EXT. BEVERLY HILLS - HOME OF SANTO KASPER - MORNING - PRESENT
Present Day - Los Angeles
A modern, decadent mansion sits on a hill. Easily 7,500
square feet of stunning architecture.
INT. MASTER BEDROOM - CONTINUOUS
Santo Kasper sleeps in his king-sized bed.
He stirs and rolls over to find the other side of the bed
empty. A little confused he looks to the clock. It reads
10:10.
SANTO
Sally?
No response. He rises from the bed and makes his way to the
bathroom. He pokes his head inside. No one there.
INT. KITCHEN - CONTINUOUS
In the large, modern kitchen SALLY KASPER (34), Santo Kasper's
high school sweetheart and wife, makes eggs and bacon.
Santo enters.
SANTO
There you are.
Sally looks up and smiles.
SALLY
Good morning, baby.
He approaches Sally. They kiss.
SALLY (CONT'D)
I let you sleep in.
Santo sits on a bar stool across the counter from where Sally
cooks. He rubs the sleep from his eyes.
SANTO
I needed the sleep.
SALLY
You remember I'm going out of town
tonight?
SANTO
Yeah?
2.
Sally frowns, annoyed.
SALLY
I'm going hiking with my high school
girlfriends. I told you like 3 times
this week.
SANTO
I'm sorry babe, my memory has been
nonexistant lately.
SALLY
How are the new meds? Can you feel
any changes?
Sally piles eggs and bacon onto a plate and slides it to
Santo.
SANTO
Yeah.
SALLY
Yeah?
SANTO
I feel more relaxed.
Santo digs in.
SANTO (CONT'D)
I don't really have any problems
with the meds themselves. I just
don't want people to think I'm crazy.
SALLY
No one is going to think you're crazy
because you take care of your mental
health.
Santo eats more eggs.
Sally smiles at Santo.
SANTO
What are you thinking right now?
SALLY
That if you score 28 points tonight
you'll eclipse 22,000 in your career.
SANTO
(impressed)
Oh okay! Look at you keeping up with
my career milestones.
(MORE)
3.
SANTO (CONT'D)
Actually I did know that. Thanks
for the added pressure.
Sally giggles.
SANTO (CONT'D)
You'll be there though, right? In
case I got hot.
SALLY
I booked the red eye. You know I'd
never miss my baby in a home game.
Santo gulps down his smoothie.
SANTO
I know.
Sally smiles at him. She approaches for a kiss.
SALLY
You know I love you?
They kiss.
SANTO
(cheeky)
Well obviously.
Sally giggles and kisses him again.
Genres:
["Drama","Romance"]
Ratings
Scene
2 -
The Storm's Comeback
INT. STORM BASKETBALL ARENA
A raucous stadium of fans, electrified by an intense American
Basketball League (ABL/fictional) game, looks on as the game
plays out its conclusion.
The scoreboard shows 86-83 with 1:40 left in the game between
the visiting Flame (86) and the home Storm (83).
The COMMENTATOR'S sitting courtside call the game.
BILL
...Another critical basket for the
Flame and the Storm may need to use
their last timeout if the Flame score
again.
STAN
The storm do look tired out there.
FLAME PLAYER 1 throws up a jumpshot that rattles off the
rim, but FLAME PLAYER 2 comes running from the free throw
line to throw down a perfectly timed put back dunk.
4.
Player 2 hangs gleefully on the rim. 88-83, Flame.
BILL
Now I definitely would use up that
timeout.
On Santo's signal, the ball is inbounded by STORM PLAYER 1
to STORM PLAYER 2. He pushes the ball up court on the outlet
pass to Santo.
BILL (CONT'D)
(surprised)
But no, Kasper bringing the ball up
court.
Santo takes the ball into the front-court and off-loads to
LARRY WILDER (36) 6'2", his close friend and the team's long
time point guard - who dribbles before taking the ball around
a screen and pulling up for a 3-point jump shot. Swish.
Storm 86, Flame 88, 1:33 Remaining.
STAN
Oh that was sweet. No timeout needed.
On the way back to the defensive end of the court Santo and
Larry slap hands.
SANTO
'Bout damn time.
LARRY
Let's go.
The tattoo on Santo's and Larry's right forearms both bear
the words "The Last Defense".
Back on defense, the ball-handler sizes up the larger Santo.
Santo doesn't give an inch, challenging the player to make a
move.
STAN (O.S.)
Kasper playing some stiff defense.
When he does, Santo pokes the ball away from his guy and
recovers it for a steal. He passes back to Larry who dribbles
up the court to slow the pace.
STAN (O.S.) (CONT'D)
Stolen by Kasper again, now into the
frontcourt.
In the front court again Santo takes a pass, takes one dribble
to the top of the key and, with the tentative defender
remaining a foot away, fires the jump shot. Swish.
5.
The crowd erupts.
Seated in the front few rows amidst a cadre of fans is Sally.
SALLY
Let's go baby!
Storm - 88. Flame 88.
The clock ticks under 1:00.
The Storm Coach, Coach Spriggs, dressed in suit, paces up
and down, clapping and encouraging his players.
COACH SPRIGGS
Come on now. Let's communicate out
there. Let's communicate.
Back on defense, Larry's man sets a screen on Santo.
LARRY
Pick right. Pick right.
SANTO
Switch.
They switch. The sloppy dribbling from the ball-handler
results in Larry poking the ball free.
STAN (V.O.)
A third straight turnover committed
by the flame.
Two players dive for the ball and in the process it rolls
across court and is picked up by a Storm Player 1.
STAN (V.O.) (CONT'D)
Gathered by the storm.
The crowd cheers loudly.
SANTO
(to his teammate)
My ball.
The ball-handler passes to Santo who dribbles up court, sizing
up the smaller defender who meets him. He dribbles outside
the 3 point arc, letting the clock tick.
SANTO (V.O.) (CONT'D)
Santo Kasper sizing up his defender.
27, 26, 25...
6.
He makes a move towards the basket then pulls back and fires
for 3.
STAN (V.O.)
He shoots. To put it out of reach.
LARRY
(to self)
Let's go home.
Swish. 91-88. 22.0 On the clock.
STAN (V.O.)
And he hits!
The whistle blows for a timeout. The fans go wild. Santo
and Larry bump chests.
Genres:
["Sports","Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
3 -
The Last Defense
INT. BAR - LATER
Santo and Larry sit in a private booth far away from the
boisterous crowd gathered around the bar.
Santo raises a shot glass.
SANTO
The good guys prevail.
LARRY
To victory.
They clink glasses and down their shots.
Santo sobers and takes a serious tone.
SANTO
Hey, Larry... there's something I
wanted to talk about.
LARRY
(nonchalant)
Sure.
A beat.
SANTO
I actually wanted to talk about umm...
He scratches his neck.
SANTO (CONT'D)
The last defense.
7.
LARRY
(irritated)
What?
SANTO
I want to talk about the last defense.
Larry flashes Santo a questioning glance.
LARRY
What about it?
Santo gulps and looks around to make sure he's not being
listened to.
SANTO
Larry, it's real.
Larry stops and becomes visibly uncomfortable.
LARRY
What did you just say?
SANTO
I said-
He gulps.
SANTO (CONT'D)
It's real. I know it.
Larry freezes for a moment.
LARRY
The last defense is a superstition.
Santo shakes his head, eyes unflinching.
SANTO
No.
LARRY
Alright Santo, what is it then? A
saying? A tattoo?
He points to the tattoo on Santo's arm that reads,'The Last
Defense'.
SANTO
Listen man, this isn't easy for me
to bring up. But you've felt it
too. There has to be an explanation.
8.
LARRY
No there doesn't. Look there are
things in life that can't be explained
and you gotta be okay with that.
Santo smiles curtly.
SANTO
You're scared.
Larry stops.
LARRY
Hey man, I think you should drop it.
SANTO
I can't drop it and neither should
you.
LARRY
Well I don't want to hear about it.
It's just a joke.
Santo sobers a bit.
SANTO
A joke?
LARRY
You don't seem right.
Santo shakes his head, eyes downcast.
SANTO
You think I'm nuts.
LARRY
I didn't say that.
He looks up.
SANTO
You didn't have to.
Santo gets up to go.
LARRY
Where are you going?
Santo turns.
SANTO
(fully ernest)
Stay well Larry.
9.
Genres:
["Drama","Sports"]
Ratings
Scene
4 -
A Moment of Truth
EXT. STADIUM PARKING LOT - LATER
Santo walks across the vacant parking lot towards the towering
stadium.
INT. STORM SHOWER ROOM
Steam fills the bathroom as Santo takes a hot shower.
INT. LOCKER ROOM
Santo exits the bathroom wrapped in a towel. In the middle
of the locker room stands a concerned Sally.
SALLY
Babe?
SANTO
(startled)
Sally. What are you doing here?
SALLY
I was waiting at home for you to say
goodbye and you never came. I'm
going out of town, remember?
Santo sighs exasperated.
SANTO
Sally, I'm so sorry. I don't know
how I forgot again.
SALLY
Santo, what's going on?
SANTO
I'm fine. How did you know I'd be
here?
SALLY
Larry called me and said you got
into it at the bar. I figured you
came here to cool off.
Santo doesn't respond right away.
SANTO
I don't need to cool off.
He puts a shirt on and digs through his locker for more
clothes.
SALLY
Can you at least tell me what you're
feeling?
10.
SANTO
I don't know.
SALLY
You don't know? What does that mean?
SANTO
(distressed)
It mean I don't know! I don't know
how to say what I'm feeling!
SALLY
Santo you're the greatest man I know.
There's no problem you can't solve.
Let me help you work through this.
SANTO
I need to sort this out for myself.
Sally reaches into her purse for something.
SALLY
Listen baby, I have a flight to catch.
I would stay if I could but I talked
to a friend and she gave me the number
of another psychiatrist who-
SANTO
Another psychiatrist? Don't you
think one's enough?
SALLY
You need a second opinion.
She extends the business card. It has a doctor's name and
number on it. Santo doesn't take it.
SALLY (CONT'D)
I don't think you're crazy. But I
know you and something's not right.
SANTO
I don't want this to be happening.
Sally shakes her head.
SALLY
You've said it yourself you don't
feel right in your head. I might
not know what that means but there's
a doctor somewhere who does and it's
important that you find them.
He relents and takes the card from her gently.
11.
SANTO
Alright.
Sally steps closer to Santo. She places her hand on his
chest gently and gazes up into his eyes.
SALLY
I love you, Santo. Nothing's going
to change that.
SANTO
I know. Sally...
He pushes her bangs out of her face and places his palm on
her cheek.
SANTO (CONT'D)
You're the light of my life.
He buries his head in her neck. She holds him.
Genres:
["Drama","Romance"]
Ratings
Scene
5 -
The Last Midnight
EXT. SANTO'S MANSION - NIGHT
Santo pulls his Porsche 911 Carrera S into the driveway of
his home. The garage door rises and the high end vehicle
slowly rolls inside.
INT. GARAGE - MOMENTS LATER
The garage door closes and the Porsche cools off in the
spacious garage.
INT. SANTO'S TROPHY ROOM - MOMENTS LATER
The trophies of Santo's illustrious athletic career earned
over a span of 3 decades adorn the walls of the room.
There are also many pictures of Santo and his teammates both
in action and celebrating victories.
Santo stands in the doorway a moment, wearing a vacant
expression. He flicks the light switch on and enters.
On the other side of the room Santo stands before an open
glass-doored cabinet. On a shelf inside, on top of a plush
velvet cushion, 3 ABL Championship rings are propped up for
display.
Santo snatches the 3 rings off the shelf and holds them in
his open palm. For the first and only time, we see him smile.
SANTO
(Spoken softly) I'm ready.
12.
INT. SANTO'S STUDY/LIBRARY
The largest room in the house is Santo's library. Bookshelves
line the walls of half the room from floor to ceiling.
A geographical map of The United States covers a large portion
of the wall. It sits among other posters of great world
leaders and monumental moments of human history - Dr. King
Speaking, The Nameless Hero of Tiananmen Square, Che Gueverra,
Sonny Liston lying helplessly below the towering Mohammed
Ali, The Beatles making their way across the crosswalk.
Santo sits cross-legged in the center of the room. His left
hand sports his 3 ABL Championship rings.
He writes in a small journal. As he finishes the composition
of his last note, he sets down the pen and closes the journal.
He looks to the clock, it's nearly midnight.
A closed black box sits on his right hand side. He opens it
to reveal a BLACK PISTOL. He picks it up and assures it is
fully loaded. It is.
With the pistol in hand, Santo rests his forehead in his
free hand, the hand with the rings, eyes closed. He cries.
The tears come quickly. He lets loose several heaves of
anguish.
A clock on the wall chimes loudly. The first of 12 chimes
to signal midnight.
Santo composes himself. His expression shifts to determined
and a little bewildered.
More chimes. Santo places the pistol against his temple.
At the twelfth stroke his countenance betrays no fear. He
may as well be drifting off to sleep at the beach.
SANTO
(loud, strong)
Let truth be told!
CUT TO BLACK. A GUNSHOT, then a THUD as Santo's body folds.
The light of a full moon cascades over 50 acres of high-end
private real estate. The vast swath of land houses a giant
mansion - the former home of the recently deceased HENRY
WATERS, Former Owner of Los Angeles Storm.
13.
A dirt road runs from the service road through a gated
entrance onto the property. Much of the property is grass,
though it is not well kept.
An old, creaky but sturdy white panel van pulls up on the
edge of the property.
INT. MARCUS' VAN
At the wheel of the vehicle sits MARCUS BENSON (25), a thin,
tall, strong man and leader of a Hispanic Los Angeles Gang
known just as 'La Hermandad' (The Brotherhood).
Next to him is RAUL (32), Another gang member, beefy.
The vehicle slows and stops on the outskirts of the massive
estate. Marcus sits pensive for several moments.
He checks his watch: 1:59. As he watches it turns to 2:00.
MARCUS
(In Spanish with
English subtitles)
Text him.
Raul nods and types something quickly on his phone.
EXT. SERVICE ROAD/ELECTRICAL SUBSTATION
DOM (25), another gang member, sits in another old panel van
off the side of the road. With the vehicle's lights off, it
remains concealed amongst the brush.
The van is in close proximity (across the road) to an
Electrical Grid Substation.
A sedan driven by another GANG MEMBER (20's) is parked
directly behind him, also cloaked in darkness.
INT. EXPLOSIVES VAN
Dom's phone buzzes and he checks the incoming message from
RAUL. 'Go'. He exits the vehicle.
EXT. EXPLOSIVES VAN - CONTINUOUS
The other gang member exits his vehicle too, and meets Dom
at the back of the van.
Dom open's the back of the van to reveal a healthy sized
Improvised Explosive Device.
14.
DOM
(In Spanish with
English subtitles)
Arm it. Be quick.
The gang member nods and crawls into the back of the truck
to arm the device.
EXT. ELECTRICAL SUBSTATION - MOMENTS LATER
The van has been repositioned across the street to face the
electrical substation directly, from a distance of about 40
yards. The engine runs, with the van still in neutral.
Dom looks to his brother in arms who now sits at the wheel
of his own vehicle about 10 yards away, ready to get out of
dodge. He nods and Dom nods back.
Dom puts a regular brick on the gas. The engine revs with
increasing volume but the car remains stationary.
Dom shifts the van's gear into drive. The spinning wheels
of the van grip the ground and it speeds towards the
electrical substation with ferocity.
Dom quickly flees towards his companion's running vehicle as
the van nears it's explosive end.
Genres:
["Drama","Thriller"]
Ratings
Scene
7 -
Breaching the Mansion
INT. GETAWAY VEHICLE - CONTINUOS
Dom gets in the getaway vehicle.
DOM
(Spanish)
Go! Go!
The driver floors the gas pedal and they fly away.
The explosives van connects with it's target in a tremendous
burst of flame. BOOM!
INT. MARCUS' VAN - CONTINUOUS
Marcus and Raul hear the explosion in the distance. The
visible lights on premises all go out at once.
Marcus smirks.
MARCUS
(Spanish)
Let's move.
15.
EXT. MANSION - MOMENTS LATER
Marcus and Raul exit from the front and Johan and Jacob, a
third and fourth gang member get out the back. They walk
towards the front door carrying a number of empty duffel
bags.
MARCUS
(Spanish)
15 minutes from now I want to be off
the premises.
JOHAN
(Spanish)
How are we getting past the security
system?
MARCUS
(Spanish)
The camera's are no longer recording.
That blast shut them down. Law
enforcement in the area will also be
responding to that location. The
security system is run by an internal
generator but we have a solution for
that too.
Raul steps up to the door and pulls a case from his pocket
with a number of very small, round, black disks. They are
two way magnetic sensors.
JACOB
(Spanish)
What are those?
RAUL
(Spanish)
The sensors that line the windows
and doors are programmed to respond
to when disturbed. But if we place
an object against one of the sensors
in order to reflect an identical
signal straight back, we can walk
through undetected.
JACOB
(Spanish)
English?
RAUL
(Spanish)
Hope this works.
He places one of the sensors along the door frame and begins
to run it along its length.
16.
The black disk's center turns green and BEEPS as it aligns
with the security sensor..
RAUL (CONT'D)
There it is.
He repeats the process several more times until 4 black disks
with green dots in the center, line one side of the doorframe.
BEEP. BEEP. BEEP.
JOHAN
(Spanish)
Alright. Now what?
MARCUS
(Spanish)
Now we walk in the front door.
With that he pulls out a pistol and shoots out the doorknob.
The door swings open and the men scurry inside.
Genres:
["Crime","Thriller"]
Ratings
Scene
8 -
Heist and Tension
INT. MANSION - HALLWAY *
Marcus walks down the hallway surveying the rooms on either
side.
INT. MANSION - BEDROOM
Jacob has found a locked safe which he breaks open with
applied brunt force. He stuffs the jewels and gold he finds
inside into a duffel.
INT. MANSION - ANOTHER BEDROOM
Further down the hall Marcus peers in on Johan pulling
paintings off the wall.
INT. MANSION - HALLWAY
Marcus continues to walk, apparently not interested in much
of the raiding himself.
RAUL (O.S.)
(Spanish)
Marcus!
INT. MASTER BEDROOM - MOMENTS LATER
Marcus walks into the master bedroom and finds Raul standing
in front of the gigantic bed situated in the middle of the
superflously large bedroom.
MARCUS
(Spanish)
What are you doing?
17.
Raul responds with a point, to the head of the bed, above
which a painting has been taken off the wall to reveal a
safe.
MARCUS (CONT'D)
(Spanish)
What is it?
Raul shrugs.
RAUL
(Spanish)
It's a safe above a dead billionaire's
bed. What'd this guy do anyway?
MARCUS
(Spanish)
Media mogul and pro sports team owner.
Died a couple months ago of a heart
attack.
RAUL
(Spanish)
He left all this just sitting around?
MARCUS
(Spanish)
I don't think he was expecting to
die of a heart attack.
RAUL
(Spanish)
Should I open it?
MARCUS
(Spanish)
Yes. Hurry.
INT. MASTER BEDROOM - MOMENTS LATER
Raul wears a face covering and holds a blow torch which he
uses to cut out the safe's lock.
Marcus looks on.
Finally, the lock falls out and Raul turns off the blow torch.
He removes his face covering, then turns to his boss.
RAUL
(Spanish)
Have at it.
He gets off the bed and Marcus steps on, his dirty shoes
caking the bed in dirt.
18.
He slowly approaches the head of the bed and reaches a hand
out to open the safe.
The door opens slowly and Marcus's expression of anticipation
shift to one of awe.
RAUL (CONT'D)
(Spanish)
What is it?
A smirk.
MARCUS
(Spanish)
Mine.
EXT. FBI LOS ANGELES OFFICE - SHOOTING RANGE - DAY - PRESENT
FBI - LOS ANGELES HQ - PRESENT
FBI Special Agent SELENA VARGAS (32), fit, a dedicated and
hard-working civil servant, occupies the range.
She aims a pistol at a paper target that hangs down range.
She squeezes out a shot. Then another and another until the
clip is empty.
Bang. Bang. Bang. Bang. Bang.
Selena removes her protective glasses and pulls the target
down a rope to her end of the range.
She unhooks it and looks down to a small group of well placed
shots on a red target.
INT. LOCKER ROOM - MOMENTS LATER
Selena approaches locker 25. She opens it and finds a man's
clothes inside.
SELENA
What the hell?
SPECIAL AGENT JASON PLUMBER (30's) Tall, handsome, and snobby,
approaches.
JASON
Oh hey Selena. I had to move your
stuff to 26. Hope that's okay.
SELENA
Why would you do that?
19.
JASON
Umm, because I always use 25. 25 is
my lucky number.
Selena shakes her head and opens locker 26 to gather her
things.
SELENA
Whatever.
JASON
So were you working on your shot
just for fun, or- ?
Selena buttons her work shirt.
SELENA
What do you mean?
JASON
I mean you've been at the Bureau
for, what? 5 years?
SELENA
What's your point?
JASON
Ever discharged your weapon?
SELENA
I think I'd rather be prepared than
speculate on the possibility. Firing
your weapon isn't necesarilly a good
thing, either. Unless something
particularly gross gets in front of
you.
Selena has finished dressing. She grabs her backpack from
the locker.
SELENA (CONT'D)
Speaking of which, could you get out
of my way?
Jason shakes his head, but steps aside.
Selena's out of there.
Genres:
["Crime","Thriller","Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
9 -
A Chilling Discovery
INT. FBI - HALLWAY
Selena walks down the white on white hallway. Her phone
buzzes. She checks it. It says: "Jeanette Borowitz".
SELENA
Borowitz?
20.
She answers.
SELENA (CONT'D)
Special Agent Vargas speaking.
BOROWITZ (O.S.)
Agent Vargas, this is Jeanette
Borowitz Special Agent in Charge
here at our Los Angeles office. I
need to see you in my office.
INT. BOROWITZ OFFICE - MOMENTS LATER
JEANETTE BOROWITZ (50's) Caucasian, female, the most powerful
employee on the premises, sits at her desk.
A knock on the door signals Selena's arrival.
BOROWITZ
Agent Vargas, please come in.
Selena enters the office and sits in a chair across from
Borowitz.
BOROWITZ (CONT'D)
There's been an unsettling development
in the wake of Santo Kasper's death.
SELENA
The basketball star?
BOROWITZ
You're aware of his recent passing?
SELENA
Of course it's just, I thought he
died of suicide. What is there to
investigate?
BOROWITZ
The coroner's office found something
out of place.
SELENA
Yeah?
Borowitz checks her watch impatiently.
BOROWITZ
I'm sorry. I'm waiting on your
partner.
SELENA
Partner?
21.
BOROWITZ
I'm assigning two of you to this
initially.
A knock at the door signals Jason's arrival.
JASON
Borowitz, you needed to see me?
He spots Selena.
JASON (CONT'D)
Oh hey Selena. Twice in one day.
What are the odds?
SELENA
(to self)
Not good.
INT. FBI - MEDICAL LAB
Borowitz leads Selena and Jason into a medical laboratory
where scientists are at work processing samples and performing
test and calculations, etc.
In the back of the room Borowitz stops by a table with a
single surgical towel covering something on it's surface.
BOROWITZ
I'm putting you two on this assignment
because I think you both can handle
what's under here.
Selena and Jason both nod solemnly but do not move.
BOROWITZ (CONT'D)
A foreign object was discovered during
the autopsy of Santo Kasper.
JASON
Well he shot himself, didn't he?
BOROWITZ
Not a bullet.
CUT TO:
INT. MORGUE - EXAM ROOM - FLASHBACK
The body of Santo Kasper lays on the exam room table. His
body, including his face, is covered.
The only part of his body that is exposed is the top of his
head. Two MEDICAL EXAMINER's stand by examining photographs
and medical documents.
22.
MEDICAL EXAMINER 1
Never thought I'd be doing this
autopsy. Santo Kasper, wow. I wonder
what went wrong.
MEDICAL EXAMINER 2
Did he ever play football? Maybe he
had CTE.
MEDICAL EXAMINER 1
If it was CTE they'll find out.
MEDICAL EXAMINER 2
Organ donor?
MEDICAL EXAMINER 1
Yes, indeed.
The surgical saw revs up to speed as it is applied by Medical
Examiner 1 against his lifeless skull.
When the saw eventually shuts off, Medical Examiner 1 removes
the skull cap. He and the other examiner examine the brain.
MEDICAL EXAMINER 2
Not much damage from the bullet.
Medical Examiner 1 removes the brain from the open skull.
He sets the organ is a medical tray and prepares to re-attach
the skull cap.
Medical Examiner 2's gaze catches something of interest in
the tray. He squints to look closer.
MEDICAL EXAMINER 2 (CONT'D)
What is that?
MEDICAL EXAMINER 1
What?
MEDICAL EXAMINER 2
On the back of the brain, there.
He points. Medical Examiner 1 looks, then squints the same
as his compatriot.
MEDICAL EXAMINER 1
(in awe)
What in god's name?
What appears like a small cobweb shaped computer chip clings
to the rear side of Santo's brain.
23.
It is a highly-advanced BRAIN COMPUTER INTERFACE: A medical
device designed to connect to the brain and monitor activity
as well as stimulate positive neural activity.
CUT TO:
Genres:
["Crime","Mystery","Thriller"]
Ratings
Scene
10 -
The Waters Foundation's Secret
INT. FBI - MEDICAL LAB
The small cobwebbed computational device now lies on a
surgical towel before the agents, eyes wide.
BOROWITZ
It's a brain computer interface and
it was attached to the back side of
Santo Kasper's brain.
JASON
(stunned)
Brain computer interface? Those
things are supposed to be science
fiction.
SELENA
I beg to differ Jason. There's one
right there.
BOROWITZ
I need you two to figure out why.
INT. FBI - HALLWAY - MOMENTS LATER
Borowitz, Selena and Jason walk briskly down the hallway.
BOROWITZ
There's a number of basic questions
that need answering. Who made it?
How did they pay for it? What can it
do?
SELENA
How do we know it wasn't planted?
Someone could have put it there after
his death.
BOROWITZ
According to the medical examiner
the technology had meshed with the
brain tissue which is a process our
researchers say would take years.
It's been there for a while.
JASON
I still can't believe this. I mean
this is Santo Kasper we're talking
about. He's a huge star.
24.
BOROWITZ
Yes. It's very real and it's very
serious.
INT. BOROWITZ OFFICE - CONTINUOUS.
Borowitz leads Selena and Jason into her office.
BOROWITZ
Sit please.
Selena and Jason sit in separate chairs. Borowitz looks
through a cabinet of files.
SELENA
Could Santo have known that thing
was in there. Could he have done it
himself?
BOROWITZ
We can find no reason to think Santo
had any knowledge this device was
inside him. Even for medical usage,
this thing is a hundred years ahead
of his time. Santo would have no
way to access this type of technology
even if he had a way and a need to.
Someone put this thing in Santo
Kasper's head years ago, and he was
never any the wiser. The question
becomes why? What was it being used
for?
Having procured the file of interest, she places it on the
desk in front of Selena and Jason.
The agents begin to examine the content.
SELENA
What's this?
BOROWITZ
It's the silver lining. We don't
have to search far for the bad guy.
A microscopic etching was located on
the device.
Selena and Jason examining the corresponding images in front
of them that show a 1000x magnified view of the letters
'HWRF', on the device.
JASON
HWRF?
25.
BOROWITZ
The Henry Waters Research Foundation
is amongst a handful of organization's
on this planet capable of funding,
engineering and manufacturing a
working mechanism like this. Founded
by Henry Waters, he was also the
owner of the Los Angeles Storm and
Santo Kasper's de facto boss for his
entire professional career. One
thing that's certain is this thing
wasn't made without serious if not
total involvement by the Waters
Foundation.
SELENA
So that's our guy then. Henry Waters.
There's no way he doesn't know-
BOROWITZ
(interrupting)
Unforunately for us, perhaps
conveniently for him, Henry Waters
died about 8 months ago, shortly
after the storm won their third
championship. He had a heart attack.
JASON
That'll make him hard to prosecute.
SELENA
So who are we seeking to hold liable
if Henry is dead?
BOROWITZ
Anyone and everyone with knowledge
of what that thing is and how it got
attached to Santo Kasper's brain.
Henry Water's foundation itself would
seem the natural starting point.
SELENA
What do we know about his foundation?
BOROWITZ
A decade ago an oversight program,
run through this office, was
established to collect information
on the internal operations of the
waters foundation.
SELENA
A spy program?
Borowitz nods.
26.
BOROWITZ
Records from those investigations
are preserved at a nearby data storage
facility. You'll be granted access
for the day,
Genres:
["Mystery","Crime","Thriller"]
Ratings
Scene
11 -
Project Psi Unmasked
INT. SECURE DATA STORAGE FACILITY
Selena and Jason make their way through two sets of locked
doors and are led to a secured, video monitored conference
room.
INT. SECURE DATA STORAGE FACILITY - CONFERENCE ROOM
From the other side of the room enters the DATA AGENT with
documents that they place on the table in the room's center.
DATA AGENT
The requested documents are here.
If you have further requests you can
buzz there.
The Data Agent points to an intercom.
The data agent leaves the agents to look over the documents.
INT. CONFERENCE ROOM - MOMENTS LATER
Selena and Jason sift the documents labeled Project Cure.
It's primarily an extended document labeled, 'whisteblower
complaint'. There is also a man's identification, presumably
the whisteblower and various supporting documents.
SELENA
The complaintant testifies that for
8 years he worked as an undercover
agent for the FBI posing as a
researcher with the Henry Waters
Research Foundation. During his 8
years the focus of the research was
the engineering of Brain Computer
Interfaces for use in monitoring
body function and curing disease.
The project, labeled Project Cure,
was discontinued upon the discovery
that a similar device could 'emit
commands' back to the brain it was
monitoring.
JASON
Emit commands back to the brain?
27.
SELENA
(reading)
This project, Project Psi, presented
the aim to control the brain, body
and mind themselves. The undercover
remained undercover for an additional
2 years of the planned 4 year project
before requesting leave from his
work referenced here as 'Psi Mechanics -
subtitle ommitted'.
JASON
Subtitle ommitted?
SELENA
I think that may be what's in this
file.
Selena opens it. Two single sheets of paper are inside.
Jason reads aloud:
JASON
(reading the letter)
The complaintants reference to the
following classified program's
subtitle will not be ommitted. In
reference to that document, labeled,
'Psi Mechanics - Experiementation
with Mind Control', the signature of
the overseeing official is being
left at the request of the
complaintant to verify the references
authenticity.
The referenced signature is provided on the document.
SELENA
This guy really wanted someone to
come and find this information.
JASON
What's the note?
SELENA
(reading)
'Request for personal leave.' This
sketch-
She shows Jason the sketch of a BCI resembling the device
found in Santo Kasper.
28.
SELENA (CONT'D)
(reading)
Shows the product of a planned four
year project to take elementary BCI
devices and grant them utility for
subliminal and overt control of body
functions, and brain states. Dozens
manufactured. None accounted for.
Outrageous side effects. The most
alarming, an all-encompassing madness
that takes hold in days. Unremitting
psychosis. There are a thousand names
I could attach here but only one
worth knowing. Dr. Steven Brown,
Harvard MD and CPT US Army. This
was and remains, as of my writing,
an overt mind control operation. I
request leave for ethics concerns.
Find Dr. Brown. This technology is
dangerous and real. It won't end
here.
Selena and Jason digest the information.
JASON
(aghast)
It's a mind control device.
Selena glances at the document where the text Dr. Steven
Brown, Harvard MD and CPT US Army gleems brightly beneath
the fluorescent lights.
SELENA
Unremitting psychosis. That thing
cost Santo Kasper his life.
Genres:
["Thriller","Mystery","Crime"]
Ratings
Scene
12 -
A Game Played in Memory
INT. LOS ANGELES STORM BASKETBALL STADIUM - EVENING
The Storm are warming up with lay-up lines across the court
from their opponent for the night - The Heat.
Courtside, the commentators Bill and Stan, run their pregame
show.
STAN
(to camera)
Tragedy struck the Los Angeles Storm
franchise this week as Santo Kasper,
the 8 time all star and 3-time ABL
champion died by suicide just a few
days ago. It is a true tragedy.
How can this franchise stay united
in this moment of such tremendous
sadness.
29.
BILL
It's a behemoth task to be sure. As
you've alluded to the emotions will
be unilaterally high. The league
offered the Storm a game off but
they've elected to play anyway. I
think that shows how badly these
players want to represent themselves,
Santo, and their franchise as a whole
as resilient and I think they should
feel proud of that.
INT. LOS ANGELES STORM BASKETBALL STADIUM - CENTER COURT -
LATER
The players are lined up facing eachother in preparation for
the national anthem. The PA announcer addresses the crowd.
PA ANNOUNCER (O.S.)
Ladies and gentlemen, tonight our
whole community mourns the passing
of an ABL legend, in Santo Kasper.
Here to say a few words on behalf of
the Storm organization is 3x all-
star Larry Wilder.
Cheers from the crowd as Larry takes center court beneath
the cascading light of a single spotlight.
Larry speaks with microphone in hand.
LARRY
I never thought I'd stand in this
arena, before a crowd like this,
under these circumstances. Santo
will always be missed. He will always
be in all our hearts. And he will
never be forgotten.
The crowd stands and applauds. Some fans wipe tears from
their eyes.
LARRY (CONT'D)
I learned a valuable lesson playing
alongside Santo, here on the Storm.
The lesson is this. In the heat of
competition, there is no such thing
as envy. Now, I'm just Larry. I was
what most of you probably think of
as the third fiddle.
Laughs from the crowd.
30.
LARRY (CONT'D)
I don't take offense, I know it's
true. Santo and Ron, they were way
better than me.
More appreciative chuckling.
LARRY (CONT'D)
But when we were on this court
together, and we were chasing those
rings, there were times when I looked
to Santo and Ron when they were doing
better than me and there were times
when I looked to them and they were
doing worse than me. If they were
doing better, I felt pride in them,
and I aspired to play better with
them. If they were doing worse than
me, I felt a sense of responsibility
to play my hardest, to keep us afloat,
and inspire their greatness to come
out. But no where in that equation
did I ever feel anything like envy.
The crowd waits in pensieve silence for Larry to continue.
LARRY (CONT'D)
What fills its place is something
hard to explain, but I think it’s a
lot like love.
A beat.
LARRY (CONT'D)
If I could put what Santo was to me
into a single word, it would be
brother. He fought for me for the
sake of a shared goal. I just tried
to best to stand by his side. Find
the people in life you have nothing
in common with besides a goal. Be
there for them. Let them be there
for you.
Applause begin.
LARRY (CONT'D)
(shouting)
And lets go Storm! Let's get a win
for Santo!
Raucous cheers.
31.
Genres:
["Sports","Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
13 -
Larry's Hot Streak
INT. STADIUM - COURT - LATER
It's the third quarter, 9:05 on the clock. The Storm trail
The Heat 63-58
Larry sits on the bench. His coach approaches.
COACH SPRIGGS
Larry, get in there. Give us some
energy.
Larry bounds to the scorers table.
On the court The Storm's CENTER (20's), a 7-footer, takes
the ball in the post. He is swarmed by outside defenders
and lazily flings a pass out of bounds.
Larry subs in, taking high-fives from his teammates.
LARRY
Let's go now.
As Larry slaps a teammates hand, time momentarily slows and
we see a flicker of light in Larry's eyes.
The ball is inbounded. Larry hunkers down on the point guard
bringing the ball up court.
Bill and Stan call the game sideline.
STAN (O.S.)
Wilder playing stiff defense.
Larry steals the ball and looks to be breaking away when he
dribbles out to the wing.
STAN (O.S.) (CONT'D)
Stolen away. Setting up a play.
Larry flings a no-look pass to the streaking Center, who
takes the pass at the free throw line and dunks it
emphatically a step later.
STAN (O.S.) (CONT'D)
Big dunk for The Storm!
The Heat bring the ball up court quickly and toss the ball
into the corner where a 3-point shot is jacked up and misses.
The storm rebound.
STAN (O.S.) (CONT'D)
One and done for The Heat and Wilder
has it in the backcourt.
32.
Larry dribbles up court and then in the frontcourt begins to
cross-up his defender. The lesser defender stumbles as the
crowd 'ooo's'.
Larry confidently knocks down a long range three pointer.
STAN (O.S.) (CONT'D)
Sweet handles and an even sweeter
finish from Wilder. Fantastic!
The score reads 63-63.
BILL (O.S.)
Larry Wilder making consecutive
tremendous plays and making it look
easy. That's fun.
The Heat are again in their frontcourt. They sling a pass
to the wing. Then a pass to the corner is deflected and
stolen by The Storm.
STAN (O.S.)
Another turnover for The Heat.
Larry leads the fastbreak down the middle of the floor.
Time slows.
Larry leaps and cocks back the ball for a vicious dunk-
attempt.
Time returns to full speed.
The Heat defender is in position to contest the dunk-attempt
and Larry misses the dunk off the heal of the rim.
BILL (O.S.)
Oh my word. Larry Wilder going up
unafraid.
Larry petitions the REFEREE (50's) for a foul call.
LARRY
He got me on the wrist.
REFEREE
It was clean.
LARRY
It was clean? Are you serious? No
way. You got your contacts in?
REFEREE
Watch it Larry.
33.
LARRY
Watch it? Are you kidding me? You
missed the fucking call.
The referee blows his whistle and issues a technical foul.
STAN (O.S.)
Now Larry Wilder has just been issued
a technical foul.
BILL (O.S.)
That's a tough one. Playing great
though. Obviously frustrated he
didn't get that call but he's not
one to stay hot for long.
Coach Sprigss signals for a timeout.
Larry continues to jaw at the referee.
LARRY
That's a bullshit call. A bullshit
call.
BILL (O.S.)
But he's not calming down. Still
jawing.
His teammates come over and separate him from the referee.
REFEREE
Cool it Larry. You're not getting
thrown out of this one.
STAN (O.S.)
Certainly uncharacteristic of Larry
Wilder.
LARRY
That was a bullshit call.
His teammates continue to move him towards the bench.
LARRY (CONT'D)
Bullshit.
Genres:
["Sports","Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
14 -
The Mysterious Game of Psi
EXT. STRIP MALL - PARKING LOT - EVENING - FLASHBACK
4.5 Months before Santo's Suicide
As the sun sets, Marcus sits in a parked vehicle in front of
a storefront. The adjacent stores are all closed, but this
one, 'Geeks R Us', remains open.
34.
Marcus exits the vehicle wearing a backpack and enters the
store carrying a single ordinary grocery bag with contents
unknown.
INT. GEEKS R US - CONTINUOUS
The TECH STORE GUY (30's), glasses, unkempt hair, generally
geeky - looks up from behind the counter.
TECH STORE GUY
How can I help you?
MARCUS
I have an electronic console and I
need you to tell me what it's used
for.
TECH STORE GUY
Alright. Is that it?
He points to Marcus' bag.
MARCUS
Yes.
Tech story guy gestures for the device.
Marcus approaches the desk and places the bag on the counter.
The tech guy's eyes go to Marcus' hands as he reaches in and
pulls out:
The Game of Psi Console - A healthy-sized electronic console,
similar in appearance to a PS5. Thin, tall (for a console),
the only marking on the otherwise black computational device
is a golden etching of the word 'PSI'.
MARCUS (CONT'D)
What do you think?
TECH STORE GUY
Hmm. This is kinda cool. Never seen
anything quite like it. If you wanted
to know it's end use I'd really need
to take a closer look.
Marcus nods.
MARCUS
That's fine.
INT. GEEKS R US - LATER
Marcus sits in the waiting area of the store on a chair. A
light remains on, but the sign out front reads closed.
35.
The Tech Store Guy comes out of the back room.
TECH STORE GUY
Alright. Come on.
He ushers Marcus into the back of the store.
INT. BACK ROOM - CONTINUOUS
Marcus and Tech Store Guy walk into the back of the store
where various computers, consoles, phones, etc. are in parts
scattered across the counter and table surfaces that fill
the room.
TECH STORE GUY
Can I ask where you got this?
They approach the Game of Psi console, on a table top, plugged
into a flat-screen monitor.
MARCUS
No. You figured out what it does?
TECH STORE GUY
I think so but it doesn't do much.
MARCUS
Show me.
Tech store guy presses the power button on the psi console
and it lights up as the flat screen also springs to life.
The word 'PSI' appears on the screen. Just for a moment.
TECH STORE GUY
I hotwired it for power. Wasn't too
difficult.
The screen is black a moment, then it turns blue and three
human shaped digital avatars appear side by side across the
screen. A white text input box sits at the bottom.
Each avatar rotates on a central axis and is a different
size with different physical features than each of the others.
Each has a number on it's chest. Three numbers; 13, 20 and
33.
MARCUS
What is this?
TECH STORE GUY
(matter of fact)
Three guys rotating on a blue screen.
36.
MARCUS
There must be something else it does.
TECH STORE GUY
I sampled all the numeric inputs 1-
100 here in this text input box.
This works with any of these three
avatar's numbers. Watch.
Tech store guy keys in 13 in the text box. Enter.
A new box of text appears: 'Error: Game not in progress.
Enhancement can not occur.'
MARCUS
(reading)
Error: Game not in progress.
Enhancement can not occur?
Tech store guy keys in 20 next. The same error message
appears.
TECH STORE GUY
I'm guessing there's another
technology or software that this is
meant to pair with but I really don't
know.
MARCUS
Do you have something to write with?
TECH STORE GUY
Sure.
He grabs a pen and pad off a nearby counter top and hands it
to Marcus.
TECH STORE GUY (CONT'D)
If you can figure out how to get the
'game in progress' it's probably a
different story.
Marcus jots down: '13 / 20 / 33' on the pad, then quickly
rips the piece of paper out of the pad, folds it and puts it
in his pocket.
TECH STORE GUY (CONT'D)
No easy way to connect software
though. Very, very weird if you-
MARCUS
(stern)
Hey.
Tech story guy quiets down.
37.
MARCUS (CONT'D)
Shut up.
Marcus holds out the backpack.
MARCUS (CONT'D)
Put the console in the bag and don't
tell nobody about this.
Genres:
["Crime","Thriller","Mystery"]
Ratings
Scene
15 -
Mind Control Concerns
INT. FBI - SELENA'S DESK - MORNING - PRESENT
PRESENT
Selena works at her desk. Jason approaches.
JASON
How is that you're always here before
me?
SELENA
I get here on time.
JASON
Well I'm here now so catch me up.
SELENA
The intel came back on Dr. Brown.
JASON
Do tell.
SELENA
Very impressive guy. A Military
doctor. Reached the rank of captain.
Studied at Harvard. Very wealthy
though records show no consistent
practice of medicine to account for
it. He was very good friends with
Henry Waters though so perhaps money
just wasn't something he worried
about. He also served three seasons
as the team physician for the Los
Angeles Storm, the three years they
won ABL Championships.
JASON
He was the team physician? For
Santo's team?
SELENA
Courtside at every game for 3
championships. Retired at the end
of last season
38.
JASON
Fleeing the scene perhaps? Does he
still work?
SELENA
Not that I could find. No books, or
philanthropy work. Very rich. Very
secluded. But I would find it weird
if he was that close to both Henry
Waters and the storm franchise and
he knew nothing about this.
JASON
So what's the plan?
SELENA
If something is off and he knows it,
he might be motivated to try and
clean things up. If we wait and
watch we might be able to catch him
with his hand in the cookie jar.
Then we have the leverage to find
out what we need to find out.
JASON
Good. I like it.
SELENA
There's more. I was doing some
statistical analysis.
She pulls out a sheet of basketball statistics for Santo
Kasper and Larry Wilder.
SELENA (CONT'D)
Santo Kasper and Larry Wilder were
two of three 'pillars' of the Storm
dynasty. Santo Kasper was going to
be 35 next month. In his 14th season
he was playing statistically the
best ball of his life.
She points to his career PPG listed by Season. The last
row, his current season, shows a total of 24.9.
SELENA (CONT'D)
24.9 points per game this season.
That's against a 21.7 career average.
It's significant. His last 3 games
before his death he hit 40, 40 and
45. This very well could be the
effects of the mind control.
39.
JASON
If this is all true and Santo had
one of these devices in him and it
was making him play better, why would
he be the only one?
SELENA
Well that's exactly what I found
next. Enter Larry Wilder.
She switches sheets to Larry's statistics.
SELENA (CONT'D)
Larry was not averaging career highs,
but he came off the bench this year
whereas in the past he started.
Recently, there's been a correlation
between Larry coming off the bench
and scoring big in tandem with big
nights from Santo. Check out these
box scores.
She shows him a couple of nights where Larry scored 22, 28,
and 24 next to Santo scoring 32, 39, and 29.
JASON
When Santo excelled so did Larry.
SELENA
Which would make sense if they're
being controlled because if someone
is going to the trouble of
manipulating these athletes, it's
bound to be about as easy to control
two of them as one. But then...
JASON
What?
SELENA
If Larry has a BCI in him like Santo,
one of the side effects was psychosis.
Larry's in just as much trouble as
Santo was.
Genres:
["Crime","Mystery","Thriller","Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
16 -
The Last Defense
INT. STORM PRACTICE FACILITY
The Storm players are split between warm-up stretches and
shooting around.
Selena and Jason stand in the corner with Coach Spriggs. He
points out the shortest basketball player out there - Larry.
He sports number 13.
40.
COACH SPRIGGS
That's Larry over there.
Larry shoots and makes consecutive threes while they watch.
JASON
Great shot.
COACH SPRIGGS
It's not a fluke. He's one of the
best shooters I've ever coached.
SELENA
Would it be helpful to talk to anyone
else?
She watches Larry shoot and swish another three.
COACH SPRIGGS
Larry was the only one here who really
knew Santo on a deep level. They
were best friends. Mind me asking
what you're investigating here?
Santo died by suicide.
Jason stares blankly. Selena chides in.
SELENA
Special request of the Governor.
Such an important figure, we're making
sure nothings out of place.
COACH SPRIGGS
Hmm. Okay.
SELENA
Is it okay to steal Larry for a little
while.
COACH SPRIGGS
Of course. Ask him to take you to
the film room.
INT. STORM PRACTICE FACILITY - FILM ROOM - MOMENTS LATER
The room has a large screen and a projector that hangs from
the ceiling. Large comfortable chairs fill the room.
Chairs have been rearranged in a way that Selena and Jason
face Larry while they talk.
JASON
...It's standard procedure.
(MORE)
41.
JASON (CONT'D)
Something so unexpected happens with
a public figure as respected and
well known as Santo, we need to cover
the bases on our end.
LARRY
Understood. Yeah, I'm happy to talk
with ya'll. Just a warning though
I've been feeling a little emotional
though so if I seem tense, you know
it's nothing personal.
SELENA
Can you tell us a little about your
friendship with Santo.
LARRY
(somber)
Santo was my best friend. He was my
brother. I just...I can't believe he
killed himself.
SELENA
Why?
LARRY
Because everyone who knew him loved
him, and to Santo that was the most
important thing. To love, and to be
loved. But yeah...we were best
friends. Talked on the phone every
day. Best men at each-other's
weddings.
SELENA
And...how would you characterize
Santo's mental health? Was he stable?
LARRY
As long as I knew him he was a rock.
Mentally, physically. He kept to a
small circle but he was a supportive
figure for everyone in it.
JASON
So his death is a complete surprise,
then?
LARRY
Well...not a complete surprise.
He'd been struggling the last month
or so.
42.
JASON
Just this last month?
Larry nods.
JASON (CONT'D)
But other than that you always knew
him to be mentally strong?
Larry nods again.
SELENA
Can you tell us what was different
this past month?
LARRY
Yeah, it didn't start out as much.
Larry pauses and looks around a little paranoid.
LARRY (CONT'D)
It's kind of hard to explain. You
need some background.
SELENA
What kind of background?
Larry scoots forward and rolls up his sleeve. His arm is
completely covered in tattoos but he points to one
specifically.
LARRY
You need to know about this.
Jason leans forward and examines the tattoo.
JASON
(reading)
'The Last Defense'. What's that?
He takes a moment to collect himself.
LARRY
Ok. So there was a game early in
Santo's and my first championship
season. We were down 14 points with
about three and a half minutes left
in the game. We were on our way to
losing and we all knew it.
The sound of a crowd cheering grows in the background.
CUT TO:
43.
Genres:
null
Ratings
Scene
17 -
The Game-Winning Shot
INT. PROFESSIONAL BASKETBALL STADIUM
The downtrodden Storm are on defense. The body language of
some of the players betrays fatigue.
SANTO
(barking)
Let's go men. Here we are. Earn it
now.
LARRY (V.O.)
Santo always had what I'd call an
aura about him. A presence. So did
Ron Ball. He was our two time MVP.
But on this particular night...
The ball handler passes to the wing to Santo's guy. The
offensive player charges towards the basket and goes up for
a layup.
Santo charges in stride with him and leaps in tandem, swatting
the lay-up attempt emphatically away from the rim and into
the hands of a Storm teammate.
LARRY (CONT'D)
Santo must have felt what it is to
be a God.
INT. PROFESSIONAL BASKETBALL STADIUM - MOMENTS LATER
On the offensive end of the floor, Ron dribbles in the post.
LARRY (V.O.)
I was never as good as Santo and Ron
but the team counted on me in big
minutes. I remember being nervous
this night. I don't know why.
Ron passes the ball out to Santo who dribbles between his
legs.
LARRY (CONT'D)
But then all of a sudden, I just
felt this...enlightenment... come
over me. And I felt powerful.
Santo drives to the basket as Ron sets a pick up top for
Larry to run around.
RON
Go Larry. Move.
Larry runs around the screen and catches the kick-out pass
from the driving Santo.
44.
LARRY (V.O.)
Really powerful.
Larry fires a line-drive dart 3-point attempt at the basket
and it barely moves the net on it's way down.
Larry starts to jog back down the floor. He's feeling it.
LARRY (O.S.) (CONT'D)
And clear. Like I would never need
to sleep again.
MONTAGE:
Santo swats another offensive shot attempt.
LARRY (V.O.) (CONT'D)
We rolled from there.
Ron dunks the ball and gets a foul called. He pumps his
fists and screams with the fans.
LARRY (V.O.) (CONT'D)
The energy was contagious. We held
them every possession on defense.
On the defensive end it's now Ron's turn to swat a shot
attempt into the stands.
LARRY (V.O.) (CONT'D)
On offense we couldn't miss.
Larry pulls up for a mid range jumper and sinks it.
Santo backs down his defender and turns for a sweet turnaround
jumper that hits nothing but net.
Santo and Larry work the give and go to perfection, with
Santo receiving Larry's pass and slamming it home with
emphasis.
LARRY (V.O.) (CONT'D)
All of a sudden it was our ball.
Tied. 12 seconds left.
Santo dribbles up top, sizing up the smaller defender.
LARRY (V.O.) (CONT'D)
This was usually Ron's time to shine.
But Santo, as I said, he wasn't human
that night.
Santo begins to inch towards the basket, still dribbling
between his legs.
45.
He makes a hard drive right, all the while the defender
holding a line and forcing him out to the right wing. As he
approaches the corner he confidently turns and rises for the
off-balance baseline fadeaway.
LARRY (V.O.) (CONT'D)
I'll never forget that shot.
Time slows for the ball to fly through the air towards the
basket.
LARRY (V.O.) (CONT'D)
Santo had hit game winners. But
this? This was sick. This was
premeditative.
Time returns to normal speed. Swish. The crowd goes wild.
Santo raises his arms to the sky for a moment before he is
tackled to the ground and covered by loving teammates.
Genres:
["Sports","Drama","Thriller"]
Ratings
Scene
18 -
The Last Defense
INT. PROFESSIONAL BASKETBALL STADIUM - COURTSIDE - MOMENTS
LATER
The players shake hands and exchange well-wishes on the court.
LARRY (V.O.)
After the game I walk up to Santo...
Larry and Santo shake and hug.
LARRY (CONT'D)
You were feeling it.
Santo smiles.
SANTO
Never been in a zone like that.
Larry chuckles.
LARRY
Alright brother. I'll see you in
the locker room.
They bump fists and Larry turns and starts walking away.
SANTO
Hey Larry!
Larry stops and turns. Santo approaches and lowers his voice.
SANTO (CONT'D)
You felt it too right?
46.
LARRY
Felt what?
SANTO
The energy. It was different tonight.
Wasn't it? I mean maybe it was just
me but-
Larry shrugs.
LARRY
Maybe that's just what winning feels
like.
Santo laughs.
SANTO
If winning's the drug I'm high on
it.
LARRY
Feels good.
SANTO
You know why we won though?
Larry shakes his head.
SANTO (CONT'D)
We stood up for ourselves. They
came for our pride and you know what
the last defense is when they come
for your pride? That feeling is you
and me. You and me. When they come
for our pride, we are the last
defense.
CUT TO:
INT. STORM PRACTICE FACILITY - FILM ROOM - CONTINUOUS
Selena listens with eyes wide.
LARRY
The last defense is what saved us
when we would have been beat. The
feeling of power. The will to win.
I always thought it was just some
kind of zone we'd both get into. A
delusion of our minds... but between
him and I there was a bit of real
weight to it.
47.
SELENA
So what does this imply about Santo's
mental health?
LARRY
Well, I understood that the last
defense was ultimately just a
superstition. Even if we both felt
it, and I acknowledge that I did,
that didn't mean there was a good
explanation. It was just good vibes
of the highest level to me. No big
deal. But in the month before he
died, Santo became convinced it was
more than that.
SELENA
You felt it too though?
LARRY
Look he thought someone was doing
something to us and that's why we
felt that way. He thought someone
was doing something to us to make us
play better. It was crazy. It didn't
make sense.
SELENA
What did you do when he told you
this?
LARRY
I told him if he really thought that
maybe he should go to the doctor.
So he did.
JASON
Do you know what the doctor told
him?
LARRY
He said Santo might be experiencing
symptoms of mental illness and
prescribed him some pills. I don't
really know the specifics, just that
he was taking the pills.
Genres:
["Drama","Mystery","Sports"]
Ratings
Scene
19 -
The Notepad's Clues
EXT. PARKING LOT
Selena and Jason walk to their vehicle.
SELENA
The last defense must have been Larry
and Santo somehow gaining a sense of
(MORE)
48.
SELENA (CONT'D)
the mind control. That would mean
Larry has a BCI in him too.
JASON
The Storm are a subpar team this
season. If someone is trying to
enhance their players with brain
technology aren't they failing?
SELENA
Maybe not.
They reach their vehicle and get in.
INT. GOVERNMENT SUV - CONTINUOUS
Selena addresses Jason from the driver's seat.
SELENA
Look at the last 4 seasons. Santo
won 3 championships in a row. This
year, he's overperformed against an
already very strong career statistical
record. His overperformance could
be caused by the mind control as
could his sudden death. And it's
true they aren't winning this year
like the years before but if Larry
is playing well now someone could be
exploiting him for financial gain
through the betting markets.
JASON
You think someone's betting on him
specifically?
SELENA
I think whoever's at the controls'
motive may have shifted. From winning
games to winning bets. It's not
about rings anymore.
INT. CASINO - FRONT DESK - FLASHBACK
3 months before Santo's suicide
Marcus stands before the front desk of the upscale casino.
It isn't busy and there's no one currently at the desk.
Marcus rings the bell. A Staff Member (40), professional
attire, comes out from the back room.
49.
MARCUS
Checking in.
FRONT DESK PERSON
Absolutely. And do you have a
reservation?
MARCUS
Yes. Under Benson.
FRONT DESK PERSON
Benson.
He types.
FRONT DESK PERSON (CONT'D)
Marcus?
Marcus nods.
FRONT DESK PERSON (CONT'D)
I see you'll be staying in our
presidential suite. Excellent choice.
INT. PENTHOUSE - MAIN ROOM - MOMENTS LATER
Sitting on a large leather couch that faces a huge flat screen
TV, Marcus opens his backpack and pulls out his laptop,
setting it on the coffee table before him.
He pulls something out of his pocket. It's the notepad from
the Geek's R Us shop. The numbers 13/20/33 are smudged but
remain.
He sets the notepad next to the laptop and opens a browser.
Typing into the search engine he keys in the words: 'Los
Angeles Storm Current Roster', then hits enter.
The results appear.
He opens a list of players on the active Storm Roster. His
mouse moves quickly to the players jersey numbers. He runs
his mouse down the list, stopping at 13, then running his
mouse to the associated name: Larry Wilder.
He looks to the notepad. Two numbers remain, 20 and 33.
He continues to run his mouse along the numbers. He finds
33. The name attached: Santo Kasper.
He does not see a #20 anywhere.
MARCUS
No number 20.
50.
He types into the search bar again. Los Angeles Storm.
Number 20. Results populate the screen.
He runs his mouse across the words of the search engines
profile of 'Ron Ball. Former Professional Athlete.'
'3-time ABL Champion.' '2-time MVP'. 'Retired'.
MARCUS (CONT'D)
Retired.
Marcus wipes the sweat from his brow.
MARCUS (CONT'D)
Two out of three.
Genres:
null
Ratings
Scene
20 -
The Game Changer
INT. PENTHOUSE SUITE - MAIN ROOM - MOMENTS LATER
Marcus paces in front of the television, breathing heavily
and sweating.
He finally settles himself on the couch facing the flat
screen. He powers on the television.
In front of him on a table are the game of psi console and
the laptop it is plugged into.
MARCUS
Alright.
He reaches out for the game of psi console. He presses the
button in the center and the device lights up all over.
A blue light at the top of the devices antenna begins to
flash on and off a few times before turning to a steady blue
glow.
He opens the laptop now too. The game of psi software runs
on the screen.
He picks up the television remote and powers on the
television.
The storm game has started. There are 6 minutes remaining
in the first quarter. The Storm trail the Thunder by 13
already. 25-12.
The commentators are heard saying:
COMMENTATOR 1
An inauspicious start for the storm,
who look a little shell shocked here
early.
51.
Santo Kasper dribbles up court. He passes to his wingman
who passes back. Santo begins to back down his defender.
The defender's quick hands poke the ball free and the defender
recovers the ball for the steal.
COMMENTATOR 2
Kasper backing down his defender...and
it's poked loose for a steal. Wow,
you know the game started 10 minutes
ago but I don't think anyone told
the Storm.
Marcus presses mute on the remote and the sound of the
broadcast disappears.
Marcus turns his attention back to the laptop. A window
pops up: 'Game in Progress. Proceed to Game Mode Y/N?'
Marcus keys in Y. The screen goes black for a minute, then
a new window opens.
The 3 Avatars appear. Side-by-side, the numbers 13, 20, and
33 appear on their chests.
At the bottom of the screen is a box to input text.
A new prompt: 'Select athlete for enhancement'. Marcus keys
in '33'.
The number 33 avatar comes forward and gives way to a new
screen:
On this screen, an avatar of the body of Santo Kasper sits
along the right side of the screen. Metrics of vital signs
to include heart rate, brain waves and hormone levels are
also found on the screen.
A meter labeled from 1-100 fills the middle of the screen.
It is empty. Below it, another text box.
'Select enhancement level, 1-100'.
Marcus keys in '50' and hits enter. The meter fills half
way.
A new prompt reads: 'Enhancement Commencing'.
Santo's on-screen hormone level's begin to dramatically spike
as does his brain activity.
MARCUS
What the hell?
He picks up the remote and unmutes the TV. The Storm are on
defense now.
52.
Santo Kasper guards the Thunder point guard at the top of
the key.
COMMENTATOR 1 (O.S.)
Thunder ball now. Up 15 early and
the Storm need a spark.
Sitting upright on the couch Marcus' gaze shifts to the
software running on his laptop. Zooming in towards the
floating avatar, it begins to flash in place before a light
comes on in the back of the avatar's (Santo's) head.
Floating through the neural pathways of Santo's brain,
flickering bursts of energy come on abruptly and continue to
gain in intensity.
Genres:
["Thriller","Sci-Fi","Sports"]
Ratings
Scene
21 -
The Veteran's Triumph
INT. STORM ARENA - CONTINUOUS
The arena is mostly filled but most are seated and quiet,
waiting for something to cheer for.
Santo defends his man closely. The offensive ball player
dribbles between his legs cockily, staring down Santo.
BALL HANDLER
Whatchu want this Kasper? You want
this?
Time slows:
The sound of Santo's heart beat, in slow motion. Though it
beats slowly, the pace begins to quicken. Bah Bum, Bah Bum.
Bahbum. Bahbum. Bahbum.
Santo's eyes widen and for a brief second we see a flicker
of electricity/a glow in his eyes. It comes and goes quickly.
Then returns and goes another time just as fast.
Return to normal speed:
BALL HANDLER (CONT'D)
You're too old.
Santo swats at the ball. He almost gets it but the quick
offensive player dribbles between his legs, then bursts
towards the basket.
Santo follows and the player is cut off by Santo's superior
speed. The offensive player throws the ball out to the corner
and continues to run across the court to the opposite wing.
Santo follows.
The offense swings the ball around the three point line.
From the corner, to the top of the key, to the other corner.
Santo finds himself on defense again.
53.
BALL HANDLER (CONT'D)
You still here?
Santo swats again. The ball is pulled away at the last
moment.
BALL HANDLER (CONT'D)
Gotta be fast.
The arrogant ball handler dribbles between his legs a moment
more then darts again towards the basket. Santo's HEARTBEAT
grows faster. Bahbum. Bahbum.
Time slows:
A step past Santo, the offensive player runs towards the
basket and leaps up with the ball in hand. Santo pursues
step for step and takes off just a moment after him.
The ball handler hangs in the air and cocks the ball back.
BAHBUM. BAHBUM. BAHBUM.
Santo's muscles swell as he swipes down at the now cock backed
basketball in the offensive players hand.
Smack! Santo makes contact with the basketball and knocks
it from the grasp of the airborne opponent.
Return to Normal Speed:
The offensive player's empty hand contacts the rim and it
rattles. Santo collects the loose ball and passes it out on
the outlet as the crowd perks up a bit.
SANTO
(to ball handler)
Too old? That's what you said?
The ball handler can do nothing but shrug sheepishly and
chuckle.
SANTO (CONT'D)
You ain't never gonna be old enough.
Genres:
["Sports","Action","Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
22 -
Santo's Dunk
INT. CASINO - PENTHOUSE - CONTINUOUS
Marcus watches the two men jaw at each other on the
television.
Turning back to the open laptop, he clicks a button that
says: 'Enhancement Level (+/-)'. The 1-100 meter appears
again.
54.
Marcus keys in '75'. Again, the on screen metrics of Santo's
avatar begin to grow more active. The meter fills another
20 percent.
INT. STORM ARENA - ON COURT - CONTINUOUS
Santo stands on the wing, Larry dribbles at the top of the
key.
SANTO
Larry!
Santo whistles.
SANTO (CONT'D)
Yoohoo!
Santo nods at Larry who slings a bounce pass into Santo's
possession. Santo begins to size up the ball handler turned
defender.
The defender refuses to back down. Now it's his turn to
swat unsuccessfully. Santo turns his back and keeps the
ball an arms length away from him.
Santo breaks towards the basket, then pulls back behind the
three point line with an impossible crossover. The defender
falls down. The crowd reigns down 'ooos'.
Seeing the defender fallen, Santo looks up and sees just the
center between him and the basket.
He takes off towards the basket.
Time slows:
Santo Leaps a good 8 feet from the basket as the center
attempts to slide into the right position to draw a charge.
Santo reaches out with the ball in his right hand and slams
home a vicious dunk.
Return to normal speed:
He hangs on the rim afterwards with his midsection dangling
on top of the baffled center's shoulders and head.
Santo lands on the floor as the opposing coach calls timeout.
He steps out further onto the court and raises his hands to
the sky beckoning the crowd for cheers. The crowd responds.
SANTO (CONT'D)
Let's go! Lets go!
55.
INT. CASINO - PENTHOUSE - CONTINUOUS
Marcus continues to watch the television in amazement.
MARCUS
It's a game.
Marcus can do nothing but grin and shake his head in reluctant
disbelief.
INT. CASINO - SPORTSBOOK
Marcus sits cloaked in shadow amongst the sparsely occupied
sports book lounge. A dozen television screens show sports
in front of him.
Raul, his fellow gang member from the earlier heist, arrives
at the lounge. Marcus spots him and rises to greet his
beloved friend.
MARCUS
Raul.
RAUL
Como esta papi?
MARCUS
Muy bien hermano.
They embrace.
INT. SPORTSBOOK - LATER
Marcus and Raul sit side by side at a counter top, drinking
as they take in a basketball game.
RAUL
(Spanish with English
subtitles, fascinated)
It's a mind control device?
MARCUS
(Spanish)
Yes and it works perfectly.
RAUL
(Spanish)
What does this mean?
MARCUS
(Spanish)
It means I'm going to be rich. I'll
have more money than I ever had in
Los Angeles. I can do this as long
as these men keep playing.
56.
RAUL
(Spanish)
Are you sure it's safe?
MARCUS
(Spanish)
Why wouldn't it be. And who cares
anyway. This thing can take me to a
better life.
He takes in ABL action on the screens in front of him.
Raul sips his drink.
RAUL
(Spanish)
I can't stay here long. I have
responsibilities at home.
Scene
23 -
Double Down: A Night of Deception and Danger
INT. CASINO - LATER
Marcus plays blackjack with Raul. Raul has many high value
chips, Marcus has few.
A visibly intoxicated Marcus points at his old friend.
MARCUS
(to the dealer)
What does this guy know that I don't?
The dealer chuckles.
DEALER
All the luck of the cards.
A Waitress, ANDREA (early 20's), petite, very pretty
approaches him.
ANDREA
Would you like a drink?
MARCUS
What I would like-
He turns and locks eyes with the waitress.
MARCUS (CONT'D)
Yes, I'd like a drink.
57.
ANDREA
(chuckling)
Okay. What kind?
MARCUS
Martini on the rocks.
ANDREA
Okay, I'll be right back with that.
MARCUS
Wait, wait.
DEALER
Sir, you need to place a bet.
MARCUS
(in spanish)
Raul, watch my chips.
Marcus stands from the table.
ANDREA
Do you want a drink or not?
MARCUS
No, no it's not that it's just.
Your eyes remind me of my mother's.
I've never seen such a...I'm sorry
what I mean is, why don't you let me
get you a drink?
ANDREA
That's a very cute line but...I have
a boyfriend.
Marcus smiles curtly.
MARCUS
No you don't.
ANDREA
Alright I don't. But I work until 6
am.
MARCUS
I'm not doing anything at 6 am.
ANDREA
So you're saying you'd wait that
long, to have a drink with me?
MARCUS
I'd wait longer.
58.
INT. BOROWITZ OFFICE - EVENING - PRESENT
PRESENT
Jason and Selena seated across from Borowitz.
BOROWITZ
Dr. Steven Brown landed last night
in Los Angeles.
Borowitz passes documents across the desk that Selena and
Jason observe.
BOROWITZ (CONT'D)
He was photographed shortly afterward
exchanging this briefcase of cash
with a high ranking military officer-
Photos show at least a couple hundred grand.
BOROWITZ (CONT'D)
-in exchange for a military ID. We
think he's planning to use it to
gain access to military assets at
Los Angeles air force base. He's
been in the vicinity of the base all
day and we think he's scoping it
out.
More photographs of Dr. Brown in a car outside LA Air Force
Base.
BOROWITZ (CONT'D)
You'll need to head him off
immediately.
EXT. MILITARY BASE - ENTRANCE - NIGHT
The SUV driven by Selena skids to a stop about 20 yards away
from the security checkpoint entrance.
Selena and Jason quickly exit the vehicle and walk up to the
ARMED GUARD (20's) fully armed and uniformed, at the security
checkpoint, badges held in view.
ARMED GUARD
Can I help you?
SELENA
Federal Agents. Your bases security
has been compromised. We're going
to need your cooperation.
59.
INT. MILITARY BASE- SATELLITE CONTROL FACILITY
Dr. Brown quietly enters the vacant facility. All the lights
are off. He holds a flashlight.
He approaches and sits at a control panel. Shining the
flashlight there is a keyboard and monitor built into the
panel.
The doctor plugs in a flash drive and the monitor springs to
life.
'Enter Passcode'.
The doctor keys in a lengthy passcode from memory.
The monitor responds with: 'Locating Satellite' ... 'Satellite
Located'...'Connecting to Satellite'... '1% complete' ...
'2% complete'.
A security camera in the corner of the room points directly
at him.
Genres:
["Thriller","Mystery","Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
24 -
Satellite Breach and Hidden Past
INT. MILITARY BASE - SECURITY CHECKPOINT BUILDING
The Armed Guard enters the small security facility, followed
by Selena and Jason.
The television screen that shows the doctor remains unnoticed
by them, sitting in the bottom corner of a wall of television
screens that show security footage from around the base.
ARMED GUARD
If something's off we'll see it here.
SELENA
(to guard)
Anything out of the ordinary?
The guard scans the screens and surveys the many scenes
happening across the base. Few people are awake at this
hour. He spots the light of Dr. Brown's flashlight in the
satellite control facility.
ARMED GUARD
That can't be right.
He calls to CAMERA ROOM GUARD, sitting in a chair in the
corner of the room.
ARMED GUARD (CONT'D)
Is anyone supposed to be in satellite
control?
His idle compatriot stands and looks at the security footage.
60.
CAMERA ROOM GUARD
(into walkie talkie)
Security personnel please respond.
We have an unauthorized entrant in
satellite control.
INT. MILITARY BASE - SATELLITE CONTROL FACILITY
The doctor taps the counter in front of him anxiously as the
satellite connection finally commences. The monitor reads:
'99%' ... '100%'... 'Link established' ... 'Enter Function
Key'.
Dr. Brown types something and hits enter.
The monitor reads: 'Locating Device,'. Dr. Brown looks
satisfied.
BANG! The door to the room bursts open and a squad of
security personnel storm the room, guns drawn.
SECURITY SQUAD TEAM LEADER
Put your hands up! Straight up!
Now!
The squad runs towards him but Dr. Brown does not freeze.
He disconnects the flash drive and smashes it with his foot.
The monitor reads: 'Link Terminated'.
The security personnel grab the doctor, slam him down onto
the control panel, and slap handcuffs on his wrists.
INT. CASINO PENTHOUSE - BEDROOM - FLASHBACK
1 month before Santo's Suicide
Andrea sleeps in the bed of the master bedroom alone. She
stirs and sits up.
ANDREA
Marcus?
Marcus appears at the door of the bathroom wrapped in a towel.
MARCUS
Good morning.
ANDREA
You're up early?
He shrugs and proceeds to dress. She looks to the clock and
it's only 8 am.
61.
ANDREA (CONT'D)
A friend of mine and her boyfriend
wanted to meet us for dinner. Are
you free?
MARCUS
I'm busy tonight.
ANDREA
(skeptical)
I just want to meet you for dinner
with some friends. You can't
reschedule?
MARCUS
I'm attending an event.
ANDREA
(agitated)
That's pretty vague.
MARCUS
I didn't schedule the event.
ANDREA
(raising voice)
It's not even about that. I can't
ever get a straight answer out of
you.
MARCUS
Oh please. What do you want from
me?
ANDREA
I want to know who you are, Marcus.
We spend all this time together, we
sleep together, we talk, it's all a
ton of fun. But I have no idea who
you are. You're keeping me at arms
length.
A beat.
MARCUS
My past is complicated.
ANDREA
We all have baggage.
Andrea approaches Marcus. She caresses his cheek with her
hand.
62.
ANDREA (CONT'D)
Marcus this is getting real. I feel
strongly for you and I know you feel
it too. But if you can't start to
let me in this is going to go nowhere.
MARCUS
(somber)
Okay. Let's go to dinner tonight.
But, just you and me.
ANDREA
Yeah? Okay. We can do that.
They kiss.
ANDREA (CONT'D)
I'm here for you Marcus. Whatever
you're dealing with, I can deal with
it too.
Genres:
["Thriller","Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
25 -
The Secret Gift
INT. FANCY RESTAURANT - EVENING
Marcus sits alone, dressed in a formal suit, at a table set
for two. The chique restaurant is buzzing, but Marcus' table
has a good amount of space between him and the next nearest
table.
Andrea approaches from behind in a dress.
Marcus turns around and his expression softens as he takes
in Andrea looking her best.
Marcus stands.
MARCUS
You look beautiful.
He kisses her on the cheek. They sit.
MARCUS (CONT'D)
I have something for you.
He digs in his suit pocket and pulls out a small square
jewelry box.
MARCUS (CONT'D)
Here.
He sets it in front of Andrea. She smiles cautiously.
MARCUS (CONT'D)
Open it. Please.
Andrea opens the case and finds diamond earrings inside.
63.
ANDREA
Marcus, they're beautiful.
She proceeds to put in the diamond earrings.
She grabs his hand.
ANDREA (CONT'D)
They're beautiful.
Marcus smiles back at her.
ANDREA (CONT'D)
Listen Marcus I didn't mean to upset
you this morning. I said what I
said because it seems like we're
crazy about each other and yet I
hardly know you. I'm not getting any
younger. I need to know if you're
ever going to let me in?
MARCUS
I want to. But it's going to be
hard.
ANDREA
It doesn't have to be. Let's just
start with something simple. All
this money you have. Where does it
come from? I know what these earrings
cost. How did you pay for this?
MARCUS
Andrea...
For a moment Marcus says nothing, though the nearly acquired
wrinkles and tired eyes say he has seen the world over in
just the past few months.
MARCUS (CONT'D)
As long as I've known you I have
concealed a great secret. I've wanted
to share it but it's not a normal
secret.
ANDREA
Are you sure you want to tell me?
MARCUS
What you've said about your feelings,
my feelings. It's very true. I
don't like to acknowledge it but
you're becoming special to me.
64.
ANDREA
What is it Marcus? What's your
secret?
MARCUS
It's something I can't really tell
you. You need to see for yourself.
Genres:
["Drama","Romance"]
Ratings
Scene
26 -
The Price of Victory
INT. PENTHOUSE - EVENING
Andrea sits on the couch with Marcus standing a few feet
away.
In her hands are a large number of winning sports betting
tickets.
ANDREA
You won all this money?
A look of confusion.
ANDREA (CONT'D)
So...you're a sports bettor? That's
what you wanted to tell me?
Marcus is silent.
ANDREA (CONT'D)
Marcus?
MARCUS
Look carefully at those tickets.
You'll notice they're all from the
same team. The same players. The
same types of bets. Over and over.
Andrea looks through the betting receipts.
ANDREA
The Storm. Santo Kasper. Okay. So
what?
MARCUS
Lots of large scale live spread bets.
On the storm. Here.
He grabs the handful of tickets.
MARCUS (CONT'D)
Santo Kasper to score 30+ and Storm
to win. +1700. Santo scored 38 and
the storm won by 6. Cash out 32
thousand.
65.
ANDREA
I don't understand what you're saying.
Marcus reads another.
MARCUS
Storm live moneyline. Down 20 in
the 2nd quarter. +1950 to win. The
storm came back and won by 2. I
cashed out 77 thousand.
ANDREA
Those are really long odds. How did
you-
MARCUS
I didn't win this money.
On the table in front of them, Santo pulls a shirt off of
the plugged in Game of Psi console.
ANDREA
What is that?
MARCUS
This is my secret. It's a piece of
technology I acquired a few months
ago. I don't know how it does what
it does but I can show you.
Marcus powers on the device. He also turns on the television.
A storm game in progress.
The screen with the three avatars appears on his computer.
MARCUS (CONT'D)
These three men-
He points to the three avatars.
MARCUS (CONT'D)
Correspond to real men on this team.
Only two of them still play but when
power up this meter-
He turns up Santo Kasper's avatar on the computer screen to
90 and turns the sound on the TV. 'Enhancement commencing'.
MARCUS (CONT'D)
It somehow makes them play better.
The computer displays: 'Enhancement commencing' and Santo's
vitals and biometrics begin to flucuate.
66.
MARCUS (CONT'D)
I've set it to 90. That's quite
high. You'll see an immediate
response.
ANDREA
You're joking with me.
He picks up the remote and unmutes the TV.
MARCUS
Watch.
The commentators call the game on the TV.
STAN (O.S.)
(on TV)
We've got a good one here in the
third. The storm trail by 2.
ANDREA
Marcus, that's completely ridiculous.
MARCUS
Is it?
ANDREA
You don't actually think-
'Enhancement Complete'. The light in the back of Santo's
head on the computer shines brightly.
On the TV: Santo hunkers down and pokes the ball free for a
steal.
STAN
(on the tv)
And it's stolen by Kasper.
Santo has a clear path to slam home an emphatic slam dunk at
the other end.
STAN (CONT'D)
(on the tv)
And he's going to glide in for the
dunk. Man he does have another gear
sometimes doesn't he?
Marcus and Andrea watch the TV. Andrea's mouth is agape.
ANDREA
This must be some kind of trick.
The TV's probably delayed from the
actual event.
67.
MARCUS
No.
Marcus keys in 95 and the enhancement occurs.
On the TV: The other team misses a shot. The rebound comes
to Santo on the outlet who sees daylight and simply outruns
everyone to the other end of the court for another thunderous
slam dunk.
The crowd could not be more juiced.
The opposing coach calls for timeout. Marcus powers off the
TV.
ANDREA
(stunned)
You're telling the truth?
Marcus examines Andrea deathly serious expression closely.
ANDREA (CONT'D)
Marcus?
Marcus sighs.
ANDREA (CONT'D)
(angry)
Where did you get this? Don't lie
to me.
MARCUS
For 6 years before I moved here I
was the leader of a gang in LA. We
robbed mansions and stole this from
the home of Henry Waters. This all
happened just a few months ago.
ANDREA
Henry Waters, the media mogul? He
owned the Storm.
Marcus nods. Andrea is suddenly quite flustered. She stands.
ANDREA (CONT'D)
Oh my god. This is real?
MARCUS
Andrea, please.
ANDREA
Marcus, this is wrong. This is so,
so wrong.
68.
MARCUS
Is it? And how would you be affected
if I stopped? You don't like what
I've given you?
She backs towards the door as Marcus stands in place watching
her.
ANDREA
You've been corrupted by this. I
have to go.
She takes out the earrings he gave her earlier, dropping
them on the floor.
ANDREA (CONT'D)
You can take these back. Bet them on
the Storm to cover. And Marcus...
A stern glare.
ANDREA (CONT'D)
Don't call me. Ever.
She exits.
Marcus picks the diamond earrings off the floor and holds
them in his palm, staring at the closed door.
Genres:
["Drama","Thriller","Sci-Fi"]
Ratings
Scene
27 -
The Dress and the Grief
INT. RESIDENCE OF LARRY WILDER - BEDROOM - NIGHT - PRESENT
PRESENT
Larry sits on the side of his bed with wide eyes, deep in
thought.
His wife, JESS WILDER (30), enters from the adjacent bathroom,
holding two dresses.
JESS
What do you think babe?
Larry startles.
JESS (CONT'D)
Two choices.
LARRY
(plainly)
For what?
JESS
Does it matter? Which one do you
like?
69.
LARRY
I don't know.
JESS
Well look.
LARRY
Not right now, Jess.
JESS
Are you alright?
She sits on the bed next to him.
LARRY
I miss Santo.
JESS
I miss him too. But we've got to
keep living our lives.
Larry looks somewhat perplexed at Jess.
LARRY
What'd you say?
JESS
I said we've got to keep living our
lives. What's wrong Larry?
Larry stands abruptly.
LARRY
What's wrong is I've got a best friend
who shot himself a week ago, but I
don't have a minute to feel sad
because my wife needs my opinion on
what dress she should wear to God
know's what.
JESS
Larry, you don't seem yourself.
LARRY
(raising his voice)
Did you hear what I just said? My
best friend is dead. I'm hurting.
Is that okay? It that okay for me
to hurt?
JESS
It is. But you're not going to yell
at me like that.
She heads to the door.
70.
LARRY
Where are you going?
JESS
I'm going to see Sally. Someone who
loves you, and I and Santo very much
but would be sad to see you in this
state.
She exits leaving Larry alone.
Genres:
["Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
28 -
Dangerous Deal and a Drunk Driver
INT. RESIDENCE OF LARRY WILDER - KITCHEN
In the spacious and modern kitchen of the ABL stars home,
Larry Wilder flicks on the light and heads towards the liquor
cabinet.
Inside he finds a half full bottle of whiskey, which he
proceeds to drink from.
EXT. RESIDENCE OF LARRY WILDER - DRIVEWAY
Larry stumbles out the front door of his home, keys in hand.
He heads for his Bentley parked in the driveway.
A neighbor smoking a cigar on his porch sees Larry stumbling
and rises.
NEIGHBOR
Hey Larry.
Larry continues to try to gain entry to his vehicle.
NEIGHBOR (CONT'D)
Larry! Hey! You okay to drive?
The neighbor heads over to Larry.
NEIGHBOR (CONT'D)
Larry. What's going on? Are you okay?
LARRY
I'm fine.
NEIGHBOR
Hey now it doesn't look like you
should be driving.
LARRY
(angry)
I said I'm fine.
He shoves the neighbor to the ground.
71.
INT. FBI - CONFERENCE ROOM
Dr. Brown's lawyer faces off with Borowitz.
LAWYER
My client wants me to make you an
offer.
BOROWITZ
You've just been caught in violation
of a dozen federal laws. There's
not going to be any offers.
LAWYER
My client has agreed to plead guilty
to unauthorized use of government
property and will serve 27 months.
BOROWITZ
(incredulous)
27 months? I don't think-
LAWYER
I know you don't mess around Jeanette
and I'm not here to waste your time.
In exchange, he will tell you what
you need to know about Santo Kasper.
SELENA
Who said anything about Santo Kasper?
LAWYER
My client has informed me that you
are looking for information related
to the death of Santo Kasper and he
has that information. Now you can
threaten us with all kinds of lengthy
prison sentences, it will not provide
you the facts you need. It's either
yes or it's no.
Genres:
["Drama","Thriller"]
Ratings
Scene
29 -
The Promise of the BCI
INT. FBI - CONFERENCE ROOM - LATER
Dr. Brown is seated at the large round table now, along with
Selena, Jason and Borowitz.
Though the doctor is not handcuffed, the FBI GUARD by the
door prevents him from having any thoughts of escape.
DR BROWN
It started about 18 years ago. I
was approached by Henry Waters and
he gave me an opportunity to work
for him.
(MORE)
72.
DR BROWN (CONT'D)
Before this I'd been just a
neuroscience researcher but Henry
gave me access to his foundations
researchers and asked that I study
ideas related to the intersection of
biology and technology. I simply
thought this was an elaborate way of
Henry saying he wanted to cure
diseases, but I was wrong.
INT. DR. BROWN'S OFFICE
Dr Brown now sits at a counter top sketching the spider web
design that would become a BCI.
DR BROWN (V.O.)
During my first few months with the
foundation I came across what would
secretly become the subject of 14
years of advanced top secret
biomedical research.
Dr. Brown now examines a working prototype of a BCI up close.
DR BROWN (V.O.) (CONT'D)
Based on extrapolations of previous
research models we built the world's
first fully functioning brain computer
interface; an implantable microchip
that could communicate with the brain
and provide valuable insights for
maintaining it's function.
Dr. Brown observes medical imaging that shows various views
of the back of a brain with a very small BCI attached.
DR BROWN (V.O.) (CONT'D)
The potential applications were
immense. The fully developed
applications of this device could
cure cancer, restore sight to the
blind, even reverse paralysis, all
within the coming decade.
Genres:
["Thriller","Sci-Fi","Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
30 -
The Mind Control Experiment
INT. LABORATORY
Dr. Brown enters the lab. It contains a number of soldiers
in chairs with dozens of electrodes attached to their brains
and transmitting the results to nearby monitors.
DR BROWN (V.O.)
But Henry Waters was not out to save
the world.
(MORE)
73.
DR BROWN (V.O.) (CONT'D)
He had thought of a better idea and
he wanted to use it for himself.
Dr. Brown observes the activity on a screen as the soldiers
sit in somber compliance.
DR BROWN (V.O.) (CONT'D)
The devices could record brain
activity, but they could also emit
electrical impulses back to mimic
brain activity. It was something
like mind control and it was Henry's
cup of tea exactly.
INT. RESEARCH FACILITY - TESTING ROOM
A UNITED STATES MARINE, fit with a metallic cap linked to
dozens of wires lays on his back on an operating table.
DR BROWN (V.O.)
In cooperation with the military we
used soldiers as test subjects.
The Dr. Brown of years past sits near the operating table,
typing commands into a computer.
He types 'awake' and presses 'enter'.
DR BROWN (V.O.) (CONT'D)
We eventually achieved our ultimate
goal. An operable mind control
device, that could receive commands
from a computer and reissue those
commands to the brain itself.
The soldier on the table abruptly rises to a seated position,
his eyes aglow with electricity, though he is not truly
conscious.
Dr. Brown types in 'Salute'. The drone soldier does so.
DR BROWN (V.O.) (CONT'D)
It was a power greater than any human
will could reject. Bodies had been
turned into machines.
Dr Brown watches in awe. The Generals (military personnel)
in attendance applaud.
DR BROWN (V.O.) (CONT'D)
Of course I knew something was
terribly wrong with all this.
(MORE)
74.
DR BROWN (V.O.) (CONT'D)
Something about it was horribly
unnatural. To move men, is something
that has been done since the dawn of
time. With force. With laws. With
words. But to control men? What
right did we have? We were playing
God.
Genres:
["Sci-Fi","Thriller","Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
31 -
The Rise and Fall of the Game of Psi
INT. LAB - MORNING
A long line of Brain Computer Interfaces, small little brain
chips of unimaginable power, with their cobweb of wires around
a central computational node run the span of a counter in
the lab.
DR BROWN (V.O.)
By the time he told me his idea, I
knew he must have been planning it
all along. He wanted to outfit a
few of his players with the brain
interfaces and improve their play.
The way he saw it, the advantage the
devices would give his team would
make them unbeatable.
INT. SANTO'S HOTEL SUITE
Santo lies unconscious, on his side on the bed, as the subject
of a covert medical operation.
He has been changed into a gown. Three SURGEONS work together
to drill a small hold in the back of Santo's head.
DR BROWN (V.O.)
It isn't easy to get one of those
things in there. It's meant to attach
to the rear of the brain and the
most effective way was to drill
directly into the skull.
Santo sleeps peacefully as the surgeons work to place a spring
loaded syringe into the opening in his skull.
The BCI is ejected into Santo's head.
INT. SANTO'S BRAIN - CONTINUOUS
The technological device floats within the goopy interior of
Santo's skull.
A light on the tech comes on and the device turns automonous,
swimming it's way only the back of Santo's brain stem,
unfolding, and latching on.
75.
INT. SANTO'S HOTEL SUITE - CONTINUOUS
Santo continues to sleep while the surgeons utilize a bone-
like plaster to fill the gap the tech disappeared into.
DR BROWN
But we found the right methods, and
the right drugs to get it done. We
inoccuated the athletes as they slept
and performed a rapid operation.
They patch hair onto the spot with a body glue.
DR BROWN (CONT'D)
Santo Kasper, Ron Ball, and Larry
Wilder all had the BCI's implanted.
INT. LAB
The casing for the physical Game of Psi console is in the
process of having gold letters etched into it by a robotic
arm.
DR BROWN (V.O.)
The Game of Psi was built to manage
the enhancement process.
The casing for the Game of Psi is placed on the guts (wires,
computer chips) of the console.
DR BROWN (V.O.) (CONT'D)
It is a simple console that you turn
on and power up. Athlete enhancement
occurs near instantaneously.
The device sits sternly atop a desk. It's gold letters
glisten - 'PSI'.
INT. BASKETBALL STADIUM
The Los Angeles Storm celebrate an ABL Championship atop a
podium placed at center court.
DR BROWN (V.O.)
For three seasons with the game of
psi we won the league championship.
Santo holds the championship trophy high in the air as the
confetti rains down and his teammates rejoice.
INT. BASKETBALL STADIUM - HOME BENCH
Santo and Larry sit side by side on the team's bench. They
sip sports drinks and cheer for their team.
76.
Nearby, Dr. Brown sits with the assistant coaches and team
personelle as the acting team physician.
DR BROWN
For three years, I sat courtside for
every game. I was able to monitor
them and make sure everything was in
order. Nothing ever came up.
The Head Coach approaches Santo and Larry.
DR BROWN (V.O.) (CONT'D)
The athletes could be powered on and
off at will.
COACH SPRIGGS
Kasper. Wilder. Let's go.
The men hop off the bench and jog to the scorer's table. As
they take off their warm-ups, time SLOWS and sparks of
electricity flicker in their eyes.
As the men check into the game, Dr. Brown concludes.
DR BROWN (V.O.)
Further research revealed that the
immense psychological toll imposed
by the technology could lead to
potentially devastating side effects.
Notably, a type of all-encompassing
psychosis that, once it took hold,
could change a person entirely in a
matter of days. Henry recognized
this wasn't something to play with
and with his three championships was
content to allow the game to be
retired.
Larry inbounds the ball to Santo.
Genres:
["Science Fiction","Thriller","Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
32 -
The Game of Psi's Deadly Secret
INT. INTERROGATION ROOM - CONTINUOUS
The three agents listen attentively.
DR BROWN
Santo Kasper developed that psychosis
because of the game of psi. He killed
himself because the technology was
overused. Larry Wilder is in the
same danger and he may not have much
time.
BOROWITZ
Where is it now? The game of Psi?
77.
DR BROWN (V.O.)
Unfortunately, I don't know. The
Waters mansion was robbed shortly
after Henry passed and it must have
been taken then. They must have
figured out how to operate it.
JASON
You don't know who's been controlling
the athletes?
DR BROWN
No.
JASON
Then how do we know it's being used?
DR BROWN
Because of what happened to Santo.
His psychosis and suicide are exactly
what our research detected was prone
to happen with too much exposure to
the psi technology. It's not just
being used, it's being overused.
Larry Wilder is going to be next and
that's if the game doesn't literally
kill him first
JASON
What do you mean?
DR BROWN
The device was never meant to be
powered all the way up. But whoever
has it doesn't know that and it could
just be a matter of time before they
try.
SELENA
What would happen?
DR BROWN
He could die.
BOROWITZ
And how would you purport to stop
them?
DR BROWN
There's a tracing program in the
console that can be accessed via
military gps. I was just moments
away from doing so at the air force
base.
(MORE)
78.
DR BROWN (CONT'D)
The console can still be located and
Larry can be spared the same fate as
Santo. That's all I was doing there.
I know Larry well. I don't want to
see this happen to him.
Selena and Jason look to Borowitz, who looks to Dr. Brown's
attorney.
BOROWITZ
Thank you agents, that'll be all for
now.
Selena and Jason rise and begin to exit the conference room.
As they exit, Selena turns back.
SELENA
Dr. Brown.
He looks.
SELENA (CONT'D)
Enjoy prison.
Genres:
["Thriller","Sci-Fi","Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
33 -
Wilder's Breakdown
INT. FBI - SELENA'S DESK - MOMENTS LATER
Selena stands while Jason sits in her chair tossing a ball
to himself.
SELENA
I can't believe any of this.
JASON
Well you may as well believe all of
it.
SELENA
How do you do that?
JASON
Do what?
SELENA
Stay so unaffected. Do you realize
what we're-
Her phone rings. It's Borowitz.
SELENA (CONT'D)
It's Borowitz. Hang on.
She answers.
79.
SELENA (CONT'D)
Hey Borowitz.
She listens.
SELENA (CONT'D)
Alright. Right away.
She hangs up.
SELENA (CONT'D)
Law enforcement was just called to
Larry Wilder's house. We need to
get over there now.
EXT. RESIDENCE OF LARRY WILDER - LATER
Selena and Jason pull up in front of the residence. Two cop
cars are present with their lights on.
In the front yard two cops stand talking to neighbors.
Outside the front door stands Larry, conversing with another
cop.
The agents exit their vehicle and approach the house. One of
the cops steps up.
COP
Can I help you?
Selena shows her badge.
SELENA
Federal agents. Can you tell me what's
going on here?
COP
The resident was outside his home
stumbling and intoxicated. The
neighbor saw and tried to help.
Larry tried to leave in his vehicle
and a scuffle ensued. He's still
pretty out of it.
He gestures over to where Larry continues an aggressive
exchange with a cop.
She moves towards the entrance where one of the cops steps
up again.
She shows her badge again.
SELENA
FBI. We'll take it from here.
80.
COP 2
He's in some pretty rough shape.
We've got an ambulance on the way.
SELENA
It's okay. You can leave him with
us.
Genres:
["Crime","Thriller","Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
34 -
The Shadow of Santo
INT. RESIDENCE OF LARRY WILDER - LIVING ROOM - MOMENTS LATER
A dazed Larry sits on a couch next to Jason. Larry is wrapped
in a blanket. Selena sits on a chair facing them.
LARRY
I really appreciate you guys helping
me out. I guess, I still don't
understand what you all are looking
into.
JASON
We're not looking into anything Larry.
Word came across my desk you were
here and in a tough spot. We just
came by to help out.
LARRY
Okay. Well thanks I guess.
SELENA
What happened tonight?
LARRY
I was getting ready for bed. Got in
an argument with my wife and she
left to go to Sally Kasper's. Started
drinking and don't remember much
after that.
SELENA
Have you been feeling alright? In
general?
LARRY
Umm...I guess I'm not sure.
SELENA
What do you mean?
LARRY
I mean-
Larry thinks.
81.
LARRY (CONT'D)
I saw Santo the night he died. Things
had been a little weird up to that
point, but that night something was
really off.
SELENA
Say more.
LARRY
That night it was like...he was just
crazy all of a sudden. And now-
He sniffles and begins to cry.
JASON
What's wrong Larry?
Larry looks up, with tears in his eyes.
LARRY
I feel crazy too.
INT. FBI - SELENA'S DESK
Selena sleeps on her desk. Jason approaches and sees her
sleeping. He picks up a stack of papers and drops them.
Selena startles and awakens.
JASON
Sleeping on the job?
SELENA
(sarcastic)
Good morning Jason.
JASON
Borowitz needs to see us.
Selena wipes the sleep from her eyes.
SELENA
Alright.
INT. BOROWITZ OFFICE - MOMENTS LATER
Selena and Jason are seated in front of Borowitz.
BOROWITZ
The trace of the console was a
success. We have located both the
console's location and identified
the culprit in possession of it.
82.
SELENA
Where are we going?
BOROWITZ
Las Vegas. A man by the name Marcus
Benson has been staying in a penthouse
suite for several months there, where
our trace indicates The Game of Psi
is stashed and being used by him to
manipulate the gambling markets.
JASON
The power to magically shave points
off pro basketball games does sound
enticing.
BOROWITZ
Call it what you want it'll soon be
over. You leave in an hour.
INT. CASINO SUITE - NIGHT
Las Vegas, Nevada
Selena sits on the floor, alone in the large, elegant suite
reviewing intelligence background documents on Marcus.
Jason emerges from the bathroom.
SELENA
I need your help with something.
JASON
What?
SELENA
A police report was filed two months
ago with the Las Vegas Police
Department by a woman named Andrea
Banks. She was in a relationship
with Marcus but she went to the police
after she says he showed her a magical
device that allowed him to influence
the outcomes of basketball games.
JASON
I bet the cops loved that.
SELENA
Borowitz wants someone to get her
account in person and I have to be
at a meeting with casino security in
15 minutes.
83.
JASON
Can I go to the meeting and you go
talk to her?
SELENA
It's a 3 hour meeting.
Jason sighs and stands to exit.
JASON
(disgruntled)
I'll be back.
EXT. RESTAURANT - PARKING LOT - EARLY MORNING
Jason stands cloaked in shadows. The restaurant is closed
and the parking lot is mostly empty.
From an exit in the back, Andrea emerges. She walks towards
her vehicle, still in her waitressing clothes.
JASON
Andrea Banks?
She stops.
ANDREA
Who's asking?
Jason approaches flashing his badge.
JASON
FBI. I have some questions for you.
ANDREA
What kind of questions?
JASON
We found the police report you filed.
About Marcus Benson.
Andrea stops and turns.
ANDREA
What?
JASON
We know about the game of psi. Marcus
Benson. The sports betting. All of
it.
ANDREA
I don't know Marcus anymore.
(MORE)
84.
ANDREA (CONT'D)
I asked for help about this already
and I got called crazy. So you should
really just walk away.
She turns and walks towards her car.
JASON
But you did. You knew him?
She stops.
JASON (CONT'D)
You've seen the console.
A beat.
ANDREA
I left him when he showed me it.
It's a terrible thing.
JASON
I know it is but we're trying to
make this right.
He stops a few feet away.
ANDREA
You can't make that right.
JASON
We're trying.
ANDREA
Is Marcus in trouble?
JASON
Yes.
ANDREA
Why? He didn't make that thing.
JASON
Marcus is responsible for the death
of Santo Kasper.
ANDREA
Santo Kasper died by suicide.
JASON
That thing he showed you, it's not
really controlling the athletes. It
enhances them. But the human body
isn't meant for that.
(MORE)
85.
JASON (CONT'D)
Larry's been overexposed to the
technology. If Marcus were to power
that thing up all the way Larry Wilder
could die within minutes so we're
not going to give him another chance
to do that. If you know anything
helpful now would be the time to
speak up.
ANDREA
I know that thing is real. What
more is there to know?
Genres:
["Drama","Thriller","Crime"]
Ratings
Scene
35 -
The Game's True Cost
INT. HOTEL SUITE - LATER
Selena remains awake while Jason snores.
She makes her way to the bar where a picture of Henry Waters
sits on the bar-top.
She holds the image and gazes into the oblivious and noble
stare of Santo Kasper. He grips Henry's hand tightly. Henry
grins from ear to ear like a proud, drunk dad.
SELENA
Oh Henry. What did you do?
EXT. CASINO - FRONT ENTRANCE - MORNING
A vehicle pulls up to the casino hotel. The back door opens
and Andrea emerges.
ANDREA
(to driver)
Thank you.
He waves and drives off.
Andrea turns to the casino. She takes a deep breath.
INT. HOTEL - HALLWAY
Andrea stands at the door of Marcus' penthouse.
She knocks several times. There is a long beat of silence,
then footsteps, then more silence.
The door opens a crack and Marcus peeks out. He sees Andrea
and smiles.
ANDREA
Hi Marcus.
86.
INT. PENTHOUSE SUITE
Marcus and Andrea sit on the couch.
MARCUS
How did you find me?
ANDREA
It's Vegas, Marcus. Everyone talks.
MARCUS
Why are you here?
ANDREA
I have something to show you.
MARCUS
Yeah?
Andrea reaches for her phone and pulls up an audio recording.
ANDREA
A federal agent came to talk to me
last night. They know about the
game.
MARCUS
(affected)
What?
ANDREA
I didn't get the whole conversation.
Just the end. You need to hear it.
She presses play. Dialogue from the night before in her
interaction with Jason plays:
JASON (O.S.)
That thing he showed you, it's not
really controlling the athletes. It
enhances them. But the human body
can only handle so much of that.
Larry's been overexposed to the
technology. If Marcus were to power
the game up all the way Larry Wilder
could die within minutes so we're
not going to give him another chance
to do that. If you know anything
helpful now would be the time to
speak up.
ANDREA (O.S.)
I know that thing is real. What
more is there to know?
87.
The recording ends.
ANDREA (CONT'D)
(stern)
The game is why Santo Kasper killed
himself. You need to stop.
Marcus is truly shaken.
MARCUS
No, no. No.
ANDREA
That thing is evil. But you didn't
create it and you don't need to take
the fall for it. You just need to
give this up.
MARCUS
(panicked)
What was that last bit?
ANDREA
Marcus, you're not listening.
MARCUS
No, no on the recording. The bit
about not giving me more time? Play
it back.
ANDREA
Hang on.
Andrea cues up the middle of the recording:
JASON (O.S.)
Larry Wilder could die within minutes
so we're not going to give him another
chance to do that.
She stops the recording.
MARCUS
Another chance. The storm play at
noon.
He looks sharply at Andrea.
MARCUS (CONT'D)
They're coming now.
Andrea looks on in fear as the wheels of Marcus' mind begin
to churn.
88.
Genres:
["Thriller","Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
36 -
The Empty Penthouse
INT. CASINO SUITE
Selena, Jason and four additional FEDERAL AGENTS are present.
They are finishing getting all their gear on for the raid.
Selena secures her bullet proof vest and holsters a pistol
before picking up and loading an automatic weapon.
JASON
Ready?
She nods.
INT. CASINO - STAIRWELL
The cadre of agents flies up the stairs, fully loaded
automatic weapons in hand.
The two agents bringing up the rear carry a battering ram.
At Marcus' floor they rush through the door into the hallway.
INT. HALLWAY - OUTSIDE MARCUS' PENTHOUSE DOOR
The agents take their positions outside the door and the
battering ram is brought forward.
A few tense moments of nothing.
One of the agents holding the battering ram holds his free
hands and signals one, two, three.
AGENT
Here we go.
The battering ram is thrown into the door which splinters on
contact. The agents rush through.
INT. PENTHOUSE SUITE
The cadre rushes inside in formation, weapons pointed. No
one in sight.
JASON
Clear.
Pointing.
JASON (CONT'D)
You and you down that hallway. You
two that one. Selena with me.
Selena and Jason hunker down and move swiftly down the hallway
towards the master bedroom.
89.
Shouts of 'clear' from behind them.
Selena takes a position next to the door and Jason proceeds
to kick it in weapon drawn.
INT. MASTER BEDROOM
Andrea lies on the bed with a severe set of facial bruises.
Jason approaches and stands over her as Andrea struggles to
retain consciousness.
ANDREA
(tearful)
He's gone.
JASON
God dammit.
SELENA
Who is this?
Jason shakes his head in disbelief.
JASON
The ex who filed the police report.
She must have tipped him off.
SELENA
(into walkie)
I need a med evac immediately.
ANDREA
(meekly)
He told me to deliver a message.
SELENA
What?
ANDREA
He said, if you don't let him go,
he's going to kill Larry Wilder.
SELENA
What?
ANDREA
He said he's going to turn it all
the way up. That thing. The game
he has. He's going to use it to
kill Larry Wilder.
On Jason's Phone: Borowitz
90.
JASON
This is Jason.
BOROWITZ (O.S.)
(on phone)
What happened?
JASON
His ex tipped him off. He's gone
and he's threatening to use the game
of psi to harm Larry Wilder. We
need a new trace run.
BOROWITZ (O.S.)
Copy.
Selena holds Andrea's hand.
Genres:
["Action","Thriller","Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
37 -
High Stakes: Game On
INT. STORM BASKETBALL ARENA
The stadium fills towards capacity.
Players are at the last several seconds of shootarounds.
The horn sounds and the players jog to their benches.
At center court commentators sit ready to call the game.
STAN
Hello and welcome to Los Angeles for
this matchup between the Los Angeles
Storm and the Utah Warriors. I'm
Stan Wright alongside my partner
Bill Walters. My question for you
Bill is what if any distraction does
this game provide to this team to
try and put aside the emotions tonight
and just play basketball?
BILL
I think it helps. Larry Wilder will
be starting tonight. Remember he
has been coming off the bench this
year and yet to make a start this
season. Fan's gotta be hyped.
EXT. HIGHWAY
A helicopter flies through the desert several hundred feet
above the desert.
INT. HELICOPTER
Selena and Jason ride in the passenger cabin. A third UNNAMED
AGENT rides with them.
91.
UNNAMED AGENT
(yelling over
propellers)
The suspect has been tracked fleeing
in a vehicle. He's just outside of
Jean, Nevada. Another 'copter on
his tail. We're taking you to a
rendevous point.
EXT. HIGHWAY - OUTSIDE LAS VEGAS
A Tesla zips down the highway.
INT. TESLA
Marcus sits at the wheel. He sets the vehicle to autopilot
and turns his attention to the passengers seat where the
Game of Psi Console and his laptop sit.
He opens the laptop and plugs it into the console. He powers
on the console.
The software program for the game runs on his laptop.
A police helicopter zips by at close range, then loops back
out. Another helicopter is spottable at medium distance.
MARCUS
(crazed) *
Let's play.
On the laptop screen a prompt appears 'Game Starting. Proceed
to Game Mode Y/N?'. Marcus keys in 'Y'.
A new prompt: 'Select athlete for enhancement'. Marcus keys
in '13'.
The number 13 avatar comes forward and gives way to a new
screen with Larry's vitals and hormone levels.
'Select enhancement level, 1-100'.
Marcus keys in '100' and hits enter. The meter fills all
the way.
'Enhancement not advised. Continue Y/N'
'Enhancement Commencing'.
Market turns off autopilot and floors his vehicle, quickly
jetting up to over 100 mph.
92.
Genres:
["Action","Thriller","Sci-Fi"]
Ratings
Scene
38 -
Larry's Dominance
INT. STORM BASKETBALL ARENA
At the scorer's table, Larry Wilder stomps his feet for
traction and steps onto the court.
He exchanges high fives with a couple of teammates and takes
his place on the court while the referee sets up for the
tip.
STAN (V.O.)
Both teams set for tip.
The ball is thrown skyward and the centers jostle for
possession, with the tip won by the Storm and the ball
returned to Larry to bring up the court.
STAN (V.O.) (CONT'D)
Tip won by the storm. Wilder brings
it up court.
Larry has the ball and calls the play. His teammates begin
to move around.
As Larry dribbles, time slows. Zooming into the back of
Larry's head, his BCI powers on and neural activity
accelerates to an alarming rate.
His eyes shift one way, then the other, as his awareness of
his surroundings grows.
His teammate calls for the ball. He dribbles. And again.
Time returns to full speed.
TEAMMATE
Larry.
The teammate claps for the ball.
TEAMMATE (CONT'D)
Let's go.
Larry ignores him and directs his attention to his own
defender. They intensify.
Larry begins to dribble between his legs, behind his back
and right in front of the defender with an unnatural level
of speed.
STAN (V.O.)
Larry Wilder putting the defender on
notice.
93.
One last move by Larry puts the defender off balance. Larry
stands a moment in confident defiance before launching an
effortless looking three that hits nothing but net.
STAN (V.O.) (CONT'D)
And he hits nothing but net! From
way downtown!
Larry scoots down the floor, signaling ice in his veins.
BILL (V.O.)
Well I don't think that was the play
but no one is arguing with the result.
Larry Wilder gets it started in style.
Back on defense the lightning quick Larry forces his man to
give up the ball to the post.
STAN (V.O.)
Wilder playing stiff defense. The
ball goes to the post.
The center turns and misses badly.
STAN (V.O.) (CONT'D)
Utah's shot not close.
Larry claps impatiently for the ball.
LARRY
Let's go. Let's go.
The pass comes and Larry dribbles up the floor.
STAN (V.O.)
Wilder into the front court.
Larry steps into the frontcourt and sees the defender still
about 10 feet off.
He smirks and pulls up in a non-chalant yet powerful shooting
motion.
STAN (V.O.) (CONT'D)
He pulls up from Riverside.
The 40 foot shot hits nothing but net. A stoic Larry holds
his hand high as he walks back down the court.
BILL (V.O.)
And hits! Wow. That was freaking
sweet.
The opposing coach angrily calls timeout. The whistle blows
and players head to their benches.
94.
STAN (V.O.)
Timeout on the floor.
BILL
I don't know what Larry Wilder had
for breakfast but he is hot out of
the gate. Utah needs to talk it
over.
Genres:
["Drama","Sports"]
Ratings
Scene
39 -
Outburst in Jean
EXT. FIELD - JEAN, NEVADA
The chopper lands in the field where a black government issued
SUV sits next to a police escort.
Selena and Jason hop out and run to the waiting police
officer.
OFFICER BOGART
Agent Vargas?
She nods.
SELENA
That's me.
Jason shakes hand with the Officer.
JASON
Agent Plumber.
OFFICER BOGART
I'm officer Bogart, Nevada state
patrol. The SUV is yours.
INT. STORM BASKETBALL ARENA - MOMENTS LATER
The players begin to file back onto the court.
STAN (V.O.)
Storm lead 6-0, Larry Wilder has
come out hot.
INT. TESLA
As Marcus drives the open laptop displays a new message.
'Cardiac Abnormality Detected. Discontinue enhancement?
Y/N?'
Marcus keys in 'N'.
INT. STORM BASKETBALL ARENA
The ball is inbounded by Utah and brought up the floor.
They begin to run a play.
95.
As soon as the ball touches the hands of Larry's man, Larry
swats it free and takes possession.
STAN
Stolen by Wilder.
This starts a 2 on 1 fast break. Larry gives the ball up
and when the defender shifts over calls for the ball back.
STAN (V.O.) (CONT'D)
Here come the Storm on the fast break.
With no one between him and the basket Larry leaps through
the air and annihalates the rim with a vicious slam dunk.
STAN (V.O.) (CONT'D)
Oh my word! I have never-
As he lands Larry turns up the floor and bumps into a Utah
player.
LARRY
Yeah, boy! You like that?
UTAH PLAYER
Man get out of here.
He gives Larry a light shove. Larry erupts and shoves him
back much harder. Teammates quickly step in to separate the
two but Larry refuses to calm down.
STAN (O.S.)
And now we have an on court scuffle
breaking out.
SLOW MOTION: LARRY'S EYES GLOW WITH FLICKS OF SPORADIC
ELECTRICITY.
BILL (O.S.)
It actually looked like Wilder started
it. Throwing shade after that throw
down and my question is 'why?' You
make a play like that, you really
don't have to say a thing.
Coach Spriggs attempts to calm his star.
COACH SPRIGGS
Larry, come on man. We're playing
ball. We're just playing ball. Hey
ref, timeout.
The referees whistles blow as they attempt to calm the
kerfuffle.
96.
Larry continues to be restrained in the continuing on court
scuffle.
COACH SPRIGGS (CONT'D)
Larry, you good?
Larry nods stoically.
LARRY
I'm good.
COACH SPRIGGS
I love the energy, but you're better
than that. Let the play talk.
Larry nods his head silently. Time slows. He continues to
nod. A flicker of electricity runs through his eyes.
Genres:
["Action","Thriller","Sci-Fi"]
Ratings
Scene
40 -
Collision Course
INT. TESLA
The laptop displays a new message: 'Cardiac Abnormality
Unresolved. Discontinue enhancement? Y/N?'
Marcus sneers and drives faster for a moment. That is before
he spots a blockade of police vehicles up in the distance.
MARCUS
What?
The laptop begins to beep loudly and reads: 'Cardiac Arrest
Imminent. Enhancement Discontinuation Recommended.'
MARCUS (CONT'D)
No.
He slams the breaks and turns around the vehicle, zipping
back in the opposite direction as fast as he came.
INT. STORM BASKETBALL ARENA- BENCH
Larry sits on the bench staring straight ahead.
His breathing begins to slow and becomes more labored. He
winces at some sort of internal pain. He collects himself a
moment, then winces again even harder and grabs his chest.
INT. STORM BASKETBALL ARENA
The attention of the team has shifted back to getting the
game restarted. Larry sits solitary wincing.
LARRY
Hey.
97.
He clutches his chest harder and stumbles off the chair onto
his knees.
LARRY (CONT'D)
Hey! I need some help.
Coach Spriggs turns to see his star on the floor.
COACH SPRIGGS
Larry. Larry!
He runs over. Larry roles onto his back.
COACH SPRIGGS (CONT'D)
What's going on?
Larry winces heavily.
LARRY
It's my heart.
The team doctor rushes over.
TEAM DOCTOR
What's going on?
COACH SPRIGGS
He just said it's his heart.
INT. GOVERNMENT SUV
Jason drives the SUV and Selena sits shotgun.
Officer Bogarts SUV drives behind them.
On the central display a GPS shows their location relative
to Marcus.
SELENA
1.1 miles. Closing in.
INT. STORM BASKETBALL ARENA
Larry lays on his back. He's dazed and breathing heavily.
The team medical staff are gathered around him.
INT. TESLA
In the passenger's seat the laptop flashes a warning 'Cardiac
Failure. Fatality Likely.'
Marcus remains focused on the road. He spots the oncoming
SUV and police escort coming from the other direction.
98.
MARCUS
No. No!
INT. GOVERNMENT SUV
Selena and Jason can see Marcus approaching.
SELENA
Slow down. Slow way down.
Jason decelerates as Marcus comes to a stop ahead of them.
SELENA (CONT'D)
Get within 50 yards, then stop.
Jason decelerates into a stop 50 yards away from Marcus' now
idle vehicle. Officer Bogart's SUV pulls up next to them to
block the road.
JASON
What now?
SELENA
I'll show you.
She exits the vehicle and pulls her weapon.
EXT. HIGHWAY - CONTINUOUS
Selena walks down the middle of the road towards the Tesla.
Jason stands next to the SUV.
Once Selena is 40 yards in front of the SUV she stops. Marcus
rolls down his window.
SELENA
(shouting)
It's over Marcus. Come out of there.
MARCUS
(shouting)
I told you to leave me alone!
SELENA
We can't do that.
INT. STORM BASKETBALL ARENA - SCORER'S TABLE
The commentators orient themselves.
STAN (O.S.)
So we have something that has happened
on the storm bench. It looks to be
a serious situation involving Larry
Wilder.
99.
BILL (O.S.)
Yeah, it looked to me like Larry
Wilder went down on the floor. I
mean, he just fell down. And I don't
want to speculate but I'm pretty
sure he was grabbing at this chest.
EXT. HIGHWAY
Selena points her pistol in Marcus' direction.
SELENA
It's over Marcus. Come out of the
vehicle.
In his vehicle Marcus snarls. He revs the engine. He revs
again louder.
JASON
Selena!
Marcus accelerates.
Selena pulls the trigger, sending a single bullet flying
towards the oncoming Tesla.
INT. STORM BASKETBALL ARENA
Larry's eyes droop as he fades from consciousness.
TEAM DOCTOR
(loud)
Larry. Larry.
INT. TESLA
The bullet flies through the windshield with a crash and
continues straight into the side of The Game of Psi console
placed in the passenger seat.
With a tremendous burst of sparks, the evil device meets a
fiery end.
The blue light that signals the device is powered on
immediately shuts off.
The screen reads 'Enhancement discontinued. Game
disconnected'.
The shrapnel from the shot scatters around the vehicle and
causes Marcus to lose control.
The vehicle turns sideways and skids towards the two parked
government vehicles as Selena turns and sprints back towards
the line of safety they provide.
100.
She gets behind the line of vehicles and dives head first,
landing hard on the pavement just as the out of control Tesla
smashes horizontally into the front of the SUV and Police
Escort. The intense impact leaves Marcus jarred by shock.
Genres:
["Action","Thriller","Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
41 -
The Aftermath
EXT. HIGHWAY
Selena lies on the ground a moment before Jason and Officer
Bogart help her up.
Selena rises to a knee. She spots some blood on her elbow.
Looking back towards the toppled and defunk vehicle she sees
the barely conscious Marcus next to the diminshed game of
psi, her marksmanship in prominent display.
INT. STORM BASKETBALL ARENA
Larry receives chest compressions.
TEAM DOCTOR
Come on Larry. Come on.
EXT. HIGHWAY
Selena and Jason run up to the vehicle. Marcus is bloodied
in the drivers seat. He moans.
The now defunct Game of Psi console sits idly in the
passengers seat with a clean bullet hole through it's side.
SELENA
(concerned) *
Pray it was in time.
INT. STORM ARENA
Fans take videos of what they can see though team personelle
surrounding Larry make it hard to see much.
The doctor performs chest compressions.
TEAM DOCTOR
Come on Larry.
More compressions.
TEAM DOCTOR (CONT'D)
Come on.
A final compression and Larry sputters back into
consciousness.
TEAM DOCTOR (CONT'D)
There we go.
101.
Larry coughs, moans and tries to roll over. The team staff
steadies him.
TEAM DOCTOR (CONT'D)
Easy there Larry. We've got you.
INT. STORM ARENA - COURTSIDE - MOMENTS LATER
As Larry is wheeled off in a stretcher, Stan comments from
his courtside post.
STAN (V.O.)
Well this has to be the strangest
one minute of basketball we've ever
seen. 8 points, one steal, a rim-
shattering highlight dunk and a
medical emergency for Larry Wilder
who is now being taken off the court
in a stretcher.
Larry lays on a stretcher and looks up the rafters and sees
the three championship banners from the years he won aside
Santo.
The fans stand and applaud his exit.
BILL (V.O.)
Well I'm not a doctor so I couldn't
even begin to guess what just
happened...
Larry smiles faintly and presses two fingers to his lips,
then raises them to the sky as he continues to gaze at the
banner.
BILL (V.O.) (CONT'D)
But I think I speak for this entire
community when I say I'll be saying
an extra prayer for Larry Wilder and
this Storm community tonight.
The crowd continues to stand and applaud as Larry is wheeled
off the court and out of sight.
As he disappears into the tunnel he gazes skyward, towards
the three championship banners he won with Santo.
FADE OUT:
EXT. FBI - SHOOTING RANGE - DAY
Selena occupies the range. She eases into a round of shots.
Bang. Bang. Bang. Bang. Bang. Bang. Bang.
102.
Satisfied, she lowers her gun, breathing heavily.
INT. BOROWITZ OFFICE - LATER
Selena knocks on the open office door. Borowitz looks up
from her work.
BOROWITZ
You can come in.
Selena steps inside.
BOROWITZ (CONT'D)
Have a seat if you'd like.
She remains standing.
SELENA
I just had a few things to say about
everything that happened here.
BOROWITZ
Sure.
SELENA
I'm worried about Larry. The BCI is
still in his body.
BOROWITZ
We are already researching potential
methods of extraction. In the
meantime the device will remain
powered off and so it poses no
immediate threat.
SELENA
Is he going to find out the truth?
BOROWITZ
If and when we manage to get that
thing out of him, he will. He'll
have to. Of course he'll have to be
sworn to secrecy.
SELENA
So it's still an if. You might not
tell him.
BOROWITZ
Would you be bothered if we didn't?
SELENA
I think I would.
103.
BOROWITZ
You want my advice?
Selena nods.
BOROWITZ (CONT'D)
Don't be. What happened here wasn't
just complex, logistically,
criminally, dogmatically. It was
evil. Do you know what 30 years in
this field have taught me about evil,
Agent Vargas?
Selena shakes her head.
BOROWITZ (CONT'D)
You will never stay completely ahead
of it. Now you think Larry has a
right to know what happened. But
that might not be possible, nor is
it what's really eating away at you.
What's bothering you is that this
happened at all. You want to wake
up tomorrow and find that The Game
of Psi was just a bad dream. But
its not. It will take time to figure
out what justice can do here. Be
patient.
SELENA
What about the console? What'll
happen to it?
BOROWITZ
The console was rendered functionally
useless by that shot of yours but
the research value is thought to be
immense, so it will be securely stored
to be studied.
SELENA
Right.
BOROWITZ
I'm sorry for what you've been
through. It's not how any of us want
it to be, but it's the way it is.
You'll learn from this.
SELENA
I'm sure I'll be fine. It's just,
that thing...
She thinks of it.
104.
SELENA (CONT'D)
It was no game.
Genres:
["Drama","Thriller","Action"]
Ratings
Scene
42 -
Securing the Game of Psi
INT. GOVERNMENT SECURE STORAGE FACILITY - DAY
Two SECURITY GUARDS walk down a narrow hallway. One pushes
a cart with the shot-up Game of Psi console on it.
They reach a metal door and both men input key cards into
slots in the wall, then press their fingers on two separate
finger print scanners.
INT. SECURED VAULT
The metal door to the vault slides open and the two guards
enter.
A bridge extends outward from where they enter to a round
platform that hangs suspended in the center of the vault,
attached only to the bridge on one side.
In the center of the platform is a stand where the console
will sit.
A wall of lasers blocks the entrance to the bridge.
Both guards press their thumbs on finger print scanners and
the lasers vanish. They trudge down the bridge to the center
of the platform where Guard 2 sets down the console on the
stand.
GUARD 2
Hey, you have any idea what this
thing is?
GUARD 1
I think it's like some sort of CIA
video game or something.
GUARD 2
Where'd you hear that?
GUARD 1
I overheard some people talking.
GUARD 2
Who'd you hear talking?
GUARD 1
Just some people. Didn't sound too
serious.
Guard 1 presses a button and a clear orb begins to fold up
around the console, sealing it inside.
105.
GUARD 2
Well if it's a game, nobody's going
to be playing with it anytime soon.
The console, in the center of the vault, sits in the light.
The men exit and as the door closes we get one last look at
the magical and horrible device. The golden letters 'PSI'
glimmer on the front of the console.