex subsides into a hum. She moves the jewel pin over different spots on her body. Multiple small expressions snapshot across her face. They resolve into a smile.
FLIP TO WV: 1700 INT. WAVYVERSE. 1000 LIVES DEMO CONFLUX. FUTURE 1700
FLIP TO WV:
Adult CHALICE is dressed in her 10 year old sweater and pink * hair. She carefully pets an agitated dog along its neck. It * fights the sensation, but CHALICE persists. It gives in and * begins to calm. She begins to smile at the result. *
INT. WAVYVERSE. 1000 LIVES DEMO CONFLUX. FUTURE - Seq 1700
Adult CHALICE is dressed in her 10 year old sweater and pink hair. She carefully pets an agitated dog along its neck. It fights the sensation, but CHALICE persists. It gives in and begins to calm. She begins to smile at the result.
Suddenly a blurry voice interrupts: “New candidates * arriving.” The calming dog begins to phase out and the lights * begin to shift to a blinding white. CHALICE looks at the dog, * its agitation returning. She puts her hand up: everything * freezes. *
Suddenly a blurry voice interrupts: “New candidates arriving.” The calming dog begins to phase out and the lights begin to shift to a blinding white. CHALICE looks at the dog, its agitation returning. She puts her hand up: everything freezes.
CHALICE
CHALICE
Ok BOBs. Filter for dog bites on the next. I have a feeling about dog bites.
Then: two candidates leak in [simulate variable characters]. * CHALICE turns to regard them. *
She puts her hand down and lets it all go white. CHALICE, in her normal adult attire and hair, is in the 1000 Lives turtle conflux, now redesigned in her own style. A DEMO BOB peels off her spinal cord. She rises out of the pool, humming her hum. She makes a gesture. The TURTLE confirms with a wink.
Then: two candidates leak in [simulate variable characters]. CHALICE turns to regard them.
CHALICE (CONT'D)
CHALICE (CONT'D)
Welcome to 1000 Plots, candidates. Let’s look at each of your prime paths and get that outta the way.
Welcome to [[1000 Plots]], candidates. Let’s look at each of your prime paths and get that outta the way.
EXT. END CREDITS Seq 1800
SUPERTITLE: THE CHALICE STUDY - Then: LIFE AFTER BOB
SUPERTITLE: THE CHALICE STUDY - Then: LIFE AFTER BOB
