Episode 1 - Haystack

ACT 1

FADE IN:

FULL SHOT EXT. OFFICE BUILDING - NIGHT

            The OFFICE BUILDING is a squat two-story commercial building
            banks of windows line each floor. The parking lot
            surrounding the building is dark save for pools of lights
            around sodium arc lamps. A single car, a brand new gloss
            black European sedan with dark windows, is parked in the lot
            next to the main entrance. Two THUGS, both dressed in
            immaculately clean white business suits, stand guard at the
            building's large entrance. A nondescript MAN in a dark
            business suit is walking up to the THUGS.

ANGLE ON ROOF

On the roof we can see the silhouette of NEEDLE scurrying
towards some kind of roof access.

ANGLE ON THUGS

As the MAN reaches the thugs, THUG 1 steps forward and
motions the man away.

THUG 1
The building is closed for the night.

The MAN acts as if this comes as a shock to him.

                                MAN
                      You don't understand, I have an
                      appointment to see COOLIGE.

The MAN is interrupted by THUG 2 who is very annoyed.

                                THUG 2
                          (gruff)
                      He said we're closed. Beat it!

                                MAN
                          (pleading)
                      I really do have an appointment!
                      Look, here's the fax I got about it...

As the MAN continues to explain and plead we...

DISSOLVE TO:

INT. COOLIGE'S OFFICE - CONTINUOUS

            The office is a study in modern elegance. A single pool of
            warm light illuminates the area around COOLIGE'S glass desk.
            In the darkness we can make out some details regarding the
            rest of the décor; paintings on the walls, a large couch and
            coffee table in a corner, and what looks like an executive
            bar along one wall. There is nothing business related
            immediately visible in this office. This is obviously the
            office of a man who understands the beauty in simplicity.
            COOLIGE is either very good at what he does or he wishes to
            give that impression.

ANGLE ON COOLIGE

            The man himself, COOLIGE, is seated behind his state-of-the
            art glass desk with his back to the camera. Though we cannot
            see all of his outfit we can see that he is wearing a
            perfectly tailored dark, possibly gray, suit of European cut.
            Diamond cuff links adorn the robins blue silk shirt worn
            beneath the suit jacket. He is looking out the window at the
            spectacle below.

                                COOLIGE
                          (amused)
                      And he's supposed to be the best
                      mercenary in the entire metroplex?

            COOLIGE sighs to himself and turns to face his desk,
            obviously giving up on whatever plan he had for the MAN
            below. As he turns we...

PUSH IN ON COOLIGE'S FACE

and see him react in surprise and fear to...

CUT TO:

FULL SHOT INT. COOLIGE'S OFFICE - CONTINUOUS

            Seated across the desk from COOLIGE, as comfortable as can
            be, is NEEDLE. Dressed in all black and wearing an
            enveloping black overcoat, NEEDLE exudes confidence. His
            short-cropped black hair is neither too short to suggest a
            military background, nor too long so as to indicate a lack of
            discipline.

                                NEEDLE
                          (sincere)
                      I apologize for not announcing myself but
                      you seemed occupied. It is a pleasure to
                      meet you MR. COOLIGE. My associates
                      speak highly of you.

            COOLIGE looks at NEEDLE for a moment, as if sizing him up. He
            quickly looks over his shoulder at the window. As he does a
            smile creeps over his face. This round has gone to the
            NEEDLE.

                                COOLIGE
                      You must be the NEEDLE. It goes without
                      saying that your reputation precedes you.
                      As I stated in my original communication,
                      I have a contract that requires an
                      operative of your caliber.

            NEEDLE nods his head once, almost as if he is bowing. He
            crosses one leg over the other, obviously comfortable; this
            is what he does. COOLIGE has recovered from his shock
            quickly. He recognizes that NEEDLE'S sudden appearance was
            simply a display of his skill, something like a test drive.

NEEDLE
The client?

            COOLIGE taps a few keys on the keyboard integrated into his
            desk. As he does a holographic screen fades into view,
            hovering between himself and NEEDLE.

                                COOLIGE
                          (business like)
                      The client, this "MOTHER ONE," is an
                      unknown to me. I have not done business
                      with her before. She has, however,
                      already placed a sizable retainer in
                      secured bond. She has also contracted
                      the services of your preferred hacker,
                      JACK.

            As COOLIGE speaks the holograpic screen begins to display
            data on the mission (unreadable to the viewer). NEEDLE
            watches it scroll by for a moment.

NEEDLE
I see.

NEEDLE nods his head as the data screen closes and the screen
fades away

                                NEEDLE (CONT'D)
                      My usual fee, plus the retainer applies.
                      Since I do not know this "MOTHER ONE" I
                      will require full medical.

                                COOLIGE
                      The client has anticipated this request
                      and has already made arrangements with
                      the Fulcrum clinic; this is acceptable?

NEEDLE stands.

NEEDLE
Quite.

NEEDLE reaches into his coat and pulls out a small silver
object.

                                NEEDLE (CONT'D)
                      When the client has assembled a final
                      scenario contact me at this address.

            NEEDLE flicks the object onto COOLIGE'S desk, as he does we
            can see that it is small card made of polished aluminum or
            steel. Etched into one side of the card is a com number, a
            post office box address, and a solitary Japanese Character.

                                NEEDLE (CONT'D)
                      I will expect the entirety of my fee to
                      be placed in my specified escrow account
                      by that time.

NEEDLE turns and walks out of the office as he does we...

FADE OUT.

ACT 2

FADE IN:

FULL SHOT EXT. SPACE PORT - NIGHT - ESTABLISHING SHOT

            The SPACE PORT is not very busy at this time of night. The
            squat concrete bunker like terminals and the carbon scorched
            landing pits do nothing to make the space seem like a tourist
            stop over. The exposed fuel lines and ducting only add to
            the industrial feel. A single dingy lunar freighter lands in
            one of the many pits.

CUT TO:

INT. SPACE PORT CUSTOMS - MOMENTS LATER

            Dirt smudged miners are filing out of a jet way through
            customs. The second to last person to leave the jet way is
            HOBBES. This tall black man with his dread locks, urban
            camouflage pants, plain black shirt, dark grey trench coat
            and sunglasses sticks out like a sore thumb. He is carrying
            a large duffle over his shoulder which he tosses onto the
            custom table as he approaches.
            Sitting behind the large metal customs desk is a balding
            paunchy man who is obviously bored out of his mind. This is
            the CUSTOMS OFFICER. He looks up at HOBBES as he tosses the
            duffle bag down on the desk.

                                CUSTOMS OFFICER
                          (bored)
                      Transit pass?

            HOBBES reaches into his coat and pulls out a single
            translucent plastic card, about the size of a 3.5" disk which
            he hands over to the OFFICER.

HOBBES
Coming in from luna.

            The OFFICER places the card in a slot on the table. A
            holographic image of someone who bares only a passing
            resemblance to HOBBES appears briefly.

CUSTOMS OFFICER
Luna huh? You a miner?

                                HOBBES
                      No. I'm a consultant. Worked for
                      Regolith Refining.

                                CUSTOMS OFFICER
                          (good-natured, as if looking
                           for gossip)
                      Regolith? Lucky thing you made this
                      flight, I hear they're not letting anyone
                      out now.

HOBBES smiles showing his stark white teeth. His tone is
obviously not jovial.

                                HOBBES
                          (menacing)
                      Yeah. Lucky thing.

The OFFICER looks HOBBES up and down nervously for a moment
before handing him back his card.

CUSTOMS OFFICER
Through the scanner.

            The CUSTOMS OFFICER jerks a thumb behind him quickly,
            pointing to the large imaging scanner framing the customs
            exit.

CUSTOMS OFFICER (CONT'D)
Next!

            The CUSTOMS OFFICER deliberately takes no further notice of
            HOBBES and begins to deal with the next passenger. As he
            starts his bored questioning we...

ANGLE ON SCANNER

            As Hobbes walks through the scanner we can see the scanner's
            display highlight several cybernetic modifications. The
            scanner also points out that the duffle bag contains two
            pistols.

ANGLE ON HOBBES

Hobbes continues walking out of the spaceport. As he passes
a video terminal we see..

ANGLE ON VIDEO DISPLAY

The video display shows a news broadcast, although the sound
is muted we can see the headline "Luna Refinery Bombing".

DISSOLVE TO:

FULL SHOT EXT. DECKERS DEN - NIGHT - ESTABLISHING SHOT

            A large neon sign dominates the cinder block wall of an
            otherwise nondescript building. There are no windows and no
            doors on the ground level. A deep stairwell cuts into the
            wall leading down below ground level. The neon sign on the
            wall reads THE DECKERS DEN but several letters are blinking
            in and out randomly. It's obvious that no effort has been
            made to keep the sign functional. A solitary prostitute
            stands under a street light watching the other street trash
            walk by. No one enters the stairwell.

CUT TO:

INT. DECKERS DEN - NIGHT

            The DECKERS DEN is a dive of the worst sort. Annoyingly
            sweet synthesizer music is playing in the background. A row
            of booths line one wall while the bar itself lines another.
            In the back of the bar is a single round table with two
            chairs and a door with the word STIMM spray-painted across
            the top. The bar is practically empty. The bartender SPLAT,
            is a large barrel chested wall of muscle who barely manages
            to fit behind the bar. One or two patrons are drinking alone
            in booths with their heads down. NEEDLE enters from off
            screen and approaches the bar.

CLOSE ON SPLAT

            SPLAT looks up at NEEDLE and nods slowly. Despite the
            enormous size difference between the two SPLAT treats NEEDLE
            with great respect. SPLAT may be huge but he isn't stupid.

                                SPLAT
                      Jack isn't here friend. He'll be by
                      later. He said he had some business with
                      a software fence out in 'guna.

NEEDLE pulls a manila envelope out of his inside coat pocket.

                                NEEDLE
                      See to it that he gets this. I will
                      require a response before 7pm tonight.

            SPLAT takes the envelope from NEEDLE and places it under the
            bar. As he does NEEDLE places a 100 credit slip on the
            table.

                                SPLAT
                      If he doesn't come by before then is
                      there something I should do?

SPLAT is about to take the credit slip but NEEDLE stops him,
pinning SPLAT'S hand under his own.

                                NEEDLE
                      Ensure that he gets that package before
                      then.

SPLAT nods rapidly and NEEDLE lifts his hand.

                                NEEDLE (CONT'D)
                      A pleasure as always. NEEDLE turns and
                      walks away.

ANGLE ON EXIT

            As NEEDLE leaves he passes HOBBES who is just entering the
            bar. Neither of the characters takes any particular notice
            of the other. HOBBES ignores the bar and joins one of the
            patrons at a booth.

CUT TO:

INT. DECKERS DEN BOOTH - CONTINUOUS

            HOBBES sits across the booth from one of the patrons, a man
            dressed in an open white shirt wearing a large ruby pendant
            around his neck, this is RED, a talent agent who specializes
            in hiring out of town operatives.

HOBBES
I'm here. What's the job?

                                RED
                          (nonchalant)
                      It's a bit spur of the moment I'm afraid.
                      I expected you yesterday.

HOBBES shrugs.

                                HOBBES
                      Things took longer than I expected to
                      wrap up. How spur of the moment are we
                      talking here?

RED
Tonight.

HOBBES straightens up quickly, suddenly alert.

                                HOBBES
                      That's too soon. I don't have any of the
                      details.

RED smiles and places both hands on the table.

                                RED
                      It's of no matter, your hacker will have
                      all of the tactical details. It's a
                      simple job really, I wouldn't have
                      bothered to call you with it all but
                      everyone else seems to be unavailable
                      tonight.

HOBBES leans back, a little more relaxed.

                                HOBBES
                      Meaning you can't do it without me. Fine.
                      I'll do it for double your original
                      offer. Who's the--

                                RED
                          (interrupting, incredulous)
                      DOUBLE?! That's extortion!

            RED quickly gains control of himself and looks around to see
            if anyone noticed the commotion. HOBBES only shrugs and
            smiles.

                                RED (CONT'D)
                          (exasperated)
                      Fine. I'll have the hacker contact you
                      with the details in an hour. Be ready to
                      roll by 7pm

            HOBBES gets out of the booth and turns to walk away. He
            quickly turns back as if struck with a spur of the moment
            thought.

HOBBES
Who is he?

RED
Who? The target?

HOBBES almost seems to laugh at that before responding.

HOBBES
No, the hacker. Who is he?

Now it is RED'S turn to laugh which he does, chuckling
lightly.

                                RED
                          (amused)
                      You know him actually, he worked with you
                      in Cairo. What was his name... Johnny I
                      think.

HOBBES clenches both fists tightly, he is visibly annoyed.

                                HOBBES
                      I didn't get nearly enough from you for
                      this job.

HOBBES turns and stalks out.

DISSOLVE TO:

EXT. THE SPRAWL - NIGHT

            A spy satellite view of the sprawl at night, the bright
            lights of the commercial district are plainly visible as are
            the web like lights from the highways and mag-lev lines. At
            bottom right the words "Location: Socali Metroplex. Time:
            18:55" are overlaid on top of the picture. The picture zooms
            several magnifications into ...

CUT TO:

EXT. ALLEY - NIGHT

            The alley is no more then an access way between two
            dilapidated buildings. Debris litters the ground. The
            ARCOLOGY looms over skyline in all its high-tech glory.
            NEEDLE stands in the foreground pressing his hand to his ear
            with a look of concentration on his face. Through the front
            of his coat we can see his gun in its shoulder holster.

                                NEEDLE
                          (into radio)
                      Is this channel secure?

                                JACK (O.S.)
                          (over the radio)
                      Yeah.

NEEDLE nods at the unseen voice.

NEEDLE
what did you learn?

                                JACK (O.S.)
                          (over the radio)
                      I don't think our employer is who she
                      says she is. There's no record of anyone
                      operating under the name of MOTHER ONE
                      anywhere. She's either paying another
                      hacker to cover her tracks or she simply
                      didn't exist before two weeks ago. NEEDLE
                      looks up at the ARCOLOGY before
                      responding.

NEEDLE
Interesting. Was there anything else?

                                JACK (O.S.)
                          (over the radio)
                      Yeah, two weeks ago she cut a deal with
                      COOLIGE. She's using him as a recruiter
                      and intermediary. Everything goes
                      through him. I don't think we're the
                      only team she's hired between now and
                      then.

                                NEEDLE
                      So she has other operations planned after
                      this?

                                JACK (O.S.)
                      That's just it, I couldn't find any
                      records of --

JACK is interrupted by a burst of static followed by the
voice of MOTHER ONE.

                                MOTHER ONE (O.S.)
                          (over the radio)
                      This is MOTHER ONE, all units in place
                      respond.

NEEDLE begins to walk down the alley towards the ARCOLOGY.

                                NEEDLE
                          (into radio)
                      This is NEEDLE, ready.

                                JACK (O.S.)
                          (over the radio)
                      This is JACK, the Haystack is clear.

FADE OUT.

ACT 3

FADE IN:

EXT. ARCOLOGY GATE - NIGHT

            A fence surrounds the ARCOLOGY complex. The scene frames a
            large gate, apparently for trucks or similar large vehicles.
            Behind the fence we can see the massive ground level of the
            ARCOLOGY in the distance. Even from here it is obvious that
            the ground level is unkempt. Smashed boxes, dust, and other
            debris are scattered about. NEEDLE smiles and approaches the
            gate. When he arrives at the gate he reaches into his coat
            and removes a keycard which he slides through the slot on the
            gate's lock display. The gate's MONITOR chimes and a cheerful
            voice says...

                                MONITOR (O.S.)
                          (cheerful)
                      Please place your hand on the scanner to
                      the left.

                                NEEDLE
                          (surprise beat, reacting to
                           voice)
                      What in the hell?

            The screen of the monitor blinks into static which is
            replaced by JACK'S TAG, a rotating crimson chaos symbol
            against a field of black. We here JACK'S voice.

                                JACK (O.S.)
                          (over the radio)
                      Sorry about the delay. I hit some
                      protection on the gate program. It
                      should be clear now.

The lock clicks and the gate slowly trundles open. Needle
trots through the gate...

DISSOLVE TO:

EXT. LOADING DOCK - NIGHT

            The loading docks of the ARCOLOGY are huge, several robotic
            freight lifters lumber about, moving bulk freight containers
            to and fro. HOBBES walks onto the docks from off screen and
            stands in front of a security door. He stares nervously at
            the palm plate.

                                HOBBES
                          (annoyed, apprehensive)
                      That door better be fucking open.

                                JOHNNY (O.S.)
                          (from the door speaker)
                      Don't worry about it. I sleazed the lock
                      minutes ago. Just stick your hand on the
                      plate and we can get on with this.

HOBBES places his hand on the scanner plate and receives an
electric shock.

                                HOBBES
                          (angry, reacting to the shock)
                      What the hell is your problem?!

                                JOHNNY (O.S.)
                          (laughing)
                      Just making sure you were paying
                      attention HOBBES. We don't want a repeat
                      of Cairo now do we?

HOBBES clenches his fist and punches the security monitor's
screen.

                                HOBBES
                          (still angry)
                      I'll get you for that asshole. Open the
                      fucking door.

            JOHNNY laughs even more but we can hear the audible buzz of
            the door unlocking. As the door slides open HOBBES enters
            the ELEVATOR.

ANGLE ON LIFTER

One of the freight lifters strangely drops the bulk freight
it was carrying and stops to watch HOBBES enter the ARCOLOGY.

DISSOLVE TO:

INT. MALL - MOMENTS LATER

            The Arcology MALL is the ground level of the ARCOLOGY. It is
            in disrepair, the shops are all permanently closed and
            several show signs of being looted and burned. Several
            smaller corridors branch off from the main promenade into
            darkness. In their fading gloom we can see boxes and
            homeless people huddling around trash fires. NEEDLE walks
            through this slum to the central bank of elevators, avoiding
            drug addicts, merchants, pan handlers, hookers, and pushers.
            As NEEDLE approaches the elevators the third monitor in the
            bank of three elevators lights up and displays JACK'S TAG.
            NEEDLE nods to himself and enters the opening doors, ignoring
            the keypad and palm scanner entirely. As the doors close
            behind NEEDLE the elevator begins its rapid ascent.

TRACK ELEVATOR UP SHAFT

MONITOR (O.S.)
Now approaching floor --

The elevator's MONITOR is cut off with a burst of static.

                                JACK (O.S.)
                          (laughing lightly)
                      You know where you're going.

CUT TO:

INT. 305 HALLWAY - MOMENTS LATER

            The hallway is very dimly lit. As the elevator doors open we
            see NEEDLE framed in light for a moment before the elevator
            lights also go out. In the darkness we can see the glint
            from NEEDLE'S gun as he pulls it from his holster. We dimly
            see NEEDLE head down the hallway.

DISSOLVE TO:

INT. ELEVATOR - MOMENTS LATER

Hobbes comes in through the door, behind him we can see the
loading dock. As the door slides shut we hear the monitor...

                                MONITOR
                          (pleasant)
                      Please state your destination.

                                HOBBES
                          (bored)
                      305.

            HOBBES is standing in the elevator as it climbs upward,
            traveling in silence. Every time the elevator passes a floor
            there is a "bong" sound. After a few of these bongs the
            lights go out and the bonging stops. The only sense of
            motion we get is from the light coming in from outside
            (startrek style) as the elevator ascends. JOHNNY'S voice
            hisses through a burst of static...

                                JOHNNY (O.S.)
                          (through static)
                      Sorry about that. I ran into a bit of
                      trouble. I had to make them think the
                      elevator was offline. I hope you like
                      the dark.

                                HOBBES
                          (sighs)
                      It never bothered me much.

In the darkness we can see a dim pair of red lights begin
glow from HOBBES' eyes.

CUT TO:

P.O.V. ELEVATOR - CONTINUOUS

            The elevator is painted in a high-detail black and white that
            traces every edge of every object. However no text is
            visible and the elevator display is a blank white panel.
            Millimeter-wave radar imagery shows only the geometry of high
            density objects, anything drawn on a flat surface does not
            show up. HOBBES waits as the elevator climbs. Abruptly it
            lurches to a halt and the doors open. The elevator is
            halfway between floors. Again we hear a burst of static.

CUT TO:

INT. ELEVATOR (DARK) - CONTINUOUS

            HOBBES is standing in the elevator, the only light is coming
            through the open doors. The elevator is halfway between
            floors.

                                JOHNNY (O.S.)
                          (through static)
                      297, it's the best I can do. Something
                      is setting off security alarms all over
                      the elevator system.

We faintly hear the clicking of a keyboard.

                                JOHNNY (CONT'D)
                      Don't worry, it's not me. Probably some
                      kids playing with their new palm-top.

                                HOBBES
                          (annoyed)
                      You're making me late. Again. We both
                      lose serious cash if this job is botched.
                      At least clear the fucking stairs.

HOBBES begins to move towards the doors and jumps out.

                                JOHNNY (O.S.)
                          (through static)
                      Already done. You've got three minutes.
                      I'd run if I were you.

CUT TO:

INT. HALLWAY - CONTINUOUS

HOBBES jumps through the doors and takes off down a
nondescript hallway lined with office or apartment doors.

                                HOBBES
                          (huffing)
                      Beautiful. Fucking beautiful.

            HOBBES reaches the end of the hallway, which ends in a fire
            door. He kicks the fire door open without stopping and
            enters the stair well. As the door flings shut behind him
            we...

CUT TO:

INT. STAIR WELL - CONTINUOUS

            The STAIR WELL is your standard commercial building stair
            well. There are a pair of video cameras at every landing,
            one facing the fire door, and the other facing down the
            stairs to the next landing.

ANGLE ON CAMERAS

HOBBES glances up at them briefly then continues up the
stairs.

ANGLE ON HOBBES

            As HOBBES starts up the stairs the lights in the STAIR WELL
            turn off floor by floor, starting somewhere above him and
            working down. As the black out reaches HOBBES he says...

                                HOBBES
                          (still huffing)
                      I am never working with him again.

            In the near darkness we see a blinking red light above each
            camera. Each camera turns to follow HOBBES' progress as he
            runs by. Hobbes reaches a door marked "300-351" and
            carefully opens it.

CUT TO:

INT. 305 HALLWAY - MOMENTS LATER

            The HALLWAY is darkened with the exception of a light over
            suite 305 which is flashing three short, one long (blink
            blink-blink-solid, blink-blink-blink-solid, etc.). We see
            NEEDLE approach the door in the gloom. As the flashing lights
            illuminate the door we see NEEDLE examine the door's lock.
            After a moment he reaches into his coat and removes a device
            which he places on the lock. Seconds later we hear a faint
            beep and the quiet click of the door as it unlocks. NEEDLE
            opens the door slowly and steps inside.

CUT TO:

We see NEEDLE react in surprise to MR. BODY who we cannot yet
see.

ANGLE ON MR. BODY

            Mr. Body is sitting in his chair at the desk, with his back
            to the large bay window that dominates the wall of the suite.
            A halo of blood and bits of brain surround MR. BODY'S head as
            he reclines against the window. A large black hole is
            visible in the center of his forehead.

                                NEEDLE
                          (whisper expletive)
                      So Ka?

            NEEDLE steps closer to investigate the body. As he reaches
            for the body (as if to look at the back of MR. BODY'S head)
            we...

PUSH IN ON NEEDLE'S FACE

as his eyes go wide...

PULL OUT AND MOVE TO OVER NEEDLE'S SHOULDER

            and he spins around, bringing his gun to bear. As he spins
            everything goes slow motion and the camera stays over
            NEEDLE'S shoulder (so we can see the room spin in relation to
            NEEDLE). GIANT, a large gunman wearing an open jacket over a
            gray T-shirt emblazoned with the words "Shut Up" across the
            chest and faded jeans, comes into frame with his gun already
            drawn and aimed at NEEDLE. As the barrel of the gun comes
            into focus it fires 3 times in quick succession (even in slow
            motion)...

CUT TO:

FULL SHOT ROOM 305 - CONTINUOUS

            Still in slow motion we see NEEDLE get rocked backwards by
            the bullets from GIANT'S gun.
            NEEDLE flies backwards, as he hits the window everything
            speeds up to real-time. We see the window shatter as NEEDLE
            flies through it.

CUT TO:

EXT. ARCOLOGY - CONTINUOUS

            In the distance we see NEEDLE as he flies out the window and
            falls to the ground far below (hitting numerous ledges and
            slopes along the way).

CUT TO:

P.O.V. 305 HALLWAY - MOMENTS EARLIER

            In Millimeter wave radar we see the same hallway NEEDLE was
            in moments before. The camera bobs slight as it moves down
            the hall.

                                HOBBES (O.S.)
                          (quietly)
                      I'm here, which way to 305?

                                JOHNNY (O.S.)
                          (through static)
                      Left. I'd show you the way but someone
                      has preempted the environmental controls
                      on this level. Be careful.

HOBBES turns left down a branching corridor.

                                HOBBES (O.S.)
                          (amused)
                      Concern? From you JOHNNY? I didn't know
                      you cared.

                                JOHNNY (O.S.)
                          (through static)
                      I don't asshole. I just want my money.

            HOBBES suddenly stops. We see the camera pan down to look at
            the floor and in millimeter wave radar we see a set of tabi
            footprints in the deep carpet. They lead straight to the
            door of suite 305.

                                HOBBES (O.S.)
                          (concerned)
                      The room is supposed to be empty JOHNNY,
                      what's going on?

CUT TO:

INT. 305 HALLWAY - CONTINUOUS

HOBBES walks slowly to the door of 305.

                                JOHNNY (O.S.)
                          (concerned)
                      What are you talking about? I'm wired
                      into the security camera now and there's
                      NO ONE in that room! Go to the elevator
                      I'll route the camera feed to the
                      monitor.

            HOBBES approaches the door and we can see that it is slightly
            ajar. We hear 3 gun shots and the breaking glass of a
            window.

                                HOBBES
                          (whispering, excited)
                      Don't bother. There is someone in that
                      room. I'm out of here.

We see HOBBES begin to turn around and we hear a voice from
behind the door...

                                GIANT (O.S.)
                          (through the door)
                      GIANT to Mother One, first target
                      neutralized. Harp Acquired.

HOBBES pulls his guns from their holsters and turns to face
the door as it opens slowly.

PUSH IN ON DOOR

GIANT walks out into the hall. He is holding the BOX in one
hand and his gun loosely at his side in the other.

ANGLE ON HOBBES AND GIANT

GIANT'S face registers shock as he almost walks into both
barrels of HOBBES' guns.

                                HOBBES
                          (pointing guns at GIANT)
                      Sloppy.

            Before GIANT can react HOBBES pulls both triggers blowing
            GIANT'S head clean off. As the body falls we see the BOX
            clatter to the floor. HOBBES turns to look at it.

HOBBES (CONT'D)
Well, looks like I get paid after all.

Before HOBBES can bend down and pick up the box we can hear
JOHNNY.

                                JOHNNY (O.S.)
                          (through a LOT of static)
                      All hell just broke lose! You gotta get
                      outta there, security is already on the
                      way.

            HOBBES bends down to get the box, as does we hear the now
            familiar "bong" of an elevator arriving. Before HOBBES can
            respond to JOHNNY he is interrupted by...

                                SECURITY
                          (yelling from down the hallway)
                      Don't Move!

            HOBBES reacts on instinct, turning his head to see the
            security team. He fires several shots down the hall then
            rolls through the open elevator doors. As he does we hear
            the MONITOR.

MONITOR (O.S.)
Please state your destination.

            The doors to the elevator snap shut quickly and we hear
            trailing scream muffled through the door. As the security
            team rushes to ROOM 305 we...

CUT TO:

INT. ELEVATOR SHAFT - LATER

We see a close up of HOBBES' face; one of his eyes is
shattered revealing the cybernetics inside...

PULL OUT UP ELEVATOR SHAFT

            As the cameral pulls back we see that HOBBES is laying at the
            bottom of an elevator shaft, battered and broken in the
            classic dead body pose. His gun lays near his hand broken
            into several pieces, but the BOX is nowhere to be seen.

FADE OUT.

ACT 4

FADE IN:

FULL SHOT ARCOLOGY - NIGHT - ESTABLISHING SHOT

In the distance we can see the flashing lights of ambulances.

CUT TO:

EXT. LOADING DOCK - NIGHT

            Two ambulances sit side by side. The camera moves in on a
            team of paramedics who are zipping closed a body-bag, as the
            bag closes we can see that NEEDLE is inside.

                                PARAMEDIC 1
                      You ever see a job go bad like this
                      before?

CUT TO:

INT. ELEVATOR SHAFT - CONTINUOUS

            Another group of paramedics are tossing a body bad into a
            gurney. As they wheel the body out of the ELEVATOR SHAFT we
            see one of the paramedics step on the remains of HOBBES' eye.

                                PARAMEDIC 2 (O.S.)
                      Not me. I hope for their sake the money
                      was worth it.

As the shaft doors close we see a small trap door open in the
wall revealing a droid hutch.

ANGLE ON DROID HUTCH

            A small repair and clean-up droid rolls out of the hutch and
            begins to vacuum up the blood left behind. Once finished it
            begins to pick up the debris from the fall. It approaches a
            shadowed area of the shaft and retrieves the BOX. With the
            BOX in its claws it rolls back into the hutch which closes
            behind it.

FADE TO BLACK.

CREDITS

Episode 2 - Diver (part 1)

FADE IN:

EXT. BACK BAY RECLAMATION SITE - SUNRISE

               The reclamation site is what is left of a once beautiful
               beach. The ocean is calm and tiny waves crest over a dingy
               grey sand. Beyond the wave zone the sand is covered over
               with a cracked and caking red clay. Debris of all sorts and
               sizes litter the area. Large bulk freight shipping
               containers and junked vehicles create the majority of the
               topology. The boundary between the beach and a cracked
               expanse of concrete that was once a parking lot is marked by
               a large 2 foot thick wall. In the background we can see that
               this reclamation site stretches up the coast for miles.

PUSH IN ON WALL

               Sitting on the wall is DIVER. DIVER is a small woman in her
               mid-teens from the look of her Suburban Gutter Punk attire.
               You get the impression that underneath all the grime and
               angst she is rather attractive. She is watching the sun as
               it rises. DIVER pulls a Dozer out of her jacket and inhales a
               hit of M.N.G.E. (Macro-Neural Growth Enhancer, or "Munge" as
               it's called on the street).

                                   DIVER
                             (amused)
                         Far Out.

               Diver grabs the wall support as she smiles at her own joke.
               After she regains her balance she vaults off of the wall onto
               the beach.

CUT TO:

EXT. RECLAMATION ZONE BEACH - CONTINUOUS

               The red clay that covers the ground cracks as she lands,
               sending up small clouds of the grey dusty sand. DIVER begins
               to walk through the dumped garbage, obviously looking for
               anything that may be worth credits. After a moment she comes
               upon a blue and grey bulk freight container that lies in the
               center of a cracked crater of red clay.
               It is obvious from the state of the container and the crater
               itself that it was dropped from a great height. The container
               shows no sign of decay and was obviously dumped recently.
               DIVER walks around it quickly inspecting it. It is obvious
               that she is excited about the find. DIVER approaches the door
               to the container and begins to examine the electronic lock.
               As she moves closer to investigate she clears away some of
               the sand near the door and the door swings open. DIVER jumps
               back quickly then cautiously looks into the container.

                                   DIVER
                             (curious)
                         Fucking Weird.

               DIVER pulls a pen-light out of one of the many pockets in her
               jacket. With the light held in front of her she steps into
               the container...

CUT TO:

INT. BULK FREIGHT - CONTINUOUS

               The inside of the container is dark and cramped. Several
               cardboard boxes are stacked against the wall and littering
               the floor. Spilling out of many of them are pamphlets and
               fliers from HyrokiTec advertising their new palm-top. DIVER
               picks her way through the debris as she searches for
               something of value. She spots a shipping container made of
               black impact plastic and pulls it out of a pile of shredded
               paper and trash. She opens the container and sees one of the
               advertised Palm-Tops.

                                   DIVER
                             (excited)
                         Flash!

               She looks it over quickly before pocketing it. As she turns
               to leave her flash light highlights something edged in yellow
               and black candy stripping laying amidst a pile of trash; it
               is the BOX.

PUSH IN ON BOX

               DIVER walks forward and picks up the box. As she does we can
               see that it is smattered with dried caking blood. She flips
               it over revealing the 3 outputs on one side. There are no
               visible inputs, no controls, and no other distinquishing
               marks, it is the BOX from episode 1.

                                   DIVER (CONT'D) (cont'd)
                             (awed)
                         What the fuck is this?

               As DIVER pockets the BOX she pulls out the palm top and
               begins to hit buttons on it. We see her face illuminated by
               the palm top's screen. After she hits a sequence of numbers
               we hear the familiar ring of a phone.

                                   DIVER (CONT'D)
                         Dil. Where you at? I got
                         something you might be interested
                         in.

                                   DIL (O.S.)
                             (curious)
                         At the beach again eh Diver? What
                         you got girl?

                                   DIVER
                         I'm not sure, but it's bleeding
                         edge. You interested or do I take
                         this to Slide instead?

                                   DIL
                             (sighs)
                         Don't go there DIVER. You and me
                         we got an arrangement, you know
                         that. I'll be at the Den tonight,
                         stop by.

               The light from the palm top goes out as DIL cuts the
               connection. DIVER snorts to herself as she pockets the palm
               top and walks out of the container.

FADE OUT.

FADE IN:

EXT. THE DECKERS DEN - NIGHT - ESTABLISHING SHOT

We see the barely functional neon sign blink on and off as
people walk by.

CUT TO:

INT. THE DECKERS DEN - NIGHT

               The Den is more crowded then usual; there are at least 4
               people at the bar, all dressed in gutter punk attire. The
               booths are filled with their usual regulars, all dressed in
               the "I am a mercenary" or "I am a fixer" look.

ANGLE ON ENTRANCE

               DIVER comes down the stairs, as she does she is passed by a
               teenage boy about the same age dressed in jeans and a black
               leather jacket. Sewn into the back of the jacket is a
               holographic depiction of JACK'S TAG, the crimson red chaos
               symbol rotating over a field of black. As he pushes past
               DIVER she reacts with obvious disdain.

                                   DIVER
                             (annoyed)
                         Hey watch it wirehead!

The boy says nothing as he tramps up the stairs, obviously
absorbed in something else. DIVER walks up to the bar.

                                   DIVER (CONT'D) (cont'd)
                             (still annoyed)
                         Gawd, what an asshole.

ANGLE ON THE BAR

               DIVER approaches the bar and leans with her back against it
               next to DIL. DIL is another gutter punk but obviously a
               number of years older then her. His face is covered in a
               ragged beard save for a scar running from the bridge of his
               nose down his left cheek.

DIVER (cont'd)
Miss me?

DIL takes a swig of his drink before turning to look at
DIVER.

                                   DIL
                         Yeah, about as much as I missed the
                         god-awful drinks here.

               DIL pushes his drink away in disgust. As he does we see
               SPLAT, the bartender, give him an acerbic look. DIL glares
               right back before turning again to DIVER.

DIL (cont'd)
Well?

               DIVER looks around the bar cautiously before pulling the BOX
               from her cargo pocket. She hands it to DIL quickly who looks
               it over. It becomes obvious very quickly that he has no idea
               what it is, and is uninterested.

                                   DIL (cont'd)
                             (exasperated)
                         What the hell is this Diver? You
                         call me up with some hot find and
                         then you bring me a box? And what
                         is this? Blood? What'd you do kill
                         some Stimm junkie on the beach and
                         steal his rig?

DIVER is disappointed to say the least.

                                   DIVER
                             (argumentative)
                         What are you talking about? Look
                         at it! You've never seen anything
                         as flash as that before and you
                         know it! It's probably a prototype
                         for fuck's sake.

DIL tosses the box at DIVER who catches it quickly.

                                   DIL
                         And what the fuck am I supposed to
                         do with something like that? No
                         fence will know its value. I'm
                         sorry girl you'll have to get your
                         munge from someone else this time
                         cuz I sure as hell am not taking
                         that "thing" in trade.

               DIVER looks like she might be considering decking DIL right
               there in the bar, but she eventually just spins around and
               storms out.

ANGLE ON BOOTH

In one of the booths in RED. He watches DIVER walk out in
amusement.

CUT TO:

INT. DECKERS DEN BOOTH - CONTINUOUS

RED reaches into his coat and removes a palm top. He quickly
dials a number into it.

RED
This is RED, get me COOLIGE.

RED waits for a moment before COOLIGE comes on the line.

                                   COOLIGE (O.S.)
                             (annoyed)
                         It's late RED what do you want?

RED smiles before responding.

RED
A finders fee.

                                   COOLIGE (O.S.)
                         You've been drinking I see. What
                         the hell are you talking about?

                                   RED
                         I believe I've found something your
                         client wants. That box you were
                         after? Is she still interested, or
                         should I just call HyrokiTec?

                                   COOLIGE (O.S.)
                             (excited)
                         You found it? Bring it by
                         immediately. I'm sure I can
                         arrange a compensation package that
                         you will find most appealing.

                                   RED
                         I'm afraid I don't have it myself.
                         I make it a point not to directly
                         involve myself in anything so...
                         Hazardous. I do know who has it
                         though.

RED leans forward staring at the palm top with a predatory
look.

RED (CONT'D) (cont'd)
What is it worth to you?

                                   COOLIGE (O.S.)
                         15 thousand. 3 now the other 12 if
                         it pans out.

                                   RED
                         Fair enough, although you know my
                         info is good COOLIGE. You're
                         looking for a local scrounger named
                         DIVER. Check the beaches and the
                         SA river basin. She buys her munge
                         off of a dealer named DIL. You
                         might want to check with that scum
                         Slide as well, I don't think DIL
                         had what she wanted today.

The line goes dead. Almost immediately RED begins to dial
another number.

                                   OPERATOR (O.S.)
                         Thank you for calling HyrokiTec,
                         how can I help you?

RED smiles wickedly.

                                   RED
                         Vice president in charge of
                         security.

OPERATOR (O.S.)
One moment please.

FADE OUT.

FADE IN.

EXT. SA RIVER BASIN - NIGHT

               The SA RIVER BASIN is nothing more then a concrete ditch 30
               feet wide with sloping walls 15 feet high. Water probably
               did run through it at some point, but that was decades ago.
               The BASIN is a skater's paradise; several skaters are using
               the BASIN as a giant half pipe.

THE CAMERA PUSHES THROUGH THESE SKATERS AND FOCUSES ON AN

UNDERPASS.

               A group of Munge addicts are sitting on the slope near a
               trash fire, listening to SLIDE pontificate on something or
               another. SLIDE is tall, and relatively well dressed. His
               clothes are at least clean. In fact, while it is obvious he
               spends a lot of time on the street, one can gather that he
               does not live there. DIVER walks in from the other side of
               the underpass coming from behind SLIDE.

                                   DIVER
                             (in greeting)
                         SLIDE.

SLIDE looks over his shoulder and turns to greet DIVER.

                                   SLIDE
                         Long time DIVER. DIL holding out
                         on you again?

DIVER walks past SLIDE looking at the skaters before turning
around and responding.

                                   DIVER
                             (annoyed)
                         He's decided he doesn't deal in
                         tech anymore.

SLIDE seems astonished at this, a sardonic smile crosses his
face.

                                   SLIDE
                             (amused)
                         DIL?
                         I doubt that, more like you offered
                         him something useless. (suspicious)
                         What you want from me DIVER?

DIVER is pacing back and forth, she is obviously anxious
about something.

                                   DIVER
                             (almost frantic)
                         Look SLIDE, I know you don't deal
                         in tech, but I was hoping we could
                         make some kind of deal like last
                         time.

SLIDE turns around quickly, throwing his hand up as if to
dismiss DIVER.

                                   SLIDE
                             (angry)
                         Do I look like a charity? Last
                         time was special DIVER, I knew it
                         would piss DIL off.

               As Slide is talking and gesticulating we see the red dot of a
               laser sight travel down his head. As he continues to speak
               DIVER reacts quickly, throwing herself to the ground.

                                   SLIDE (CONT'D) (cont'd)
                         Find some else to front your munge
                         fix for you DIVER, I don't have
                         time for --

               SLIDE turns around at the sound of DIVER kissing dirt just in
               time to receive a bullet in the nose. His lifeless body
               falls to the ground.

CUT TO:

EXT. FULL SHOT SA RIVER BASIN - CONTINUOUS

               The skaters are beginning to scatter in confusion. Above the
               basin we can see a large armored black helicopter hovering in
               place. In the distance, under the overpass we see DIVER
               rifling through SLIDE'S pockets. The Helicopter's search
               light flicks on and frames DIVER. We see her look up at the
               helicopter and bolt up the embankment to the road above.
               As she scrambles up the side of the basin the helicopter
               begins to disgorge a squad of HyrokiTec security agents, all
               in high-impact body armor. The Helicopter rotates to bear on
               DIVER once again and opens up with its autocannon.

CUT TO:

EXT. SA ROAD - CONTINUOUS

               DIVER scrambles up over the embankment and onto a cracked and
               abandoned SA road just as high caliber slugs rip into the
               concrete behind her. She rolls quickly to her feet and bolts
               down the road. In the distance we can hear small arms fire;
               most probably the security squad taking out the skaters.

CUT TO:

P.O.V. SA ROAD - CONTINUOUS

               From the P.O.V of the helicopter we see DIVER bathed in the
               spotlight below as in police chase footage. She is
               navigating the debris with ease, as if her reflexes are far
               above normal. The helicopter is taking shots at DIVER and
               missing, with no regard for anything else in the area.

CUT TO:

EXT. SA ROAD - CONTINUOUS

We see DIVER come running up to a group of bums standing
around a doorway to some abandoned shop.

                                   DIVER
                             (yelling)
                         Move! Outta my way!

               DIVER busts through the group knocking several of them to the
               ground. As she runs by we see the remaining bums get gunned
               down by the helicopter. DIVER ducks around a corner onto a
               side street.

CUT TO:

EXT. FULL SHOT - SA ROAD - CONTINUOUS

               As the helicopter comes around the corner we see that DIVER
               is nowhere to be seen. The spot light probes around for a
               moment then locks onto...

ANGLE ON METRORAIL ENTRANCE

A set of stairs leading below ground. The familiar METROLINK
LOGO is plastered on a sign over the staircase.

                                   PILOT (O.S.)
                             (over radio)
                         Heads up people she's gone to
                         ground. Metrolink at Main and 17th.

                                   SQUAD LEADER (O.S.)
                             (over radio)
                         You heard him people let's move.

CUT TO:

INT. METROLINK STATION - MOMENTS LATER

               The METROLINK STATION is in poor repair. The lights flicker
               constantly over the crowd of people waiting for a train to
               arrive. Smart graffiti crawls over the tile walls. DIVER
               comes running down the stairs. She jumps the turnstile then
               pauses a moment to regain her breath and look around. After
               a second she turns and begins to run down the length of the
               station, pushing people out of the way, who curse at her as
               she runs by.

CUT TO:

INT. METROLINK STATION - LATER

               We see two members of the SECURITY SQUAD walk down the stairs
               and begin to survey the crowd. The civilians eye them with
               fear and suspicion but move quickly out of their way.
               SQUADDIE ONE puts a hand up to his ear and seems to be
               listening to something intently. SQUADDIE TWO is looking
               around the crowd, his weapon held at ready.

                                   SQUADDIE ONE
                             (into radio)
                         Negative. Exposure is too great.
                         Our best bet is to wait until the
                         train arrives and the target
                         exposes herself.

               SQUADDIE ONE nods at an unheard voice. He looks up suddenly
               as we hear the first rumblings of a train pulling into the
               station. Both SQUADDIES are fully alert as the crowd rushes
               onto the train. Neither of them sees her. They begin to
               move down the station quickly, stopping in front of a large
               concrete bench as the train doors close and the train pulls
               out.

                                   SQUADDIE ONE (cont'd)
                             (angry)
                         DAMN! Did you see her?

SQUADDIE TWO shakes his head and turns to survey the station.

                                   SQUADDIE TWO
                         We must have missed her. There's
                         no one here now. Is that damned
                         pilot sure she came in here?

ANGLE ON BENCH

               Hiding beneath the bench is DIVER who doing her best not to
               move at all. In the foreground we can see the feet of the
               SQUADDIES.

                                   SQUADDIE ONE (O.S.)
                         There goes our hazard pay. No
                         girl. No box. No nothing. We'll
                         be lucky if we get paid at all.

                                   SQUADDIE TWO (O.S.)
                         Let's check topside, I'm still not
                         convinced she was here to begin
                         with.

The two pairs of feet turn and walk away.

SQUADDIE ONE (O.S.)
Fat chance of that.

FADE OUT.

FADE IN:

EXT. THE DECKERS DEN - NIGHT - ESTABLISHING SHOT

The neon sign blinks off, the street is pretty much deserted,
with a lone hooker standing under a street light.

CUT TO:

EXT. THE DECKERS DEN ENTRANCE - NIGHT

               DIVER is banging on the door to the DEN. Through the dirty
               window we can see nothing in the darkness. The DEN is
               obviously closed.

                                   DIVER
                             (yelling)
                         SPLAT! Goddamnit open the door!

DIVER continues banging on the door there is no response from
within.

THUG 1 (O.S.)
You DIVER?

DIVER whirls around in surprise

CUT TO:

EXT. THE DEN ENTRANCE - REVERSE ANGLE - CONTINUOUS

               We see a well dressed THUG with a cigarette in his hand at
               the top of the stairs. He is (apparently) unarmed, merely
               standing there.

                                   DIVER
                             (frightened)
                         You just keep your fucking
                         distance.

The THUG drops the cigarette on the ground and stamps it out,
grinding it beneath the sole of his immaculately clean boot.

THUG 1
COOLIGE sent me. You know COOLIGE?

               DIVER flinches as the THUG reaches into his coat and pulls
               out a cigarette case, he holds it out open to offer one to
               DIVER.

                                   THUG 1 (cont'd)
                         Relax little girl. If COOLIGE
                         wanted you dead you'd already be.

DIVER timidly leans forward and takes a cigarette from the
case. After lighting it she responds.

                                   DIVER
                             (tough, trying to regain
                              composure)
                         Then what the hell would someone
                         like COOLIGE want with me?

The THUG chuckles and motions up the stairs.

                                   THUG 1
                             (amused)
                         A damned good question. My guess;
                         it has something to do with that
                         bloodbath in the river. Word is
                         you were there and the boss has
                         taken a great interest in it.

DIVER looks at the THUG before walking past him.

                                   DIVER
                             (walking past, muttering)
                         This day just keeps getting better.

FADE OUT.

FADE IN:

               INT. COOLIGE'S OFFICE - LATER
               COOLIGE is sitting at his desk looking at a holographic
               display of some sort as the door opens and the THUG and DIVER
               enter. COOLIGE quickly closes the screen and stands.

                                   COOLIGE
                         Ah, you must be Ms. DIVER. A
                         pleasure to meet you, I assure you.

               COOLIGE extends his hand in greeting which DIVER ignores,
               instead she throws herself into one of the chairs and looks
               up at COOLIGE.

                                   COOLIGE (cont'd)
                             (annoyed)
                         Quite.

COOLIGE sits down at his desk. And returns DIVER'S glare.

                                   COOLIGE (cont'd)
                         Let's get to the proverbial point
                         then shall we? I have a client who
                         has a vested interest in you and
                         your... situation. You have an
                         enemy in common.

DIVER
H-T.

COOLIGE nods. And folds his hands in front of him on the
desk.

                                   COOLIGE
                         Perhaps even more important to my
                         client is that you have something
                         else in common as well.

COOLIGE looks up at the THUG questioningly. The THUG shakes
his head, whatever the question was, the answer was no.

                                   DIVER
                             (exasperated)
                         You want the box. Goddamn DIL. I
                         knew it was worth something.

DIVER begins to stand and the THUG reaches into his jacket.

                                   COOLIGE
                         I wouldn't recommend that. It
                         could go badly for you.

DIVER sits back down slowly.

                                   DIVER
                             (semi-pleading)
                         Look, I don't have the box. I
                         admit I had it, but I don't now.
                         You'll have to look somewhere else.

COOLIGE sits up, his manner changes, he is no longer being
polite.

                                   COOLIGE
                         You have two choices. I guarantee
                         you that I am quite comfortable
                         with either choice. A) You can
                         tell me where the box is and you
                         walk out of this alive. Or B) You
                         continue to waste my exceptionally
                         valuable time. How this transaction
                         ends depends on your choice.

DIVER looks up at the THUG who still has his hand in his
coat. She then looks back at COOLIGE.

                                   DIVER
                             (being brave)
                         Maybe you didn't hear me.
                             (yelling)
                         I DON'T HAVE IT!

               COOLIGE maintains his composure, but we see his hands clench
               and their knuckles go white. He looks up at the THUG who
               steps forward and grabs DIVER by the shoulders.

                                   COOLIGE
                         It seems we are going to have a
                         guest for awhile. Please do your
                         best to make her comfortable. She
                         has some things to think about.

The THUG grabs DIVER who begins to kick and struggle.

                                   DIVER
                             (yelling)
                         Let me go! I don't have your
                         stupid box!

As the THUG drags DIVER out we hear COOLIGE mumble

COOLIGE
For your sake dear, I hope you do.

               The door closes behind the THUG. As COOLIGE begins to sit
               down we see a portion of the desk begin to blink red. COOLIGE
               looks down at it nervously before putting on a headset.

                                   COOLIGE (cont'd)
                             (into headset)
                         Up late tonight I see. What can I
                         do for you Mother?

COOLIGE listens intently, from the look on his face we gather
he is not hearing something pleasant.

                                   COOLIGE (cont'd)
                         The matter is well in hand. The
                         girl is under our control and H-T
                         has no idea of our involvement.

COOLIGE flinches at the unheard response.

                                   COOLIGE (cont'd)
                         No ma'am. We have not yet tracked
                         the source of the leak. I assure
                         you my organization is secure, the
                         leak originated elsewhere.

COOLIGE turns very pale and a look of fear fills his face.

                                   COOLIGE (cont'd)
                         I would expect nothing less, our
                         arrangement is quite explicit in
                         that regard. We will have the
                         package shortly I guarantee it.

COOLIGE rips the headset off of his head and drops limply
into the chair. He leans forward with his head in his hands.

FADE OUT.

FADE IN:

INT. HALLWAY - MOMENTS LATER

               The HALLWAY is nondescript, the walls are tastefully painted
               in a two tone arrangement and a lush carpet covers the floor.
               The THUG is pushing DIVER down the hallway. DIVER is
               struggling the whole way. As they pass the camera we see
               something glint quickly in the light. The THUG then releases
               DIVER and begins clawing at his neck.

ANGLE ON THUG

               The THUG is lifted from the floor by a nearly invisible wire
               around his neck. He kicks and gags for awhile, obviously
               choking. After a moment he is jerked quickly up and we hear
               something snap.
               The body is then dropped unceremoniously to the floor. Before
               DIVER can even really react NEEDLE, clad in black, drops down
               from the ceiling.

NEEDLE
You are DIVER?

               DIVER nods slowly, edging away from NEEDLE. As she starts to
               turn away we see NEEDLE hold a small cylinder towards her
               face.

NEEDLE (cont'd)
Excellent.

               A small cloud of some material emits from the cylinder; as
               the gas reaches DIVER she passes out. NEEDLE catches her and
               throws her over his shoulder. He turns to the body and
               flicks something silver down onto it. He then retreats back
               up into the ceiling.

ANGLE ON CEILING

A ceiling panel slides back into place, suddenly the lights
go out.

CUT TO:

INT. COOLIGE'S OFFICE - CONTINUOUS

COOLIGE is sitting in his office commiserating as the lights
go out. He looks up from his musing quickly.

FADE OUT.

FADE IN:

INT. COOLIGE'S OFFICE - CONTINUOUS

               COOLIGE stands and reaches into his coat. He removes a small
               pistol which he quickly checks before padding quietly to the
               door.
               COOLIGE opens the door slowly looking through the widening
               gap for trouble. Not seeing any he swings through the door,
               gun at the ready.

CUT TO:

INT. HALLWAY - CONTINUOUS

COOLIGE sees no one in the gloom of the emergency lights. He
begins to walk down the hallway.

PUSH IN COOLIGE

we see COOLIGE react in shock to the sight of...

CUT TO:

INT. HALLWAY - REVERSE ANGLE - CONTINUOUS

               The dead and blue body of the THUG lies in the hallway. As
               COOLIGE approaches it we can see other THUGS beginning to
               investigate this segment of the hallway. COOLIGE bends down
               to look at the body. As he looks it over two THUGS join him
               and stand over the body.

                                   THUG 2
                         The building is clear Mr. COOLIGE.
                         Whoever did this is gone now.

COOLIGE picks up the silver object from the body.

PUSH IN ON BUSINESS CARD

As the camera pushes in on the card we can see that it is
NEEDLE'S calling card.

COOLIGE (O.S.)
Of course he is.

ANGLE ON COOLIGE

COOLIGE stands and turns to THUG 2

                                   COOLIGE (cont'd)
                         Have the office comlink routed to
                         the plane. We're moving to the
                         tertiary site. Put the word out,
                         anyone protecting this DIVER is
                         worth 1 million credits dead. The
                         girl is not to be harmed under any
                         circumstances. Save that for when
                         we have the box.

COOLIGE turns to walk down the hall and takes one last look
at the body.

COOLIGE(cont'd)
And get this mess off my carpet.

COOLIGE stalks down the hallway.

FADE TO BLACK.

CREDITS

Episode 3 - Diver (part 2)

FADE IN:

PREVIOUS EPISODE MONTAGE - CONTINUOUS

NARRATOR
Previously on "Cyberpunk show"

               Selections from scenes found in episode 1 and episode 2 are
               played to bring new viewers up to speed and to remind the
               faithful of what has gone on before. Specifically we show
               COOLIGE and NEEDLE meeting for the first time (episode 1
               scene 3), NEEDLE talking to JACK about MOTHER ONE (episode 1
               scene 10), DIVER finding the box (episode 2 scene 3), DIVER
               talking to the thug about COOLIGE (episode 2 scene 17), THUG
               taking DIVER out of COOLIGE's office (episode 2 scene 18),
               and NEEDLE abducting DIVER (episode 2 scene 19). This
               montage should last between 1.5 and 2 minutes, with the cuts
               between each selection highlighted with CG, as if being read
               from a datastore.

FADE OUT:

FADE IN:

P.O.V HOTEL ROOM - AFTERNOON

               The hotel room is nondescript, looking like pretty much every
               hotel room out there. NEEDLE'S face fills the frame,
               blocking out most of the details. He is shining a small
               penlight into the camera.

                                   NEEDLE
                         Ah, you are awake. Excellent. I
                         was afraid the gas had an adverse
                         effect.

                                   DIVER (O.S.)
                             (groggy, annoyed)
                         Get that out of my face. What
                         happened, who--

CUT TO:

INT. HOTEL ROOM - CONTINUOUS

               The center of the room is dominated by a large bed on which
               Diver is laying. Sitting next to her, and leaning over her
               is NEEDLE, who is holding a penlight. DIVER bolts upright as
               she remembers what happened the previous night. As she does
               we catch a very quick glimpse of flesh, just enough to notice
               that she is not clothed. She snatches the sheets up and
               covers herself quickly. NEEDLE clicks off the penlight and
               leans back warily.

                                   DIVER
                             (scared)
                         Keep away from me! Where are my
                         clothes?!

NEEDLE makes no move to back away. Instead he stays exactly
where he is.

                                   NEEDLE
                         They are somewhere safe. You will
                         have them back when I have acquired
                         the package our associate MR.
                         COOLIGE was after.

NEEDLE gets up and sits down at the table next to a large
window. He draws his pistol and begins to clean it.

DIVER
You're not H-T, who are you?

NEEDLE does not even look up from work.

                                   NEEDLE
                         An interested party. Who I am is
                         immaterial. You know where the
                         package is; we will obtain it and I
                         will be out of your life.

DIVER looks around the room for a moment, as if sizing up her
options.

                                   DIVER
                             (mock amusement)
                         Right, for however long that life
                         is. No deal. How about this, you
                         let me go, and I'll call you and
                         tell you where the box is once I'm
                         safe.

NEEDLE finishes cleaning his weapon and points it at DIVER
before responding.

                                   NEEDLE
                         Child, until that box is in my
                         possession you will never be safe.

NEEDLE makes a minor adjustment on the site of the gun and
then holsters it.

                                   NEEDLE (cont'd)
                         The forces arrayed against you at
                         this moment are far more powerful
                         then any of your scrounger
                         associates.

DIVER snorts in derision.

                                   DIVER
                         Right, you're my knight in shining
                         armor. How stupid do you think I
                         am? That box is the only thing
                         keeping me alive right now. If I
                         hand it over to anyone I'm as good
                         as dead.

NEEDLE stands and pulls the blinds aside on the window. He
looks through the window casually.

                                   NEEDLE
                         It will take COOLIGE time to
                         reassess the situation. If you
                         won't tell me where the box is now,
                         I will wait.

NEEDLE continues to peer out the window. DIVER lunges for
the phone next to the bed.

ANGLE ON DIVER

We see DIVER'S disappointment as she realizes the phone does
not work.

                                   NEEDLE (O.S.) (cont'd)
                         I had the phone disconnected, I
                         find them a useless distraction.
                         As I was saying, we have time.

CUT TO:

EXT. ALIAX ARMS HOTEL - NIGHT

We begin on a close up shot of the ALIAX arms logo. As the
camera pans down we...

PUSH IN ON WINDOW

               Illuminated in the light of the window is NEEDLE. He turns,
               obviously in mid-conversation, and walks out of the window's
               view.

PAN DOWN

               As the camera continues down the building we begin to see
               details of the street below. The hotel is in a heavy
               commercial district. There are no amenities on the street,
               just warehouses and other such structures. A single stranger
               in a trench coat stands under a streetlight staring up at the
               hotel.

ANGLE ON STRANGER

               A black sedan pulls up to the curb next to the stranger. As
               the stranger walks up to the car we see that it is a women,
               dressed in sort of black combat gear.
               She points up at the window briefly then slaps the roof the
               car. As she turns the car glides down the street.

CUT TO:

INT. HOTEL ROOM - CONTINUOUS

               DIVER is still on the bed. NEEDLE sits at the table with a
               plate of some sort of Asian food in front of him. He is not
               eating, instead he is watching DIVER who is shaking visibly.

NEEDLE
�

The Small Screen Series

Episode 1 - Haystack

Episode 2 - Diver (part 1)

Episode 3 - Diver (part 2)