"The Up and Comers" (2013)

The Up and Comers
By
G.M. Gardner
2013, Vicious Pictures
Geoffrey M. Gardner
1234 S Holt Ave #5
Los Angeles, CA 90035
213-909-2095
gm.gardner@gmail.com
INT. NANOCIN CORPORATION, LOGISTICS DIVISION

A 32 year old man named MR. STEVENS bounces a red rubber
ball off a wall as he reclines in a cushy black chair. The
wall is adorned with framed items and photos of various
shapes and sizes. The frames form a wall-sized mosaic of the
letter N. The roomy office has a corporate feel and features
a bay window facing out on the world below. Another office
building stands across the way, with windows full of workers
sitting at desks.
Mr. Stevens bounces the ball off a tiny square patch of
blank wall between a few frames. He lands the ball smack dab
in the middle of the space each time. Even while he is using
a digital tablet, he does not fail to miss a bounce or a
catch. A shiny silver device about 3 inches long hovers in
the air near his ear, adjusting itself as Mr. Stevens moves
around. A VOICE can be heard clearly through the
communication device.
VOICE
You know how the Wardens get. Even
I am not immune. Now, those numbers
please, Mr. Stevens.
MR. STEVENS
Just a tick, Dr. Lawrence.
Mr. Stevens catches the red ball and reaches into a nearby
mini-fridge, pulling out a small glass bottle filled with a
blue substance. The label reads NANOCIN Original Formula.
Mr. Stevens gulps it down and tosses the empty bottle
overhead without looking. It lands softly on a pile of trash
in the garbage can.
Mr. Stevens blinks for an unusually long time and a
holographic-like visual image displays in front of him. He
resumes bouncing and catching the red ball.
VOICE
I need all the data related to the
Paradigm formula. FurthermoreSomewhere outside and above Mr. Stevens office, a
screeching thump, thump, THUMP sound gets progressively
louder. He glances out the window as an enormous mass of
burning metal hurtles downwards past his view. The red ball
bounces off the wall and hits the hovering comm device,
abruptly cutting off the conversation.
Mr. Stevens runs to the window.
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED:
2.
Below, a row of train cars stands idly by, surrounded by

devastation. The falling object obliterated a section of the
tracks. The thump, thump, thump sound continues, but
fainter. Smartly-dressed men and women with elaborate hats
are running around the street in chaos.
Above the street and above the rows of squat, four story
buildings, the sky is an expansive slate gray ceiling made
of concrete, pipes and a series of enormous skylights.
Light pours through the gaping hole left by the falling
object. Pipes and track dangle dangerously overhead. Clearly
visible above the hole, on a support structure, is a large
green marker sign that reads LEVEL 80.
INT. CENTROP CITY STATE - LEVEL 79 TO LEVEL 1
Amidst the street-level panic, a soft piece of music begins
to play. We float down the hole that the falling mass
created, and another city-sized area emerges. The green
marker here reads LEVEL 78. We continue to descend,
following the path of destruction. Every Level has a
pedestrian street lined with small homes and shops and a
parallel train track for Level-wide transportation of cargo
and people. Vertically rising carriages connect the Levels
at designated stations. The streets stretch on for miles.
Other than those similarities, each Level is quite distinct.
The ornate statues and glittering store fronts of Levels
79-60 slowly give way to electronic billboards and hovering
kiosks that dominate the 50s. The most prominent product
being sold is Nanocin. Signage reads NANOCIN - FREE TRIALS
HERE! and HAVE YOU TRIED THE MIRACLE OF NANOCIN? and ENJOY
LIFE YOUR WAY WITH NANOCIN.
As we descend from Level 49 to the 30s, far less light is
shining through the skylights. Clothing is simpler, less
flamboyant. On Level 35, the smoldering mass - a train car lays in ruin. Helmeted men carrying heavy batons stand
guard.
Down to the 20s and 10s, artificial lighting has completely
replaced the natural light from above. The advertisements
become few and far between. Brown is a popular color in
these dim Levels. The lovely music plays on though, in
contrast to the depressing surroundings.
On Level 1, the green marker has been graffitied so it now
reads The Pavement. This Level is the dimmest of all,
nearly dark. Instead of train tracks, large chutes leading
from higher Levels drop trash and unwanted items into open
bins. The bins are innumerable. Bin workers cover their
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED:
3.
mouths with special scarves to block the smell as they

collect and sort filth. Children walk tucked into their
parents coats. The Pavement is nasty.
Wedged between Eds Spirits and the Lucky 5, there stands a
shop called Peculiar Pastimes. The front door creaks as it
opens. Inside the shop, row after row of antique artifacts
sit collecting dust. Far in the back of the shop, a colorful
light show is reflecting off a dingy wall. The light moves
in rhythm with the soft and beautiful piece of music that is
playing. After the light and music crescendo and they both
fade away, gloom sinks back in.
INT. PECULIAR PASTIMES - BACK STORE ROOM
A candle is lit and the room is awash in a soft glow. A 19
year old girl, MELANY, stands over a toaster-sized cube
affixed to three spindly metal legs. Two small glass bulbs
protrude from the top of the cube, but otherwise it is
smooth. Melanys brow is dotted with sweat.
Next to the girl sits MASTER BOB, a 55 year old man.
Bob pulls out a small box and hands it to Melany. She opens
the box and gasps. Inside is a long silver chain necklace
with a silver teardrop medallion in the middle.
MELANY
Master. This is your favorite.
The old man gets off his stool and takes the chain from the
girl. He snaps the necklace around her neck.
MASTER
Miss Melany, I hereby bestow upon
you the title Singsong Master. Now
you can just call me Bob.
Melany plays with her necklace.
MELANY
Will you be OK, Master?
MASTER
Child, dont worry about me!
Remember, youll always be OK
playing on the Pavement and Level
2. No higher though! What did I say
about Custodians?
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED:
4.
MELANY
Avoid them.
The Master pats her on the shoulder.
MELANY
I hate keeping Singsong a secret.
Do you think my parents wouldve
approved?
MASTER
Ill tell you a secret about your
Dad. When we were kids I found a
shallow crack in the Pavement
behind our building. Just big
enough for me to slip down in. Day
by day I worked in that hole,
removing bits of Pavement. Going
deeper, deeper. Nobody knew except
your Dad. He would keep an eye out
and help me back up.
The Master holds up his scarred right hand.
MELANY
You got those from digging?
MASTER
Told mama I burned myself. Truth
is, I dug a hole straight to hell
on her back veranda! Broke right
through the foundation. The ground
became cool, moist and crumbly in
my hand. The smell was strange, and
old. Thats when the pain started.
Your Dad rescued me, and we
promised to keep it all a secret.
MELANY
That is amazing. My dad was a hero.
MASTER
No, no, the point is I was 10 years
old and had just touched the
outside world, but I lied so my
mama wouldnt get arrested. I had a
secret worth keeping, as did your
father. As do you. For now.
Master Bob taps lightly on the Singsong kit.
5.
EXT. CARRIAGE PLATFORM - THE PAVEMENT

Master Bob and Melany say their good-byes at the carriage
platform. Melany holds a ratty suitcase in one hand, while
her Singsong kit is strapped on her back. Several Pavement
Citizens bid their fond farewells. Among them is VEXING, a
boy of 16.
VEXING
Pavement aint gonna be the same,
Mel. Dont play too loud up there.
You know none of your friends can
afford to bail you out.
MELANY
Nah, my friends would break me out.
Come visit, Vex! Not too soon, you
have to learn the ropes at the
shop. Keep an eye on Master for me.
VEXING
Sure, but he aint my Master. Just
ol chubby Bob.
Vexing playfully slaps Bobs belly. Bob recoils.
MASTER
You might enjoy working in the
garbage bins instead, now that I
think on it.
MELANY
OK, OK! Im going. Get along!
Melany steps on to the carriage with the other passengers.
The doors slide closed and the carriage slowly creaks into
action, lifting up. Everyone waves good-bye.
TRAIN P.A.
Departing for Level 2.
CUT TO:
INT. ATTIC ROOM
A drop of liquid wells up below a wet pipe, growing fatter
by the moment. Once sufficiently bloated, the droplet
acquiesces to gravity. The droplet splashes on sleeping
Melanys forehead - causing her to murmur and yawn. The
second drop falls square in her open mouth, causing her to
gag and sputter.
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED:
6.
A light flicks on from across the room. Another sleeping

girl, Melanys 24 year old roommate RAGE, rises up to her
elbows and lifts up one side of her eye mask to peer at
Melany.
RAGE
You OK?
Melany does not have time to respond before a loud crash can
be heard from somewhere outside the dark room.
RAGE (contd)
No. That cant be Happy already. It
cant be 5 yet.
She slams back down on her bed, covering her head with the
blanket. She yells from under the covers.
RAGE (contd)
IT JUST CANT!
A big fat drop of water splats on Melanys pillow.
MELANY
Guess that was his shower water.
RAGE
Is it your day?
MELANY
Yes, but you can have it. Id
rather practice.
Melany reaches under her bed and drags out the kit.
Rage flings the blankets off her head and hops out of bed.
RAGE
I better hurry before Happy uses up
all the Rock Gas.
Rage gives Melany a quick kiss on top of her head.
RAGE
Whew. Girl, tomorrow is definitely
your shower.
7.
INT. BUTCHER SHOP - SHOW ROOM - LEVEL 2

"Centropolis Chops" is a cramped and dingy butcher shop.
Signage tacked up around the shop spells out the special of
the day: 2 for 1 Servings of Meat-flavored Meal, Shaped to
Order. The signs feature an image of a smiling family
sitting down to enjoy some steaming brown cubes.
HAPPY, a sweaty man in his late 30s, stands in the middle of
the empty shop, staring at the front door. In the center of
the shop, there are three rows of canned goods and
miscellaneous utensils and pots and pans. A butcher station
is set up near the window, so passing Citizens can see the
action up close.
The front door bell jingles as LEDO, a lanky man in his late
20s, enters. He carries a butchers blade in his belt loop.
Happy acknowledges Ledo with a bow.
HAPPY
Good morning my prince. So nice to
have you with us today.
Ledo shuffles to his station and slings on a white butchers
apron.
LEDO
Had to wait for the Rock Gas to
refill. Again.
Ledo pulls a large tub marked FAUX MEAL (LVL 2) out from
under the butcher station. He takes the top off and removes
one brick of reddish brown clay.
HAPPY
Get up before the girls, then. You
live here too, Ledo. Turn the Rock
Gas off if theyre using too much.
Ledo slams the brick down hard on to the butcher station,
which turns it into a more pliable substance. He whips out
his butchers blade and chops off a hunk.
LEDO
Theyre not. Rage is quick and
Melany forgets we even have a
shower. You need a bigger Gas tank.
While Happy and Ledo bicker, a soft harmony begins to fill
the space. Happy stops talking, brow furrowed. Ledo quietly
smiles. Happy throws his broom down to the ground in
dramatic fashion and heads towards the back stairs.
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED:
8.
HAPPY
How many times do I have to tell
her?
When he reaches the bottom of the stairs, Happy flips a
light switch on and off repeatedly.
INT. ATTIC ROOM
Melany stands in front of her Singsong kit while a naked
light over her head flicks on and off repeatedly. She puts
the Kit to the side and opens the attic door.
HAPPY
(o.s.)
Ive told you, no playing that
thing before noon! And even then,
dont!
MELANY
Sorry! So sorry! Ill keep it down.
HAPPY
(o.s.)
See that you do! Singsong nonsense.
Shes going to get me arrested I
tell you!
Melany taps the kit and plays one final note, softly, which
causes a few small light tendrils to dance out of the kit.
Rage enters the room, her wet hair wrapped up in a towel.
Steam rises from the top of her head. A second towel is
wrapped around her body. Rage walks over to her side of the
tiny room. Melany stares at her kit.
RAGE
Happy living up to his name again?
MELANY
Its been almost eight months,
Rage. I try to play in the Level 2
Square and the city stewards chase
me away. I try to play at the
carriage station and the station
managers chase me away.
Rage smells a shirt from her wardrobe and throws it in the
hamper before smell testing a second shirt. She flings her
towel off and starts to put the shirt on.
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED:
9.
RAGE
Eight months ago I had never heard
of Singsong. Now Im your biggest
fan! Youll get your chance.
MELANY
Maybe when everyone isnt hushing
me or warning me about Custodians.
RAGE
Girl, you give up too easily. If
someone hushes you, hush back.
Melany considers the suggestion for a second.

MELANY
Vexing says Im too nice, but what
does that even mean?
RAGE
I wish I could help you figure that
out. Well, not really. I have work
today! A teacher got bit again.
MELANY
Who knew alien children could be so
difficult?
RAGE
I blame the alien parents. They
never show up to the
conferences. Their ship crashed
here, what, a thousand years ago?
You would think theyd learn the
schedule by now.
MELANY
I would love to meet one someday.
Finished dressing, Rage grabs a large hand bag off her bed.
RAGE
Sure. One of them might even want
to learn Singsong.
Melany hops off her bed.
MELANY
Oh please, can I come with you
Rage? I wont get bit and their big
hands or whatever you call them
might work really well for the
complicated pieces!
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED:
10.
RAGE
Theyre called flippers, and the
school is on Level 5. You dont
have a Stated Purpose card.
Rage opens the door and heads downstairs. Melany follows.
MELANY
Wow. Level 5.
INT. BUTCHER SHOP - FLOOR ROOM - LEVEL 2
The girls walk in single file down the stairs to the butcher
shop floor room.
MELANY
Tell them I wont charge anything!
Free lessons!
RAGE
No, no. First two lessons are free.
Get them hooked and youre golden.
The girls walk together through the butcher chop. Happy is
rummaging through the back kitchen. Ledo silently chops by
the window as they walk by.
LEDO
Morning girls. Hey, dont mind
Happy. I thought it sounded great.
Melany almost walks into an aisle of dried goods. Rage rolls
her eyes and exits, waving backwards.
MELANY
Thanks, Ledo. Rage is going to see
if I can offer lessons to the alien
kids at her school!
LEDO
Aliens? Dont they bite?
EXT. STREET - LEVEL 2
Melany has her kit strapped to her back as she roams Level
2. Citizens trudge along, many of them with their heads
down. Few vendors are open for business. Melany sets up in
front of an abandoned building. The metal door that closes
the unit rattles every few seconds as trains pass overhead.
She closes her eyes, focusing, and begins to play.
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED:
11.
FEMALE STRANGER ON THE STREET

What in the world is that??
Melanys concentration is broken. She opens her eyes, but
the woman is pointing to something down the street. A
four-wheeled metal carriage spewing out black smoke rattles
down the street. People dash to get out of the way. The car
honks loudly and stops in front of Melany and the female
stranger.
The car doesnt have any windows. Vexing is driving.
MELANY
Vexing?!
VEXING
Good day, Miss Melancholy. And to
you as well, my old lady.
FEMALE STRANGER ON THE STREET
Are you crazy driving that thing
through here?
VEXING
Id be crazy not to! This here is a
genuine antique roadster. Antique.
Like you.
The female stranger waves him off and walks away.
MELANY
What are you doing up here? Is
Master OK??
VEXING
Bob is fine. He wants you to
practice three times a day and send
a chunk of whatever you make back
to him for safe keeping.
MELANY
Whats a chunk of nothing?
VEXING
That bad? Youve chosen a lovely
spot to perform. Does mold like
Singsong?
MELANY
Shut up. Ive been kicked out of
every other spot.
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED:
12.
VEXING
Why not ditch Level 2 and go
higher?
MELANY
I cant get to Level 3 without a
Stated Purpose. I dont know anyone
who would endorse me.
Vexing reaches into the glove box of his jalopy and pulls
out a shiny plastic pass. He displays it for Melany.
VEXING
Yes, you do.
MELANY
No way! What for? Who? How? You?
VEXING
How do you think I got this thing
up to Level 2? There is a guy on
Level 60 something that wants to
buy it. Hes coming down to 3 to
meet me, and then taking it back up
with him I guess. Bob says hes
paying enough to retire on, but I
wouldnt go that far.
MELANY
Wow, that is great. I am really
happy for Master. And you, of
course. Just to see Level 3.
VEXING
Hey, dumb dumb. Its a Plus One.
Get in.
INT. Y TRAIN CAR
Vexing and Melany are sitting on the hood of the roadster,
which takes up most of the space inside the train car. A few
other riders stand pressed tight against the wall,
sandwiched between the car. They scowl and give Vexing dirty
looks. Melany bounces with excitement.
As they travel up, an infomercial for Nanocin plays on a
monitor embedded in the wall of the train car.
NANOCIN SPOKESMAN
Because everyone deserves their
life the way they want it. In
control and on maximum!
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED:
13.
NANOCIN SPOKESWOMAN
Mr. Devlins, can you review some of
Nanocin Lites amazing benefits for
our viewers below Level 25?
Melany watches the infomercial.

MELANY
Master always said that Nanocin
stuff was for the snobby upper
crust. Makes you all crazy.
VEXING
This is Nanocin Lite. Everyones
talking about it. I might try the
free sample whenever it gets to the
Pavement.
NANOCIN SPOKESMAN
Our new line of Nanocin offers the
same reality-maximizing properties
as our original formula, but at a
more economical price.
The infomercial audience roars with approval.
NANOCIN SPOKESWOMAN
Now everyone can join in the fu-!
The monitor sparks and shuts off suddenly. The lighting
flickers and the slow moving train car stutters to a
standstill. The train doors slide open and bright artificial
light pours in. Melany covers her eyes, blinking into the
light.
TRAIN P.A.
Welcome to Level 3.
EXT. SKYGARDENS FORUM - LEVEL 99
LEADER SEMESH, nearly a century old, stands in front of a
wall-sized monitor flashing black and white static. Small
wheeled robots scurry around the floor. Natural light
streams in from the sky lights above. Semesh sips from a tea
cup. His eyes are covered by milky blue cataracts.
Behind him, a door is opened and closed. Footsteps approach.
A man in his 40s, MR. RANDOLPH, clears his throat.
LEADER SEMESH
Mr. Randolph. I can smell failure
all over you.
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED:
14.
MR. RANDOLPH
Leader Semesh, the Thespians goal
was for the train car to reach
Level 1. They did not succeed.
Leader Semesh lowers his tea cup and turns to face Mr.
Randolph. The tea cup contains a blue liquid.
LEADER SEMESH
The train car stopped on Level 35.
They managed to weaken 45 Levels of
track under our very noses. Yes.
Quite unsuccessful.
Mr. Randolph is stiff and uneasy.
MR. RANDOLPH
We dont know how they got up to
Level 80. They are adept at hiding.
LEADER SEMESH
I cant see. Whats your excuse?
MR. RANDOLPH
I will add second shifts for every
Custodian effective tonight.
Leader Semesh nods and takes another sip of tea. He turns
back to the monitor.
LEADER SEMESH
Once the new formula is ready, I
will bring peace back to Centrop.
Semeshs blue, broken eyes glow under the flickering screen.
EXT. CARRIAGE STATION - LEVEL 3
Vexing and Melany are sitting in the roadster. Passing
Citizens give them curious looks. Vexing looks around
anxiously. Melany stares at the wonders of Level 3. She
points at a cart with a man selling food.
MELANY
What are those round things called?
VEXING
Bagels. Level 3 is known for em.
MELANY
Bagels. Wow.
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED:
15.
VEXING
Where is this guy? Our passes aint
gonna last forever.
Melany looks at her green Stated Purpose card. The green is
starting to turn brown at the top, withering and decaying.
Melany continues to people watch.
PASSERBY #1
All the way from Level 80, they
say. Gotta be the Thespians.
PASSERBY #2
Love those guys!
Passerby #2 pulls out a plastic pouch full of unmarked blue
gel. He squeezes the gel into his mouth.
VEXING
Bob is going to smash the pavement
when I tell him this guy was a
no-show. These Stated Purpose cards
arent free.
A Custodian approaches. His black visor covers most of his
face. He studies the roadster and touches it with his black
baton. Information is read back to the Custodian but we
cant hear it clearly through his helmet. The Custodian
grunts.
LEVEL 3 CUSTODIAN
Vexing Thompson and Melancholy
Simmons. State your Purpose.
VEXING
Waiting for our buyer, sir. A man
named Johanssen.
LEVEL 3 CUSTODIAN
Mr. Johanssen will not be meeting
you. This sale is canceled. Return
to Level 2 or Level 1 immediately.
MELANY
But our cards are still greeThe custodian cocks his head in her direction and a tab in
his shoulder flips open. A metallic device whirls out and
hovers near his head. Another hovering comm device.
DISPATCH
(o.s.)
(MORE)
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED:
16.
DISPATCH (contd)
Custodians in the Eastern Ward,
Level 3. Report to Section 3J. Code
Rule 14.
LEVEL 3 CUSTODIAN
Recorded. Transacted.
The Custodian tucks the comm device back into the shoulder
snap. Without a word, he turns and walks away.
VEXING
Well, thats just great! We came
all the way up here for nothing.
MELANY
I wonder what happened to poor Mr.
Johanssen?
VEXING
Poor Mr...? Melany, youre
something else. Who cares!?
Vexing slams his fist into the roadsters metal door. The
rear view window comes unglued from the windshield and
clatters to the cars floor.
VEXING
We cant go back yet. Bob promised
me a hefty commission and Im gonna
get it.
MELANY
You heard the Custodian.
VEXING
Were new to Level 3. Easy to get
lost in such a wondrous place.
Melany and Vexing slowly cruise. The half-mile wide street
breaks off into an untold number of alleyways and secret
paths closer to the buildings, but they stay in the middle.
Citizens of Level 3 hop out of the way, startled and cursing
the contraption.
17.
INT. ROADSTER
Vexing sticks his head out of the window while driving.
Melany clings to her kit and stares at the crowds as Vexing
tries to sell.
VEXING
Roadster for sale! Real unique
antique!
He taps the horn. Its uncomfortably loud.
MELANY
Maybe we should turn back.
VEXING
Just a bit longer. I think were
almost to the Level Square. Well
find a buyer.
Level 3s center features a stage surrounded by rows of
unoccupied chairs and benches. A fat man on the stage shouts
at no one in particular.
FAT MAN
But I say, NO! Death. Fire. Decay
and ruination are all that await
those who seek the outside! We must
cherish what we have been given!
This gift of Centrop and LIFE!
A group of children ride out in a mini version of an X
Train, with the lead child acting as a conductor and
pedaling his pals around the fat mans stage.
MELANY
Oh slow down! That little train is
fantastic.
VEXING
Remember those old towels we used
to play with? These kids have it
made.
Vexing drives by. Melany stares at the children.
MELANY
Master would pretend my towel was a
ghouly ghost or a floating baby
doll - it wasnt all bad.
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED:
18.
VEXING
Jeez Melany, youre the most easily
entertained person IveCONSTANTIN
How much for the wheels, friend?
Startled, Vexing hits the gas and the brake at the same time
and lurches to a stop. Leaning through the window, a man
wearing black and white makeup stands inches from Vexings
face. CONSTANTIN is in his mid-30s.
VEXING
Whered you come from?
CONSTANTIN
My mother, I trust. And I ask
again, how much for this speedy
device?
VEXING
Our last offer was for 700.
Constantin howls with laughter.
CONSTANTIN
Well played! How would you like to
make three times that?
MELANY
Vexing VEXING
All of Level 3 doesnt have that
much.
CONSTANTIN
Fine. I bet you a third of my offer
that he was really only going to
pay you 500.
VEXING
Howd you CONSTANTIN
And I bet a second third that he
was supposed to meet you by the
carriage station down the way.
Vexings smile is gone. He moves to put the car back into
drive. Quick like a snake, a metal rod thrusts through the
steering column and locks the car in place.
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED:
19.
MELANY
Vexing!
CONSTANTIN
I think I won the bet, boys.
Three more heads pop up next to Melany, directly outside her
door. She yelps at the sight of them. Their faces are also
covered in black and white makeup.
CONSTANTIN (contd)
But hey, dont worry. Thats still
500 I owe you!
With a twist, Constantin opens the drivers side door and
drags Vexing out of the car.
Constantin stands Vexing up and slaps him on the back.
CONSTANTIN
And besides, that man Johanssen was
planning on ripping you off.
VEXING
Says the guy ripping me off.
The three other Thespians open Melanys door and hurry her
out with her kit. Constantins eyes light up at the sight of
her kit.
CONSTANTIN
Oooh! And who are you?
MELANY
Melany. The Singsong Master.
They all look slightly confused.
MELANY (contd)
I play music.
CONSTANTIN
Our favorite banned thing
ever! Play something then.
Quickly. Its been ages since Ive
heard music that didnt warble out
of some Thespians throat!
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED:
20.
MELANY
OK!
Vexing groans. Melany closes her eyes and moves her hands
over the kit. The three spindly legs extend to the ground. A
simple and repetitious beat fades in from within the kit.
Red and blue tendrils of light begin to wave their way out
of the kits bulbs. Pedestrians, already gawking at the
roadster, are really starting to pay attention now. Vexing
looks around nervously.
VEXING
Uh, Mel.
With a wave of his hand, Constantins Thespians pile into
the roadster. Melany abruptly stops playing. Constantin
falls into the drivers seat of the car and floors it. About
50 yards down the street, a secret garage door opens on the
left and the car makes a sharp turn and disappears from
sight. Vexing throws his arms in the air.
VEXING (contd)
Did anyone see that? We got robbed!
CUSTODIAN #1
You! Stop!
A group of Custodians grab Vexing and slam him to the
ground.
MELANY
Stop! Youre hurting him! We were
heading back down, I swear!
A Custodian waves his baton over Vexings back.
CUSTODIAN #2
Recorded. Transacted. We have
Constantin of the Thespians.
Vexings face is smushed into the street.
VEXING
Not... me.
The Custodians lift Vexing off the ground and three of them
drive their batons into his mid-section and let off a steady
stream of purple light. Vexing grimaces, mouth clenched
tight, before he passes out.
MELANY
Let him go!! Hes innocent!
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED:
21.
CUSTODIAN #1
This man is wanted for 792 recorded
criminal incidents.
MELANY
Vexing? No way. I swear, if youll
just listenMelany touches one of the Custodians on the shoulder. His
baton reacts immediately by sending a pulse of purple
electricity at Melany. The shock causes her hands to flail
uncontrollably. Her Singsong kit falls, cracking the case
and smashing the bulbs. Other Citizens accidentally kick and
step on it.
One of the Custodians turns to Melany.
CUSTODIAN
This man is the leader of a
criminal enterprise known as the
Thespians. What is your Stated
Purpose?
Melanys green card is almost completely dissolved.
MELANY
We came up to sell a roadster, an
antique. The other Custodian said
the buyer wasnt coming so we were
just trying to find a new buyer
before we had to go back down. Its
those other guys you want, the ones
in makeup. The tall one, he did
something. Tricked us.
The Custodian doesnt say a word. His hovering comm device
sits itself back into his shoulder.
CUSTODIAN
Recorded. Transacted. Lets move.
You are to return to Level 1 or 2
immediately, Melancholy Simmons. We
will be in contact for further
questioning if necessary.
Vexing is dragged away by the Custodians. A tiny blinking
device is hooked onto the back of Vexings shirt right where
Constantin slapped him.
Melany puts her hand up to yell at the Custodians when she
is bowled over by two passing bagel salesmen who dont
notice her. Melany sprawls out on the street and bagels
bounce down off her head.
22.
Cut to:
EXT. CARRIAGE TRAIN PLATFORM - LEVEL 3
Melany sits on a bench. Her destroyed kit is at her feet and
shes holding a bagel in her hand.
TRAIN P.A.
Level 2 and Level 1 Citizens line
up at Car 4. (beat) Have you heard?
Nanocin Lite trials are now
available on select X train routes.
Melany takes a bite from the bagel.
Ledo hacks at a large square hunk of meal, shearing off
chunks and shaping them into patties. A few customers mill
about. Some giggling teenage girls walk by outside, stopping
to wave at Ledo before dashing away in fits.
Happy sits in his back office, nose deep in business records
and paperwork.
The door chime rings and Melany walks in with her broken
kit. Ledo puts down his butcher knife and wipes his hands
clean on his apron.
LEDO
You OK?
Melany looks at Ledo, eyes full of tears. She doesnt say
anything, but just lifts up the smashed kit pieces and runs
up the back stairs to her room. Her door slams shut which
causes Happy to storm out from the back office.
HAPPY
Gah, these girls! Slam Happys
doors, use Happys hot waters, I
dont know why I put up with it.
Hey! Meat boy! Did I say to stop
chopping?
Ledo glances up the stairs before turning back to his work.
23.
INT. ATTIC ROOM
Melany lies on her bed, flipping through a photo album. Most
are photos of her, Bob and Vexing. She stops at two people
holding a baby, smiling and tickling the little bundle of
joy. The small title card taped under the photo says
Mom-Dad-Baby Mel.
The moment is shattered when the attic door opens and Rage
runs in at full steam. She slams the door behind her.
HAPPY
(o.s., distant)
Done with the slamming, you are!!
Or done with you, I am!
RAGE
Un-bee-lee-vable!
Melany closes the photo album and swings around to sit up on
her bed.
MELANY
How was school?
RAGE
It was the single worst day ever.
The alien kids hate me. One of them
stuck a bunch of their yellow stuff
in my jacket pocket.
She lifts her jacket in the air and thick yellow slime plops
out of one pocket. Rage tosses the jacket towards her other
dirty clothes, but it sticks to the wall just above the
hamper.
RAGE
...and lets not even talk about
the principal. That sneak had the
nerve to touch MY leg and then
pretend I was flirting with HIM ?
MELANY
Unbelievable.
RAGE
I KNOW!
MELANY
Do you have to go back?
Rage changes out of her work clothes and starts to brush her
hair.
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED:
24.
RAGE
All week. Oh, there on the bed, I
have to edit an assignment for
tomorrows class. You can finally
see an alien.
Rage points to the device resting on her bed. Melany grabs
it.
MELANY
Wow, what is this?
RAGE
Oh right. I forgot you grew up on
the Pavement.
MELANY
I know stuff. We just didnt see a
lot of new technology, Miss
Grew-Up-on-Level-2.
RAGE
Its called a MemoryCam Recorder.
It captures whatever is happening,
like a moving photo.
Rage sets the Recording device up and a high quality
holographic scene displays in the air. Rage is standing in
front of a dozen alien children.
RAGE (contd)
Can anyone tell why Level 100 is
important?
GIRL ALIEN CHILD
Cannibalization of lower Levels for
raw construction materials began
around 110 years ago and Level 100
completed construction 100 years
ago next week!
RAGE
Um. Thank you Tesseekak.
Tess-asee-kak. Those facts are
correct. But can anyone tell me why
Level 100 is important?
An alien child has his flipper raised.
BOY ALIEN CHILD
Human, why do you smell like that?
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED:
25.
RAGE
OK. Let me just tell you why its
important. (reads from workbook)
Level 100 was built for the two
Wardens of Centrop, our supreme
rulers. They are always a married
couple and they live in absolute
solitude so they may rule with
clarity and conviction. The entire
Level is one big house! They say
the Wardens can visit a different
room every day and never see the
same one twice.
Another alien child raises a flipper.
RAGE
Yes, Loran?
ALIEN CHILD
Its pronounced Low-Ran, and
actually its pronounced
LLLLLAAAIII-RRROOOOOONNN. Are there
any aliens on Level 100?
Rage pauses the Recording.
MELANY
Why did you stop?
Rage closes up the recording device.
RAGE
Things start to go badly from that
point. Those alien children ask too
many questions.
MELANY
We didnt have schools on Level 1.
Master taught me what he knew.
RAGE
It gave you time to become the
secret master ofRage notices the broken kit. She yelps and picks up a broken
piece.
RAGE (contd)
Your kit! What happened?
Melany stands up.
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED:
26.
MELANY
Long story. Up for a field trip?
Melany, Rage, and Ledo get off the lift and glance around
the deserted street. Ledo is carrying a large sack.
MELANY
Come on, the shop isnt too far.
LEDO
I havent been to the Pavement in a
long time.
RAGE
I feel better with you and your
butcher knife around. This place is
creepy.
MELANY
Hey, I grew up here.
When they reach Peculiar Pastimes, the shop looks closed.
Melany tries the door, but its locked.
She knocks and peers inside.
MELANY (contd)
Hes hiding.
Melany rustles a key from her pocket and shoves it in the
doors lock.
INT. PECULIAR PASTIMES - LEVEL 1
The trio make their way inside the dusty shop.
MELANY
Master? Are you here? We brought
chops!
There is no response.
RAGE
Can we go back up if hes not here?
LEDO
Rage... sshh.
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED:
27.
RAGE
What? Im just saying, this place
is super creepy.
LEDO
No. I hear something.
A noise can be heard coming from the beneath the

floorboards. Scratch-thump-scratch-thump-scratch.
Melany races to a shadowy area of the shop. She pulls a
handle on the floor and up comes a hatch door. A wooden
ladder leads down.
MELANY
Down here.
RAGE
Down? Deeper?
Ledo playfully urges her forward without a word.
Begrudgingly, Rage goes ahead.
INT. PECULIAR PASTIMES - BASEMENT
Master Bob is sitting cross-legged on a small red rug.
Candles are lit around him. He runs a thin stick down the
jagged edge of a hollowed out wooden tube, causing the
scratching sound, and then beats on an old drum.
MASTER
Welcome home, my dear Melancholy.
MELANY
Hello, Master. What have you found?
MASTER
Todays gifts from above. I call
this thing a Scratch-It and this
one a Beat-Um.
MELANY
The whole room is sound proof,
guys. My old practice area.
MASTER
You remember when we used to hide
down here from the Tax Custodians?
MELANY
Hide and not-seek was one of my
favorite games!
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED:
28.
RAGE
Solid family values.
MELANY
Oh right. Master, I would like you
to meet Rage and Ledo.
MASTER
Call me Bob. Whatcha got there,
Ledo?
LEDO
Chops. Prime shaped. Melany said
they were your favorite.
Master gives a grunt of approval.
RAGE
Hi Bob. Melany and I share an
attic. Um. Look. She broke her kit.
Melany holds the broken kit up.
MELANY
It wasnt my fault Master. I ran
into VexingMaster Bob jumps up.
MASTER
AH! Did that thief make off with my
money?? He shouldve been back
hours ago. He knows damn well I
didnt splurge for the 8 hour
passes.
MELANY
No, no, Master - he took me with
him to Level 3.
MASTER
Good. I told him to do that. Did
you try a bagel?
MELANY
Yes, and they are wonderful!! But
first the man Johanssen never
showed up, so we tried to find
another buyer but then these guys
in makeup jumped out and stole the
roadster!
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED:
29.
MASTER
And Vexing just stood by and waved
them off? Im gonna wring that
kids neck.
MELANY
He tried to stop them but then he
got arrested. The guys in makeup,
someone called them Thespians, and
they were really scary Master.
LEDO
You didnt mention any Thespians.
MELANY
The tall Thespian pinned a fake ID
tracker to Vexing. I saw it. That
must be why the Custodians arrested
him. I tried to tell them butLEDO
Did any of the Thespians have a
name?
MELANY
They didnt use names. All I know
is that the Custodians thought
Vexing was someone named
Constantin.
MASTER
The Thespians are the most
integrated criminal enterprise that
Centrop Citystate has ever known.
They have a lot of influence below
Level 25 and that influence expands
with each passing year.
RAGE
Ive never met one.
LEDO
Consider yourself lucky.
MASTER
Ledo is correct. But enough of the
Thespians for now - Melany, let me
see your kit.
Melany hands him the broken pieces of wood.
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED:
30.
MELANY
Its destroyed.
MASTER
Oh well. That thing was older than
my grand daddy.
MELANY
Oh well? I thought nobody knew how
to make them.
MASTER
Nah, I just told you that so youd
be careful. Thing came with a
manual, but its in a different
language. I made up most of your
lessons. It was fun!
RAGE
The truth comes out.
Master leads the trio to a small workbench in the basement.
Tools are scattered about.
He pulls a thin book out from a dusty stack. The front and
back covers are made from a silvery metal and there are no
inscriptions on either side. He gives it to Melany, who
opens up the strange book and slowly flips through the
pages.
MASTER
Its all illustrated. Remember
where we keep the Constructo?
MELANY
Yes.
Melany reaches under the workbench and pulls out a large tub
of brown substance labeled CONSTRUCTO: MOLDABLE ALL-DURABLE
CONSTRUCTION MATERIAL.
MASTER
Then Im going to take your friends
on a tour of the shop. Remember,
Singsong is inside of you. Listen
to it and never fear it, for it is
your guide in this world and
beyond. Ha! See? I used to love
making that stuff up.
Master Bob turns to Ledo.
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED:
31.
MASTER (contd)
Those chops need to marinate?
INT. WARDENS APARTMENTS - LEVEL 100
A small wheeled robot rolls through an open doorway carrying
a tray full of biscuits. The biscuit laden robot deftly
traverses a lavishly decorated room.
Large banks of sky lights bask Level 100 with pure,
unfiltered sunlight. The two ancient Wardens of Centrop, MR.
and MRS. AUDEMARS, are dining together at a long table. The
food is steaming hot - various colored cubes and mounds of
unknown flavors. The Wardens both wear white robes featuring
ornate, golden embroidery. Mr. Audemars sips a blue bubbly
liquid from a crystal flute.
MR. AUDEMARS
Level 32s output fell 12% this
quarter, Mrs. Audemars. We need
reasoning and resolution.
MRS. AUDEMARS
You blind fool. I warned you months
ago. Remember my dreams about the
missing red train?
Mr. Audemars stabs a hunk of orange food with his knife and
brings it to his plate.
MR. AUDEMARS
How could I forget?
MRS. AUDEMARS
As it happens, Level 32s favorite
red food isnt available thanks to
more Level 5 production
problems. There is your reasoning.
They want their red food.
MR. AUDEMARS
Describe Level 5s production
problems. I will offer a
resolution.
Mrs. Audemars picks up a tablet display and scrolls through
for a moment.
MRS. AUDEMARS
It seems the Thespians were putting
on a performance. I quote from the
Custodian who was on the scene,
(MORE)
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED:
32.
MRS. AUDEMARS (contd)

"the painted trio were each
throwing 4 or 6 red rubber balls in
the air so as to form a circular
pattern that flowed from the left
hand to the right hand."
MR. AUDEMARS
They were juggling. Are the
Custodians paid per word?
MRS. AUDEMARS
I will make a note. Juggling is the
proper term. Yes, even the
Thespians need a hobby while not
destroying property and murdering
Citizens. Now, for the Resolution.
MR. AUDEMARS
I have to say that stunt with the
train car was crossing the line.
MRS. AUDEMARS
Stunt? Were fortunate no one was
killed, Mr. Audemars. Custodians
must guard the damaged areas night
and day to keep Citizens from
climbing up the gaping hole! As
Wardens of Centrop, we are
responsibility for the continuation
of our society.
MR. AUDEMARS
Agreed. The Thespians are getting
bolder and weve allowed it to go
on too long. Its time we end this.
I resolve we activate Level 49.
They raise their crystal flutes and sip the blue.
INT. PECULIAR PASTIMES - LEVEL 1
Master Bob shows Rage and Ledo around the shop. Rage looks
through a shelf of glass ornaments as Bob and Ledo stand
talking. Rage picks up a glass ornament of a bat with its
wings spread open.
RAGE
What is this?
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED:
33.
MASTER
An animal from the Outside. Melany
and I gave them all names when she
was little. We called that one
Blackwing.
LEDO
You do realize that most of this
stuff is banned.
MASTER
Things tend to trickle downwards
over time, banned or not. The
Centrop construct is very, very old
you know, but it didnt always have
so many levels. Nor so many bans.
RAGE
I focused on Centrop History for my
teachers license. The Outside is
nothing but desolation and death.
There are no more animals.
MASTER
So they say.
Rage picks up an ornament with a blue, bell-shaped flower.
RAGE
Whats this one?
MASTER
Ah. The Bluebell. Melanys
favorite. We had a song. Oh, what
was it?
Blackwings fly or blackwings swim,
bluebells cry at every whim
We dont know much about their way,
or why their wonders couldnt stay.
Eh, I forget the rest. Been a long
time.
LEDO
Melany doesnt talk about her
parents much. It sounds like she
was lucky to have you.
MASTER
I grew up with her parents. Shes
all the family I got.
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED:
34.
RAGE
And who told her to call you
Master, Bob?
LEDO
She was his apprentice, Rage. How
did you even know about Singsong?
MASTER
Didnt. I came across the Kit a few
months before her parents passed.
Came down in the trash from some
uppity Level. I could never figure
out what it was, but little Melany
just started in on it right away.
Girls got a gift. After her
parents passed, well, it helped for
her to have something to focus on.
RAGE
You really believe this animal
stuff could still be real?
MASTER
Let me show you something.
The Master leads Ledo and Rage to a dusty corner of the

shop. He pulls out a cook book and hands it to Ledo.
MASTER (contd)
This is called a recipe book, for
cooking food. Hundreds and hundreds
of ingredient combinations, all
resulting in different tasting
dishes.
Ledo flips through the cook book.
LEDO
Chicken... car-rots? What is this
stuff?
MASTER
Thats what people used to eat!
Outside the walls, they might
still! Perhaps, young Rage, perhaps
your history program wasnt
entirely accurate. For instance,
look here. Salt is an ingredient.
So is pepper. I have both stored
away in a secret place.
The Master pulls out a framed painting of a farm. He points
to a little white bird.
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED:
35.
MASTER (contd)
Look at this art work. Citizens and
what Melany calls Whitewings. The
floor is green and the ceiling is
blue. Not sure what Level looks
like that.
RAGE
Blackwings? Whitewings? Come on.
The only wings Ive ever seen are
on the hover bots that clean the
tracks.
Ledo ignores Rage and points to the bright yellow area above
the barn in the painting.
LEDO
And this?
MASTER
The strange yellow ball. Ive never
seen one fall out of the chutes, so
I cant say for sure.
RAGE
We really shouldnt be talking
about this.
LEDO
Why not? If theyreA loud crashing/honking sound and a flash of red light can
be heard coming from Melanys work area below.
MELANY
(o.s.)
Im OK!
MASTER
Im not entirely sure she is. Well,
hows bout we fry up those chops
with some illegal spices while
Master Melany completes her kit?
RAGE
How long is that gonna take?
MASTER
She really should have been done by
now.
Another minor explosion from the basement.
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED:
36.
MELANY
(o.s.)
Ahh, ooow.
RAGE
Does she know that?
INT. PECULIAR PASTIMES STORE ROOM
Master Bob, Ledo and Rage sit around empty plates, stomachs
full. They sigh with relief.
We see a plate was set for Melany, but she is not there.
RAGE
That was amazing.
LEDO
What a meal.
The Master taps on the front cover of the cook book.
MASTER
Youre a decent cook, Ledo. Here,
take it with you. Ill give you the
spices too.
Melany swings open the basement hatch and emerges with a new
shiny kit in her hand. Her hair is messed up and she has
dark greasy stains on her face.
MELANY
Ive done it!
EXT. BUTCHER SHOP - FRONT STOOP - LEVEL 2
Happy is standing in the doorway, looking out, with his arms
crossed.
HAPPY
Now youve done it.
MELANY
But Happy, it just looks louder.
Melany is holding her new and improved kit. The old dull
bulbs have been replaced with brightly colored orbs and the
wooden box casing is smooth and polished.
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED:
37.
MELANY (contd)
I promise to keep it down when I
play around the house.
HAPPY
This? This is a butcher shop. A
place of business.
LEDO
Aw, Happy. You know the customers
like it whenever they can hear it.
HAPPY
And where have you been all day
Meat Boy? Why arent you chopping?
Go!
Ledo takes his recipe book and pouch of spices and heads
back in past Happy.
RAGE
Happy, I have History reports to
grade.
HAPPY
Of course, my relatively quiet,
income earning tenant. You may go
too.
Rage slides past Happy, giving Melany a sympathetic look.
HAPPY
And you? You take my Butcher to the
Pavement without telling me, and
youre now two months late on rent.
Do you honestly expect some shiny
new whatever is going to solve your
problems?
MELANY
Happy, sir, I will start looking
for a job that pays more. Promise.
(beat) Will you please let me in?
Happy stares at Melany for a long moment.
HAPPY
Ledo was right about one thing.
Customers seem to linger when
youre blaring that thing - Leader
only knows why. Fine. No pay
though, got it?
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED:
38.
MELANY
Of course! Yes! I will perform a
show that excites the taste buds
and creates a sensation of hunger
that willHAPPY
Whatever. Get in.
Melany skips in front of Happy who turns and slowly closes
the door.
HAPPY (contd)
(o.s.)
What is that Ledo, a book? You can
read all of a sudden?
INT. ATTIC ROOM
Melany and Rage sit on their beds, talking. Melany rubs her
new kit with a soft cloth.
RAGE
I think its a terrible idea.
MELANY
What else can I do? I have to find
out what happened to him. Who else
can I go to?
RAGE
Custodians. Maybe theyll just tell
you where he is.
MELANY
They said this guy Constantin is
wanted for hundreds of crimes. Hes
the one that should be in prison,
not Vexing.
RAGE
And you think hell just turn
himself in?
MELANY
No, but if I can find out where
theyre hiding, I could go to the
Custodians with some useful
information.
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED:
39.
RAGE
Melany, all that will do is piss
off the Thespians and the
Custodians will likely arrest you
for not filing some paperwork.
Melany jumps off the bed.
MELANY
Vexing is like a little brother to
me.
RAGE
How in Centrop are you going to
find this Constantin guy when the
Custodians cant?
Melany looks anxious, biting her lip. A sly smile creeps
across her face.
EXT. SKYGARDENS - LEVEL 99
Leader Semesh sits around a marble and glass conference
table, surrounded by ten men and women wearing elaborate
hats and bright, almost radiant, clothing.
FAT REGULATOR
Semesh, you waste our time. We have
the Quadricentennnial to organize,
the Above Crown Coronation to
establish on Level 7 and, frankly,
our talks on the future Level 101
are going nowhere.
LEADER SEMESH
As Regulators, you will not be
picking out party favors while a
war brews on your Levels. The
Wardens made this top priority.
RED FACED REGULATOR
Ho now, Semesh. I have scanned your
dossiers. What do these Thespians
want? They have food, clothing, all
provided for.
A murmur of dissent floats around the conference table.
LEADER SEMESH
Same thing we want. They want the
perks. They want one of those
ridiculous hats you always wear.
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED:
40.
The table of Regulators chuckles.

LEADER SEMESH (contd)
Custodians arrested a man from
Level 1 who was carrying
Constantins ID marker. He is not
Constantin, but I know he is
involved. He lies about everything.
RED FACED REGULATOR
The Pavement breeds liars.
LEADER SEMESH
I do not fear the Thespians, but I
am aware of the nature of disease
and this one will spread to higher
levels. Paradigm is an open wound
that I plan on healing.
VERY OLD FEMALE REGULATOR
Semesh speaks truth. Nanocin Lite
will help, but perhaps not enough.
LEADER SEMESH
We need more resources on 49. I
recommend a purge of the Lower 10.
Fast and effective.
Many of the Regulators groan.
FAT REGULATOR
Just our Levels? Again?
LEADER SEMESH
Yes. Then we can get back to your
party favors. Regulators. Consent.
The Regulators close their eyes. They hum softly.
LEADER SEMESH
Consent granted.
INT. BUTCHER SHOP - LEVEL 2
Ledo is cleaning off his chopping station for the day. A few
customers wave good bye to him as they exit the shop. As the
door closes, two heads pop into frame at the top of the
stairs. Rage quietly whistles but Ledo doesnt look up.
LEDO
Happy is still mad.
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED:
41.
RAGE
Ledo, oh Ledo!
MELANY
We need you, Ledo!
Ledo sheaths his butcher knife and turns in their direction.
They rush down the stairs towards him.
MELANY (contd)
So, hey, Ledo. You spend a lot of
time out in the Level. You must
have met a Thespian or two.
LEDO
Unfortunately.
RAGE
Melany wants to rescue her buddy,
the one that got arrested.
LEDO
Not a good idea.
MELANY
If I can find out where the
Thespians are hiding, I can help
the Custodians arrest Constantin.
They will have no choice but to
free Vexing!
LEDO
Really not a good idea.
RAGE
We need a connection. Melany said
Constantin loved her Singsong.
LEDO
You played for him?
MELANY
He requested a song! If I pretend
to want to play for him again,
maybe I gain his trust.
LEDO
Forget it. There is no fooling
these people. I know you want your
friend back, but this is not the
way.
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED:
42.
MELANY
OK, I understand if you dont want
to help.
Melany slowly turns, her head down. Rage raises her eyebrow
at Ledo.
Ledo leads Melany and Rage down a narrow back alley on Level
2.
LEDO
This is a terrible idea.
MELANY
Just show me where the guy is, then
you both can go home.
RAGE
Im not leaving.
LEDO
Never gonna happen.
MELANY
Thank you both. So this guy you
talked to on the comm - is he a
customer?
LEDO
Kind of. Look, I need to tell you
somethPETEY
Oy! If it aint Ledo the ghost!
PETEY, aged 25, is standing outside the back door of an
unidentified building. He squeezes out the last drops of
blue gel from an unmarked package into his open mouth and
tosses the container to the ground.
LEDO
Petey. Been awhile. Thanks for
meeting me.
PETEY
Your thanks be damned. Where are my
chops?
Ledo tosses Petey the bag of chops. Petey weighs it in his
arms.
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED:
43.
PETEY (contd)
Eh, half full...
LEDO
Smell them.
Petey gives the chops a whiff.
PETEY
Id know real pepper anywhere. Mmm.
Ya aint been cheap Ledo. What can
I do you for?
LEDO
Looking for C.
PETEY
Oy, I figured. Big C aint around
ata moment. Why dont ya tell ol
Petey whats the matter? Oy, for
one, who are these two other tasty
chops?
MELANY
My name is Melany, from the
Pavement. I seek an audience with
Constantin to play and perform
Singsong.
PETEY
Player from the Pavement, eh? I
dont know. Paradigm performances
are a dime a dozen.
LEDO
Shes clean.
PETEY
Oy, a fair maiden? Even better! But
seriously, C aint here. Youd have
to go tunneling. Been some upgrades
since you ran witLedo quickly interrupts Peteys sentence.
LEDO
Is the tool shop bathroom still
open?
PETEY
Uh, nope, that one turned off
months ago. You can use the
changing room in the used dress
(MORE)
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED:
44.
PETEY (contd)
shop. Just be careful of the little
ol grannies in their skivvies!
Cmon Ill show you. I dont want
to miss the look on Cs face.
The four of them walk down the street and enter a tiny dress
shop wedged between apartments.
INT. DRESS SHOP - LEVEL 2
A shop worker nods to Petey as the group walks to the back.
They quietly slip into the changing room and draw the
curtain closed.
INSIDE CHANGING ROOM:
Petey rotates a clothes hook three times and a whoosh of
pressurized air releases as a full length mirror slides
away, revealing another room. This skinny room can only fit
two people at a time side by side, but its long enough to
fit five pairs of people altogether. At the far end of this
skinny room are horizontal tracks that seem to disappear
into the wall, while a pair of vertically hanging chains
attach to a metal cage big enough for two riders. The
carriage serves as both a vertical lift and horizontal train
car. Petey goes first.
PETEY
Ill go first with one of you. The
next two just enter the same code.
He presses a series of keys on a small keypad. Rage steps
up.
LEDO
Sure you want to do this?
RAGE
Nope. I dont even know this Vexing
guy.
MELANY
You should go back. It could be
dangerous.
RAGE
Just kidding, this is awesome. Look
what I brought!
45.
Rage pulls out the MemoryCam from her jacket and flips it
on. She hops in the carriage next to Petey and they start
heading up at a brisk pace. Moments later, an empty carriage
rolls into place from the opposite direction.
INT. RESTAURANT - LEVEL 11
A large walk-in freezer door opens and Petey walks out,
rubbing his cold shoulders. Each member of the group follows
suit, rubbing their arms from the chill. As they exit the
freezer, busboys and waiters wearing thick parkas and fat
gloves lumber by.
MELANY
Its f-f-f-freezing!
PETEY
Welcome to 11. Centrops cold
storage. Whole level is kept near
freezing.
RAGE
W-w-w-wait. Were on Level 11??
PETEY
Not for long. Come on, we gotta
find the dessert shop and use their
bathroom.
The group exits the restaurant.
MELANY
Whats dessert?
INT. DRY CLEANER - LEVEL 8
The four emerge from a back room, Melany licking away at a
frozen green popsicle. Racks of shirts and pants hang from
dry cleaning machines. They pass through and see two large
men blocking the EXIT door.
PETEY
Fellas. Is C available?
LARGE MAN #1
C who?
LARGE MAN #2
Vitamin C?
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED:
46.
PETEY
Oh yeah, the password.
Melaxadrotisis.
The guards step aside and let them through.

INT. DRY CLEANER - BACK ROOM - LEVEL 8
Constantin is sitting in plush furniture with other
Thespians, surrounded by artwork and warm candle light. They
are all drinking blue liquid and watching a man balance an
impressive number of wine glasses up and down his arms. He
jolts his arms to cause the glasses to bounce up on his
chin. He is balancing six glasses on his chin. The last two
glasses flick in the air and land on top of the others. The
Thespians applaud politely before returning to their
conversations. Constantins gaze is affixed solely on Ledo.
MELANY
Wow!
CONSTANTIN
Why, Petey. What treats you have
brought us tonight!
Most of the Thespians turns to see what the cat dragged in.
PETEY
Figured you wouldnt mind seeing
this one gain.
Constantin leaps from the plush sofa. He moves surprisingly
fast, like a cat. Ledos hand rests on the hilt of his
butcher knife.
CONSTANTIN
Ledo.
Constantin stops a few feet away from Ledo.
CONSTANTIN
You must have a good reason to be
back.
LEDO
You know all I ever need is a good
reason.
CONSTANTIN
I can still read you like a book.
But that can wait. Miss Music
Player! What brings you up from the
depths of Centrop?
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED:
47.
MELANY
Were here to...
CONSTANTIN
Everyone, this is the girl in the
Roadster I was telling you about!
The, what did you call it?
Singsong?
The other Thespians mill around, murmuring approval.
CONSTANTIN (contd)
A true music player driving in a
roadster, at what - 2:30 in the
afternoon? Level 3 has never seen
so much excitement. And you brought
a friend.
Constantin takes Rages hand and kisses it. Rage doesnt try
to take her hand back.
MELANY
This is Rage.
A few Thespians titter with laughter.
CONSTANTIN
Let me guess, Rage - youre from
Level 2? They have such a way with
names down there. I had no idea we
humans had so many emotions. They
say on Level 2 you meet Grief and
Joy every day. Well, I was never
convinced about the Joy part.
Melany clears her throat.
MELANY
I am from the Pavement. We have a
similar way with names. Um. But I
was thinking, since you seemed to
enjoy my playing beforeCONSTANTIN
Petey, why is she lying to me?
PETEY
Same story they gave me, C.
CONSTANTIN
You are a fool then. She didnt
even bring her Singsong kit. Its
painfully obvious that Melany is
(MORE)
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED:
48.
CONSTANTIN (contd)
here because of her friend that we
may have accidentally gotten into a
spot of trouble.
MELANY
You stole Vexings roadster and the
Custodians think he is you!
RAGE
So much for our well thought out
plan.
LEDO
Told you it was a bad idea.
MELANY
We never asked for any trouble. All
I want is my friend back.
Whoops and cheers erupt from the Thespians. Constantin grabs
a cane from out of thin air and does a dance for his people.
CONSTANTIN
Indeed! We have friends that need
rescuing too! But why trouble
ourselves when the world is
calling? My Singsong Master, I can
take you to level 78 right this
very moment. They have hover bots
that you can race! How about level
65? You would like that one, dear
Rage. Nothing but alien children!
As their teacher, please tell me:
Are we really supposed to believe
they crash landed on the roof?
RAGE
Hello, we have books that tell the
whole story of their crash landing
and rescue by early Citizens. And
how did you know I teach alien
children?
CONSTANTIN
How do you know your history
lessons are true?
LEDO
Constantin, we dont have time for
this.
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED:
49.
CONSTANTIN
You will make time.
MELANY
Master once said that stories can
be used to teach people, but they
can also be used to control them.
CONSTANTIN
Yes, control! But more, so much
more. Where is your music kit?
MELANY
At home. My other one broke during
your hijack. I had to construct a
new one. Its not fully tested yet.
CONSTANTIN
I am sure the new one is a great
improvement. You can thank me
later.
MELANY
What about Vexing?
CONSTANTIN
Vexing, Vexing, Vexing. Enough!
Everyone is hushed.
CONSTANTIN (contd)
My apologies. The truth is that the
Thespians are not in this struggle
to merely cause trouble or make
profit - although, to be sure, we
are doing both - but those are a
means to an end.
LEDO
Ive heard this before.
CONSTANTIN
We have come so far since last we
tumbled through the Levels
together. Your former family is
creating paradigms like never
before and your new family here is
full of self doubt. Tell me, does
the butcher shop basement always
smell of rotten chops?
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED:
50.
PETEY
Bwa haha!
LEDO
I dont regret leaving. Or getting
off Paradigm.
Melany and Rage look at each other in surprise.
CONSTANTIN
Yes. I can see it has made a world
of difference.
MELANY
About Vexing.
CONSTANTIN
Him again?
RAGE
Oh for the love of Leader, whats
wrong with you?
CONSTANTIN
First of all, I despise that
saying. The Leader is a decrepit
junkie with a god complex.
Secondly, my ID badge is going to
fall off the boy eventually.
Everyone knows Custodians only
listen to their big purple rods.
PETEY
Bwa hahaha! Youre killng me, C.
MELANY
You cant be sure. Nobody can be
certain of the future. Thats a
fact.
CONSTANTIN
Perhaps. You were so certain of
your future as a Singsong Master.
MELANY
That future is still being written.
CONSTANTIN
Very well. I will send a few of my
people to investigate Vexings
current location. But you must
return the favor. Chuckles! Come
here.
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED:
51.
An enormous man of 20, CHUCKLES, lumbers out of a nearby

seat. Easily seven feet tall, he towers over the rest of
them.
CONSTANTIN (contd)
I want you to go fetch Miss
Melanys Singsong kit. Dont worry,
someone will draw you a picture.
RAGE
Oh, Happy is going to be so mad.
CONSTANTIN
Rage will go with you to ensure a
successful trip.
RAGE
Wha-? I should go by myself. I know
where Melany keeps her kit and the
shops owner is not very nice.
CONSTANTIN
Back when I sold bagels, no thrill
was greater than a big sale.
From behind them, a purple haired female Thespian whoops and
jumps up in front of the group with three flaming hoops
swinging around each arm. The Thespians cheer.
CONSTANTIN
Chuckles, after you get the kit I
want you to buy up all the meaty
products in the shop.
Chuckles nods.
CONSTANTIN (contd)
Besides, Rage, we dont like to
lose track of our new friends. Im
sure the thought of turning us in
for Vexing never crossed Melanys
mind. And, Ledo. Why, if we werent
such old pals I might have had
Chuckles kill you on sight.
Ledo gives him a cold stare in response.
CONSTANTIN (contd)
The rest of us - to the Nest!
The Thespians cheer at the command.
52.
INT. NEST - BACK STAGE - LEVEL 25

A heavy wooden door opens ever so slightly, and Constantins
head pokes out. He scans the area before swinging the door
open.
Constantin, Melany, Ledo, and a gaggle of Thespians follow.
Constantin holds his index finger to his lips and quiets the
group. Melany glances down a short hallway to her right. The
sight of a large mirror down the hallway causes her to stop.
She stoops down pretending to tie her shoe. Once a few
Thespians pass her, she takes a few quick steps down the
short hall until she can see her reflection in the mirror.
Melany stands in front of the mirror and examines her face.
Her hair is tied back in a ponytail. She takes the rubber
band out and lets her soft brown hair roll over her
shoulders, forming loose ringlets at the ends.
She doesnt notice Ledo walk up behind her. He taps her on
the shoulder, causing her to jump a bit. He beckons for her
to follow. He looks tense.
Back in the main hallway, the random Thespians are gone and
Constantin is talking in a different language to an
individual standing behind a heavy velvet curtain. Ropes
hang from above and some have bags of sand tied to the end,
keeping the ropes taut. Constantin finishes his
conversation.
CONSTANTIN
This way!
They follow Constantin down a short set of stairs leading
out to the audience chamber of a run down, yet massive,
theatre. The house is nearly full. On the stage is a middle
aged bearded man standing on a step stool while writing
furiously on an enormous chalk board that stretches halfway
across the stage. The crowd is attentive.
Melany leans to Ledo.
MELANY
What is he writing?
Ledo shakes his head. Constantin leads them to seats near
the front and waves everyone past so as to ensure a seat
next to Melany.
CONSTANTIN
What do you think of my friend
Roger?
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED:
53.
MELANY
What is it?
The man, Roger, finishes his writing. He hops down from the
step stool and throws his writing tool in the air.
ROGER
And that my friends... is CALCULUS!
The crowd erupts. The man holds his arms up and runs toward
the front of the stage. He jumps off the stage and runs up
the middle aisle, whooping and hollering the whole way.
LEDO
Theyre all on Paradigm.
A man walks by on his hands, legs straight up in the air,
perfectly balanced. A bowl of water rests on the soles of
his upside down feet, hardly sloshing a bit.
CONSTANTIN
Welcome to the Nest, where you are
in control of your own reality.
MELANY
This is a talented room, but I
dont see how being here will help
us free Vexing.
LEDO
Constantin takes forever to make a
point, but you can be sure one is
coming eventually.
Constantin waves Ledos criticism away. The purple haired
Thespian girl jumps out of nowhere and grabs Ledos arm.
PURPLE HAIRED THESPIAN
Help me practice!
Melany smiles at Ledos pained expression as he is dragged
up on his feet.
CONSTANTIN
Do you know what my friend Roger
was doing last week?
MELANY
Was he in school?
CONSTANTIN
Not even close. He was on Level 9.
Now, Level 9 is great because
(MORE)
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED:
54.
CONSTANTIN (contd)
thats where they make the chewing
gum for those fortunate few above
Level 70.
MELANY
Chewing gum? Constantin, I really
needCONSTANTIN
Wonderful stuff. Better than
bagels. Youll try it. So, while we
were on a Level 9 bubble gum raid,
I happened to overhear Roger
muttering to himself at the bottom
of a gum bin as he was scrubbing it
clean. When I inquired as to the
meaning of his muttering, he said
he was counting.
MELANY
Counting what?
CONSTANTIN
He showed me. Each time Roger
scraped the gum bin, particles of
dried chewing gum went flying in
every direction. He was counting
the particles before they hit the
ground and dissolved into muck.
MELANY
Ive chipped paint before. How
could anyone count all that?
CONSTANTIN
I thought it worthwhile to find
out. A week later, he has gone from
counting to calculus. The power of
Paradigm. Thats kind of catchy. I
should write that down.
MELANY
Some things should take years to
learn.
CONSTANTIN
How long have you been playing your
kit?
MELANY
My whole life, pretty much. Master
- my teacher - he said I am
(MORE)
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED:
55.
MELANY (contd)
probably the only player in
Centrop.
CONSTANTIN
Another "why?" kind of question.
MELANY
What did you do with Vexings car?
When can weConstantin spins in his seat.
CONSTANTIN
Melany! I would wager another
Roadster that you have more talent
in your little finger than Roger
has in his whole body. I want to
see you play.
MELANY
See me? Play?
CONSTANTIN
Of course! Youre about to audition
for the biggest role of your life!
INT. MEDIA CENTER - LEVEL 85
A series of holographic video feeds hover in a 9x9 tiled
pattern over a round table in the middle of a large room.
The room is dimly lit and decorated with plush, overstuffed
chairs. People lounge in the shadows, whispering and
occasionally laughing.
Each brightly lit video tile is transmitting feeds from
various Custodian comm devices. The feeds switch from time
to time, showing a different Custodians POV. Standing in
front of the tiles is Leader Semesh, his blind eyes closed
and hands gripping the round tables edge. An on-screen
Custodian clears his throat.
CUSTODIAN
Leader Semesh, we await your
instruction.
56.
INT. NEST - BACK STAGE - LEVEL 25
Melany stands off stage just behind the curtain, kit in
hand. Petey is acting as the stagehand. Some other act is
finishing up.
MELANY
There are a lot of people out
there.
PETEY
You need a little help?
MELANY
Do you know their favorite song?
PETEY
Nah. I meant Paradigm. Nobody goes
out there without it.
Petey pulls out a pouch of Paradigm. He hands it out to
Melany, but she doesnt take it.
MELANY
Its nice of you to offer but no,
thank you Petey.
PETEY
Youll knock their socks off. If
you even got an idea of being good
at something, Paradigm will make
you great at it.
MELANY
Ive been playing for 15 years.
PETEY
OK, OK but the crowd will feel
better about themselves if they
think youre on it. Just stick it
out of your shirt pocket, like so.
Petey reaches towards Melanys blouse pocket, but she
snatches it before he can touch her. She tucks it in the
pocket herself. A bell rings.
PETEY (contd)
Uhp! Show time, lady.
MELANY
And Constantin will help us get
Vexing out after I play, right?
Petey pushes her out on the stage with her kit.
57.

Leader Semesh addresses the Custodians on screen.
LEADER SEMESH
Custodians. You are to locate the
hidden pathways within the walls of
shops and homes on your Level. You
are to arrest all transgressors.
The Custodians respond in unison.
CUSTODIANS
INT. NEST - STAGE - LEVEL 25
Melany stands on stage, bright lights shining in her face.
The crowd is silent. Melany gets in position, and pulls the
kit up to her belly. The three spindly legs extend to the
ground and support the kit. This action gets a single clap
from someone in the crowd. Melany closes her eyes.
Her hands caress and tap and thump the box, causing a somber
tune to vibrantly carry throughout the auditorium. It is as
if she controls a full orchestra, with strings, horns and
drums all at her disposal. The two orbs atop the kit glow.
Matching the beat and rhythm, a colorful display of light
tendrils snakes its way upwards through the air from the
orbs. Growing like vines, the light streams from the kit and
collides with the stage lights. The wave of Singsong light
dances with the stage lights to create shadowy illusions on
the curtains and walls behind Melany. The light and shadow
display rises and falls like waves cresting on the ocean.
The Nest explodes with cheers.
INT. HAIR SALON - LEVEL 5
Custodians barge into a hair salon full of women. The owner
of the shop, a small dark haired woman, berates the
Custodians but they ignore her and continue to tear the
place apart.
Melanys music plays over the violence.
58.

People flee the Custodians, who are relentless in their
pursuit. They trash stores and homes alike looking for the
Thespians secret tunnels. A man is beaten to the ground by
three Custodians.
Custodians are in a freezer, throwing frozen food out onto
the floor. One Custodian knocks on the walls, checking for
hollow sounds. Finally, he finds one and points to another
Custodian with a sledgehammer. The sledgehammer-wielding
Custodian walks over and crushes the wall with his tool.
INT. NEST - STAGE - LEVEL 25
Melany turns it up a notch as she transitions into a new
song. The girls hands dance around the instrument,
radiating rhythm; the instrument inhales and exhales as if
it breathes song and light. Multiple tendrils of brightly
colored lights emanate with each note. The music is a
perfect accompaniment to the light show.
Sitting in the front row are Constantin, Ledo and Rage.
Constantin suddenly sits upright and looks behind him. He
gets up and runs to the back of the chamber.
The audience chamber is a kaleidoscope. The light tendrils
charge through the mesmerized crowd.
Custodians swarm all over a restaurant. The owner is in
handcuffs and a few Custodians are leading him away. Within
the small crawl space, three Custodians are examining the
metal carriage. One presses keys on the keypad and he is
startled when the carriage zooms away. Moments later, a new
carriage arrives from the opposite direction.
INT. NEST
Melany finishes her show and the crowd goes wild. People are
hooting and hollering and doing cartwheels down the aisle.
She stands on stage beaming from ear to ear.
Melany sees her friends in the crowd. Ledo and Rage are both
clapping and cheering.
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED:
59.
Moments later, a woman screams. Constantin appears from the

opposite direction that he left from.
CONSTANTIN
OK kids, the show is over. Cmon!
THESPIAN #1
CUSTODIANS! IN THE NEST!
Someone rushes past Melany on stage, pushing her along.
Grasping her kit, she goes with the flow of Thespians. She
loses sight of Ledo and Rage. More screams. Melany clutches
her kit and is just about to get run over by a mob of
Thespians before Ledo grabs her by the shoulders and moves
her out of the mobs way. He has found a tiny alcove to hide
in.
MELANY
Wheres Rage?
LEDO
This way.
Ledo leads her to the back of the alcove, which has been
hollowed out. A two seat carriage is waiting for them.
LEDO (contd)
Rage went first. With Constantin.
MELANY
Where?
LEDO
Im going to use the same code he
put in and hope it works.
Ledo punches a code into the carriage terminal as Melany
gets in.
CUSTODIAN #1
Hey! Stop there!
A Custodian has spotted them and runs towards them. Ledo
jumps in and slams down the cage door.
MELANY
Go go!
The Custodian runs at full speed, but hes a beat too late.
Melany and Ledo speed off down the tunnel. Moments later, a
new carriage zooms in. The Custodian caresses the terminal
keypad and is joined by a second Custodian.
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED:
60.
CUSTODIAN #2
Do you think its him?
Custodian #1 considers the younger recruit.
CUSTODIAN #1
Leave the thinking to Leader
Semesh. Get in.
INT. SECRET THESPIAN COAT STORAGE - LEVEL 23
Melany and Ledo climb out of the carriage and topple over
each other into a pile of coats. Melany holds on to her kit
and Ledo reaches for Melany. He takes the brunt of the fall,
with Melany on her back and the kit on her belly. They lay
like that for moment, but Melanys hair is in Ledos face
and he spats and winks uncontrollably. Melany puts the kit
to the side and flips around so they are face to face.
MELANY
Sorry, is that better?
Ledo can only manage a small smile.
MELANY (contd)
We better find Rage.
Melany pushes off Ledo and then helps him up. She picks up
her kit and they look around. There seems to be an endless
bounty of fur coats, fur lined jackets, parkas and other
types of heavy duty coats.
LEDO
If this is Constantins closet, Im
going home.
MELANY
Rage? Constantin?
They wade through the coats. Rustling plastic covers and a
distant air conditioner are the only sounds.
LEDO
Damn it, I never should have let
Rage go with him.
MELANY
Nothing you could have done about
it.
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED:
61.
LEDO
I used to be one of them. I know
these people, especially
Constantin. I cant read him like I
used to.
MELANY
Im glad people liked my show.
LEDO
They were about to crown you Queen
of the Thespians.
Ledo takes off a hairy coat and puts it on.

LEDO (contd)
What do you think?
MELANY
Its meant for a woman. But it fits
you nicely.
Ledo throws the fur coat on Melany and she laughs.
Metal shrieking. Carriage brakes.
Melany and Ledo freeze in place. They race to the other end
of the coat storage room. Melany knocks over a stand of fur
coats. The coats cover up a grate on the floor in one
corner. The back wall is smooth and door-less. The
Custodians can be heard getting out of the carriage,
unlatching the flimsy metal door and throwing it open.
CUSTODIAN #2
(o.s.)
Level 23. Rods to the ready.
Sound of their rods activating.
CUSTODIAN #1
(o.s.)
Recorded. Transacted. What the
hell? Look at all the coats.
CUSTODIAN #2
(o.s.)
Stay focused. They are hiding here
somewhere.
Ledo and Melany continue looking for a way out. Ledo finds a
small edge of grate below the coat pile. He gets down on all
fours and moves the coat pile away, revealing the grate.
Melany gasps and immediately takes her kit off her back.
Ledo easily removes the grate.
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED:
62.
The Custodians are now rummaging through the coats with

their rods of power. One Custodian accidentally ignites a
fur coat on fire with the electric current thats always
sparking off the rods.
CUSTODIAN #1
Shit!
The coat is now ablaze. Both Custodians activate full face
masks that extend from their visors to shield their nose and
mouth.
CUSTODIAN #2
Custodian, what is wrong with you?
Activate comm, emergency channel.
The hovering black comm device pops out of the Custodians
shoulder shell.
They move the other coat stands out of the way in a hurry.
The storage room is filling up with thick black smoke.
CUSTODIAN #2 (contd)
23 House, request fire safety
protocol 2 at my current location.
23 HOUSE RESPONDER
(o.s.)
CUSTODIAN #1
Stand up, Constantin! There is no
where to go.
CUSTODIAN #2
You dont want these flames to find
you first.
At the far end of the room, a pair of male hands moves the
floor grate back into place as the sprinkler system turns on
and extinguishes the flaming coat.
CUSTODIAN #1
Damn.
INT. AIR DUCTS
Melany crawls within the small air duct on all fours,
sliding her kit ahead. Ledo follows closely.
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED:
63.
LEDO
They must be ahead.
MELANY
Weve been crawling for an hour.
Can you really see Rage doing this?
Ledo doesnt respond with more than a grunt.

MELANY (contd)
Thats what I thought - wait. A
breeze!
She crawls faster.
A dim light is visible ahead. Melany reaches a juncture in
the ducts. To her left, a skinny access shaft is whistling
wind into Melanys face. The shaft widens dramatically
beyond the skinny opening and contains a three-person
platform attached to a vertical track leading up a
passageway of indiscernible height.
MELANY (contd)
Looks like were going up.
LEDO
Always go up.
Leader Semesh pounds his fist into the table. The hovering
screens flicker a moment. Mr. Randolph is standing nearby,
but doesnt flinch. He simply raises an eyebrow.
MR. RANDOLPH
There is no explanation other than
they improved Paradigm. Constantin
grows stronger.
LEADER SEMESH
I loathe that word. The doses of
Nanocin Ive had to endure, just to
keep some illusion of control. My
eyesight, taken from me. And its
still not enough.
MR. RANDOLPH
No, sir.
LEADER SEMESH
Full-scale activation of Level 49
is our last recourse. I need the
new formula to be ready now.
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED:
64.
Mr. Randolph nods and pulls out a very small glass vial with
a purple gel substance inside. He hands it to Leader Semesh.
Semesh opens the vial and sniffs it. He shudders.
MR. RANDOLPH
We need a disposable test subject
for you to stretch out on. Anyone
come to mind?
Semesh raises the vial to his lips.
The air duct ends about six feet off the ground. Melany
punches out the metal grate and it clatters to the ground.
Melany wiggles her torso out of the duct, holding on to the
kit with both hands as it dangles down with her arms. She
blinks profusely at the bright light.
On the street, a swarm of Citizens walk silently in the same
direction. They all wear the same style of gray sweat suit.
All heads are bald, and each person is adorned with scalp
implants that cover the ears and most of the cranium.
Nobody takes notice of the girl dangling from the duct.
LEDO
Can you tell what Level were on?
That was a long ride up.
MELANY
Cant tell. Its very bright.
LEDO
We must be high up then. Can you
get out?
MELANY
Somethings not right.
LEDO
You dont say.
Melany places the kit on the ground and pulls herself out by
her hands, tumbling on to her side and landing hard. Ledo
follows. They stand up and brush themselves off. Ledo gets a
good look at the Citizens of Level 49. He taps one man on
the shoulder and waves his hand in front of his face, but
the man keeps walking.
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED:
65.
LEDO (contd)
Theyre out of it.
MELANY
Ledo, Constantin and Rage arent
here. How do we get home?
INT. RESTAURANT - STORE ROOM - LEVEL 13
Constantin and Rage exit their carriage and step into a
cramped room full of large brown barrels. Rage stretches.
RAGE
Where we at, slim?
CONSTANTIN
Level 13.
RAGE
Did Ledo and Mel follow us?
CONSTANTIN
They must take a short detour
before meeting up with us. Hmm.
Constantin rubs his temples. He leads Rage through the back
of the deserted restaurant.
RAGE
Hmm what? Why?
CONSTANTIN
Your butcher boy needs to be
reminded of a few things.
RAGE
Apparently hes your boy too,
although he never bothered to
mention his whole secret life to
us. What kind of person hides a
whole secret life from their
friends?
CONSTANTIN
All Ledo ever wanted was to not be
Ledo.
Constantin stops to rub his temples again.
CONSTANTIN (contd)
Hmm.
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED:
66.
RAGE
You dont look so hot.
CONSTANTIN
Oh, my head. I can feel him. We
gotta keep moving. And stop talking
about the past. I need to stay in
the present at all times.
Constantin laughs maniacally for no apparent reason. Rage
stands still, arms crossed.
RAGE
Im not going anywhere until you
tell me exactly where Ledo and Mel
are.
Constantin clutches his head.
CONSTANTIN
Lets go. We must go. Now.
RAGE
You arent dying are you? Because
that would be perfect, stranded on
Leader knows what LevelCONSTANTIN
NOW!
Constantin grabs Rage and pulls her through a set of heavy
rubber curtains into another room. Rage yelps as shes
pulled through.
Melany and Ledo walk against the flow of foot traffic,
weaving in and out between the zombie-like citizens. Their
eyes are milky blue and clouded over. Ledo yells at the
swarm.
LEDO
Where are you going?!
Nobody answers.
MELANY
There are kids here younger than
me.
Ledo looks around the street.
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED:
67.
LEDO
Ive seen a few familiar faces.
MELANY
Your old criminal pals?
LEDO
The way youre looking at me is why
I kept all that to myself. It was
nice being with people who thought
I was just a butcher.
MELANY
Why on Centrop would you leave all
of that for Happys chop shop?
Playing at the Nest was amazing. A
dream.
LEDO
Melany, we might need to share that
Paradigm Petey gave you. Ive never
been to a Level this bright.
Melany takes out the pouch from her blouse pocket.
MELANY
Is this how Constantin knew the
Custodians were about to find the
Nest?
LEDO
Not sure. Nanocin influences the
minds of non-users. The Leaders use
it mostly on the production Levels
to increase efficiency, but it can
be used in other ways, like
controlling Custodians during a
massive raid. Paradigm blocks that
influence, which is why we made it.
The joyful side effects came later.
MELANY
How does it work?
LEDO
Something to do with the chemicals
in our sweat. Thats all we knew.
MELANY
You and Constantin?
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED:
68.
LEDO
He knew this scientistMELANY
A what?
LEDO
Scientist. Dr. Lawrence. Used to
come all the way down to Level 3
from up in the 80s to buy all of
Constantins bagels.
MELANY
I would kill for a bagel.
LEDO
He gave Constantin the formula for
Paradigm.
A loud siren blares from speakers lining the ceiling. Melany
and Ledo clamp hands over their ears to block the noise. The
brain-locked Citizens do not even notice.
Several bay doors slide open along the exterior walls and
hovering security bots speed out towards Melany and Ledo.
LEDO (contd)
Run!
They start running down the street, weaving between the
crowd. The lead security bot BLEEPS and BLURPS a signal
which activates the head gear on a group of nearby
brain-locked Citizens. The scalp devices light up and they
stop walking. They turn their attention to Melany and Ledo,
who are running full speed down the street.
MELANY
Ledo!
LEDO
Watch out!
A bald middle aged male Citizen lunges towards Melany, but
she easily dodges him. The man tumbles to the ground.
Whirling in circles trying to avoid the grasping arms and
hands of the Citizens, Melany notices a red blinking over
the doorway of a vacant building. It is the only bit of
color against the grays and blacks of Level 49.
MELANY
There!
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED:
69.
They run towards the light, which is flicking from white to

red.
As they near the lighted doorway, Ledo is grabbed by three
large Citizens. Melany shoulders him through their clutches.
The security bots are closing in from all sides.
Three feet from the doorway, Melany stops dead in her tracks
and approaches a brain-locked male Citizen. Ledo flings the
door open and looks back for Melany.
LEDO
Come on!
MELANY
No.
The brain-locked prisoner has his arms outstretched to her.
His head is shaved and his eyes are dim and distant, but
theres no mistaking this Citizen.
MELANY (contd)
Oh, Vexing.
From behind, large clammy hands close over her mouth and
throat. The Citizens are piling on top of her. They claw at
her eyes and nose, pulling her hair and scratching her arms.
Someones fingers are lodged in her throat.
Ledo stabs his butcher knife into the arm of the man choking
Melany and flings him off. The man groans as he falls
backwards. The brain locked Citizens pause, confused. Ledo
stands ready, butcher knife in the air. The hovering bots
send more commands and the Citizens resume their aggression.
INT. VACANT BUILDING - LEVEL 49
Melany and Ledo dash through the doorway and slam it shut. A
few of the brain-locked Citizens claw feebly at the metal
door, but most de-activate and return to shuffling about.
Melany lets out a loud sob.
MELANY
Vexing!
Ledo embraces her.
MELANY (contd)
I have to get him back to the
Pavement. Master can help.
Ledo peers out the window.
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED:
70.
LEDO
The bots are gone.
MELANY
Who would do this to him?
Melany watches the brain-locked Citizens. Ledo examines the
rooms only closet until he turns a latch that hisses with
pressurized air. He slides a panel back and reveals another
small carriage on vertical tracks.
MELANY
We cant rescue him, can we?
LEDO
I think they want us to. They gave
up too easy. That head gear is
probably a tracking device. Taking
him off this level might kill him.
Ledo puts his arm round Melany, comforting her.
LEDO (contd)
Well come back.
Melany spots Vexing, shuffling away in the swarm.
MELANY
I promise little brother.
INT. ABANDONED GROW HOUSE - LEVEL 1
Rage and Constantin step over broken glass and walk down a
short flight of stairs before entering a hallway with a door
at the end. Two bulky men holding patched up Custodian rods
stand guard. They straighten up when they see Constantin.
Constantin shakes his head, struggling.
CONSTANTIN
Guard, fetch Miss Walder. Rage,
will you bear witness to my final
testament? Just in case.
Rage begrudgingly reaches into her coat pocket and pulls out
the MemoryCam recorder.
RAGE
Dont use my name. The school is
gonna fire me enough as it is.
71.
INT. CLOSET ACCESSWAY - LEVEL 50

Ledo and Melanys carriage stops in a very dark room. The
only light comes from the carriages terminal screen, which
basks the small room in a dim green hue.
MELANY
That was a short ride.
As Ledo slides out of the carriage, she turns and cracks the
door open.
INT. UTILITY CLOSET - LEVEL 50
Melany and Ledo are now in a utility closet full of mops and
cleaning supplies. Ledo slides the back panel closed and
locks it. The utility closets proper door is closed, but
bright light streams in from the sides and floor.
Ledo turns the knob and peaks out. He glances out for a
brief moment before pulling his head back in and shutting
the door.
MELANY
Well?
LEDO
I think we went too high.
MELANY
Whu -?
Before Melany can say another word, Ledo grabs her and
kisses her. Her whu turns to whoo before Ledo reaches
behind him and twists the door knob. The door flings open
and he spins Melany out into a bright hallway, then quickly
shuts the door behind him.
INT. OPERA BALCONY - LEVEL 50
Well-dressed citizens are thick as thieves in the majestic
hallway, but they move out of Ledo and Melanys way as the
two finish their kiss. A few Citizens give them cross looks,
but most just chuckle and shake their heads. A few provide
supportive cheers to the lovebirds.
Melany straightens her clothes as one older woman walks by.
OLDER WOMAN
Hussy.
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED:
72.
Melany hides between Ledo and the wall. She stares at her
surroundings, speechless. They are in a sidewing hallway of
an enormous opera hall, much larger and fancier than the
Nest. Everyone is dressed elegantly and chatting very
quickly. Their movements are sped up, yet precise.
MELANY
Did someone turn up the speed?
LEDO
We only went up one Level on the
carriage.
MELANY
Its so shiny.
LEDO
Back when I was in, the tunnels
only went to Level 28. That Level
smells like burnt hair.
The fat Regulation Council member saunters by with a chalice
of blue Nanocin in his pudgy hands. He is talking through a
hovering comm device.
FAT REGULATOR
It is not a viable plan. It is a
dangerous obsession. Yes, I am down
on 50, what of it? I am enjoying
the opera with a few of my lovers.
LEDO
Were in the Upper Half.
Three girls wearing nothing but face masks twirl by and
place a silken robe over the vast shoulders of the
Regulator. He sips from the chalice and lets the girls whisk
him away. The hovering comm device follows.
MELANY
Nanocin.
LEDO
Ive heard some of these Nanocin
parties run for weeks on end.
Nobody sleeps.
Other party goers are giving the pair sideways glances and
outright glares.
MELANY
Were under dressed and dangerously
sober.
73.
Ledo glances around quickly before grabbing hold of Melanys

hand and dashing towards a small lift at the end of the
balcony. A small man with an oversized derby on his head is
acting as the lift operator. He beckons them in.
INT. ELEVATOR - LEVEL 50
Melany and Ledo are the only riders. The operator closes the
doors and whips off his hat.
PETEY
What floor, suckers? Ha!
MELANY
Petey!! Where did you come from?
PETEY
C sent me after yous two. Glad you
made it out of the Nest. Crazy day,
huh?
MELANY
Awful, horrible things are
happening Petey!
Petey opens the elevators security panel and pushes a
series of commands into a terminal.
MELANY (contd)
We almost got caught by Custodians,
then they nearly burnt us up with
these hairy coats, then we had to
crawl through this tiny vent
for-ever and then there were all
these mindless people walking
around.
Petey presses two buttons on the terminal simultaneously.
The lift goes up.
MELANY (contd)
Then we got chased by hover bots
and found my friend Vexing, the one
Constantin got arrested, but we had
to leave him behind, but were
going back toPetey pushes a button on the elevator panel and abruptly
stops the lift and Melanys rambling.
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED:
74.
PETEY
Woap! Were here.
INT. ATTIC FLOOR - OPERA HALL - LEVEL 50

The elevator door opens to reveal a dimly lit room with
several ceiling fans circulating the air.
A stage light flicks on towards the other end of the room.
Petey waves them forward.
MELANY
Is Rage here?
At the far end of the room, DR. LAWRENCE, a man of 90, steps
out of the shadows into the stage light. Ledo looks
astonished.
DR. LAWRENCE
Thank you, Peter.
PETEY
Sir.
MELANY
Who are you?
LEDO
Dr. Lawrence?
MELANY
Wait. The scientist?
DR. LAWRENCE
Ledo, it is good to see you again.
And you must be the Player from the
Pavement everyone is talking about.
I heard you put on quite a show at
the Nest.
MELANY
You heard about that?
LEDO
Dr. Lawrence, whats going on?
DR. LAWRENCE
Melany, your kit is more than just
a musical instrument. This
Singsong, as you call it, operates
on many of the same perception
pathways as Nanocin, essentially
reversing the effects.
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED:
75.
PETEY
You saved our asses back there,
girl.
Melany looks dazed.
MELANY
Me? I didnt- I only want to play.
DR. LAWRENCE
Good. I have a feeling youre going
to get the chance.
EXT. SKYGARDENS - LEVEL 99
Leader Semesh gazes at the flickering wall-sized display.
His face is hollow and his cataract covered eyes are a dim
blue. They twitch from time to time.
Mr. Randolph steps into the doorway behind him.
LEADER SEMESH
Have our guests on 49 been fitted
with their new head collars?
MR. RANDOLPH
All of them. Your Will is most
impressive with this new formula.
Are you maintaining your experiment
with Constantin at the same time?
LEADER SEMESH
He is strong, but he has revealed
much. Have you located the junk
dealer named Robert?
MR. RANDOLPH
Custodians searched his shop but he
was not there. We recovered
hundreds of banned items.
LEADER SEMESH
The Wardens are convinced she is
the problem. We must find her and
this instrument. Locate the
adoptive father and bring him to
me.
MR. RANDOLPH
Yes, sir. Are you sure-
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED:
76.
LEADER SEMESH
Any other deviations to report?
Mr. Randolph hesitates. Leader Semesh turns to face him.

MR. RANDOLPH
We have no way of controlling her,
should this not work.
LEADER SEMESH
The girl doesnt know what she has.
Once the device is activated, it
wont matter. We only need time.
EXT. BUTCHER SHOP - LEVEL 2
Melany and Ledo peer into the darkened windows of the
butcher shop. A CLOSED sign stares them in the face.
Silently, they walk towards a very narrow pathway next to
the butcher shop. Squeezing in sideways, Melany holds the
kit above her head as they shimmy down the pathway.
EXT. BACK OF BUTCHER SHOP - LEVEL 2
The pair emerge onto a tiny patio surrounded by walls and
one dusty window. Ledo starts fiddling with the window.
Melany leans against the wall.
LEDO
Of course its locked.
MELANY
I never imagined the world could be
as bright as Level 50.
LEDO
Or as dark as 49.
MELANY
I want to help, like Dr. Lawrence
said. If hes right about Singsong.
Ledo takes a pause from trying to yank the old window open.
He is breathing heavy.
LEDO
If anyone would know, itd be him.
Ledo stops pulling, and steps back panting. Melany takes her
kit off and sets up in the small space.
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED:
77.
LEDO
We might have to break it.
MELANY
And wake Happy up? Step back.
Melany walks to the window and examines the frame carefully.
She then gets behind her kit and starts playing. A
mischievious sounding piece of music accompanies three wispy
white tendrils of light, which jettison out of the orbs
toward the window. The light smashes into the glass and
scatters like smoke, but quickly reassembles. The tendrils
then glide effortlessly between tiny cracks and spaces.
The light tendrils intertwine on the interior side of the
window to form a thick stream of white light. The light
stream lunges at the window lock and envelopes it. The music
picks up in pace. The light beam pulls back sharply as
Melany hits the high note and the window lock snaps open.
LEDO
Ladies and Gentleman. The one and
only Singsong Master.
MELANY
Now available for birthdays and
world-ending events of all kinds.
Ledos eyes are full of desire. She blushes.
Cut to:
INT. BUTCHER SHOP - SHOW ROOM - LEVEL 2
Some display signs and a tray full of coupons scatter across
the butcher shop floor as Melany and Ledo stumble back on a
table, passionately kissing and tearing at each others
clothing.
A pair of Thespians are performing a scene for Rage. One
Thespian is pretending to passionately kiss another. Rage is
munching on a snack while reclined on overstuffed pillows. A
50 year old woman, MISS WALDER, sits next to her.
RAGE
What, no lips? No tongues? You call
yourselves actors?
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED:
78.
MISS WALDER
Youll have to excuse them. First
year students.
RAGE
Ah, Im teasing! You kids are doing
great!
The pair of Thespians give her a cold stare, and then get
back to their scene.
RAGE
Miss Walder, these little plays
have been fun. All 34 of them. But
its the middle of the night. I
havent heard a peep from anyone in
hours. When can I go home? Or to
sleep? Im exhausted.
MISS WALDER
C said we must wait for the man. We
wait.
RAGE
Wait for what man? Im supposed to
be teaching class in a few hours.
MISS WALDER
Custodians are prowling Centrop
looking for you and your friends.
They have found many of our access
tunnels. Its not safe to go back
to Level 2.
RAGE
We just wanted to get Melanys
friend released from the
Custodians.
MISS WALDER
Be careful what you wish for.
Rage groans and slaps her hands over her face.
MISS WALDER (contd)
The friend of the Player wasnt
supposed to be with the Custodians
for more than a half hour. Just
enough time for the boys to get
away. C never thought theyd keep
him, let alone send him to...
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED:
79.
RAGE
Yeah?
MISS WALDER
I cant seem to remember what I
was- whoa.
RAGE
You were telling me about Vexing.
MISS WALDER
You are who? Who are you?
RAGE
I am me. Me am I. Whats wrong with
you?
Miss Walders gaze is wandering away. Her lips move but no

voice emerges.
Rage looks around. The place is quiet. Off to one corner, a
few Thespians are sleeping together on a gigantic pillow.
Otherwise they are alone.
MISS WALDER
You must be the roommate.
RAGE
Miss Walder?
MISS WALDER
Miss Walder is fine. My name is Dr.
Lawrence.
RAGE
I really dont get this acting
stuff.
MISS WALDER
This is not an act Miss Roommate.
Where is Constantin?
RAGE
Youre the one who locked him in
that room over there.
MISS WALDER
Yes, I warned him about Semeshs
new formula days ago. Your friends
will join you tomorrow. You must
alert the Mage. This is Dr.
Lawrence, from Level 88. Do you
understand?
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED:
80.
RAGE
Thats a stupid question, Dr.
Lawrence. Maybe you should possess
me and tell all this to Miss
Walder? Shes more in the know.
MISS WALDER
Do you use Paradigm or Nanocin?
RAGE
No.
MISS WALDER
I thought not. You smell so sad.
Youll just have to remember all
that I say here.
Rage picks up the MemoryCam device from a nearby table.
RAGE
When all this is over, I swear Im
selling this footage.
Melany hums as she quickly sweeps the floor of the butcher
shop, twirling gently from time to time. Ledo is hacking
away at a hunk of faux meal and glancing at Melany every
chance he can. In the middle of the room stands Happy, with
a sour look on his face. He watches Melany and Ledo for a
moment before throwing his hands in the air.
HAPPY
Stop the sweeping! Youve never
sweeped this place before. And you
keep sweeping the same spot! And
you, meat boy, youre destroying
that loaf. Whats wrong with these
two, I wonder this morning, but
enough! You all three disappear to
Leader-knows-where, and then Rage
shows up with a silent giant who
proceeds to buy my entire inventory
- he even bought that clock that
was shaped like a chop.
MELANY
Oh, I liked that clock.
HAPPY
Well its gone! But you two are
here! Acting like fools! So now I
(MORE)
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED:
81.
HAPPY (contd)
ask, where is Rage and that great,
giant boyfriend of hers?
LEDO
I dontMELANY
We cant really...
LEDO
...know.
MELANY
...say.
Melany and Ledo dont respond further. Happy glares some
more before turning and slowly walking away.
HAPPY
I am not so useless you know. Happy
knows people. I am a butcher! I am
a plumber! I am very handy! People
love me all over the level. I had a
customer on Level 5 who said hed
never met such a useful man as me.
Whatever youre doing, maybe you
could use Happy. Maybe, if you ask,
Happy could help.
Melany and Ledo look at each other.
MELANY
Happy. Wait.
Happy stops shuffling and glumly looks back over his
shoulder.
MELANY (contd)
We got mixed up with some dangerous
people trying to rescue Vexing and
now we have to go rescue Rage. Im
helping Ledo with his job so we can
go, but since you dont have any
chops to sell - do you want to come
with us?
HAPPY
Is Rage in danger?
MELANY
Happy, shes being held by
Thespians, who have secret tunnels
(MORE)
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED:
82.
MELANY (contd)
all the way up to Level 50. We know
how to access them.
Happy nearly falls over a stool.
HAPPY
OK! I mean, OK. Maybe Ill think
about it. OK, OK, just let me grab
a few things.
Happy heads to his back office, wide eyed with excitement.
Melany, Ledo and Happy keep their heads down as they
silently move through the crowded street, heading to the
first secret access tunnel.
HAPPY
What Level is Rage on?
LEDO
Not sure. Peteys going to meet us.
MELANY
I hope shes on Level 3. I want
another bagel so bad.
HAPPY
What kind of food is bagels?
LEDO
Its salty yellow faux meal baked
in ring shapes.
MELANY
Ledos not a fan, but theyre
really good!
The trio pass a merchant stand selling the New Nanocin Lite.
A screen behind the merchant plays an infomercial. The video
feed is interrupted by a Special Bulletin from the Leaders
Quadribunal. They slow down to watch.
INSERT:
VIDEO MONITOR
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED:
83.
Leader Semesh stands in front of a billowing Centrop

Citystate flag, a pair of blue and gold Cs in the center of
a smoky gray background. His face is mottled and heavily
made up to cover his gauntness. He stands perfectly still
while addressing the camera, blind eyes staring out.
LEADER SEMESH
Trials involving the purge have
been completed. Hundreds of
criminals were arrested of illegal
activity and sentenced accordingly.
Centrops Will is strong.
A small crowd has gathered around the merchants monitor to
watch Leader Semesh.
Many years ago, I sacrificed my
vision to become a stronger Leader,
and protector, for you all.
Tonight, Nanocin will allow me to
see once more.
Two guards shove a man in shackles towards Semesh.
MELANY
Master?
Master Bob, handcuffed and weary, stands next to Leader
Semesh. Semesh unlocks the handcuffs. Bob rubs his raw
wrists.
LEADER SEMESH
Robert has been found guilty of
High Treason. His Level 1 merchant
shop is a front for criminal
activity. Our brave Custodian force
uncovered a trove of government
property hidden on his premises.
MELANY
Government property?? You people
threw it away!! It was your
garbage!
Citizens take notice of Melanys outburst. Ledo puts an arm
around her shoulder.
LEADER SEMESH
Do you have any final words of
regret for our audience, Robert?
Master Bobs lips are swollen and his face is bruised. He
opens his cracked lips.
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED:
84.
MASTER
Blackwings fly or blackwings swim,
bluebells cry at every whim.
We dont know much about their way,
or why their wonders couldnt stay.
Melany blinks as a tear rolls down her cheek.

LEADER SEMESH
A sad thing, dementia.
Semesh grabs Masters forehead and the connection causes Bob
to writhe and convulse in agony. Semesh seems to glow as his
head is thrown backwards in ecstacy.
MELANY
Noooo. Please dont! Ill give up!!
You can have my kit!
Ledo holds Melany as she collapses back into his arms,
sobbing. Citizens look at each other, upset but not sure how
to react. Semesh drains Master Bobs life force and lets his
limp body slide to the floor. Standing back up straight,
Semeshs complexion looks a fair deal better. His eyes are
no longer cloudy. He looks all around.
LEADER SEMESH
Justice has been served.
Constantin is lying naked in an empty flower bed, dead. The
soft whistle of air conditioning is all that can be heard in
the room. Overhead, the ceiling lights are mostly shattered,
except for a few dim remnants of a brighter past. For what
its worth, Constantin is positioned under such a light. As
Rage quietly enters the room, she gets a full view of
Constantin and averts her eyes.
RAGE
Oh, Leader save me.
A figure emerges from the shadows. The MAGE hides his face
and hands under a heavy dark cloak.
THE MAGE
Poor choice of savior.
Rage moves closer to the flower bed, picking an old towel up
off the ground and throwing it over Constantins private
parts while trying not to look. Once covered, she turns and
addresses the Mage more directly.
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED:
85.
RAGE
You must be the Mage. I have a
MemoryCam file to give you from Dr.
Lawrence.
THE MAGE
Dr. Lawrence? Now, theres a name I
never thought to hear from again.
The Mage takes the MemoryCam from Rage.
RAGE
Said you would know what to do.
THE MAGE
I can infer the rest. A new
Paradigm formula to counter the new
Nanocin formula. With more time, we
could have saved Constantin.
RAGE
Did the Leader kill him?
THE MAGE
Constantin battled Semeshs new
formula for 28 hours. Semesh was
gaining more and more control. You
saw a part of that.
RAGE
I saw enough.
The Mage gently turns Constantins face towards Rage, which
she can see is covered in bruises and cuts. She lightly
brushes his cheek with her hand.
RAGE (contd)
I was really hoping he would make
it.
THE MAGE
Semesh has always been a stern
leader, but now his will is truly a
vile thing. Constantin was the key
to our plans. He died rather than
give our secrets up to Semesh. I
fear all is lost without him.
Rage taps the MemoryCam file that the Mage holds.
RAGE
I wouldnt be so sure about that.
86.
INT. WOMANS CLOTHING STORE - CHANGING ROOM - LEVEL 2
Melany, eyes red and distant, stands with Ledo, Happy, and
Petey in the small changing room. Petey turns a coat hook
and a locking mechanism behind the mirror pops and hisses
compressed air. Ledo slides the mirror to the side,
revealing a doorway to an adjacent secret room. Melany and
Ledo step through like pros, but Happy moves cautiously.
Inside the small room, a carriage is waiting. Melany doesnt
wait for an invitation. She flips the carriage top open and
slides in. Silently, she presses a combination of buttons on
the terminal.
LEDO
Mel.
She doesnt respond. Her carriage lifts off and heads
quickly up the small track. A new carriage rolls into place.
HAPPY
Ledo, I wont call you meat boy
ever again.
Ledo looks hurt.
LEDO
But thats the nicest thing you
call me.
The Wardens are sitting on a pair of matching high backed
chairs. Mr. Audemars smokes on a pipe, looking cross. Mrs.
Audemars is checking her digital tablet and clucking her
tongue in disapproval at whatever shes reading.
A robobutler rolls in.
ROBOBUTLER
Wardens, a comm from Leader Semesh.
MRS. AUDEMARS
Thank you Ronny. Semesh?
MR. AUDEMARS
Tell us news of the plan.
LEADER SEMESH
(o.s.)
The board is situated per our
designs. Everything is on track.
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED:
87.
MR. AUDEMARS
Humph. And how is the new formula?
LEADER SEMESH
More than I could have hoped for.
MRS. AUDEMARS
Constantin?
LEADER SEMESH
The coward killed himself before
too long, but it was a good test.
MR. AUDEMARS
Humph.
MRS. AUDEMARS
Not a complete failure then.
LEADER SEMESH
Indeed. I am ready to activate the
device.
MRS. AUDEMARS
Have you found the girl?
LEADER SEMESH
(o.s.)
No, but her Will is broken.
MR. AUDEMARS
Uh oh.
Mrs. Audemars face reddens.
MRS. AUDEMARS
How many visions, how many dreams
must one have before her
subordinates heed her command? She
is dangerous. Stop playing around!
LEADER SEMESH
(o.s.)
Once the device is activated, it
wont matter. The Thespians are out
of time. Even with the girl and her
friends.
MR. AUDEMARS
Humph.
Mrs. Audemars does not bother looking up from her tablet.
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED:
88.
MRS. AUDEMARS
Reports say the Lowest Levels are
lighting candles in honor of that
antiques dealer you executed.
Candles! We havent given them
candles in 20 years!
MR. AUDEMARS
Looks like you martyred a pretty
popular fellow. Sure that was a
wise move?
MRS. AUDEMARS
Next thing we know, Young Citizens
everywhere will be constructing
their own damned Singsong kits!
LEADER SEMESH
(o.s.)
Let them waste their wax.
MR. AUDEMARS
Its not the wax were worried
about. Activate the device, Semesh.
I hope you are ready.
The main room of the grow house is dimly lit. Rows of
non-operational lighting spans the ceiling, with only a few
squares still creating illumination. Thespians mill about
the room, lounging on sofas or standing on their heads. One
man is climbing the walls like Spider Man. Happy looks at
the Thespians in amazement.
Rage is in the center back of the room, sitting in a plush
red chair. The Mage stands silently to her side. She waves
at her friends, who head towards her. They all greet each
other excitedly.
MELANY
So glad youre safe.
HAPPY
I wonder how many Levels high we
are?
RAGE
This used to be an area for growing
real food, like in Bobs recipe
book. According to this Mage guy say hi Mage (CONTINUED)
CONTINUED:
89.
The Mage lifts a hand to the group. Happy tentatively waves

back.
RAGE (contd)
According to this guy the Pavement
was originally full of plants and
animals. And very bright. Look at
all the shattered bulbs.
MELANY
Wait. Were onHAPPY
-the Pavement?? Oh good Leader, the
dream has become a nightmare.
RAGE
Theres more. Come in.
INT. ABANDONED GROW HOUSE - WAKE ROOM - LEVEL 1
Constantins body, covered by a white sheet, lies in state
at the head of several rows of chairs. Various Thespian
mourners are in attendance. The room is lit by candles and a
few very dim overhead lights.
RAGE
Before he died, Constantin told me
about Ledos plan.
LEDO
I should have known. His obsession.
MELANY
Something to do with Paradigm?
LEDO
Much bigger.
RAGE
They want to break a hole in the
outer wall.
MELANY
Why? We would all die.
Ledo and Rage exchange a look.
MELANY (contd)
Wouldnt we?
Cut to:
90.
INT. ABANDONED GROW HOUSE - ANOTHER DARK ROOM - LEVEL 1

Rage has set up her schools MemoryCam projector. Everyone
is sitting down, ready to watch. Rage projects the MemoryCam
of Constantin before death. He is covered in bruises and
open wounds, two black eyes and several broken teeth.
CONSTANTIN
And for my final performance, you
will soon see me disappear forever.
But first, my loyal assistant Lady
Chuckles will record this secret
message before Semesh takes over.
RAGE
(o.s.)
Sounds good.
CONSTANTIN
Melany and Ledo, youll recall your
recent trip to Level 49. The
residents are a rather quiet folk,
arent they?
Constantin gets up from his sitting position and shuffles
over to rustle through one of the many Thespian costume
trunks. He pulls out a feather boa.
CONSTANTIN (contd)
I think Ill go out with feathers
on. So, those prisoners on 49 are
just the beginning. Oh, ow... I
better hurry. Ledo, Melany, I
wanted you to see- you had to see
whats at stake. Semesh is going to
use the collective minds of his
prisoners to help him control
everyone below Level 50.
RAGE
Stop.
The video pauses on Constantins face, grimaced in pain.
RAGE (contd)
The rest isnt pretty.
HAPPY
That wasnt exactly attractive. Who
was that?
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED:
91.
MELANY
Ledo?
Ledo has an odd expression on his face.
RAGE
OK. Play.
The MemoryCam file resumes.
CONSTANTIN
There is no way for us to stop him.
We have to- oow. No, not yet(beat) Ah, thats better. Hello.
Constantins body language changes entirely.
RAGE
(o.s.)
Did I miss something?
CONSTANTIN
I have a message for your friend
Melany. Shell want to know how to
end all of this bloodshed, no
doubt. Its simple. She may join
her friend on Level 49 and hand
over that banned instrument and I
promise to pardon her other
criminal associates, including you.
If she refuses, Bob will just be
the first of many to die in her
name. I trust you will pass this
message on for your Leader, Rage.
Well be watching.
Constantins eyes roll back in his head and he slumps to the
ground.
The Wardens sit in plush armchairs, surrounded on all sides
by 3 foot tall paintings of nothing but three-dimensional
cubes of various colors. Mr. Audemars holds his wineglass
up.
MR. AUDEMARS
Good riddance to bad rubbish,
lovely wife!
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED:
92.
MRS. AUDEMARS
May we clear the way for a brighter
tomorrow, darling husband!
They clink their wine glasses together and sip a dark purple
liquid.
INT. WAREHOUSE - LEVEL 49
Leader Semesh and Mr. Randolph stand together atop a control
column situated in the middle of an otherwise empty
warehouse. The low ceiling, only about 20 feet off the
ground, has been fitted with technical equipment. Wires and
tubes form a grid pattern over the entire surface.
LEADER SEMESH
Lets bring in the herd.
Mr. Randolph pushes a series of inputs into the console and
large bay doors slowly open at the far end of the warehouse.
INT. ABANDONED GROW HOUSE - LOFT AREA - LEVEL 1
Melany sits alone in a small closet that hides a secret
access door. She carries her kit and thumps the wood,
staring off at nothing.
LEDO
We thought it would be enough.
Ledos voice snaps her out of her trance. He is standing
behind her just outside the closet.
MELANY
Enough what?
LEDO
Enough to know the truth. Whats on
the other side. Why were in here.
The big questions.
Melany doesnt respond.
LEDO (contd)
I know what youre thinking, Mel.
What if theres nothing out there?
What if its just fire and death
like they say? Do we kill everyone
in Centrop for nothing?
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED:
93.
MELANY
And?
LEDO
When I first had those thoughts I
was focused by Paradigm. No fear,
no doubt. I was sure we would be OK
out there. Now, I have doubts. But
if Constantin is right, does it
matter? Id rather be dead than
like those people on 49.
MELANY
Why did you quit taking Paradigm?
LEDO
Paradigm made me an exceptional
planner. Id plan out my day, week,
month. Everything down to the
moment. Constantin loved it. Too
much so.
MELANY
I dont know if I can pull your
plan off, Ledo. I should go to 49,
by myself. If Im not good enough,
so many people will die. I want to
save themLedo takes her by the shoulders and brings her close.
LEDO
Save them for what? A life of
mindless slavery?
Melany takes his hand.
MELANY
Youre not on Paradigm anymore.
What is your gut telling you?
Ledo kisses her forehead.
LEDO
Its telling me its time to go up.
You can do this Melany. Nobody else
can.
94.

The throng of brain locked Citizens are herded into a
cavernous warehouse at the very end of the street. Leader
Semesh monitors them as Mr. Randolph adjusts his controls.
There are hundreds of Custodians present now on this Level
for security, but they are outnumbered by the prisoners.
Melany walks down the glum, dim street that she used to call
home. As she wanders past the Pavement Citizens, they seem
to brighten up. Some actually raise their heads and smile at
her in recognition. A few stop and watch her pass. Others
turn to follow the Player from the Pavement, whispering. As
Melany stops in front of Peculiar Pastimes to set up her
kit, a small crowd has already gathered. She smiles
anxiously at them in return.
INT. BACK OF RESTAURANT - LEVEL 3
Ledo and some Thespians, carrying tools and ropes, roll back
a secret wall to reveal the antique Roadster sitting on a
custom made carriage. Ledo pushes a command into the
terminal and the carriage slowly lifts the Roadster up.
Melany starts to play a gentle melody. The crowd is very
enthusiastic. As the music wafts around, tendrils of light
start to grow out from around the kit. The crowd "oohs" and
"ahhs" and other Citizens are poking their heads out of
windows and doorways to see what the commotion is all about.
The brain slaves are being herded into the warehouse. Leader
Semesh stands on top of an elevated platform in the center
of the warehouse. Mr. Randolph stands behind Leader Semesh
on the platform, adjusting dials and pressing buttons on the
command interface.
95.
INT. ACCESS TUNNEL - LEVEL 5

Happy is crawling through a cramped air shaft with a
flashlight. He is grumbling to himself.
HAPPY
Oh, Happy, good thing you came
along. You can fit in this tiny
hole. You know about the plumbing
and pipes. Its not easy being so
useful.
Melanys performance expands and the music gets more
complex. The light pushes out, swirling around peoples
heads and bodies much to their delight. A large swath of
light crawls up the front entrance of Peculiar Pastimes,
reaching for the ceiling. People are clapping and bobbing.
At last, the light breaks through the dividing ceiling.
Citizens hop back in alarm as the light pokes out of the
ground and starts interacting with their shoes. The music is
being carried as information by the light, so the volume is
consistent. Now the Citizens seem more curious than afraid.
The light streams continue moving upwards like veins, taking
detours to mingle with Citizens. A young child is shaking
his head and hips to the beat.
Leader Semesh stands over his brain locked prisoners. Mr.
Randolph presses a button and a series of enormous
mechanisms attached to the ceiling spin into action and
start humming. A faint blue glow washes over the crowd.
Semesh closes his eyes and at once hundreds of people snap
to attention and look up at him. Leader Semesh opens his
eyes, which are now bloodshot red.
LEADER SEMESH
I can feel them, Mr. Randolph.
Continue.
Mr. Randolph presses some more buttons.
96.
EXT. ABANDONED X TRAIN TRACK - LEVEL 49

Ledo and his Thespian helpers are pulling an old X train car
along a track using ropes and rollers and the Roadster
itself. There are WARNING: TRACK OUT signs posted nearby.
Melany continues playing, harder now and with more ferocity.
The crowd is really into it. The light and sound has made it
through Level 2, past the bagel stands of Level 3, and then
through many more levels. Large crowds are gathering around
the show at every Level.
Semesh moves his head, and the brain slaves move their heads
in unison.
LEADER SEMESH
I can retain control of 50 people
right now, but by tomorrow it will
be 500 and then 50000. This
rebellion ends now. No more
production shortages. No more
Paradigm. Finally, peace.
INT. PRESSURE ROOM - LEVEL 5
Happy reaches a small room
ceiling in levers, wheels,
pours out of a few exhaust
and pulls out a diagram of
with walls covered floor to

cranks and switches. Steam slowly
pipes. Happy mops his sweaty brow
the array.
EXT. STREET - MULTIPLE LEVELS

Melanys performance is reaching the people in a profound
way. Citizens are rubbing their eyes at all the new light,
children are dancing, and old people are smiling.
Rage and Chuckles and the other Thespians run door to door,
Level to Level, to help get peoples attention.
97.
Ledo is setting up some kind of timed device to the X train
car. Thespians are stacking rows of a dull white substance
into the train car.
LEDO
Got enough?
THESPIAN BOMB EXPERT
We will have to time it perfectly.
LEDO
Looks like we have enough to take
down half of Centrop.
THESPIAN BOMB EXPERT
If your girlfriend does her part,
it will be the empty half.
Sweat pours down Melanys face. Her fingers glisten as they
roll over the kit. For the first time, she breaks to throw a
cup of water into her mouth. The light stands still, slowly
throbbing to a steady beat.
As she tosses the cup aside, Melany notices a young Pavement
girl, half-starved and wearing a moldy dress. The little
girl smiles at Melanys attention and begins to clap. The
other Citizens are looking on, in earnest encouragement.
They all begin to clap for Melany.
Her fingers dance once more. The music picks back up and the
light tendrils take off, curling and rocketing upwards.
LEADER SEMESH
Increase the power, Mr. Randolph.
Mr. Randolph adjusts the controls. The electrical grid
structure on the ceiling glows a bright blue.
Suddenly, light and music from the last Singsong master
bursts through the floor where the brain locked citizens are
standing.
The light is affecting the slaves. It seems to focus them to
a point where they "snap" out of their mind control state
and wake up rather confused. Angry.
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED:
98.
MR. RANDOLPH
More power?
LEADER SEMESH
Yes, Mr. Randolph. More.
The mob of freed mind control victims are raging at the two
men on the elevated platform. They begin to rock the
platform. The Custodians try to quell the mob by shocking
prisoners with their purple rods.
Now!
Mr. Randolph finishes punching buttons.
MR. RANDOLPH
Go!
Semesh closes his eyes and the prisoners stop, looking
confused. Not quite hypnotic, but close.
MR. RANDOLPH (contd)
I warned you we couldnt control
her.
LEADER SEMESH
I will take care of the girl.
Melany is having fun playing. She has hit her runners high
and is grooving with the enormous gathering of citizens.
She glitches momentarily as Semesh tries to take over. She
shakes her head and gets back on the beat, but a few moments
later it happens again - this time for a little longer. They
are awkward pauses but the crowds keep cheering her on.
The third attempt by Semesh causes Melany to see bright
flashes of visions: her dead parents, her reflection in a
mud puddle, her strange animal ornaments, and Master Bob.
She clutches her head and falls back on the doorway of
Peculiar Pastimes. The light is ebbing. The crowd gasps.
MELANY
Get out!
LEADER SEMESH
(o.s.)
Youre mine, Player. I dont need a
Nanocin pathway anymore thanks to
(MORE)
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED:
99.

my friends here. Yes, Vexing says
hello. Too bad Bob cant be here.
Melany falls to her knees. The beat is getting weaker, the
light dimming. The crowd is full of worried murmurs.
Ledo and the Thespians stand away from the train car, hiding
in a crack in the wall.
LEDO
Now!
A Thespian pulls a lever and the X train car zooms down the
track, chock full of explosives.
LEDO (contd)
OK, Happy. Your turn.
Happy is still consulting his diagrams, flipping them this
way or that. An alarm on his belt goes off.
Stopping the alarm, Happy tosses the diagrams aside and
starts spinning, pulling, pressing and twisting. Steam
hisses from several leaky gaskets. Pipes begin to moan.
Melany has collapsed on the ground. The Singsong light fades
away. Worried Citizens surround her. Melany convulses on the
ground, trembling.
LEADER SEMESH
(o.s.)
I can taste poor little Vexing as
we speak. So fresh. You should have
accepted my offer. I always make
good on my promises.
The pouch of Paradigm that Petey gave her falls to the
ground out of her blouse pocket.
MELANY
I made a promise, too.
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED:
100.
Melany reaches for the pouch and tears the top off with her
teeth. She slams the blue gel, swallowing it all in one
serving.
The hairs on her arm stand up. Her heartbeat quickens.
Semeshs voice cracks in her head. Her eyes widen in
excitement.
LEADER SEMESH
(o.s.)
Give this up. Your friends will
suffer and die. They will feel more
pain than Bob ever did. Would your
poor dead parents approve of that?
Melany sits up, then rises to her feet. Her brow is dry.
MELANY
Why dont you ask them for me?
Melanys hands fly over the kit and the orbs vibrate. The
music kicks up once more, but its more ambitious, more
complex. Thousands of light-sound tendrils race upwards. The
tendrils move with such force that cracks appear on the
ceiling wherever they pass through.
Semesh is thrown back into his body.
MR. RANDOLPH
Problem?
Semesh offers a rather pathetic shrug to Mr. Randolph before
the entire hanger is flooded with light and sound. The
prisoners wake up instantly. This time, several of them
work together to rip the locked gate off a hinge. The
Custodians are quickly overwhelmed.
The mob drags Mr. Randolph and Leader Semesh down to meet
their doom. Off to the side, Vexing punches a Custodian
square in the face mask. The Custodian goes down but Vexing
shakes his fist in pain before loping off.
INT. X TRAIN TRACK TUNNEL - LEVEL 49
The explosives-filled car races down the track, crashing
through WARNING-ABANDONED signs and other old track debris.
The third sign says "BARRIER B AHEAD - DEAD STOP"
101.

Happy is furiously at work, spinning more wheels.
HAPPY
Come on Barrier B.
Happy pulls up on a double-handed lever.
EXT. ALLEYWAY - LEVEL 48
A young child is playing behind a shed. The old track above
her shakes dust down as the Thespians car nears her
location. BARRIER B is directly overhead. A mechanical sound
of rusty chains activates, slowly lifting the Barrier.
The train car nearly collides with Barrier B as it is
lifting, but screeches under in time.
EXT. ALLEYWAY - LEVEL 48
Dust and sparks rain down on the oblivious little girl. A
man runs in and picks up the girl, who laughs.
DADDY
Come on Anna, you gotta see these
pretty lights and sounds!
They run off in the opposite direction.
The train car barrels down the track and slams into the
low-lying Barrier C. The momentum from the impact causes the
Roadster to soar out the front bay of the train car and
across the open air divide separating Barrier C from the
Outer Wall. Sitting in the train car are the blocks of dull
white explosives tied together by a very long coiled cable.
The blocks are spaced apart on the cable every 30 yards or
so. They are stacked neatly and well organized. One end of
the cable is attached to the Roadster and the other end is
attached to the train car.
The Roadster hits the Outer Wall and begins to fall, pulling
the string of explosives along with it.
102.

The Wardens are reviewing notes in yet another comfortable
living room area. The floor shakes and Mrs. Audemars
crystal flute falls to the floor.
MR. AUDEMARS
WhatMelanys Singsong performance interrupts Mr. Audemars as the
light-sound tendrils shoot through Level 100 and continue to
pass out the very top of Centrop.
EXT. STREETS OF LEVELS 1-49
Citizens of all levels are gathered around Melanys
spectacular light show when the Roadster finally hits the
pavement and explodes, causing a chain reaction of
explosions up the cable that leads back to the X train car
on Level 48. The hundreds of individual detonations is
enough to cause the eastern side outer wall to crumble and
fall. Light pours in to every Level from the outside world.
Melany stops playing.
EXT. CENTROP CITY STATE
As the wall collapses, the world opens up. It is a paradise
of greens and blues, with fluffy white clouds in the sky.
Happy is still in the pressure room, turning levers.
HAPPY
Oh Happy, I hope you didnt blow
it. Someone will let me know,
right?
He shrugs and spins one wheel so hard it flies right off. A
low rumbling sound starts bubbling up from below.
HAPPY (contd)
Uh oh.
103.

People are staring at the smoldering hole at the other end
of their Levels, their eyes squinting hard to adjust. Some
people run inside buildings. A few brave souls approach the
explosion site to see whats outside.
Melany follows a few other brave citizens as they approach
the wall. The explosion destroyed most of the exterior wall
leading down from Level 49. The rubble had blown outwards,
so the Pavement Citizens are able to push their way out
without too much difficulty. Heads are popping out from
every Level now, curious faces seeing the world for the
first time.
Lush, green thickets of swaying bamboo trees are growing all
over and around the construct. Only bamboo. The ground is a
dry, brittle brown. Vines growing down from unknown heights
survived the explosion. They sway and interconnect,
providing a flimsy means of escape. It is one of these vines
that Melany grabs and gives a tug on.
LEDO
Melany!
Melany turns around as Ledo nearly runs into her, grabbing
and spinning and kissing her. She returns all of those
favors and then some before turning to gaze at the green,
lush outside world.
MELANY
What are these green things!?
LEDO
Youre better with names than me.
The air is so fresh. Not used to
it.
MELANY
I can get used to it.
VEXING
Glad to see youre having fun
without me.
Melany spins so fast her kit hits her other shoulder.
MELANY
Vexing!!
Miss Walder, Rage and Vexing greet them all happily. Melany
gives Vexing a big hug and then Rage.
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED:
104.
VEXING
Im so sorry about Bob. He would
have been proud of you. That sweet
Singsong of yours burst up through
the floor and BAM! All of a sudden
I could think again. I am so
hungry.
RAGE
Look! People are climbing down!
The gang watches the first few brave citizens on higher
Levels take to the vines. A few lose their grips and nearly
fall, cursing the slick and unusual vegetation.
LEDO
We should open up the access
tunnels so people dont break their
necks.
Everyone nods. They turn and follow Ledo.
LEDO (contd)
Arent we forgetting someone?
The Wardens are sitting at one of their dining room tables.
They are glaring at each other from across the room. Mr.
Audemars is chewing while Mrs. Audemars sips from a glass.
Finally, Mr. Audemars swallows.
MR. AUDEMARS
I say this is your fault.
MRS. AUDEMARS
I admit my plan to brain lock the
production levels hit an unexpected
snagMR. AUDEMARS
Half of the damn construct fell
down!
MRS. AUDEMARS
Hardly half. Trivial point. They
knocked down a wall. Well rebuild.
You can manage that yourself.
MR. AUDEMARS
The bloody wall, Mrs. Audemars!
Thats never happened! We might all
(MORE)
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED:
105.
MR. AUDEMARS (contd)
be infected. Were guarded with
keeping the Citizens inside for
their own safety. We cant let them
back in now. Custodians have been
dispatched.
MRS. AUDEMARS
Have you seen the Cams? It looks
quite healthy out there. Perhaps it
is time-
Their dining room table begins to rattle, silverware

clanking against glassware. They grasp the table to hold
themselves in place.
Suddenly, from every vent in the room, a brown liquid spews
forth onto the floor. The muck is rising fast, with no end
in sight.
MR. AUDEMARS
Perhaps it is time to move.
EXT. CENTROP CITY STATE - PAVEMENT LEVEL
The group wanders out from the makeshift hole in the wall,
squinting in the bright light.
A distant buzzing is the only sound.
MELANY
Feel that wind! Do you think the
Custodians will follow us?
MISS WALDER
The Wardens believe the outside
world is infected with numerous
plagues. Odds are good we wont be
allowed back in.
RAGE
Oh great, now you tell us. I dont
even like this outfit.
Buzzing getting louder.
Angry shouts and confrontations can be heard from within
Centrop. Some people are running and jumping out of the
construct, grabbing vines or just flinging themselves out in
desperation. One of them is Happy, who shrugs three
Custodians off his back like rag dolls and grabs a vine from
Level 5.
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED:
106.
HAPPY
Yaaaaaah!
Soon, rows of Custodians block the blast holes, keeping
others from escaping.
Happy lands hard and rolls out onto his back holding the
small wheel from the pressure room. Ledo pulls him up.
MELANY
Happy! You did it!!
Everyone hugs Happy. Happy hands the wheel to Ledo. Buzzing
is still getting louder.
HAPPY
I could hear your song in the
tunnels, Melany! Can we hear it
again? Oh yeah, Miss Walder, I sent
a little present to the folks
upstairs, courtesy of the
Thespians.
Melany excitedly sets up her kit.
MISS WALDER
Thank you Happy, but the Thespians
are no more.
HAPPY
Then whatever our little group is
called now.
Buzzing even louder. Rage looks around for the source, and
Ledo notices too.
MELANY
What is that buzzing sound?
RAGE
Yeah, do you guys hearALIEN CHILD
(o.s.)
XXXMAKHEKEEEK!!!
An alien child swings down the side of the Construct on a
vine.
Large hovering vehicles speed over the tops of the trees and
descend rapidly to the ground. The Citizens are all frozen
in place, staring.
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED:
107.
Doors open and tall, barrel chested humanoid beings in dark,

loose fitting clothes emerge. Some carry staff weapons. They
are at least two feet taller than the humans, and powerfully
built. Soldiers. The alien child, a smaller version of these
adults, runs up to greet them. He waves a flipper before a
guard walks forward and knocks him aside with a powerful
thrust of his staff. The alien child whimpers.
The adult alien examines the crowd with his four eyes. He
pauses at Melany, staring at her kit, before rumbling a
command at his soldiers. One of the soldiers unlatches a
small cube-shaped device from his belt and lifts it in the
air. The top of the cube is affixed with two glass orbs,
just like Melanys kit. The other soldiers activate their
staff weapons which glow a familiar Custodian-purple color.
One of the soldiers zaps a Citizen with a jet of purple
light, which instantly knocks him out.
MELANY
Hey! Wait - NO!
The soldier with the small cube activates the device and a
pulsating beacon of light shoots skywards. An undulating
bass sound shakes the ground around them, causing Citizens
to topple over or take a knee. Alien soldiers continue to
zap Citizens into unconsciousness.
Three support ships cruise in towards the beacon high in the
air.
MELANY (contd)
Why are youThe alien leader turns quickly. Melanys sentence is cut off
by a blast of purple light.
Cut to:
INT. UNNAMED CONSTRUCT - LEVEL 40
Melany wakes up on a clay tableau with a soft pillow under
her head. Her eyes blink. The room is bright, very bright,
and her eyes blink again to focus. She sits up and looks
around. The room is well furnished, comfortable, replete
with books and other novelties. A large bay window door
opens to an airy balcony, much like those on the upper
levels of Centrop.
Outside on the balcony towards the far edge, a large hooded
figure sits hunched over, his back to her. Melany slowly
gets off the tableau and creeps towards him.
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED:
108.
KO
Come closer please. I am very old.
The hunched figure turns around, revealing a wrinkled old
alien.
KO
I am Ko.
MELANY
Am I dead?
While his skin is aged, Kos eyes are brimming with vigor.
KO
Was the welcome party that
dramatic? I apologize, we had to
act quickly and for your own good.
Melany looks confused.
MELANY
Arent you going to kill me?
KO
Now why would I do that? Youre the
most interesting thing that has
happened in a hundred years. Come
here, come here. Your friends are
fine as well, just sleeping. Come
closer, I wont bite... despite the
rumors!
Melany steps closer. Master Ko extends a flipper and pulls
her to the edge of the balcony. She is very high up in the
air, but a much taller structure looms in the distance and
extends up into the clouds.
KO (contd)
Centrop Citystate. What a pompous
name. I rather preferred the
original: Last Dawn. So
dramatic. Either way, its been
humanitys home for over 1,000
solar cycles. Internal reports from
the children have been quite
troubling as of late. When we saw
your beaconMELANY
I didnt- Where am I?
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED:
109.
KO
Your new construct. Very modern.
Its only 40 levels, but you may
expand. Whoever wants to stay at
the old construct may, or they may
choose to move here at your
discretion.
MELANY
You built this? How? Why werent
you stuck in there with the rest of
us?
KO
First, a gift.
Ko pulls out Master Bobs tattered recipe book.
MELANY
Master. Thank you. Ko, I want to go
back out there. In the green.
KO
Look at your feet.
Melany lifts a foot and looks at her shoes. They seem a
little loose, and when she tugs at one the sole crumbles and
falls apart.
KO (contd)
You were standing on the soil for
less than 4 minutes.
MELANY
The burns.
KO
The soil and water of this planet
are highly radioactive, deadly.
Results of a war long since
forgotten. Cleaning the air was our
first task.
MELANY
We were told you aliens crashed on
the roof.
The alien pauses before guffawing loudly.
KO
OK, OK, we crashed. We crashed!
Its true. Very embarrassing.
Humans were already living in
(MORE)
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED:
110.
KO (contd)
Centrop at that time and they
risked their lives to save our
crew. In time, more of our ships
arrived. We agreed to remain and
help rehabilitate the biosphere.
Melany gazes out over the countryside. Its a patchwork of
green and brown. Dead areas highlighted by patches of life.
MELANY
Why were your kids going to school
inside Centrop?
KO
Cultural immersion! Although it
seems our students have smuggled in
more of our culture than we would
have liked.
Ko raises a flipper and an alien steward runs over carrying
Melanys Singsong kit and a Custodians baton. She picks up
the Singsong kit and the alien scurries away.
KO
The children say your performance
in the Nest was legendary. Our
elders are not easily impressed.
Most do not want you to keep this
device.
MELANY
No, I must. Especially now, after
all we know. Do not take this away
from my people, Ko.
Ko places his two large flippers on the balconys edge.
KO
To us, it is but a common tool. In
your hands, something much more.
But no, no, I am sorry, truly. It
cannot be.
Melany places her hand on top of Kos left flipper.
MELANY
Some secrets must be kept forever.
This is not one of them. Let me
show you what a song can really do.
111.
EXT. NEW CONSTRUCT - TOP BALCONY - NIGHT

Melanys hair flows loose over her shoulders and down the
top of her elegant black dress. The silver teardrop
necklace, a gift from Bob, sparkles under the moonlight. She
stands on the outermost section of a large balcony. The
glorious Milky Way is visible just over the horizon.
The back of the balcony and adjoining room is full of guests
and familiar faces. Ledo, Rage, Happy and Vexing sit
together. The roof of the new construct is lined with row
after row of occupied chairs. Out in the darkness, hundreds
of small hovering craft rest idling in the air, adult aliens
at their helms. Melany takes a deep breath and steals a
moment to look at the stars.
RAGE
While were young!
The Singsong Master lifts her arms and the kit comes alive.
The music sways with tendrils of reds and blues and greens
as they snake around her arms, lifting her hair and circling
her face before spiraling up into the endless night sky.
THE END

&quot;The Up and Comers&quot; (2013)

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The Up and Comers

2013, Vicious Pictures

INT. NANOCIN CORPORATION, LOGISTICS DIVISION

Below, a row of train cars stands idly by, surrounded by

mouths with special scarves to block the smell as they

EXT. CARRIAGE PLATFORM - THE PAVEMENT

A light flicks on from across the room. Another sleeping

INT. BUTCHER SHOP - SHOW ROOM - LEVEL 2

Melany considers the suggestion for a second.

FEMALE STRANGER ON THE STREET

Melany watches the infomercial.

A noise can be heard coming from the beneath the

MRS. AUDEMARS (contd)

The Master leads Ledo and Rage to a dusty corner of the

The table of Regulators chuckles.

The guards step aside and let them through.

An enormous man of 20, CHUCKLES, lumbers out of a nearby

INT. NEST - BACK STAGE - LEVEL 25

INT. MEDIA CENTER - LEVEL 85

EXT. STREET - LEVEL 4

Moments later, a woman screams. Constantin appears from the

Ledo takes off a hairy coat and puts it on.

The Custodians are now rummaging through the coats with

Ledo doesnt respond with more than a grunt.

They run towards the light, which is flicking from white to

INT. CLOSET ACCESSWAY - LEVEL 50

Ledo glances around quickly before grabbing hold of Melanys

INT. ATTIC FLOOR - OPERA HALL - LEVEL 50

Mr. Randolph hesitates. Leader Semesh turns to face him.

Miss Walders gaze is wandering away. Her lips move but no

Leader Semesh stands in front of a billowing Centrop

Melany blinks as a tear rolls down her cheek.

The Mage lifts a hand to the group. Happy tentatively waves

INT. ABANDONED GROW HOUSE - ANOTHER DARK ROOM - LEVEL 1

EXT. STREET - LEVEL 49

INT. ACCESS TUNNEL - LEVEL 5

EXT. ABANDONED X TRAIN TRACK - LEVEL 49

with walls covered floor to

EXT. STREET - MULTIPLE LEVELS

LEADER SEMESH (contd)

INT. PRESSURE ROOM - LEVEL 5

INT. WARDENS APARTMENTS - LEVEL 100

EXT. STREET - LEVEL 1

Their dining room table begins to rattle, silverware

Doors open and tall, barrel chested humanoid beings in dark,

EXT. NEW CONSTRUCT - TOP BALCONY - NIGHT

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