STOP THE SUN
by
Chris Ramlochan
FADE IN:
EXT. MOJAVE DESERT - PREDAWN
An untamed landscape of boulders and Joshua trees stands in hushed expectancy. On the distant horizon, a sudden explosion of light silhouettes four gigantic blimps, one by one.
The sun is now one giant, glaring gem. The blimps, sports monitors from GOODYEAR, ESPN, PEPSI and FOX, soar through a sapphire sky. Cheers from several thousand spectators, faint at first, assault the diversely bountiful flora and fauna.
COMMENTATOR (V.O.)
Humans and non-humans, welcome to the Great Robot Race, where robots are pitted against robots.
EXT./INT. COMMENTATORS' TOWER - DAY
A space-needle-like tower houses an array of huge video monitors receiving images from the blimps. Two commentators, SHAWN REISS and JULIE SEIGEN, take turns to wow the crowd.
While Scientists and other dignitaries stare out the glass wall at fifteen human-shaped robots, poised for action at the Starting-line Arena, one MAN steals himself away, plops into a chair and quickly gets engrossed in a book - THE HOLY GITA.
SHAWN
Robots will compete over a forty-mile, treacherous track, designed to challenge the Robots' strength, the Robots' vulnerability and ...
JULIE
of course, the Robots' intelligence without human intervention. Robots are meant to be truly autonomous. So, there's no remote piloting ...
SHAWN
No communication. No nothing. And that, my dear folks, is why we're here. Isn't it?
Shawn and Julie chuckle. The crowd roars its approval.
JULIE
Right here, five years ago, the Robotics Vehicles Race is what started it all. One man won that competition, singlehandedly.
STARTING-LINE ARENA
Like marathoners, fifteen robots of various physiques with signs across their chests, depicting their country of origin, engage in a fanciful warm-up session to the crowd's delight.
EXT. ROBOTS' RACE TRACK - SAME
Slightly canyonesque and meandrous for miles on end. Men, women and children swarm to the highest plateaux on one side of the track for maximum view. Meanwhile, the four airships maneuver into strategic positions to cover the entire track.
SHAWN (V.O.)
That man is no other than genius Robotics Scientist Dr. Joshua Jonathan Castle. Not only did he snare a job with NASA, but he also
JULIE (V.O.)
stole the spotlight worldwide, snagged $1 million in Pentagon cash and staked his claim in the history of science and technology.
INT. COMMENTATORS' TOWER - SAME
Reading the book is CASTLE, 45, a tall, handsome devil. The poet Wordsworth would have pegged him as "staunch of heart, apt for all affairs and watchful more than ordinary men".
SHAWN
This time, since the competition is fiercer, the crucial question is: Can Castle do it again?
Castle graciously closes the book for a moment. He flashes a wide and wicked smile and takes a slight bow.
NASA'S Director PHILIP BISCAYNE, 50's, a gaunt man with a craggy face and eyes that say they've seen too much, smiles and slaps a fatherly pat on Castle's shoulder.
JULIE
This competition, sponsored by the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency, also known as DARPA, will dole out $3 million to the winner.
Castle signals Biscayne he's going to the bathroom and exits.
SHAWN
Thanks to our Sponsors, this event is transmitted to every single TV set in every corner of the globe.
EXT. WAREHOUSE - SAME
A nondescript, decrepit building in an industrial part of town.
SUPERIMPOSE: "SOMEWHERE IN GENEVA, SWITZERLAND"
INT. WAREHOUSE ROOM - CONTINUOUS
Nothing like the outside. No expense spared here. Meet THE REFORMERS, the Visionary/Watchdogs of the United Nations. FIVE MEN (Arab Sheikh, American, Australian, Oriental and Russian) and THREE WOMEN (East Indian, Brazilian, African).
All eyes are glued to a plasma TV, watching the Mojave scene.
BACK TO MOHAVE SCENE - INTERCUT WITH COMMENTATORS
JULIE
Are we ready to rumble?
STARTING-LINE ARENA
A gunshot shatters the silence. Robots shoot out like F-14's on a battleship. Except one. France slowly straightens up and proceeds to make gestures of confusion.
JULIE
What is it with France?
EXT. RACE TRACK - CONTINUOUS
Netherlands makes a sudden sharp 90° turn and veers off. It slams into the rock wall hard, a heavy indentation, obvious.
JULIE
Ouch.
India and Australia, big as Maytag refrigerators, pull ahead of the pack aggressively, nearly crushing some wildlife.
SHAWN
Wait a minute, wait a minute. India is running out of steam.
India stops abruptly, turns around, eyes the oncoming robots.
INT. BATHROOM - SAME
Castle pulls out a pen from his shirt pocket, removes the cap and snorts some cocaine. Enough to give him a mellow feeling.
JULIE (V.O.)
What is wrong with this picture?
EXT. RACE TRACK - CONTINUOUS
India takes off like a bullet train directly into oncoming robots. India bulldozes Germany and Brazil. Russia and USA barely escape. India heads back to the Starting-line Arena.
SHAWN
Robots down. Robots down.
JULIE
Australia, watch out. Chain-link fence coming up sharply. WHAM.
Australia smashes into the fence. The fence stretches and STRAINS in defiance. Like a zombie on PCP, the robot overheats, then burst into flames and dies a twitching death.
Pakistan, Canada and Saudi Arabia noticeably start to slow down as they near the same fence.
Japan, Great Britain, China, Russia and USA spring onto the same fence, climb to the top, hand over hand, and somersault to the other side. In one fluid motion.
Pakistan, Canada and Saudi Arabia begin to cut into the fence with shear-like fingers. Clearly too slow a process.
JULIE
Three more hurdles to go and only minutes remaining on the clock.
INT. BATHROOM - SAME
The sound of silence is king. Castle finishes reading the last page of THE HOLY GITA. He closes the book and runs his finger tenderly along the edges with quiet deliberation. Castle takes a long, deep breath, then exhales even louder.
BACK TO RACE TRACK - INTERCUT WITH JULIE AND SHAWN
Japan, Great Britain, China, Russia and USA race across a long stretch of land dodging more boulders and wildlife. The overflowing basin, can be seen up ahead.
SHAWN
Here's an added bonus for the winner. An anonymous company has pledged $25,000 and a free trip to the U.N. Science Fair in Geneva.
Japan, Great Britain, China and Russia approach the basin at breakneck speed and with a giant leap, propel themselves into the air, defying gravity, clearing one-third across the basin. They hit the water, feet first, in synchronized SPLASHES.
USA skids to an abrupt stop like a hockey player. USA watches intently as the robots sink and all ripples disappear.
INT. GENEVA WAREHOUSE - SAME
All eight Reformers exchange rapid glances, clearly shaken by the abrupt move of USA. Sound of a flushing toilet is heard.
INT. BATHROOM - CONTINUOUS
Castle holds the holy book above the trash can. Then, he gently lets it fall. Castle proceeds to wash his hands.
BACK TO MOJAVE SCENE
The crowd SCREAMS disappointment and obscenities at USA.
JULIE (V.O.)
With less than two minutes to go, nobody's gonna win this thing.
USA looks at his Seiko watch, (Re: watch countdown 1:58). USA scans left along the basin, then right, his eyes rising to an elevated plateau (that we will see later). Then, USA looks across the basin and sighs aloud, exactly like Castle.
INT. COMMENTATORS' TOWER - DAY
Castle ignores taunts from the Japanese. Biscayne notices.
BISCAYNE
Come on guys, winning is not everything, you know.
CASTLE
(murmurs)
What else is there?
BISCAYNE
What's that?
CASTLE
I said, win some, lose some.
Suddenly Julie's excitement piques. She lightly elbows Shawn.
EXT. RACE TRACK - SAME
USA whips around and runs at almost blurred speed. Makes a sharp left, parallel to the basin, then up the elevated hill. USA picks up even more momentum on the plateau, plateau ends.
USA sails through the air, arms and legs swinging, peddling, paddling, SWISHING, aloft in slow motion and back to regular speed. And the edge of the water moves towards us real fast.
CUT AT WILL WITH THE CROWD, SPONSORS, THE REFORMERS
Everyone's silently awed.
USA clears the basin and hits the ground running. Goes into scan mode instantly. The sandy ground suddenly appears in yellow while an ominous maze of land mines blinks in red.
USA dodges the land mines on the fly, dives through the air like a missile, arms outstretched. Like a baseball pro, USA slides in, his middle finger touching the metal strip. PING.
USA, the winner, rolls over, checks his watch, one second is left. He sighs aloud and wipes off some unseen sweat from his forehead. In perfect American English, and very human ...
RABBIT
Dr. Castle was right. Winning is everything.
Meet RABBIT. And Robot Rabbit begins to chuckle in triumph.
INT./EXT. COMMENTATORS' TOWER - CONTINUOUS
Castle's chuckle breaks into laughter. The crowd lets out a most exuberant roar that can be heard all the way in Geneva.
INT. GENEVA WAREHOUSE - SAME
The Reformers watch the images of Castle on TV and react with almost reverential pride. They clear their throats and raise their glasses. CLINKS all around. Unburdened and elated.
BRAZILIAN
Twelve years.
TRUMBULL, built like a Viking God, is lead enforcer for the Reformers. He steps up to the table, on cue.
AMERICAN
Trumbull, Mr. Castle arrives in Geneva next week. Request his presence here. Make sure he's not harmed. Understood?
Once again, they gaze at the paused TV image of Castle.
INT./EXT. CAMPGROUND - DAY
An opulent RV with SENATOR REGINA WATTS, 40's, pulls up to park. Riding shotgun is CHRISTINE DONNELLY, 30's, a knockout. Aristocratic. Ambitious. Daughter of the eighth Reformer.
The moment the RV rolls to a stop, Christine Donnelly grabs her cellphone and exits the RV.
DONNELLY
Give me a second, will you, hon?
Outside, as she distances herself from the RV. A phone is ringing somewhere. Through the windshield, Watts watches her.
INT. CASTLE'S STUDY - SAME
Gorgeous. Humongous. Loaded with exercise equipment in front of a wide screen TV. Posters of BRUCE LEE, SPIDERMAN and THOR. Tons of books entitled CRYOGENICS, ROBOTICS. RARE BOOKS. One book shelf has a sign: "NOT READ YET".
Castle, in his recliner, and clearly in his own world, finishes reading the last page of the HOLY QURAN. A phone, with the ringer off, lights up and starts to blink.
Castle closes the book then runs his finger gently along the edges, quietly savoring what he has read. He closes his eyes and takes a deep breath. He exhales audibly. Just like before.
KNOCK, KNOCK. Castle's eyes pop open. His servant, SEEMA, an Indian immigrant from Guyana, sticks her head into frame.
SEEMA
Dr. Castle, telephone.
CASTLE
Thanks, Seema.
Castle jumps up, holds the good book over the wastebin and slowly lets it fall. He grabs the phone, punches the button.
CASTLE
Yellow.
DONNELLY (V.O.)
John, tiny problem, I have to extend my stay for two more weeks.
CASTLE
What if I cut short my trip and join you?
(no response)
Sweetheart?
But, suddenly the conversation takes on a strained intonation.
DONNELLY (V.O.)
What's the big deal, John?
CASTLE
No big deal. I was just hoping ...
DONNELLY (V.O.)
Does it really matter which day we celebrate your birthday?
The words ring out. Castle's stung, manages to rebound fast.
CASTLE
No. Not really.
DONNELLY (V.O.)
Love you, John.
CASTLE
Love you, too.
CLICK. Donnelly hangs up. Castle ponders and grows bitter. Castle WHACKS the phone cradle with the receiver. Once.
With that, he storms out of the room. Seema and her husband, RAJ, also from Guyana, enter and stare at the broken phone.
SEEMA
He killed the phone.
They both look at each other, worried for their employer.
INT. GENEVA AIRPORT - DAY
Trumbull watches Castle take a quick detour to the garbage container. Castle runs his finger gently along the edges of the HOLY BIBLE, contemplating the good book, oblivious of his surroundings. He sighs aloud and lets it fall.
INT./EXT. WAREHOUSE ROOM - SAME
Trumbull ushers Castle into the room, closes the door and stands watch. Castle walks towards a chair, the small table has a Cuban cigar and a red envelope. The Reformers, in shadow, stand to welcome Castle and gesture for him to sit.
AMERICAN
Dr. Castle, we need your help and we would like to request the opportunity to make our case.
CASTLE
Fine. Start by showing your faces.
The Reformers look at each other tacitly consenting. Trumbull hits the light. Castle takes measure of them, one by one.
EAST INDIAN
For more than sixteen years now we've served on the Visionary Panel at the United Nations.
CASTLE
U.N. Watchdogs. I know who you are.
ARAB SHEIKH
We're not politicians, Mr. Castle. The eight of us, Watchdogs, if you will, wish to hire you to kill the President of Sudan.
You'd expect Castle to react -- but, surprise, surprise.
BRAZILIAN
Remember Rwanda? 900,000 wiped out in a 100-day killing spree. Its neighbor in the South, Sudan, sits poised to be the next Rwanda.
ORIENTAL
Sudan's President Ibrahim Saheb-ali has launched his ethnic cleansing campaign. In phase one, he drove 2,000,000 of his own people out of their villages.
AFRICAN
He raped the women, slaughtered the men and burnt their houses to the ground. In phase two, starvation. No food. No water. No medicine.
AMERICAN
Right now, he uses them as guinea pigs to test his new strain of chemical and biological weapons.
RUSSIAN
This man's mantra is: Worship in my religion or die. Beheadings occur five times a day, like clock work.
AUSTRALIAN
Turn it and twist it any how you want, religion divides people, corrupts people and kills people.
The silence becomes deafening. Their passion, mesmerizing.
CASTLE
You removed the Taliban. Saddam's been dethroned. Why shilly-shally with Sudan?
EAST INDIAN
Too many civilian casualties. Too many broken homes. Too many years of rebuilding. War is obsolete.
The mood becomes somber. Tension's ratcheted.
CASTLE
What about the Human Rights Organizations? The World Court and you, the United Nations?
BRAZILIAN
Of late, the United Nations has lost much, much of its credibility and its effectiveness. And without the support of other nations, this institution is rapidly floundering.
CASTLE
Don't look at me. But while you still have your head above water, why aren't you mandating tougher sanctions?
AFRICAN
That has been tried. Conclusion: Sanctions are almost always counterproductive.
Castle breathes deeply and shakes his head. Finally.
AUSTRALIAN
Twelve years ago, we watched you graduate top of your class from the Computer Science of Artificial Intelligence Laboratory at MIT.
RUSSIAN
Your remarkable progress on
Robotics and cutaneous growth and regeneration sparked our collective brainchild.
AMERICAN
Our request, Mr. Castle, is for you to build the ultimate assassin, a cyborg soldier, a killing machine that's unstoppable and untraceable.
BRAZILIAN
Will you join us, Mr. Castle?
It's now the Reformers' turn to focus on Castle. And Castle, his face like stone, looks back at them squarely in the eye.
INT. GENEVA'S SCIENCE CONVENTION CENTER - DAY
Hordes of Science Fiction, Fantasy fans and fanatics from all over the world participate in various art, comics, movies and games and jewelry shows. And naturally the Robotics Display.
Castle is among them, observing weird exhibits and people strutting their stuff. Castle moves to the "RARE BOOKS" section. He browses through them like a kid at a candy store. He buys one, then moves to the robotics display section.
ROBOTICS DISPLAY SECTION
A human-shaped ROBOT, attached to a PC by a long, thick umbilical-cable, turns from the mock surgery setup to greet his next passerby, Castle.
ROBOT
Hello and welcome. Could I interest you in some investment advice?
CASTLE
You must be joking.
WOMAN'S VOICE (O.S.)
Hello, Dr. Castle.
Castle turns to the sweet sound coming from MILLI ISHIBA, 30, a lithe Japanese woman with intelligent brown eyes. Milli is a school teacher in Japan and shows no sign of an accent.
CASTLE
A Sci-fi fan.
MILLI
Not really ... more like a fan of yours, if I may be so bold.
CASTLE
Thank you ...
MILLI
Milli. Milicent Ishiba from Japan.
CASTLE
Pleasure to meet you, Milli.
They smile, look at each other and shake hands. It is obvious for these two people: Eyes meet. Hearts race. Time slows.
ROBOT
If I may interrupt for a moment, thank you. Dr. Joshua Castle. You're that famous scientist from the USA. You said and I quote:
I'll stop the sun someday. That is an interesting concept. Say, how do you propose stopping the sun?
CASTLE
(laughs)
It was just a figure of speech.
MILLI
I don't believe it. How can a machine - is someone prompting it.
ROBOT
Dr. Castle, may I take this one?
CASTLE
Be my guest.
ROBOT
With your permission, Ms. Ishiba. My preprogrammed software takes all the sensor data, analyses it and then makes the appropriate decisions. Some robots ...
MILLI
I understand all that. But, do you actually think for yourself?
ROBOT
Technically yes. Interfacing with a PC in real time is insufficient at times. Ergo, improvising ...
MILLI
Stop.
ROBOT
Did I say something to offend ...?
MILLI
Not yet you don't.
ROBOT
You could put me to a test if ...
MILLI
A test, a machine, frightening. You're not trying to make a fool out of me, are you?
ROBOT
No ma'am.
Milli shakes her head in disapproval. But at once, becomes conscious of her outburst. Castle watches her, fascinated.
MILLI
Please forgive me, Dr. Castle. I got carried away for a moment.
CASTLE
Nothing to forgive. I question it myself. Every day.
But this feisty Japanese woman is not finished with the robot.
MILLI
Thank you, Dr. Castle. I do have a question for you, Mr. Robot.
ROBOT
Fire away.
She looks at Dr. Castle for support and gets it.
MILLI
Alright. Hypothetically, if Heaven exists, what would you say to God when you arrive at the Pearly Gates?
The Robot is hopelessly flabbergasted and turns to Castle.
ROBOT
Help, Dr. Castle.
CASTLE
Me?
MILLI
Sure, Dr. Castle. If heaven exists what would you say to God when you arrive at the Pearly Gates?
Castle gives her his characteristic wicked smile, evasively.
CASTLE
Perhaps the next time we meet?
MILLI
That can be arranged.
Milli pulls out one of the two packages from her handbag. Castle watches her carefully remove from plastic-wrap a pristine copy of the science magazine with Castle's smiling face resplendently displayed on the front cover.
Castle signs it and hands it back to Milli. They shake hands again and hesitantly try to say goodbye.
MILLI
Thank you, Dr. Castle. It was a pleasure meeting you.
CASTLE
Same here, Milli.
(and)
Where are my manners? Can I buy you a cup of coffee or a robot?
MILLI
No thanks. Another time.
CASTLE
Yes. Another time.
Castle watches Milli walk away. She takes five paces, stops. She grabs the second package from her bag and turns back.
MILLI
Now where are my manners? Happy birthday, Dr. Castle.
And Castle's face lights up like a beacon. He takes the gift, kisses Milli's cheek tenderly. She gently closes her eyes.
CASTLE
Thank you. Thank you very much, Milli. You came all the way from Japan for this?
MILLI
I just had to meet this face.
(re: magazine)
Face to face.
They share a laugh. Then, Milli's hand reaches out to lightly touch his face. The moment is tender. It extends.
MILLI
But, I really do have to go. My plane leaves in an hour. May God bless you, Dr. Castle. Always.
Milli turns to go, but, stops when she hears her name called.
CASTLE
Milli. About my face.
MILLI
Your face has many stories to tell.
Castle's eyes beg for more.
MILLI
It would take a lifetime.
EXT. HILLTOP - DAY
SUPER: "FOUR YEARS LATER"
Mr. and Mrs. Castle are locked in a passionate kiss as the sun sinks slowly behind them. Mrs. Castle breaks for air, reluctantly. It is no other than Milli Ishiba from Japan.
MILLI
Well, well, Mr. Castle, what has come over you today?
CASTLE
Blame it on that Moroccan dinner yesterday, Mrs. Castle.
MILLI
Oh really. Expect Moroccan food for the rest of the week.
He laughs out loud. She looks into his eyes. Rapturously.
MILLI
How does it feel to be the big
five-o and a day old?
Castle suddenly becomes contemplative. The moment lingers.
CASTLE
The truth? I don't know.
MILLI
Human frailty, old man. Good things do happen to good people.
CASTLE
Oh, I don't know about that.
MILLI
Why not. And you thought the month of April was only for taxes.
Milli playfully pushes him away and takes off running.
MILLI
Race you home, Joshua. Catch me and you can have anything you want.
CASTLE
Anything? Then slow down a bit, will you.
MILLI
You're gonna have to work for this one.
CASTLE
Give the old man a sporting chance, at least.
Milli vaults over a boulder down the winding hillside, waits.
MILLI
Looks like I'm gonna have to trade you in for a younger model.
CASTLE
You little wench. I may be slow but sure.
Milli takes off again, narrowly escaping Castle's bear hug.
MILLI
Yeah, yeah. That's what they all say.
As Castle chases after her, Castle Property looms into view.
THE CASTLE PROPERTY
Just below the same hill, a mansion-like house, perfectly manicured lawn, palm trees, a guitar-shaped pool, surrounded by impregnable security. A majestic Japanese Shrine on the roof top. An American flag whips thunderously in the wind.
INT. CASTLE BATHROOM - NIGHT
Spacious. Mosaic. Four shower heads shoot spiraling water down on two naked bodies lathering themselves. A TV blares in the b.g. Castle looks over his shoulder and whistles in admiration. Milli pretends not to hear him.
Castle wickedly drops the soap next to Milli's feet.
CASTLE
Hey sweetheart, I've dropped my soap and, ah, could you, like ...?
Milli shakes her head and tries hard to suppress her laughter. As she bends to retrieve the soap, Castle's eyes widen.
TV REPORTER (O.S.)
This is a breaking news brief. Just hours ago, the charred remains of seven people were found in a secluded wooded area off the Cozumel beach in Mexico.
INT. MSNBC STUDIO - SAME
MSNBC HOST
Yet unconfirmed, this startling report suspects foul play. Mexican authorities continue to investigate.
EXT. CABIN, COZUMEL, MEXICO - DAY - (FLASHBACK)
SENATOR SEBASTIAN SORVINO, 50's, paunchy, his bald spot gives him that Friar-Tuck-look, arrives first at a nondescript, weather-proofed cabin. This is GARTH EMORY, an assassin, in disguise. Seven Reformers (no American) arrive soon after.
INT. MEXICAN CABIN - DAY
From a refrigerator fully stocked with bottles of water, each Reformer discreetly makes sure the bottles are not tampered with. Sorvino, cautious himself, grabs one from the far back.
SORVINO/GARTH
Ladies and gentlemen, I don't believe I need any introduction.
INDIAN
Senator, we know who you are. Still, we don't like it one bit.
SORVINO/GARTH
If you like, I can turn around and walk out that door, right now.
AUSSIE
(infuriated)
Oh, pish posh, mates. Give the man a chance. We know Joseph is his biggest campaign supporter, right?
Sorvino lets this sink in a moment. The room settles down.
SORVINO/GARTH
Truth be told, I am the bearer of good news. And some bad news.
RUSSIAN
Give us the good news first. For the hell of me, is that air-conditioner gonna ever kick in?
SORVINO/GARTH
Dr. Joshua Castle has come through for us with flying colors.
AUSSIE
I propose a toast - to a new world order.
TOGETHER
Hear, hear. To a better world.
They celebrate with ice-cold water. More excited chatter.
INDIAN
Has Donnelly acquired the Project from Dr. Castle as yet?
SORVINO/GARTH
(clocks the time)
No. She has made arrangements ...
BRAZILIAN
She ...?
SORVINO/GARTH
And she is making a couple of corporate changes, as we speak.
AUSSIE
What is this?
Guns, drawn in perfect unison, are now trained on the Senator. And the Senator smiles with all the warmth of a lizard.
BRAZILIAN
You killed Donnelly.
SHEIKH
The Americans.
AUSSIE
(suddenly gasps)
What have you done ... to us?
RUSSIAN
Why, damn you?
SORVINO/GARTH
Too many cooks.
ORIENTAL
Fuck ... you.
They all try to pull the trigger. No one can. Sorvino's eyes turn glacial and lethal at the same time.
SORVINO/GARTH
Shut up. Shut the hell up. Now, try twitching your eyes. No? Must be something in the water.
He sticks his face into the Aussie's as he removes his elaborate disguise, one piece at a time.
THE REFORMERS
Trance-like with shock, terror, confusion and hatred, each suffers a stroke of monster proportions. Silently.
SORVINO/GARTH
Every nerve and muscle is totally paralyzed. The body has no defense against the venom.
After a remarkable transformation, meet Christine Donnelly's doberman, mercenary leader Garth Emory, late 40's, a face seemingly chiseled from rock, replete with unfathomable eyes.
GARTH
The name's Emory. Garth Emory. Don't beat yourself up. You had no chance in hell from a man of my caliber. I understand you each have Castle's bonus? I'll take'em.
Garth gathers the digital-cash discs, turns for a last look. Blood starts to gush from their eyes and ears, shockingly.
GARTH
Sayonara. Don't get up, I understand.
Garth exits the cabin. Stops suddenly, gets an idea. Smiles.
GARTH
The Feds are gonna have a field day.
(re: a lighter)
Let's spark some more interest, shall we?
Later, wind-tossed flames leap skyward, filling the screen.
RETURN TO CASTLE'S BATHROOM - NIGHT - (PRESENT DAY)
MILLI
Come and get it, honey.
But Castle's distracted. His eyes are riveted on the TV.
From the television - a reporter ...
MSNBC HOST
In a separate incident, much earlier today, in London, England, 100 people were killed and 400 injured in a blast that took out half a block. Joseph Donnelly, a prominent U.N. official, is among the dead. A Radical Islamic group has claimed responsibility.
On TV, a picture of Joseph Donnelly is displayed. Castle recognizes the 8th Reformer he met in Geneva four years ago. His mind begins to work overtime. Milli watches him.
MILLI
You know this man?
CASTLE
Yes and no.
Abruptly, Castle turns and leaves. Milli screams after him.
MILLI
Honey? Castle. Come back here.
Hold on Milli's glaring eyes. The distant sound of CLASSICAL MUSIC gets progressively titillating.
EXT. COUNTRY ROAD - MOVING - DAY
The same classical music booms from a black sedan. Garth Emory lowers his window to discard a cigar butt.
EXT. CASTLE BACKYARD - DAY
A live band shakes and rattles a foot-stomping, jiggy tune. Family, friends and their kids. The remains of a cake indicate "Happy 4th Birthday Robby." Three grill stations serve jumbo shrimp, barbecued shark and suckling pig.
JERRY CASTLE, Dr. Castle's older brother, owner of a laundromat chain, approaches a grill station with Biscayne.
JERRY
I've been kicking around the idea of fish farming, Phil.
BISCAYNE
Bored with the laundry business are you?
JERRY
Nah. It practically runs itself.
BISCAYNE
(chortles)
What do you know about fish farming?
JERRY
Not a darn thing. Big money in it though.
BISCAYNE
Got permission from the missus yet?
JERRY
You're a funny man, Phil. You should join Jay Leno.
The band stops playing. Castle takes center stage with Milli and Robby. No need for a mike. He's walking on air today.
CASTLE
What a band. Thank you Miss ____ and band. I can still feel this old time rock and roll gushing in my veins. Oh, I don't know. I may have to join a band or something.
JERRY
Oh, good heavens, no.
An undercurrent of laughter, the group settles in. For a second too long, Jerry makes eye contact with a woman with dimples and long golden hair. This is REBECCA, his wife.
CASTLE
My dearest friends, today is a very special day for a precocious young man.
Crowd applauds. Castle kisses Robby's forehead ever so gently.
EXT. COUNTRY ROAD - SAME
Garth's sedan skids to a halt. Tires crunch gravel on the roadside, overlooking the Castle property, two miles away.
BACK TO BIRTHDAY SCENE
CASTLE
You know, it never ceases to amaze me how a child could bring so much joy and happiness and hope and love. And, open your eyes to things unseen and unthinkable as never before. Happy birthday, lovebird.
But Robby is already rummaging through his gifts, the biggest ones first. Castle puts an arm around Milli, proud.
EXT. ROADSIDE - CONTINUOUS
Cigar smoke reeks out an opened window from the black sedan. Garth Emory brings a high-powered military binoculars to his eyes. Next to Garth, an automatic weapon with a silencer.
THROUGH THE CROSS-HAIRS
Raj pushes a large, gift-wrapped box on a dolly toward Robby. Seema, noticeably pregnant, helps him with the unruly chore.
EXT. CASTLE BACKYARD - SAME
Rock and roll music booms. Some parents and their kids are swaying to the music. Castle approaches and purposely blocks Robby's view from seeing Raj and Seema deposit the big box.
CASTLE
Are you looking for something in particular, young man?
ROBBY
Yeah, Dad. Where is my surprise?
CASTLE
I can't believe I forgot.
ROBBY
You are kidding me, right?
CASTLE
Well, of course I am kidding you.
Castle pulls out a box from his pocket and hands it to his son. Robby anxiously rips it open. He finds a small silver bracelet. But, Robby still looks deflated.
ROBBY
I was hoping for something bigger.
As Castle puts the bracelet on Robby's hand, he explains.
CASTLE
Now son, for this to work, you must be wearing it. Okay? There. Now, why don't you say the magic word?
ROBBY
(half-heartedly)
Thanks, dad.
Castle chuckles and then whispers something into Robby's ear.
ROBBY
Dax.
We HEAR a beep from the GPS sensor housed in the bracelet and at that very moment, the red box bursts open revealing a mechanical ROBOTIC DOG (we'll call Dax).
DAX jumps off the dolly and stands on its hind legs, like a grizzly bear, yelping for attention. Robby swallows hard, his gleaming excitement becoming apparent.
CASTLE
I gather this is what you wanted.
ROBBY
Thank you, thank you, dadio.
The Dog Robot walks intrepidly on its hind legs towards Robby.
ROBBY
Down boy, down.
DAX
(in computer voice)
Happy birthday, Robby. It is a great pleasure to finally meet you.
ROBBY
Whoa, baby. This is great. Come on, let me show you my room.
As they exit, Jerry gives Castle a resounding SLAP on the back. Just then, Castle's cellular phone RINGS. He answers.
CASTLE
Hang on a moment, please.
Both men watch Robby with Dax wagging its tail, make an exit.
ROBBY
Where will you sleep?
DAX
I don't know.
ROBBY
Under my bed or in the closet?
DAX
I don't know.
ROBBY
You ever watched cartoons or played ball?
DAX
I don't think so.
ROBBY
Fantastic.
(laughs deviously)
You got a lot to learn from me, kiddo.
RETURN TO CASTLE'S BACKYARD
CASTLE
Yellow. Thanks for holding.
DONNELLY (V.O.)
How long has it been, four years?
(no response)
You haven't forgotten an old-flame, have you?
CASTLE
I am sorry about your father.
INT. CHRISTINE DONNELLY'S OFFICE - SAME
INTERCUT PHONE CONVERSATION - CASTLE AND DONNELLY
DONNELLY
Me too, John.
CASTLE
I did meet him once.
DONNELLY
I know.
CASTLE
I take it you have joined the Group.
DONNELLY
I am the Group.
Donnelly smiles and waits patiently for this to sink in. And when it does, the conversation escalates corrosively.
CASTLE
Those seven bodies in Mexico.
DONNELLY
Since you're vested in this project as I am dedicated, let me be honest with you. I killed them.
CASTLE
Why?
EXT. SUDANESE PRESIDENTIAL PALACE - (FLASHBACK)
The meeting between Joseph Donnelly and President Saheb-ali has just ended. SAHEB-ALI, 50's, a small man who is barely five feet tall. Hunched over. Trembling lips. To top it off, he has an obvious hair follicle overgrowth problem.
Donnelly offers to shake hands, but, this President of Sudan just looks at him with contempt and walks away.
BACK TO SCENE WITH CASTLE AND DONNELLY - (PRESENT DAY)
DONNELLY
Two hours later, my father was dead. I hold them accountable.
Castle clamps his eyes shut and slowly lowers his head.
CASTLE
You killed seven innocent people.
DONNELLY
Innocent. With all due respect, Castle, fast forward for a moment and focus on the fucking forest.
CASTLE
No. No. No.
DONNELLY
A conscience prick. You're a fucking scientist, for crying out loud. Besides, why the sudden change of heart?
CASTLE
Because your swift judgement is questionable. I want out.