1990. I got a call from the porn king of the Pacific Northwest, including Western Montana. Seems Tom Show was a fan of my newspaper column. And shortly I found myself in a concrete bunker on the East side of town. Hired to co-write movie scripts. Think he just wanted somebody to bullshit around and drink whiskey in the middle of the afternoon. I was a freelance writer and I took a cab home.
Mr. Show was insistent, any movie we wrote had to involve strippers and/or sexy aliens with large breasts. To which, I replied, well, sure, of course.
I was a freelance writer and I needed cab fare. – JDW
THE COLLAR
EXT. STREETS OF PORTLAND – NIGHT Sue and Ray are following a woman through the main streets of Portland.
What do you think she’s up to?
No good.
Meaning?
Husband thinks she’s got a boyfriend. A guy on a string.
Like a puppet?
More like a yo-yo.
The woman stops and looks into a store window.
Hold it.
Ray and Sue also stop. They pretend to be window shopping.
What’s wrong?
Wouldn’t want her to think we’re following her.
Of course.
The woman starts to walk again. Ray looks at his watch.
DAMN! I gotta meet our client in 15 minutes.
The woman enters a store.
Go in there and see what she’s doing. (pause) Act like a customer.
Sue enters the store. Sue follows her discretely, as the woman moves directly to the back of the store, and disappears through a storeroom door. Sue heads toward the door. Just as she arrives, the woman walks out. She’s wearing an employee nameplate. She assumes Sue is a customer.
May I help you?
Just looking, thank you.
CUT TO:
Sue walks up to Ray. He looks at her questioningly.
She works there.
She’s a cashier in the back.
You mean, all these nights she’s been running down here and going to work? (chuckles) Come on, I gotta meet her husband.
Sue and Ray walk off.
CUT TO:
INT. RESTAURANT – NIGHT
Sue and Ray are sitting in a restaurant.
(to waitress) Two cups of coffee, please.
A man approaches the table and sits down.
Well, what has she been up to?
(with not a little disdain) Harry, this is my assistant. Sue, this is Harry.
HARRY LOOKS AT SUE APPRECIATIVELY, THEN TURNS TO HARRY.
You paid me to follow her. To see where she went. Just that. You didn’t pay me for the details.
The man takes out his wallet and starts counting one hundred dollar bills.
You mean my wife’s been going to orgies?
Ray nods his head.
Who? Where? Why? When?
You didn’t pay me to tell you who and why.
Harry counts out another couple of hundreds.
Does Tom, Dick and Harry ring a bell?
Harry thinks about this for a moment.
Yes. (pause) Tom… he works for me. He’s a slime. Good salesman, though. I never trusted him! I should’ve known it.
You know a Dick?
Yeah. My best friend’s name is Dick. (shocked) OH, MY GOD!
How about Harry?
Harry? Hmmm, Harry. The only other Harry I know is my father.
Older guy?
Well, of course, but… he’s confined to a wheelchair.
That’s him.
My ffff… father? How can he do it, he’s paralyzed.
I’m guessing parts of him still work. His tongue, for instance. Ever hear of oral sex?
Under the table, Sue kicks Ray in the leg. She gives him an icy glare. Ray ignores her.
My father… oral sex with my wife? Oh damn… I… I should go home. I can’t. I gotta grab a flight.
Gonna be gone long?
(shaken) Two weeks.
Here, sign this.
Ray hands Harry a sheet of paper.
What’s this?
It says I gave you privileged information.
Harry scribbles his name across it without reading it. He hands it back to Ray.
When I get back in town. (angry) I’m gonna take care of her, she’s not going to get a cent. That whore!
Can’t blame you for being upset.
I’m gonna divorce her. Leave her a cent. I’m gonna kick my father outa the house. Let him live on welfare.
Sue’s in utter shock. She can’t believe all the things Ray has just said to Harry.
I.. I… gotta catch my flight. I want you in court, put you on the stand, have you testify to everything you just said.
Ray nods. Harry gets up to leave.
CUT TO:
EXT. CITY STREET – NIGHT
Sue and Ray are walking briskly. Sue is hurrying to keep up.
She wasn’t doing anything. She’s just been working. How could you lie like that?!
The guy’s a bum.
Well, that’s no reason to make up stories about his wife.
He’s keeping a woman up on 48th Street. Grey apartment. He beats his wife. His crippled old man, beats him, too. He even beats his kids. He’s a bum, and she wants a divorce anyways.
But, you gotta go to court and swear to everything.
Yeah…. I’ll tell the judge she’s working because Bozo spends all the money supporting some broad. That’ll make things real exciting.
What was the paper you got him to sign?
(innocently) Oh, this?
You can take it to her. Here’s her address.
Ray hands the paper to Sue. She starts to read.
This is a Power of Attorney.
Sure is.
I don’t understand.
With this little piece of paper, she gets the house, his bank account, his stocks. Everything goes into her name. He gets the clothes on his back: she’s got that sorry muther by the balls….
Sue smiles.
Couldn’t happen to a nicer guy.
CUT TO:
EXT. CITY STREET – NIGHT
Sue and Ray continue to walk. As they pass an alley, they see two men beating up a older, well-dressed man.
(to Sue) Stay out of the way.
Ray grabs one guy’s arm as he’s about to throw another punch at the victim. Ray knocks the assailant down with one punch. The other mugger leaves the victim and starts toward Ray. Ray pulls a pistol from a shoulder holster and points it at the approaching bad guy.
Any next-of-kin?
I’ve got no beef with you.
Then get the hell out of my face. (gesturing) And take dirtbag here with you.
The two bag guys limp off, one aiding the other. Ray checks on the victim. Sue picks up a package off the ground.
CUT TO:
INT. OUTER OFFICE – NIGHT
Sue opens the package she found in the alley.
It’s a computer disk.
Let it go. No one is paying us for this. It’s not our business. We don’t work for nothin’. Throw it away.
Aw… I just want to see what’s on it. Maybe there’s a reward.
Now you’re talking.
Sue takes the disk and puts it into the computer drive.
It’s all numbers.
Looks like some sort of a code. Won’t be a piece of cake to break.
CUT TO:
Ray enters another office. He gets out a bottle of Bourbon, a glass, and a book. He takes his shirt and his pants off and lays down on a couch.
Lock the place up when you leave.
Sue walks into the office where Ray is laying down.
Whaddya doin’?
I’m gonna get some sleep. (Pause) Go home.
But, I’ve already broken part of the code. It’s names.
I’m trying to get some sleep, kid.
But, I broke the code. The least you could do is put your pants on. There’s over twenty names here. (glares at Ray)
Don’t look at me like that.
Like what?
You’re too old for me, kid. Just leave my body alone.
What are you talkin’ about?
You’re raping me with your eyes.
Don’t flatter yourself. That look’s not lust, it’s disgust!
CUT TO:
INT. OUTER OFFICE – NIGHT
Sue is making phone calls. Sue hangs up the phone and walks back into Ray’s office.
These people not been heard from in a week.
Maybe nobody’s listening for them.
(gives Ray a don’t-be-a-wise-guy look)
Well, you just listen to this. A couple of them were arrested, yet the police don’t have any information on them.
Ray wanders over to his desk, still clad in his undies and T-shirt, and picks up the phone. He calls Police Headquarters.
Capt. Welch, please. (He waits for the call to be transferred.) Mike, Ray. What can you tell me (Sue hands Ray a sheet of papers) about, let’s see, Maggi Merlo, Mary Magnuson, and Margaret Moore? Your boys brought them last week.
All their names start with M.
How about an Ann Jackson?
There’s a pause at the other end of the line, as the police official ponders the question.
Who wants to know?
Cut the crap, Mike. What’s goin’ down?
Nothing that concerns you. Me neither. It’s heavy. Stay out of it.
Jesus, you’re starting to sound like a bureaucrat. Clue me in, Mike.
I’ve told you all I can. Stay out of it.
The line goes dead, as Capt. Welch hangs up. Ray puts the phone back down. Sue looks at him, waiting.
He’s not talking.
He must have said something.
He said you should’ve left that computer disk in the alley. Just like I told you. It’s none of our business.
CUT TO:
INT. OUTER OFFICE – NIGHT
Sue is sitting at her desk with the telephone. She dials a phone number.
Ann Jackson, please.
She’s not here.
Do you know where I can reach her?
(Weakly) We haven’t heard from her in a week. Why are you calling? Is my baby alright?
I don’t know anything. Honestly. I’m just trying to locate her.
Please…Please help us.
I’ll get in touch with you the moment I learn anything.
God bless you.
I’ll do my best.
(frantic) Please… if you want money, I’ll pay you money. Just get my daughter back.
I’ll do all I can, Mrs. Jackson.
Sue hangs up the phone and walks into Ray’s office.
CUT TO:
INT. INNER OFFICE – NIGHT
I called six people on this list. Parents all. And nobody knows where they are.
Ray gets up off the couch, and gets a beer out of his office refrigerator.
Well, nothin’. Leave it alone. Go home. (pause) Let me get some sleep.
Ray walks over to the couch, and lies down.
Aren’t you the least bit curious?
Nope. Not the least bit. This is an investigation business. There’s nobody payin’… so you don’t do anything. That’s rule one.
(agitated) Arghhhh!
Ray grabs another beer and sits up on the couch. He picks up a book.
INT. OUTER OFFICE – MORNING
Sue enters the outer office and then proceeds to Ray’s office.
Time to get up. Got a busy morning.
Sue picks up Ray’s pants off the floor.
What time is it?
Gimme my pants.
She walks over to his desk.
Whatddya doin’ there?
I’m taking my week’s pay.
Well, I, ah…. I could’ve sent that to my dear ol’ mom. She’s in this retirement home…..
You don’t have a mom.
Everybody’s got a mom.
Yours ran away from home. Now, get up.
There’s no rush.
Those people on that list.
Sue drops his pants and marches out of the office.
Ray shakes his head in dismay.
Where’s my coffee? (pause) And I don’t need an assistant! Private investigation… is real private. Consider that your severance pay.
You mean I’m fired?
That’s just what I mean.
Before or after coffee?
After.
Sue brings in two cups of coffee. Ray is sitting behind his desk clad in his undershirt. Sue sets the coffee down and pulls out a sheet of paper.
These names are the people who are missin’. Now, I’ve already called a few.
Wait a minute, I told you, I don’t need an assistant.
Yeah, you do.
Look girlie, I’ve gotta send all my money home to my foster sister, Tiffany. She’s in a orphanage and I’m tryin’ to get her out. And every cent I make, I send to that home. So those poor tykes can have potato soup. Just to survive.
You spend all your money on booze, broads and horses.
Well, not in that order. You’re fired! That’s it. No more. Besides, there’s no money in lookin’ missin people up unless I’m hired. I’m unemployed, just like you’re unemployed.
Sue glares at Ray.
The name with the star by it, she’ll pay us to find her daughter.
The phone rings. Ray picks it up.
It’s for you.
Ray hands the phone to Sue.
Hello, Sue? Somebody from Dr. Anderson’s office called me and said my daughter is going to be all right. They said Ann had a mild heart attack. They told me not to worry.
Then you shouldn’t.
I called them back and they said they had no record of her. Never heard of Ann. It was a different woman’s voice.
That seems strange.
I thought so, too. So, I called the police and told them that, and they told me my daughter would come home pretty soon.
What else did they say?
I have to go down to police headquarters and fill out some kind of report.
Did they say what this was about?
They wouldn’t tell me anything. Ann is too young to have a heart attack. She’s been in some trouble with the police before. Ran with the wrong crowd I told her she’d….
(interrupting) I’m sure she’s just fine, Mrs. Jackson.
Could you find out what’s going on? We’ll be glad to pay you.
I’ll take care of it. Try not to worry.
I have to worry. I’m a mother: it’s my job.
Sue hangs up the phone.
Give me that number. (Ray dials the phone.) Yes, hello. Is Dr. Anderson in? (Pause.) Let me speak to him, please.
May I ask who’s calling?
Special Agent Harris. I’m inquiring about a special patient, Ann Jackson.
She’s recovered sufficiently to return to The Farm. Should be leaving in the next hour. By ambulance.
Excellent. Thank you.
Ray hangs up the phone.
(to Sue) For a fee, it can’t hurt to check around. Here, look up Dr. Anderson’s address.
Ray hands Sue the phone book.
CUT TO:
INT. RAY’S CAR – DAY
Am I rehired?
I’ll keep you on, just for training. There’s no money in it for you, just kinda show you the ropes. Call it an internship.
You’re kiddin’?
No, no, I’ll really let you do it. Teach you everything you need to know to be a successful P.I.
(sarcastically) Just like you?
Let’s not shoot for the moon just yet.
EXT. DR. ANDERSON’S OFFICE – DAY
Ray parks the car outside the Doctor’s office.
Go in there and see what’s goin’ on.
What do I tell them?
Fake it. Woman stuff. Hysterectomy, uh… heart plasters.
How in the hell do I know what women have? Female trouble.
Sue exits the car and heads toward the Doctor’s office.
Remember (he calls out the window) look sick.
INT. DR. ANDERSON’S OFFICE – DAY
Sue walks up to the nurse.
I’d like to see Dr Anderson.
Sue hears a muffled scream from the back office.
No…don’t, please, don’t send me back.
Excuse me.
The receptionist gets up and closes the partially ajar door to the rear office. When she comes back, Sue is gone. The door is just closing behind her.
CUT TO:
EXT. DR. ANDERSON’S OFFICE – DAY
An ambulance pulls up and two paramedics exit the vehicle. They go inside.
INT. HALLWAY OUTSIDE OF DR. ANDERSON’S OFFICE – DAY
The two paramedics roll a pleading Ann from the Doctor’s office. She’s on a roll-away. At the far end of the hallway, Sue watches Ann being pushed into a service elevator.
(as if the drugs are beginning to take hold) Not back there. No. Please. Not The Farm.
One of the medics looks down and sees Sue, who ducks into another office.
CUT TO:
EXT. DR ANDERSON’S OFFICE – DAY
The paramedics load the roll away into the ambulance and drive off. Ray watches all of this.
Sue comes running from the Doctor’s office.
It’s about time!
I think that was her.
Couldn’t been anybody but. (annoyed) We probably lost them. You sure took your sweet time in there. (pause) I was gonna leave you. Thought maybe you were gettin’ a boob job or somethin’.
(puffing out her chest) Oh, do you think I need one?
Ray just gives her chest a look, rather admiringly. Then he offers a noncommittal grunt, as he concentrates on following the ambulance.
Are you always this grouchy?
This is one of my good moods.
CUT TO:
The ambulance pulls up to a gate that’s being guarded by two men. The guards let the ambulance through.
Ray pulls up to the gate.
I’m with the ambulance.
The guard shakes his head “no”.
I don’t think so.
(tongue in cheek) Now, let’s say I just drive right through there.
The guard cocks his gun and points it at Ray.
Let’s just say I shoot both of you. (smiles)
You’ve made your point. That’s what I like. A clear understanding. I must compliment the commandant on your communication skills.
You’ve got sixty seconds to get out of here before I blow your heads off.
That’s the system. A hundred percent military compound. Say no more, sergeant. You’ve made your point.
Ray backs his car up.
What are we doing now?
Well. When the front steps painted, you go around the back door, baby.
How’d you get into this business anyways?
Well, I got my start with the FBI. I moved over to the CIA. And then on to the Central Intelligence Agency.
That IS the CIA.
I know that. (pause) I left The Company to join the Green Berets. Later I became a homicide Detective. Making the streets safe for our tax-paying citizens.
You mean to tell me you did all that?
No, but I could have, if I wanted to.
Ray pulls up into a wooded field area.
Come on, kid.
Ray and Sue exit the car and walk into the woods.
Where we goin’?
To find out what the hell’s goin’ on.
EXT. WOODS – DAY
Sue and Ray are walking through the woods. Ray stops Sue.
Sensors.
Where?
Ray points out a hi-tech device which is being used to secure the perimeter of the prison farm.
They pick up the heat off your body. Probably wired into the main house. This place… this place is protected like it was Fort Knox.
Ray and Sue start to retreat from the woods.
We’re going back to the office.
As Ray and Sue are walking back to the car, they are stopped by a couple of guards.
Whaddya doing here?
I’m just tryin’ to get my lady friend here off into the woods so we can, like, you know, mess around.
Sue starts to argue with Ray.
Told you we shouldn’t do it in the woods.
What you told me was that you enjoyed the great outdoors.
Birdwatching. Hiking maybe. But pulling twigs out of my hair is not my idea of romantic.
Oh, so now you want me to be romantic. You didn’t seem to care fifteen minutes ago.
I cared alright. You were just so busy getting yourself off, you never gave me a thought.
By this point, Sue and Ray have started screaming at each other. They completely ignore the two guards. The guards – half amused, half embarrassed to be witnesses – try to intervene.
Hey! Let’s have some quiet here.
Ray stops himself just as he’s about to continue the argument. Sue keeps rolling, as she’s really gotten into her role.
I could get more satisfaction from a vibrator. And I wouldn’t even have to leave the house.
Ray is trying to get her attention surreptiously, making little “cut” signs across his throat. Sue doesn’t see him.
In fact, you can take me back there right now.
As Sue started to pout, the Corporal steps up.
That’s a good idea. You’re starting to scare the squirrels, lady. And, you. (He points at Ray.) The next time you want to play loverboy, go to a motel room, like decent people.
That’s good advice. C’mon, dear (he practically spits the word out), let’s go buy you some new batteries.
Sue squeals with delight, as if she’s already forgotten the argument. She grabs Ray on the butt, as the two guards watch them leave.
Can we get some of those French ticklers, too?
CUT TO:
INT. RAY’S CAR – DAY
Sue and Ray are driving back to the office.
You’re a great kid.
You find me sexy?
You just did a great job.
But, am I sexy?
Kid, you can’t help it.If you don’t have it, you don’t have it.
Well, I am. A lot of guys find me sexy.
Ray smiles.
Why would the military take a young girl back there? Isolate her. Not let her parents know where she is.
Something’s way wrong. (pause) Besides, if I did find you sexy, you’re too old for me. (pause) Much too old.
Sue sits and pouts.
CUT TO:
EXT. RAY’S OFFICE – DAY
Sue and Ray pull up to the office. They exit the car and enter the building.
CUT TO:
INT. INNER OFFICE – DAY
Ray and Sue are in the office. Ray decides to call his cop buddy up again.
All I know is that it’s Military. We have no connection with it.
Some of these people appear to have disappeared while in police custody.
That doesn’t mean a thing. They probably skipped town. Happens all the time.
And maybe they’re camping, enjoying a wilderness experience.
Ray, don’t let your imagination get in the way of common sense. That’s not your style.
The line goes dead.
CUT TO:
INT. OUTER OFFICE – DAY
Ray is in the outer office. He’s looking into a computer monitor, examining the information on the disk. He sees the name “O.R. Wells” on it.
Sue, look in the phone book for an O.R. Wells.
Sue picks up the phone book and starts looking through it.
Nothin’.
Try D.R. Wells.
Sue starts scanning the phone book again.
Nope. (pause) But, there’s a Dr. Wells listed. A psychologist.
Ray gets up and goes over to the phone. Sue finishes writing the number on a slip of paper and hands it to Ray. He dials the number for Dr. Wells.
Dr. Well’s office. How may I help you?
Hi. My name is Special Agent Haggerty. Is the Doctor in?
She’s not in at the moment.
Is she out at The Farm?
Possibly. Who is this again, please?
Uh… thank you.
Ray hangs up the phone.
CUT TO:
INT. DR. WELL’S OFFICE – DAY
The nurse, the one who had been talking to Ray, decides she had better call someone to let them know what is going on. She picks up the phone and dials a number.
Hi, it’s me. You might want to tell Dr. Wells, there’s an outside influence trying to get information on The Farm.
CUT TO:
INT. RAY’S CAR – DAY
Come on, kid. Let’s go.
Where to?
If you can’t get in the front door, and you can’t get in the back door… you come through the roof.
What’s that mean?
You’ll see.
CUT TO:
EXT. AIRPORT – DAY
Ray and Sue are walking up to a small airplane. Sue is carrying a still camera.
CUT TO:
INT. AIRPLANE – DAY
Sue and Ray board the plane and take off.
So, this is through the roof?
(poking fun)
There’s not much gets by you.
Ray points to the ground below. Sue is putting a bigger lens on the camera.
That must be it down there. Get ready.
Ray flies over the camp. Sue stays busy taking photos.
I see soldiers. They look like they’re herding people into a couple of big tents.
I’ll swing down for a closer look.
Ray drops the plane lower, until it almost seems to be clipping the treetops.
CUT TO:
EXT. THE FARM – DAY
Guards have noticed the plane.
All test subjects back inside! Now!
Quickly, people. Let’s move it.
A group of prisoners rushes to two large tents. The women go into one, the men into the other.
As Ray’s plane comes past again, one soldier fires off a few quick bursts from an automatic assault weapon. Ray pulls the plane up and away in an evasive tactic.
Woo, that was close.
Looks like we’ve worn out our welcome.
CUT TO:
INT. DR. WELLS OFFICE – DAY
The Doctor phones the Lieutenant about gunfire.
I heard shots.
A plane at tree-top height. Could’ve been on a surveillance overflight.
If they weren’t suspicious of us before, you certainly gave them plenty of reason now. Damn arrested adolescence. (She slams down the phone.)
CUT TO:
INT. RAY’S OFFICE – DAY
Ray and Sue looking at pictures taken from plane. Sue is showing slides on a big wall.
What do you think is going on there?
Beats the hell outa me. It’s obviously some sort of military installation. Looks like Regular Army.
But, what’s the connection to the doctor? Or, with the police?
That’s why we’re looking for an entry we can sneak through. The answers are inside that camp.
(changing slides)
And so’s Ann Jackson.
Sue picks up a photo, walks over to Ray. She points to a startled face looking skyward.
That’s strange.
The thing around her throat.
Probably a necklace.
Ray moves to the slide projector and flashes several more slides on the wall. Each shot shows more prisoners, all of them wearing collars.
The jewelry store must have given them a group discount. Everybody’s wearing one. Even the men.
Except the soldiers.
Maybe we’ll try the front door again.
CUT TO:
EXT. WOODS – DAY
Ray and Sue arrive in their car at the place where the main gate used to be. No soldiers. They keep driving until they get to the clearing where they’d seen the camp from the air. The tents are gone. The place is empty except for the small house nearby. There’s a man sitting in front of it, rocking back and forth, chewing tobacco. He remains seated as Ray and Sue approach.
Howdy.
Howdy yourself.
This your place?
Nope.
He spits, just missing Ray’s shoes. Sue makes a startled leap back out of range, and offers a look of disgust.
Then what are you doing here?
(slowly) Rocking. Chewing. Spitting.
With that, the caretaker spits again, and Sue is forced to take another leap back. His range is longer than she’d imagined.
Mind if we look around a little?
Don’t see why not. They asked me to watch the place. Didn’t tell me I’d have to chase anyone off.
Who didn’t?
Can’t say. Got a call late yesterday. They pay, I sit. Just the kind of job I can handle.
But, there were tents here yesterday. Soldiers….
Ray cuts Sue off. He grabs her by the arm.
Well, thank you for your help. I guess we’ll be going.
But….
(sotto voce)
We obtain information. We don’t divulge it.
Just as Ray and Sue turn and take a couple of strides, the caretaker launches another large spit. Sue jumps as it barely misses her yet again.
CUT TO:
EXT. WOODS – DAY
Ray and Sue are being watched from the woods. The camp’s military commander has a pair of binoculars. He’s accompanied by a couple of guards and a trustee with a collar around his neck. The remainder of the prisoners are sitting in the back of two or three pickup trucks, hidden down in a ravine.
Should we kill them?
No. They’re just nosing around.
We could hide the bodies in the swamp like the others.
Not until we find out how much they know.
CUT TO:
EXT. RAY’S CAR – DAY
Ray and Sue leaving the caretaker.
Well, that was a wild goose chase.
Quite the contrary.
He didn’t tell us anything.
You have to learn to listen with your eyes. Watch with your ears.
I’m not tracking.
His accent. That “good ol’ boy” ain’t from around these parts. Did you notice what he was wearing?
Well, sure. Coveralls and a t-shirt. Baseball cap.
His shoes. Spit-shined combat boots.
Where could they have gone?
Somewhere else.
CUT TO:
EXT. THE WOODS – DAY
Guards watch Sue and Ray leave. The guards order the prisoners to get up.
(to one guard) Take a couple of men and secure the perimeter. (to the other guard) Re-establish the camp site.
Move the trucks! Move out! Let’s see how fast we can get those tents back up! Double-time.
The truck engines fire to life, as the trucks pull into the clearing. In the distance we see the Lt. talking to the caretaker.
CUT TO:
INT. BANANA’S – NIGHT
Ray is having a beer, Sue is drinking a Shirley Temple. She holds up a fruit garnish from her drink.
Can I interest you in my cherry?
Sue lasciviously circles the cherry with the tip of her tongue. When Ray feigns inattention, Sue bites the cherry hard.
(ignoring her question) At least we know WHAT we’re looking for. But, where?
They could be any place. Tents are easy to move.
(lost in thought)
Movement would attract attention, that many people.
Maybe they didn’t go far.
Sue gets up to leave.
Where are you off to?
I think better when I’m shopping.
CUT TO:
INT. ALBERTSON’S – NIGHT
Sue is shopping in a large supermarket. She’s at the hosiery display.
(bemused) Who are they kidding? “One size fits all.”
Sue is rifling through the entire display, not able to find just what she’s looking for. Two guards are in the background keeping her under surveilance.
Why can’t they have edible pantihose? Beer-flavored would really pick up a girl’s social life.
One of the guards starts to move in Sue’s direction. He’s stopped by the other guard.
Not here.
Sue exits the store with the two guards closely trailing her. She climbs aboard an almost empty light rail car. The guards board through the rear door.
CUT TO:
EXT. LIGHT RAIL – NIGHT
Sue disembarks the light rail. So do the two men following her. The train pulls away as Sue waits for the “Walk” sign to change. Just as it does, a large green van pulls up in front of her, blocking her path. The two men following her are now standing right behind her. The door of the van opens. Sue is grabbed, powerless in the grasp of the two men. They toss her in the back of the van, which drives off, tires screeching.
CUT TO:
INT. BACK OF VAN.
Sue struggles with the two men who have abducted her. One of the abductors grabs a bottle of chloroform, fills a clothe with the chemical, and places it over Sue’s nose and mouth. Her struggling dies down, as the chloroform takes effect.
EXT. THE FARM – NIGHT
Sue arrives at the farm. Two guards carry Sue into a tent. They handcuff Sue to a bunk. Sue is still semi-conscious from the chloroform. She moans groggily.
Sue slowly awakes from the chloroform. The Doctor comes in with a small bag. She motions at Sue, as well as the two guards about putting a collar around her neck.
You’ll never get away with this.
That’s where you’re wrong, my dear. It’s you who won’t get away.
Sue struggles to free herself from the handcuffs. The guards put a collar around her neck.
Now, now. You’re only going to hurt yourself. And we wouldn’t want that to happen, now would we?
Who are you people?
I’ll be doing the questioning here. (pause) You seem to be rather interested in my experiments.
Sue is still struggling.
The Doctor notices this.
Now, I’ll ask the questions, and you’ll answer them. Do you understand?
I’m not going to tell you a thing.
Dr. Wells goes back to the small bag she brought in with her. From it, she pulls a vial and a hypodermic needle. The vial contains sodium penethol.
I think you’ll tell me what I want to know.
Never!
Sue tries to kick one of the guards. When that doesn’t work, she tries to kick the Doctor.
You will behave yourself. And you will answer my questions. (pause) Either voluntarily…. or…. with this.
Dr. Wells shows Sue the controlling device for the collar. The Doctor then hands the device to one of the guards.
(angry) You. Can. Go. To. Hell.
You’ll think you’re already there if you don’t cooperate.
Sue tries to kick her again. The Doctor shakes her head in disgust and motions to the guard.
The guard pushes a button on the controlling device and Sue is shocked. Her body goes stiff with the jolt of electricity and she lifts a little off the mattress. She bounces a little.
Now, do we have you undivided attention?
Sue ignores the order and continues to struggle.
Once again, the Doctor motions to the guard and Sue is shocked a second time. Once again, her body goes stiff, jumps up and bounces back. Sweat beads on her face. She is breathing heavily, as if exhausted.
Oh, my God. Oh, that hurts. Not again.
The Doctor picks up the hypodermic needle. She walks up to Sue.
This will help you rest.
The Doctor grabs Sue’s arm and shoves the needle into it.
Calm down. (pause) Now, I want you to count backwards from one hundred.
Sue doesn’t immediately follow the doctor’s instructions. She is still rebellious. Then she looks over at the guard with the controlling device. He is just waiting for Sue to resist.
(slurred) 100, 99, 98, 97…….
What is your name?
Sue?
How old are you, Sue?
Thirty-four.
Are you married?
Do you have any children?
Who is the man you’re working with? What’s his name?
What does Ray do?
He’s an … investigator.
Is he investigating me?
Yes.
And why is he doing that, Sue?
You have a girl here. Ann. Her parents are looking for her.
Does Ray know why we’re here?
Do you know why we’re here?
Have you told anybody about this compound?
Has Ray told anybody about the compound?
The Doctor turns away from Sue towards the two guards.
We are quite safe, gentlemen. (pause) Let her sleep. When she wakes up, dress her in some fatigues.
Yes, Doctor.
Tomorrow you’re going to have to locate this Ray of hers, and bring him to me.
CUT TO:
INT. DOCTOR’S OFFICE/THE FARM – NIGHT
Dr. Wells is in her office talking with two of her guards.
Take number 18 and number 19 with you. And be careful. We can’t afford any mistakes.
Wouldn’t it be better to take a couple of the other guards with us?
We’ll never know how our behavior control will function unless we apply it in an uncontrolled environment.
Doctor, I really don’t like the idea of using the inmates for this mission.
I’m not concerned about your thoughts. (pause) We must expand the experiment. This is an excellent opportunity to evaluate our patients.
But….
We need to know that they’ll function as we expect them to. Without question.
The guard nods his head in understanding.
CUT TO:
INT. SUE’S TENT/THE FARM – NIGHT
Sue is coming out of her sleep. She sits up, and looks around. She is not alone.
(groggy) How do you get out of here?
(whispers) Shhhh…. keep quiet. (pause) You don’t. It’s fenced in. Go back to sleep.
No way.
One inmate points to the collar around Sue’s neck.
They can hear everything you say.
One inmate walks over to the front of the tent. She looks out and then walks back to Sue.
It’s alright to talk, the lights are out in the office. Nobody there.
You can’t get outta here. Electronic fence. You try and you’ll electrocute yourself. Just sit back and take it. Don’t make any waves and they won’t shock you. (pause) You just might live through this nightmare.
Sue starts pulling at the collar around her neck.
You can’t take it off.
If you do, it’ll blow your head off.
You mean there’s explosives in this thing?
Both inmates nod their heads in unison.
I’m not giving up.
Sue gets up and slides herself underneath the tent wall.
She’s a fool.
EXT. SUE’S TENT/THE FARM – NIGHT
Sue starts running towards the woods. Suddenly, she screams out in pain and falls to the ground.
(yells) We got a runner!
Two other guards run over to Sue. They grab her. Half dragging and half carrying her, they take her back towards her tent.
That’ll be the last time you try that, sweetheart.
The closer you get to the signal, the greater the shock.
She musta’ received a 3 level, she wet her pants. (chuckles)
The two guards take Sue and toss her into her tent. Other inmates watch Sue’s unceremonious return.
Now, stay there and behave yourself.
The two guards exit.
Are you all right, honey?
The two inmates help Sue over to her bed.
I thought you said there was a fence out there.
It’s an electric field. An invisible fence.
How long have you been here?
Ten days. I was one of the first.
I’ve been here a week.
What’s this all about?
Behavior control. Electronic.
Do everything exactly the way they say or…. ZAP!
Are you a hooker?
(indignantly) Of course not.
Shoplifter?
No. (pause) I’m working for a private investigator. We’re trying to find out what’s going on here.
Well, baby, you found out.
How long are they goin’ to keep us here?
No way of knowin’.
We’re not allowed to ask questions, and they don’t answer any.
DAMN! (pause) This isn’t legal.
There’s a lot goin’ on that ain’t legit. Who you gonna tell?
CUT TO:
EXT. THE HOUSE AT THE FARM – NIGHT
A guard enters the house at The Farm.
CUT TO:
INT. THE HOUSE AT THE FARM – NIGHT
The guard enters a room and sits down behind a desk. In front of him are twenty speakers.
A voice comes over one of the speakers.
I’ll never come back here. I’ll never turn another trick in my life. (pause) I never want to see the inside of this place again.
That’s for sure.
A light on another speaker glows red. From it, the guard hears another inmate.
Those fuckin’ bastards. I’m gonna get em’ for this, if it’s the last thing I ever do.
The guard turns on a microphone, speaks into it.
Try, and it just might be, Number seven.
CUT TO:
INT. PRISONERS’ TENT – NIGHT
We hear a buzz as inmate #7 receives a shock from her collar. A voice is heard from a speaker mounted inside the tent.
That was for Use of Obscenity. You know you shouldn’t be swearing…or talking. If I hear anymore talkin’ from anybody, I’ll give the whole tent a Level 2.
Another guard enters the communications room. The first guard turns to the second guard.
That oughta keep em’ quiet for the night.
You see the buns on that new one? (pause) Number 20.
Couldn’t help but notice. I’d like to… (he smiles evilly and makes a sexually suggestive gesture) give her some personal attention.
Wait a day or two until she gets trained a little bit. (pause) And you’ll be first…. after me.
Both guards chuckle.
Make sure the Doctor doesn’t find out.
I gotta em’ so scared, they wouldn’t dare talk.
That’s the way to do it.
CUT TO:
INT. TENT/THE FARM – MORNING
It’s morning and the inmates are sleeping.
We hear a loud whistle, and a guard barking commands at the inmates.
Everybody up. Move it! Fall in… five minutes.
The guard enters the tent and shakes one of the inmates.
Come on, you. Wake up the other inmates. Let’s go! Wake up! If you’re not out there in four minutes…. everyone gets a number one zap.
All the inmates exit their tents and stand in line at attention.
Two guards are walking down the line of prisoners.
Whaddya gonna have them do today?
We’re gonna have everybody walkin’ the wire later. But, let’s spend most of the day with the basics.
Runnin’ and jumpin’. You got it.
Sue comes out of her tent late.
Well… it looks like we have a late arrival.
The guard pulls a controlling device out of his pocket. He pushes a button and all the inmates are shocked.
Number 20, that was your fault for Tardiness. All your mates now have less time for breakfast.
Number 20 just gave me a dirty look.
That deserves a number 2.
(grabbing at her collar)
No… please.
The guard pushes the button on the controlling device again. Sue falls to her knees.
Ahhhhh………
That’s what this is all about. Conforming to society. Conforming to rules. Controlling ones’ feelings and ones’ desires.
It’s self-control, self-discipline.
The Lieutenant walks up to the guards next to Sue.
Number 20 tried to escape last night. She didn’t even realize there was an invisible, electric fence around the compound. She knows now. And let this be a lesson to others.
Doctor Wells walks up like a Field Marshall addressing her troops. A Sergeant is with her.
Let’s say “Good morning” to Dr. Wells.
All 20 inmates at once say: “Good morning, Dr. Wells.”
Just a moment, please, Doctor. I don’t think we heard number 20.
The guard points out Sue to the Doctor.
Now, say “Good morning” to the Doctor..
(rough) Good morning, Doctor.
That’s no way to greet someone who only wants to help you. Now, be pleasant. Show us how happy you are that the good Doctor is here.
Good morning, Doctor.
That’s better. And let’s use that tone from now on.
The Doctor nods to one of the guards.
All prostitutes, one step forward.
Several of the girls step forward.
All non-conformers, one step forward. (pause) That’s you, number 20.
The guard pulls out the controlling device and gives Sue a shock level 1.
You are a non-conformist, number 20. You will step forward when your designation is called. Do you understand?
No answer.
It’s “Yes, sir.”
The guard shocks Sue again.
Yes, sir.
The guard shocks Sue again.
Sue shakes.
What did I do now?
I sensed some resentment.
(trembling) Yes, sir. I’ll try harder.
The rapists will step forward.
Two men step forward.
Drug pushers.
Several men step forward. The guard turns and looks at the Doctor.
The scum of the earth, all present and accounted for, Doctor.
Thank you, Sergeant. (pause) You are all here because you rebelled against society. You are misfits and outcasts. You’re here because you inflict pain and suffering on others. While you are here you will come to understand what pain and suffering is. So that when you go back into society you will conform. And remember this: A healthy body makes a healthy mind. And without a healthy body you cannot have a healthy mind. (pause) Now the guards are gonna make you healthy. Exercise, exercise, exercise.
Dr. Wells nods at her guards.
Go for the burn, gentlemen.
Right face!
The inmates turn right.
March!
The inmates go marching off.
The second guard walks up to Dr. Wells.
Doctor, do you always give the same speech?
Repetition. It’ll sink into their minds. And, if they make it out of here, they will remember it for the rest of their lives.
Double Time!
The inmates start jogging around the compound. Sue immediately falls behind. She is having trouble keeping up with the rest of the inmates.
Number 20! Catch up.
I’ve never done much….
The guard shocks her.
Sue falls to the ground.
Number 20, don’t fall behind again! I didn’t ask for an answer from you, I gave you a command. You were told what to do.
Sue gets up and runs towards the inmates.
CUT TO:
EXT. EXERCISE YARD/THE FARM – DAY
The inmates are divided up into groups. One group is running circles. Another group is jumping through tires like a football team.
The Doctor is observing the activities.
A third group of inmates is sitting in the yard talking.
The fourth group is attempting to walk the wire.
Ann is in the fourth group.
(to Ann)
All right you, up there and walk across the wire.
A few of the inmates go up a ladder about ten feet. There are two wires suspended between the trees. The inmates slowly walk from one tree to another over a span of 60 feet. Ann climbs up the ladder.
I’m afraid of heights.
The instructor shocks Ann, who must struggle to maintain her balance when zapped.
(scared) But, but what if I fall?
You might get hurt. If you don’t get started, you’ll definitely feel some pain. What’s it gonna be?
Don’t look down.
C’mon, Annie, you can do it.
If you don’t start movin’, I’m gonna zap you with a two!
I’ll fall.
That’s your problem, not mine. (pause) Get up there!
Ann slowly steps out. She is practically immobilized by fear.
Move it, NOW!
Ann slowly walks across the wire.
You got it made, kid.
CUT TO:
EXT. EXERCISE YARD/THE FARM – DAY
Sue is running through the tires.
How long do we keep this up?
Until I tell you to stop.
The Instructor shocks Sue.
Repeat after me. There will be no talking.
There will be no talking.
All right. Now, do it over again. Without talking.
One of the guards calls to Sue.
Number 20, come here.
Sue runs over to the guard and stops.
About face.
Sue turns. The guard comes up close behind her, and starts petting her rearend. Sue shivers, chilled with disgust. The guard whispers in her ear.
I think you ought to come up and visit me tonight. Get some special instruction.
Screw you.
That’s the idea.
The guard shocks Sue. She falls to the ground.
Go to hell, you bastard!
Sue starts to get up when the guard shocks her again.
You could make this a whole lot easier on yourself.
I’ll die before I let you touch me.
Sue gets shocked again.
C’mon, get up. Move it!
The guard gives her another shock.
He gives her another shock.
You’re commin’ to my bed tonight. Understand?
Yes, sir.
The guard gives Sue a nasty smile.
Go on. Join your group.
Sue goes staggering back to her group.
CUT TO:
EXT. THE FARM – DAY
Three men, all doctors, pull up in a car. They’re greeted by Dr. Wells.
I can’t wait to see the unit. I’ve read you’re initial report, Doctor. I must commend you.
(shaking hands)
Thank you. Shall we start the tour?
Oh, by all means.
Wells and the three men start toward the main compound.
I understand you have twenty inmates here with only four guards?
Well, we have an invisible fence, you might say. It’s a magnetic field. The closer the inmates get to it, the stronger the impulse.
I don’t understand.
We have various degrees of shock treatment. #1, is a slight jolt. #2, puts people on their knees. #3, will knock them to the ground. And #4, will put them out of commission for a couple of minutes. #5, will send them into muscle spasms. Unable to move. (pause) And it’s all controlled by this.
Dr. Wells shows the visitors the controlling device.
How long has this experiment been underway?
It’s been two weeks now. (pause) With excellent results.
Doctor, do you feel that a third of these can be returned to society?
I’d say another two weeks and better than fifty percent will be. Humans seem to respond better than laboratory animals.
What makes you feel that way?
It’s quite simple, really. The fear of coming back here and having to go through it again. (pause) Come, gentlemen.
Dr. Wells leads the three men over to a cage.
Let me out of here, you bitch! Nobody puts me in a cage.
Tony slams himself against the bars in a fit of rage.
I’ll tear your head off when I get out of here!!
This patient here is a manifestly antisocial psychopath. A hard case. (pause) I believe I can give you gentlemen an excellent demonstration. (pause) Lieutenant, put a collar on this man.
The Lieutenant looks at Tony in disgust. He calls to the other guards to join him.
I’m gonna kill you all!
The guards unlock the cage.
Tony breaks out of the cage and starts fighting with the guards. He’s knocking them over like ten pins.
The inmates see this and start rooting for Tony.
Give it to em’, Tony. Go for it!
Kill the bastards!
The guards wrestle Tony to the ground and put a collar around his neck.
Tony gets up and dives at one of the guards. Tony has a guard in a choke hold.
Dr. Wells shocks Tony. Tony falls to his knees. He gets up and grabs the guard again. Dr. Wells shocks him again.
Tony and the guard fall to the ground.
No….
Dr. Wells shocks him again.
Noooo……
Dr. Wells shocks Tony again. Tony as well as the guard go into convulsions. A second guard walks up to Tony. Using the butt of his rifle, he hits Tony in the side of the head. It has no effect.
No, no…. don’t do it!
Dr. Wells shocks Tony again. Tony rolls off the guard to one side. The guard gets up, obviously shaking.
We had to give him a 4. I’d like to take him inside, so I can assume total control.
Yes, ma’am.
The Lieutenant forces Tony to his feet.
Right face!
Tony doesn’t respond instantly, so the Lt. physically turns Tony in the right direction.
Tony doesn’t start running, so the Sgt. pushes him. The officer and the NCO flank the prisoner as the three start jogging.
I’m gonna teach you some manners.
Do the tires. NOW!
Tony starts running through the tires.
Again.
Tony is getting tired.
Dr. Wells and her visitors are watching Tony run the tires.
You can see how quickly they begin to conform, knowing that if they resist they will pay the consequences.
Tony runs through the tires again. Only this time, he punches the Sergeant in the face as he runs by.
The Sergeant falls to the ground. As he does, the controlling device falls from his hands.
Tony pounces on the Sergeant and starts beating him.
(hysterically) Guards! Guards!
The Sergeant is almost unconscious. He tries to hold Tony back but Tony just keeps punching away.
Another guard runs up and shocks Tony. We see that the shock level is at the very highest.
Tony falls to the ground in convulsions. Suddenly, he stops twitching, and he is finally still. The Sargeant is struggling to his knees. A guard reaches out a hand to Tony’s throat. When he doesn’t feel a pulse, he looks up and shakes his head side-to-side, indicating that Tony is dead.
The price of science is not inexpensive.
CUT TO:
INT. RAY’S OFFICE – MORNING
Ray is sleeping on the couch. His dog starts licking his face. Ray smiles and reaches out to touch the dog. He abruptly awakes.
(to the dog) Will you quit that.
The dog continues to lick Ray’s face.
(makes a grimace) You’ve been chewing that old sneaker again.
Ray rubs his face.
(yells out) Hey! Where’s my coffee?
There is no answer.
(to the dog) Well, where is she?
The dog looks up at Ray.
How am I suppose to know? It’s not my day to watch her.
Ray glances at his watch.
She’s late.
I didn’t wake you up because she’s not here, I woke you up because I’m hungry.
Ray calls Sue’s house. There is no answer.
(to dog) She’s probably takin’ her time. Either that, or she has the telephone turned off. (pause) How can you tell about women?
CUT TO:
INT. OUTER OFFICE – DAY
Ray’s dog is barking. Ray walks into the outer office. There’s a woman standing there.
Can I help you?
I’m Mrs. Jackson. I talked to Sue yesterday. She said she knows where my daughter is.
Now, that’s a little bit of a problem.
Does she know or not?
(hesitates) Well, I mean, uh…. she’s not in right now. And uh… I kinda leave these minor cases up to her.
But, you know where she is?
Oh yeah…. definitely. Yeah, we know, I mean, I know where she is. But, uh….. like I said, I’m gonna have to leave this up to my assistant.
Can I see her?
Let me have her give you a call when she comes in.
I have a check here….
(brightening) I’ll take that.
No…. I’d better give it to Sue.
Really, I handle the finances around here.
I’d rather hand it to Sue personally.
It’s perfectly all right to give me the check.
Thank you, but no. Have Sue call me.
Just as you wish.
Mrs. Jackson exits the office.
Ray’s dog looks at him.
For a minute there I thought you were going to drop to your knees and beg for that check.
(to the dog) Whaddya lookin’ at?
CUT TO:
EXT. RAY’S OFFICE – DAY
Two guards, along with two inmates, drive up to Ray’s office.
(To inmates) You know the mission. Any mistakes, you know the penalty.
You can count on us.
CUT TO:
INT. RAY’S OFFICE – DAY
The dog senses trouble. He begins growling.
Trouble, dog?
As if to answer Ray’s question, the dog runs to hide under the couch. The two men enter Ray’s office. They are surprised to find it empty. A growl comes from under the couch. The two inmates look at each other, just then Ray slowly rises from behind the desk. He’s got a large pistol in each hand, and each pistol is pointed directly at the groins of the intruders.
You must be from United Way, right? And you need me to reach your quota.
The two inmates remain silent. From the inmates’ collars, we hear a voice.
What’s goin’ on?
Ray pauses for a second, then realizes what the situation must be. He kicks a metal wastebasket over. With one pistol squarely aimed at the intruders, he sweeps the phone off his desk.
He’s putting up quite a struggle. (remembering that he’s supposed to be involved in a struggle, he makes some grunting sounds.)
Rays points at his chest, rolls his eyes, and sticks his tongue out. He’s mimicking a heart attack.
We’ve got him now. Looks like he had a heart attack.
Dead or alive, drag him out here.
EXT. RAY’S OFFICE – DAY
The two guards are waiting in the car for the inmates to bring Ray out.
You care if he has a heart attack?
Doesn’t bother me any.
Ray walks around the car. He points his gun through the window at the two guards.
Don’t touch anything. Just get out. Both of you, this side. Keep your hands where I can see them.
You don’t know who you’re fooling around with.
You’re right. Why don’t you bring me up to speed?
The Corporal has gotten out of the car first. He isn’t sure he should answer the question. He watches the Sergeant, who is squeezing out from under the steering wheel.
(he blurts it out) This is a military operation.
Yeah, sure it is.(To the Sarge) That’s fine, right there. (To the Corporal) Gimme the keys.
The Corporal hands Ray the car keys.
With his gun pointed at the guards, Ray walks them around to the trunk of the car. Ray opens the trunk.
Get in.
You’re kiddin’?
In…. Or….Dead.
The Sergeant and the Corporal climb into the trunk. Ray slams the trunk closed.
I knew I made my point.
CUT TO:
INT. RAY’S OFFICE – DAY
Ray walks back into his office. The two inmates are sitting there.
How would you guys like a beer?
Great.
What did you do with the camp counselors?
I asked them to check my spare tire. (pause) So, tell me. Where did they move you guys to?
They didn’t.
I went out there and all the tents were gone.
Yeah, we seen you. We was hidin’ in the woods. They put’em back up soon as you left.
Ray gets up. He gets himself another beer. He seems to be thinking about something. Well, hell, of course he is. He can’t find Sue. Ann Jackson is still missing. The military is kidnapping not-so-innocent civilians. Maybe the cops are involved. He’s got two soldiers locked in the trunk of a car outside his office. And there’s two guys sitting here with collars around their necks. WHERE THE HELL COULD SUE BE?
Well, I guess we’d better get going.
Yeah. We better get going.
I don’t think so.
The two inmates turn to see Ray holding the controls to their collars. He must have picked it up from the guards.
Another beer, gentlemen?
The two inmates look at each other with a sign of resignation.
Sure. Why not?
Ray gets a couple of more beers and hands them to the inmates.
I’d just like you guys to hang around until my partner shows up. She should be here any minute now.
I don’t think so.
Why not?
She’s out there and she’s collared just like us.
(pointing to the collar) I take those things off, you help me get her back.
Only if I could put a collar on the Doctor.
You got it.
And the Lieutenant.
Using the keys he took from the guards, Ray unlocks the collars from the inmates’ necks.
We’ll need some guns.
Got a problem. We can’t go shootin’ up our own Army.
They’re mean bastards; they’ll shoot anybody.
Ray rubs his chin, and thinks about it.
Ray’s eyes brighten up, he walks over to a cabinet and takes out a package. He sits down at his desk and opens the package. He takes a cap off a bottle of liquid. Ray then pulls out some miniature darts. He fills the darts with the liquid.
What will that do?
It’ll make them forget anything they have on their mind at the moment.
It’ll kill em’? It’ll knock’em out?
No. But, it should do.
Ray wraps up the darts. He walks over to a wall and grabs a blow gun.
Shall we declare war?
CUT TO:
INT. RAY’S CAR – AFTERNOON
Ray and the two inmates are driving to the farm.
Now…. how do we get in the place?
Around the back.
Tried that once before.
Yeah, but there’s one area where the sensors aren’t working. They won’t pick us up.
Let’s just hope you’re right.
CUT TO:
EXT. WOODS/OUTSIDE THE FARM – DUSK
Ray pulls up to a wooded area and continues down a dirt road.
I sure hope you know what you’re doin’.
From the trunk of the car we hear the Sergeant. Hey! Let us out of here! We’re the U.S. Army, for Christ’s sakes.
Quiet or I’ll set the car on fire.
You guys are in big trouble. BIG trouble.
(talking to the back seat) Is that what you think?
Those people are subjects in an official Army experiment. They’re ours.
What are you saying? We’ve gone back to the days of slavery? The Army owns them?
(talking theatrically into the back seat.) After we set the car on fire, can we back it over a cliff?
Yeah. Why don’t we put a few bullets holes into the trunk first?
Ray parks the car: Ray and the two inmates get out. Ray can’t pass up the opportunity. He walks around to the back of the car.
Who’s got the gas?
Screams, and pleas for mercy emanate from the trunk, as Ray pulls the blow gun and darts from the car.
It’s party time.
The trio proceeds cautiously through the woods.
This way.
Ray hears footsteps, and motions for the inmates to stop and to seek cover. The three hide.
Four guards walk by. They pause, and look around. There’s a moment of tension. Seeing nothing, the four then turn around and head back towards the compound.
Ray and the inmates lay on the ground quietly until the guards pass them. They slowly get up and continue on.
Ray and the inmates reach the outskirts of the compound. Directly in front of them, fifty feet perhaps, are two of the guards who passed them in the woods.
(whispers) How we gonna get by them?
C’mon, let’s just turn around and get out of here.
Shhh…..
Ray loads a dart into the blow gun. He aims it at one of the guards and fires. The dart goes sailing right into its target.
(whispers) You missed.
I can see that.
Ray loads the gun and shoots again. He misses again. He was closer this time, but on the opposite side of the target.
You want me to try?
Just sightin’ in.
Ray loads the gun again. This time he hits one of the guards. The guard swats at the spot where the dart hits.
Goddamn bugs.
Jesus, be a man, will ya.
Suddenly, the first guard leaps up. He starts scratching himself like a madman.
What’s the matter with you?
My God, I feel like I’m in fire.
Guard #1 starts ripping his clothes off and rubbing his body.
What the hell…. have you’ve gone crazy?
Guard #1 takes off running.
Ray loads the gun again and fires. He hits the second guard.
Guard #2 starts yelling and screaming. He, too, rips his clothes off. He rubs his face and his back. He rubs his whole body. He scratches himself badly, he starts to bleed.
What IS that stuff?
Let’s just say they got a itch…. all over. One they’ll never forget. (pause) C’mon.
Ray and the two inmates enter the compound. They see another guard. The third guard sees the first two run over to a hose and start washing themselves down.
What are you guys doin’?
Suddenly, without warning, lights flood the compound. Ray and the inmates slide into a tent. They startle the occupants.
Shhh… quiet! We’re the good guys.
Ray? (pause) Is that you?
It ain’t Arnie Schwarznegger.
A guard comes in with a flashlight. He flashes the light on all the bunks and then exits.
One of the inmates who came with Ray pulls out a set of keys and proceeds to unlock the collars on the other inmates. Tony is one of the inmates that is freed.
The inmates, now free from their collars, start to head out of the tent.
(motioning) Hold it. Wait just a second.
The inmates, trained now to be obedient, turn around and start to sit back down. The flood lights are finally turned off.
Ray, Sue and the five inmates sneak out of the tent and into the house.
CUT TO:
INT. THE HOUSE AT THE FARM – NIGHT
Ray, Sue and the inmates get the drop on the guard posted in the house to monitor the sound system. They put a collar around his neck.
There’s at least two more guards unaccounted for.
Take the keys, go back to the tents and unlock everybody’s collars. Take the batteries out of the collars. Then put them back on.
But, we don’t know where the rest of the guards are.
Let me worry about them.
One of the inmates picks up a guard’s rifle.
These rifles can do a whole lot of damage.
Don’t use the rifles. Stash them. Some place where they can’t be found.
A couple of the inmates take the keys and exit the house.
What do we now?
Sit tight. Act like nothing’s changed. Pretend the collars still control your every move. I’ll handle the rest.
How do we know we can trust you?
You don’t.
CUT TO:
EXT. THE FARM – NIGHT
The inmates get the jump on two more guards. They put collars around their necks. The collars are so loose, they can’t be seen underneath their shirts.
CUT TO:
EXT. THE FARM – MORNING
The Lieutenant arrives at the Farm. He gets out of his car and starts blowing a whistle. The inmates, hearing the whistle, file out of their tents and stand in line.
One of the inmates, Tony, walks up to the lead guard. Dr. Wells comes out of the house, and stands on the porch. She watches as Tony starts arguing with the lead guard. Dr. Wells walks down to the lead guard.
You really don’t expect us to keep puttin’ up with this bullshit, do you?
(towards Tony) You never learn. You’ll regret that statement.
Dr. Wells motions to the guard.
Guard, take him. Work him. No lunch, no dinner, no nothing. Work him until sunset…until he drops.
The guard doesn’t move.
Dr. Wells yells for the Private.
Private, take this man.
The private doesn’t move.
All the guards come running towards the Doctor.
Ray comes out of the house. He fires his gun twice.
Everyone stops in their tracks.
Ray motions to Sue and holds up a collar. He looks at the Doctor.
Now…. you’re either going to wear this. Or….. (points to inmates) I’m gonna turn you over to them.
The Doctor starts to argue. The inmates all begin to move toward her. Just then a couple of the inmates, #1 and #2, come out with the Lieutenant. He’s got a collar around his neck. Seeing that there’s no escape, Dr. Wells agrees to the collar. Sue puts the collar on the Doctor.
You’ll never get away with this. The government won’t let you. Society won’t let you. You’ll all see. You’ll pay.
Dr. Wells is starting to unravel. She’s no longer in control of the camp, nor her own mental well-being.
A television news truck pulls up to the compound. A reporter gets out and immediately starts asking questions of Dr. Wells. She’s babbling.
I’m in charge here. I’m in control. My mind-control. You’ll see. We’ll make the streets safe for decent folks again. Our wrath will be swift, you’ll see.
Obviously, this babe is loonie-toons. The reporter can see that.
Ray and Sue exit the compound.
CUT TO:
INT. INNER OFFICE – DAY
Ray and Sue are sitting in Ray’s office watching the news reports of the discovery of the prison camp. They’re toasting each other, Ray with a beer, Sue with a lite beer. The dog has his own bowl of beer.
Shhh, here it is.
The television anchor, big smile and fluffy hair covering his bald spot, introduces the next news report.
For this next segment of All The News You Need To Know, we go to Actioncam reporter Tracey Airlee on location….Tracey, rumors have circulated throughout the city since this story first broke. We’ve heard tales of kidnapping, shock treatment, mind control, military involvement, police complicity. It all sounds so preposterous. What can we believe?
Ray and Sue watch in excited anticipation. Sue reaches over and takes Ray’s hand. He starts to pull away. She squeezes tighter, and he lets her hold on.
Well, Pete, most of it IS preposterous. Right now, I have with me Chief of Police Walker and Col. Pettifog, Public Affairs Liaison for the National Guard. Gentlemen, what about these rumors?
They’re just that, Tracey. As you can see, there is no installation. The police found no evidence to suggest that there ever was any military outpost in this area.
We did find some transients in the area. But, that’s common these days.
Most of them have criminal records, drug use, prostitution, flag burners, you know the type.
So, their testimony would be dubious then.
Honestly, does anybody truly believe that our government would do something like this?
Ray uses his remote control to turn off the television. He looks at Sue, who has a tear rolling down her cheek. The dog jumps into her lap, and licks her face.
How about another beer?
Just what I was thinking.
ROLL CREDITS.
KEEP ROLLING.
THE END.