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H.E.N.R.I. VIII
Final Draft Script - February 4, 1987
Written by Steven Barnes
Includes Revisions - February 6, 1987
Originally Aired March 12, 1987
Note: The following Final Draft Script includes all revisions in the order they were attached. Just like the original script, (X) marks the spot of any changes or omissions made on February 6, 1987. (X) marks the spot for any revisions made on February, 4, 1987. All abbreviations will be (defined) immediately following the first appearance. And please remember that plagiarism or printing out copies to sell is not cool.
Script Trivia: The character of Agent Copeland was originally written as female & later changed to male. The difference in gender will be noted throughout this transcript using the color coding listed above.
CAST LIST
SIMON MCKAY
ALEX JAGGER
TILLIE RUSSELL
HENRI
PROFESSOR MARTIN GADBERRY
MONICA STEWART
QUINN DILLARD
DR. POST
GUARD
HUTCHISON
COPELAND
CIC AGENT
INTERTECH MAN
HOLLY
SET LIST
INTERIORS:
INT. SIMON'S HOUSE
WORKSHOP
LIVING ROOM
BEDROOM
LAB
CYBERTECH - HYPERBARIC CHAMBERS
GADBERRY LAB
SECURITY OFFICES - NIGHT
LOADING DOCK - NIGHT
STORAGE ROOM
DR. HUTCHINSON'S OFFICE
SECURITY CORRIDOR
CELL
HALLWAY
OUTER HALL
VAN
BRONCO
EXTERIORS:
CYBERTECH SYSTEMS - ESTABLISHING - NIGHT
PARKING LOT - DAY
HALL
CORRIDOR
SECURITY OFFICE
SIMON'S HOUSE - ESTABLISHING - DAY
COPELAND'S CAR
BRONCO
**********************************
ACT ONE
FADE IN (X)
EXT. CYBERTECH RESEARCH - ESTABLISHING - NIGHT - 1
INT. CYBERTECH - HYPERBARIC CHAMBER - CONCRETE SLAB - TELEVISION IMAGE - 2
HOLD ON image of slab, then a red spot appears on it, & a hole explodes with a hissing sound. A laser beam bursts through.
WIDER ANGLE - 3
So that we now SEE HENRI, the robot, the slab & the video monitor all inside the hyperbaric chamber. The steel-lined chamber is sealed with rubber flanges. A thick glass wall separates the chamber from laboratory. KEEP PULLING BACK, until we are outside the chamber & can SEE PROFESSOR MARTIN GADBERRY, an older heavyset man. With him at a control panel is his lovely young assistant, MONICA STEWART. THE LABORATORY HAS AT LEAST TWO DOORS.
ON HENRI - 4
Who turns & mechanically focuses his eyes. The robot is broomstick thin, & delicate in a mechanical way. It moves as precisely as a praying mantis toward the chamber door.
ON CONTROL PANEL - 5
Gadberry manipulates the controls. A computer screen shows the pressure at 2500 pounds per square inch & dropping.
GADBERRY
Margin of error, Henri?
HENRI
Two point six-three-six-seven percent.
GADBERRY
I calculate point six-three-six-eight.
HENRI
Yes, but I'm in here, Dr. Gadberry. You're out there. The laser pulse displayed an inaccuracy of twelve microjoules.
GADBERRY
That's within acceptable limits.
(X)
HENRI
If you're building a sand castle.
GADBERRY
What was that?
ANOTHER ANGLE - 6
The laboratory is large, designed for delicate work as well as repairs. It is rather sloppy, but a fascinating array of equipment abounds, including a bank of complex computers with large display screens. The door to the pressure chamber unseals, & swings open with an automatic hum. Henri rolls out.
HENRI
A twelve microjoule error in a space station would be an unacceptable risk to human life.
GADBERRY
Not in zero gravity. The weightlessness would --
MONICA
Are you two ever going to stop arguing?
GADBERRY
We're not arguing.
HENRI
Arguing is an exchange of ignorance, Monica. We're discussing.
Gadberry tinkers with Henri's laser.
GADBERRY
All right, forget about the margin, we'll recalibrate & go again.
HENRI
'It is only when we forget all our learning that we begin to know.'
MONICA
Thoreau?
HENRI (nods)
His Journal of 1859. Excellent, Monica.
Monica is genuinely pleased being praised by Henri.
(X)
ANOTHER ANGLE - 7
As the door opens, & a slender, nerdish young man enters, QUINN DILLARD. He has a nasal voice, & a chest pocket filled with fiber tip pens.
DILLARD
Professor?
GADBERRY
Dillard. Your timing is, as usual, impeccably poor. Can't you see I'm occupied?
Dillard smiles uncertainly. He offers his clipboard without speaking. Gadberry snatches it impatiently. Henri pivots to watch him, & when he stands reading the clipboard, Henri's head pokes over his shoulder, reading.
GADBERRY
Do you mind? Does the word 'privacy' mean anything to you?
HENRI
Privacy. The state of being private. The figures in column four are incorrect.
GADBERRY (suspiciously)
I ran these figures. Are you saying the mainframe is down again?
HENRI
No. I postulate another instance of human error.
GADBERRY
As if you knew what that meant.
HENRI
Human: Of or pertaining to mankind. Error: A deviation from accuracy, a mistake, the condition of --
Gadberry punches a button Henri's back, & the robot goes dead. IT TAKES ABOUT TWO SECONDS FOR THE ROBOT TO GO COMPLETELY DEAD.
GADBERRY
That's enough out of you. Here, Dillard. Monica, bring in another concrete target.
Gadberry writes his name hurriedly, tears off the sheet & hands it to Dillard. He & Monica exit.
(X)
EXT. CORRIDOR - 8
They walk down the hall together. A robot "mailman" cruises down the corridor, & they step aside to let it roll past. Monica glances at her watch.
MONICA
The witching hour approaches, & the good doctor is still going strong. How's the map project coming?
DILLARD
Post is still goin' over the panchromatic & multi-spectral modes. Who wants to scan a buncha dumb maps? Rather be working stress tests with you.
MONICA
Your heart couldn't take it, Quinn.
DILLARD
I'd like to have had the chance to find out.
MONICA
I'm sorry about your transfer. But life goes on.
DILLARD
Yeah. It's late. See you around.
Monica nods & the odd little man scurries off down the hall. Monica comes to the storage room door. She tugs at the doorknob, then searches her pockets as if looking for a key.
GADBERRY (o.s.) (off screen)
Don't! Please, no!
She stands frozen for a moment, & then moves uncertainly toward the lab, face troubled. The hall is deserted. She tugs at Dr. Gadberry's lab door.
MONICA
Dr. Gadberry?! Doctor?
She tries using her card. The door won't open.
MONICA
Help me! Somebody --
Another scientist, an older man, DR. POST, hurries down the hall.
(X)
DR. POST
Miss Stewart? Lock yourself out again? I remember last month --
MONICA
Dr. Post. Dr. Gadberry's in trouble. Help me --
Post hesitates for a moment, then slides his key card on the door. The door remains stuck. A GUARD runs down the hall toward them.
DR. POST
Computer lock's disengaged!
GUARD (in walkie-talkie)
Main control, this is Jenson. We need emergency override on Stresslab. Repeat -- emergency --
The lock's colored lights riot, beeping. A loud, definite CLICK sound.
INT. ROOM - 9
As the door opens. The guard, Dr. Post, & Monica enter cautiously. Monica crosses the room & peers over a console, sees Gadberry lying on the ground, his head covered with blood. Henri is standing over the corpse.
MONICA
Henri, what happened?
HENRI
I cannot answer that question.
ON HENRI - 10
One of his arms comes up. It is smeared with blood.
ON MONICA - 11
Eyes wide & uncomprehending.
ON GUARD & POST - 12
GUARD (into radio)
I want a Deactivation Team here now. Not an accident. Henri just killed Dr. Gadberry.
(X)
PUSH IN ON HENRI - 13
Henri begins to back towards the wall. As he speaks the next lines, he slowly lifts one bloodied arm, & stares at it.
HENRI
Henri . . .kill? No. No. Henri cannot kill. Monica. Tell them. Henri cannot . . .
(beat. Looks up)
Blood.
EXT. SIMON'S HOUSE - ESTABLISHING - DAY - 14
INT. SIMON'S HOUSE - LIVING ROOM - 15
ON front door as the doorbell rings. the room is a bachelor's nightmare of crumpled paper & cast-off pajamas. ALEX picks his way through with the care of a soldier picking his way through a mine field. Doorbell rings again.
ALEX
Just a minute. Just a -- ow!
He hops up. Something that looks like a toy train with a vacuum attachment where the cow catcher should be, emerges from the mess, dragging a Hefty-style bag behind it. It is making a loud, vacuum-cleaner noise, & is trying to eat Alex's foot. The doorbell rings again.
ALEX
Coming! Will you let go? Of all the weeks for Tillie to visit her sister.
The train sucks Alex's sock off, & continues to chug across the room, swallowing paper cups, etc. The bag it drags is truly humongous. The bag jams against a table leg.
TRAIN
I think I can. I think I can --
A head of steam pours out of the top, & it chugs to a stop.
ALEX
I guess you can't.
The doorbell rings again. Alex crosses o.s.
ANOTHER ANGLE - 16
Simon enters the room, carrying a moderately portable compact-disc player. He is wearing headphones, & smiling as he fiddles with the controls. he is totally preoccupied. We HEAR the door open. Simon takes off the headphones, & we HEAR a soft snatch of music.
(X)
SIMON
I finished the modifications, Alex. Your CD player will record now, but I have to show you . . .
ANOTHER ANGLE - 17
Monica stands there with Alex. She is lovely & worried. She glances sideways at Alex's bare foot. She seems startled & unnerved by the untidy surroundings.
ALEX
Simon, you have a visitor.
MONICA
Are you Simon McKay?
SIMON
Guilty as charged.
MONICA
I'm Monica Stewart.
SIMON
Martin Gadberry's assistant. I've heard you're a talented researcher.
MONICA
I'm very flattered. Are things always like this?
Alex shakes his bare foot as they walk.
SIMON
Today's mess -- tomorrow's breakthrough. How are things at CyberTech? How is the good doctor . . .? Something's wrong.
MONICA
Dr. Gadberry died last night.
SIMON
Martin? Oh, no. What happened?
MONICA
There was an accident. A terrible . . . accident. With Henri the Eighth.
ALEX
Henri the Eighth?
(X)
SIMON
Hazardous Environmental Robotic Intelligence, Eighth prototype.
(to Monica)
Please, sit down, I want to hear everything.
MONICA
When I left the lab, Dr. Gadberry had deactivated Henri. When I came back, Dr. Gadberry was . . . on the floor . . . his head . . .
Simon takes her hand. After a beat, she swallows & tries again.
MONICA
Henri was reactivated when I came back. Dr. Gadberry's skull had been crushed, & Henri had blood on his arm. They're saying that Henri did it out of anger.
ALEX
Robots don't have emotions.
SIMON (softly ruminative)
You've never met Henri, Alex. I designed him before I knew you.
ALEX
You're saying a robot could have deliberately murdered someone?
SIMON
No . . . Henri couldn't have done it.
MONICA
You & I know that, Simon. But at noon they're going to cut him into pieces, destroy him like a mad dog. Simon -- you've got to talk to them, do something!
SIMON
That's just three hours from now. Alex, hurry, there's no time to waste!
Monica bites her lip as Alex & Simon scramble into motion.
EXT. CYBERTECH RESEARCH - ESTABLISHING - DAY - 18
(X)
INT. HYPERBARIC LAB - 19
A guard escorts Simon & Alex in. HUTCHISON, a tall, powerful man with a massive personality waits there. Inspecting the scene is COPELAND, a CIC operative. Post is also there. Alex & Copeland know each other. There's a strained history. Alex goes toward Copeland as Hutchison comes to Simon.
HUTCHISON
Dr. McKay. Always a pleasure. Of course I regret the circumstances.
SIMON
So do I. It's been a long time since Harvard's Geology Department.
HUTCHISON
I'm still pinching pennies, I'm afraid. This is Dr. Post. He was here when Dr. Gadberry's body was discovered.
SIMON
Dr. Post. I read your paper on Computer Assisted Satellite Surveys. 1968, wasn't it?
POST
Yes. In 1968 computers worked for us, not with us. I knew Henri was a mistake from the beginning.
ALEX & COPELAND - 19-A
ALEX
What brings you here, Copeland?
COPELAND
When someone's murdered at a government research facility they bring in the first team, Jagger. How are things in toyland?
ALEX
It keeps me busy. So what have you got?
COPELAND
This is my gig, Jagger. Stay out of it. Go babysit your little friend.
ALEX
You're a real charmer, Copeland.
(X)
ON SIMON & THE OTHERS - 19-B
SIMON
Murder is very strong word.
HUTCHISON
What would you call it? Death by natural causes? I'm sorry, but Henri has to be destroyed.
SIMON
Don't you think that's a rash decision?
HUTCHISON
Dr. McKay. You designed Henri to withstand extreme heat, or cold, or the pressure of Jupiter's atmosphere. You more than anyone else should understand how dangerous he can be.
SIMON
I programmed Henri with Asimov's Laws of Robotics. He cannot harm a human being.
POST
You also programmed in imitation of human emotions, Dr. McKay. Pandora's Box was easy to open, but tragically hard to close.
ALEX (rejoining them)
What motive could Henri have had?
(to himself)
I can't believe I said that.
HUTCHISON
Jealousy.
POST
Henri & Dr. Gadberry were always arguing. That machine probably thinks humans are beneath him.
SIMON
Martin loved a good argument. Most people couldn't give him one. That's why he treasured Henri.
HUTCHISON
The decision is made, Mr. McKay.
(X)
SIMON
I programmed Henri's core personality. I hold the design patent.
HUTCHISON
But he was built under contract to CyberTech. The actual physical materials are ours. I'm sorry.
SIMON
May I see him, at least?
Hutchison & Copeland exchange a glance. Copeland makes a subtle shake of the head: "no."
HUTCHISON
I want this business concluded as quickly as possible. The reputation of this facility is at stake. However, I think we can postpone the inevitable a few minutes.
SIMON
Thank you. I appreciate it.
PUSH IN ON SIMON
INT. SECURITY CORRIDOR - 20
Copeland & a guard escort Simon down a dark, grim prison-like corridor. They stop before a locked door, & open it with a key. There are bars beyond it. Simon enters the room.
COPELAND
You've got five minutes.
Copeland & the guard close the door.
ANGLE ON CELL - 21
Henri is rolling back & forth within the storage lockup like a prisoner pacing. He rolls up to the bars, his energy level low.
REVERSE ANGLE - 22
Henri looks at Simon.
ANOTHER ANGLE - 23
SIMON
Hello, Henri.
(X)
HENRI
Simon. It has been three years, two months, four days.
SIMON
Too long, Henri. I'm sorry.
HENRI
You should not have come.
SIMON
Why not?
HENRI
I am said to have killed Dr. Gadberry. I do not wish to place you at risk.
SIMON
Did you kill him?
HENRI
My arm was bloodied. Dr. Gadberry is dead. No one else was there.
SIMON
Are you sure about that?
HENRI
Sure? No, I'm not. Six hours of memory are missing. But I calculate a 78% probability that I am responsible for his death. Logically, I should be destroyed.
SIMON
Listen to yourself. Is this what a murderer would say?
HENRI
Most murderers say 'I want my lawyer.' Would you suggest this?
SIMON
Henri, do you remember the first law?
HENRI
The first law: A robot must not harm a human being, nor, through inaction, allow a human being to come to harm.
Simon nods with pride.
(X)
SIMON
That's right. Now listen to me. Someone else killed Dr. Gadberry, someone who may kill again. Your missing memory is our only clue. We have to retrieve it.
HENRI
I can do nothing. Security has disconnected main power pack.
SIMON (urgent whisper)
I can give you access to your emergency reserves. Listen to me: priority override. Vocal Scan: Superuser Simon McKay.
ON HENRI - 24
responding to Simon.
SIMON
Access Zed Zed Alpha Zero. 'Mongolia.'
Henri seems to perk up.
IN THE CORRIDOR - 25
Copeland looks at his watch. He opens the door.
ANGLE ON SIMON - 25-A
stands very close to Henri. As the door opens he takes a step back.
COPELAND
All right. Time's up, let's go.
SIMON (to Henri)
Be strong, Henri.
Looking sad & discouraged, Simon comes to the door.
COPELAND
What to you think now?
SIMON
I just don't know. Its memory's gone.
(X)
COPELAND
He obviously erased it to cover up what he did.
SIMON
Perhaps you're right. I'm glad the decision isn't mine.
ANOTHER ANGLE - 26
A pair of white-suited technicians come down the hall, pushing a cart loaded with acetylene torches, wrenches, saws, wireclips, all of the accoutrements for a cybernetic Auschwitz. Simon watches the cart roll past, attempting to conceal his worry.
IN CELL - 27
in darkness, with Henri. His eyes seem more alive. He rolls to the wall. His laser glows, & lances out at the wall. The wall begins to glow . . . HUMMING SOUND.
CORRIDOR - 28
HUMMING GROWS LOUDER
COPELAND
What's that?
Copeland starts to run back toward the cell room. Simon "inadvertently" gets in his way, tripping him.
IN CELL - 29
HUMMING GROWS. An entire section of the wall begins to glow! Henri's "expression" is intense, almost . . . well, almost happy.
ANOTHER ANGLE - 30
as the wall explodes outwards!
HALLWAY - 31
Technicians, Copeland, stunned & surprised. Claxons scream, & guards rush to the door.
SIMON - 32
A secret smile on his face as the hallway becomes utterly chaotic.
FADE OUT
END OF ACT ONE
*********************************
(X)
ACT TWO
FADE IN
EXT. WALL OF CYBERTECH BUILDING - DAY - 33
Part of the wall has already been blown out. Another section glows & then explodes! A brief pause, & then Henri pokes his head out like a rabbit sniffing the air. Sirens howl! Henri swivels his head left & right.
INT. CYBERTECH CORRIDOR - 34
Security men scrambling, & Simon coming to his feet.
COPELAND
I knew it! You're lucky to be alive, McKay. Don't worry -- we'll get it.
SIMON
I certainly hope so. I'm getting out of here!
Alex finds Simon in the middle of the chaos.
ALEX
What happened?
SIMON
Henri's escaped. We don't have a minute to lose.
ALEX (suspiciously)
Simon . . . what are you up to?
Simon continues on quickly. Alex, frustrated, follows.
ALEX
Simon!
ON MOUNTED WALL SPEAKER - 35
Alarm claxon blaring.
EXT. SHATTERED CYBERTECH WALL - 36
PUSH IN ON Henri's chest, where a little radio receiver in his chest cavity glows red & makes a beeping sound. His gears whine & he makes a break for it!
DISSOLVE TO:
(X)
INT. SIMON'S WORKSHOP - DAY - 37
TIGHT ON homing apparatus. Matching SOUND CUT, homing beacon beeping in the same frequency. PULL OUT TO INCLUDE Simon. he is manipulating the controls with feverish concentration. The beeping slowly grows louder.
ANOTHER ANGLE - 38
TO INCLUDE Alex.
ALEX
Simon -- if you're doing what I think --
SIMON
Alex, please. Crucify me later. I need my concentration.
ALEX
And I need the truth. You're guiding that robot here, aren't you?
SIMON
Yes.
ALEX
I can't let you do this, Simon.
SIMON
I have to, Alex; you don't understand.
ALEX
You're breaking the law.
SIMON
I'm only after justice. Whatever happened to common justice?
Simon jumps off his stool. He sprints up the stairs from his workshop so quickly that Alex is hard put to keep up.
ALEX
Forget 'justice.' Whatever happened to common sense?
LIVING ROOM - 39
The argument rages as they move through the living room & toward the kitchen.
ALEX
Simon, for once. PLEASE, think with your head, not your heart. This thing is dangerous.
SIMON
What happened to innocent till proven guilty?
ALEX
It's a robot!
KITCHEN - 40
As they enter.
SIMON
I won't let them execute Henri without due process!
(X)
Simon throws the back door open.
ANOTHER ANGLE - 41
Henri stands in the doorway. He is covered with muck.
ALEX
Ah, Jeeze!
HENRI
I trust I am not tardy?
SIMON
Just exactly on time.
Henri rolls into the kitchen. He begins to inspect the room. Alex looks out the door & slams it shut, almost frantic with dismay. Simon gets a sponge & pail.
HENRI
So many new things I have seen! There is much need for study & evaluation. Simon -- much of your electrical circuitry is non-optimal.
ALEX
Simon -- there must be a hundred radio cars out looking for this thing. How did it get here?
HENRI
Quote: 'Along the sea sands damp & brown / The traveler hastens toward the town.'
SIMON
Longfellow.
ALEX
What is that supposed to mean?
(X)
SIMON
He came through the sewer system. It was the only way.
Simon begins to wipe Henri clean. Henri is busy poking into cupboards & peering under drainboards, refusing to stand still to be cleaned.
HENRI
Your city uses a combination sewage & drainage system. My olfactory sensors received a rich supply of input. I can reproduce these fascinating aromas if you would like.
ANOTHER ANGLE - 42
Alex utterly aghast.
SIMON
Later, perhaps.
HENRI
Are you certain? As you know, I am capable of reproducing all seven primary classes of odor: camphoraceous, floral, pungent, putrid --
ALEX
No!
HENRI
Very well.
SIMON
Come on, Alex. Help me get him cleaned up & down to the workshop.
INT. CYBERTECH SECURITY OFFICES (SHOT AGAINST WALL) - 43
Copeland & the CyberTech people have a huge map up on the wall. Pins are stuck into it on a circular pattern. In the b.g. (background) we hear telephones & printers, & people chattering intensely. The effect should be like eavesdropping on FBI central. PUSH IN ON map.
COPELAND
The streets are sealed. He's got to be somewhere in this area.
Copeland slams her finger into the center of the map. PUSH IN ON A NEARBY SECTOR OF MAP, until we read: "Elm Street":
INT. SIMON'S HOUSE - WORKSHOP - 44
Simon is tinkering with Henri's arm. Alex paces & rages.
ALEX
I still can't believe I let you talk me into this. Simon -- where are your priorities?
SIMON
Truth is a priority.
Henri's arm comes out. Simon faces them, holding the arm high.
SIMON
Quote: 'Even the finest arms can be an instrument of evil.'
He smashes the arm down violently, shattering a bottle on the workbench.
HENRI
Lao Tsu, from the Tao Teh Ching.
Simon nods & smiles proudly. He clicks the arm back into place.
HENRI
Using arm as hammer is non-optimal use of resources, Simon.
ALEX
Hey . . .
SIMON
The defense rests. Why would you club someone if you had laser, Alex? Someone came into the lab while Henri was turned off. Detached the arm, killed Martin, then replaced it.
ALEX
But Henri was on when Monica came back, Simon. Why doesn't he remember what happened?
Henri beings to poke his way around the workshop. He does a "take" on a huge, stuffed bear. He pokes at the toys & smiling clown clocks, examining them as a child would. One doll holds a toy telephone. Henri picks up the receiver & we hear:
DOLL (filtered)
Are you my mommy? I love you.
(X)
Henri cocks his head sideways, & makes a confused trilling sound.
SIMON (o.s.)
Give me a little time.
ALEX (o.s.)
The CIC is looking into it, Simon. You don't need to get involved.
SIMON (o.s.)
Alex -- Dr. Martin Gadberry was my friend. His CyberTech space system research helped make Skylab a reality.
Alex moves away from Henri as the robot cruises up to him. It closes the gap between the two of them. It examines his coat.
HENRI
Unknown fabric. Non-classified phenomenon.
A tiny pair of scissors extrude from his Omni-tool arm, & clips a tiny square of material from Alex's coat. Alex doesn't notice.
SIMON (o.s.)
Martin asked me to design a machine that could function where no human being could survive. It had to be a thinking machine. No one can build an adult brain. But we created a child, a genius child who could teach himself. Do you want me to abandon a child?
ALEX (o.s.)
Of course not. But Simon -- if something happens to you. If Henri hurt you, I couldn't forgive myself.
ON SIMON - 45
SIMON
My life is my own, Alex.
Simon's eyes are like a mother tiger's. Beat.
ALEX
All right, Simon. If Henri didn't kill Dr. Gadberry, I'd better find out -- hey!
ANOTHER ANGLE - 46
Henri hits the square of material with his laser, burning it in a flash. Henri soberly watches the flame.
HENRI
Carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, in polymerized matrix. Polyester. Cheap suit.
Alex swats at it, & it ducks its head & rolls on.
ON SIMON - 47
Concealing his laughter.
ALEX
Simon, I'll help catch the real killer --
HENRI
Quote: 'It is never too lat to give up your prejudice.'
ALEX
-- but you disconnect that laser.
SIMON
Deal.
They shake hands, hard.
INT. SIMON'S LIVING ROOM - NIGHT - 48 (X)
In the darkness, Henri rolls through the living room. He seems to be looking for something.
ANGLE - ALEX - 48-A (X)
slips into the living room following Henri, suspicious of Henri's movement through the house.
HENRI - 48-B (X)
As he moves through the room he focuses a built-in remote control device on various objects, turning them on & off. The television, lamps, toys, etc.
ALEX - 48-C (X)
follows him like shadowing a suspect as Henri leaves the room heading toward the hall elevator.
ANGLE FROM INSIDE BEDROOM - 49
We SEE Simon, sleeping & helpless, with Henri in the b.g. peeking in. OMINOUS MUSIC. Henri's wrist laser is no longer attached.
HALLWAY - 50 (X)
Alex levels his gun. Henri cruises to another door next to Simon's, rolls into it. It shuts the door. Confused, Alex walks slowly up to the door. We suddenly hear a vigorous FLUSHING SOUND. Alex's face is totally confused. Henri opens the door to the bathroom. The two of them are at a total impasse. Simon opens the door of this bedroom, & examines the tableau with affectionate bemusement.
ALEX
What -- did you hear --
SIMON
Alex. He just needed to change his oil.
Alex groans, & puts the gun away.
EXT. SIMON'S - MORNING - 51
INT. SIMON'S STAIRS - 52
Simon comes down in his pajamas yawning, looking around, curious. He hears tinkering sounds from the kitchen.
KITCHEN - 53
Simon has a bemused smile on his face as he enters the kitchen. Henri is busy tinkering. HIS WRIST-LASER IS NO LONGER ATTACHED.
SIMON
Ah . . . good morning, Henri. May I ask what you're doing?
HENRI
Automating servitors -- non-optimal time-&-motion. Have wired entire kitchen to single circuit. Examine please.
Henri hands Simon a remote control box. Simon smiles & triggers it. The coffeemaker begins to bubble, twin slices of bread disappear into the toaster, a blender begins to whir, etc. Simon nods, impressed.
HENRI
Simple auto-circuit designed for Skylab enables entire kitchen to run itself.
Alex comes down from upstairs, pulling his sweater on.
ALEX
Mmmm . . . morning! Something smells good!
SIMON
Henri's been busy, Alex.
ALEX
Well, that's nice, I guess . . . whoa!
(X)
The control device in Simon's hand begins to fizzle, & Alex knocks it to the side. It explodes. The autodevice set to the other circuits self-destruct one after another! Toast explodes from the toaster, jams to the ceiling. The blender accelerates to superspeed! The top pops off, & liquids gush over the brighten & then fade & then explode! Simon & Alex look up like soldiers poking their heads out of foxholes. Alex looks at Simon & does a take.
HENRI
Can never trust local materials.
CEILING - 54
As a piece of toast works its way free. It falls.
ANOTHER ANGLE - 55
As Simon catches it.
HENRI
Quote: 'It fell to earth, I know not where.'
ALEX (disgustedly)
Longfellow. 'Song of Hiawatha.'
SIMON (nibbling toast)
Perfect.
The doorbell rings. Henri immediately pivots.
HENRI
I'll get it.
SIMON & ALEX
Oh, no you don't!
Simon springs up & rushes out of the room. Alex stands alone in the midst of the mess. The toy train comes chugging in, dragging an empty garbage bag.
TRAIN - 56
TRAIN
I think I can, I think I can --
(X)
ANOTHER ANGLE - 57
ALEX
Oh, shut up.
Simon re-enters.
SIMON
Alex! It's CIC! Stall for a few seconds, then let them in.
ALEX
Simon!
Alex grits his teeth, then leaves the room. Simon pulls at Henri.
SIMON
Henri, come on. We can't let CIC find you here.
HENRI
An astute observation, Simon.
LIVING ROOM - 58
Copeland & two assistants are entering with Alex.
COPELAND
You know, we were combing this area, & suddenly I remembered that Santa's Workshop was right here. Head Elf around?
ALEX (X)
Copeland, I didn't like you when we were in Washington & I like you even less now. Just watch your mouth & do your job.
COPELAND
My my. Touchy this morning, aren't we?
He snaps his fingers. His men flank him, running off to search. (X)
SIMON'S WORKSHOP - 59
Simon busy at workbench working on a model submarine, peering through a magnifying glass. Alex & Copeland descend the stairs. Simon looks up.
SIMON
I asked you not to disturb me, Alex.
ALEX
Simon, I know, but . . .
(X)
SIMON
Never mind, never mind. I can't expect you to understand.
Copeland is smirking, delighted with Alex's discomfiture.
COPELAND
I'm sorry to disturb your work --
She inspects the submarine briefly, then sets it down again.
COPELAND
I'm sure it's very important. We're still looking for that robot. You haven't seen it, have you?
Her gaze slides right past the stuffed bear. She spots a tiny toy robot & thumps it with her finger.
COPELAND (sarcastically)
Oh, very nice.
She prods the doll, then picks up the telephone receiver.
DOLL (filtered)
Are you my mommy?
COPELAND (holding out the receiver to Jagger)
It's for you. All right. I'll talk to you later, McKay.
SIMON
If you must.
Alex looks back at Simon as they climb the stairs again. The door slams shut. Simon jumps off the stool.
BEAR - 60
The head rotating & lifting. It pops off, & Henri peeks out at us!
LIVING ROOM - 61
The other men are there.
CIC AGENT
Nothing. We're wasting time here.
COPELAND (at Alex) (X)
We're not the only ones. Jagger, you better not be involved in this or I'll personally see to it you're thrown out of the Agency!
He takes his men & exits. (X)
BASEMENT - 62
Alex comes back down, seething. Simon is helping Henri out of the snow man. (X)
ALEX
Simon, I'm getting out of here before I come to my senses. I think I'd be more useful over at CyberTech.
HENRI
My greetings to Monica, please.
ALEX
Are you sure you'll be all right, Simon?
SIMON
Positive. I have Henri to protect me.
Alex glowers at the robot, then leaves.
HENRI
Simon. Should I redesign upstairs area to match workshop? Spacial analysis verifies many non-optimal features.
SIMON
You've never been where people live, Henri. Only where they work. My house is . . . well, it's made to enjoy.
HENRI
Enjoy: transitive verb. To experience with joy. Have the benefit of. Can you show me 'enjoy'?
Simon smiles & walks to a shelf, takes down an elaborate yo-yo & does a simple trick with it.
HENRI
I see spinning disk functioning under variables of mass & friction.
SIMON
No, Henri. Me. Look at my face. I'm having fun, see?
(X)
HENRI
I see corners of mouth tilt. Voice change octaves. Where is fun?
Simon sighs, handing Henri the yo-yo.
SIMON
Here. Try it yourself.
Henri takes the yo-yo. He immediately makes it "sleep", "walk the dog", & go "around the world". Simon smiles quietly.
SIMON
It's a beginning.
(beat)
Now. You & I have to find out what happened to the missing memory.
Simon hooks Henri to his computer console. Numbers & symbols fill the screen.
SIMON
Six hours of memory. The answer should be here.
ON CLOCK - 63
reading: "11:00".
DISSOLVE TO:
CLOCK - 64
reading: "3:30".
ON COMPUTER SCREEN - 65
It reads: "DATA RECOVERY PROGRAM: NO DATA".
SIMON AT COMPUTER - 66
He suddenly stands up, frustrated & agitated.
SIMON
I've been through the entire memory map, nothing! I thought for sure there'd be a trace. This whole problem is like a wall!
He slams his hand against the wall for emphasis.
(X)
SIMON
I can't even make a hole in it.
Simon turns back to the computer. Behind him, we SEE Henri pick up the laser. OMINOUS MUSIC as he puts it back on, & it lights up. It hums.
SIMON - 67
As he turns back around slowly.
ANOTHER ANGLE - 68
Henri & the laser.
SIMON
Henri?
The laser suddenly GLOWS TO LIFE & FIRES!
FADE OUT
END OF ACT TWO
***************************************
ACT THREE
FADE IN
INT. SIMON'S WORKSHOP - ON HENRI - 69
A laser blast exploding from his projector!
ON SIMON - 70
The blast striking the wall behind him, blowing a hole in it! Simon turns, & looks at the smoking hole, & turns back to Henri. For the first time, there is a flicker of uncertainty on Simon's face. When he speaks, he is speaking in a measured, even tone, as if to a child.
SIMON
What are you doing, Henri?
ANOTHER ANGLE - 71
Henri's tubes glowing.
SIMON (very calmly)
Turn the laser off, Henri.
Beat, then Henri complies.
HENRI
Was I in error?
ANOTHER ANGLE - 72
SIMON
What do you mean, Henri?
He takes a step closer, scuttling sideways a little. Henri pivots to follow him.
HENRI
You said that you wished to make a hole in the wall. Is the hole too small? I can -- ?
His laser lights up again.
SIMON
Henri. I spoke figuratively. Please. No holes in walls.
The laser powers down, & Simon breathes a sigh of relief.
HENRI
'Figurative?' I do not understand.
SIMON
I taught you to understand nuance. What did they do to you at Cybertech, Henri? Life isn't just black & white. There is . . . gray.
HENRI
Gray. Adjective. Of a color between white & black. Dark dismal, gloomy. A neutral hue --
SIMON
Quote: 'In our science & philosophy there is commonly no true & absolute account of things.'
HENRI
Thoreau. From 'Life Without Principle.'
SIMON
I taught you literature for a reason. Through Thoreau, you learned ethics & philosophy; through Longfellow, the rhythm of human emotions.
Henri cocks his head, uncomprehending. He picks up a photograph.
FRAMED PHOTO - 73
It is Simon, & Gadberry, & Henri together in a laboratory.
ANOTHER ANGLE - 74
HENRI
Emotions are non-optimal.
SIMON
Henri. What happened when someone told you you had killed Dr. Gadberry? How did you feel.
Beat.
HENRI
I thought --
SIMON
No. Not thought. How did you feel?
Henri puts the picture down so hard glass shatters. He rips the laser from his wrist, not removing it gently. It comes away trailing wires & electronic viscera.
HENRI
Take this. I cannot trust myself. I am malfunctioning. Must return to Cybertech --
Henri tries to leave, & Simon blocks his path.
SIMON
Why, Henri? How would you feel if you hurt me?
Beat.
HENRI
I . . . would not wish to be.
(beat)
Simon. I am confused.
SIMON
Good. Now we're getting somewhere.
INT. CYBERTECH - GADBERRY'S LAB - 75
Alex is talking to two technicians, Dillard & another assistant, HOLLY. Their supervisor is Dr. Post.
ALEX
You were here the night Gadberry died. What can you tell me about your relationship?
POST
Excuse me, young man. Professor Gadberry may be dead but the rest of us must continue.
ALEX
Then his death causes you no personal grief.
POST
In my life, I've lost dozens of colleagues. I'm told that if I don't slow down I may soon join them. I cannot slow down. There is too much to be done, & too little time. Time which this conversation is wasting.
ALEX
Just another minute, Dr. Post. You've taken over Gadberry's Stress lab, haven't you? Does that represent a promotion?
POST
It represents exhaustion, young man. You are irritating me. I've already told CIC everything I know. Holly, if you don't mind -- ?
Holly nods & types instructions into a computer.
DILLARD
On three I'll take it up to twenty-four hundred millibars, then by fifties to eighty-eight.
ON WINDOW OF HYPERBARIC CHAMBER - 76
A model of a space ship suddenly smashes flat. Post dictates into a tape recorder.
POST
Design model six-two fragmented at . . . six hundred miillibars. All right, Dillard, get ready for the next test. Dillard!
DILLARD
All right, all right, already.
Post returns to his work station. Dillard triggers the panel, & the pumping apparatus begins to hum.
DILLARD (conspiratorial whisper)
Post doesn't know from computers. Dr. Gadberry used to chew mainframes & spit micros.
ALEX
Do you like working here in the stress chamber?
DILLARD
Oh, yeah -- it's a lot more fun than staring at Post's maps.
ALEX
Tell me. Why did Gadberry kick you off this project?
Beat.
DILLARD
Dr. Post is right. I don't have time to talk to you.
ALEX
Right. We'll talk later. Count on it.
Dillard buries himself in work as Alex leaves the room. As soon as he is gone, he looks up, his expression dark.
INT. SIMON'S WORKSHOP - 77
Henri rolls across the floor. He stops when he reaches a shelf, & sees a tiny toy robot on the shelf, picks up & examines it. Simon is watching Henri carefully.
HENRI
Simon -- what is the function of this unit?
SIMON
Why don't you set it down & push the little button?
Henri sets the tiny robot down on the ground, & pushes a tiny red button on the top.
ON TOY ROBOT - 78
Tiny arms extend, & a little baton comes out of one arm.
ANOTHER ANGLE - 79
Henri cocks his head questionably. Simon waits expectantly.
TOY ROBOT - 80
It taps its baton against its side like a little conductor. A tiny red light triggers at the tip of the baton, and:
ANOTHER ANGLE - 81
As a shelf full of toys, all of them toys which carry musical instruments: a bear with a drum, a giraffe with a bugle, a spaceman with a clarinet, a clown at the piano, etc. The toy robot beings to conduct, & the ragtag orchestra plays a raucous Spike Jones version of "The Blue Danube Waltz."
HENRI - 82
Listens, head still cocked sideways.
ON SIMON - 83
Watching hopefully. When nothing happens he subtly, then with greater expression mimics the action of the small robot.
(X)
VARIOUS SHOTS - WHOLE ROOM PLAYING ALONG - 84
As Henri slowly, almost painfully, begins to mimic the actions of the smaller robot, moving at first with grave dignity, then with greater fluidity. SOUNDTRACK MUSIC joins in for the last triumphant dat-dat-dat-da!
INT. CYBERTECH CORRIDOR - 85
Alex & Monica walk the hall.
ALEX
Well, Dillard, Hutchison, & Post were all here the night of the murder. Tell me -- why was Dillard released from the project?
MONICA
Henri just took over his job, Alex. It was really kind of sad. No human being can match Henri's reflexes.
They reach a door. the doorplate reads: "Dr. Martin Gadberry".
ALEX
Not exactly a murder motive. I hope Gadberry's personal notes have something -- I'm running out of inspiration.
She touches his shoulder encouragingly, & she opens the door.
INT. SIMON'S WORKSHOP - 86
Henri is plugged into a computer.
SIMON - 87
typing at the keyboard.
COMPUTER SCREEN - 88
As a telephone number & the words "CyberTech Communication Line. Code word?" flashes on the screen.
SIMON
It's your show.
Henri's fingers brush the keyboard.
HENRI
CyberTech ciphers are based upon alphanumeric progressions of name of day of week. I will try them all --
(X)
SIMON
How long do we have before the security alarm is triggered?
HENRI
Twenty seconds.
With a beep, a digital countdown timer appears in a corner of the screen, showing "20:00," then begins to count down, giving remaining time in hundredths of a second. Henri's fingers become a blur. The screen reads "Wednesday", & the screen beeps & flashes "NEGATIVE". A slight variation of the word appears, & gets a beep & a negative, & then another, & another, faster & faster, until the screen is a blur. INTERCUT screen, blurring robotic fingers, & Simon's concerned face, & columns fill with variations of "Wednesday," letters & numbers scrambled in thousands of possible combinations. With "00:07" seconds left, the countdown stops & the screen flashes "CODE SECQUENCE ACKNOWLEDGED."
SIMON - 89
Grinning broadly, as proud as any father of a genius child.
ANOTHER ANGLE - 90
The screen flashes with information, much too fast for a human eye or mind to keep up.
HYPERBARIC LAB - 91
On mechanical or optical apparatus doing something just terribly fascinating.
WIDEN ANGLE - 92
as Monica & Alex enter the room. Dr. Post, Holly, & Dillard are all there. The scientists are all busy doing appropriate (& available) scientist-thingies. Ad-libbed techno-jargon is optional. Post finally looks up.
POST
Eh? I suppose there's a reason for this interruption?
ALEX
I'm afraid so. May I talk to you privately?
Beat. Post motions to Dillard & Holly.
POST
Holly, Dillard -- go on. I'll handle this.
(X)
They leave the room.
POST (somewhat contemptuously)
Now then . . . What is this gravely urgent matter?
ALEX
I was wondering if you'd help us with a little problem.
MONICA
I found some notes that Dr. Gadberry made involving departmental billing.
POST
Yes, and . . . ?
ALEX
You billed fourteen-hundred dollars last year to Arplex Corporation.
Post looks very nervous, but manages to keep his cool.
POST
We subcontract a great deal of our work. Monica should know that. We can't handle everything ourselves.
MONICA
Dr. Post -- Arplex Data Systems went out of business the month before these accounts were closed.
Post's expression freezes.
POST
Then there is a misprint on the file.
ALEX
You think this is some kind of game? This is a murder investigation. Sooner or later --
Suddenly Hutchison enters the lab.
HUTCHISON
Mr. Jagger. Yes, Dr. Gadberry accused Dr. Post of overbilling. The problem has been resolved, & does not concern you.
ALEX
But --
(X)
HUTCHISON
What should concern you is a killer machine loose in our city while you waste time here.
(deadly cold)
Miss Stewart -- you & I will speak later.
They face each other off for a moment, & then Alex rises.
ALEX
All right.
They leave the room. A beat later Post exits, somewhat shamefaced. Copeland enters.
COPELAND
What was that about?
HUTCHISON
I don't like the way your people are handling this investigation. Case in point: Mr. Jagger seems totally unconcerned about that robot. I wonder why?
Beat. Copeland picks up a phone, & punches in a number.
COPELAND
Copeland here. I want two radio cars in front in thirty seconds. We're shadowing Jagger. Be ready to work him in relays. And careful. No mistakes this time. I've got a hunch.
INT. SIMON'S WORKSHOP - 93
Simon is working at a computer console which is a twin of the one Henri is using.
HENRI - 94
He freezes the screen. The screen is a map of Alaska.
HENRI
This is incorrect.
SIMON
What?
HENRI
This map is incorrect. It is not the map I remember from a week ago.
SIMON
This is a satellite survey map. Taken at an altitude of maybe eight-hundred kilometers.
HENRI
Eight-hundred-twenty-two. Thermatic map of Alaska, taken by French satellite, intercepted broadcast to receiving station in Kiruna, North Sweden. New, hyper-efficient optical technology.
SIMON
Why is CyberTech analyzing a French map?
HENRI
Department of Defense satellite technology. Determination of level of threat to American Security. Dr. Laborde's estimate: negative risk.
SIMON
Can you give me a copy of the map you remember?
HENRI
Certainly, Simon. It is now downloaded. Displaying area of discrepancy on splitscreen.
SIMON
You're right. There is a difference, but I'm not sure . . . what.
Alex enters the room. He sees the map.
SIMON
Alex. Did you find anything?
ALEX
You were right, Simon -- there's dirt at CyberTech. I believe you now.
SIMON
Then you're ready to see this.
Simon turns off Henri, & the robot sags. Alex looks at Simon questioningly. Simon holds up a finger signaling "wait". Then Simon turns Henri back on, & BEFORE THE ROBOT CAN COMPLETELY ACTIVATE, SIMON HIDES.
HENRI
Simon? Simon?
Simon crawls back out.
SIMON
The murderer killed Martin & wiped Henri's memory. Then he pushed the button again --
ALEX
And had plenty of time to leave before Henri's sensors were finally active. It could work.
A sudden POUNDING sound, & then the front doorbell rings. Alex & Simon rush upstairs. Alex is well ahead of Simon, taking the stairs three at a time. STAY WITH Simon.
LIVING ROOM - 95
By the time Simon reaches it, Alex is being confronted by Copeland & his men. (X)
COPELAND
All right, Jagger -- are you going to tell us where it is, or do we rip the walls out? (X)
ALEX
Get out of here, Copeland. (X)
SIMON
I have to protest this intrusion into my home -- (X)
Henri rolls into the room. (X)
HENRI
Simon! Simon! I have --
He sees the CIC agents, & makes an "uh-uh" sound. He turns & tries to RUN! The agents trap him with a special metal mesh net. Henri twists & thrashes to no effect.
SIMON
Please. No. We're very close to a breakthrough -- Alex? (X)
The security men brutally detach wires from Henri's head. Alex rushes to help. (X)
HENRI
Simon! Simon, help!
COPELAND
Don't do it, Jagger! Or I'll bust you for obstructing justice. (X)
Alex realizes he can't interfere. (X)
Simon pulls at one of the agents, trying to stop him. (X)
SIMON
Can't you see that you're hurting him!?
COPELAND
You should have known better, McKay. And you, Jagger, Internal Affairs will have you for breakfast. (X)
HENRI
Simon! Help me . . . !
Henri is carried out of the house, howling. Alex pulls Simon back.
ALEX
Simon, you'll only make things worse.
SIMON
They can't get any worse, Alex. They can't get any worse. (X)
FADE OUT
END OF ACT THREE
****************************************
(X)
ACT FOUR
FADE IN
INT. SIMON'S - NIGHT - 96
Simon is hunched over teh computer, looking at the maps.
SIMON
The key to the entire thing is right here.
ALEX
All right, I'm listening. Where?
MAP - 97
COMPUTER MAP GRAPHICS EMPHASIZE SIMON'S WORDS.
SIMON
This whole segment is a geological disconformity.
ALEX
It's a fake?
SIMON
A fake. Look at the original. Infrared & Deep Radar show the signature of Pitchblende. Uranium ore. Alex -- someone at CyberTech is falsifying Government data, & killing to protect their secret. We've got to get Henri.
ALEX
We'd never break him out again.
SIMON
I don't need to. I've got an idea, if you'll help me.
IN ON Alex, brooding & thoughtful.
INT. CYBERTECH LOADING DOCK - (SHOOT ON LAB SET) - NIGHT - 98
A buzzer rings. A GUARD enters the room, & opens the door. A man wheels in a small crate. We SEE IT IS ALEX IN DISGUISE.
ALEX (muffled voice)
Equipment delivery for a Dr. Carmichael.
GUARD
Cripe. Carmichael won't be in till morning. Well, over here.
(X)
The truck driver places the crate & walks away. SLOWLY PUSH IN ON crate.
ALEX (muffled voice over)
Sign this.
We hear the sound of the door close & lock, footsteps & then the light goes out. SCREEN GOES VERY DARK. After a beat, the sound of an electric buzz saw. A hole is sliced into the side of the box, & light pours out. The light grows as the hole widens, & finally Simon pushes his way free. He wears a miner's helmet with a glowing light. He looks around, & opens the door for Alex, who enters stripping off his disguise.
SIMON
We'd better split up -- if you find him, signal me on this --
HALLWAY - 99
As Simon & Alex enter through a door marked "Shipping/Receiving", Simon hands Alex a small radio transmitter.
ALEX
You've got it -- & Simon -- I hope you're right this time.
SIMON
Have I ever let you down?
Alex starts to say something, then moves down the hall. Simon creeps in the other direction. He spots a television camera, & flattens against the wall. He ducks to the side when Dillard comes by. Dillard brushes the hair out of his eyes, & looks around, with almost animal awareness of his surroundings. He comes to within inches of Simon, then goes on his way. Simon creeps back out. He continues down the hall.
DR. POST (o.s.)
I'm telling you that I don't care about the costs. I want results. Let misers like Hutchison worry about the money --
Post comes storming out of the office, directly toward Simon, who looks around. There seems to be no place for him to hide. HUMMING SOUND BUILDS ON SOUNDTRACK.
POST - 100
Stopping for a moment to check his pockets, then digging out his car keys. He steps off the main strip as a courier robot WITH A LARGE MAILBAG cruises down the hallway. Post continues on.
ON MAILBOT - 101
As Simon peers up from inside bag, & hops out. He sneaks on, backing down the corridor.
DR. HUTCHISON
Can I help you?
ON A chagrined Simon:
CUT TO:
ALEX - 102
creeping down another corridor. He comes to a door marked: Storage/Disassembly. He picks the lock, & enters. He shines a flashlight around in the room, & finally sees -- Henri. The robot is hooked to a console, & looks terribly sick.
ON SIMON - 103
walking down the hall with Hutchison.
HUTCHISON
You've brought a great deal of trouble upon yourself, Dr. McKay. I hope it was worth it.
SIMON
I had to see him. To make a proper good-bye if nothing else.
Hutchison smiles understandingly.
HUTCHISON
Why not? After all, in a sense, Henri is your child, isn't he?
SIMON
Brainchild, perhaps.
HUTCHISON
I wonder if your actions haven't been motivated by guilt. Did one of your creations, a machine meant to save lives, murder a man? Not an easy question to dismiss.
ON SIMON - 104
Troubled by the thrust of the conversation. Hutchison opens the Hyperbaric lab. Simon peers back down the hallway.
SIMON
You brought Henri back into this lab? Isn't security a little weak here?
HUTCHISON
On the contrary, Dr. McKay. We have everything we need right here!
On the last word, Hutchison snatches Simon's bag from him. He pushes Simon into the hyperbaric chamber, & slams the door on him. He seals the door.
SIMON
All along I thought it was Post.
HUTCHISON
I'm afraid not.
SIMON
You falsified his satellite maps.
HUTCHISON
That old fool's knowledge of computers was outdated a decade ago. Drones like Dillard have been keeping him alive.
SIMON
As a geologist, you recognized the uranium deposits.
HUTCHISON
As a geophysicist. For eight years, I've played nursemaid to a clutch of spoiled children & senile idiots. I'm the only one who saw the implication in those photos. Millions of dollars of Uranium on land that will be auctioned for a pittance! The chance of a lifetime.
SIMON
What went wrong?
HUTCHISON
You know by now that Henri discovered Post's financial indiscretions. Well, two days ago that metallic idiot blundered into my own data files. He told Dr. Gadberry. Gadberry had to die, & the robot's memory with him.
SIMON
So now what? A little accident?
HUTCHISON
This chamber can generate a pressure of seventy-five atmospheres. More than enough to reduce you to incurious jelly. Good-bye, Dr. McKay.
HUTCHISON'S HANDS - 105
as they turn the dials. HISSING SOUND, & the pressure begins to creep up. Hutchison wrenches a control off the board.
ANOTHER ANGLE - 106
As Hutchison turns & picks up Simon's bag. Smiling, he opens it, & takes out Alex's compact disk player, & the miner's cap. Amused, he looks further.
Simon looks longingly out at his bag. His hands go to his head as the pressure begins to build.
ALEX & HENRI - 107
The robot's eyes open groggily.
HENRI
Alex . . .
ALEX
Hello, Henri.
HENRI
That . . . is . . . the first time you have spoken directly to me.
ALEX
What are they doing to you?
HENRI
Running a 'worm' program. Simultaneously copying & removing data. Soon I will be . . . empty.
ALEX
Then I'd better signal Simon.
He pushes a button on his transmitter.
ALEX
He'll be here in a minute.
HENRI
That will be good. It will be good to see him. It is good to see you, Alex -- although you do not like me.
ALEX
It isn't that, I -- oh, what am I doing talking to a machine? Come on, Simon -- where are you?
GADBERRY'S LAB - 108
ON Hutchison, holding the radio transmitter as it beeps. He raises one eyebrow questioningly, then smiles & digs further, taking out various odd items.
ON SIMON - 109
He crawls over to the video monitor, & turns it on. The camera gives him a picture of himself. He turns the monitor on & off, blinking the monitor S.O.S. in Morse Code.
ON ALEX & HENRI - 110
ALEX
He should have been here by now . . .
HENRI
Alex -- I am picking up a modulated power surge. Probable location -- the hyperbaric chamber. The surge is spelling out a distress signal in Morse Code.
ALEX
Simon.
He turns to leave.
HENRI
Alex! You will need me to operate the controls!
Alex is in a terrible quandry, then mutters under his breath.
ALEX
I'm gonna hate myself in the morning.
He disconnects Henri's electronic shackles! Then Alex bolts.
HALLWAY - 111
Alex passes Dillard, who does a take & runs after him.
DILLARD
Hey!
Alex rushes into the lab. The door is locked.
ALEX (to Dillard)
Give me your key card!
DILLARD
My card doesn't fit that door!
HENRI
Allow me, please.
He connects to the door, & shorts it. It swings open.
INT. LAB - 112
Hutchison startled as Alex enters. Alex glances at:
ON SIMON - 113
Curled onto his side, unconscious.
ANOTHER ANGLE - 114
Hutchison swings a piece of lab apparatus at Alex. Alex barely manages to avoid it. There is a brief struggle, & Hutchison is knocked unconscious.
ANOTHER ANGLE - 115
Alex hits the emergency button on the hyperbaric chamber. Nothing happens.
ALEX
It isn't working!
Dillard appears next to him. Behind him is Post & Henri.
DILLARD
Of course it won't open! Someone took the manual override. He's deader'n a sliderule factory. He'll look like a raspberry doughnut. He'll --
Henri reaches up & puts his hand over Dillard's mouth.
HENRI
Dillard, shut up.
Alex pushes frantically at the door.
HENRI
Alex. I may be able to overload the computer, gain direct access to the safety lines.
ALEX
Please Henri. If there's any chance, try.
Henri hooks himself into the console, & beings to glow.
ON HENRI - 116
Tubes glowing more brightly, gears turning more swiftly now.
VARIOUS ANGLES - 117
as the tension builds:
ON HENRI - 118
as his tubes begin to blow out, & gears pop off, etc.
ANOTHER ANGLE - 119
As the electronic panel begins to overload, wires shorting, & the wiring on the back of the safety door shorts out:
ON PRESSURE DIAL - 120
As the pressure stops, at SEVEN ATMOSPHERES & slowly begins to drop. Alarm claxons howl.
ALEX
Get that door open!
POST
No! You'll kill him with bends. We have to lower the pressure slowly.
ANOTHER ANGLE - 121
as Simon staggers to the window. FROM THIS POINT ON, WHEN HENRI SPEAKS, HIS VOICE SHOULD BE PROGRESSIVELY MORE HEAVILY FILTERED, PITIABLY DIGITALIZED.
HENRI
Simon. I am glad you are safe.
SIMON
Oh, Alex! Henri's fuel cells are drained. He's going to lose his memory core. He'll die, Alex -- get me out of here!
HENRI
No, Simon. I cannot allow you to hurt yourself.
SIMON
Dr. Post open my bag. There's a compact disc device. Attach it to Henri's communication port.
Alex, Post & Dillard work furiously to connect the cables, & get the machine working. With a beep, the red "recording" light comes on. Simon watches helplessly.
HENRI
Si . . . mon.
SIMON
Hold on, Henri. Henri. Quote: 'Across the sound the birds of passage sailed, Speaking some unknown language strange & sweet -- '
HENRI
Simon . . . ?
SIMON
I'm here, Henri.
Simon moves in closer. He presses his hands against the glass.
SIMON
Yes?
HENRI
Simon -- Was I ever truly alive?
SIMON (choked)
A virus can't think. Can't move or reproduce on its own. We say that viruses are alive.
HENRI
It is illogical, but I am afraid. I do not want to die, Simon. There are so many reasons to live.
Simon looks beseechingly at Dillard.
DILLARD
I'm doing my best.
Henri's voice becomes even weaker. A few more sparks arc from his innards.
HENRI
Simon. You were my creator. You . . . made me. You . . . taught me. I . . . ask a favor . . . of . . . you.
SIMON
Yes, Henri?
HENRI
Tell me . . . one thing.
SIMON
Anything.
With the last of his strength, Henri puts his hand against the glass, trying to touch Simon.
HENRI
Have . . . I been . . . a good son?
Beat.
SIMON
The best I could ever have hoped for.
HENRI
Thank you . . . Si. . . monnnn . . .
another arc of sparks from his innards, & then an array of sparks. Every light goes dead, every gear stops turning. Henri SHOULD LOOK LIKE A BURNED OUT HUSK.
SIMON
HENRI!
For a moment all is quiet in the smoking lab. Post unplugs the compact disc player.
ON SIMON'S GRIEF STRICKEN FACE - 122
SEVERAL MISTED ANGLES - 123
Alex, Post, Dillard, guards & a handcuffed Hutchison wait. Henri's body should still be smoking. The expressions on their faces should be drawn, despairing.
DOOR OF HYPERBARIC CHAMBER - 124
The room is still smoky. The hyperbaric chamber door opens, & Simon steps out. Post & Dillard examine the husk of Henri. He is dead. They turn to Simon & shake their heads. Wordlessly, Simon runs his hands gently over the robot shell. Simon opens the case of teh CD player & pulls out a disc, & holds it up to the light. I gleams, golden in the uneven light.
FADE OUT
END OF ACT FOUR
*********************************************
TAG
FADE IN
EXT. SIMON'S HOUSE - NIGHT - 125
INT. SIMON'S WORKSHOP - 126
TIGHT ON Simon, dark circles under his eyes, works with the computer. He hooks Alex's compact disc player into the computer. The computer screen fills with symbols. He is clearly worried & exhausted. he squeezes his eyes shut, & then rubs them. He picks up the broken photo frame.
ON PHOTO OF SIMON, GADBERRY, & HENRI - 127
SIMON
Come on Martin . . . help me, old friend. One last time.
SIMON'S LIVING ROOM - 128
Alex, in a crumpled shirt, his tie askew, is on the phone. He doesn't look like he's had much sleep either.
ALEX
No. Not for a week, & I'm worried, Monica. Thirty-six hours, this stretch. Yeah, I guess he & Gadberry had a lot of things in common.
(laughs)
No, I got a slap on the wrist, but they saw the value of what I did. Thanks . I'll talk to you later -- I'm going to try again. Yeah. 'Bye. (X)
He hangs the phone up thoughtfully. (X)
INT. WORKSHOP - NIGHT - 129-A (X)
Alex comes to the inner sanctum door. There's a tray of food next to it.
ON FOOD TRAY - 129
on one plate is a mass of spaghetti.
ANOTHER ANGLE - 130
Alex pounds on the door.
ALEX
Simon! You can't do this to yourself. Come on. Please. Simon. If you won't come up, at least let me bring something down to eat. There's some nice spaghetti . . .
Alex picks at a strand, & the whole thing comes up in a dry mass. He drops it back onto the plate.
ALEX
Simon! Com'on!
He steps back, & the door slowly swings open a few inches.
ALEX
Simon . . . ?
The door swings the rest of the way open. A metal arm reaches out snatches the plate back into the room, slamming the door.
ON ALEX - 131
Eyes wide.
There is a "zapping" laser sound, & a flash of light from under the door. The door opens again, & the plate is hurled down onto the tray, scattering the contents. The door opens the rest of the way, & Henri is standing there, hands on hips.
HENRI
This is not a meal. This is a cold mass of coagulated carbohydrates containing sub-optimal amount of all major nutrients.
Henri picks up a meatball & squeezes it -- grease trickles out.
HENRI
Unless Mr. Jagger considers grease to be a nutrient.
ALEX
Henri . . . !?
Simon emerges from the lab, grinning around an enormous cigar.
SIMON
He's lost a lot of data but I saved his personality core on a compact disc. I just had to fabricate a new shell for the body.
Henri bumps into a skewed, cup-strewn table.
HENRI
Non-optimal. There is much that I do not understand. Much I have never seen. I will stay with you.
ALEX
You're what? Why?
(X)
HENRI
First Law: 'A robot may not harm, or through inaction, allow to be harmed, a human being.'
ALEX
And?
HENRI
Your cooking is a hazard to human life. I will cook! Will clean! Travel with you! Bon Journo! Muchas Gracias! Arigato Goziy-mas! You will show me 'Play,' & we will have -- what did you call it, Simon?
Simon has been watching Henri's expressively energetic expostulation with great pleasure.
SIMON
Fun, Henri.
HENRI
Yes. Fun.
ALEX
Ah . . . Henri -- I don't know about this. Sometimes, fun is 'non-optimal'.
HENRI
Ah, so . . . ? Yes!
He grabs the table & heaves a tray into the air. The air is immediately filled with drifting paper cups & napkins.
HENRI
Non-optimal, Simon?
SIMON
Non-optimal!
Simon grabs a handful of napkins. Alex shakes his head, grins, & grabs a handful of napkins, throwing them into the air.
ALL
Non-optimal!
And the screen is filled with floating confetti & enormous smiles AS we: FREEZE FRAME
FADE OUT
THE END
This Webpage Property of Michael Berk, Douglas Schwartz, & Steven Barnes
Script from The Michael Berk Collection