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Line 203: − + − 2 2 from our story. + Line 224:
Line 224: − 7. + − 7.+ − + + + + − 1 I want to preview Renaming 1 Yourself. Can’t you just do the + + + − 2 Yes I can. But how about Frac-Tonal 2 Music? + + − 3 Go deal with dad! 3 + + + − 4 Chalice - um - the Great. 4 + + + − 5 Cyber Wong. 5 The stream speeds up violently, eating up its banks. + + − 6 Susan. 6 The stream looks cheerful then suddenly bends and dries up. + + + − 7 Chalice da Witch. 7 + + + − 8 We’re moving. 8 + + − 9 What do you think of “Chalice da 9 Witch”? + + − 10 It’s a subplot to your prime path. 10 Naming is rather advanced. <Beat> + − 8. + − 8. + − 11 If you already know what I should 11 do then why ask me? + + − 12 I’m presenting the highest 12 probability of path alignment. <Beat> Father needs you. + + + + − 1 Dad - what do you think of “Chalice 1 da Witch”? + + − 2 What? No. What’re you talking 2 about? Z - he’s trying to pin + + − 3 You’re a legacy character dad haha. 3 + + − 4 Chalice. Listen. <Long pause> ZIM’s 4 called us in. Chairman Ava herself + + − 5 Break contract? 5 + + − 6 Terminate BOB. <Beat> They’re 6 scared. But don’t worry. Wongs + + + + − 1 Renaming is a full year’s course. 1 Let’s continue path planning. + − 9. + − 9. − 2 What would it look like if we break 2 contract? + + − 3 Let’s merge. 3 + + + − 4 I see. <Beat> I should complete the 4 math module and reconcile our life + + − 5 BOB stop - thinking ahead! Just 5 show me what you see. + − 6 <Interpreting> Um so I’d just be a 6 normal dumb humanista without you? + + + − 7 No. Far worse. <Points> At our age, 7 the delta drop would be an anomic + + + + − 10. + − 10.+ − 1 They can’t make me! 1 + − 2 BOB is mine! It’s my brain! It’s my 2 life! + + − 4 before I break contract! 4 Audit. December 31 - + + − 6 We’ll run away! 6 + + + − 3 If I promise you can keep BOB 3 <Waits for her to settle> - Can you + + − 4 Chalice the post-human cyborg super 4 weapon brain witch! + + − 10 Ten. 10 + + − 5 What does BOB do for you? 5 + + − 6 Help me arrive at my destiny. But 6 later - not now! + + − 7 Good. Yes. What happens if 7 something gets in the way? + + − 8 BOB fixes it. 8 + + − 9 Good. And what about life after 9 BOB? What happens then? + − 11. + − 11. − 10 I’m allowed to die. I don’t know. 10 Maybe a humanista assassinates me. + + − 11 <Embarrassed> Ava, ignore that. 11 The lights turn off and disperse, revealing CHAIRMAN AVA, 90. She was watching the entire time. The Wongs break technique. + + − 12 We’ve always loved your work, 12 Doctor. But this sounds like + + − 13 Chairman Ava. Wait. Chalice is not 13 Orlando. Z was toying with him for - I don’t know - + + + − 14 We’re dealing with Z. <Beat> 14 Experiments are allowed to fail, James. I need you to deal with your + + + − 15 That’s ten years, born with a BOB. 15 You’re evaluating her under duress - + + − 16 That’s life. 16 + + − 17 Old lady do you have scoliosis? 17 + + − 18 Destiny BOB is work that takes a 18 generation to make a generation. Only a parent can understand that + + − 19 Have her de-contract BOB. Or would 19 you prefer engineering to help? + + − 20 BOB do something! 20 + − 12.+ − 12. + − 21 Miss Ava. Which vertebrae hurts? Is 21 it your C7? + + + − 22 I help father with his spine. 22 <Beat> What do you think is the + − + − 23 You harm yourself one day. 23 + + − 24 Why would I do that? 24 + + − 25 Because your BOB promises to guide 25 you to your destiny. But even if it + + − 26 Failure to self actualize is the 26 leading cause of death. Father says + + − 27 <Brow relax> Indeed. And ZIM cannot 27 be responsible for aiding that law. + − 28 My destiny is to use my BOB-born 28 advantage to become a symbol of the + + + − 29 Uh I will? 29 + + − 30 For that I will endure much hate. 30 My teenage years will be trying. Relationships will be ugly. I will + Line 418:
Line 486: − 13.+ − 13. + Line 427:
Line 495: + − 31 Classic half? I - am - Chalice. 31 + + − 32 One day, I will arrive as my own 32 someone. Forged by seven tortures. Low anxiety. No want of do overs. No parts left at home. A world + + − 33 That’s my life BOB?! Yuck! 33 + + − 34 A pretty picture. But what then? 34 + + − 35 Then I give myself a permission: 35 freedom to do what I want. + + − 36 This is a long bet, little lady. 36 + + − 37 Some flowers flourish in the shade. 37 18 to 20 years to be scientific. + + + − 38 Dr Wong. Can you show the board 38 this - uh - your - <Searching> - + + − 39 My perfect girl. Absolutely. 39 + + − 40 Dad can we go now? 40 + + − Blue Rev. (mm/dd/yy) 14.+ + − 1 Tallest tree catch all the wind! 1 + + − 2 Humanistas. Mad at ZIM again. 2 What’s new? They believe all lives + Line 481:
Line 563: + − 3 I was jogging this morning and a 3 bug flew in my mouth. Old world Z + + Line 494:
Line 578: + − 15. + − 15. − 4 BOBs can’t conceive of anything but 4 the path. Fine. Ok. Nice IP. But + Line 506:
Line 590: + + − 5 Now imagine if someone could fix 5 all this? That’s what I’m doing + + − 6 So eyes wide open oh Senior Board 6 of Worry. In the next ten minutes, you’ll meet our first trial + + Line 521:
Line 609: + − 7 Ava. No. Just no. No. 7 + + − 8 This isn’t a competition. Let’s 8 give Z his ten. I gave you yours. + + − 9 A Thousand Lives? Who needs a 9 thousand of those?! + + − 10 It’s not uninteresting, James. 10 + − 16. + − 16. + − 11 She can do more. 11 + + − 12 Dad I want to go now - 12 + + − 13 My Perfect Girl. BOB. Sing. 13 We focus on CHALICE: stunned. + + − 14 BOB! 14 CHALICE eyes well up. Then BOB begins droning her mouth. + + − 15 I swear BOB - don’t - 15 + + + − 16 <Enamored> Wonderful, isn’t she. 16 + + + − 17 Psst little god. I got something 17 for you. + + − 18 Eat it while it’s fresh. 18 The orb pill begins to throb in color. She sneaks a look. Then in a tiny high frequency only children can hear: + − 19 **I’m fresh I’m fresh I’m fresh** 19 + + − 20 1000 Lives invite. My design (you 20 like?). C’mon. Let them eat + + − Blue Rev. (mm/dd/yy) 17.+ − 21 What are you doing? 21 + + − 22 I don’t do Perfect Study. You do. 22 Permission to drone me perfect. + + + − 23 Chalice! - What was - Ava - what 23 the hell was that? A pill?! + + − 24 I don’t know. <Exasperated> You 24 know they’re just [[neural address pointer | neural address pointers]]. Chalice you’re fine, yes? + − + − 25 I’m betting on your perfect girl to 25 integrate life’s uncertainties. + + + + − 26 Another song to start the year? 26 C(B) begins another song. +
Life After BOB: The Chalice Study (shooting script) (edit)
Revision as of 17:42, 11 June 2021
, 17:42, 11 June 2021no edit summary
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
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.
FLIP TO WV:
FLIP TO WV:
430 INT. WAVYVERSE. CHALICE’S CONFLUX. 430 CHALICE flips back. She focuses, the sky color stabilizes.
430 INT. WAVYVERSE. CHALICE’S CONFLUX. 430
CHALICE flips back. She focuses, the sky color stabilizes.
CHALICE
CHALICE
I want to preview Renaming 1 Yourself. Can’t you just do the
Math one for me?
Math one for me?
BOB
BOB
Yes I can. But how about Frac-Tonal 2 Music?
CHALICE
CHALICE
Go deal with dad!
BOB’s zips back into CHALICE’s third eye jewel again. CHALICE gestures at the ZIM module Naming Yourself.
BOB’s zips back into CHALICE’s third eye jewel again. CHALICE gestures at the ZIM module Naming Yourself.
CHALICE (CONT'D)
CHALICE (CONT'D)
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)
Chalice da Witch.
The stream forks off into a side path, brutal and clear. BOB pops back from her jewel, and takes in the altered landscape, again aligning with CHALICE.
The stream forks off into a side path, brutal and clear. BOB pops back from her jewel, and takes in the altered landscape, again aligning with CHALICE.
BOB
BOB
We’re moving.
CHALICE
CHALICE
What do you think of “Chalice da Witch”?
BOB
BOB
It’s a subplot to your prime path. 10 Naming is rather advanced. <Beat>
Father is having a very bad day. Did you know Frac-Tonal music can
Father is having a very bad day. Did you know Frac-Tonal music can
rewire muscle memory?
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.
CHALICE
CHALICE
If you already know what I should 11 do then why ask me?
BOB
BOB
I’m presenting the highest probability of path alignment. <Beat> Father needs you.
FLIP TO IRL:
FLIP TO IRL:
440 INT. ZIM SHUTTLE. IN REAL LIFE. 440
440 INT. ZIM SHUTTLE. IN REAL LIFE. 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.
CHALICE
CHALICE
Dad - what do you think of “Chalice da Witch”?
DR WONG
DR WONG
What? No. What’re you talking about? Z - he’s trying to pin
something on me -
something on me -
CHALICE
CHALICE
You’re a legacy character dad haha.
DR WONG
DR WONG
Chalice. Listen. <Long pause> ZIM’s called us in. Chairman Ava herself
is requesting that you - break
is requesting that you - break
contract with BOB.
contract with BOB.
CHALICE
CHALICE
Break contract?
DR WONG
DR WONG
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:
450 INT. WAVYVERSE. CHALICE’S CONFLUX. 450
450 INT. WAVYVERSE. CHALICE’S CONFLUX. 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.
BOB
BOB
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?
BOB
BOB
Let’s merge.
CHALICE gives BOB a worried look. Their bodies overlap one another, BOB’s locking into CHALICE’s. The doubled landscape sections now reconcile. BOB’s eyes look off.
CHALICE gives BOB a worried look. Their bodies overlap one another, BOB’s locking into CHALICE’s. The doubled landscape sections now reconcile. BOB’s eyes look off.
BOB (CONT'D)
BOB (CONT'D)
I see. <Beat> I should complete the math module and reconcile our life
logs. I could factor in a year of
logs. I could factor in a year of
therapeutics or a new sport
therapeutics or a new sport
CHALICE
CHALICE
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
Worrying about normal dumb
humanista problems?
humanista problems?
BOB
BOB
No. Far worse. <Points> At our age, the delta drop would be an anomic
catastrophe. Chalice would not
catastrophe. Chalice would not
survive. <Beat> We’re here.
survive. <Beat> We’re here.
FLIP TO IRL:
FLIP TO IRL:
460 INT. ZIM SHUTTLE. IN REAL LIFE. 460
460 INT. ZIM SHUTTLE. IN REAL LIFE. 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:
500 EXT. SHORE COMPOUND. SLOPE GARDEN. - SUNSET 500
500 EXT. SHORE COMPOUND. SLOPE GARDEN. - SUNSET 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.
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!
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!
DR WONG
DR WONG
Anomics - Chalice - Anomics
Anomics - Chalice - Anomics
CHALICE (CONT'D)
CHALICE (CONT'D)
You have to break my brain
You have to break my brain
before I break contract! Audit. December 31 -
Tell me your name. CHALICE (CONT'D)
Tell me your name. CHALICE (CONT'D)
DR WONG (CONT'D)
DR WONG (CONT'D)
We’ll run away!
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.
DR WONG (CONT'D)
DR WONG (CONT'D)
If I promise you can keep BOB <Waits for her to settle> - Can you
tell me your name?
tell me your name?
CHALICE
CHALICE
Chalice the post-human cyborg super weapon brain witch!
DR WONG unphased, presses on.
DR WONG unphased, presses on.
Age?CHALICE (CONT'D)
Age?CHALICE (CONT'D)
DR WONG
DR WONG
Ten.
DR WONG (CONT'D)
DR WONG (CONT'D)
What does BOB do for you?
CHALICE
CHALICE
Help me arrive at my destiny. But later - not now!
DR WONG
DR WONG
Good. Yes. What happens if something gets in the way?
CHALICE
CHALICE
BOB fixes it.
DR WONG
DR WONG
Good. And what about life after BOB? What happens then?
CHALICE
CHALICE
I’m allowed to die. I don’t know. Maybe a humanista assassinates me.
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.
CHAIRMAN AVA
CHAIRMAN AVA
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. Wait. Chalice is not Orlando. Z was toying with him for - I don’t know -
AVA begins walking.
AVA begins walking.
CHAIRMAN AVA
CHAIRMAN AVA
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
That’s ten years, born with a BOB. You’re evaluating her under duress -
CHAIRMAN AVA
CHAIRMAN AVA
That’s life.
CHALICE
CHALICE
Old lady do you have scoliosis?
DR WONG
DR WONG
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
kind of time. Z doesn’t get that. The humanistas don’t get that. Not
yet. But she can show them.
yet. But she can show them.
CHAIRMAN AVA
CHAIRMAN AVA
Have her de-contract BOB. Or would you prefer engineering to help?
CHALICE (V.O.)
CHALICE (V.O.)
BOB do something!
CHALICE’s terrified demeanor melts away. She walks backwards, effortless, inhuman. She gets ahead of AVA. In a calm voice:
CHALICE’s terrified demeanor melts away. She walks backwards, effortless, inhuman. She gets ahead of AVA. In a calm voice:
CHALICE (DRONED BY BOB)
CHALICE (DRONED BY BOB)
Miss Ava. Which vertebrae hurts? Is it your C7?
CHALICE (DRONED BY BOB) [C(B)] stops walking, making AVA stop too. She motions AVA to kneel. C(B) precisely touches the base of AVA’s neck. AVA is surprised by its effect.
CHALICE (DRONED BY BOB) [C(B)] stops walking, making AVA stop too. She motions AVA to kneel. C(B) precisely touches the base of AVA’s neck. AVA is surprised by its effect.
CHALICE (DRONED BY BOB) (CONT'D)
CHALICE (DRONED BY BOB) (CONT'D)
I help father with his spine. <Beat> What do you think is the worst that could happen to me?
worst that could happen to me?
CHAIRMAN AVA
CHAIRMAN AVA
You harm yourself one day.
CHALICE (DRONED BY BOB)
CHALICE (DRONED BY BOB)
Why would I do that?
CHAIRMAN AVA
CHAIRMAN AVA
Because your BOB promises to guide you to your destiny. But even if it
arrives, there’s no telling you
arrives, there’s no telling you
will recognize or accept the person
will recognize or accept the person
you’ve become. If you don’t like
you’ve become. If you don’t like
her, you might - do something.
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
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.
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
New Era. I will dedicate myself to
wavecasting my unique experiences.
wavecasting my unique experiences.
CHALICE (V.O.)
CHALICE (V.O.)
Uh I will?
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
learn betrayal. I will grow distant
learn betrayal. I will grow distant
from father. He will be hurt. But
from father. He will be hurt. But
(MORE)
(MORE)
(MORE)
(MORE)
CHALICE (DRONED BY BOB) (CONT'D)
CHALICE (DRONED BY BOB) (CONT'D)
CHALICE (DRONED BY BOB) (CONT'D)
CHALICE (DRONED BY BOB) (CONT'D)
influence dies during my critical
influence dies during my critical
half to ensure we recognize the
half to ensure we recognize the
person we’re becoming.
person we’re becoming.
CHALICE (V.O.)
CHALICE (V.O.)
Classic half? I - am - Chalice.
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
others want to live in. A model of
others want to live in. A model of
a life well lived. <Beat> Credit to
a life well lived. <Beat> Credit to
the partnership of ZIM and Dr Wong.
the partnership of ZIM and Dr Wong.
CHALICE (V.O.)
CHALICE (V.O.)
That’s my life BOB?! Yuck!
CHAIRMAN AVA
CHAIRMAN AVA
A pretty picture. But what then?
CHALICE (DRONED BY BOB)
CHALICE (DRONED BY BOB)
Then I give myself a permission: freedom to do what I want.
CHAIRMAN AVA
CHAIRMAN AVA
This is a long bet, little lady.
CHALICE (DRONED BY BOB)
CHALICE (DRONED BY BOB)
Some flowers flourish in the shade. 18 to 20 years to be scientific.
AVA stands. Regards her. DR WONG flashes a proud smile. C(B) smiles.
AVA stands. Regards her. DR WONG flashes a proud smile. C(B) smiles.
CHAIRMAN AVA
CHAIRMAN AVA
Dr Wong. Can you show the board this - uh - your - <Searching> -
DR WONG
DR WONG
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.
CHALICE
CHALICE
Dad can we go now?
END ACT 1 / 4
END ACT 1 / 4
CONTINUOUS
CONTINUOUS
Blue Rev. (mm/dd/yy) 14.
Blue Rev. (mm/dd/yy) 14.
600 EXT. SHORE COMPOUND. SLOPE GARDEN. - EVENING 600 Suddenly: the music cuts out. ZIM BOARD MEMBERS look around, confused. Then, an amplified voice:
600 EXT. SHORE COMPOUND. SLOPE GARDEN. - EVENING 600 Suddenly: the music cuts out. ZIM BOARD MEMBERS look around, confused. Then, an amplified voice:
Z (O.S.)
Z (O.S.)
Tallest tree catch all the wind!
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
are equal. Wrong. Only children
are equal. Wrong. Only children
have total divine potential. Beyond
have total divine potential. Beyond
prime pathing BOB tech. *wah-lah*
prime pathing BOB tech. *wah-lah*
We livin’ da anomic crisis!
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
would have spit the choker out. No
time today little bug! Know what I
time today little bug! Know what I
BOBs. Wong's BOBs. The whole
BOBs. Wong's BOBs. The whole
product line.
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
they retard you of your divine
they retard you of your divine
thoughts too?! Bad deal. That's
thoughts too?! Bad deal. That's
humanistas are mad at ZIM? They
humanistas are mad at ZIM? They
goddamn should be!!
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
tonight. It’s called 1000 LIVES. A
tonight. It’s called 1000 LIVES. A
cure for the deep trouble of living
cure for the deep trouble of living
in time.
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
candidates, out the other side with
soul fire in their eyes. Tonight
soul fire in their eyes. Tonight
solution company. In the meantime - fireworks!
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
Ava. No. Just no. No.
CHAIRMAN AVA
CHAIRMAN AVA
This isn’t a competition. Let’s give Z his ten. I gave you yours.
DR WONG
DR WONG
A Thousand Lives? Who needs a thousand of those?!
CHAIRMAN AVA
CHAIRMAN AVA
It’s not uninteresting, James.
DR WONG frenzied. Looks at Z, beaming. Sees AVA, waiting.
DR WONG frenzied. Looks at Z, beaming. Sees AVA, waiting.
DR WONG
DR WONG
She can do more.
CHALICE
CHALICE
Dad I want to go now -
DR WONG
DR WONG
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.
CHALICE (V.O.)
CHALICE (V.O.)
I swear BOB - don’t -
CHALICE sings a virtuosic frac-tonal song. Her eyes look on with humiliation. A small crowd of BOARD MEMBERS turn to watch. They’re entertained.
CHALICE sings a virtuosic frac-tonal song. Her eyes look on with humiliation. A small crowd of BOARD MEMBERS turn to watch. They’re entertained.
DR WONG
DR WONG
<Enamored> Wonderful, isn’t she.
CHALICE scowling, begins to tear. Then: *BOOM* fireworks light up the night. Her eyes scan the crowd desperately. Scanning. Mouth still singing. Then, beyond, her eyes land on Z’s giant face still on the event screen. It looks directly at her and winks. A voice in her head:
CHALICE scowling, begins to tear. Then: *BOOM* fireworks light up the night. Her eyes scan the crowd desperately. Scanning. Mouth still singing. Then, beyond, her eyes land on Z’s giant face still on the event screen. It looks directly at her and winks. A voice in her head:
Z (V.O.)
Z (V.O.)
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 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:
PILL
PILL
**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
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.
Blue Rev. (mm/dd/yy) 17.
Blue Rev. (mm/dd/yy) 17.
BOB (V.O.)
BOB (V.O.)
What are you doing?
CHALICE (V.O.)
CHALICE (V.O.)
I don’t do Perfect Study. You do. Permission to drone me perfect.
CHALICE swallows. We zoom out. Her whole posture shifts.
CHALICE swallows. We zoom out. Her whole posture shifts.
DR WONG
DR WONG
Chalice! - What was - Ava - what the hell was that? A pill?!
CHAIRMAN AVA
CHAIRMAN AVA
I don’t know. <Exasperated> You 24 know they’re just [[neural address pointer | neural address pointers]]. Chalice you’re fine, yes?
DR WONG looks at C(B). The fireworks strobe over her face. C(B) nods. DR WONG looks at AVA.
DR WONG looks at C(B). The fireworks strobe over her face. C(B) nods. DR WONG looks at AVA.
CHAIRMAN AVA (CONT'D)
CHAIRMAN AVA (CONT'D)
I’m betting on your perfect girl to integrate life’s uncertainties.
DR WONG catches his breath.
DR WONG catches his breath.
CHAIRMAN AVA (CONT'D)
CHAIRMAN AVA (CONT'D)
Another song to start the year? C(B) begins another song.
CUT TO WV:
CUT TO WV:
700 INT. WAVYVERSE. 1000 LIVES DEMO CONFLUX 700
700 INT. WAVYVERSE. 1000 LIVES DEMO CONFLUX 700