[2008: NOV-DEC] Fugitives, The Screenplay

[Lance]

Fugitives, The Screenplay

NARRATOR

The year is 2370, on the war-torn planet of Thresha.

CAPTAIN and ENSIGN enter Stage

NARRATOR

All that remains on the side of the governing federation are these two, a captain and an ensign. The rest of the crew had been lost.

CITY DRUNK Enters Scene.

NARRATOR

Why who is this? Is she going to take the lives of these poor soldiers? Maybe give them shelter?

CITY DRUNK

(A bit wobbly and slurred)

What yessay?

CAPTAIN

(Sadly)

The Federation is no more, I have lost my ship and all that is left of my crew is…

The CAPTAIN points to the ENSIGN.

Ensign

(Woefully)

Aye, tis just me a helmsman. Will you take pity on us?

CITY DRUNK laughs loudly.

CITY DRUNK

(Having a hard time keeping her words together)

And why is the Federation no more?

NARRATOR

(In explanation)

Why, the governments all over the myriads of planets rebelled of course!

CITY DRUNK

(A little confused in her drunken state)

You sure?

NARRATOR

(Getting a little agitated)

Don’t you believe me?

CITY DRUNK

(Skeptical and almost falling over)

Why should I believe you?

The NARRATOR is on the side of the stage hitting his hand against his face.

NARRATOR

(Cleary agitated at this point and yelling)

Because I...!

The NARRATOR is interrupted by the ENSIGN.

ENSIGN

(Nervously)

Umm

There is a short pause as everyone looks towards ENSIGN.

ENSIGN

(Even more nervous at this point)

Can we get back to the script?

The NARRATOR is clearly agitated but inclined to agree.

NARRATOR

(Taking a deep breath)

Yes, let us continue. However this young lady should…

The CITY DRUNK begins to laugh again

CITY DRUNK

(Slightly more lucid than before)

Fine, Fine, I will play along.

The NARRATOR does a silent but clearly visible cheer.

CITY DRUNK

(With a sly look)

However, I must ask. How much will I be getting paid to be an actor?

The NARRATOR’s smile immediately drops.

NARRATOR

(A bit abashed)

Well the normal acting cut of course.

CITY DRUNK

(With a bit of a confused look)

And that will be how much, Mr. Narrator?

The NARRATOR gulps and begins sweating profusely.

NARRATOR

(Stammering)

Well, there are fees of sorts.

CITY DRUNK

(Shouting)

What?! What kind of fees?

NARRATOR

(Continuing to stammer)

Well, there is the actor’s fee for the guild. The stage fee. The salary fee.

The CITY DRUNK walks up to the NARRATOR. Every step that he takes, the NARRATOR takes one back. Soon the NARRATOR is backed up into a wall.

NARRATOR

(Fearful for his life)

Please don’t kill me!

The CITY DRUNK began to pull her fist into the air with the NARRATOR falling to the floor in a fetal position. Just before the hit, the CITY DRUNK laughs.

CITY DRUNK

(Jovially)

Just kidding, you know that there is no such thing as currency in this time and age.

The NARRATOR blinks and pretends to laugh as well.

NARRATOR

(Wary of the drunk still)

Of course sir, you had me going.

The CITY DRUNK backs off and stands back to his original position.

CITY DRUNK

(Still in a jovial mood)

Let’s get back to the show then?

The NARRATOR stands up as well, brushing himself off.

NARRATOR

(Getting back to his original mood)

Ah yes, let’s do that.

(Clearing his throat)

Ummhmm

(Takes a deep breath and continues)

Now the two officers of the former Federation are stuck without shelter or hope. Will you ma’am, help them?

CITY DRUNK

(Pretending to be serious, but obviously failing)

Why of course! They can most surely come to my…

The CITY DRUNK looks towards the NARRATOR with a confused face. The NARRATOR nods reassuringly.

CITY DRUNK

(Trying to think of the right word)

My hovel…

The CAPTAIN steps forward and begins to speak.

CAPTAIN

(Humbly)

Your kindness will not be forgotten, Sir.

The CITY DRUNK begins laughing loudly again, unable to contain herself.

CITY DRUNK

(Releasing a giggle every few words)

Why I have never been called a sir in my life! Even back on the days on the farm…

The NARRATOR, seeing that the CITY DRUNK was about to go off on a tangent, begins clearing his throat loudly. The CITY DRUNK notices it and tries to get back on topic.

CITY DRUNK

(Apologetically)

Sorry, sorry. This always happens at this time of night

(Trying to get back into character)

But yes, if you will follow me to my umm hovel.

ENSIGN steps forward to the CITY DRUNK.

ENSIGN

(A bit forward)

That is all great and everything, Sir. However, how will we dodge the dissenters?

The CITY DRUNK’s eyes became large.

CITY DRUNK

(Surprised)

Helmsman say what?

ENSIGN

(Making sure to speak clearly)

Why the dissenters of course! The rebels who destroyed our ship. They will certainly be on the lookout for the captain and me. If we manage to get back to Federation’s headquarters, very much could be accomplished.

CITY DRUNK

(Trying to absorb the information)

Where are these dissenters?

ENSIGN

(Grimly)

They could be anywhere, hiding in the bars, the research facilities, or even the streets. That is why we ask your help! There could be one watching us right now.

ENSIGN pleads with his eyes to the CITY DRUNK.

CITY DRUNK

(Starting to believe the whole play is real)

Oh my! What do these wicked people look like?

ENSIGN puts his head downcast and speaks.

ENSIGN

(In an eerie voice)

Some say they look just like us. Others will say that their face’s are just a little too hairy. However, the most frightening of all is their wings…

CITY DRUNK waves her arms around motioning ENSIGN to stop.

CITY DRUNK

(In disbelief)

You want me to believe that there are some natives to our planet that have wings and are hairy?!

ENSIGN stands still for a moment and looks to the sky as if to remember something. CITY DRUNK taps her foot on the ground as she waits. ENSIGN wakes up from his trance and looks embarrassed.

ENSIGN

(Ashamed)

Sorry, that was a line from the classical OZ I will be performing in next week.

CITY DRUNK places her hand on her head, as if trying to get rid of a headache.

CITY DRUNK

(Still curious)

Then what do they really look like?

ENSIGN

(As if answering a toddler)

Oh that’s simple. They look like the native’s obviously.

CITY DRUNK begins to say something, but stops herself thinking that it just is not worth it.

CITY DRUNK

(Changing the subject)

If they look just like us, how do you suggest we avoid them?

ENSIGN begins to answer, but CAPTAIN steps in to answer the question.

CAPTAIN

(Knowingly)

That is also simple. It merely lies in a change of clothing. Currently we are dressed in typical Starfleet attire. If we were to get some clothing indigenous to this planet, we would be nondescript as well as hidden in plain view.

CITY DRUNK scratches her chin

CITY DRUNK

I see, but where would we be getting this clothing?

CAPTAIN

(Laughing)

Why, you will be providing us with it!

CITY DRUNK

(Surprised)

But I don’t have any of that type of clothing that would fit both of you.

NARRATOR steps onto the stage and begins whispering into CITY DRUNK’s ears.

CITY DRUNK

(Listening)

Uh huh… Wait? What prop room?

CITY DRUNK detaches herself away from NARRATOR and looks both ways on the stage, only seeing alleys on both sides.

CITY DRUNK

(Thinking that the narrator is unreasonable)

How the

NARRATOR

(Quickly and loudly)

Bleep!

CITY DRUNK

(Continuing where she left off)

Am I supposed to get props from a nonexistent room?

CITY DRUNK realizes the reason for the bleep.

CITY DRUNK

(Disturbed)

Why was I censored? This is a free country!

NARRATOR enters the stage again, although far away from CITY DRUNK.

NARRATOR

(Trying to explain)

You see, this is a family play. I cannot stand an adult rating.

(With a wry look as well)

Also, this country is no longer free since it was taken over by the dissenters as the ensign said.

CITY DRUNK rolls her eyes.

CITY DRUNK

(Sarcastically)

Must all of you always be in character?

Both CAPTAIN and ENSIGN answer the question at the same time.

CAPTAIN & ENSIGN

(Trying to stay in character)

What is all of us?

CAPTAIN silences ENSIGN and continues.

CAPTAIN

(Skeptically)

Clearly there is just me and my ensign here, unless you know a dissenter that is watching us?

CAPTAIN pulls a phaser out of his pocket. Seeing that the phaser looks quite authentic, CITY DRUNK waves her arms trying to get CAPTAIN to calm down.

CITY DRUNK

(Speaking hastily)

Yes, I just meant you two!

(To herself)

Whatever you say, just do not blast me.

CAPTAIN’s ears perk up as if he thought he heard something.

CAPTAIN

(Interrogating the drunk)

What was that you said at the end?

CITY DRUNK began to get on her knees.

CITY DRUNK

(Beseechingly)

Nothing, nothing!

CAPTAIN puts the phaser away, but still keeps his eyes on CITY DRUNK

CAPTAIN

(With a questioning look)

You wouldn’t betray us would you?

CITY DRUNK

(With a gulp)

But didn’t I say I would help you?

Seemingly from nowhere, the NARRATOR begins speaking.

NARRATOR

What is this? The young woman will betray the captain and ensign? What caused this change of heart? Is it greed? Is it jealously? Is it even…

There is a pause, everyone is intently listening

NARRATOR

(Slightly louder than a whisper)

Love?

CITY DRUNK is stunned for a few minutes before realizing what was said.

CITY DRUNK

(Angrily)

Wait a

NARRATOR

(Quickly)

Bleep Bleep!

CITY DRUNK

Darn minute! I don’t need any man to complete my life.

The fourth wall is again broken as the NARRATOR enters the scene.

NARRATOR

(Sweetly)

But what of love? Someone to hold, someone to talk to…

NARRATOR is interrupted by CITY DRUNK

CITY DRUNK

(Incredulously)

Hah, no man wants love. As for someone to talk to, they just want to look down at you. Little to no talking involved.

NARRATOR’s eyes gleam.

NARRATOR

(With a sarcastically sad voice)

Was there someone in your life that you once loved but now lost? Is that the reason why you can’t…

Dramatic pause that lasts a few moments too long.

NARRATOR

Love?

CITY DRUNK puts her hands over her eyes, but then starts laughing.

CITY DRUNK

(Pleased with herself)

I am just jerking your chain, I am a happily married woman.

NARRATOR sighs since he had been tricked and goes back out of sight.

NARRATOR

(Forlornly)

That would have made such a wonderful addition to the script.

CAPTAIN gets tired of waiting and before NARRATOR has a chance to speak again, cuts him off.

CAPTAIN

(Impatiently)

So where are our clothes?

CITY DRUNK

(Snidely)

I already told you! I can’t get clothing from a prop room that doesn’t exist.

Immediately the CITY DRUNK regrets saying the last sentence. CAPTAIN and ENSIGN reply together again.

CAPTAIN & ENSIGN

What prop room?

The CAPTAIN steps forward to again interrogate CITY DRUNK.

CAPTAIN

(Suspiciously)

Prop room? Ma’am is this a game to you? We appreciate your help, but if you don’t take us seriously we may have to end you to protect our own lives.

CAPTAIN begins to place his hand on the phaser when CITY DRUNK tries again to placate him.

CITY DRUNK

No no, what I meant to say is..

There is a pause as CITY DRUNK tries to figure out what to say.

CITY DRUNK

Is that, I have some clothing inside of there

CITY DRUNK points towards the bar.

CAPTAIN

(Impatiently)

Well? What are you waiting for? Go ahead.

Before CITY DRUNK has a chance to enter, CAPTAIN speaks again.

CAPTAIN

(Warning her)

But remember, betray us and I can guarantee the consequences.

CITY DRUNK stared at CAPTAIN in fear.

CITY DRUNK

(Nervously)

You wouldn’t…

CAPTAIN

(With a fierce smile)

Yes, yes I would…

CITY DRUNK

(Hysterically)

You would tell my husband I was here?!

CAPTAIN is taken aback.

CAPTAIN

(Regaining composure)

No, I would stun you.

CITY DRUNK

(Relieved)

Oh? That’s all?

CAPTAIN

(Nodding his head)

Yes, as a member of the former federation I do not believe in senseless killing.

CITY DRUNK tries to edge away from the phaser-happy CAPTAIN.

CITY DRUNK

(Sheepishly)

Well, I will get those clothes then…

CAPTAIN

(Greatfully)

We greatly appreciate this Ma’am.

CAPTAIN

No problem.

CITY DRUNK hastily leaves the scene into the bar. ENSIGN steps up to talk to CAPTAIN.

ENSIGN

(Regretfully)

Think we were too harsh, Sir?

CAPTAIN

(Taken aback)

Of course not, there is a certain way to handle people and this is the way to do it, especially when one’s life is in danger.

ENSIGN

(Stepping down)

If you say so…

CAPTAIN and ENSIGN wait outside, pacing.

ENSIGN

Think she abandoned us?

CAPTAIN

I am inclined to say perhaps.

ENSIGN

(Quizzically)

Perhaps?

CAPTAIN

It was a long shot in the beginning helmsman, for now I predict we are now on our own.

ENSIGN

Were we not on our own before?

CAPTAIN

Yes, yes, we are alone again.

ENSIGN

Then what should we do?

There is a brief pause as the CAPTAIN surmises the situation.

CAPTAIN

(With a burst of energy)

We must find a tactical place to defend.

ENSIGN

Where would that be?

The CAPTAIN looks around and then has a revelation.

CAPTAIN

We should hide behind this bin here, awaiting the attacker.

ENSIGN

That is all well and good, but where do I stand?

CAPTAIN

(Without blinking)

You will stand right there.

CAPTAIN points toward the middle of the area.

ENSIGN

(Incredulous)

But that is in plain view, Sir!

CAPTAIN

Exactly! They will never think to look for you in plain view.

ENSIGN

But sir…

ENSIGN and CAPTAIN are interrupted when the door’s to the pub reopens.

ENSIGN

(Frightened)

They have caught us!

ENSIGN pulls out his phaser and fires, hitting TOWN DRUNK. TOWN DRUNK immediately falls to the ground, dead.

ENSIGN

(With wide eyes)

I am a murderer!

NARRATOR steps back into scene.

NARRATOR

Who put in functional props? This can’t be happening!

Everything stands still as there is a loud sound from the sky. There is a flash of bright blue light that descends upon the whole area, vaporizing everything in sight.

---

There are twp crewmen on the bridge of the USS Dragnar. The first officer, a Lieutenant, steps up the front of the bridge, approaching the Commander in the front.

“Sir, I have taken care of them.”

The Commander nodded, avoiding the gaze of the other officer.

“Good, how did you manage?”

The Lieutenant smiled, pleased with what he had accomplished.

“I slipped some narcotics into their food, they never saw it coming.”

The Commander stepped down and sat on the captain’s chair.

“You know, those three were overambitious.”

“Oh, sir?” the Lieutenant replied.

The Commander put his hands together and replied.

“They tried to stop what wonderful work we had started on that planet, we couldn’t have let them finish.”

Sighing, the Commander closed his eyes before continuing.

“What did you say their favorite activity to do was again?”

The Lieutenant was surprised by the question, but answered it anyway.

“They were all interested in the art of plays, Sir. The captain especially. Sometimes he would go and pretend to direct the plays, mouthing the words he would have said at the performances.”

The Commander opened his eyes and looked back at the Lieutenant, with a quizzical look on his face.

“Think the narcotics would have been affected by that?”

The ship was passing over a dark area of space when the Lieutenant replied to his superior.

“We will never know.”

End

Edited December 26, 2008 by Lance