The Mentor Act II

The Mentor By A. Peter Swearengen Copyright © 2001 Idyllist, Inc. All Rights Reserved ACT I ACT II ACT III INT. KYLES OFFICE -- DAY Kyle pulls up the Nebulous Human Resources system, and uses his password to access its records. He searches for Doreen, with alternative spellings, but nothing comes up. He digs a tiny crumpled paper out of his wallet and keys in the number. Nothing comes up. He looks at the paper again and changes the number. COMPUTER: EMPLOYEE RECORD RESTRICTED KYLE What the fuck? Kyle calls HAROLD THE ADMIN on his phone. Harold sounds like he’s been inhaling Helium. HAROLD (on phone) Techsupport. Hey, Kyle. What’s up? KYLE I just tried to look someone up on the HR system and got a "record restricted." What’s up with that? HAROLD Restricted? Sure you didn’t just spell it wrong? ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 41. KYLE I used an ID number. HAROLD Hold on. Kyle rubs his chin, takes off his suit-jacket, pulls up his sleeves, and turns 'Hacker.' Harold enters, a mid-30's, khaki-dressed, indespensible cosmonaut, with boundless high-cholesterol energy and zero- tolerance for ignorant managers, and sidles up behind him. HAROLD (CONT'D) Lose the tie, and I'd take you for one of the line-programmers. KYLE Who developed it? HAROLD Haircut's too good, though. Kyle sets Harld straight with an annoyed glance HAROLD (CONT'D) To tell you the truth, I think they bought it off the shelf. KYLE Shrinkwrap? HAROLD It’s a mothball. KYLE Can you get us in? HAROLD I've got DBA access. But if the passwords are encrypted... KYLE Thanks. INT. CONFERENCE ROOM -- DAY Add Norma Lee here. Very competitive HEADS of Nebulous companies sit around the long table delivering reports on joint operations and intra-company transactions. Stern sits at the front, studying a small ceramic sphere in the palm of his hand, while JOHNSON, manager of a materials design lab, explains its properties. JOHNSON We see the thermal properties will be a breakthrough in a number of (MORE) ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 42. JOHNSON (CONT'D) aerospace applications. Metals fatigue and crack over time. It’s light and plastic enough to form the wing of an airplane or an engine block. STERN My friends, at the core of the Nebulous family, is invention. The pure creative moment. Yesterday, I was worth something like ten billion U.S. I would spend every penny if I knew that an invention like the computer or penicillin would come out of it. Let's face it. That's why we've got as much as we do. Cultivate that moment! Show me the creativity, and we will write the future together. Thank you, Johnson. JOHNSON Thank you. STERN Baxter, why haven’t we seen anything out of the alternative fuels research programs? Baxter loses his composure. BAXTER Um. I’ve been asking the same question in my department meetings. I think our ideas are good, we just need time to work on the development. STERN Understood. Everyone, there is an unfortunate reality outside of the comfortable cocoon we all enjoy at Nebulous. It’s called profitability and shareholder satisfaction! What does that mean to you and me? Product! Ideas are a dime a dozen. Baxter, we’re going to find you a new appointment. A shocked silence stills the room. Is he fired? STERN (CONT'D) Black, you had something you wanted to present? Unnerved by the moment, Kyle has trouble starting. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 43. KYLE Oh, yes. The Ubiquisoft Enterprise team is announcing an inventory of all externally developed systems. STERN Good. Keep it up. You've got Baxter's program. Kyle looks at Baxter who is simply staring at the table. STERN (CONT'D) I want all of you to watch this kid. He's tapped into something. Stern taps his head. STERN (CONT'D) If you don't all plan to be working for him within a year, you'd better learn how he does it. Kyle affords a painful scan of a room of skeptical faces. STERN (CONT'D) Okay? Black, explain the "inventory." KYLE We’re looking for possible opportunities to replace outdated systems with solutions which can be leveraged across multiple organizations. STERN Okay. Don’t get carried away. INT. BAXTER'S OFFICE -- DAY The contents of his plush office now packed into boxes, Baxter takes a moment to survey the world for the last time from his upper floor vista. He tests the window, looking for a way to open it. EXT. NEBULOUS HQ -- DAY Outside Baxter's office, nothing can be heard when he SLAMS his chair against the window. The chair simply bounces. INT. BAXTER'S OFFICE -- DAY Baxter grabs his head in a FLASH OF BLINDING PAIN and falls to his knees. Blood pours out of his nose. He collapses. Seconds later, HUGHES, ex-Secret Service Security Chief, enters the room, observative and meticulous, notes Baxter as though expecting what he sees, and carefully cleans the spot ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 44. of blood from his nose and the carpet. Hughes picks up the phone and dials. INT. KYLES APARTMENT -- NIGHT Kyle works at a laptop connected by a long cable to the wall. Dressed in T-shirt and shorts, he munches cold pizza. A video image of Harold appears in the corner of his screen. HAROLD This is going to take weeks, Kyle. I can’t even make sense of half of these outdated, piece of shit programs. Take this Inventory system the Auto Service Centers, for example. KYLE We’re going to be selective. HAROLD Okay. Like how? KYLE I don’t know. Maybe start with accounting systems, employee databases. HAROLD What are we looking for? KYLE Whatever’s hidden. HAROLD What do you mean by that? KYLE I think Nebulous has some business it keeps quiet. HAROLD (balks) Probably a good reason for it. KYLE We’ll keep our findings to ourselves. HAROLD I don’t even want to find anything. Harold signs off. Kyle takes the scrap of paper which he has carefully preserved and rereads Darleen’s number. The screen reads: "New Employee Add." He enters the number. It responds: "Sorry. That number is already taken. Try again." KYLE Well, then, where are you? ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 45. Kyle thinks for a moment and hits a couple keys, bringing Harold’s face back. HAROLD Yeah? KYLE How do I access the employee database directly. HAROLD That would require level four clearance. KYLE I’m level four! It kicked me out. HAROLD Well, I don’t know. Guess you gotta call HR. KYLE Come on, Harold. HAROLD (sighs) Okay. I’m sending it to you. Don’t get me in trouble. KYLE Thanks. Don’t worry. Harold signs off. Kyle reads the message, and enters the new login, followed by the employee number. Doreen’s record appears. A picture shows her in a doctor’s coat. The top of the record reads: "Classified. Mentor Program. Ohai, California." KYLE (CONT'D) Mentor program? Hmmm. You’re not in Idaho. EXT. SANTA BARBARA AIRPORT -- DAY Kyle de-boards a small commercial airplane. EXT. INTERSTATE 101 -- DAY Kyle drives a rental sports car southbound. INT. KYLES CAR -- DAY Kyle uses his cell phone earpiece. A printout of Doreen’s file is folded open on the passenger seat. Kyle takes the Ohai exit. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 46. KYLE Eileen? Tell Aaron I want to a complete inventory of all the systems we support in California. I know. Tell him to take a day. No. I’ll be back in the office tomorrow. Thanks. EXT. NONDESCRIPT OFFICE BUILDING, OHAI -- DAY A small sign at the parking lot reads: Nebulous Corporation. Kyle parks his car and enters the building. INT. OFFICE SECURITY DESK -- DAY FIRST GUARD Can I help you? Kyle shows his company ID. KYLE Yes, I’m from the Software division. Who’s the Director of this facility? FIRST GUARD Just a moment. Did you have an appointment? KYLE No, I didn’t have the opportunity. THE GUARDS’ POV- Kyle’s face and security information appear on the computer screen. Kyle checks his watch. FIRST GUARD I’m sorry sir. The Director is in a meeting until noon. You can wait in the reception area. That’s on level two. KYLE That’s fine. The Second Guard hands Kyle a green security pass, with the word: Visitor. Kyle walks through the lobby to the elevator. INT. WAITING ROOM -- DAY Kyle waits alone in the windowless room. He notices the large print on the wall resembles a neuron or dendrite structure. The stack of magazines includes Science, and The Journal of Neurobiology. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 47. DOREEN (O.S.) How can I help you? Kyle turns and is only a little less shocked than she is. DOREEN (CONT'D) Oh. I'm sorry... KYLE (shakes her hand) Kyle. I thought you were in Idaho,... DOREEN Doreen Whiteacre. Ah, no. I was just recently promoted to facility director here. KYLE Congratulations. I'm sure the weather's an improvement. DOREEN Yes. The town is a bit small. What brings you here. KYLE Well, the Ubiquisoft Group is conducting an inventory of systems throughout the whole corporation. DOREEN I see. And as director, you're conducting this inventory yourself. Ought to take you, what, about three years? KYLE You gave me a number. DOREEN This isn't an accidental encounter, is it? KYLE Did you think I would let it go? Your number is a member an entire subsidiary operation. Completely "Top Secret." Nobody I've talked to in Nebulous knows anything about it. DOREEN So, you had to find out. KYLE Is it government? Some kind of biological warfare lab? ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 48. DOREEN Did you try asking your boss? KYLE No. DOREEN Interesting. Why not? Since he's the CEO, he should know. KYLE Sometimes there are things we're not supposed to know. DOREEN So, that doesn't apply to you? KYLE That's not why I came. DOREEN I shouldn't have given you that number. KYLE Why did you? DOREEN Maybe just to get you off my back. KYLE You could have just told me to get lost. DOREEN I wish I had. KYLE It's going to be okay. Doreen tightens. KYLE (CONT'D) Does that mean anything to you. DOREEN Well, unfortunately, I have a meeting in five minutes. I need to prepare... KYLE I think there's something you can explain. Doreen shakes Kyle's hand again and heads for the door. She presses her palm against a hidden scanner and the door unlocks. She stops, takes a card out of her pocket and holds it out. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 49. DOREEN Well, I can help you with your inventory. Here's my card. Next week, I should have some time. Kyle watches the door close. Discouraged, he looks at the card. EXT. SANTA BARBARA AIRPORT RUNWAY -- AFTERNOON Carrying a briefcase, Kyle crosses the runway to a private jet. CARMEN, a broadshouldered, diplomatic, exexutive assistiant, greets him at the gangway. CARMEN Afternoon, sir. Everything in order? KYLE Yes, thank you. What time should we expect to make New York? CARMEN Pilot estimates ten-thirty, Eastern. Kyle studies Carmen for a moment. KYLE You look like someone I can trust. Carmen gives him a quizzical look. Kyle hands him his briefcase. KYLE (CONT'D) Take this and put on my desk in my office. Make sure it's there by six o'clock tomorrow morning. CARMEN Okay. And yourself? KYLE I'm flying back with you. I'll take a taxi from the airport. Understand? CARMEN Certainly, sir. Anything else? KYLE Thank you. CARMEN With pleasure. Kyle turns and walks briskly back to the terminal gate. Without blinking, Carmen enters the plane, the gangway is rolled back and the door closed. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 50. INT. KYLES CAR -- AFTERNOON Driving South on Interstate 101, Kyle calls Harold's cell phone. HAROLD (on phone) This is Harold. KYLE Haven't left work yet, have you? There's a rough noise at the other end which turns into Harold's laughter. HAROLD Sure, boss. Since you weren't around, I left at four-thirty. KYLE Very funny. HAROLD Sometimes I wonder about you, Black. KYLE Okay. Now pay attention. HAROLD You know, Stern was poking around here a little while ago, looking for you. KYLE What'd you tell him? HAROLD Oh, I said you were on a rampage, torturing all the project managers in the building about deadlines. KYLE Swell. Any idea how long he's in town? HAROLD Said he was on his way out. I'm sure he left a message with Eileen. KYLE Okay. Now, I need two things from you. First, if I don't show up tomorrow morning by seven-thirty, I want you to log me into the system there, so it looks like I'm in. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 51. HAROLD Just a second. Black? KYLE If you're not comfortable... HAROLD I have to apologize. KYLE Don't worry... HAROLD No. When you started, I took you for much more of a tight-ass than you are. KYLE Well, don't tell anyone. Remember that HR system we looked at the other day? HAROLD Sure. I found the server it's on. I think we could run the logins through some decryption analysis. KYLE I want you to add a record. HAROLD Okay. INT. OFFICE SECURITY DESK -- EVENING Two night-shift guards, MOUSEY and IRRITABLE, snap to attention when Kyle approaches the desk. IRRITABLE Can we help you? Kyle puts his hand on the scanner. need a new scan KYLE On an inspection tour, gentlemen. Mousey reaches for the phone. KYLE (CONT'D) Don't touch that phone! Both guards react. KYLE (CONT'D) You'll find the clearance on the system. (MORE) ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 52. KYLE (CONT'D) My name is Winchester, from Corporate. I'm part of an advance security- inspection team. If you attempt to warn anyone in the building, including your fellow security officers, I will have to abort the inspection, which, I assure you, will make my boss extremely angry . Mousey sets back the phone. Irritable runs the hand-scanner, which clears Kyle. He hands Kyle a temporary badge. KYLE (CONT'D) Thank you. How many personnel are currently in the building? Irritable glances at his screen. IRRITABLE Sixty-eight, sir. KYLE (surprised) Is that typical? IRRITABLE Give or take a couple, yes sir. KYLE Give me a listing of their names and departments, and a map. Mousey runs the printout and hands it to Kyle. Kyle inspects it. KYLE (CONT'D) Why they grey areas? MOUSEY Classified areas, sir. KYLE Okay. Thank you, gentlemen. Your assitance will be noted in my report. Authoritative, Kyle heads through the security gate. Mousey silently mouths the words "ass-hole" to his fellow. INT. LABORATORY CORRIDOR -- NIGHT Kyle walks swiftly while simultaneously scanning the employee listing. He stops at a door marked "Whiteacre -- Director," knocks and waits. He glances down the corridor and sees two white-coat TECHNICIANS pass between doors. When the coast is clear, he puts his hand on the scanner. The door unlocks. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 53. INT. DOREEN'S OFFICE -- NIGHT Kyle circles the immaculate room. Not a single loose paper on the desk, table, or wastebasket, he can find nothing. The filing cabinet is locked. Only a box of freshly-minted business cards on the shelf. On his way out, he stops, sees an ornate music-box, and opens the lid. The theme of "Ode to Joy" plays. A chill runs down Kyle's spine. He snaps it shut, looks around the room, which now seems vaguely foreboding, and walks out. INT. ELEVATOR -- NIGHT Kyle selects a level. ELEVATOR Authorization. He presses his hand against the scanner and the Elevator moves. INT. EXERCISE ROOM -- NIGHT A row of a dozen treadmills occupy an otherwise nondescript chamber. At the far end, An ATTENDANT stands with a PATIENT, mid-20's, who walks, mechanically, gaze fixed on the blank, white wall. Kyle leaves the elevator and walks toward them. He notices a sign: "SILENCE IS STRICTLY OBSERVED AT ALL TIMES" The Attendent acknowledges Kyle, briefly, and returns to her observation of the Patient, who show no awareness of his presence. The elevator opens. A SECOND ATTENDENT, holding the hand of a dazed YOUNG PATIENT, guides her to a treadmill. Neither take any notice of the mystified Kyle. INT. LABORATORY CORRIDOR -- NIGHT Walking, Kyle notes he has no signal on his cell phone. He stops at another door marked, "Observation 1221". The security scanner allows him to enter. INT. OBSERVATION ROOM -- NIGHT A one-way mirror looks into a Lab with what resembles a dentist's chair with an old-style hairdresser's dryer attached. Several computer displays hum below the glass. Kyle takes note opens the door to leave, just as two businesslike, aproned, TECHNICIANS enter the Lab. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 54. INT. LAB -- NIGHT The Technicians efficiently prepare the room, turning on computers, and whiping down the chair and headset. Jen, sleeping, enters on wheelchair, pushed by a BORED ATTENDANT. With great effort and the help of the Technicians, they lift Jen onto the chair, strap down her limbs, and position the headset. Nobody says a word. INT. OBSERVATION ROOM -- NIGHT Fascinated, Kyle sits in a comfortable chair. The computer screens come on. The Attendant nods to the Technicians and leaves. The Technicians begin work at computer terminals. A 3-D image of the Jen's brain appears on a monitor. Kyle observes as areas of the frontal and medulla light up. Jen twitches, as though dreaming. Curious, Kyle starts exploring the computers in front of him. On one screen appear the words, "Sequence Abort (Y/N)." Kyle hits the "Y". Jen screams and strains at his bonds. The Attendants rush to her and remove the headset. She has become fully awake and is terrified. FIRST ATTENDANT We had a sequence abort! SECOND ATTENDANT Thorazine. They look toward the observation glass. SECOND ATTENDANT (CONT'D) Who's in there? Kyle, realizes he's done something bad, stands, and quickly leaves the room. INT. LABORATORY CORRIDOR -- NIGHT Kyle lets himself through another door, just as a SECURITY TEAM, with IRRITABLE in the lead, rounds the corner at the end of the hall. INT. STABILIZATION ROOM -- NIGHT Kyle walks slowly between a long row of beds, half of which are occupied by SLEEPING PATIENTS, all healthy-appearing, mid-20's and younger. Next to each bed is a small computer interface. The room is dimly lit. Everything is white, down to the patient's garb. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 55. Kyle steps close to the bed of Clarence. He kneels down to observe a thin wire running from his temple to the head of the bed. Clarence clutches a violin to his chest. He looks up and sees Doreen enter with TWO WHITECOAT TECHNICIANS. They walk to a SLEEPING YOUNG WOMAN. Kyle hits the deck. Doreen works at the computer. Immediately the young woman begins to groan and speak unintelligibly. The Technicians restrain her sluggish movement. Doreen leans over closely. DOREEN Good morning, Isabelle. Let's go for a walk. The Technicians lift the Vacant and expressionless Young Woman to her feet and they all slowly walk out. The lights dim again. INT. OFFICE SECURITY DESK -- NIGHT With a breifcase and coat, Doreen exits the elevator and heads for the door. She notices the Irritable Guard yawning. DOREEN Get enough sleep last night, Weaver? IRRITABLE Huh? Good night, Ms. Whiteacre. DOREEN Good night. She walks out and another elevator opens and disgorges Kyle. He walks quickly for the exit. KYLE See you tomorrow, gentlemen. Both Guards eye him, suspiciously. EXT. DOWNTOWN SANTA BARBARA ROAD -- NIGHT Doreen drives a dilapidated Volkswagen to the loading door of an unmarked warehouse. She gets out and unlocks the door and dives her car in. Kyle drives by, makes a quick turn, and rolls back, in view, with his lights off. He watches her close the door. Lights go on upstairs. Kyle hesitates, then leaves his car and goes to locate the door. Circling the building, he stops at a little-used door. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 56. EXT. DOREEN'S WAREHOUSE -- NIGHT Kyle looks for a doorbell. The door opens, suddenly. He stumbles back. Doreen, transformed from a button-down corporate manager to black tights, and a black Ministry t-shirt with THIEVES in bold letters across the back, holds a drink in a glass. She hands it to Kyle. DOREEN You're just in time for a nightcap. She holds the door for him. INT. DOREEN'S WAREHOUSE -- NIGHT Doreen and Kyle enter her living room. The decor is a jumbled mixture of scientifica, neurological diagrams, and photographs of cats. Befuddled, Kyle follows her through the large room. DOREEN So, Mr. Software Director, are security breaches and sabotage part of your job description? KYLE I have responsibility for all software systems employed at Nebulous. To be honest, for all its sophistication, the security system you've got here wouldn't stop a spy or a smart kid with a laptop. DOREEN So, which are you? Kyle nods, acknowledging the touche. He studies a cat-photo. She keeps a comfortable distance. DOREEN (CONT'D) Venus. She was good. KYLE You like cats. DOREEN Are you pretending I don't know you were skulking around my lab for the last four hours? KYLE What is it? Sleep studies? Mental patients? ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 57. DOREEN You could really get us both into a lot of trouble. What if Stern finds out? Maybe I like my job. KYLE What's PR-spin? Quietly testing some new psychiatric drug? He moves closer to her. She stiffens. KYLE (CONT'D) Maybe we can talk to him together. DOREEN This is good. I like relentless. Kyle kisses her. She enjoys it, but turns away casually when it's over. KYLE Give me the scoop. What were you doing at that conference in China? She considers. DOREEN The conference never happened. KYLE What do you mean? DOREEN Those people aren't sick. Truth dawns. Kyle sits. KYLE They're recruits. DOREEN This is the Nebulous Management Training program. We have another facility in Idaho and one in the South Pacific. You're a top graduate, Kyle. Kyle swallows, dismayed by where this is going. KYLE What did you do? How long was I-? DOREEN Six months. KYLE Why can't I remember? ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 58. DOREEN Think back to the recruit-party at Stern's. You drank too much. You can't remember how you got back home, either. INT. STERN'S HOME -- NIGHT The Mentor Program Recuits mill around the mansion, happily, drinking, ready to embark on their new lives. LATER: Kyle has trouble focusing his eyes. A WOMAN speaks to him about her home in Alabama. He can't take his eyes off her cleavage. Out of the corner of his eye, he sees someone fall over. LATER: Everywhere in the house, the Recruits have fallen, collapsed, or sagged into semi-coma. Doors open and suddenly the house is crawling with MEDICAL TECHNICIANS. The Recruits are maneuvered onto stretchers and carried away. Stern remains, alone, sitting with a drink. DOREEN (V.O.) You didn't return home. Nobody did. You were drugged and transported to the Center. It's not an easy operation. INT. STABILIZATION ROOM -- DAY Kyle, dressed in a patient's pajamas, sleeps along with the other recruits. The Technicians carefully check and adjust each Recruit and position portable electronic devices over their heads. DOREEN (V.O.) When the drugs wore off, you were already attached to a Mentor interface. The electrical delta- stimulus kept you in a passive, receptive state. You were fed through a tube, walked on a treadmill, and slept for sixteen hours everyday, between sessions. When you woke up, you were home. INT. DEN, DOREEN'S WAREHOUSE -- NIGHT The alcohol and revelations enhance Kyle's confusion. DOREEN You've had a long day. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 59. She pours him another drink while he broods. KYLE What a mind fuck. DOREEN Think of it as plastic surgery for the mind. Yes, your personality has changed, but only along a natural inclination. Some conflicted traits have subsided, insubordination, motivation problems. Now, you're just hungry to learn. You like power. KYLE Have you-? DOREEN No. My neural structures are incompatible. Believe me, I would do it in an instant if I could. Kyle downs his glass. KYLE Stern manufactures himself a loyal, hyperproductive workforce. DOREEN Soon, this discovery will belong to everyone. We just have to develop it a little further. Doreen seduces by evading Kyle stands up and moves close to her again. Still the scientist, she restrains her own desire. KYLE My father died while I was in there. DOREEN It was difficult for us. We had to set the speech in a remote location, to justify your delayed response. She sets up a demonstration... KYLE Show it to me. She leads him to a workroom with several computers, electronic components, and tools. She points to A Mentor System rig, identical to those in the Laboratory Stabilization room. KYLE (CONT'D) I want a demonstration. What's the shortest program you've got? ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 60. DOREEN Five minutes. It wouldn't be difficult. INT. DOREEN'S WORKROOM -- NIGHT Kyle lies on a futon, the Mentor equipment positioned at his head. Doreen prepares the program. She connects a single wire with a patch to Kyle's temple, and turns on the system. DOREEN The neuro-harmonics are more effective if you can allow your mind to drift, like when you fall asleep. Let thoughts come and go on their own. You know, like a meditation. In a few moments, you'll enter a lucid- dream state. Then, I'll start the program. KYLE What will it be? DOREEN Nothing specific. It's called a receptive-recursive cycle. It tends to enhance your thought process, briefly. What Freud called magical thinking. Make whatever you want into reality. Everyone who's tried it says it's good. KYLE Alright, I'm sold. DOREEN Breathe. Kyle closes his eyes for a few moments. He tries to relax. She curses under her breath. He sneaks a peek at her. KYLE Something wrong? DOREEN Just be patient. It's not starting. KYLE When I was under before- DOREEN Training- KYLE Training. Was there ever a problem? Troubled, she stops her work and looks at him. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 61. DOREEN The facility is only a couple years old. We've had a few bugs. There was a network-glitch. It caused a fluctuation in half of the training connectors. Some of the patients immediately went into status seizures. Others had no problem at all. A few, like you, woke up. She looks at his face and strokes his head. DOREEN (CONT'D) Every subject, without exception, who has woken up from the program, has suffered from major psychological disruptions... KYLE Disruptions. DOREEN Acute paranoia, delusions, schizophrenia. KYLE So what happened? DOREEN You went back to sleep. Doreen's POV? DOREEN (CONT'D) We shot you with enough thorazine to drop a horse. You were still wide awake. I tried to comfort you. He pulls her down to him. KYLE I think I need more comforting. Losing interest in the demonstration, they succomb to their desires. Kyle helps her out of her clothes. They take the bed by storm, consuming one another ravenously. INT. DOREEN'S WORKROOM -- MORNING Kyle wakes, still clothed, and removes the wire from his temple. Doreen crosses the room, getting dressed for work. KYLE What-? DOREEN Morning. I assume you're flying back to New York today. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 62. He stretches and sits up, groggily. KYLE The demonstration. DOREEN What do you recall? KYLE We made love. Amused, she brushes her hair. DOREEN Really? I'm flattered. KYLE It was very real. DOREEN Of course. You might as well consider it real. Kyle stands and walks behind her, puts his arms around, and fondles her breasts. She blushes, but doesn't try to stop him. KYLE It's not quite satisfying to think it didn't happen. She sets down the brush and turns to complete the embrace. DOREEN I'm sorry. KYLE I'm sorry for both of us. DOREEN Maybe we should do something about it. Shaking with excitement, she puts her hands into his pants and eases them down his legs. He guides her, backward, to the bed where they descend with even more intense passion. INT. DOREEN'S WORKROOM -- NIGHT Kyle opens his eyes and looks at Doreen sleeping next to him, naked. R.J. (O.S.) The brain's approach to problem solving, is to develop a coherent 'experience' which can be played (MORE) ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 63. R.J. (O.S.) (CONT'D) over and over, successively, in the unconscious. A kind of obsessive learning process, wouldn't you agree? Kyle sits up and discovers Dr. Bitterroot relaxing in a cushioned chair, with a whisky, neat. R.J. (CONT'D) Hello, Kyle. What do you think of my invention? KYLE I can't decide- R.J. If it's good or evil. KYLE No. What I am now. R.J. Ah. A better question: An individual or a product, and what's the difference? KYLE Who are you? R.J. (shrugs) I suppose the answer is, whoever you want me to be. Kyle gets up and dresses. He glances down at Doreen, still sleeping. He walks and looks out the window at the ocean. KYLE She's not real. R.J. Not the "real" Ms. Whitecomb, as you want to say. But, curiously enough, I think she's just as either of you want her to be. KYLE (irritated) What if I change my mind? R.J. Another good question: what if we change it for you. Kyle looks back to the bed. Lechner, fully clothed and bored, sips his own whisky. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 64. LECHNER Solve the problem yourself, Kyle. You hold the answer. ANOTHER LECHNER (O.S.) Or better yet- Kyle turns to see Lechner seated in Bitterroot's place. ANOTHER LECHNER (CONT'D) You are the answer. What is the question? KYLE (exasperated) Okay. I've had enough. INT. DOREEN'S WORKROOM -- NIGHT Kyle sits up and rips the wire off his head. Doreen gets up from the chair. DOREEN Careful. Try to move slowly for awhile. KYLE I didn't like that. She reaches him and daubs the small spot of blood forming at his temple with an antiseptic wipe. DOREEN I'm sorry, it can be a bit frustrating. That's why it's limited to 5 minutes. KYLE You're not kidding. I need another drink. She heads for the kitchen. DOREEN Let me start some coffee. It's almost daylight. Kyle turns to the window. The faint glow of early dawn illustrates the sky over the ocean. INT. UBIQUISOFT CONFERENCE ROOM -- DAY Kyle leads a meeting with his ENGINEERING TEAM. More professional than ever, he reveals little evidence of an internal struggle which rages. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 65. KYLE (V.O.) What could I do? I went back to work. Pretended nothing had changed. When someone tells you that thing you were so sure happened was just a dream, does that make it any less real? If anything, it became more real to me. Was it denial or commitment? If this was my destiny, then I put myself even more to the task of perfection. I would become that man Stern had groomed me to be. And more. INT. NEBULOUS CORPORATE HQ -- DAY Kyle opens his mouth to speak to a RECEPTIONIST, just as his cellphone rings. They exchange an understanding smile and he answers. KYLE Yes? DOREEN (on phone) I need to conduct a follow-up examination. KYLE (hushed) I thought you said we couldn't see each other for awhile. DOREEN It's been three weeks. KYLE Okay. DOREEN I'm coming out there, this time. KYLE Okay. Uh. Listen, I'm about to go into a meeting with Stern. DOREEN Don't keep him waiting. I'll be there Monday. I'm staying in the Stanhope. Kyle hangs up and turns to face the smiling Receptionist who probably heard everything. She points toward the Board Room. INT. NEBULOUS BOARD ROOM -- DAY The meeting not yet in-progress, SENIOR MANAGERS AND DIRECTORS filter in and take their seats. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 66. while Kyle nervously takes a seat near the back. Stern, conversing with a FRENCH DIRECTOR, a savvy mid-60's patrician, notices Kyle and gestures him to a seat at his right. STERN (in French) Pierre, this is our manager from the software group, Kyle Black. FRENCH DIRECTOR (in French) Ah, yes. The young man from Ubiquisoft. I believe he has a reputation already. KYLE (in French) A good one, I hope. The Director and Stern are startled and pleased by Kyle's fluency. FRENCH DIRECTOR (in French) Nothing that can't be repaired through tenacity. They shake hands. Stern calls the meeting to order. STERN Good afternoon everyone. Let's get down to business. The room quiets. Notebooks and PDA's come out. Stern takes a silent inventory. STERN (CONT'D) Glad everyone could make it. We'll be quick. First, as you all know, regardless of how multinational Nebulous has become, we are still not immune to localized fluctuations and trade-disputes. Appropriately, some of our significant investors... He nods slightly at each Director, in turn: STERN (CONT'D) Goldman Sachs, Microsoft, Vanguard... Have expressed concern that we should expect diminishing results from some of our manufacturing and telecommunications operations and assets over the next year. (MORE) ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 67. STERN (CONT'D) As a result, I am preparing to introduce an across-the-board cost- cutting program which will trim a billion dollars from our budget. The Directors applaud, politely. The rest respond with muttered concerns. Kyle doesn't know which to do. STERN (CONT'D) We will review the program in two weeks, on the eighth of April, here in this room. Thank you. Questions? Unprepared, most just sit, mutely. SEASONED MANAGER If you don't mind, is it perhaps possible that we could hear a bit of strategy for these cost reductions? STERN You've been through this before, Ike. IKE Sure, but if we cut so much out of our budgets, how are we going to avoid killing the innovation we consider so important. STERN I think you're confusing innovation with opulence. IKE I'd hardly call some of our research programs opulent. Dissent rises in the room. Kyle clears his throat. KYLE Mr. Stern? STERN You have a comment to make, Mr. Black? KYLE (nervous) Ah. I would recommend we focus on the known synergies between various Nebulous assets and seek to enhance those, while trimming non-critical areas. With reservations, most agree. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 68. STERN Well put. Now let's move on. If any of you has a recommendation, please submit them to me via email. The managers acknowledge, tensely. INT. HALLWAY, NEBULOUS CORPORATE HQ -- DAY In his effortless manner, Stern heads for the elevator. Kyle rushes to catch up with him. Stern notices. STERN How is Ubiquisoft, Kyle? I'm hearing good things. KYLE Busy. We've got a deadline practically every week now. Can we-? STERN You gave a good answer in there. The Board will remember that. They enter an elevator together. Stern hits his own button, then, Kyle's. KYLE Thank you. Can I talk to you about-? STERN We should discuss expanding your responsibilities. There are many programs which could benefit from fresh oversight. Kyle hits the Emergency Stop button. The elevator stops. KYLE The Mentor Program. Kyle's approach amuses Stern. STERN I admire your determiniation, Kyle. The Mentor Program has an excellent management team at the moment. KYLE Why is it classified? STERN Good reasons. Privacy among them. KYLE I'd like to get involved. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 69. Stern turns the elevator back on. STERN I'll take it into consideration. The current Director, Doreen Whiteacre, will be here next week. I'll ask her to give you a call. The elevator door opens. Kyle steps out. KYLE Thank you, sir. Stern holds the door. STERN I've said this before. You're still young here. Don't get carried away. He lets the door close. EXT. STANHOPE HOTEL -- DAY A cab drops Kyle in front of the hotel. The DOORMAN holds the door for him. INT. LOBBY, STANHOPE -- DAY Kyle scans the lobby. A few TOURISTS schlepp bags and glance, indifferently. He spots DOREEN, dressed in a new outfit and tinted glasses. She smiles, slightly, when she sees him. stronger KYLE Every time I see you, I like you more. DOREEN Maybe I shouldn't have called. KYLE I was going to call you. DOREEN I need food. She puts her arm through his. They stroll casually for the door. KYLE Let me take you to this place I know. DOREEN Is it far? KYLE Short cab ride. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 70. The Doorman holds the door. They stop. DOREEN Maybe we can find something closer. INT. DREAM ROOM -- DAY Naked, Kyle studies an illuminated model of a brain in his hands. Electricity flashes inside. INT. DOREEN'S ROOM, STANHOPE -- DAY Kyle lies on the bed in a room devoid of color. INT. DOREEN'S ROOM, STANHOPE -- DAY The lock turns and Kyle and Doreen burst in, already half- undressed. Immersed in one-another, they feel their way to the table. Kyle hoists her onto the table. She touches the Room Service menu. DOREEN What would you like me to order? KYLE Anything you want. She pushes the menu off the table and leans backward, pulling him with her by his collar. It's no longer food they're hungry for. INT. DOREEN'S ROOM, STANHOPE -- DAY DOREEN Room service tray and plates covered with partially eaten salads and fishcakes, clothes strewn over the furniture, Kyle "comes-to" as he's making love to Doreen on the tousseled bed. They climax together and bask in the afterglow. My compliments on the choice of cuisine. KYLE Sometimes location is everything. Doreen gets up and goes into the bathroom. Kyle notices her large purse by the bed and looks inside. He sifts through the usual vanity supplies. DOREEN How are you feeling these days, Kyle? KYLE Good. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 71. Kyle finds an electronic connector with a long, thin wire. He quickly puts it back. DOREEN Not obsessing about the Mentor Program? KYLE No. Why? Doreen returns and gets back into bed. She spies a drop of blood formed at Kyle's left temple and rubs it off with her thumb. He sees the smear of blood on her thumb. DOREEN I wanted to ask. Strawberry. Doreen gives Kyle a strawberry, which he eats. KYLE I recently discovered that I have a pretty good command of French. I never even studied it in school. DOREEN It's what we term "collateral adjustment." Each of the training programs are built specifically from one or more real person's neural patterns, called an "accretion." We enhance them significantly to create a series of progressive experiences. The French is a trace of that original accretion. KYLE So, whose neural patterns was my program built on? DOREEN Stern's. And Dr. Bitterroot. KYLE What does Nebulous do with the people who don't make it though the Mentor Program? This question hits an uncomfortable cord. DOREEN I thought you said you weren't obsessing. Kyle turns her their focus to earlier pleasures. KYLE I'm not. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 72. Kyle's cell-phone rings. He and Doreen share a look of annoyance. Kyle checks the caller ID, sighs, and answers: KYLE (CONT'D) Yes? HUGHES (on phone) Mr. Black? KYLE Who is this? HUGHES Braxton Hughes, Director of Security for Nebulous Corporation. I like to meet with you. The sooner, the better. KYLE Mind if I ask what it's regarding? HUGHES I'm investigating a security-breach that occurred recently at on of our research facilities. I'll explain it further when we meet. KYLE Okay. Fine. I'll be there. HUGHES Thank you. Oh, and sir, I'd like to ask you not to mention this to anyone. KYLE No problem. Bye. He hangs up and stares at Doreen. She comprehends. DOREEN You have to go. Elevator problem. Kyle winds up back on Doreen's floor. Sees technicians packing up equipment. INT. HOTEL ELEVATOR -- DAY Kyle realizes he's forgotten his jacket. He rides back to Doreen's floor. The door opens. She's waiting with his coat. He takes it. The door closes: KYLE Call you later... Kyle realizes the elevator is going up. KYLE (CONT'D) Fuck! ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 73. TWO OLD COUPLES board the elevator and it heads down. Again the door's open on Doreen's floor. Everyone waits, annoyed. As the doors close, THREE WHITECOAT TECHNICIANS wheel heavy travel-cases out of Doreen's room. Kyle jams his hand between the doors, but continues to watch. RASPY OLD LADY You gettin' off here, young man? Kyle shakes his head and lets the doors close. One technician glances his way as they shut. INT. CONFERENCE ROOM, NEBULOUS HQ -- DAY Kyle and Hughes study each other like chess opponents. HUGHES You've been very successful here, Black. KYLE Thank you. HUGHES I don't trust a man who rises quickly. It usually means he's doing something... unseemly. KYLE Funny. I don't trust "Security Officers" who project conspiracy on everyone they meet. HUGHES Let's not waste time. You recall meeting the former director of Energy Research? KYLE The guy who quit? HUGHES Was fired. KYLE Oh. Guess you can't trust the grapevine. HUGHES Vernon Baxter. Did you ever have opportunity to speak to this man in person? KYLE Well, let's see... he stopped by my office right after I came on. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 74. HUGHES What did he say? KYLE Um. Nice office. Something about flies. HUGHES Flies? KYLE Buzzing. HUGHES Flies buzzing. Anything else? KYLE That's it. HUGHES Three weeks ago, you flew to Santa Barbara and visited a Biotechnology research facility in Ohai. KYLE Has it been that long? HUGHES What was your business there? KYLE Well, as director of software for the entire Nebulous Corporation, as well as its subsidiaries, I have been conducting an inventory of systems currently deployed... HUGHES And this "inventory" includes hacking the security database, modifying records, and entering the facility under an assumed credential? KYLE I was me. As I mentioned to the Director, Miss... uh. He waits for Hughes to fill in the name, but he doesn't. KYLE (CONT'D) It was nothing more than a simple test of system integrity. I think both of us would be held responsible if a breach occurred. Hughes drops a stack of digital photos on the table of Kyle skulking around the laboratory. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 75. HUGHES An that test included these activities? KYLE I had a look around. Hughes smoulders and grows a bit larger. HUGHES I'm watching you very closely, Black. And here's why: Someone is stealing technology, secrets, whatever you want to call it, from our "biotechnology" labs. There's evidence of what you would call an auction. I have a good idea who it is. Make sure you have nothing connecting you with this. When I clean up, I clean up everything. Hughes gives Kyle a look that would boil a gallon of water. INT. KYLE'S C.C.L. OFFICE -- DAY Kyle logs into a personnel system and looks up Vernon Baxter. The "Termination Date" is 4/19/09. A note indicates Baxter's wife, Clara, is receiving death benefits. He accesses a New York City Coroner database and cross- references the name. Baxter is listed as having died of a "Cerebral Hemmorage resulting from high blood pressure." Kyle pulls a printout of Doreen's security file out of his locked desk drawer. He picks up the phone. KYLE Whiteacre's office, please. Yes. This is- accounting. INT. DOREEN'S OFFICE -- DAY She answers her phone. DOREEN Whiteacre. Hello? Hello? She hangs up and wonders. INT. KYLE'S C.C.L. OFFICE -- DAY Kyle hangs up. He folds the printout and pockets it. Kyle wonders if Quincy could know him. Kyle learns the history of Bitterroot's program. One of his brilliant grad students hooked himself up and fried his brain. Bitterroot was quietly asked to leave. Stern purchased the Rorschach Inst. and set up the program there. A newspaper article makes it look like Bitterroot "retires." INT. HALLWAY, M.I.T -- DAY Kyle slowly walks the hallway he's walked hundreds of times. He chooses a doorway with the nameplate removed and knocks. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 76. VOICE (O.S.) Come in. Kyle opens the door to an office jammed wall-to-wall with journals, books, and other scientific writings. A large, rolltop desk collects dust. Opposite, sits Kyle's friend Quincy, slightly aged. Quincy's annoyance turns to muted surprise. QUINCY Ah. Hello? Can I help you? KYLE Quincy! What are you doing here? QUINCY Do we know each other? KYLE Do we? QUINCY Not that I can say. KYLE Mind if I ask what you do here? QUINCY Well, non-specifically, I'm a professor of Psychology. KYLE You're Quincy Farnes. Gooche's Hollar, Kentucky. Undergrad Shuffleboard Champion of Cambridge. QUINCY You read about this somewhere? KYLE What happened to the Cognative Science department? QUINCY Long gone. KYLE Gone? QUINCY Yup. Shut down. Are you a journalist? I really must get back to work. Unfazed, Kyle hands him his card with a handwritten number. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 77. KYLE No. I'm interested in the work of Dr. Bitterroot. Here's my number at the Hyatt, if you find you have time to talk. Quincy accepts the card, politely. Kyle leaves. EXT. HALLWAY, M.I.T -- DAY Kyle inspects the door where the neameplate used to be. He leans closer to catch the sound of Quincy's voice. QUINCY (O.S.) No. He was just here. Today. Yes. I'm not sure. This is our oppurtunity. Can you get your people together? Immediately. The phone slams down. Kyle makes a quick move around the corner, as Quincy opens his door and looks around. INT. BAR, CAMBRIDGE -- DAY Two beers down, Quincy opens up to Kyle. QUINCY You kinda freaked me out with that "I know you" stuff, today. KYLE I think Stern stole the technology from Dr. Bitterroot and developed it. QUINCY No. Stern owns Bitterroot. KYLE He's using the system on people. QUINCY Nah. It's not developed enough yet. KYLE I've been on it. QUINCY What do you remember? KYLE I don't know. QUINCY What do you mean, you don't know? ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 78. KYLE I can't tell the difference between a real memory and a program. QUINCY If it worked, that's what would happen. KYLE It works. QUINCY No it doesn't. Low-grade patterning lasts about 36 hours. Real learning requires high-energy forced-resonance. Bitterroot used one of his research team as a test-subject. The forced- resonance stimulus of the medulla set off a chain-reaction which whiped out his memory, thought, consciousness, everything. If you want to see the results, he's in the Rorshach Institute in North Albany. Crestfallen, Kyle gropes for possibilities. KYLE But it works. I've seen it. QUINCY (shrugs) I don't think so. I've spent the last three years proving it. KYLE But- QUINCY Listen, you need help. Maybe you had an accident or something. KYLE No accident. QUINCY (shakes his head) I wish I could help you, man. KYLE Do you know someone named- Whiteacre. Kyle shakes off a wave of dizziness. QUINCY Never heard of her. He looks at Kyle, who is having trouble focusing his eyes. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 79. QUINCY (CONT'D) You feel okay? KYLE Yeah. It's just a- Kyle collapses. Quincy moves quickly to catch him. He walks Kyle out of the bar, waving-off a few DISTRACTED PATRONS. QUINCY Just missed a couple night's sleep is all. INT. WINDOWLESS OFFICE CUBICLE -- DAY Kyle wakes up, face down on the keyboard of his computer, and looks around. INT. WELDING ROOM -- DAY Art stops the welder and climbs up onto the work area to make adjustments. He sees Kyle without looking down. ART Hey, kid. How's the new job? KYLE Um. Not what I expected. ART (laughs) Shit. You're sittin' at a desk all day. Talk about goddamn useless employment. KYLE No, I mean something's wrong. I'm like falling asleep and having these wierd dreams. I dreamt you were dead. Art disconnects a fat cable from the welder arm and lowers it to Kyle. ART Here. Don't touch that connector unless you want the 20,000 volt handshake. Set it on the ground. That's it. I don't think a desk job suits you. Why don't you try and spend some time out here on the floor? We can take a look at the operations and work on your report. KYLE I'd like that. Kyle studies the high-voltage cable. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 80. INT. KYLE'S HOTEL ROOM -- NIGHT Kyle wakes with a gasp as Quincy disconnects a Mentor Probe from his temple. He blinks at a room filled with CHINESE INDUSTRIALISTS, gravely observing him, and conversing quietly to each other. QUINCY Relax, Kyle. I apologize for treating you like this. But it's really outside of my control. YOUNG INDUSTRIALIST We want a demonstration with one of our own workers. QUINCY Of course. You've got to understand the amount of preparation however. We would require a down payment and three months to establish an operational center in your territory. An OLD BUSINESSMAN shakes his head and says something which his ASSISTANT translates: ASSISTANT (to Kyle) You feel any side effects? Kyle sits up, slowly and looks at the Mentor System next to his bed, then at Quincy. KYLE Who are these people? QUINCY Investors, Kyle. I'll explain in a few minutes. (turns) Gentlemen, I'll have to ask you to leave now. You may submit your bids by nine o'clock this evening, using the established channel. He holds the door and nods at each, in turn. With room cleared, Quincy pours Kyle a glass of water. QUINCY (CONT'D) I'm sorry about that. Those people are interested in the Mentor technology. We can make a lot of money. KYLE (confused) Make a lot of?- what are you selling? ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 81. Quincy taps Kyle's head. QUINCY This is a commodity, Kyle. You're the worker of the future. You were almost right. Stern did steal the technology. I worked on it for three years, like a slave. Now I'm going to get something back. Two knocks on the door. VOICE (O.S.) Room Service! Quincy goes to the peephole. QUINCY We didn't order room service! With a gentle POP! and a few splinters, Quincy staggers backward, blood running from his empty eye socket, and collapses. A key rattles in the door and in walks Hughes, wearing a room service uniform, and surgical gloves, as he pockets a small pistol and silencer. He drags Quincy out of the way of the door. Doreen enters and checks Kyle's eye with a penlight. DOREEN Did he connect you? Kyle pushes her out of his way and heads for the door. KYLE Get me the fuck out of here. DOREEN Kyle, I want to help you. Without turning, Kyle exits. Hughes moves to pursue him, but Doreen stops him. DOREEN (CONT'D) Let him go. RORSACH INSTITUTE, NEW YORK -- DAY Kyle drives a rental car to the shaded, multi-building, Victorian-era mansion. The quiet, almost romantic grounds would better suit an elderly-care home, than a facility for the seriously deranged. Kyle clips a new badge on his jacket on his way up the steps. INT. INSTITUTE RECEPTION AREA -- DAY A few DOCTORS and RESEARCHERS come and go, while Kyle waits for the Receptionist to finish a phone call. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 82. She glances at his badge. RECEPTIONIST Good afternoon, Dr. Black. How can I help you? KYLE I've just transferred to this facility and I'm supposed to get a tour with a Dr. Bitterroot. He smiles. She's charmed. RECEPTIONIST Hmmm. Who would that be? What's your field? KYLE Neuro-Cybernetics. RECEPTIONIST Wow! That sounds cool. I guess that would be neurology, right? KYLE Close enough for me. RECEPTIONIST Just a second. She dials. RECEPTIONIST (CONT'D) (cheery) Hello? It's Shaila. How's it going? There's a Dr. Black here for a tour with the director. Oh? I see. Oh, that would be great. She beams hangs up. RECEPTIONIST (CONT'D) I'm sorry. Dr. Bitterroot isn't in right now. But, Dr. Richards is on his way down. KYLE Thank you. I think I'll like this place. RECEPTIONIST Oh, sure you will. Dr, Bitterroot is a genius. So do you know your way around Albany? KYLE Never been here before. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 83. RECEPTIONIST Well, at 7 o'clock a few of us get together and head out for a drink. If you'd like to join us. Might be a good way to get the lay of the land. KYLE Sounds great. I'll make it my goal. Dr. Richards, a mid-40's black man, used to juggling women and a number of serious responsibilities. RICHARDS Hi, Shaila. Hello, you must be Dr. Black. KYLE That's me. They shake. RICHARDS Well, I apologize. Dr. Bitterroot didn't mention he was expecting anyone. KYLE Well, if it's not a good time. RICHARDS We've constantly got new people coming through here. We're not very good at the welcoming business. KYLE Shaila's done a great job. She likes that comment. Dr. Richards indicates his gratitude. RICHARDS Thanks, Shaila. Don't know where we'd be without you. RECEPTIONIST Just appreciate what you've got, honey. INT. INSTITUTE HALLWAY -- DAY Kyle and Dr. Richards walk together, avoiding busy STAFFERS, as they go. RICHARDS So, where are you from? ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 84. KYLE Nebulous Corporation. I'm the Software Director. RICHARDS Interesting. What brings you here? KYLE Oh, I'm just performing a general survey of systems and resources. RICHARDS So, you work with Dr. Whiteacre? KYLE Only superficially. RICHARDS I see. Well, then. Shall we see the grounds? KYLE Certainly. EXT. GARDENS, RORSCHACH INSTITUTE -- DAY A dozen or so PATIENTS with various intractable nervous conditions wander the groomed landscape. Dr. Richards leads Kyle down the ramp from the Institute into the garden. RICHARDS Dr. Bitterroot has brought hope to these people and their families. Mr. Lawrence, for instance. Dr. Richards leads them to a mid-20's patient, LAWRENCE, working at an abstract, colorful, oil painting. RICHARDS (CONT'D) Mr. Lawrence! How are we today? LAWRENCE D-D-Done making a- picture for daddy. RICHARDS How wonderful! Daddy will be so pleased! Lawrence blushes and then forgets the conversation. RICHARDS (CONT'D) (to Kyle) Lawrence's frontal lobes were irrepairably damaged when he smacked into a wall doing 40 on his motorcycle. (MORE) ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 85. RICHARDS (CONT'D) Dr. Bitterroot has helped his brain replace the lost functions by forming new neural pathways. He's turned out to be a very talented painter. They stoll down to the pond where Clarence expertly plays a complex violin piece for Jen and Rudy. When he finishes, all applaud. RICHARDS (CONT'D) Very good, Clarence! (leads Kyle away) Clarence was autistic who had demonstrated some savant capabilities. In less than 3 months, Dr. Bitterroot had him playing baroque quartets. They walk to the patio to sit near TWO CHESSPLAYERS. Kyle glances at a Wheelchair-bound, PATIENT, who awkwardly stares back, head lolling. The Patient makes a moaning sound and knocks a lidded cup onto the grass. Kyle picks it up and hands it back. The Patient knocks it out of Kyle's hand. RICHARDS (CONT'D) Freddy! Be polite. Dr. Richards takes the cup and snaps it into a holder on the wheelchair. He looks back toward the pond and sees Dr. Bitterroot, surrounded by his adoring patients. RICHARDS (CONT'D) I'm sorry. Oh, Dr. Bitterroot has returned. They walk down to meet Dr. Bitterroot. Lawrence runs ahead of them. LAWRENCE Daddy! Dr. Bitterroot gently hugs his patients one at a time. He turns and sees Kyle and Richards. R.J. Good afternoon, Dr. Richards. Ah, Dr. Black, I'd heard you might be paying us a visit. RICHARDS You know each other? R.J. Professionally. Would you be able to joing me for a drink in my office, Dr. Black? ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 86. KYLE Ah. I might do without the drink. It hasn't been treating me well, lately. R.J. Of course! INT. OBSERVATION LOUNGE, INSTITUTE -- DAY Kyle and Dr. Bitterroot observe through a one-way mirror. Alone, Freddy, sleeps, connected to the Mentor System. R.J. I understand your frustration, Dr. Black. But I have to say, that I'm not sure you appreciate what you have. KYLE It's difficult if you don't know what it is. R.J. I think you're making it difficult for yourself. There are many people looking out for you. KYLE Is it me they care about, or their investment? R.J. We shouldn't test our friends. KYLE If we know who they are. R.J. You see this man here? I would give up all of this- (gestures) to have his mind back. KYLE Noble. R.J. He was my friend. KYLE I see. Well, I'm going to ask you, did Stern steal the Mentor System from you? R.J. No. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 87. KYLE Do you know what they put in my head? R.J. Yes. I suggested it to them. KYLE What is it? R.J. If there were anyone you could ask, it would be him. KYLE Who? Dr. Bitterroot indicates Freddy. INT. VAULT, INSTITUTE -- DAY Dr, Bitterroot show's Kyle a large vault, lined floor to ceiling, with racks of optical disks. R.J. I think you've already discovered that the Mentor System functions on the principle of the plasticity of experience. This is our library of experiences which we use to create the programs. Kyle studies the name tags on the racks. Kyle steals a disk labelled "Stern" INT. KYLE'S C.C.L. OFFICE -- DAY Unable to concentrate, Kyle stares out of his window. He opens a drawer and takes out the folded painting by Dr. Bitterroot. KYLE (V.O.) Without a mind, all we see is chaos. Our sense immersed in a flood with no order. There are no friends, no humanity. Just noise. EXT. WEST VILLAGE PIER -- EVENING Kyle tells Lechner about the Mentor System. Lechner says that they must take it to the world. He will arrange a meeting with a reporter from the Wall Street Journal. A few ASIAN FISHERMEN chat idly, watching their lines. Alone, unchanged, Lechner walks out to the end of the wooden pier where Kyle waits. LECHNER How's it goin, Kyle? KYLE You miss Dad often? ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 88. LECHNER Sure. No one seems to be able to shell out the abuse like he could. By comparison, my editor's a pussy. INT. KYLE'S APARTMENT -- NIGHT Kyle works to unlock the secret Dr. Bitterroot was witholding from him. INT. DOREEN'S OFFICE -- DAY Kyle demands Doreen explain what happened with Quincy. She tells Kyle that Hughes considers him a security risk. INT. COGNATIVE COMPUTING LAB -- DAY Kyle sits with his feet up on the desk, snoozing. A loud knock jolts him awake. KYLE Come in! Stern and Huges enter, ready to deal, with zero patience. STERN How did I know you'd be here? KYLE Good question. STERN Forget it. What have you got for me? KYLE What do you mean? STERN Kyle! Wake up! You are an employee of Nebulous Corporation. I own everything you do, think, or make. I own your shit! Don't hold out on me! KYLE I'm not- Hughes puts Kyle in a hammerlock. STERN You've been witholding this discovery on Neural Resonance. I know it. Eyes buldging, Kyle doesn't reply. STERN (CONT'D) I've come to take what belongs to me. He speed-dials his cell phone and says something equally rapid. Gasping, Kyle watches Stern pace back and forth in the cramped laboratory. A moment later, Doreen, wearing her casual, black attire, enters. She goes directly to a computer and begins work copying software. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 89. Kyle gags her name. She ignores him. STERN (CONT'D) You don't seem to understand the nature of our contract, Kyle. There is no such thing as private research or academics. Everything is funded by, made for, and to the benefit of Nebulous. And only we have the power to terminate that contract. Stern gestures to Hughes. They wrestle Kyle down on the desk, scattering papers and tiny components. Stern takes a rudamentary Mentor Connector and attaches it to Kyle's temple. Panicked, Kyle struggles, and almost breaks free, except Stern lays him out with a bonejarring punch. They restrain his arms. Dizzy, he understands when he hears: DOREEN What are you going to do? They release Kyle. He almost manages to remove the Mentor Connector, before... ZAP!!! The universe goes white. ACT I ACT II ACT III