Undertow - 2.0 - A Hired Gun
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EPISODE CREDITS:
Luke Alphonso as Waylon Grant
Abigail Turner as Jonny
Madeline Dorroh as Ella
Travis Storey as Evan
Molly Zhang as Lin Feng Mian
---
Dan Boud as the Narrator
Written by Damian Szydlo
Direction by Amanda Hufford
Sound Design by Chris Henry
Script Editing by Jupiter Sanders
Show theme by Doug Maxwell
Music from Audioblocks & Fesliyan Studios
TRANSCRIPT
FADE IN
[Scene starts in the Zone, on the street. The sounds of gunshots and combat echo through the beginning of the scene. Jonny takes cover behind a scrap ground car.]
JONNY
“I thought you said this would be a quick in-and-out job!?”
EVAN
“Did I say that? Not going to lie, I’m really drawing a blank here.”
JONNY
Is that right? [imitating Evan] “It’s going to be an easy one, Jonny. We’ve checked it and double checked it. Can we just get goin’ already?” [back to regular outrage] A light showing of sprawl-born dust heads with pipe guns at worst. At WORST you said. You said those exact words to me, Evan!”
ELLA
“Doesn’t ring a bell, Jonny.”
JONNY
“Oh, I’ll ring your fuckin’ bell!”
[loud, heavy shots interrupt]
“What was that? Was that… Oh that’s just great, isn’t it? That thing… that noise right there sounded like artillery, didn’t it? Some pipe rifle that is!
ELLA
“You’re right. Scanners picking up a new signature coming from that old building across the street. This is SO why I hate the Zone.”
JONNY
There’s no way you’re going to get that tanker out of here while that thing’s in play. He’s got the exit pinned down flat.”
EVAN
“So make it… I don’t know, out of play? That’s a thing you do, right?”
JONNY
“Make it out of play, he says. Listen to the lip on these kids, now. Give ‘em a tattoo and they’re suddenly all knowin’ mega-pro’s.
[pauses a moment, assessing the situation before half addressing E&E, half thinking to herself out loud.]
That said… and I hate to say it aloud but you just might be right… a short run followed by a quick vault and a bit of a climb… sprinkle in some trigger work… I mean it’s obvious they really can’t shoot for a shite… Oh fuck it. Let’s do the thing, then.”
[Sounds of Jonny springing up from cover before starting to climb up an old exterior building wall.]
NARRATOR
Jonny burst out from behind the ruined car door that had been serving as barely adequate cover against the low calibre gunfire that’d been raining down on her position. Experience told her that the fuel-thieves camped up there might sooner win the lottery than hit a running target. Experience proved right.
Reaching the exterior wall unscathed, Jonny leapt up to seize a length of exposed rebar she’d spotted jutting from the damaged building. Without slowing her pace she’d quickly scaled the first two stories of the derelict structure. A roguish smirk hit her lips as one of the thieves foolishly leaned out the third story window in a clear attempt to get line of sight on the merc… only to find the barrel of a Caprican Moray pushing against his chest.
[Sound Design - Single Shot]
A firm tug on the man's limp body sent him spilling out from his nest while Jonny agily propelled herself through the opening to take his place.
[panicked voice - “THERE SHE IS!”]
[More Gun Shots from Jonny, sound of a call coming through]
ELLA
“Jonny, I’ve intercepted an incoming call to your Holo-Comm. Seems important. Want me to patch it through?”
JONNY
“Oh, yeah! Yes, that’s a lovely idea! I can’t possibly imagine anything more important than a wee chat at this particular moment in time.”
ELLA
“Affirmative. Putting him through now.”
JONNY
[The sound of a new scuffle happening]
“Ella! In what world do you think that was a ‘yes, please go ahead and put a random through to my holo; I’d love to take a call?’ You two idiots are trying to get me killed today, aren’t you?”
[more shots]
EVAN
“Just think of it as nightmare mode. I mean you’re pretty much doing this the hardest way possible anyway, aren’t you?”
JONNY
[smug]“Maybe.”
[Sound of the call going through]
WAYLON
“My timing is, I can see, impeccable as always. Should I perhaps call back?”
JONNY
“Waylon? Is that you? [grunts as she intercepts a bit of a scuffle] Long time no talk…”
[man thrown to the ground only to be shot by Jonny]
“Alright, sorry about all that. Kind of in the middle of a situation right now. Something on your mind? Can’t say I thought I’d ever hear from you again after the circumstances of our last meeting. You didn’t happen to find that girl you were looking for? What was her name, again?”
WAYLON
“Alex.”
JONNY
[carries a bit of a sly tone - this is half sincere, half negotiation.]
“That’s right! Alex Webb, wasn’t it? Went missing some years ago according to Nick’s file, as I recall. Remember the look on your face, got to admit I’ve probably worn the same one myself. That girl meant something. At least enough to get you to work with a man you’d sworn off of. Tough spot, that. Don’t envy it one bit.”
WAYLON
“Observant… and accurate. I feel like we’re already negotiating… As such, I will reluctantly confirm that the assumption you’re alluding to is correct… The case remains ongoing. The information you provided was good but has led me to a blockage… of sorts. I cannot accept that. Not this time. So it is that I am in need of… personal insurance.”
JONNY
[Cat & Mousing/Negotiating]
“Is that a fact? Well, truth be told, work’s been a bit boring lately. Same sorts of enforcer work always needs doin’. Break this guy's nose, steal that guy's car. ‘Teach ‘em a lesson, Jonny’. I’ve even had Evan and Ella drumming up some odd jobs just to keep it interesting. Nothin’ really gets the blood pumping anymore, you know?”
WAYLON
“So you’re available, then?”
JONNY
“Well, detective. That’s a matter of timing, mostly. I make it a habit never to take a job whilst one goes unfinished. Personal rule. Hold on a minute and I’ll see what I can do.”
NARRATOR
Clearing the last few stairs that led to the fourth floor, Jonny slid to her knees just in time to send a charging attacker tumbling over her back. A deft downward swing smashed the ornate grip of her pistol into the bridge of the thug's nose before she crept into the room across the hall, pistols pointed at the ready. The gunner who was occupying the mounted artillery cannon had barely realized what was happening before the snare rounds bit into his back, his body convulsing violently as shocks of electricity burst through him.
[let the scene breathe a moment]
JONNY
[radioing Evan back]
“Evan, you’re good to roll out. Don’t wait up for me, I’ll find my own way home.”
EVAN
“You got it. Get home safe, alright?”
JONNY
[amused]
“Oh, so now that everybodies eatin’ ground you're gonna worry about me? [gets a reassuring tone to set him at ease] I’ll be along shortly, you can count on it. Have Nick get my drink ready.”
[Takes Waylon off of waiting]
“So. As it would happen, I’ve managed to make you an opening granted you’ve got the chips.
What’s the job?”
FADE OUT
FADE IN
[Voice over above music, kind of dreamy as we assume Waylon is telling Jonny this as a transition into a scene where they’ve already discussed the plan and are in the back alley behind Club Jade and the muted music pumping through the wall]
WAYLON
“In the old world there is… or perhaps was for all I know, a city known as New York. I have always been fascinated by it’s rich past. In that past; there was a time where organized crime was as powerful there as it is here. The city itself was often, as I understand, referred to as the ‘city that never sleeps’. I find this to be an appropriate description for Arcadia in general… but no district embodies the concept better than the French Quarter. As such, this provides obstacles. Some… complications in regards to a plan of action for a return visit to Club Jade.”
JONNY
“How so?”
WAYLON
“I did not leave the club on the best of terms with its ownership. To the point: Lin Feng Mian, our target, rarely leaves the building without a host of armed security. She manages the floor herself, fulfills her obligations to the Yakuza and even lives… all within the walls of this building. Her security is… ever present and the revelry essentially unceasing, rising and lowering like the tide. Confrontation, even with my… inside information… is nearly inevitable. I’m afraid however, that there is a catch. This… assault only works without casualties, Jonny. You may be a merc, but I am directly badged by The Authority.”
JONNY
“Don’t remind me. Fair enough, though. I’m going to go out on a limb and say that in your time as a detective, you’ve had some sleepless nights, yeah? Out on the job?”
WAYLON
“Of course.”
JONNY
“Then you know there’s a point in all that empty time. Where you’ve been awake and you’re getting long in the tooth, ready for a change in the guard. The city might not sleep, but people need to go home eventually. That’s when we hit them, when the excitement is over and the routine sets in over weary bones. It might not be an original tactic, but it’s sure as hell a timeless one.”
WAYLON
[Thinks a moment]
“Dawn.”
JONNY
[In acknowledgement]
“Dawn it is.”
[Transition finishes after letting the music play for a bit before bringing in the ambience of the scene.]
NARRATOR
The still damp streets of Neo-Atlantis were bathed in the orange glow of the early morning sun as the pair strode boldly into the alley behind Club Jade. An exhausted bouncer in a crumpled suit stood to be barely an obstacle as Jonny let fly the bolas she’d been hiding up the sleeve of her longcoat; the weapon quickly entangling the man before culminating in a powerful electric shock that sent him tumbling to the ground, kicking helplessly a moment before going still.
JONNY
“The door.”
WAYLON
“That was… quite effective.”
JONNY
“Can’t argue with the classics, I guess. [pauses] You said you had all the keycodes memorized, yeah?”
WAYLON
[sounds of key pressing, slowly as he’s recalling the pattern]
“I suppose we’ll soon see. I must admit, it’s… not a simple task; wading through the past of a man who is in the process of inflicting physical trauma upon your own body, but…
[sound of the door opening]
It is one that is perfectly within the scope of my abilities… After you…”
JONNY
[sounds of Jonny loading her Caprican Morays]
“Seems like it’s my turn to be impressed, detective.”
WAYLON
“You recall our discussion in regards to casualties?”
JONNY
“How could I forget? Look, don’t you worry your head about it. We’ll stick to doin’ things your way. I’ve packed my girls full of snare rounds. You know, just in case that memory of yours isn’t as accurate as you’d wager and we run into problems.”
WAYLON
“It… is. But we need to keep moving. There exists… a small window before Amari makes his final cycle for the night. He… personally visits each bouncer before dismissing them.”
[sounds of walking]
JONNY
“Well, isn’t that the sweetest thing? Give’s ‘em a little good night kiss, does he? Tucks them in?”
WAYLON
“It isn’t sentimental. He prefers to distribute payment for the evening services personally. He claims this is to show gratitude. In truth, it is so the help recognizes the hand that feeds.
[quick pause]
Wait.”
JONNY
“Nice call. Was that… was that clairvoyance or something?”
WAYLON
[amused]
“You’re… still trying to understand how all this works? I’m surprised you didn’t do your homework after our last meeting. In any case, no… these too are just more memories. The affair those two are having is… well documented by the house. As are their routines.”
JONNY
“Fuck me, you’re absolutely terrifying sometimes, you know that? You’ve gathered all that in the span of a beating, did you?
WAYLON
“And… more. Some of it is still… working itself out in my mind. I’m remembering it like instinct. What I did was… dangerous. Opening oneself up completely is an easy way to lose yourself. The healing process for that damage can take months… or even years. Let us hope it was worth it.
NARRATOR
Jonny felt at a loss for words as she strained to understand the full scope of the man’s explanation, answering only with a nod as she followed the detective through the stark backroom hallways of Club Jade; a web of arteries that served to keep this place alive in more ways than one. Behind any single unmarked door could lie a secret that might cost an accidental onlooker their life for stumbling upon.
Finally, after ascending a short flight of stairs the Mer found himself in front of a set of double doors. Jonny watched as he, almost gently, placed the palms of his hands on to the surface of the entrance as his large, amphibious eyes flickered the way they did when he was ‘reading’ the past of a thing.
WAYLON
“She wants to laugh to herself but… believes that the joy she feels is a weakness that might be exploited… so she presses herself against the door for a moment enough to allow a hidden smile. She is… in love. Her bodyguards watch on… wondering if the uncharacteristic delay is a sign of something wrong. They rarely if ever leave her side, always watchful… Loyal. She swings the doors open… in control of her emotions once more before dismissing her entourage for the night.
[Waylon comes out of his tance]
We’re in luck, she’s… inside. Alone. It’d be best if I did the talking.”
JONNY
“Suits me just fine. I can’t stand all the damned posturing these Yaks get up to anyways. All the dramatic pauses and subtle threats, just get to the fuckin’ quick of it, you know? At least the Gunrunners have the courtesy to stick a gun in my ribs.”
[Sound of the doors opening]
WAYLON [NARRATION DIALOGUE]
The doors swing wide with the softest of pushes. They’re unlocked as only a fool might seek uninvited entry to this place. This sanctum. The room itself - a striking yet elegant marriage of traditional Japanese design and neo-deco finery. There’s a scent in the air. Unfamiliar. Flowers… blossoms and vines surrounding gold stamped pillars; natural growth so carefully manicured and curated that it seems we have been transported to another world far… far from this place… this city. A single stroke of a piano key pulls our attention towards the center of the room. There: seated on a bench in front of what must be the most beautiful instrument I’ve ever laid eyes on… is Lin Feng Mian. Draped in fine silks, now seemingly a different and somehow more dangerous incarnation of herself then the one who often haunts the floor of Club Jade.”
FENG MIAN
[Calm, confident but surprisingly not angry]
“You never could take no for an answer, Mr. Grant… though I hadn’t expected you to be so bold as to enter my home uninvited.”
WAYLON
“We… hadn’t finished our conversation, Lin.”
FENG MIAN
[Not missing a step]
“More than you realize... And it seems you’ve brought a friend to invade my privacy as well. How thoughtful.”
JONNY
“Just acting as a bit of insurance in case you call for any of those cunts down the hall. The detective here’d like this wee talk to end a little differently than the last one did. That one where you lot roughed him up? As long as we keep this civilized, then I’m nothing but furniture here; no stake in any of this at all.”
FENG MIAN
“Indeed.
[Lin chimes on a couple piano keys ideally before regarding Waylon]
But no matter. This was a risky gamble. There will be consequences, for the both of you.”
JONNY
“Don’t threaten me with a good time…”
WAYLON
[Somewhat desperate yet scattered, intense as he ignores the bickering.]
“I understand. There were… No other options; all channels led to this place. A conduit… or a delta… but this will not be the end, not this time. The question… Where is Alex Webb?”
FENG MIAN
“I see. I suppose you should understand. What you’ve done that is. That when you came into my club; that name on your lips like poison… you killed me then. You forced me to remember her… along with events I tried very hard to forget.”
WAYLON
“Lin… Please. I must know…”
FENG MIAN
“Do not interrupt me. Your Alex… She was cargo. Unexpected cargo; at least for us. We were working beside Dark Fathom on what was supposed to be a once in a lifetime opportunity. An operative, a stray, had come down from the Core. Dark Fathom lay claim on the Kraken Executor himself… as well as this girl that you’re obsessed with. This suited us well as we were interested in the technological opportunities and executive level equipment. It would turn out that of the two of us, Dark Fathom would receive the more valuable prize. I’m not convinced they didn’t know that already, though they claimed ignorance, of course.”
[pauses, considering her words carefully before continuing… this is a story she’s never told.]
Dark Fathom ended up murdering the Kraken exec while the girl… your Alex… had been… changed somehow. Not quite human anymore. They took her and we inherited the mess that was left behind.
Do you believe in curses, detective?”
WAYLON
“I do not.”
FENG MIAN
“That is convenient. Neither did I. Real or not, we found that anyone who used their tech or so much as remembered what had happened that day… changed. We had no choice but to retire anyone who had been present for the heist. My father, the Oyobun, included. Only a truly disciplined and aware mind could live with secrets so eager to burst from their closet. Today, only three remain who know the fate of your Alex Webb. You, me… and Jillian Hart.”
WAYLON
“Jillian Hart. Dark Fathom’s head. I still… don’t understand. If you were sinking this, closing loose ends… why leave me alive? Tortured and picking through fractured memories.
[Accusing]
What did you do to me?”
FENG MIAN
[laughs at the notion that the Yakuza would have spared a random Mer yet sacrifice their Oyobun.]
“You were Dark Fathom's responsibility. A request… or more appropriately an ultimatum from the girl; from what I understand. A very expensive ‘request’ at that.”
WAYLON
“The memory repressor. Psychic dampeners… surgery scars… but you can’t kill a memory. Not like that.”
FENG MIAN
“It would seem. But they were certainly going to try. If it didn’t take, they were to resolve the situation in a ‘different’ way. A duty, it seems, that they did not fulfill. As here you are, digging up old bones and speaking words that…
WAYLON
[finishes her words]
“... Ripple. All the way back to the Core.”
FENG MIAN
“Yes. So if you’re here now, asking me about Alex Webb then either she is dead or something has changed to make the both of us… expendable. You’re a fool, Waylon. Curses don’t sleep forever.”
JONNY
“Curse my arse. Are we done here, detective?”
WAYLON
“For now. Goodbye, Lin.”
FENG MIAN
[stands up, bench squeaking a bit]
“Wait. If I’m to die; than I wish to do so on my own terms. I will not leave this world as a pawn to Jillian Hart’s machinations and would like to ensure she pays dearly for the pleasure of my death.
Consider this a last request. Read my memories, Detective Grant.”
WAYLON
“That is… dangerous. The repressor…
FENG MIAN
“Is a dam. One that can be dismantled with care and time. Unfortunately neither of us has any such luxury… so instead we must only hope to make enough of a hole as to cause a rupture.
Now come, we cannot afford to waste any more time.”
FADE OUT