AIRWORLD
Screen script of full-length film
Written by Oleg Kubyakin.
Genre: fantasy, detective, action
DESCRIPTION OF THE SITE THE FILM IS SET IN.
ORDER OF ARRIVAL FROM EARTH TO VENUS
Space ships from Earth deliver passengers to the Venusian international space station. Passenger cabin is small and confined. A flight lasts for about a week and each passenger has separate sleeping accommodation. Shower is not provided and wet wipes are used for skin refreshing instead. There is a TV, several fitness machines and a mini-bar for entertainment.
VENUSIAN ON-ORBIT STATION
Arriving at on-orbit station, passengers go through a passport check-point and then are delivered to the according country by shuttles.
SHUTTLE SERVICE
A shuttle starts the engine, detaches from the station and moves in the direction opposite the station moving direction. Thus, the shuttle's speed , relative to Venus, drops down to suborbital velocity and the shuttle starts “falling” on Venus. Upon reaching the “falling” velocity, the engines are turned off. Further approach with Venus as well as landing to the runway continues with engines off. The main part of the runway has a heavy gradient what avoids the necessity of breaks and significantly shortens the runway. The runway is fixed stable in space with the help of pontoons filled with air. Upper (final) part of the runway is horizontal and has an embedded computing system of shuttles “capture”, same as for planes in aircraft carriers. A drawbridge of catching port is horizontal, it is protracted to the entrance of the shuttle and connected with a shuttle by pressurized coupling to avoid needless airlocking of passengers.
There is no takeoff runway, as the shuttle when it starts the engines and comes off the runway, with the help of inertia of motion under constant gravity, gains a velocity pretty fast. In this case acceleration is made by means of shuttle's own gravitation force and no energy is consumed to overcome wheels friction force.
AMERICAN SECTOR. THE CITY.
The city is situated at a height of 30 miles (50 km) above Venusian surface. At this height an average temperature is about 68 degrees Fahrenheit (20 degrees Centigrade). Average pressure is a little more than one atmosphere (approximately 1,2 terrestrial atmosphere). This allows hollow-centered constructions with internal pressure of one terrestrial atmosphere easily levitate in the “air”.
Venusian atmosphere virtually entirely consists of carbon dioxide so people have to wear oxygen-breathing apparatus outside. Though plants perfectly survive in Venusian atmosphere.
The surface of Venus is mostly hidden under sulfurous clouds. But the clouds are formed in lower dense layers of atmosphere, much lower the city and do not cause any inconvenience to the residents.
The basement of the city is a giant hollow-centered platform filled with usual air what allows it to float in the atmosphere on predetermined altitude. With multiple metal reinforcing cable this platform is attached to the surface of Venus what makes it occupy a stationary position relatively to the surface.
On the platform there situated a plant, producing and processing ironstone and glassblowing factory. Factories are adjoined by residential neighborhood: dwelling houses, a school, a nursery school, shops, chemistries, restaurants, sports centers and other residential facilities and services. The city is partly multileveled and partly one-storeyed. Spaceport, electrical station, water pump station, basketball stadium adjoin the city on separate platforms. Each platform is attached to the surface with separate cables.
Electrical station is generally wind-driven generator so it looks like windmill. Most residents have wind-driven generators mounted on the roofs too.
Water pump station produces water from sulfurous clouds by liquefying sulfuric acid and combining it with metal oxides, as a result decomposing it into salt and water.
Other separate platform is occupied with manufacturing facility which produces oxygen, breeds livestock and grows vegetables and fruit. Oxygen is produced by using fast-growing plants such as sea weed. The plants are seeded in large long glass tubes. Carbon dioxide from the atmosphere gets into the tubes from the one side, goes through them meanwhile processing by the plants into oxygen which is further pumped from the other side of the tubes. When ripe, the plants are used as fodder for animals. Animal waste products and dung, in their turn, are used as fertilization material for oxygen processing weeds, vegetables and fruit trees. That is how this closed cycle works.
Aside there “hanged” a building for local crème de la crème. The building has a pear-shaped form (with a narrow part down) and joins the city at Liberty square. There is also a high replica of the Statue of Liberty.
Those separate platforms are connected to the city platform with flying bridges (just as wharf boats to the shore) so when the weight changes, for example after shipping substantial freights, landing or taking off a shuttle etc., separate platforms sink or rise higher below or above the main platform level for several meters.
All constructions and platforms are built of riveted sheet metal produced by the plant. Entrance inside the buildings is granted only through airlock chambers.
FARMERS' VALLEY
Not far from the city there is Farmers' valley (independent miners). Basically it is a rare congregation of separately floating premises. Old ones are made as airships. Modern ones look more like houses and have right angled shape, even small balconies. Each house is connected to the surface of Venus with a separate cable. Each house is equipped with self-sufficient wind-driven generator. Also, there are solar batteries on rooftops. Water and oxygen are imported. Inside their houses farmers (independent miners) grow a lot of plants to reduce purchase of manufactured oxygen. Farmers perform private production of ironstone which then sell to the plant.
IRONSTONE PRODUCTION
Both the plant and farmers produce ironstone with the help of tanks lowered away to the surface of Venus. They are controlled remotely. Produced ironstone is lifted to the platform by pontoon elevators along the cables.
TRAFFIC
At the principium of any city vehicle there is a hollow pontoon made of light material such as plastic or rubber. The pontoon is filled with air or any light gas. By adjusting gas pressure inside the pontoon one can change the height of vehicle floating. When a passengers leaves a pontoon, it usually rises. On the pontoon there is a power equipment and seats for passengers.
BICYCLE. Residents with low income usually ride bicycles. It is a rubber pontoon meant for one or two with muscular power equipment by kind of bicycle. It is driven by a propeller which, in its turn, driven by foot pedals. A person applies muscle force and a vehicle moves forward.
MOTORCYCLE. Motorcycle also has a propeller but it is driven by an electric motor. Depending on owner's wealth, a motorcycle can be filled by air or light gas, that can significantly vary the size and design of a pontoon and make it smarter.
BUS. Heavy vehicle with seats and roof. A driver seats in an air-locked cabin and has no need to wear a respiratory apparatus.
SCOOTER. Elegant high speed motorcycle. Made of plastic and filled only with light gas so can have smaller size. Driven by hydrogenic jet engine. Able to accelerate high speed. The pontoon has a wing-form what allows a scooter to be piloted (nosedive, pitch-up maneuvers, sharp turns). Looks like usual water scooter.
CAR. Looks like average terrestrial automobile. Equipped with air-locked cabin for five people what increases “air-floating”. Powerful hydrogene jet engine. Has good flying and handling characteristics. Wing-shaped plastic pontoon. Affordable only for wealthy people, authorities and policemen.
CLOTHES. As far as there is no great temperature variety throughout a year, clothes have no seasonal diversity. Essential attribute for humans to survive outdoors is a respiratory apparatus combined with emergency rescue system (ERS). A respiratory apparatus represents an oxygen flask with pressure control valve and oxygen supply mask. The oxygen mask is equipped with voice communication membrane. Respiratory apparatus is fixed on a harness consisting of shoulder, chest and leg straps. The same harness contains integrated case with thinnest balloon bag and a flask with hydrogene. If one accidentally falls off the platform, he activates hydrogene flask which fills the balloon fixed to the harness and the person is lifted to the definite height again.
FASHION. Vast majority of inhabitants use a usual respiratory apparatus. Rubberized hose pipes, black leak-tight mask covering a chin and a part of nose. High proof belts are worn on clothes. More prosperous residents afford themselves to sew the harness in their clothes or buy clothes made of high proof but light material able to serve as a harness itself. Nanomaterials allow to design harness even like pantyhose, miniskirts and tops. Oxygen supplies masks for women are designed to be transparent for a face to be visible.
INT. INTERPLANETARY SPACE SHIP.
Michael Thorne, aged 35, wakes up, sits at the edge of his sleeping unit. All other passengers are still sleeping. Someone passes by Michael. It’s Sandy (real name Melvin Dalton), his old friend, 25-year-old boy and he doesn’t notice Mike. Mike tries to greet him, waving his hand, but understands that it’s pointless. Michael gets up and follows Sandy. Sandy enters WC. Michael waits for him I the portal by the door. After a while the door opens and Sandy comes out.
MICHAEL
Melvin, don’t you recognize old friends?
Sandy takes a careful look around.
SANDY
Michael, I’m sorry, no one should see us together.
MICHAEL
Aren’t you on holiday?
SANDY
That’s it, Michael, really sorry. I'm begging you – we do NOT know each other.
MICHAEL
I’ve got it, Melvin. Sorry, friend.
Michael goes into the toilet. Sandy returns to his sleeping unit.
INT. INTERPLANETARY SPACE SHIP.
During a long-term flight to Venus. Passengers entertain by all possible ways: they read books and magazines, meet, chat, talk, watch TV, sit at bar counter, exercise on fitness machines. Michael keeps himself close.
After a week.
Michael exercises on a fitness machine. Cathy Bates, 35-year-old, sitting on the next machine cleans open parts of her body with a wet wipe.
CATHY
Oh, when can I have a shower at last? I’m just exhausted!
MICHAEL
(unwillingly)
Generally, it’s quite comfortable here and not that bad, ma’am.
CATHY
Comfortable… it’s when a beloved man is by one’s side.
MICHAEL
(gets up and says, leaving)
You’re absolutely right, ma’am.
Two men in their forties are sitting at the bar counter. Their names are Pavel Dubov and Stepan Golushko. They’ve been drinking strong drinks during all flight. They have a bottle of Coke in front of them but prefer to fill the glasses from their own hip flask.
FEMALE VOICE ANNOUNCING
Dear guests! Venus-Space is glad to inform you we are approaching the final destination point. Our space ship enters a deboost phase. We ask our guests to be careful. Deboost phase starts in thirty seconds. Take a seat or in case you are standing, hold to something. We wish you to stay in cheerful mind until the end of the flight.
PAVEL
Stepan, did you hear that? Heh, they say it’s a long way to Venus.
STEPAN
Right on! We’ve just started! Hardly even had a drink.
The sound of engines turning on is heard. Ship deceleration starts. The passengers are shaken a little at the moment of deboost. Pavel’s drink is spilt because of the shake..
PAVEL
(outrages at the speaker)
Holy shit! Have they tried denouncing?!
Michael goes past, Cathy follows him.
CATHY
(trying to draw Michael’s attention engaging him into conversation)
Do you always agree with women? It’s so out-of-the-way these days.
Michael pretends not hearing Cathy and sits down next to Pavel and Stepan. They look surprisingly at first . Michael smiles forcedly.
MICHAEL
Hi, guys.
Cathy, understanding that she is an odd man out, unwillingly returns to her sleeping unit. Pavel, without taking his eyes from Michael’s face, draws an empty glass near Michael, snatches tucked away flask, loosens the lid, fills the glass. Stepan builds a sandwich out of black bread and a slice of salo (dripping). He puts pickled cucumber cut in halves on the top and draws the sandwich close to Michael. Both look at Michael quizzically. Michael understands they are waiting for him to drink. Michael takes the glass, smells. The liquid exhales ‘fragrance’ of strong and unfined alcoholic beverage.
MICHAEL
What the hell is this?
PAVEL
Ask no questions. Cheers! For people’s friendship!
Michael drinks at a draught. The drink is extremely strong. Stepan is barely forces the sandwich into Michael’s mouth. Michael asks, chewing.
MICHAEL
What the hell was that?
STEPAN
A drink of friendship!
Michael grasps a bottle of Coke, drinks from the bottle.
MICHAEL
(points at the glass)
How do you call it?
PAVEL
Samogonka. (bathtub gin in Russian)
MICHAEL
(repeats with an accent)
Sa-mo-gonka.
Stepan friendly taps Michael on the shoulder.
STEPAN
Attaboy! At least one no-drama guy in this hole!
Extends his hand to Michael for a handshake.
STEPAN
(introducing himself)
Stepan.
Michael replies to his handshake.
PAVEL
Pavel.
Extends his hand to Michael too. Michael replies to his handshake.
MICHAEL
Michael.
STEPAN
Michael? You'll be Mikhail then. Our guy! That's it, we're friends forever after!
MICHAEL
(pointing at the glass)
How much alcohol is there in this sa-mo-gonka?
STEPAN
Who measured? Enough for us.
MICHAEL
No doubts.
PAVEL
Where are you from, fella?
MICHAEL
Beverly Hills.
STEPAN
We are from Tagil. Anyway, who cares? We 're all homeys here, from the same parts.
Pavel and Stepan fill their glasses with samogon and make up two sandwiches with salo and pickles.
PAVEL
So what? Show must go on! Let's continue our cultural program. Cheers for you Mikhail. Be healthy, wealthy and wise!
Pavel and Stepan drink their glasses at a draught, sniff with their sandwiches. In a while, feeling deeply the taste of the drink, take a bite.
STEPAN
Hotcha, hellthing!
PAVEL
(stroking his upper chest)
Feels like Jesus stepped on my soul!
AFTER A WHILE
Stepan and Pavel sleep with his shoes on in their sleeping units, snoring. Michael, relaxed, sits at the bar counter with a glass of Coke in his hand and chats with a young couple, Freddy and Jane Coulter.
JANE
No, it's not a usual vacation. Sister of Freddy's mother have found a pretty good plot for rent. We are starting up a business on Venus.
MICHAEL
Sounds taking.
FREDDY
They say ironstone on Venus is just like gold dust. One can end up rich in no time.
MICHAEL
Just as the Golden fever?
FREDDY
Right, right. You've got the point. The fever, exactly. The one who is in control of iron stone processing on Venus will secure his future. Yeah. Just as Wild West in its time. There was gold, here ironstone, though.
MICHAEL
You are courageous guys!
INT. ON-ORBIT STATION. PASSPORT CHECK-POINT. ARTIFICIAL LIGHTING.
Stepan shows his passport to an immigration officer. The officer reads, compares his face with a photograph. Checks his surname back.
OFFICER
Stepan GolUshko?
(makes stress on letter U)
STEPAN
GolushkO!
(corrects the officer making stress on the last syllable)
Yokharny ty babai! Read it out, it's written in black and white!
OFFICER
Speak English, please. In case you have put an affront upon me I can bring you to justice.
STEPAN
Put an affront? Come on, put you stamp! Don't you see people came on holidays! Put your stamp and go ahead!
OFFICER
Do you have any explosive agents in your luggage? Any seeds prohibited to import?
STEPAN
Screw you! What explosive, tvoyu mat'? If I have a need to blow something up I'll manage without any explosive! Wanna try it out?
The officer puts a stamp in Stepan's passport. Stepan takes his passport and steps aside griperly. Michael goes right after Stepan. He holds out his passport to the officer. The officer reads carefully, compares Michael's face with a photograph.
OFFICER
What's the purpose of your visit to Venus?
MICHAEL
Tourism. American sector.
The officer presses a stamp in his passport and returns it to Michael.
OFFICER
Have a nice time, sir.
INT. ON-ORBIT STATION. DEPARTURE LOUNGE
A small departure lounge. Passengers sit on uncomfortable benches, waiting for the departure to the American sector. Young Japanese couple captures whatever they see on their camera. Boarding to the shuttle is announced.
VOICE ANNOUNCING
Attention passengers on the shuttle bound to the American sector. Regular boarding is carried out through Gates number 2. Please do not forget your personal belongings.
STEPAN
Hey, our flight was announced. Where're these god damned Gates 2?
CATHY
There' s an indicator lit up for you. Anyone taught you to read?
Passengers get up from the benches, take their stuff and start moving to Gates 2.
INT. SHUTTLE CABIN. A PART OF ON-ORBIT STATION CAN BE SEEN THROUGH ILLUMINATORS.
Passengers come into the cabin through a door near the cockpit. The cabin is really small. Seats are situated on the right and left sides, two in a row. An aisle between seats is narrow. An assisting captain greets the passengers. He stands in the doorway and directs the passengers to their seats.
ASSISTING PILOT
Please, pass to the end of the cabin.
CATHY
Where's baggage compartment?
ASSISTING CAPTAIN
I beg your pardon ma'am. There's no baggage compartment here.
PAVEL
I see, there's no stewardess too?
ASSISTING CAPTAIN
And no toilet as well. Those who cannot bear it any longer better leave now.
(announces in a louder voice for those in the end of the cabin)
Leave your baggage in the aisle. Gentlemen assist ladies.
CATHY
what a squeeze!
ASSISTING CAPTAIN
Don't get upset, ma'am. It's just for a while.
CATHY
It's just the Stone Age!
Passengers took their seats. Baggage occupies all room in the aisle. Some people keep their bags on the knees. Cathy sits at the window next to Sandy. Stepan and Pavel sit together.
ASSISTING CAPTAIN
Please fasten your seat belts, in case of zero gravity, please hold your things with your hands.
STEPAN
(whispering)
They can smell my bloody ass with their belts! I can barely move here! We are just like sardines in a can!
The assisting takes his place in the cockpit and starts switching on the hardware. The cockpit door is left open.
CATHY
Sir, why don't you close the door? Aren't you afraid of hijackers?
The assisting pilot appears in the doorway.
ASSISTING CAPTAIN
Ma'am, hijackers can hijack our shuttle only to Mercury. Don't think they would like to go there.
CATHY
Why?
ASSISTING CAPTAIN
It's pretty hot there, ma'am in this time of the year, and... well... through the year.
CATHY
(turning to Sandy)
What's about the heat, I don't understand?
Sandy draws his hat over eyes, nestles into his seat pretending having fallen asleep. Cathy turns to the window in discontent.
INT. SHUTTLE CABIN
Through the illuminators one can see the shuttle smoothly detaching from the station. The Japanese couple captures the cabin and the view through the illuminators on camera.
PAVEL
Took off, finally
STEPAN
Time to celebrate.
PAVEL
For taking off. No daylights!
Stepan snatches his flask, Pavel takes out the glasses. Stepan opens the lid and starts pouring in the glasses. At this moment the shuttle falls into zero gravity. Stepan starts slowly levitating and samogonka flies out of the glasses and flask in liquid bubbles. The passengers who fastened the belts hold their baggage standing in the aisle.
PAVEL
Where are you going, Stepan?
STEPAN
Catch me!
Pavel catches Stepan, sits him down to his seat. Stepan throws his glass and the flask, fasten himself with a belt.
STEPAN
Hey, fucking astronauts! Who taught you piloting the shuttle?
PAVEL
(points at samogon bubbles floating in the air)
It's all wasted now!
Stepan protrudes his lips to reach the nearest bubble, sucks in liquid, swallows. Breathes out sibilating. Shows his thumb up.
STEPAN
Pasha, that's even better!
Pavel swallows a big bubble of samogon too. Breathes out loudly. Takes a bite of bread. Moves his hands energetically.
PAVEL
Fuuh! It feels like our vacation won't be wasted!
After a while. Passengers calmed down. Someone looks through the window at Venusian surface. Someone just rests looking at the ceiling. Stepan and Pavel sleep, snoring loudly.
INT. SHUTTLE. COCKPIT. DAY.
One can see the shuttle approaching the runway to start landing. There ia a Captain and the Assisting Captain in the cockpit.
ASSISTING CAPTAIN
Come on, Carl. Let me do it this time, finally.
CAPTAIN
Sure?
ASSISTING CAPTAIN
Leave it, Carl. I won't be a captain otherwise.
CAPTAIN
(folding his arms)
Come on, do it.
The assisting captain pilots the shuttle with concentration
LOCATION. SPACEPORT. RUNWAY. DAY.
The shuttle approaches the end of the runway, touches it. Moves up the runway, loosing acceleration. Climbs up the horizontal part of the runway.
INT. SHUTTLE. COCKPIT. DAY.
The captain wrinkles, clasps his fingers in the air, showing to push the brakes stronger. The assisting captain wrinkles too and puts on the brake.
LOCATION. SPACEPORT. RUNWAY. DAY.
On the upper horizontal part of the runway the “capturer” snaps into action and catches the braking hook. This moment coincides with assisting pilot’s pushing the brakes abruptly.
INT. SHUTTLE CABIN. DAY.
Shuttle passengers nod forward from abrupt deceleration. Stepan and Pavel wake up.
PAVEL
Yadrena vosh! What the hell was that? Meteorits?
INT. SHUTTLE. COCKPIT. DAY.
The Captain unfolds his arms in a wide gesture. The assisting pilot looks out to see the runway and estimates how great his mistake was.
ASSISTING CAPTAIN
(vexed)
Shit!
LOCATION. PART OF THE RUNWAY WHERE THE SHUTTLE IS. DAY.
A horizontal drawbridge is protruded to the shuttle but it can be easily seen that the shuttle has passed extra five feet. Spaceport worker approaches the shuttle nose and discontentedly shows that they missed. The captain, jokingly, signs that it was not his fault but the assisting captain’s. The assisting captain looks embarrassed. A small electrical prime mover drives to the shuttle, couples with the nose support of the shuttle and pushes the shuttle back for the necessary distance. The drawbridge couples with the entrance of the shuttle, gets fixed. The entrance doors open. The passengers start coming out of the cabin along the transparent drawbridge.
INT. SHUTTLE. COCKPIT. DAY.
The captain addresses to the assisting captain jokingly.
CAPTAIN
This is on you, Hans. You stand a treat today!
ASSISTING CAPTAIN
Enough, Carl, don’t play a fool out of me.
INT. ARRIVAL HALL. DAY.
The arrived passengers stand with their luggage near. In the opposite side of the hall there are three passengers getting ready to board the shuttle and go to the on-orbit station. Spaceport manager approaches the arrived people.
MANAGER
(says to the new-comers)
Good afternoon, ladies and gentlemen! Welcome to Venus. Please follow me to the classroom to get acquainted to the safety rules you must know to stay in our atmosphere.
CATHY
Maybe, a shower first?
MANAGER
I entirely share your impatience, miss. It won’t take long.
The new-comers start moving towards the classroom. The Captain and the Assisting captain enter the arrival hall.
MANAGER
My warmest greetings to our valiant crew.
(points at those three passengers)
Only three of them.
CAPTAIN
On our way here the passengers were literary sitting on each other’s heads and we return just with three people on board. Can it be fixed somehow?
MANAGER
Carl, but it doesn’t depend on me.
The captain desperately waves his hand.
CAPTAIN
OK, we’ll be back in five minutes and will start boarding.
INT. CLASSROOM. DAY.
The group of arrived passengers learns how to use a respiratory apparatus and the emergency rescue system ERS. Instructor called Alex gives instruction. The Japanese couple films the class and the instructor on video.
INSTRUCTOR
In such a way, a human being can’t exist in Venusian atmosphere without a respiratory apparatus. An emergency rescue system ERS is not of less importance for people living in these conditions. In a case of accidental falling off the platform it’s your only hope to survive. That’s why without all those things I’ve mentioned no one can allow you to step outside.
(points at a training set of ERS, turns on the video film explaining the usage of the system) And that’s how it actually works.
On screen they show how to put on ERS, turn on the respiratory apparatus.
INT. SHUTTLE CABIN. DAY.
There are three people in the cabin. The assisting pilot looks out from the open cockpit door
ASSISTING CAPTAIN
Has everyone fastened the belt? We are taking off.
LOC. EYEBIRD VIEW ON THE SPACEPORT WITH THE SHUTTLE TAKING OFF.
The shuttle sets the engine to their full capacity, starts moving, passes the short runway and, falling, starts gaining velocity. After shuttle taking off, the spaceport goes up a couple meters relatively to the main city platform as it become lighter for several tons. The shuttle, having taken the necessary speed in free falling, abruptly goes up and moves to the space.
INT. CLASSROOM. DAY.
People in the class watch the training film. The screen shows how the ERS works in normal mode. An increasing sound of shuttle’s engines is heard, then, after a small shake, people feel they are lifted up. Women, frightened, hold the desks tops. Men rise their hands and look around trying to identify the danger.
CATHY
Oh, Mummy!
STEPAN
What’s that? An earthquake?
INSTRUCTOR
No worries, the shuttle you arrived on, took off and came back to the station. And we do not have any earthquakes here. The earth, I mean, the surface of Venus is a way too far. 30 miles in a bee-line.
STEPAN
Have you tried warnings?
INT. DEPUTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE. DAY.
Deputy sheriff Albert Stone, a sturdy fellow in his forties, sits on the chair with his hands folded and his feet crossed on the table. His service cap is pulled over his eyes. He seems sleeping. The door opens a little. Sheriff Henry Moulin, not very confident 25-year-old guy, peeps into the room.
SHERIFF
Stone, I was waiting for the report you haven’t done. I’m leaving home right now and I expect the report to be ready by the morning. I’ll check.
Stone doesn’t move. Sheriff closes the door. In two minutes the Sheriff opens the door again.
SHERIFF
Ok. I’ll do it myself. But it’s for the last time!
Stone doesn’t move. Sheriff closes the door.
LOC. EDGE OF THE RUNWAY. DAY.
The group of the arrived tourists guided by the Instructor comes to the end of the runway. They are accompanied by the instructor’s assistant who will demonstrate the ERS in action. They all wear usual ERSs and oxygen masks. Below at a distance of thirty mile the surface of Venus can be recognized. Most of them, looking down there, stagger back unintentionally.
INSTRUCTOR
(looking in haughty manner at the rest)
And now my assistant will demonstrate how ERS works in real life. Or… maybe does anyone else want to be a volunteer?
PAVEL
Well, what if you don’t manage to push that fucking button?
CATHY
They’ve said, in this case the flask will start automatically. Where were your ears?
PAVEL
Then I’m a volunteer.
STEPAN
Eeh, why you? I wanna too!
INSTRUCTOR
(a little perplexed)
Well, if you think you’re trained enough for this…
STEPAN
Sure, enough! Come on, Pasha!
Pavel and Stepan take a run and fall into the deep with frenzied shrieks. The members of the group step to the edge of the platform and watch them falling. After several seconds one and then another have their balloons filled with gas. The observes sigh with relief. Pavel and Stepan slowly rise in some yards from the runway. They excitedly wave their arms and shout joyfully. The Japanese couple shoot them on video.
PAVEL
Okhrenet’, so fucking good! Thanks Jesus I’ve just been to the restroom!
STEPAN
Awesome! I felt my balls rolling to the throat!
PAVEL
Our days here won’t be wasted! I do love it here!
The Instructor and his assistant throw the ends of the ropes to Pavel and Stepan. They catch the ropes and they are dragged to the runway.
In a minute, Stepan and Pavel stand with the rest of the group. The Instructor gives last explanations.
INSTRUCTOR
That’s it! Our training is finished. Now you need to undergo fingerprints check and you may go to the hotel...
(looking at Cathy)
To have a shower. The bus will come in a minute.
INT. CLASSROOM. DAY.
The Instructor and Sandy are in the classroom. Sandy sits on the chair sprawling out.
INSTRUCTOR
Why don’t you want to do fingerprints check?
SANDY
I kinda dislike this dirty procedure.
INSTRUCTOR
It’s performed entirely by the computers. What do you mean dirty?
SANDY
Dirty, anyway.
INSTRUCTOR
Do you realize that I have to inform the police about this?
SANDY
The President, if you like.
The instructor takes out a mobile and starts dialing some number. He goes out of the room simultaneously. The sound of the door locking can be heard.
LOC. A BRIDGE CONNECTING THE SPACEPORT TO THE MAIN CITY PLATFORM. DAY.
After shuttle have taken off, the spaceport went up a little over the main platform and the arrived tourists as if going down the bridge to the city platform. They all are equipped with standard personal ERS and oxygen masks. The bus awaits them near the bridge. The get on the bus. Men help women with their enormous luggage. The tourist group, in the bus, foes towards the hotel.
PAVEL
(looking at Stepan wearing an oxygen mask)
Stepan, what an ugly mug you have right now! If I met you accidentally in the street never in the world would I recognize you.
STEPAN
Pasha, your face is so ugly you can scare little kids.
They laugh merrily.
INT. CLASSROOM. DAY.
In the classroom Sandy sits in the same sprawling pose. The door opens and deputy sheriff Stone comes in. Sandy doesn’t move. Instructor follows Stone and points at Sandy.
INSTRUCTOR
Here he is. Doesn’t want to check his fingerprints.
STONE
Then, you refuse?
SANDY
Yeah.
STONE
D’you love troubles?
SANDY
Yes, I do. Is it against the law?
STONE
No, it’s not. The law, at the contrary, secures your private rights to love. Take your stuff, you go with me.
SANDY
Where?
STONE
To my Wonderland. There live your favorite troubles.
SANDY
Of course.
LOC. THE EDGE OF THE RUNWAY. DAY.
There is a police car standing on the runway. Stone leads Sandy to the car, opens the back door. The back seat of the car is separated from the driver’s part with a grade. Sandy sits on the back seat. Stone shuts the door as Sandy is inside. Opens the door from driver’s side, gets into the car, shuts his door. Stone fills the pontoon a little, pushing some button. The car goes up some centimeters above the runway. Stone starts the engine. The car goes off, accelerates and leaves the runway in a steep turn.
LOCATION. THE CITY. STREETS. DAY.
The bus with the arrived tourists goes along the street. They keep watching the streets with great interest. Pedestrians are moving along the sidewalks. Most of them are wearing usual ERSs. There’s a fat granny walking her grandson from school by the hand with a schoolbag in her other hand. There’s an office walker in a brand-new suit talking over the phone. A woman with big bags full with food products. A respectable gentleman is taking his dog, wearing an oxygen mask as well, for a walk. There are young mummies walking with their children in baby-carriages. The kids in the carriages have oxygen masks on them too. Little babies are carried in air-locked carriages. There’s an old man in the wheelchair. Teenagers wearing extravagant clothes with brightly colored hair are arguing. There’s a young girl giving out advertising fliers to the passers-by. Tourists’ attention is attracted to a young woman in pantyhose, mini-skirt. A very open top and high-heeled sandals. One can notice that flimsy, from the first sight, clothes is actually a harness for ERS itself. The woman’s oxygen mask is transparent and elegant. Her look is completed by a beautiful hairstyle. Men in the bus, as one, turn their heads to follow the woman with their eyes.
There are not so many vehicles in the street but they are all very diverse. Expensive cars are rare. The tourist bus starts to overtake a bicycle and goes to the other lane occupying all road. A scooter approaches them and overflies the bus with high speed not willing to wait for a bus to finish its overtaking.
The main street is covered with advertising. Advertisement resembles one in the Earth but there’re some different:
Pressure valves service. Quality guaranteed.
Custom tailoring of harness systems.
Soil for fruit trees
Plants with high oxygen-processing level.
Oxygen food additions.
Solar batteries with increased capacity.
Our rescue system will protect your house from falling.
Video-eye for tanks.
Hydrogen cylinder refilling.
Illuminators mounting.
Bicycle pontoons.
And so on.
Shop windows are relatively small, set in solid metal framings. Behind the windows there are lots of indoor plants in pots. There are no hotels or car wash services along the street.
There’s a construction site in one part of the street. A hoisting crane lifts a metal construction. On the top they can see electric welding which splashes with white-hot metal sparkles.
The bus passengers take photos and shoot everything in the street with their cameras.
LOCATION. GROUND IN FRONT OF THE ENTRANCE SLUICE TO THE HOTEL FOR TERRESTRIAL TOURISTS. DAY.
The bus drives to the hotel, stops. The group of tourists gets out of the bus. They are welcomed by Chief Security Officer of the hotel, an elder gentleman. The bus becomes lighter and goes up a little. The tourists led by the Chief Security Officer stand in a row in front of the entrance air-locks.
CHIEF SECURITY OFFICER
Welcome, our dear guests! We’ve been waiting for you. No need to say that you are eager to take a shower. I am perfectly right up to this. Everything’s been prepared for you.
Air-lock sluices are opening. The tourists, led by the Chief Security Officer, enter.
INT. HOTEL FOR TERRESTRIAL TOURISTS. CORRIDOR. DAY.
The tourists are guided to their hotel rooms. A maid shows Michael his room.
MAID
Here we go, Mr. Thorne. Your room number is 27.
She opens the door and lets Michael enter the room.
INT. DEPUTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE. DAY.
Stone brings Sandy to his office. Sandy sits down without asking permission. Stone looks at him exploring.
STONE
So, can you explain why you don’t want to show your fingers for the examination?
SANDY
I’m wanted by the police in thirteen states. How can I show them?
STONE
That’s what you tell me, a deputy sheriff?
SANDY
That’s exactly what Jenkins advised me to tell you.
STONE
(keeping silence for a while)
Jenkins is a complete scoundrel.
SANDY
That’s why I trust him.
STONE
So what do you want here, on Venus?
SANDY
I’m looking for a job to my liking.
STONE
There’re not too many jobs on Venus and the ones we have – are quite dangerous.
SANDY
Just to my liking.
STONE
And what should I do with your fingerprints?
SANDY
I can’t believe a deputy sheriff won’t find a couple extra fingerprints?
STONE
And what’s your real name?
SANDY
Friends call me Sandy.
STONE
Sandy? Very nice.
Stone takes out a mobile. Dials some number.
STONE
In half an hour at my office.
INT. MICHAEL’S HOTEL ROOM. DAY.
Michael comes in, takes a look around the room. Looks inside a bathroom. Lies at comfortable though not very wide bed and stretches himself with pleasure. Stays in bed for a while then sits in bed.
MICHAEL
Time for a shower!
LOC. OLD ABANDONED PLANT WITHOUT A ROOF. DAY.
Among ржавых metallic constructions appears Stone followed by Sandy. There, two guys about thirty wait for them, Hutch and Benchley. They have appalling appearance all covered with tattoos and wearing leather clothes.
STONE
Here’s a new musician for our rock band. Check what he can. If he plays bad, just throw him down.
HUTCH
Sure, boss. Where did this cutie fall from?
STONE
(points at the sky with his finger)
Where we all did – the Earth.
BENCHLEY
I hope he provided his references?
STONE
Don’t play a fool out of me!
Benchley raises his hands in a sign of piece. Hutch signs Sandy to follow him. Sandy leaves with Hutch and Benchley.
INT. OXYHEN PLANT. DAY.
The group of tourists stands among enormous number of glass pipes where plants looking like sea-weeds are growing. Many of them film the surroundings on video. A Guide gives explanation.
GUIDE
So, ladies and gentlemen, the lungs of our city are in front of you. A human being can live without food for 30 days, can handle absence of water for 3 days, can survive only 3 minutes without air. If, by some reason, this oxygen plant stops, the inhabitants of the city are doomed to die. That’s why this plant is treasured by our authorities so much. Oxygen processing is quite simple. You can see glass tubes: inside them they grow special plants with high oxygen-processing level. Atmospheric Venusian air, which consists primary of carbon dioxide, comes into one side of a pipe where it is processed by the plants into oxygen and ready oxygen is piped out from the other side of the pipe. After that this oxygen is accumulated into balloons, you see them there aside. And finally it is distributed to our citizens’ houses.
CATHY
And at night?
GUIDE
What?
CATHY
At night, when it’s dark, the plants can’t process oxygen.
GUIDE
You’re absolutely right, ma’am! But! In American sector of Venus night never comes. This side of the planet is always turned to the Sun. It’s a never-ending day here.
CATHY
And how do you get water?
GUIDE
Water is an absolutely different side of our existence on Venus. The matter is the Venusian clouds contain a lot of sulfuric acid. And this sulfuric acid is decomposed to salt and water.
CATHY
Will we go to the water plant too?
GUIDE
No, I regret to say that, but visiting the plant is very dangerous and prohibited.
CATHY
Such a pity.
INT. EXHIBITION HALL OF GLASS-BLOWING PLANT. DAY.
The touristic group stands among weird glass things and figures. Inside the glass there are many air bubbles. The Japanese take photos of every item without stopping.
GUIDE
We are in the exhibition hall of our glass-blowing plant. Our city masters create unique masterpieces out of Venusian glass where space theme prevails, of course. One can easily make it sure by examining the samples exhibited here. Goods, produced by our plants meet great demand both on the Earth and among tourists visiting our city. By the way, the goods you can purchase here, on the plant territory, are ten times cheaper than those you can buy on the Earth after they are delivered by spaceships. And now we can walk through the workshops to see with our own eyes how the glass-blowing plant is operated.
INT. GLASS-BLOWING PLANT. WORKSHOP OF RAW MATERIAL RECEPTION. DAY.
In the middle of the workshop there’s a huge round sluice. The upper part of this sluice is open. Soil from the surface of Venus was just delivered on the pontoon through the sluice. Workers hook the pallet on the pontoon by the gaff, lift it and move to the place of delivery. The group of tourists watches the process from the side.
GUIDE
Now we see some raw material delivered from the surface of Venus which later will be processed into unique Venusian glass. The goods produced by the plant are of great importance for our city. Illuminators, shop windows, dishes, mirrors and many other products made out of glass are necessary in modern life of a contemporary person. Can you imagine if all this was shipped from the Earth?
INT. GLASS-BLOWING PLANT. WORKSHOP OF RAW MATERIAL PROCESSING. DAY.
Inside the workshop there are several electrical furnaces for fusion of raw material. In some of them workers puts necessary materials, they fuse and spread in the forms. After the forms are set, workers take out ready window glass. In the other furnaces the material is just fused and the workers blow different product out of fused mixture. The tourists silently watch the process. The Japanese take photos
LOC. FARMERS’ VALLEY. DAY.
Hutch, Benchley and Sandy, riding three scooters, approach a farmer’s house. They stop. After a while, entrance air-locking sluices open and a farmer appears. He gives Benchley a small sack. He takes the sack, throws it jauntily in the boot of his scooter. All three leave.
LOC. FARMERS’ VALLEY. DAY.
Hutch, Benchley and Sandy, riding three scooters, approach a house of farmer Stam Jackson. Stam is an old man who behaves independently, with dignity. The trinity waits for a while. Then Benchley gets off his scooter, steps on the porch and pushes the button on the intercom. The screen of the intercom doesn’t light up, but the sluices open and Sam goes out of the house. Stam hands out a small sack to Benchley. Benchley weighs the sack in his hand.
BENCHLEY
Stam, is this all?
STAM
That’s all. I’ve noticed you have one more piece of crap?
BENCHLEY
You notice too much, old man. Watch yourself, you can finish badly.
STAM
You better watch yourself not to finish worse, puppy!
Benchley gets on his scooter, all three leave. Stam sees them off and goes inside his house.
LOCATION. CITY PLATFORM. SUBURBS. SPECIALISED GROUND FOR ENTERTAIMENT. DAY.
Tourist are offered a kind of entertainment. There’s a small platform floating 20 yards from the edge of the platform. On the platform there’s a beautiful girl in transparent plastic clothes. To get to this platform you need to walk along the path made of small round “pancakes” no more than a foot in diameter. Distance between the “pancakes” is two feet. These “pancakes” are fixed to the main frame below but the frame is far down and it seems as if they just hang in the air on the height of 30 miles. To win you need to reach the girl without falling. No security straps are foreseen.
GUIDE
Well, who’s the first to reach that charming girl?
Tourist wait, hesitating. Finally, Stepan makes up his mind.
STEPAN
I’ll go. The chick is too pretty to refuse.
Stepan starts jumping from one pancake to another, hardly equilibrating. The spectators are watching him losing their breath. Finally, Stepan reaches the girl. He doesn’t know what to do with her, though.
STEPAN
So, I jumped to her and what? What should I do with the chick? She’s all wrapped in plastic. There’s nothing even to bump.
GUIDE
The girl is just an additional motivation. The most important is that you’ve reached her almost walking in the air.
STEPAN
I knew I would be swindled just like a fool.
The tourists start smiling. Pavel laughs out loudly.
STEPAN
(to Pavel in Russian)
Chego skalish’sya? Go and try yourself.
CATHY
(thinking aloud)
Sure, if a man sees a whore, he’ll definitely go for her not even thinking he can be dissatisfied at the end.
A scooter comes to the platform and picks Pavel. The Japanese film everything on video.
LOCATION. MAIN STREET DEAD END. DAY.
Hutch, Benchley and Sandy on scooters approach the edge of city platform. They stop in the end of the street. Hutch says to Sandy.
HUTCH
We are done for today. Stay at home and don’t thrust your nose in anything. If we need you, we’ll call.
Sandy waves his hand in farewell and leaves. Hutch and Benchley go away riding their scooters too.
LOCATION. RESTAURANT VENUS OF MILO. DAY.
Hutch and Benchley enter the restaurant. Sandy is watching them from the distance standing round the corner.
INT. DEPUTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE. DAY.
Stone sits at the table, typing something on the computer. The door opens, a rat-like man comes into the room. Stone doesn’t pay any attention at him. The man leans to Stone’s ear and, covering his mouth with a hand, whispers something to him. Finishing whispering, he stands and looks at Stone. Stone signs him to leave. The man leaves. Stone takes the phone, dials a number.
STONE
We have one speedy mustang surfaced. He wants to snatch some oatmeal out of our crib.
INT. RESTAURANT VENUS OF MILO. DAY.
Hutch and Benchley sit at the table in the restaurant. Benchley is holding a mobile near his ear.
BENCHLEY
We have the goods. Haven’t had time to leave it yet.
INT. DEPUTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE. DAY.
Stone sits at the table and holds the mobile near his ear.
STONE
Where’s the freshman? At home? Ok, do your business, I’ll take him then. Try him in the field.
LOCATION. ENTRANCE DOOR TO THE RENTALS HOUSE. DAY.
Stone stands by the entrance sluice. Presses the intercom button with the end of his policeman stick. The screen lights up. On the screen there appears a Concierge, ugly old woman. Stone doesn’t even turn his head to the screen. The Concierge immediately opens the entrance sluice. Stone goes inside
INT. RENTALS HOUSE. CORRIDOR NEAR THE ENTRANCE SLUICE. DAY.
The entrance sluice opens. Stone enters the corridor. The Concierge opens the door to her room and smiles to Stone.
STONE
Where’s the room of the guy I’ve sent to you recently?
CONCIERGE
Second floor. He’s out, though.
STONE
When did he live?
CONCIERGE
In the morning.
STONE
Good, open his room for me. I’ll wait for him there.
(after a pause)
Don’t tell him I’m here.
INT. METALLURGICAL PLANT. WORKSHOP OF IRONSTONE RECEPTION. DAY.
The tourists were guided to the workshop. In the middle of the workshop just as in the glass-blowing plant, there is a huge round sluice. Upper doors of the sluice are open. Inside there id a pontoon which delivered the chunks of ironstone . Workers fix the pallet with stones to the cables of the gaff. The crane takes the pallet and transports it to the place of delivery..
GUIDE.
Metallurgical plant is the major construction facility of our city. Everything we see around us is mostly made of iron. As you have noticed, houses, doors, even the very city platform is made of listed iron. The demand for the plant produce is great. Though, to tell the truth, the plant’s capacity is not enough, that’s why iron stone processing is partly made by private individuals, who are called farmers by locals. Anyway, from the plant to the Earth they dispatch some less common metals in quite large quantities: scandium, yttrium, lanthanum and many other which processing on the Earth is almost impossible.
INT. SANDY’S ROOM. DAY.
Stone sits in the room. The door is open. Sandy enters the room. He sees Stone and surprises.
SANDY
Oh, and I’m thinking why the door was not open.
STONE
Where have you been?
SANDY
Went to one bar. To have a glass.
STONE
What bar?
SANDY
Pablo Picasso.
STONE
Let’s try to avoid iniatives.
SANDY
Ok.
STONE
We've got one small problem to handle.
SANDY
I see, going now?
STONE
Yeah.
INT. DRUG DEALER'S ROOM. DAY.
In the room there are flowerpots with blooming hemp everywhere. Young guy called Louis is looking after the plants. Sandy kicks out th door and enters the room. Stone goes into the room after Sandy. Louis gets frightened. Sandy flattens Louis. Stone plucks a leaf of hemp, rubs it between his fingers and smells.
STONE
Well, well. Kiddie has earned a little money selling drugs and now has some extras?
Sandy punches lying on the floor Louis in his face.
STONE
Decided to buy some bugles with your extras?
Sandy punches Louis's face one more time. He covers his bleeding face with his hands. Stone bows to him.
STONE
You are a lucky guy. You'll soon be in a place all covered with bugles .Perhaps they'll even decorate each your bone...
LOUIS
Take all I have, Stone! I've made a mistake! I'll never do one again! Forgive me! Take it all!
STONE
Are you offering me a graft? You should know policemen don't accept grafts.
LOUIS
No, no, no. I didn't want to give you a bribe. I know it's all yours here anyway!
STONE
(with exaggerated surprise)
You know that everything here is mine? I kind of start liking this witty kiddie. Maybe... I'll forgive him for the first time?
Sandy pulls Louis's head by the hair. Stone bows, leans his face to him.
LOUIS
Please, Stone! I'm begging you. It was for the first time!
STONE
Keep it in your tiny brains, that it was not only the first but your last time.
LOUIS
I got it. I won't forget.
STONE
(to Sandy)
I'm waiting for you downstairs.
Stone goes out.
SANDY
Well?
Louis convulsively opens his hiding place in the floor and takes out some diamonds and a bundle of money. Holds them out to Sandy.
SANDY
Is that it?
Louis jostles, takes out all the money he has in his pockets and puts it on the top of the bundle. He shrieks hysterically.
LOUIS
That's all I've got! Nothing else!
Sandy raises his hand threateningly at Louis. Louis falls down on the floor and raises his arms t protect himself. Sandy takes the money and goes out.
INT. GROUND NEAR THE SLUICE OF APARTMENT BUILDING. DAY.
Stone stands awaiting near the sluice. One can see through the window that concierge is not at his place. Sandy goes down the stairs. He gives diamonds and money to Stone. Stone hides them.
STONE
Well done, Sandy.
Sandy salutes jokingly as a sign that he's ready to execute his duty further.
LOCATION. EDGE OF CITY PLATFORM. SPECIALIZED ENTERTAINMENT PLATFORM. DAY.
Tourists are offered to go air-skiing hitched to a scooter. The concept is the same as in water skiing. A person is fastened to a ski of a particular configuration on which he glides in the air. With his hands, the person holds a halyard hitched to a scooter. The scooter hangs in the air, the person stands on the edge of the platform. Initial take-off run is gained on the platform then the skier steps from the platform. First , he falls a little but then, having picked up the necessary speed, glides in the air like on the surface of water. The touchdown is performed to the special landing runway on the edge of the platform. The surface of the platform is made up of lots of small rollers. The scooter goes up the platform a little and guides the skier to the runway. As the speed droops, the skier descends to the platform and he slows down due to the friction. Then the skier drops the halyard and at the end of the runway he is caught by experienced servicemen.
Michael is the first to try this extreme activity. He is fastened to a ski and takes the halyard in his hands. Michael successfully copes with initial shunts and then starts recklessly maneuvering not only to the right and left sides but up and down. Once he even glides just over the heads of the tourists when the scooter goes near the platform. The group lops down with surprise. The Japanese sit down too but keep shooting anyway. At the end of his ride Michael successfully lands on the runway. Servicemen catch him on the platform. Tourists surround Michael and start appraising him and some of them clap their hands with approval.
LOCATION. AIR-LOCKING SLUICE OF PABLO PICASSO BAR. DAY.
Stone pushes the button of intercom with the end of his nightstick. The screen lights up. Bartender's face appears on the screen. Stone doesn't turn his face to the screen. The air-locking sluice opens. Stone goes in.
INT. PABLO PICASSO BAR. DAY.
Stone stands at the bar counter. The bartender obligingly pours Stone whiskey. Stone leisurely sips .
STONE
Did a handsome brunet come here from 2 to 3 p.m.?
BARTENDER
If he came then we'll find him.
He turns a little TV screen to Stone. Presses the rewind button. On reaching the necessary period of time he stops rewinding. One can see an elderly couple entering the bar.
BARTENDER
Well, these are definitely not a handsome brunet.
He rewinds forward, two young women enter the bar, rewinds again. Two young men enter. The bartender stops the tape.
BARTENDER
One of those?
STONE
Anybody else?
BARTENDER
All other are sitting over there.
The bartender points at the present customers.
BARTENDER
Everyone who came after 3 p.m. is still here.
STONE
Good.
Stone puts his glass on the counter and goes towards the entrance.
LOCATION. OLD ABANDONED PLANT WITHOUT A ROOF. DAY.
Hutch and Benchley are waiting for Stone. Stone appears. He addresses to Benchley.
STONE
Do you remember telling me that a newcomer was sticking at home?
BENCHLEY
I do.
STONE
He was not at home.
BENCHLEY
He might have gone to wet his whistle?
STONE
That what he said, that he had been to Pablo Picasso having a drink.
BENCHLEY
And what?
STONE
He was not there too.
HUTCH
Do you think he's up to something?
STONE
Haven't you noticed a shadow?
BENCHLEY
To be honest, we didn't check.
STONE
Have you lost your nose, guys? Do you know, what happens to a dog who loses its nose?
HUTCH
Come on, Albert, don't cut loose.
STONE
The dog is sent to the knacker's yard because there it's of more use.
BENCHLEY
Why are you flying off the handle? If you need, we'll fix it just today.
STONE
Don't bully me with your stupid initiatives. We need to figure it out. Does the guy know much?
BENCHLEY
If he actually shadowed us, he knows a little.
STONE
I see. Dammit, rip the sawdust out of him.
LOCATION. BASKETBALL STADIUM. DAY.
The base of the stadium is a rectangular field bigger than an ordinary basketball court. The field is surrounded by a protective 10-yard-high net. Basketball hoops are situated at the height of 8 yards. Spectators' stands are located atilt to the field and basically, just cells big enough for a bike or scooter to fit. A spectator arrives at his place on his bike or scooter, holds and watches the competition riding his own vehicle. Lower level of one of the tribunes is an air-locked premise with large windows. This premise is destined for crème de la crème of the city and guests from the Earth. On the roof of the premise there is a microphone for a commentator to comment the competition for the whole stadium.
Players’ equipment has multiple protections, especially for knees and elbows. On the players’ backs there are hydrogen cylinders due to which they are able to jump at a height of 6-7 yards. (While shooting actors can be tied to the big balloons filled with light gas so that they could jump high) The cylinder is made of soft cloth and basically is a part of players’ equipment. Players look like American football players though shoulders and back are much bigger because there’s a hydrogen cylinder inside. According to the rules, a player is allowed to strike a blow to his opponent with his hands and feet, but only when his feet don’t touch the ground. Low blows and blows to the gorge are prohibited.
The excursion group arrives at the stadium in the bus. They are directed to the air-locked premise. There, visitors take off their oxygen equipment and sit down comfortably in the armchairs. Tribune cells are filled with bicycles and scooters. Today is the grand opening of the stadium. And there will take place the first game. Before the game spectators enjoy cheer-leaders girls dancing. City leaders arrive and take their seats in the air-locked premise. The tourists have their seats a little aside. Finally, all the cells are occupied. The opening show starts. To the stadium in the air-balloon arrives Frank Langdon, the mayor of the city. His balloon is colored like American flag. Stadium protective net opens and the mayor gets off his balloon and steps on the ground. The Japanese are excited; they film the show on video. The crowd greets the mayor cheerfully. The mayor goes through the air-locked premise and appears in the apparent commentator’s booth without a mask already. Splashes of fire outburst around the booth to underline the dignity of the occasion. Beams of color searchlights converge on the booth. The mayor bows to the microphone. The stadium calms down.
MAYOR
My dearest friends! Finally we can club and see each other just like this!
(the crowd claps cheerfully)
We have built the first stadium! The first stadium on Venus! We did it!
(the crowd cheers loudly)
Enormous pains of our citizens were put into this stadium. Pains of each of you!
(the crowd cheers)
Tonight, we are celebrating the occasion with the first game of our Venusian basketball in the real stadium. No one has ever played the game on the Earth. We are the only ones who can play our game. Because we live here! And this is our city! And may the best win!
The mayor goes down and takes his seat in the armchair followed by rousing cheers of spectators. Team Bulls vs Mustangs. Stone plays in the Bulls team with number 2. Real commentator enters the commentator’s booth. He announces the start of the game. The game starts. The Mustangs are in possession of the ball; pass it in the air to each other, jumping high and are the first to make the basket. The crowd roars. The Mustangs, using the same tactics, finish again. The Bulls attack aggressively and start punching the players of Mustang team. Those fly off to the net and fall on the field. Some of the players get injured but is not prohibited by the rules. The Bulls scarce tactics bring some results. They win two points. The Mustangs start taking deceptive actions, making false jumps and distracting Bulls players. The game goes on with varying success, but Mustangs lead.
It’s just one minute left before the final whistle. The commentator wails over Bulls losing only one score. Stone gets the ball. He jerks desperately to the basket. With a crushing blow he knocks down his opponent. He flies off and hits the net. Stone sends another one sprawling with his shoulder and the player flies to his teammate and hits him accidentally. Stone start a high jump shot, the third opponent jumps and tries to hit Stone but Stone kicks him and sends him into the net. Before the very end, Stone throws the ball. Two opponents from Mustang team attack him in the air. Punched by them, he flies off to the net and falls on the stadium floor. The spectators calm down. The ball gets into the basket. Stone gets up as if nothing had happened and raises his hand in triumph. His nose is bleeding but he seems not noticing it. The crowd cheers. The score has leveled up. There are just seconds left before the end of the game. The rival team, being beware of Stone, blocks him personally. Three players take control on Stone. Stone jerks as lightning, steps on the head of one of his opponents and jumps to the net. Two other opponents run to get him. Stone dashes one of them. He grasps the net and climbs up to the top. The second guy tries to catch him, but Stone kicks him while he is in the air and reaches the top edge of the net. He gets the pass, he catches the ball with one hand and shoots to the basket from big distance. Just a split of a second before the final whistle, the ball gets into the basket. The Bulls win. The spectators rave.
INT. BULLS CHANGING ROOM. DAY. ИНТ. РАЗДЕВАЛКА БЫКОВ. ДЕНЬ.
The players take off their uniform, they are all exhausted. Some servicemen help them and take the uniform away. Three doctors at a time examine the players and give them necessary first aid. The captain of the team looks at Stone. Stone notices his look..
CAPTAIN
Albert, thank you!
STONE
Never mind, it was our common victory.
LOCATION. FARMERS’ VALLEY. DAY.
Hutch, Benchley and Sandy arrive at another farmer’s house riding scooters. The air-locking sluice opens and a farmer goes out. He gives Hutch a small sack. Hutch throws the sack into the boot. The three guys leave.
LOCATION. OBSERVATION PLATFORM OF TV TOWER. DAY.
The tower is situated on the very edge of the city platform. That’s why from the one side one can see the whole city and from the other only Venusian atmosphere. The group of tourists stand on the observation platform. The guide tells and points.
GUIDE
The Television tower is the highest building in the whole sector. Having metal joints similar to the most famous Paris sight, our tower got the nickname “The Eiffel Tower”. It’s not as high as the original tower though.
STEPAN
(to Pavel)
Pasha, do you remember that horse-nail telling that if you don’t press the button falling, the balloon will be filled automatically?
PAVEL
I do.
STEPAN
What if it won’t?
PAVEL
Let’s try it out.
STEPAN
Let’s do it. Come on guys, give us some elbow room!
Stepan and Pavel climb the handrails and jump to the side, where the city platform ends, crying cheerfully. The Japanese rush to film the interesting moment.
GUIDE
(frightened)
What happened? Did they fall off?
CATHY
No, they jumped.
LOCATION. ATMOSPHERE OF VENUS. DAY.
Pavel and Stepan are falling. Pavel wants to push the button and turn the emergency system on. Stepan waves him and signs not to do this. After some time, emergency system turns on and the balloons are filled automatically.
LOCATION. THE EDGE OF CITY PLATFORM NEAR THE TV TOWER. DAY.
The tourist group stand on the platform and wait for the fallen tourists . Pavel and Stepan, hanging on the rescue balloons, slowly appear above the platform. The group cheers them. Pavel and Stepan salute to the visitors. Servicemen throw them ropes to return them back to the platform.
CATHY
Real men go on holiday to meet a girl, have a romance. And these ones… was that what they went to Venus for?
After a while.
Pavel and Stepan stand on the platform. The Hotel Chief Security Manager talks to them
CHIEF SECURITY MANAGER
Why did you jump from the Eiffel Tower?
STEPAN
No one would allow us to jump from the real one.
CHIEF SECURITY MANAGER
Why would anyone like to jump from the real Eiffel Tower?
PAVEL
We are on holiday!
CHIEF SECURITY MANAGER
What do you mean by holiday?
STEPAN
(giving a wave of the hand)
Can’t understand you, Americans!
CHIEF SECURITY MANAGER
Your voucher includes only one emergency balloon. For the most emergent case!
PAVEL
We will pay for your balloon, don’t scold, lad!
CHIEF SECURITY MANAGER
What if emergency system hadn’t work? You could have died! Do you realize it?
STEPAN
Why wouldn’t it have worked? Horse-nail promised it would.
Chief Security Manager desperately waves aside and goes away tired.
LOCATION. OLD ABANDONED PLANT WITHOUT A ROOF. DAY.
Hutch, Bencheley and Sandy come to the place where they usually meet Stone. Stone is already there waiting for them.
STONE
How was it?
HUTCH
Satisfactorily.
Hutch takes out some of the sacks and shows them to Stone.
STONE
Great. Take the goods to the boss. Sandy, you are free for today, but stay at your place. Just in case.
SANDY
Good.
LOCATION. HALF-OPEN GATES OF ABANDONED PLANT. DAY.
Stone goes out. Gets into the car, leaves. After a while Hutch, Benchley and Sandy go out of the gates too. Hutch and Benchley say good-bye to Sandy.
HUTCH
Well, bye, lad!
Sandy waves his hand in farewell. Hutch and Benchley leave no turning back. Sandy starts going in the opposite direction first, but then turns round. He sees that Hutch and Benchley are rather far from him. Sandy starts shadowing them.
LOCATION. CITY STREET. DAY.
Hutch and Benchley go down the street, talking lively to each other and seem not noticing anything around. Sandy follows them in a distance. Jane Coulter goes out of the local shop. She notices Sandy’s back . Jane recognizes Sandy and is very glad to see somebody acquainted
JANE
Sandy! Sandy, wait! It’s me, Jane! We were flying here together.
Sandy pretends not noticing her and speeds his step. Jane stops in surprise.
JANE
Sandy!
Sandy tries to go away quickly. Hutch and Benchley turn round the corner. Sandy follows then in a while. Hutch and Benchley goes to the end of city platform and turn round a house. They go along hand rails. Then they turn round the house aside from the edge of the platform . Sandy shadows them. He almost reaches the corner of the house where Hutch and Benchley turned but suddenly Hutch appears from the corner. Benchley follows him.
HUTCH
Oh, what a wonderful surprise?
Sandy keeps silence.
HUTCH
Were you shadow ing us, Sandy?
Sandy keeps silence.
HUTCH
Did you hear about the boss and decided to know who the boss is?
SANDY
Come on, Hutch, everyone wants to know who his boss is.
HUTCH
Everyone wants but not everyone dares to know, realizing what it can lead to. Only cover agent would dare. What, Sandy, or what is your real name? You’ve decided to know who the boss is in a week? Wanted a medal? Or imagined yourself a James Bond? Wanna know the truth – there’s no boss. It’s just a bait for brave agents.
SANDY
Whataya… Hutch? Agent? What the fuck?
BENCHLEY
Very brave agent. Brave, but stupid one.
A shot is heard behind Sandy. The bullet strikes the case with emergency balloon and kills Sandy. Stone stands behind him with a gun in his hand. A stifled woman’s cry is heard behind Stone. Stone turns back. He sees Jane rushing to the sidestreet. Stone points at Sandy’s body.
STONE
Throw it away. I’ll get her.
Stone bolts to get Jane. Hutch and Benchley drag Sandy’s body over the handrails and hurry after Stone.
LOCATION. NARROW LANES BETWEEN HOUSES. DAY.
Stone runs to the crossroads, takes a look around. Doesn't see anything, keeps running.
LOCATION. THE EDGE OF CITY PLATFORM. DAY.
Sandy bodies flies away from the edge of the platform and falls. On the emergency height the ERS system turns on. The balloon is filled with hydrogen but, as it was folded, Stone’s bullet made a lot of holes in it. The balloon is filled a little; it trembles in the air flows. Meter by meter, the body is pressed by Venusian atmosphere. First, body’s eyes blow, then his veins on arms and legs. Finally his head blows out.
LOCATION. MAIN STREET OF THE CITY. DAY.
Stone comes out of the lane to the Main street. He notices the girl’s silhouette running away. He follows her. After a while, Hutch and Benchley run out to the Main street too, notice Stone and run to get him. Stone moves in big steps trying not to take passers-by attention.
LOCATION. GROUND IN FRONT OF THE ENTRANCE SLUICE TO THE HOTEL FOR TERRESTRIAL TOURISTS. DAY.
Tourist group together with Michael stand in front of the sluice waiting for it to open. The sluice opens. The group slowly enters the sluice. Jane runs to Michael, takes his hand and leans to him.
JANE
Michael, help me! Somebody's following me!
Michael takes a look around and enters the sluice with Jane.
INT. HOTEL FOR TERRESTRIAL TOURISTS. DAY.
The entrance sluice opens. Tourists come out of the sluice. Michael takes Jane to his room.
INT. MICHAEL’S HOTEL ROOM. DAY.
The door opens. Michael and Jane come in. Michael takes his oxygen mask off. Then he starts taking Jane’s mask off. Now he can recognize her.
MICHAEL
Jane? Is it you?
JANE
Michael, he's pursuing me.
MICHAEL
Who?
JANE
A policeman.
MICHAEL
What have you done?
JANE
I saw him shoot one man.
MICHAEL
What man?
JANE
The one who was flying here with us. His name was Sandy.
MICHAEL
Sandy?
JANE
Yes, I think he was shadowing them.
Michael thinks a second and takes a decision.
MICHAEL
Stay here. Don’t leave the room.
(thinks a little more)
Call me, save your number in my phone.
He gives her his phone. Opens the door, goes out.
INT. CORRIDOR OF THE HOTEL FOR TERRESTRIAL TOURISTS. DAY.
Michael glances at the ceiling. Finds the video cameras. Goes along the corridor quickly.
INT. VIDEO SURVEILLANCE ROOM. HOTEL. DAY.
There’s Stone, Hutch, Benchley and operating officer in the room.
STONE
(to the officer)
I’ll repeat one last time. The thief has just entered the hotel. Rewind back and quick.
OFFICER
(starting rewinding)
Why didn’t you call for Chief Security Manager?
STONE
We have no time for this.
Michael comes into the room. The officer sees him.
OFFICER
(nervously)
Get out of here!
MICHAEL
I just wanted to ask one question.
OFFICER
Don’t you see I’m busy at the moment? Unauthorized people are not allowed here.
Michael notices the block with hard disks standing nearby. He pushes the button, the disk is ejected. The screens are turned off. Michael snatches the disk and breaks it in halves.
MICHAEL
Oh, I’m really sorry, it was just an accident.
Breaks it again.
MICHAEL
Gosh, how clumsy I am!
HUTCH
What are you doing, you, son of a bitch?!
MICHAEL
I’ll pay for it. It was just an accident.
Hutch and Benchley move at Michael. Michael steps back through the door.
INT. CORRIDOR OF THE HOTEL FOR TERRESTRIAL TOURISTS. DAY.
Michael is backing away along the corridor. Hutch and Benchley definitely want to give the works to Michael. Pavel and Stepan appear out of the blue from the right and left sides.
STEPAN
Mikhail, who are these khloptsy?
MICHAEL
I have no idea. Some hooligans.
HUTCH
(to Stepan)
Get lost, you, dork!
STEPAN
Dork? Pasha, did we pay for a fight?
PAVEL
Nope, we didn’t.
STEPAN
Oh, it seems to be a bonus from the travel agency?
PAVEL
Exactly, a bonus for behaving ourselves.
STEPAN
Well, poekhali!
Pavel and Stepan simultaneously punch Hutch and Benchley in their faces. The fight starts. Michael returns back to his room.
INT. MICHAEL’S HOTEL ROOM. DAY.
Michael opens the door. Jane is waiting for him.
MICHAEL
Did they have enough time to remember you?
JANE
I don’t think so.
Michael puts on the oxygen masks on Jane’s face.
MICHAEL
Follow me. Don’t raise your head.
INT. CORRIDOR OF THE HOTEL FOR TERRESTRIAL TOURISTS. DAY.
Michaels guides Jane to the fire exit. Jane goes with her head low.
MICHAEL
We will go through the fire-exit. Change your clothes, dye you hair. I’ll call you later.
JANE
I got you.
INT. FIRE EXIT AIR-LOCKING SLUICE. DAY.
Near the fire-exit there is a duty manager sitting at the table. Michael and Jane approach him.
MICHAEL
Listen, brother, help me. I met a girl here and now her husband is following us. She needs to escape somehow.
Duty manager smiles.
DUTY MANAGER
Holy cause, brother. Of course, no problem.
Duty manager opens the sluice, Jane enters it. Michael gives the duty manager a sign of appreciation and leaves.
INT. CORRIDOR OF THE HOTEL FOR TERRESTRIAL TOURISTS. DAY.
Hotel Security officers set the fighting men apart. Security guards pulled them to the sides. Pavel’s nose is bleeding, Stepan clothes are torn. Hutch and Benchley are rather mussy too. Stone stands behind them. The operation officer is there too.
STEPAN
Hey, Venusians, are you wet behind the ears? Or do you have low gravity here? Don’t try to fight the terrestrials then!
PAVEL
Hmm, let me meet you in the street again!
Chief Security Manger looks at Stone indignantly.
CHIEF SECURITY MANAGER
Are they your people? What have they done?
STONE
There is a thief in your hotel. We suppose she is hiding in one of your guest’s room.
CHIEF SECURITY MANAGER
That’s nonsense!
STONE
(to the Officer)
What’s his room number, do you know?
OFFICER
Sure, 27.
STONE
(to Сhief Security Manager)
Guide me.
Chief Security Manager guides Stone to Michael’s room.
INT. MICHAEL’S HOTEL ROOM. DAY.
Michael is sitting on the bed, reading a book. The door opens. Stone and Chief Security Manager enter the room. Stone takes a look around. Opens bathroom door.
STONE
Where?!
MICHAEL
Are you looking for a toothbrush?
Stone opens wardrobe doors and other niches where an adult can hide. He searches the room thoroughly. Throws things on the floor.
MICHAEL
Correct me if I’m wrong, are you doing an unauthorized search?
STONE
I’m looking for a thief who ran into your room.
MICHAEL
Oh? Then go on.
Stone stares at Michael. Michael holds the stare.
STONE
Is there a fire exit?
CHIEF SECURITY MANAGER
Of course. It’s a five-star hotel.
STONE
Five-star. And the only one on Venus.
Stone goes out of the room. Chief Security Manager follows him.
INT. FIRE EXIT AIR-LOCKING SLUICE. DAY.
Stone interrogates the Duty Manager. He responds.
DUTY MANAGER
He said there was her husband following her. Asked to let her out. What could I do? Guest’s wish is a law.
STONE
Did you remember her?
DUTY MANAGER
I remembered… but she was wearing a mask…
STONE
Do you know the guest?
DUTY MANAGER
Sure, he’s from room 27.
Stone turns round and leaves together with Chief Security Manager.
INT. CORRIDOR OF THE HOTEL FOR TERRESTRIAL TOURISTS. DAY.
Stone goes along the corridor. Chief Security Manager follows him.
CHIEF SECURITY MANAGER
Your people broke into our hotel, attacked our guests. We’ve never had a scandal like this.
STONE
They were your guests to attack crime witnesses.
CHIEF SECURITY MANAGER
What are you talking about? Our guests were attacked on the territory of our hotel. If the situation goes on, no one will come to Venus anymore!
STONE
Your guest destroyed the hard disk with a criminal’s image! And he did it on purpose. I can initiate a criminal case against him.
CHIEF SECURITY MANAGER
Those two men attacked by your witnesses, are foreigners. It smells like an international scandal! I’ll complain to the mayor!
Stone stops abruptly.
STONE
Where are the rooms of those foreigners?
INT. PAVEL AND STEPAN’S HOTEL ROOM. DAY.
Pavel and Stepan are sitting on their beds. Pavel is making an embrocation, Stepan helps him. The door opens. Stone and Chief Security Manager enter.
STONE
Is anyone willing to plead about the case happened?
STEPAN
If khloptsy don’t mind, we have no claims.
STONE
Khloptsy don’t have any claims and they beg your pardon for that accident.
PAVEL
We have no problems. Warmed up a little.
STONE
(to Chief Security Manager)
Does the hotel administration have anything to notify the police of?
CHIEF SECURITY MANAGER
If our clients lay no claims , neither will the hotel administration. Only we wish your witnesses never came here again.
STONE
They will never appear again.
Stone turns round and leaves.
INT. CORRIDOR OF THE HOTEL FOR TERRESTRIAL TOURISTS. DAY.
Stone is going along the corridor. Chief Security Manager is following him.
STONE
I need all available data about your guests.
CHIEF SECURITY MANAGER
About all of them?
STONE
No, about the ones who took part in today's accident.
CHIEF SECURITY MANAGER
Understood.
INT. PAVEL AND STEPAN'S HOTEL ROOM. DAY.
Pavel and Stepan are lying dressed on their beds over the bedspreads. Michael barges into the room. He closes the door behind him and gets out a bottle of local whiskey of his back.
MICHAEL
khloptsy, how about entertainment program?
Pavel and Stepan get up, smiling.
PAVEL
Mikhail, you are a master of lifting the spirits.
STEPAN
(points at the bed beside him)
Come on, sit down.
Michael takes a sit beside Stepan. Twists a lid of the bottle.
MICHAEL
Local whiskey. I have no idea what can be inside.
STEPAN
Pasha, we haven't tried local vodka yet, strike me dead! Such a luck the friend took a thought.
PAVEL
Ok, Michael, go ahead!
MICHAEL
Just like this?
PAVEL
Wanna beat about the bush?
Michael takes a sip from the bottle. Breathes out.
STEPAN
So what?
MICHAEL
Seems okay.
STEPAN
Go in!
MICHAEL
I'm done, thanks.
Stepan takes a bottle out of Michael's hand, chalks out a half of the bottle with his thumbnail. Takes a big gulp and halves a bottle. Checks with the thumbnail mark.
STEPAN
To a hair.
Passes the bottle to Pavel. Pavel empties the bottle with one gulp, breathes out.
MICHAEL
Strong?
STEPAN
Ours is strong. If you strike a match, it will just burst out. This one's not too bad.
PAVEL
Who were the jerks pursuing you, Mikhail?
MICHAEL
Jerks, right you are. It's just... well, our American stuff.
PAVEL
Fine, Mikhail, don't wanna tell anything — your right. Anyway, remember, we are always at your service.
MICHAEL
Thanks, khloptsy. You've done a lot already today.
INT. YOUNG JAPANESE COUPLE'S HOTEL ROOM. DAY.
Knock at the door. The Japanese give their permission to enter in their language. The door opens, Michael goes in. He greets them politely and tries to explain the purpose of his visit with gestures.
MICHAEL
You see, I need a face, … a face of one guy we were flying together with. You have him in your camera. In space, we were flying here. You were filming. Sandy.
JAPANESE GUY
Sandy? I have, I have!
The Japanese takes out his camera, looks through the pictures, finds Sandy and shows to Michael. He nods his head.
LOCATION. CITY STREET. DAY.
Michael walks down the street addressing to the passers-by. He shows Sandy's photo.
MICHAEL
This guy lives nearby. Haven't you seen?
The passers-by glance at the photo and shake heads. Michael goes on interrogating. Finally one woman passing buy decides to help Michael.
WOMAN
You know, if his has just arrived, try that house. There are many flats for rent, he must be renting one of them.
Michael heads for the indicated house.
LOCATION. ENTRANCE DOOR TO THE RENTALS HOUSE. DAY.
Michael presses the intercom button. The screen lights up. On the screen there appears a Concierge. Michael shows her Sandy's photo.
MICHAEL
I'm looking for my friend. They told me he rents a room at your place.
Concierge is going to turn off the screen. Michael takes out a small pack of whole bean coffee.
MICHAEL
It won't take you long.
Concierge sees the coffee and her mouth opens with surprise. She immediately open the air sluice door.
INT. CORRIDOR NEAR THE ENTRANCE SLUICE OF RENTALS HOUSE. DAY.
Michael appears from the sluice. Concierge approaches him. Michael gives her the packet of coffee.
MICHAEL
Haven't seen my friend for ages.
Concierge smells the aroma of natural coffee. She rolls her eyes with pleasure.
CONCIERGE
He rents a room on the second floor.
MICHAEL
Is he in now?
CONCIERGE
He left yesterday evening, haven't seen him since then.
MICHAEL
Would you let me take a look at his room?
Michael takes out a note and holds it between two fingers. Concierge claws the note. .
CONCIERGE
Just a second. Let me grab the key.
INT. CONCIERGE'S ROOM. DAY.
Concierge takes the key from Sandy's room. Presses a key on a keyboard of her computer. Then she goes out to the corridor. We can see the sign IMAGE TRANSMISSION on the screen.
INT. CORRIDOR NEAR THE ENTRANCE SLUICE OF RENTALS HOUSE. DAY.
Concierge shows Michael the key from Sandy's room and smiles at him.
ИНТ. SANDY'S ROOM. DAY.
Michael examines Sandy's stuff. Finds his laptop. Switches it on, looks through the information He sees some schemes of a plant, lift sluices, workshops. Michael deletes all data on the laptop.
MICHAEL
Greatly appreciate. I think, I'd better wait for my friend outside. Have a nice day.
LOCATION. ENTRANCE DOOR TO THE RENTALS HOUSE. DAY.
Michael goes out of the entrance sluice. Stone is waiting for him outside.
STONE
Are you looking for something?
MICHAEL
Right. I'm looking for some cheaper accommodation. The hotel is way too expensive.
STONE
I've made some inquires. We are colleagues, aren't we?
MICHAEL
Brilliant job. I work for police, but now I'm on my vacation.
STONE
It's my pleasure to spring you a surprise. As a policeman to a policeman.
MICHAEL
I've been expecting something of a kind.
STONE
You've been at our stadium and saw our Venusian basketball. Would you like to try your hand? Don't decline my invitation. It's a chance of a lifetime.
Michael takes a look around. He doesn't notice anything suspicious.
MICHAEL
It's my pleasure to accept your invitation.
LOCATION. BASKETBALL COURT. DAY.
Michael and Stone are standing on the court dressed up in Bull's uniform. Stone has a ball underarm.
STONE
The rules are simple. You can't attack your opponent unless you are not in the air.
MICHAEL
Okay, understood.
STONE
If you did, let the game begin.
Stone jumps and kicks Michael's chest with his both feet. Michael flies off and hits the net.
MICHAEL
I was not in the air, weren't I?
STONE
But I was.
Stone runs up to Michael and strikes him again. Michael is tumbled with a force of the strike and he falls to the ground. He tries to stand up quickly, looks around, trying to see Stone but suddenly he is knocked down again. While Michael was lifting off the toes, Stone had time to jump in the air again. Michael hits the net again. Stone runs up to him, grasps Michael and pushes him forward to the net again. Michael bounces and fall to the ground. He has his nose bleeding. Stone lifts Michael again holding the straps of the uniform and looks into his eyes.
STONE
You've been behaving badly, my dear colleague.
Stone bungs Michael to the net again. He bounces and falls. Stone punches him again.
STONE
you poked your nose into my business, Mr. Long Nose. You have breaches policemen's Code of Ethics.
Michael is lying on the ground. Stone comes closer.
STONE
I hope, the game gave you a lesson?
MICHAEL
I suppose I misunderstood the rules of the game.
STONE
You are absolutely right. It's a game with its own rules. The rules that are unfamiliar to you. Don't even try to thrust your nose in our game. It's quite traumatic. You can't even imagine how. Have you ever thought what can happen to a person on Venus if he accidentally takes off his oxygen mask just for five minutes? And we have poor people who never wake up just because their windows were poorly air-locked. It must be odd for you but I have heaps of cases of a kind. Leave, I ask you once.
Stone leaves.
LOCATION. LIBERTY SQUARE. DAY.
The group of tourists stands near the replica of the Statue f Liberty.
GUIDE
It's naturally, that the main symbol of freedom and democracy was the first monument erected in our city. The square you see around is also called Liberty. Most of solemn events are celebrated on this square. Near the square there is a luxurious residence, the most modern of all. As you can easily see yourself the building floats on a separate platform.
Near the bridge connecting the main city platform with the luxurious house a car parks. Judge Dowley, an elderly man, gets out of the car.
GUIDE
And here is, by the way, one of the most respectable residents of the house.
(to judge)
Good afternoon, Judge Dowley!
Judge politely nods his head.
JUDGE
Good afternoon.
Judge goes over the bridge to the entrance sluice of the residence. The group of tourists continue their walk and leave Liberty Square. Michael stands, looking at the Statue deep in thoughts..
LOCATION. SCOOTERS HIRE. PARKING. DAY.
The owner of the parking explains Michael how to ride a scooter. Michael has a go at handling a scooter. He learns how to lift the scooter from the surface. The he makes a test-drive. The owner holds the handle bars, Michael as a trainee, is sitting behind him.
INT. FARMERS COULTONS' HOUSE. DAY.
Hutch and Benchley are already inside the house. Jane, having a brand-new hairstyle, recognizes them only after having let them in. She's frightened because she thinks they have remembered her. But the gangsters don't recognize her, they have come to announce the rules of the game to the new-comers.
HUTCH
Don't be so scared, poor thing. We are good boys. Where's your buddy? Freddie, is he?
JANE
He'll be here soon.
HUTCH
Soon? So what, are we supposed to wait for him?
BENCHLEY
Cut it out, Hutch! Don't you see she fell for you? What do you need from Freddie?
HUTCH
Yeah, baby, there are not so many people on Venus. No one new to get acquainted with. It's luck you met good boys like us.
Hutch comes over Jane and starts mauling her.
HUTCH
Are you trembling? Is it your first time?
BENCHLEY
For the first time? She has been married for good time.
HUTCH
Ah, I got you. She's just pretending. Wanna play?
Jane is quaking with fright. No word can come from her mouth.
HUTCH
Let's play baby. We are plumbers. Where's your leak?
Hutch tears Jane's blouse apart.
LOCATION. SCOOTERS HIRE. PARKING. DAY.
Michael has learnt how to ride a scooter. He pays to the owner, gets on the scooter and leaves..
LOCATION. OPEN SPACE. DAY.
Michael is bombing through the space. He sees two dots approaching him. Flying closer he recognizes Hutch and Benchley. They look back at him, but keep going.
INT. FARMERS COULTONS' HOUSE. DAY.
Michael goes inside. He sees Jane in tears with her blouse torn. One can see the on her face that she was beaten. Beside Jane there's Freddie in a state of complete prostration. He has a black eye.
MICHAEL
Are they two jerks who were with the policeman?
Jane nods.
MICHAEL
Did they recognize you?
JANE
They didn't. They pursued other objectives.
FREDDIE
They call it break-in. For new-comers.
MICHAEL
What do you mean? Why would they need to break-in you?
Michael comes over to Jane and Freddie and lays hands on their shoulders.
MICHAEL
What's going on, guys? Explain me.
After a while. The Coultons came to life a little. Jane has changed her clothes. They all are sitting around having coffee.
FREDDIE
First, the farmers were digging for the ironstone. There's no much of it, but it costs a pretty penny here and no one gave up the production. But then... diamonds were mined for the first time.
MICHAEL
What? Diamonds?
FREDDIE
Yeah, diamonds.
MICHAEL
That's the truth of it!
FREDDIE
We've just got to know about the diamonds. Why did we come her?
MICHAEL
And what do Stone and his watchdogs want?
FREDDIE
They take the diamonds?
MICHAEL
What do you mean-take?
FREDDIE
Without remainders. They search the houses and if they find even one hidden diamond they prosecute the farmer. Ruthlessly.
MICHAEL
So everyone abides?
FREDDIE
There was one farmer, Ross. He didn't want to abide. They killed him and said that if anyone is discontent they may send their claims to the police.
MICHAEL
Who leads the farmers. Do you have an administration or anything?
FREDDIE
There's no administration. If only Stam...
MICHAEL
Who's that?
FREDDIE
Stam Jackson, an old farmer. He's the only one who dares to object them.
MICHAEL
Jackson? Very famous name.
Michael takes out his cellphone, connects to a database.
MICHAEL
Hail Columbia! Curious man. Is it he?
Michael shows Stam's picture in his database.
JANE
Yes, he is Mr. Jackson.
MICHAEL
Where does this Stam live?
INT. STAM'S AIRSHIP. DAY.
Interior of the airship. Sluice gates open and Michael goes in. Stam is waiting for him with a zip gun in his hands.
STAM
What a mischief has brought you to waste my air?
MICHAEL
Two bastards raped Freddie Coulton's wife.
STAM
Why should I care?
MICHAEL
They promised to come again.
STAM
Do you think it's a city police department? You've made a mistake, sir.
MICHAEL
But you know what hell is going on here, don't you?
STAM
Why are you poking your nose in other people's business? Got to hell , if you want to leave this place on your feet.
MICHAEL
Can't believe you like the things going on around.
STAM
Have you seen too many westerns, Mr. Hero? Turn tall and run until you can.
MICHAEL
I've made done some homework, Mr Jackson.
STAM
I have no time to listen to you, dirty snooper!
MICHAEL
You were expelled from the college. For a fight.
Stam doesn't understand why Michael reminded the case in the college.
MICHAEL
You came it too strong, I think, but you intervened on behalf of an ordinary guy.
STAM
When you are young, anything could happen.
MICHAEL
You intervened. Only you. Everyone else stood back. No one even lifted a finger. But you attacked the opponent much stronger than you, more than that, armed with an iron bar.
STAM
Why do you rake over the dust and ashes of the past?
MICHAEL
Because you are the person I can trust.
STAM
Listen, guy, just leave. And no one will be hurt.
MICHAEL
I'm not done, Mr. Jackson. I know that you are a son of Colonel Jackson, the national hero.
Stam takes his gun away and put it aside. Turns his back to Michael, comes to the window and looks into the distance.
MICHAEL
You must know all the farmers?
STAM
Why do you need farmers? Stone has the power. He has hell-raised bastards, armory, weapons.
Michael points at his zip gun.
MICHAEL
And what about you?
STAM
We are not hell-raisers, unfortunately.
LOCATION ABONDONNED PLANT WITHOUT A ROOF. DAY.
Hutch and Benchley are waiting on the usual place. Stone appears.
HUTCH
Boss, it seems as if your sermons for humility didn't touch the soul of our dear guest?
BENCHLEY
Aha, they haven't touched him. He didn't give a damn to your warnings.
STONE
Why do you think so?
HUTCH
Otherwise, why on Earth he would go to the Farmers' Valley?
STONE
Did you see that with your own eyes?
HUTCH
Yeap. We've just been there. He almost rode down on us.
STONE
(after some speculations)
That's what I thought. We have to blow him away.
HUTCH
When?
STONE
The sooner the better. He must have got to know about the diamonds already.
BENCHLEY
Do you think one of the farmers would dare to cough up?
STONE
Never forget, he's a cop. And in all appearances, he's a good cop.
BENCHLEY
Good cops are to be buried in good coffins. Sorry, Albert.
STONE
I'll cut-off the hotel. He'll start beat up and down. Find him and... it should be an accident. Poisoned by local atmosphere or something of a kind.
HUTCH
We'll do it, boss.
INT. STAM'S AIRSHIP. DAY.
Besides Stam and Michael inside the airship gathered farmers Freddie and Jane Coultons, Georgievich, Lee. There's always Emily Ross with them, a beautiful woman about 30 years old.
GEORGIEVICH
We have discussed all this thousand times. Beleve me, we're tired of talking already.
MICHAEL
But you don't like the things going on, do you?
GEORGIEVICH
No, we don't, but the matter is, Stone does.
MICHAEL
Well, you've discussed it thousand times. What were you talking about?
GEORGIEVICH
That we live like rats, but living like this is better than not living at all. That the police, that should protect us, destroy us instead. That Mrs. Ross became a widow at the age of 28 and it has changed nothing. About the children we have, about their lives we cherish. Is it enough or do you wish me continue?
Michael takes a look at Emily and realizes that he fell for her.
GEORGIEVICH
You are a policeman. It's you to tell us how the situation can be changed. Tell your management about the mess happening here. Arrest, Stone, finally.
MICHAEL
Stone is only a deputy sheriff. Does a sheriff himself have a bearing on this?
STAM
Moulin became a sheriff only because he's mayor's nephew.
GEORGIEVICH
Sheriff is a young guy, run-of-the-mill. I doubt that he has anything to do with Stone's business. Stone is not the one to share with each innocent sheep. The fact is he is frightened by Stone, I swear you.
MICHAEL
After taking the diamonds, what does Stone do with them?
STAM
How can we know about it?
LEE
It's evident, that the diamonds are somehow delivered to the Earth. No one needs them here. If they were sold here, every dog would know.
MICHAEL
It means, that a courier regularly flies to Earth with diamonds. May Hutch or Benchley be engaged?
EMILY
No, these bastards never absent themselves for a long time. They are always somewhere about.
STAM
If the diamonds were carried by the same courier every time, we would have his number long time ago. Moreover it's impossible for one man to carry all the diamonds alone through the space.
GEORGIEVICH
If we get to know how Stone delivers diamonds to Earth, will the life become easier for us?
MICHAEL
The matter is, at the moment I can't file any criminal charges against Stone. I can't even prove that he has something to do about Hutch and Benchley. No one has ever seen Stone touching the diamonds with his own hands. From the legal point of view he has never seen or heard about them. But as soon as we trace back the network Stone uses to ship the diamonds to Earth, we will have the necessary clues.
GEORGIEVICH
It sounds marvelous, Mr. Thorne. There's one thing you didn't take into account, there's not a single spy among us. We won't know anything even in a year.
MICHAEL
I saw designing schemes of metallurgical plant in Melvin's computer.
EMILY
Who's Melvin?
MICHAEL
Deep cover-agent, shot by Stone.
LEE
How can it be connected to he plant?
MICHAEL
I dunno. But id the diamonds are shipped to the Earth not by a courier, they must be delivered together with industrial supplies.
EMILY
The metallurgic plants supplies ingots of less-common metals to the Earth.
MICHAEL
Ingots, exactly. Can the supplies of heavy metal ingots on a distance of millions miles be justified? They are rare elements, but not platinum or gold, by the way.
GEORGIEVICH
You ask us trigger off war with the director of metallurgical plant? If he is on the same side with Stone, we're definitely dead men.
LEE
I'm at your service, Mr. Thorne.
Farmers look at Lee with surprise.
EMILY
So am I.
GEORGIEVICH
What do you say, Stam?
STAM
I haven't decided yet.
LOCATION. SCOOTERS HIRE. PARKING. DAY.
Michael arrives at parking riding a scooter. He returns the scooter back to the owner. He is heading to the hotel when he notices Hutch and Benchley following his steps.
INT. CORRIDOR OF THE HOTEL FOR TERRESTRIAL TOURISTS. DAY.
In front of the hotel there are three sturdy guys keeping a wary eye on the street. On a distance we can see Michael. He notices the sturdy guys, estimates the situation and turns to the sidestreet.
LOCATION. NARROW LANE IN FRONT OF THE FIRE EXIT FROM THE HOTEL. DAY.
Two sturdy fellows are on duty in front of the fire exit sluice. Michael cautiously peep out from the corner. He sees the sturdy guys. He crosses the street almost running. After a while at the same place Hutch and Benchley cross the street, pursuing Michael.
LLCATION. MULTILEVELED PART OF THE CITY. DAY.
Michael goes up the fire ladder. Hutch and Benchley follow him Michael is trying to shuffle his route, he turns to small lane, side streets, gaps between houses. He climbs down fire ladders. Climbs over some small obstacles , goes up again. Then he jumps down on the roof of the house and runs along. He runs to the edge of the roof. The distance to the opposite house is rather big, but considering the fact that gravity on Venus is less than one on the Earth, Michael manages to reach the opposite roof in one jump. He goes on running. Hutch and Benchley stop at the edge of the roof. They realize that they have not a single chance to jump over the gap. Hutch takes out his cellphone, calls Stone.
INT. BULLS' CHANGING ROOM. DAY.
Bulls team is changing after a training session. Stone's mobile rings. He picks up a phone, listens to Hutch.
HUTCH
Boss, he made away.
STONE
What happened?
HUTCH
That jerk jumps like a panther. He's just arrived from Earth. His muscles are not atrophied like ours.
STONE
Where are you?
HUTCH
District of 53 street.
Stone puts the phone down. He falls into deep thoughts.
CAPTAIN
Any problems, Albert?
Stone has a plan.
STONE
There's one swindler in the city. Runs fast, jumps high. He's just come from the Earth our gravity is nothing for him yet. I don't wanna use guns, he's a human none the less. I can't gid the way out.
CAPTAIN
(loudly)
Guys we gotta help Stone to catch one criminal. He's just from Earth, jumps from roof to roof like a ball. Ordinary people can't catch him. Do you have a picture of him?
Stone finds Michael's photo in his phone, shows to basketball players.
LOCATION. MULTILEVELED PART OF THE CITY. DAY.
Basketball players in Bulls uniforms jump from one roof to another. They jump over the big gaps. They stop at the edge of the roofs, look at the people passing by. Keep going. They easily jump from one level to another both up and down. Finally, one of them notices Michael. He gives others a sign. Michael realizes that he was found and tries to disappear in the labyrinth of lanes and side streets. But the circle of chasers tapers away.
LOCATION. MULTILEVELED PART OF THE CITY. DEAD END.DAY.
Having cornered Michael, Bulls jump on him, twist his arms.
CAPTAIN
Hey, jumper, end up in a bad way?
MICHAEL
You are not bad too.
CAPTAIN
Who are you?
MICHAEL
A tourist.
Stone, wearing the police uniform, comes over them.
CAPTAIN
A tourist? So you have enough money to pay for the space flight. Why do you need to steal?
STONE
Thanks, guys! Bring him to my car.
MICHAEL
Actually, I'm a cop.
Mistrustful silence.
MICHAEL
It's easy to check if you take those bruisers away from the hotel doors. People in the hotel can prove my words.
CAPTAIN
(to Stone)
Damn it, Albert, you forgot to mention that he's a policeman.
Stone keeps silence.
CAPTAIN
(to Michael)
And what's your fault?
MICHAEL
I've got to know too much about Stone's affairs. Now he desperately wants me to suffocate or accidentally slash my wrists.
Captain thinks for a while. Then he looks at Stone and Michael.
CAPTAIN
How many days on Venus do you have left, Mr. Tourist?
MICHAEL
By the way, my shuttle leaves tomorrow.
CAPTAIN
Well, let's do the following. We'll keep the tourist at our place till tomorrow. And tomorrow we'll see him off to the shuttle. Sorry, Albert. I don't wanna have anything to do with your police affairs. And even more, I don't want our team to get into a mess. Tomorrow, we'll all wave farewell to each other. A fair game? If anyone doesn't agree, I don't care!
INT. ARRIVAL HALL. DAY.
The group of tourists is getting ready to board the shuttle which will bring them to the on-orbit station. Michael is standing surrounded by two well-built sportsmen. Chief Security Manager comes over Michael. He has Michael's documents and stuff in his hands.
CHIEF SECURITY MANAGER
Your things, Mr. Thorne. Check if everything alright, please.
MICHAEL
Thank you very much. I'm sure everything's just fine.
CHIEF SECURITY MANAGER
On behalf of the hotel administration I would like to apologize for any inconveniences. They were not our fault.
MICHAEL
I'm good, thanks.
Chief Security Manager leaves. Stepan and Pavel approach Michael.
STEPAN
Whoare these khloptsy, Mikhail?
MICHAEL
Don't worry, Stepan. They are friends.
Pavel and Stepan go back to their luggage. Stone appears, comes over Michael.
STONE
Mr. Thorne, would you be so kind to follow me to the search office?
CAPTAIN
What for, Albert?
STONE
Just a formality. I would ask attesting witnesses to join us.
Michael follows Stone accompanied by four sportsmen.
INT. SEARCH OFFICE. DAY
Michael, Stone, Captain and three sportsmen are in the room.
STONE
Do you have any prohibited matters with you, Mr. Thorne?
Michael keeps silence.
STONE
Show us the contents of your pockets.
Michael takes out his wallet from the pocket. Stone takes it and looks inside. He takes out the money and puts in his pocket. Returns the wallet to Michael.
STONE
You may go, Mr. Thorne.
CAPTAIN
Why, Albert?
STONE
For us to sleep well today.
Stone draws the curtain of search room. Pavel and Stepan appear to stand behind it.
STONE
Gentlemen, do you want to miss your shuttle? I warn you that the next shuttle you will have to wait long spending wonderful time in my custody suite.
Pavel and Stepan step aside unwillingly. Stone steps aside too waiting for Michael to board the shuttle and fly away.
INT. SHUTTLE CABIN. OPEN SPACE.
Passengers sit like sardines in a can, just as on their way to Venus. Stepan and Pavel sit next to Michael.
MICHAEL
Motherfucker. He took all my money.
PAVEL
We saw.
MICHAEL
I have no right to leave.
INT. ON-ORBIT STATION. DEPARTURE LOUNGE.
Michael is sitting on the bench depressed. Stepan and Pavel come over him. Pavel holds out a ticket to Venus to Michael.
PAVEL
Mikhail, I don't know why you need all this, but if you have decided, it's a good thing.
Michael takes a ticket.
MICHAEL
Thank you, friends!
Stepan snatches out his flask.
STEPAN
We saved it for the way back, but now we think you need it better. In hard times, take a sip, remember us.
Stepan presents his flask to Michael. Michael gives Stepan and Pavel a hug.
MICHAEL
If I come back to Earth, I'll find you guys, I promise.
PAVEL
Go, Mikhail. Boarding will be soon over. Good luck!
STEPAN
We hope you know what to do?
INT. SHUTTLE CABIN. OPEN SPACE.
Michael is sitting with his belt fastened looking through the window. He sees the shuttle smoothly detaching from the station.
INT. TRAINING CLASS. DAY.
At the teacher's table there is the Instructor. Michael is sitting at the desk.
INSTRUCTOR
It's impossible. Why didn't anyone tell me in advance?
MICHAEL
But I've already done the training course. Just give me the ERS I returned to you in the morning. You have me in all your databases. And in yours, check it.
INSTRUCTOR
Devilment! It's for the first time. I've stocked your system already. We have а significant passenger turnover, by the way.
MICHAEL
I went to the station on business. My friend Mr. Stone asked me for a favor. And now he is impatiently waiting for me and he would be really sad if I made him wait any longer.
INSTRUCTOR
Mr. Stone? Oh… I greatly respect Mr. Stone. Okay, I have one system left. But only because it’s for Mr. Stone.
MICHAEL
I sincerely appreciate. You are the best instructor on this side of our Solar system.
INSTRUCTOR
Don’t make me blush. Tell Mr. Stone I’m always at his service.
LOCATION. BRIDGE CONNECTING THE SPACEPORT AND CITY PLATFORM.
Michael, wearing his oxygen mask already, is half-running over the bridge. He sees the bus parked near the bridge. But just as Michael comes closer, it takes off and starts picking up speed. Michael runs down the bus, knock at the door to attract driver’s attention. The driver, Gampa, notices Michael’s actions, puts on the brake, opens the door. Michael jumps into the bus promptly. The driver gives Michael a sign showing his discontent of passenger’s lack of discipline. Michael expresses his regret in signs and shows his appreciation. The bus takes off.
LOCATION. THE END OF THE CITY ROAD. DAY.
The bus with Michael inside goes along the main city road. The road ends and the bus glides to the open space and keeps going.
LOCATION. FARMERS’ VALLEY. DAY.
The bus arrives at Emily Ross’ house. Stops. Michael gets off the bus and steps on the porch. The bus leaves.
LOCATION. PORCH IN FRONT OF EMILY ROSS’ ENTRANCE SLUICE. DAY.
Michael is standing on the porch, presses the intercom button. The screen light up and Emily’s face appears. She sees Michael and opens the entrance sluice without saying a word.
INT. INTERIOR OF EMILY’S HOUSE. DAY.
Michael goes out of entrance air-locking sluice to the interior room of Emily’s house. Emily is standing right in front of him.
MICHAEL
Mrs. Ross…
Emily rushes to embrace Michael and they tumble on the bed together. Michael loves her back.
INT. BED IN EMILY’S ROOM. DAY.
Exhausted after sexual intercourse, Emily is lying on Michael’s shoulder. After some rest, she asks.
EMILY
Tea, coffee?
MICHAEL
On Earth, people usually start with this.
EMILY
It’s too complicated on Earth.
MICHAEL
Then it’s too good we’re not on Earth.
INT. CORRIDOR LEADING TO THE COCKPIT OF INTERPLANETARY SPACESIP. FAINT LIGHTING.
Cathy went to the part of the ship where passengers are not allowed. She has just finished her exercises and she is still wearing her quite frivolous training suit. Cathy goes along the corridor, refreshing open parts of her body with wet wipes. Cathy sees open door of cockpit. Bright stars are seen through the transparent parts of the cockpit. Cathy comes over the door, looks into. Inside the cockpit there are two bored pilots reclined in their armchairs.
CATHY
What’s this? Is it where the spacecraft operated?
INT. COCKPIT OF INTERPLANETARY SPACESHIP.
Space pilots simultaneously turn to Cathy in their armchairs and look at Cathy. Cathy realizes that she came somewhere she is not allowed, so she behaves very shy. The pilots examine Cathy’s trained body. Faint lighting conceals age-related wrinkles on Cathy’s face and she looks much younger and prettier.
FIRST SPACEPILOT
Do you want to try first pilot’s chair, ma’am?
CATHY
May I?
ASSISTING SPACEPILOT
Ma’am, beautiful women may do anything and anywhere.
First space pilot gets out of his armchair and gently take Cathy a seat. Cathy takes a look around with great interest.
CATHY
I couldn’t even imagine it’s so interesting in here.
FIRST SPACEPILOT
Some champagne, ma’am?
CATHY
Champagne, here?
FIRST SPACEPILOT
I think champagne is just a drink worthy the charming woman like you are.
CATHY
I haven’t heard so pleasant words from men for a long long time.
INT. INTERPLANETARY SPACESHIP.CABIN.
The Japanese couple look through the photos and videos they took on Venus. They cheerfully comment on the most interesting episodes they have recorded. Stepan and Pavel after big amounts of strong alcohol sleep in their beds all dressed and with shoes on them. They snore loudly.
INT. COCKPIT OF INTERPLANETARY SPACESHIP.
The lights are off. Cathy and two space pilots are having sex. Cathy’s feet are balked into the glazing of cockpit.
CATHY
It’s a pity we are flying to Earth so fast. Can we fly a little slower?
FIRST SPACEPILOT
Be carefully, ma’am, don’t touch the red button.
INT. SHERIFF’S OFFICE. DAY.
Sheriff goes inside his office. He has just entered the building and still has his emergency system on. He is followed at tail by Mrs. Miller, an old lady with a surly disposition.
SHERIFF
Mrs. Miller, I explained you before, we are having a look for your pension card.
MILLER
It’s been a month already and thieves are not yet prosecuted.
Sheriff takes a seat at his working place, welcomes Mrs. Miller to take a seat too.
SHERIFF
Take a seat, please. Make yourself comfortable.
MILLER
You tell me, have you found the thieves, after all?
SHERIFF
How can we find them if you don’t even remember where you had lost your card? It may be somewhere in your house!
MILLER
I searched every corner at home. It’s gone. If it’s gone then it was stolen. And you, if you are unwilling to seek for the thieves, just tell it honestly. Honestly confess that you don’t want to fulfill your responsibilities.
SHERIFF
Mrs. Miller, you have filed a complaint, we have taken it into consideration. Don’t interfere in our police work! It’s been a month already you, Mrs. Miller, distracting the police from fulfilling its responsibilities.
MILLER
Yes, it’s been a month I’m forcing you to do your duty but you don’t have any wish to do it anyway.
SHERIFF
If you feel dissatisfied with the police actions, you can write an official complaint to city administration. Now I would ask you to leave my office. Otherwise…
MILLER
Otherwise what? You’ll put me behind the bars? Of course, you are ready to lock up all innocent and decent people only not to deal with criminals.
Sheriff stands up, goes round the table and deliberately lays his hand on the back of a chair Mrs. Miller sits on. He shows the door with his other hand.
SHERIFF
Let me show you out, Mrs. Miller.
Mrs. Miller plucks at the table. Button of emergency system turning on sheriff’s ERS is just on the level of Mrs. Miller’s eyes.
MILLER
I shall park myself here! Take off your dirty hands!
SHERIFF
Stand up Mrs. Miller or I will have to qualify your actions as resisting official authorities.
MILLER
Are you uttering threats on me, you pupster?!
She presses the button of emergency filling of hydrogen balloon on sheriff’s harness system.
MILLER
Get some, you, dirty cop!
Sheriff’s emergency balloon starts filling with oxygen, pushing Sheriff to Mrs. Miller. The balloon, becoming bigger, pushes people, tables, chairs to the walls. Sheriff cries in panic.
SHERIFF
Albert, Albert!
INT. DEPUTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE. DAY.
Stone sits at his working place, typing something on his computer. He hears Sheriff’s cries behind the wall. He gets up and goes out to the corridor.
INT. CORRIDOR IN POLICE DEPARTMENT BUILDING. DAY.
Stone comes to Sheriff's door, knocks. Unclear mumbling is heard behind the door. Stone opens the door abruptly. A part of blown balloon comes out and hits Stone. Stone estimates the situation, takes out a knife and cuts the balloon. The balloon starts blowing off, extinguishing hydrogene out. Stone is coughing. He breaks the glass of emergency button “Forced air ventilation”. Presses the button. The internal air is ventilated. Hydrogene in balloon gas bag is completely blown away. We can see a complete devastation in sheriff's office. Mrs. Miller and Sheriff were pressed against the wall and now they are rubbing their bruises. Miller is moaning loudly and sits down on the floor. Sheriff points Stone at her.
SHERIFF
Lock this old... lady up, for an assassination attempt on sheriff.
INT. DEPUTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE. DAY.
Stone is sitting at the table. The door opens. Sheriff comes in.
SHERIFF
Albert, thanks to the old witch I can even go outside. I need a new cylinder, a new balloon. Who's gonna fix it all? Shit! Maybe a new system would be even better?
STONE
I can go to spaceport for you. Alex always have extra systems.
SHERIFF
Do it for me, Albert, please. I'm begging you.
STONE
Sure, sheriff.
LOCATION. MAIN CITY STREET. DAY.
Stone gets into his police car. Lifts the car above the road surface. Takes off.
INT. CLASSROOM. DAY.
Instructor is watering the flowers in the class. The door opens. Stone comes in.
STONE
Hello, Alex.
INSTRUCTOR
Good afternoon, Mr. Stone.
STONE
Sheriff's got a little problem, so, to cut the long story short, he needs a new emergency system.
INSTRUCTOR
I don't have any at the moment.
STONE
Haven't you heard who needs a new system?
INSTRUCTOR
(with his hands to his heart)
I have. I'm always at service for police. I've just given the last one today.
STONE
Alex, how long have you been trading in unused cylinders? And now, when I once in a blue moon asked you for a favor, you are refusing me?
INSTRUCTOR
Mr. Stone, I swear by the Lord, I don't have anything at the moment. I'll get you as many cylinders as you'd like.
STONE
Sheriff can't wait till tomorrow, he needs to go here and there today. If anything happens, who will need your cylinders tomorrow?
INSTRUCTOR
But I really don't have any! I have given the last one to a friend of yours.
Stone turns round with displeasure and goes out of the classroom not saying a word. Then he suddenly stops. Turns around.
STONE
What friend of mine, damn it!
INSTRUCTOR
A handsome, tall guy.
STONE
With tattoos?
INSTRUCTOR
Nope.
STONE
Why on Earth have you decided he is my friend?
INSTRUCTOR
He told that. He said he was carrying out your task. I did what he asked me for.
STONE
It doesn't make sense. Why would he come to you?
INSTRUCTOR
He didn't come. He flied here on shuttle. People coming on shuttle, get systems from me... well, you know.
For a moment Stone freezes bewildered. He has an unpleasant guess.
STONE
What was he wearing?
INSTRUCTOR
Ehh, jeans and black leather jacket.
STONE
What's his name?
INSTRUCTOR
Just let me check for you, I have him in my database.
Instructor sits at his computer. Types sends a request to the database.
INSTRUCTOR
Here he is, Michael Thorne. Did I do everything right, Mr. Stone?
STONE
Did he have a ticket?
INSTRUCTOR
Of course. No doubts.
STONE
Where's he now?
INSTRUCTOR
I dunno. He might have gone by bus.
STONE
What time did it happen?
INSTRUCTOR
(trying to remember)
The arrival is at six thirty, to and fro... at about seven o'clock.
INT. MOTOR CAR PARK CONROLLER'S OFFICE. DAY.
Traffic controller is sitting at control board. Stone is standing beside.
CONTROLLER
I'm ready to help you, Mr. Stone.
STONE
I need to find out who picked up the passengers from spaceport today at 7 o'clock.
CONTROLLER
Oh, let me have a look. I think it was Gampa. Yes, exactly.
STONE
Where's he at the moment?
Controller takes a microphone, goes on the air.
CONTROLLER
Number seventeen, do you hear me?
GAMPA
The line is fucking bad, is that what you wanted to hear?
CONTROLLER
Stop frivolous talking on the air! Where are you, seventeen?
GAMPA
I'm coming back to the city. I'll be there in half an hour.
Controller points at the map.
CONTROLLER
He's somewhere here, Mr. Stone. You may wait for him if you like.
STONE
Thank you, I won't.
LOCATION. OPEN SPACE. DAY.
The bus is floating in the air. The driver, Gampa, is in the air-locked cabin. He's not wearing a mask. He is listening to music. Stone's car runs to intercept the bus. The bus stops the air screw and stops. Stone's car is hovering opposite driver's cabin. Stone shows Michael's photo through the glass. The driver is looking attentively then nods as if to say that he recognized the man. Stone ask with signs — where? The driver points in the direction of Farmers' Valley. Stone demands the driver to be more precise. The driver breathes to the window and writes with his finger: Mrs. Ross.
STONE
(to himself loudly)
Emily Ross.
Stone thanks the driver with a nod. Gets into his car and leaves.
INT. INTERIOR OF EMILY ROSS' HOUSE. DAY.
Michael and Emily are sitting at the table drinking coffee.
MICHAEL
I couldn't even imagine I will meet a woman to go off my head about on Venus.
EMILY
It's been two years anybody called me a woman. Maybe, that's the reason?
MICHAEL
Are you sure Stone is guilty in your husband's death? Can you be mistaken?
EMILY
Stone or his henchmen, it makes no difference. Stone gave the order anyway.
MICHAEL
You said you are ready to help, but it might be dangerous.
EMILY
Yes, it IS dangerous. But I can't stand seeing grinning faces of my husband's killers anymore. You saw what happened to Jane. The life I'm living is worth than death.
Emily's mobile ringing. She picks up the phone.
EMILY
(over the phone)
Brought? Oh, you are here already? Connect.
MICHAEL
(alerted)
Who's that?
EMILY
They deliver oxygen half-priced.
MICHAEL
Stolen, isn't it?
EMILY
We aren't used to ask.
(over the phone)
Connected? Then inflate. No? Money first?
(turning the mobile off)
Douchebag
Emile stands up, puts her oxygen mask on and comes over the entrance sluice.
EMILY
I'll be right back. Just give money to the dealer.
Emily goes through the sluice. Michael, expecting a trouble, is alertedly looking around for something weighty. Emily is soon coming back. Turns the oxygen flow valve. Turns her mobile on again.
EMILY
(over the phone)
Come on, pump!
A sound of oxygen flowing into cylinders under pressure is heard. An arrow is indicating the bars.
EMILY
I hope it's not like last time with marvelous rubber odor.
The flow is done. Emily turns the valve to open oxygen ventilation. Smell of rubber is slightly recognized.
EMILY
(over the phone)
Smells like rubber again, you bastard! Just dare to come here again!
MICHAEL
It actually smells like rubber.
EMILY
You can bear whatever for half price. Don't pay attention, you'll get used soon.
Mechanical signal is heard.
EMILY
Great, just in time. Wait a second, the elevator lifted.
Emily goes to the working part of the house. Turns outdoors video camera on. We can see on the screen that under the house the elevator has lifted up the cable. Emily, handling the joystick, leads the pallet with ironstone into the sluice. Lower doors of the sluice close and it is filled with air. Upper doors of sluice open. The pallet with ironstone is in there.
MICHAEL
It's kind of sour in the mouth, what's that?
EMILY
You sipped some carbon dioxide. It comes through the sluice anyway.
Emily takes a piece of the ironstone out.
EMILY
Here it is, our work. It's ironstone.
Michael takes the stone in his hands, examines. From the bottom of the pallet Emily takes some small dull glass balls. Offers Michael.
EMILY
And here is what we are killed for.
Michael is swinging diamonds in his hands.
MICHAEL
Yes, damn it! It must cost a fortune on Earth?
EMILY
The quality is not of the first water, but it costs something for sure. Let's return to our coffee.
Michael and Emily sit at the table again. Drink coffee.
MICHAEL
Stone gang has been ruling for more than two years. All this time, have you tried to stop them?
EMILY
We tried to transmit some offers to Earth, but... The Earth is really too far. And no one dares to square up after my husband was murdered. No one takes a risk.
MICHAEL
Lee said he was ready to help.
EMILY
What is your plan?
MICHAEL
I need to get to the metallurgical plant. I think they ship diamonds inside the ingots. Usual customs scanner can't identify them in metal. I want to take a look at those ingots.
EMILY
Then, let's go to Lee's place. Let's think together how we can help you in you task.
LOCATION. PORCH IN FRONT OF ENTRANCE SLUICE OF EMILY ROSS' HOUSE. DAY.
Michael and Emily comes out of the sluice to the porch. Hutch and Benchley jump on the porch just out of nowhere. They are armed with knifes. Hutch catches Emily, presses her to him and holds a knife to her throat. Benchley raises his knife against Michael.
BENCHLEY
Welcome back to Venus!
Benchley tries to hit Michael with his knife. Michael evades the hit instinctively. The knife brushes the straps of Michael's harness causing no harm. Michael catches Benchley's hand and and blows him with left across the liver, then twists his arm, takes his knife. Benchley falls flat, hardly breathing.
HUTCH
Are you a boxer?
MICHAEL
We are all sportsmen in the past.
Michael grasps Benchley's hair and holds the knife to his throat.
MICHAEL
(to Hutch)
Wanna exchange?
HUTCH
Nope.
Hutch cuts the button of emergency system from Emily's harness and throws it away. Then he pushes Emily from the porch.
HUTCH
Catch her!
Michael leaves Benchley and follows Emily. Hutch and Benchley come to the edge of the porch and see the falling go down and down.
BENCHLEY
Do you think he will catch her?
HUTCH
I doubt.
LOC. VENUSIAN ATMOSPHERE. OPEN SPACE. DAY.
Emily is falling down. Erecting himself to diminish air resistance, Michael is trying to get Emily. Finally he catches up Emily and holds her tightly with his arms. At this moment the barometric switcher of emergency hydrogen cylinder comes into action. Michael's balloon is blown up and they hang in the air together with Emily. As the balloon is designed for one person, they can't get necessary height.
LOCATION. PORCH IN FRONT OF ENTRANCE SLUICE OF EMILY ROSS' HOUSE. DAY.
Hutch and Benchley are standing on the porch. They see Michael's balloon inflating.
BENCHLEY
So what, did he catch..?
HUTCH
The devil know! I can't see anything from here.
Hutch and Benchley see that from tho farmers' houses bicycles are flying to their side.
BENCHLEY
We need to finish this jerk.
HUTCH
You see the witnesses, don't you?
BENCHLEY
Stone will shut 'em up.
HUTCH
What if they have video cameras?
BENCHLEY
It's entirely Stone's problems. Let him decide.
HUTCH
His problems? If they record us on video, Stone will send us after that stupid girl and her husband. And then Stone wouldn't have any problems.
BENCHLEY
What are we supposed to tell him now?
HUTCH
Come on, let's blow the joint before there's a trouble. We'll think about Stone after.
Hutch and Benchley get on their scooters and leave.
LOC. VENUSIAN ATMOSPHERE. OPEN SPACE. DAY.
Michael and Emily are hanging in open space on one balloon. Michael is holding Emily with one his arm and with another he's trying to takes out cut wires of her system. Finally he succeeds and he makes an attempt to connect bared wires to each other. The wires touch, emergency cylinder is activated. Emily's balloon is inflating.
LOCATION. PORCH IN FRONT OF ENTRANCE SLUICE OF EMILY ROSS' HOUSE. DAY.
Michael and Emily fly over the porch. There Lee and Freddie Coulton are expecting them. They throw ropes to Michael and Emily and drag them to the porch.
LEE
I heard you flied away, Mr. Thorne?
MICHAEL
And thought that I'm a chicken? Be honest, Lee.
LEE
I believed you at once. And now I trust you more than myself.
LOC. ABANDONNED PLANT WITHOUT ROOF. DAY.
Stone, Hutch and Benchley gathered in their usual place.
HUTCH
Albert, I asked you, give us normal weapons, guns.
STONE
Pardon me? Two robust horses weren't able to cope with one guy even using the effect of unexpectedness.
HUTCH
He's nor that simple. He has got excellent training, as it turned out. Moreover he's just from Earth. His muscles still remember terrestrial gravity.
STONE
No, guys, it's not about his muscles. It's about your muscles got swollen. And eyes and your brains.
HUTCH
What do you want to say, Albert?
STONE
I mean, you're good for nothing. And the hardest job I have to do by myself.
BENCHLEY
Don't blow your cool, Albert, just give us good guns.
INТ. STONE'S CAR CABIN. DAY.
Stone is sitting in the car, talking over the phone.
STONE
Ransack every single corner, every crack he could hide. Do whatever you need, he mustn't leave alive. And remember I'll always be nearby.
LOC. UPTOWN. DAY.
Hutch and Benchley are riding their scooters. They have pump-handguns behind the backs. Hutch is holding his mobile against the ear.
HUTCH
Don't worry, boss. This time he won't escape.
Hutch turns off his mobile, hides it. Nods to Benchley. They sharply turn and take off to the space.
INT. STONE'S CAR CABIN. DAY.
Stone is watching Hutch's and Benchley's scooters leaving at a distance. He waits a while, takes off and follows them.
LOC. STREET OUTSIDE THE CLOCKHOUSE OF METALLURGICAL PLANT. DAY.
Michael and Lee are peeping from behind the corner. They are looking at the clockhouse of the plant.
MICHAEL
Lee, it doesn't matter what you say. But it must be a hysteria. So that everyone was looking at you.
LEE
No worries, Mr. Thorne. I'm gonna throw them a wing-ding..
LOC. THE CLOCKHOUSE OF METALLURGICAL PLANT. DAY.
A long row of people is queuing to the turnstile. People, coming to the turnstile, slide their plastic pass through the gap in the reading device. After each sliding, a green arrow lights up and a person next in turn, goes through the turnstile to the plant. Controlling officer is watching the turnstile out from his cabin. The controlling officer strictly examines the passing workers, rarely lowering his eyes down where he has a nudie magazine. Michael is standing in the queue. Then Lee appears. Lee goes straight to the turnstile, grabs the stile.
LEE
Open it! Open this god-damned thing!
CONTROLLING OFFICER
(over the speaker)
Step aside immediately, Mr!
LEE
Stop shouting at me! I'm going to see the director. Open it right now!
CONTROLLING OFFICER
Where's your pass? Who are you? Leave the passing zone immediately!
LEE
Yes, you are all at one here. And you, and the director and HR- manager. I'll show you what happens if you deceive honest people!в
Lee strikes with force the cabin’s window. The controlling officer pushes the button of intercommunication system.
CONTROLLING OFFICER
An insane man is flocking through the turnstile. He wants to see the director.
The controlling officer quickly puts on an oxygen mask, takes a bludgeon, opens the door of the air-locked cabin. People in a line stop dead in their tracks in expectation. Everyone is looking at Lee. Michael picks his way through the queue towards the turnstile.
LEE
Why did you take the bludgeon? Do you want to beat me up? Look everyone, how former workers are treated. The same will happen to each of you!
CONTROLLING OFFICER
Stop shouting and leave the control post immediately. I’m going to call the police!
LEE
Your police is certainly bribed too. You bribed everyone! Don’t touch me.
There appears the reinforcement – two security officers. Lee begins to draw back.
LEE
I will complain! I’m going to the mayor right now. We’ll see what you'll say then!
Lee retreats hastily. Security officers follow him with their eyes.
CONTROLLING OFFICER
Where have you been so long?
The first security officer
Stop whining! You could have managed that by yourself.
The controlling officer enters his cabin, seals it, opens the passage for the security officers.
The security officers return to their work. People recommence their passing through the turnstile. After several people the next one ransacks his pockets for a long time in front of the turnstile.
CONTROLLING OFFICER
What else is wrong there?
THE NEXT ONE
I've just had the pass, but it's gone.
Controlling officer presses the button of intercom.
SUPERVISER
An attempt of unauthorized passage to the works!
In several seconds the same security guards appear. They seize firmly the man who has lost his pass and take him to the checking room.
INT. CHECKING ROOM OF THE METALLURGIC WORKS. DAY.
There are two security guards, security officer of the metallurgic works and the man who has lost his pass in the room.
SECURITY OFFICER OF THE METALLURGIC WORKS
(To the man)
Who are you?
THE MAN
I am Daniel Tompson, your works employee.
SECURITY OFFICER OF THE METALLURGIC WORKS
Then where is your pass?
THE MAN
I don't know. I 've just had t in my hands
Security officer of the metallurgic works dials a telephone number.
SECURITY OFFICER OF THE METALLURGIC WORKS
Check up if there works this man, Daniel Tompson.
(To the man)
What other documents do you have with you?
THE MAN
I don't have any. Why should I have documents? I came to my works.
SECURITY OFFICER OF THE METALLURGIC WORKS
Then where have you lost your pass?
THE MAN
I told you, I 've just had it.
Security officer of the metallurgic works dials a telephone number again.
SECURITY OFFICER OF THE METALLURGIC WORKS
Block up Daniel Tompson's pass just in case. Yes, Tompson. What? Just got in the works? When? Five minutes ago?
(To the man)
Idiot! Someone has just got in the works with your pass.
INT. METALLURGICAL PLANT. DAY.
Michael is walking along the corridors of the plant trying not to attract attention. He passes by lifting sluice where the raw produce is processed and tracks the technological chain further. He finds the storehouse of end products. He realizes that it's just what he needs. A person leaves the storehouse. Michael looks into, there's nobody else there. Michael goes into the storehouse.
INT. GOODS STOREHOUSE. DAY.
Michael shuts the entrance gates. He puts the boxes in a way that they block the handles and make it impossible to open the door from the other side. He starts searching the storehouse. He finds the ingots of some brittle metal and starts breaking the ingots looking for the diamonds hidden inside. There's nothing inside. Michael is perplexed.
INT. MAIN SUPERVISORY CONTROL DESK OF METALLURGICAL PLANT. DAY.
At the desk there are Duty engineer, Director of the plant, Chief security manager. They attentively watch the screens of internal surveillance.
DIRECTOR OF METALLURGICAL PLANT
So, who would need to secretly penetrate into the plant?
CHIEF SECURITY MANAGER OF METALLURGICAL PLANT
I dunno yet. I need to analyze the records from clock-house first.
DIRECTOR OF METALLURGICAL PLANT
First, we have to find out a stranger strolling about out plant. We'll watch the records later.
CHIEF SECURITY MANAGER OF METALLURGICAL PLANT
Quite sensible.
DIRECTOR OF METALLURGICAL PLANT
Shit, if it's a subversive act, we must stop the works and take the people out.
CHIEF SECURITY MANAGER OF METALLURGICAL PLANT
(points at the screen)
Here he is! At storehouse of end products!
(announces over the radio)
Unauthorized person in the end products storehouse!
DIRECTOR OF METALLURGICAL PLANT
Ugly mug. What does he want?
CHIEF SECURITY MANAGER OF METALLURGICAL PLANT
Searching around. Looking for something.
DIRECTOR OF METALLURGICAL PLANT
Maybe, he's looking for a place to plant a bomb?
CHIEF SECURITY MANAGER OF METALLURGICAL PLANT
I don't think so. And I see no bomb.
It's shown on the screen how Michael breaks the ingots.
DIRECTOR OF METALLURGICAL PLANT
Why is he breaking our ingots? Is he insane?
There comes the security report that the gates to the storehouse are locked from inside. Chief security manager looks at the Director interrogatively. The latter is standing in hesitation. Chief security manager makes a decision.
CHIEF SECURITY MANAGER OF METALLURGICAL PLANT.
Break the gates.
INT. ROOM IN FRONT OF THE GATES TO THE STOREHOUSE OF END PRODUCTS. DAY.
Security guards are trying to move the gates, but they fail. Then they start pushing the gates with their shoulders. The guards find a big trolley for transporting metal and are tying to break the gates with the trolley.
INT. STOREHOUSE OF END PRODUCTS. DAY.
Michael has broken enough ingots to understand that there are no diamonds inside for sure. The entrance gates are cracking under hits of the trolley. Michael takes a look around trying to find the way out. His attention is attracting by huge air ventilation pipes and pipes for carbon dioxide extinguishing. Michael finds a blind zone where he is not seen by the cameras and loosens a lid of extinguishing pipe. The pipe is of big diameter but made of tin, so is quite flimsy. Oxygen pipe is less but made of iron sheets. Michael loosens the valve of air-pipe, looks inside. It's dark inside. He looks around and finds a flashlight. Goes out of the blind zone and takes the flashlight, comes back to the blind zone. Gets into the pipe of oxygen inflating.
INT. MAIN SUPERVISORY CONTROL DESK OF METALLURGICAL PLANT. DAY.
At the desk there are Duty engineer, Director of the plant, Chief security manager. They are watching Michael's actions in the storehouse.
DIRECTOR OF METALLURGICAL PLANT
Where's he gone?
CHIEF SECURITY MANAGER OF METALLURGICAL PLANT
He found the blind zone. We can't see him there.
Michael appears on the screen, takes the flashlight and disappear from the view.
DIRECTOR OF METALLURGICAL PLANT
Why would he need a flashlight? Is it dark or what?
CHIEF SECURITY MANAGER OF METALLURGICAL PLANT
He's definitely a piece of idiot.
DIRECTOR OF METALLURGICAL PLANT
Call the police.
INT. STONE'S CAR CABIN. DAY.
Stone is going to Farmers' Valley in his car. His mobile rings. He picks up the phone.
STONE
Yes, boss? … Metallurgical plant? The ingots... I got you, I'm going there.
The call ends. Stone dials a number.
STONE
Come back!.. He's not in the Valley... He's in the metallurgical plant.. I bet it's him... I'll call you, be in touch.
INT. GOODS STOREHOUSE. DAY.
The gates fall, some security guards are running into the storehouse. We see they were just ready to catch Michael, but not noticing him, stop in thoughts. The guards take their bludgeons. Senior tells everyone where to go, signing. The guards start searching the room, looking for Michael behinds the pallets and boxes.
INT. MAIN SUPERVISORY CONTROL DESK OF METALLURGICAL PLANT. DAY.
At the desk there is Duty engineer, Director of the plant, Chief security manager. They are watching the guards' actions and can't understand why Michael is not caught yet.
CHIEF SECURITY MANAGER OF METALLURGICAL PLANT
(over the radio)
What the hell are you going round in circles? Did you catch him?
Senior guard shrugs his shoulders looking right in the camera and gives signs that Michael has vanished.
DIRECTOR OF METALLURGICAL PLANT.
They are unable to find a person in one single room. I'll fire them all, today!
INT. GOODS STOREHOUSE. DAY.
One of the guards finally raises his head and finds that in the corner the lids of oxygen and extinguishing pipes are opened. The guard shows it to his comrades. Senior guard informs Chief Security manager over the radio.
SENIOR GUARD
He's gone by the air-pipes.
CHIEF SECURITY MANAGER OF METALLURGICAL PLANT
Gone where?
SENIOR GUARD
I told you, he left by air-pipes.
CHIEF SECURITY MANAGER OF METALLURGICAL PLANT
Holy shit! What the hell took you so long with the gates? Open the pipes then and find that rat.
INT. METALLURGICAL PLANT. DAY.
The guards, using ladders, loosen the valves of oxygen pipes. Light them inside with flashlights. At the places the pipes are at right angle, the guards have to go inside the pipes and check the angles personally.
INT. MAIN SUPERVISORY CONTROL DESK OF METALLURGICAL PLANT. DAY.
At the desk there is Duty engineer, Director of the plant, Chief security manager. Director and Chief security manager are not looking at the screens, the are sitting tired on their chairs. Stone comes in.
STONE
What happened?
CHIEF SECURITY MANAGER OF METALLURGICAL PLANT
Some insane illegally penetrated to the plant, broke our iron ingots. Watch with your own eyes.
Chief security manager nods to Duty engineer. He rewinds the tape back and shows Michael breaking the ingots. Stone is watching the screen not taking his eyes off.
CHIEF SECURITY MANAGER OF METALLURGICAL PLANT
Where did this idiot come from?
DIRECTOR OF METALLURGICAL PLANT
Stone, don't you know him, by chance?
STONE
(thinking a little)
No. have you caught him?
CHIEF SECURITY MANAGER OF METALLURGICAL PLANT
He got inside the ventilation system and pokes around the plant by the pipes.
STONE
Do you have movement sensors inside the pipes?
CHIEF SECURITY MANAGER OF METALLURGICAL PLANT
Nope. We couldn't imagine some idiot would decide to get inside.
STONE
And how are you going to find him there?
CHIEF SECURITY MANAGER OF METALLURGICAL PLANT
There's nothing to worry about. He's just like a mouse in the mouse trap there. We're searching mains now, we'll try to bail him up. There's only one thing we are not sure about... did he get into oxygen or carbon dioxide extinguishing pipe? If the last variant...
STONE
Then what?
CHIEF SECURITY MANAGER OF METALLURGICAL PLANT
He's like a cockroach there during extermination. He'll suffocate soon and we'll sniff him out. If he got into the oxygen pipe, he'll live... for some time.
STONE
If he suffocates, we won't smell him out early than in three days.
DIRECTOR OF METALLURGICAL PLANT
Don't be silly! I'm not gonna wait three days.
CHIEF SECURITY MANAGER OF METALLURGICAL PLANT
We'll find him, no worries, Mr. Director. Sooner or later, he has nowhere to go.
STONE
How did he manage to get to the plant?
CHIEF SECURITY MANAGER OF METALLURGICAL PLANT
His helpmate had thrown a fit in the clock-house. Distracting the security. Meanwhile he had stolen the pass and on the quiet went through the turn tile.
STONE
A helpmate? Has he got a helpmate?
CHIEF SECURITY MANAGER OF METALLURGICAL PLANT
That's what I said. His helpmate had thrown a fit…
STONE
Was that a woman?
CHIEF SECURITY MANAGER OF METALLURGICAL PLANT
No! Why do you..? A man. Either a Korean or a Japanese.
STONE
Do you have records of that scandal in the clock-house?
CHIEF SECURITY MANAGER OF METALLURGICAL PLANT
Of course.
STONE
Send it to the police office.
CHIEF SECURITY MANAGER OF METALLURGICAL PLANT
No problem.
At this moment one of the guards notices Michael in the oxygen pipe.
VOICE OVER THE RADIO.
Here he is! The rat! In the oxygen pipe!
All people present look at the monitor.
CHIEF SECURITY MANAGER OF METALLURGICAL PLANT
So, he got into the oxygen pipe. It's a lot easier.
STONE
Well, he won't begin to stink.
INT. INSIDE THE AIR PIPE.
Michael is crawling along the pipe, lighting his way with a flashlight. He sees that the pipe goes at the right angle. He looks from behind the corner. He's noticed by a guard searching the pipe. Realizing that there's no room to turn about, Michael keeps moving forward passing the waste pipe. He hears the voice behind.
VOICES
Where did he go?
Devil knows where? He just looked out and disappeared.
Maybe he's still there?
Call everyone here.
INT. METALLURGICAL PLANT. DAY.
Chief security Manager, Director and Stone arrived at the place Michael had been found. Chief security Manager is giving instructions.
CHIEF SECURITY MANAGER OF METALLURGICAL PLANT
Remove the valves there and there. Fast! Bring the ladders! Heat him on!
Stone is looking at all variety of air-pipes and distrustfully shakes his head. The guards loosen the valves, look inside the pipes, light up with their flashlights. Don't find anyone. They say, that there's no one inside.
CHIEF SECURITY MANAGER OF METALLURGICAL PLANT
Damn it, he has already crawled away!
INT. INSIDE THE AIR PIPE.
Michael is crawling along the pipe. Sees the branch pipe going down. This pipe widens. Michael decides to go down. He crawls forward a little, hangs his feet in the hole, starts going down. At the bottom the pipe is wide enough for Michael to stand up. He sees a manhole with big valves. He turns the valve, opens the door and lights up the inside. In a distance of three yards Michael discovers metal grating floor. Michael hangs on the edge of the manhole and jumps to the floor.
INT. METALLURGICAL PLANT. DAY.
Chief Security Manager, Director and Stone walk along the corridors of the plant watching how security guards assisted by workers turn off the valves of air pipes. Computer female voice of plant warning system announces.
FEMALE VOICE
Oxygen feed fault. Oxygen feed fault.
DIRECTOR OF METALLURGICAL PLANT
Fuck, tighten up the valves! Quick!
CHIEF SECURITY MANAGER OF METALLURGICAL PLANT
How will we find the rat then?
DIRECTOR OF METALLURGICAL PLANT
Tighten them up, I said! Otherwise, we'll have to stop the works.
Director's mobile is ringing. He picks up the phone.
DIRECTOR OF METALLURGICAL PLANT
(after listening)
We didn't connect to the common gas-holder. What fines? What are you talking about. You have an alarm of unauthorized connection?
(to chief security manager)
Go back to control desk! God damn it! All on one day!
INT. MAIN SUPERVISORY CONTROL DESK OF METALLURGICAL PLANT. DAY.
At the desk there is Duty engineer. Director, Chief security manager and Stone come in. Duty Engineer points at the monitor.
DUTY MANAGER
The alarm was set that we, allegedly, connected to air reserves of main city platform. They called from Oxygen plants, threatened with fines. But I didn't connect anywhere.
DIRECTOR OF METALLURGICAL PLANT
They called me too. Call the emergency team - plug the valve.
DUTY MANAGER
Is it actually open?
DIRECTOR OF METALLURGICAL PLANT
(being on the rampage)
Emergency response team to the valve — or I'll strangle you with my own hands!
DUTY MANAGER
(announces over the speaker phone)
Emergency response team immediately go to the oxygen supply compartment. Plug the valve to the main city air reserve.
STONE
Was it a false alarm or was the valve actually opened?
DIRECTOR OF METALLURGICAL PLANT
(recovering his breath)
It seems as if our clients got to the valve?
STONE
And what does it mean?
DIRECTOR OF METALLURGICAL PLANT
It means that he get to the main city platform.
STONE
So what?
DIRECTOR OF METALLURGICAL PLANT
So, that's it. You have to catch him there. It's not under plant's jurisdiction.
Stone is discontent.
STONE
What did you say about a cockroach in a trap? It appears to me that your guards seem to be exterminated cockroaches.
Director and Chief Security Manager show that they have nothing to do with it.
LOC. CLOCKHOUSE OF METALLURGICAL PLANT. DAY.
Stone is going through the clock-house. Takes out his mobile, dials.
STONE
Go to the city platform sluice! Guns?.. Well, take them. Just wind something around.
LOC. AIR-LOCK SLUICE OF MAIN CITY PLATFORM. DAY.
Stone arrives at the air-lock sluice in his police car. Hutch and Benchley are already there. They are holding big bundles of clothes in their hands. Stone gets out of the car, comes to the sluice, presses the intercom button. The screen of intercom lights up. Duty officer of platform control panel recognizes Stone and opens the sluice gates. Stone, Hutch and Benchley come in.
INT. SYSTEM CONTROL PANEL OF MAIN CITY PLATFORM. ARTIFICIAL LIGHTING.
Duty officer is sitting at the control desk. Stone, Hutch and Benchley come out of the entrance sluice, come into the air-locked cabin of duty officer.
STONE
We need to inspect the platform, now.
DUTY OFFICER OF PLATFORM CONTROL PANEL
What do mean - inspect?
STONE
Dangerous special criminal has got inside the platform. He had committed a subversive act in the metallurgical plant already.
DUTY OFFICER OF PLATFORM CONTROL PANEL
How on earth did he get in the platform?
STONE
Trough the ventilation system of the plant.
DUTY OFFICER OF PLATFORM CONTROL PANEL
Ahh, that was the reason, air valve of the plant set the alarm?
STONE
Yes.
(points at Hutch and Benchley)
These two are with me.
DUTY OFFICER OF PLATFORM CONTROL PANEL
But Mr. Stone, are just three of you going to search the whole platform? You don't even have flashlights.
STONE
Do you have general lighting there?
DUTY OFFICER OF PLATFORM CONTROL PANEL
We do, but it's allowed to use in case of depressurization or fire.
STONE
Turn it on!
DUTY OFFICER OF PLATFORM CONTROL PANEL
Mr. stone, I can't! To turn it on I need so many authorizations. Request is applied to the Chief power-man one week in advance.
STONE
Turn it on!
DUTY OFFICER OF PLATFORM CONTROL PANEL
Powering up the system is allowed at night time only. In daytime it's expressly forbidden!
Stone takes out a gun.
STONE
I have a dangerous criminal inside and you want to shield him? I'll shoot you right now as an accomplice of the criminal!
DUTY OFFICER OF PLATFORM CONTROL PANEL
You are making a mistake, Mr. Stone.
Duty officer comes at heavy-current breaker and switches it on.
INT. INSIDE THE MAIN CITY PLATFORM. DARKNESS.
The lights turn on everywhere. The platform is hollow inside, but lengthwise the walls of the platform there are many levels and balconies interconnected by metal ladders and stairs. The levels are chaotic and were built here and there. Somewhere we see gantry cranes and remnants of tower cranes. Michael is standing on the upper level just under the ceiling. Michael, screwing up his eyes, is looking around.
MICHAEL
Wow, here I am? Just think of it! And I couldn't gather anything.
Michael notices a switcher on the wall and a scheme of evacuation in case of depressurization or fire. Michael comes closer, examines attentively, comparing with the place.
MICHAEL
Great, the exit is there. That's quite different.
INT. SYSTEM CONTROL PANEL OF MAIN CITY PLATFORM. ARTIFICIAL LIGHTING.
Stone, Hutch, Benchley and Duty officer are standing at the control panel. They hear an irritated voice over the speaker phone.
VOICE OF DUTY MANAGER OF THE CITY
What the fuck are you doing there! Turn it off immediately. Who gave a permission?
DUTY OFFICER OF PLATFORM CONTROL PANEL
(to the microphone)
I have an order by deputy sheriff Stone.
VOICE OF DUTY MANAGER OF THE CITY
I don't care about the orders. Turn it off! The plants will stop working. Turn it off or I'll cut you myself.
DUTY OFFICER OF PLATFORM CONTROL PANEL
They will cut us off anyway. I warned you, Mr. Stone.
(after keeping silence for a while)
There are seventeen levels, Mr. Stone! You would need a platoon of cynologists to find one man there. Three of you can't do anything.
Duty officer comes to the breaker and switches it off. Stone is outraged, but, not uttering a single word, sharply turns round and leave the room.
INT. SYSTEM CONTROL PANEL OF MAIN CITY PLATFORM. ARTIFICIAL LIGHTING.
Michael is studying the scheme of evacuation. The lights go off. Michael flicks a switch on the wall. The lamp above the switch lights up.
MICHAEL
Well, just like home.
Flicks the switch, turns on the flashlight.
INT. DEPUTY SHERIFF'S OFFICER. DAY,
Stone is sitting at the table. He looks depressed and has untidy appearance. He starts growling and pounding his fist on the table and armrest of his chair. Having recovered his breath, Stone pours some whiskey in the glass, takes a drink. Turns on the computer and looks at the monitor. On the monitor we see the frames of the scandal happened in the clock-house of the metallurgical plant. Stone zooms the face of a person, who had thrown the scandal. Half of the face is covered by the oxygen mask. Only eyes and forehead are seen. Stone opens the program of faces identification. Computer compares the face of the hooligan and many other faces. Finally, the program brings the result. The hooligan is farmer Lee. Stone couldn't expect any of the farmers to rebel against him. лицо человека затеявшего скандал.
LOC. ABANDONNED PLANT WITHOUT ROOF. DAY.
Stone, Hutch and Benchley gathered in their usual place.
STONE
One of the farmers declared vendetta to us.
HUTCH
What? Some jerk got a false idea of his immortality?
STONEI
I don't know what ideas are in his head, but he assister Thorne in breaking to the plant.
BENCHLEY
And who's that louse out of his mind? I know everyone there. I can't even imagine that anyone dares...
STONE
Lee.
BENCHLEY
What? That oriental? Are you sure, Albert? He's scared to fart without my permission.
STONE
I am sure. Lee has declared a war.
HUTCH
Hmm, wanna die – just jump down. No, they need to distract busy people. Fucking masochists.
STONE
We can't finish Lee at the moment.
BENCHLEY
I don't dig.
HUTCH
Then what, let him go?
STONE
The situation in the Valley is tense. We can't admit the outburst of discontent. We need to hit painfully, but not laying thick. We need to affect their property. If people are afraid of death they can dare to do anything. And we don't need a scandal now. We need our business. We are businessmen, aren't we?
HUTCH
Sure, we're businessmen. I just don't dig what we are to do now?
STONE
We need to take away Lee's house.
HUTCH
Take away the house? Go to law?
STONE
Make a hole in his roof. Leave the rest for Venusian mother nature. But no dead bodies for a while.
HUTCH
Who cares about sissy stuff? What games are you playing, Albert? Let's just knock this yellow-faced block off and there's an end of it!
STONE
(pointing at Hutch)
And that is a man I wanted to appoint Attorney-General?
HUTCH
Me, an Attorney?
STONE
Were you going to be a gangster till the end of your days?
HUTCH
Well, not actually. Just want to save some for a rainy day and...
STONE
Save money and what's next?
BENCHLEY
(to Stone)
It seems your plans extend further than diamonds?
STONE
They do.
INT. RECEPTION OF THE DIRECTOR OF GLASS-BLOWING PLANT. DAY
At reception there's a director's secretary sitting. Stone comes in.
SECRETARY
Do you have an appointment?
STONE
Tell him I'm here.
SECRETARY
But you don't have an appointment...
Stone bows to the Secretary and says through clenched teeth.
STONE
Tell Harvey, that deputy sheriff is here.
Secretary is startled, she presses the intercom button.
SECRETARY
Deputy sheriff is waiting.
DIRECTOR OF GLASS-BLOWING PLANT
(over the speaker)
Let him in.
INT. OFFICE OF DIRECTOR OF GLASS-BLOWING PLANT. DAY.
Director is sitting at his desk. Stone comes in, takes a sit without permission.
DIRECTOR OF GLASS-BLOWING PLANT
As far as I understand, something should have happened to make you come here?
STONE
Not yet, but we we can have very serious problems.
DIRECTOR OF GLASS-BLOWING PLANT
Who can have serious problems, you?
STONE
Harvey, the fact, that I'm doing the dirty job, doesn't mean I'm the only one in charge. Having lost the sense of danger, you just made a step forward the senile marasmus. Or maybe you think you're immortal divine elf from a fairy-tale? Then you're half way to your second childhood.
DIRECTOR OF GLASS-BLOWING PLANT
Albert, you stepped beyond the limit, I don't like the tone you're speaking to me.
STONE
then you would definitely dislike to sup slops in one camera with murderers and rapists.
DIRECTOR OF GLASS-BLOWING PLANT
What the hell are you talking about? Pull yourself together!
STONE
No, you stop pretending being untouchable. Turn on your brains, Harvey!
DIRECTOR OF GLASS-BLOWING PLANT
(getting nervous)
Albert, how do you behave? You broke in, was rude...
STONE
Finally, the ice broke.
DIRECTOR OF GLASS-BLOWING PLANT
Go straight to the point. We shall stop arguing.
STONE
If you are ready, I'll start.
Director purses his lips showing that he's ready to listen.
STONE
Do you remember me asking some of your people to frighten off a Michael Thorne?
DIRECTOR OF GLASS-BLOWING PLANT
I do, so what? He flied away.
STONE
He came back.
DIRECTOR OF GLASS-BLOWING PLANT
Why?
STONE
Try to guess from the first time.
DIRECTOR OF GLASS-BLOWING PLANT
Is he a cover-agent?
STONE
No, much worse.
DIRECTOR OF GLASS-BLOWING PLANT
Worse? What do you mean?
STONE
He's an obsessed asshole who needs your and my heads.
DIRECTOR OF GLASS-BLOWING PLANT
He has no idea about mine.
STONE
He searched the metallurgical plant and found nothing, so your glass-blowing head will come to his mind probably even today.
DIRECTOR OF GLASS-BLOWING PLANT
Well, then do something, Albert. It's your job!
STONE
I tried, but he managed to wind me round his finger twice.
DIRECTOR OF GLASS-BLOWING PLANT
How?
STONE
I've no idea, and it bothers me.
DIRECTOR OF GLASS-BLOWING PLANT
When did you become superstitious, Albert?
STONE
Think whatever you want, but you'd better take part.
DIRECTOR OF GLASS-BLOWING PLANT
Is he really that dangerous?
STONE
I tell you one more time, he's not an agent, scared to loose his life for extra piece of information. He's a mad asshole and he's absolutely unpredictable!
DIRECTOR OF GLASS-BLOWING PLANT
Good, good, I'll do my best to help you. Is that it?
STONE
No.
DIRECTOR OF GLASS-BLOWING PLANT
What else?
STONE
He got the helpmates.
DIRECTOR OF GLASS-BLOWING PLANT
What kind of helpmates?
STONE
The ones who mine the diamonds.
DIRECTOR OF GLASS-BLOWING PLANT
Farmers? Don't you think you're exaggerating?
STONE
They trust this idiot. If we don't exterminate him, he'll become their leader.
DIRECTOR OF GLASS-BLOWING PLANT
It's just a supposition.
STONE
I'm good in stuff like this.
DIRECTOR OF GLASS-BLOWING PLANT
Well, Albert. Take as many people as you need. I'll get you everything you need. Call any time.
STONE
That's what I wanted to hear.
LOC. PORCH OF LEE'S HOUSE. DAY.
Lee puts his three children on the bike and brings them to school. Lee's bike is for three seaters and two elder children treadle too. The bike slowly flies away. Hidden in the rays of the sun, on a big height we can hardly recognize two small dots. These are Hutch's and Benchley's scooters. But they are not seen as they are against the sun.
LOC. OPEN SPACE. DAY.
Hutch and Benchley are riding their scooters watching Lee leaving his house.
BENCHLEY
What do you think, do they see us from here?
HUTCH
No, they'd have to look against the sun. Try yourself, how much will you see?
Lee takes off and vanishes from sight.
HUTCH
Go, my paleface brother.
BENCHLEY
Wait, his wife is still at home.
HUTCH
The hell with her. If she wants to live, she'll get out.
BENCHLEY
What if not? Stone said clearly: no dead bodies.
HUTCH
Fuck Stone! Are we magicians to indulge all his whims? We'll do what we can.
BENCHLEY
If she don't get out, Stone will flare up!
HUTCH
If Stone dislikes something, he can tear his ass up from his chair and do it by himself.
BENCHLEY
Have you forgotten about Attorney's position? What if he's not lying?
HUTCH
I said, fuck Stone! We have a clear task and we are to do it now, not daydreaming, resting on cloud nine. Come on! We gonna have some fun!
BENCHLEY
Clouds would be of use. Ok, let's go!
Hutch draws a pump handgun, reloads it with one hand and, shouting like cowboys in westerns, rushes down. Benchley follows him. On flying to the house on a distance of shot, Hutch and Benchley start shooting from height. The bullets pierce holes in the roof.
INT. INTERIOR OF LEE'S HOUSE. DAY.
Lee's wife is standing at the cooker, preparing lunch. Trough the roof, one bullet after another punch holes in the roof. The bullets get into different objects in the room, breaking them and blowing out.
LOC. OPEN SPACE. DAY.
Hutch and Benchley, riding scooters, sweep past Lee's house, shooting from their guns. Then the stop shooting and direct to the sun.
INT. INTERIOR OF STAM'S AIRSHIP. DAY.
Stam is inside. He hears the sound of shooting at the distance, rushes to the window, trying to understand what's going on. He has to look against the sun. He squints, protects his eyes with a hand but can't see anything.
LOC. EXTERIOR VIEW OF LEE'S HOUSE. DAY.
Through the roof inside the house with a hissing sounds leaks carbon dioxide. The house is losing flotation ability and starts falling. The cable with the help of which the house is connected to the surface, becomes looser and curves.
INT. INTERIOR OF LEE'S HOUSE. DAY.
Lee's wife start coughing because of carbon dioxide penetrating inside. She estimates the situation and takes actions. She puts on ERS very fast, runs to the entrance sluice. Breaks the glass of emergency opening button. All gates open at one time. Lee's wife jumps in the open sluice.
LOC. OPEN SPACE. DAY.
Hutch and Benchley are observing from height. They see Lee's wife get out of the falling house and activates the emergency balloon. The house keeps falling, the emergency balloon is blowing up. Lee's wife hangs in the air.
BENCHLEY
She did get out!
HUTCH
Great, no dead bodies. And you were scared!
Hutch and Benchley stretch their hands out. They shake hands. Then, start the engines and leave.
INT. DEPUTY SHERIFF'S OFFICER. DAY.
Stone is sitting in his chair with his feet on the table, his eyes are half opened. Stone is penetrated deep in his thoughts. The door opens and Sheriff looks into.
SHERIFF
Albert, the cases are still not done. You have to get through paper work till morning. I'll check.
Stone is not moving. Sheriff closes the door. After a while he gets up, opens the safe with keys, takes the one he needs, closes the safe and goes out.
INT. LOWER LEVEL OF POLICE ADMINISTRATION OFFICE. ARTIFICIAL LIGHTING.
Stone opens the solid door of the solitary prison cell.
INT. SOLITARY PRISON CELL. ARTIFICIAL LIGHTING.
The lighting is very dim. Woodie, a sturdy, ugly guy of disgusting appearance, dirty and unshorn, is lying on the bunk. Woodie doesn't move on seeing Stone. Stone goes inside the cell, stands next to the bunk.
WOODIE
Oh, Mr. Stone himself! Brought me a Bible?
STONE
I didn't know you can read, Woodie.
WOODIE
I can do everything that can be of use to me.
STONE
Nothing would be of use on the electric chair.
WOODIE
Hey, you came to mock at me. Bad hair day?
STONE
You are just a psychic, Woodie.
Woodie is laughing, he enjoys the joke.
WOODIE
In my current condition even you are an entertainment.
STONE
Wanna have some real entertainment?
Woodie sits down on his bunk.
WOODIE
You have conceived anything, haven't you? The day was really bad?
Stone sits down beside Woodie.
STONE
Well, go on.
WOODIE
You need me.
STONE
Where did you dream that up?
WOODIE
Why are you keeping me here all this time. I should have been sat on the electrical chair for a long time. You've been keeping me if the worst comes to the worst. I feel like today is my day.
STONE
Shut up!
Woodie is laughing.
WOODIE
You are a criminal, just as I am. That's why I'm reading you like open book. You are a policeman only for them. I see through your games.
STONE
Then you will help me?
WOODIE
Ummm... have you made up your mind how to thank me?
STONE
You are the shrewdest beast I've ever known.
WOODIE
(laughing)
Too many compliments in one day, Stone. I'll have big-headedness.
Stone turns on a tablet computer. Emily Ross is on scree. He shows her Woodie.
STONE
For two years a husband of this farmer-girl is missing. I can make him never disappeared. And you will be her husband.
Woodie takes the tablet. He likes Emily. He cries in rapture.
WOODIE
Won't she mind?
STONE
Maybe. But as soon as you address one issue, she will have no other choice. She will live with a new husband without a murmur.
WOODIE
Being her husband is nice, what about fingerprints?
STONE
If you don't go to the elections, who will need your fingerprints? I'll just replace his photo with yours and you'll magically turn into honest farmer called Ross. You will have good food, fuck your wife and do me some favors from time to time.
WOODIE
You persuaded me, Stone. Who shall I bump off?
STONE
There's one lad, a new steady of the lady. He has decided to play a spy. He started his own investigation. He has broken in the plant , stole some papers and he hid himself inside the main city platform.
WOODIE
Why can't you get him out yourself?
STONE
He slipped off twice already. He's agile as a monkey and cunning as a jackal. He's just from Earth and knocks a person down with one blow.
WOODIE
It's up to my liking.
STONE
Don't hope it's very easy. He'll break your fucking head in a split of a second.
WOODIE
Let's consider you scared me enough. Where's the mouse? I can't wait catching his tiny tail.
INT. SYSTEM CONTROL PANEL OF MAIN CITY PLATFORM. ARTIFICIAL LIGHTING.
Duty officer is sitting y the control desk. Stone, two guards from glass-blowing plant, armed with pump handguns and Woodie stand by the control desk. Woodie is wearing a gray coat with a hood. Night vision equipment is almost pulled over his eyes. Stone looks into air-locked cabin and addresses to the Duty officer.
STONE
These two guys will guard you.
(to guards)
You will stay here, with a duty officer. One sleeps, one stands on watch. If a suspect appears, shoot without warning. I remind you, he's armed.
(points at Woodie)
He's a psychologist. Specialist in negotiations. He'll try to find the criminal and persuade him to give up.
DUTY OFFICER OF PLATFORM CONTROL PANEL
Looking at the face of your psychologist you sooner soil your pants than start negotiations.
WOODIE
It's just the topic of my dissertation.
Stone is talking to Woodie aside.
STONE
He's somewhere not far from the exit, painfully thinking how to get out of there.
WOODIE
Calm down. Not for the first time.
STONE
When you find him, finish him at once..
WOODIE
You wanna deprive me of my guilty pleasure?
STONE
I warned you.
Woodie goes inside the platform.
LOC. THE FARMERS' VALLEY. DAY.
Farmers, riding their bikes, gathered in the middle of the Farmers’ valley. Stone’s car is flying in front of them. Stone, not even getting out of his car, is delivering a speech to the farmers by police speaker.
STONE
Nothing has left of Lee’s house! Such a disaster! Thanks heavens, Lee and his children were out and his wife managed to survive. If it had happened when they were at home, no one knows whether they would have survived. And we wouldn’t be able to speak just like this. We would have been organizing the funerals. Though it’s quite overstated, the funerals. We don't have coffins and there's no place to bring flowers to. Each of you must think about your safety. The one who doesn’t care of himself is a stupid person. But even the most stupid one would care of his nearest and dearest, his children. You must take care of your families. It is your duty! I hope there’s not a single stupid person among you any more. And try to listen less to some easy riders. I know that a Michael Thorne, an extremist came to your place and was trying to persuade you to rebel. He was caught and he will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law! If he lives to see the court, of course. I hope my words were crystal clear. If somebody misunderstood me he will soon become the most miserable person on Venus! It’s my last warning!
Stone starts his car and takes off sharply. He jumps over several bikes standing by. The farmers bow in fear to avoid the car flying over.
INT. INTERIOR OF THE MAIN CITY PLATFORM. DARKNESS.
Woodie is moving slowly inside the platform, walking down the staircases, ladders, searching the utilities areas. Through his night-vision device Woodie sees everything in infra-red light. Finally, Woodie finds Michael. Michael is lying on the floor in one of the premises, sleeping. Woodie takes Michael, rises above himself and throws to the floor. Michael screams with pain. Woodie does the same one more time. Michael falls, and starts pawing about the floor. Michael’s hand finds a flashlight. Michael turns on the flashlight and beams into Woodie’s face. Woodie gets the pain shock by a light beam intensified by the night-vision device. Michael finds a switcher and turns on the light. Woodie tears off his infra-red vision device and founds Michael standing in front of him. Woodie screams with rapture and stretches his hands to Michael. Woodie’s sight hasn’t restored yet. Michael boggles aside and hits Woodie’s liver with his left hand. Woodie sits down of surprise, but then stands up immediately. He sees a metal bolt lying on the floor. Grasps the metal bolt and strikes Michael with it. Michael leans back. Woodie strikes again and again and Michael hardly escapes. Michael is cornered to the handrails. Woodie sees that Michael has nowhere to go, smiles and takes a big swing. He wants to make a fatal attack. Michael at the last moment escapes the blow. Woodie falls on the handrails, they turn out to be tainted and can’t hold Woodie. Woodie, breaking the handrails, falls in the darkness. After a while Michael hears a sound of body falling to the metal floor. Michael is rubbing his bruises, looking down and trying to find the place Woodie fell.
MICHAEL
Idiot, it’s the seventh floor.
INT. SYSTEM CONTROL PANEL OF MAIN CITY PLATFORM.ARTIFICIAL LIGHTING.
Duty officer and two guards are inside the air-locked cabin. The First guard is watching a TV program, the Second guard is sleeping. Guards’ hand guns are on their laps. The door to the air-locked cabin is closed. Michael in Woodie’s jacket appears from the darkness. Michael is wearing night-vision device, his hood is pulled at his face. Michael comes over the door of the cabin.
DUTY OFFICER OF PLATFORM CONTROL PANEL
Hey, here’s our Doctor of Science coming back.
FIRST GUARD
(to Michael)
So what, did you find him?
The First guard gets up and goes to the door, opens it. His handgun is hanging on his neck. The Second guard wakes up.
MICHAEL
Nope.
SECOND GUARD
(cries to the first)
Don’t open! It’s not his voice! Step aside!
Michael hits the First guard in the neck. The First guard starts falling, the Second guard rises his gun. Michael shoots the Second guard with the First guard's gun not taking the gun off his neck. The bullet gets into the Second guard's leg, he throws his gun aside and grasps his injured leg with both hands. Michael points at the Duty Officer with the gun. The latter rises his hands.
DUTY OFFICER OF PLATFORM CONTROL PANEL
You need to open the entrance sluice. I'll do it for you in a second!
MICHAEL
No hurry. And better not move your hands at all.
AFTER A WHILE.
The guards are sitting on the floor, clasped with handcuffs to each other. Duty officer is sitting on the on his chair tightened with sticky tape to the chair. Michael is finishing applying bondage to the Second guard. First aid kit is by his side on the floor.
MICHAEL
It's good the bone was not affected. You are a lucky dog, mate. Just a small scratch.
SECOND GUARD
You could have killed me!
MICHAEL
So could you.
SECOND GUARD
You'll be prosecuted by the law!
MICHAEL
Ohh? Decided to impress me with your perfect knowledge of laws? Ok, let's talk like lawyers then. Before getting inside that big metal thing I was imprinted on at least thousand photos. Even a stupid man would see I was not armed. And I didn't have a chance to get it somehow. Then, it was you to have a weapon. Where did you take it. Fire guns are prohibited on Venus. What were you doing here? The answer is clear — you were planning an assassination. Moreover, now are office hours. Who let you from work?
SECOND GUARD
I'm doing what Chief Security Manager's telling me.
MICHAEL
Security Manager of what? The main platform?
SECOND GUARD
No, glass-blowing plant.
The first guard punches the Second guard, giving a hint he’s talking too much. The Second guard punches the first in response.
SECOND GUARD
Fuck you! I got a bullet because of you, by the way! From your handgun!
MICHAEL
Chief Security Manager doesn’t have authority to give orders outside the territory of the plant. And, regrettably, even under oath he won’t admit having sent you here. So, for the court it was your own personal initiative. And it was your personal plan to kill a policeman.
SECOND GUARD
Are you a policeman?
MICHAEL
Yes, I am. Then you won’t get less than ten years.
SECOND GUARD
It’s easy for you talking. And we have no job here in a distance of thousands miles around. No one can survive on the dole. That’s why we do what we are told to. They tell us to eat our own shit – we do. Fuck this life!
DUTY OFFICER OF PLATFORM CONTROL PANEL
But you have tied me illegally. That's sure, I am on duty by the way.
Michael stands up.
MICHAEL
You'll likely to be put into prison for five yeras as an accomplice.
DUTY OFFICER OF PLATFORM CONTROL PANEL
Why five? Why on earth me? What is going on? What have you got me involved in, guys? No, no. I have seen nothing. I have heard nothing.
(to the guards)
Take your guns and get out of here!
FIRST GUARD
We'll get out as soon as you give us the key for the handcuffs.
MICHAEL
Ok, guys. Your shift is soon any way. So, they'll find you and everything is gonna be Ok.
SECOND GUARD
Sir, may be you won't compalin that we attempted on your life?
MICHAEL
I will think about.
Michael puts ERS and an oxygen mask on, comes up to the air-lock and pushes the button. The petals of the airlock are being opened. Michael comes into.
FIRST GUARD
(to the man-on-duty)
Come on! Jump here! We are going to untie you.
DUTY OFFICER OF PLATFORM CONTROL PANEL
Jump? How? The chair is welded on the floor.
FIRST GUARD
Hell's bells!
Everybody starts to look around and search for something that can be used to get untied. The first guard sees a mop standing in the corner. He tries to reach it by foot but the distance is too long. The guard tries to take off his jacket but handcuffs put on him and the second guard prevented from doing so. Then the first guard takes off his trousers and reaches the mop by using it. Then he tries to put the mop into the man-on-duty's mouth.
DUTY OFFICER OF PLATFORM CONTROL PANEL
What are you doing? Have you lost your mind?
FIRST GUARD
Take it, idiot, and push the talk key.
DUTY OFFICER OF PLATFORM CONTROL PANEL
How?
FIRST GUARD
With mop, of course! You have other ideas?!
The Duty officer takes a mop handle end with his teeth and pushes the intercommunication unit button with the other end of the handle.
FIRST GUARD
(shouting)
Help us! Is anybody there?
They hear the voice of the City Duty Officer.
THE CITY DUTY OFFICER'S VOICE
Stop teasing immediately!
FIRST GUARD
Who is teasing? Tell Stone that he has left.
THE CITY DUTY OFFICER'S VOICE
Who has left? Who am I talking with now?
FIRST GUARD
It doesn't matter with whom. Do what I am telling you!
THE CITY DUTY OFFICER'S VOICE
I am asking you the last time who let this bully use a microphone?
FIRST GUARD
Damn it! We are tied!!! Do you understand or not?
THE CITY DUTY OFFICER'S VOICE
I am asking who I am speaking with? Introduce yourself.
FIRST GUARD
We are near the air-lock to the main city platform.
THE CITY DUTY OFFICER'S VOICE
Where is the platform Duty Officer?
FIRST GUARD
Here, he just can't talk.
THE CITY DUTY OFFICER'S VOICE
Why?
FIRST GUARD
He has a mop in his mouth.
THE CITY DUTY OFFICER'S VOICE
Why have you shoved the mop into his mouth?
THE FIRST GUARD
For him to push the talk key.
THE CITY MAN-ON-DUTY'S VOICE
I am going to call the police now and then we will see how funny you are.
FIRST GUARD
Yes! Yes! Oh, damn you! Call Stone and stop asking me silly questions! One of us is injured!
THE CITY DUTY OFFICER'S VOICE
Is it me who is asking silly questions?
The mop fells off the Duty officer's mouth. The connection is failed.
THE CITY DUTY OFFICER'S VOICE
I am done in. I have got a cramp in my mouth.
INT. SHERIFF'S OFFICE. DAY.
Stone is sitting at his work desk. He is on the edge of the seat waiting for news. A telephone rings. He picks it up. Listens. His face becomes frozen as he gets the news. Stone puts down the receiver, sits silently for some time, then dials a number. Speaks.
STONE
He has escaped from the trap. Your guards have fucked up. Send everybody who you can to the main platform entrance. He must be somewhere near.
INT. THE CITY STREET. DAY.
Michael is going along the street, looking behind. He notices that somebody is pursuing him. He starts to run from one pass of the street to another but it doesn't help. The pursuers follow his footsteps. At that, Michael hears a buzz all the time. Finally he raises his head up and sees a guard who is seatting on a scooter high above and informing others about Michael's location. Michael moves on with a growing speed. He comes into the Liberty Square.
INT. LIBERTY SQUARE. DAY.
The end of the platform. Michael is walking backwards through the square.The pursuers are coming to the square from different passes and going to Michael. Michael sees the luxurious building hanging near the square. It is connected with the square by a little bridge. This is where Michael is going. He goes across the bridge, calls intercom. Michael has found a surname “Dowley” and pushes the button. A screen gets bright. Judge Dowley is on the screen.
MICHAEL
Judge Dowley, I am a policeman, somebody has just tried to kill me.
The judge answers nothing but opens the petals of an entrance airlock. Michael jumps into. The pursuers stay before the bridge.
INT. SUMMER GARDEN IN THE JUDGE'S HOUSE. DAY.
There are real fruit trees and bushes with maturing berries in the garden. Light wind is blowing. Michael and the judge are sitting on a bench near the pond. Where nature ends and holographic image begins instead is impossible to understand. The only thing that makes the image look non-natural is a door seatuated not far from the bench. It was placed there for no reason. But when the door is opened you can see stairs going down and a hallway walls. Judge is smoking a cigarette.
MICHAEL
Judge, thanks that you let me to come into.
JUDGE
It was not difficult for me.
MICHAEL
I am sorry if you can get in troubles this way.
JUDGE
As long as I am judge here, I am safe from the troubles you are talking about.
MICHAEL
I feel you know much more that others here.
JUDGE
You can't even imagine how much I know.
MICHAEL
Melvin Dalton has been recently sent from the Earth here. He is an under-cover detective. I got to know about it occasionally but I am sure that he died at the Stone's hand.
JUDGE
So, it shows once again how little they on the Earth know about local situation.
MICHAEL
Sorry, I don't understand.
JUDGE
To send here an agent is the same if you would try to catch a little fish without understanding that it swam in a shark's mouth.
MICHAEL
Judge, diamonds were found on the Venus and Stone laid his hands on.
JUDGE
Diamonds? А-а-а, now everything adds up to a true picture of the situation.
MICHAEL
Diamonds recovery is in the Farmers' Valley. Stone made all these people slaves. His gang committed a murder there.
JUDGE
Stone is the Oxen's favourite striker, criminals' nightmare. This year he is becoming a member of the City Council. And in aa year he likely will be the city major.
MICHAEL
What? What about the current major?
JUDGE
Stupid, full of himself and sees no furhter than his nose.
MICHAEL
But his nephew became the sheriff thanks to him?
JUDGE
And... that is all. That is what I told you about earlier.
MICHAEL
Stone is the city major? Impossible!
JUDGE
I had also doubts untill you said me about diamonds.
MICHAEL
But he is a gangster?
JUDGE
But it is now.
MICHAEL
Do you think when he becomes a major we won't be able to do nothing to him? Federal agents can't fly here and arrest him?
JUDGE
The main word is fly. They can fly here only if the major agrees.
MICHAEL
I don't understand again.
JUDGE
It is possible to get here in a shuttle. But the shuttle can't stay still on the same place as a scooter or a bycicle. In case its speed is less than three hundred miles it just falls down. Block the landing site and nobody will get here from the Earth.
MICHAEL
But it is in fact… declaration of war?
JUDGE
Everybody learnt the history of America and everybody except the American government made the right conclusion from it.
MICHAEL
Ok, now I really understand nothing.
JUDGE
Are you hungry?
MICHAEL
To tell the truth the last time I ate was yesterday and early in the morning.
JUDGE
It must be the reason why you are so inapprehensive. Let's go and have lunch, my darling.
Judge stands up, opens the door, goes down the steps. Michael follows him.
INT. DINING ROOM IN THE JUDGE'S HOUSE. DAY.
Michael, Judge and Mrs Dowley are sitting at the table. Mrs. Dowley is an erderly woman. Michael can't stop eating.
MICHAEL
I have never tried anything so tasty in my life.
MRS DOWLEY
Thank you. It is always so pleasant when a handsome man makes you compliments.
MICHAEL
It is not a compliment, Mrs. Dowley. It is the very truth.
MRS DOWLEY
And you can find the right way to a woman, Mr. Thorne. I can imagine how you address to young women. Are you married?
MICHAEL
No. I haven't met the woman like you yet, Mrs. Dowley.
MRS. DOWLEY
(laughing)
Ok, I am leaving you. Mu husband hasn't been jealous for the last thirty yeras. I am afraid he won't be able to come through these your words.
Мrs Dowley leaves.
JUDGE
We were talking about the American history, Mr. Thorne. Help yourself, please. Don't be shy. So...first, America was the British colony. But one day it became an independent state. Any boy in America knows it even if he doesn't attend school. But nobody in the government wants to understand that Venus is a colony for America as America used to be for Great Britain.
MICHAEL
I am sorry, but it is strange for me to hear such words from you, the Federal Judge.
JUDGE
But that's the point. Such conversations have the same ending. It is strange for anybody to hear it. But let's use our imagination. What if our American sector on Venus decided to become independent? And things came to such a pitch as coercive intervention. What could America set against the Venus colony? Tanks? Ships? Nobody there wants to understand that tanks don't go here and ships don't swim here. If we talked about casual foot soldiers from the Earth...where would they place such troops? A foot soldier needs landwhere he can run. But there is no land here. And what about ammunition supplies? And food? And... what is more important... how would they breath? Any army that came here would run out of oxygen and they would just die without making a single shot.
MICHAEL
And rocket weapons?
JUDGE
Rockets against their own citizens? American Hiroshima?
MICHAEL
American Hiroshima? It must be impossible?
JUDGE
And now imagine a Venus armor-plated cruiser that dives ten miles deep?
MICHAEL
Armor-plated cruiser ? Are you serious, judge?
JUDGE
Who will prevent Stone to start armor-plated cruisers production? It is technically impossible to supply the Venus with enough amount of air transport from the Earth. And here its production has already set up. Just change something in the drawings to install weapons. That is all what is necessary.
Michael stops eating. He is surprised with what he has just heard.
JUDGE
Help yourself, Mr. Thorne! People on the Earth know, of course, that we don't have here weapons. Now it is true. But there, not far away, there is a Chinese sector, futhher down is Japanese, Idian, and Russian and so on. If American sector became independent, who will prevent us from buying the most modern weapons? We would buy them before you bat an eyelash. On credit or on lease. Besides there are enough specialists to launch our wn production. Plants directors almost cringe before Stone. But he is trifling with them. They have no idea who they are dealing with. When the times come they will march for abreast under his command and shake in shoes in fear of their life.
MICHAEL
If I have heard all this a week before, I would have never believed n it.
JUDGE
It seems to me that you are the only man who believed. I hope now you understand WHO is Mr. Stone.
MICHAEL
Nevertheless Stone has his official agents in every structure.
JUDGE
Here is a new party.
MICHAEL
What party?
JUDGE
Political, of course. He must represent a party in the elections.
MICHAEL
What will this party be?
JUDGE
A labour party or a socialist one, a kind of that. It's my belief that the party will appear in the nearest future. Of course, not Stone will be its head, but it's not important. Important is that who will fund it...
MICHAEL
Stone's money are enough for two parties, as far as I understand.
JUDGE
Yes! Stone is one of those who fritters away on expensive boots and a new scooter. He sees the target and wants to reach it by all manner of means.
MICHAEL
Major? Sheriff? Stone is under their nose. Do you want to tell that they suspect nothing?
JUDGE
Tricky situations happen on Venus. And Stone is that guy who is not shunned by dirty work. This is why mayor and sheriff like him. As long as there is a shit in the world the guys who clean it up will be highly-prized. When the times come these "diggers" scrape out not only the shit but those who they worked for. A person needs a special vision to realize it. In this respect our major is totally blind.
INT. OFFICE OF THE GLASS-BLOWING PLANT DIRECTOR.
The director is sitting at his desk. Stone comes into and seats down without any invitation.
THE GLASS-BLOWING PLANT DIRECTOR.
My people went there immediantly after you called.
STONE
Your guys had spoiled everything they could first and only after I called.
THE GLASSBLOWING PLANT DIRECTOR.
Albert, my guys are not a special force for you. Common wooden-heads who can't do anything useful with their hands. You can't give them anything except a wooden bat.
STONE
Why not to complete this unuseful work then?
THE GLASSBLOWING PLANT DIRECTOR.
What do you want? They can shoot a little but they can't die while executing an order. They are not soldiers, Stone!
STONE
I found out that Thorne is in the judge's apartment.
THE GLASSBLOWING PLANT DIRECTOR
For how long?
STONE
All this time.
THE GLASS-BLOWING PLANT DIRECTOR
May be he has taken the hostage?
STONE
Good if it is true.
THE GLASS-BLOWING PLANT DIRECTOR
Well, but what do you want of me?
STONE
In case the judge is a hostage we need to storm the judge's apartment.
THE GLASS-BLOWING PLANT DIRECTOR
You haven't heard my question: what do you want from me? Do you want my people to break the judge's door down?
STONE
Well...yes.
THE GLASS-BLOWING PLANT DIRECTOR
Who will give them this command?
STONE
ME.
THE GLASS-BLOWING PLANT DIRECTOR
Stone, only sheriff is responsible for making such decisions, you are only the deputy. Are you sure that you haven't got something wrong?
Stone stands up and leaves.
INT. DINING ROOM IN THE JUDGE'S HOUSE. DAY.
Michael and Judge are at the table.
MICHAEL
Judge, why don't you want…
JUDGE
Take the lead and raise the question at the top? People at my age, Michael, are not supposed to have Robin Hood's habits. I am more interested in my heart and liver. I can depart out of this world at any time from very natural causes.
MICHAEL
Why do you smoke then?
JUDGE
I am also very interested in an answer for this question.
MICHAEL
Damn, do they really understand nothing on the Earth?
JUDGE
Why not? They have sent the under-cover agent.
MICHAEL
He was sent to catch smugglers of diamonds.
JUDGE
And not for something else?
MICHAEL
By the way after his death I saw a metallurgic plant drawing in his computer. I was there and could find related to diamonds.
JUDGE
Are you sure that it was a drawing of metallurgic plant?
MICHAEL
Well, there was raw material elevator, melting department…
JUDGE
Elevators are standard for any plant. What about melting shop... there is one in the glass-blowing plant as well.
MICHAEL
Shit, the guard who tried to kill me told that he was from the glass-blowing plant.
INT. SHOP IN THE METALURGIC PLANT. DAY.
The director is watching his employees working. Stone appears. He comes up to the director.
STONE
Mister Brown, the weight of evidence suggests that judge Dowley is concealing Thorne in his house.
THE METALLURGIC PLANT DIRECTOR
Why would the judge do this?
STONE
I do not know. I suppose he is playing his own game.
THE METALLURGIC PLANT DIRECTOR
And concealing the peace breaker at his house? Nonsense!
STONE
Nevertheless, it is true.
THE METALLURGIC PLANT DIRECTOR
First you have told that the weight of evidence suggests this, second I can't quite seize why you are telling me all this?
STONE
Don't you want to catch Thorne?
THE METALLURGIC PLANT DIRECTOR
Catch Thorne? Me? It is you who must catch him. You are the police. If identity parade or something like that is necessary I'll organize everything I can. But to catch is not within my competence.
STONE
The fact is that only you have a ground to come to the judge's house and ask to deliver a criminal.
THE METALLURGIC PLANT DIRECTOR
How do I come into the picture?
STONE
You come because the criminal intruded illegally into your plant.
THE METALLURGIC PLANT DIRECTOR
But we don't know even the reasons why he had done this. And where are the grounds to treat him as a criminal. What did he steal? Who did he kill?
STONE
We do not know these reasons but how can I be sure that you don't know them. May be you know and just don't want to tell?
THE METALLURGIC PLANT DIRECTOR
You're talking through your hat! What nonsense!
STONE
I am sure the major's opinion on this point will be the same when I tell him everything. There are enough grounds to carry out large-scale investigation in your plant. And we will likely to find something during it... I am sure the major will approve such an investigation. You know his attitude towards industrial espionage.
THE METALLURGIC PLANT DIRECTOR
Industrial espionage..?! Ok, ok,ok...I will do what you want. But what should I tell to the Judge?
STONE
Tell anything! Show him the video made in the finished-products storage area. Tell about the enormous damage. And as a matter of fact you are a mature person. Why are you asking me silly questions?
THE METALLURGIC PLANT DIRECTOR
If the judge really conceals Thorne he won't even let us come into and will just tell me to get lost!
STONE
And then you can officially go to police. We will show in the news riots happened in your storage area and after go with reporters to the judge. Even a judge can loose his job if concealing a criminal. He understands it better than we do. So, go and ask.
INT. DINING ROOM IN THE JUDGE'S HOUSE. DAY.
Michael and judge are sitting at the table.
MICHAEL
I see that despite you don't have special sympathy for the current major but he is anyway better that that who is coming after him?
JUDGE
When we are young everything seems to be only white or only black. No tints. When we are young we love or we hate.
Judge stands up, comes up to the window, moves a curtain a little bit aside, looks iout of the window.
JUDGE
It seems like all these people are waiting for you go out?
Michael also comes up to the window and looks out.
MICHAEL
Yes, they are waiting for my head.
JUDGE
Here it is! An illustrative example. People on Venus are ready to smash anybody's head not to loose their job. What party are we talking about? What if no access for oxygen or water?... Total slavery... It is people on the Earth who can drink water at any time.
MICHAEL
I am already tresspassing on your hospitality, judge Dowley? It is time for me to take drastic measures. But taking into account how huch I have eaten I am not able to run faster than a turtle.
JUDGE
Do you want to cut your way through this barrier by running?
(loud)
Sweety! Where are your old wigs?
Mrs. Dowley appears in the dining room.
MRS. DOWLEY
Have you said wigs? Or I misheard?
JUDGE
Everything is right, wigs. And I need your old bra. And you haven't misheard again.
INT. THE LIBERTY SQUARE. DAY.
There are the guards from the glass-blowing plant. They are waiting for Michael to go out. A tall cleaner appears on the bridge connecting the square and the luxurous building. She is wearing a uniform and has a bucket and a mop in her hands as well as a standard oxygen mask covering her face. The forehead is covered with hair. Eyes and eyelashes are thickly made up. The guards are watching her in a lazy manner. As soon as the cleaner turnes the corner she leaves her bucket and the mop. It is disguised Michael. He makes sure that nobody follows him and starts to dial Emily's number. They talk.
MICHAEL
Hi!
EMILY
Is it you?
MICHAEL
Yes, it is me. I have just got a rid of my pursuers.
EMILY
Are you alive?
MICHAEL
Alive. Everything is ok. Where are you now?
EMILY
I am in the city. I waited news from you for the last two days.
MICHAEL
Let's meet at the entrance of tourists' hotel right now.
EMILY
Ok. I am coming. Be careful.
INT. THE JUDGE'S APARTMENT. DAY.
Somebody rings the doorbell. Judge Dowley opens the door of his apartment. The Mettalurgic Director and his two guards are standing in front of the entrance.
JUDGE
I am listening to you, Mr. Brown.
THE METTALURGIC PLANT DIRECTOR
It happened, Mr. Judge, that a criminal intruded into my plant yesterday. He did this behind closed doors. Crafty criminal. And now police suspects that he could intruded into your apartment in the same way.
JUDGE
Could intrude with closed doors? Very disappointing. Come in, Sirs.
(speaking loud)
Mrs. Dowley, have you seen a stranger in our apartment?
MRS. DOWLEY
Darling, do you suspect that I have invited a stranger to our house?
JUDGE
Of course no, darling. It is just Mr. Brown who is looking for a thief and wants to know whether he is here.
MRS. DOWLEY
A thief? Oh, my Godness! Let him do it as soon as possible. I am in the kitchen.
JUDGE
I hope you don't need my help? If not, I am in the garden.
Judge leaves. The guards start to investigate the house.
INT. SUMMER GARDEN IN THE JUDGE'S HOUSE. DAY.
Judge is sitting on the bench smoking a cigarette. Somebody opens the door. The Metallurgic plant director guiltily peeps into.
METTALURGIC PLANT DIRECTOR
I am sorry, Mr. Judge. A mistake occured. We have found nobody in your house.
JUDGE
Nobody? Diablerie! May be you should look around once again?
METTALURGIC PLANT DIRECTOR
No, no, Mr. Judge. We have looked around enough. It must be a real mistake.
JUDGE
Well, so then good luck, Mr. Brown.
METTALURGIC PLANT DIRECTOR
Thank you, Mr. Judge. Accept my apologies again.
The director with a stupid smile and obeisance is trying to find a door standing back to it.
INT. PACE IN FRONT OF THE ENTRANCE OF THE HOTEL FOR TERRESTRIAL TOURISTS. DAY.
Emily is standing on the pace. She is worried, looking around, then dials Michael's number.
EMILY
I am here.
MICHAEL
Me too.
EMILY
I can't see you.
Finally Emily notices a tall cleaner holding a phone in her arm.
EMILY
Is it you?
MICHAEL
Have I lost too much weight?
Emily runs to Michael and hugs him. An old woman passing by with her granddaughter disracts the child from such a steamy lesbian love scene.
INT. GLASS-BLOWING PLANT DIRECTOR'S OFFICE. DAY.
The plant director is sitting at the desk. Stone appears and sits down.
STONE
Your subnormals let him go again!
GLASS-BLOWING PLANT DIRECTOR
What a poppycock! They are now watching all the exits from the square. Even a rat can not go through unnoticed.
STONE
I told you they had let him go.
GLASS-BLOWING PLANT DIRECTOR
Listen, such interesting things are hapenning. It was you who told me about Thorne being in the judge's apartment. At that, not a word about your sources of information. But when it so turned that Thorne was not there ...you are innocent! And who is to blame? My guards, of course! Is it not too strange?
STONE
What do you mean?
GLASS-BLOWING PLANT DIRECTOR
Nothing! Thorne comes into the elite house and hasn't left it yet. So, instead of making my guards to be blame, you'd better go there and find him!
STONE
I am sure that he is already not there. I don't know how he managed to escape, but he's not in the house.
GLASS-BLOWING PLANT DIRECTOR
If you are so all-seeing what the hell are you doing here? You have put the police uniform on but who is doing all work instead of you are my guards. And they, as a matter of fact, are not even allowed to leave the plant within the working hours.
STONE
What am I accused of?
GLASS-BLOWING PLANT DIRECTOR
Of being ungrateful. I'm giving you my people at any time you need them. As many as you want. One of them was already seriously injured. And after all this you are dare to assert me claims?
Stone stands up.
STONE
Thank you, Harvey.
Stone is going to leave
GLASSBLOWING PLANT DIRECTOR
Sit down, Albert.
Stone seats down.
GLASS-BLOWING PLANT DIRECTOR
Why are you furious? Why are making something out of nothing? We'll find your Thorne. What can prevent us?
STONE
I suspect that he knows something about out business alreday. May be that under-cover agent managed to tell him everything?
GLASS-BLOWING PLANT DIRECTOR
If he knew about, he would go to my plant, not to the metallurgic one! Don't you understand that he is completely in the dark?
STONE
I don't know why but he makes me worried.
GLASSBLOWING PLANT DIRECTOR
He doesn't know anything and what is more important – there is no place here when Thorne could be safe. He can't fly away. So... He's no more than a walking dead. Today or tomorrow, not very important actually, but he is dead anyway. Don't fidget! There is no point in worrying. Go to the bar, have a drink, find a cute bitch, have a good time with her!
STONE
May be you are right, Harvey?
INT. INSIDE EMILY'S HOUSE. DAY.
Michael and Emily have just come into. They put off systems and oxygen masks, hug each other.
EMILY
I was afraid that I could loose you. It is all Stone...
MICHAEL
He can not do any harm to you again.
Michael kisses Emily.
LOC. ABANDONNED OLD PLANT WITHOUT ROOF. DAY.
Stone, Hutch and Benchly have met in the place agreed.
STONE
We have just missed him.
BENCHLEY
Smart guy. May be police really teaches something.
STONE
Are you still joking? Is it not you who is to blame? If you had done everything right that time, we would have smashed his head already!
BENCHLEY
If it is so easy, why have YOU lost him?
STONE
You'd better shut up!
HUTCH
Stop it, Albert! This guy is really unususal. If we quarrel with each other we would never find him. Better think where he can be now?
STONE
At this bitch's place! Where else? He is not allowed to enter the hotel.
HUTCH
That's it! Let's discuss the solution of our little problem.
STONE
Make a sieve from her house and nail everybody inside!
BENCHLEY
Nail? Does it mean with corpses?
STONE
With corpses!
BENCHLEY
You are difficult to understand: first with corpses then without corpses. I have a feeling that you don't know what you want?
Stone looking at Benchly with anger. Benchly answers in the same way.
HUTCH
I have told everything! All of us know what to do. Come on, fall out!
BENCHLEY
It is better to change the clothes. I don't want to be so recognizable.
INT. INSIDE STAM'S AIRSHIP. DAY.
Michael, Emily, Freddie, Jane, Lee with his wife, Georgievich are present.
STAM
These bastards came over the line they shouldn't have even stepped on.
GEORGIEVICH
What's next, Mr. Thorne?
MICHAEL
It is necessary for me now to see the glass-blowing plant from inside.
GEORGIEVICH
But you have already been in the metallurgic one?
MICHAEL
I have found nothing there.
GEORGIEVICH
Gm... gm...? Very impressive! You visited the metallurgic plant and right after that Lee lost his house. His wife was lucky to stay alive. And now you are going to visit the glass-blowing one. We edon't know yet whether you find anything there or not but we can be sure that somebody is the next to loose his or her house. Or may be two houses? And no guarantee that all of us will be alive tomorrow. Have I understood right your genious plan or may be missing anything?
EMILY
Do you want to tell that we should suffer such humiliation again?
GEORGIEVICH
Do you really think that the only way to get a rid of Stone's humuliation is to die?
MICHAEL
I spoke with people from well-informed circles in the city. They have a special opinion why Stone needs money.
GEORGIEVICH
Certainly! And we have no idea why people need money.
STAM
And what is so special?
MICHAEL
Stone wants his own political party.
STAM
Shit. It seems to me everything is going on a slippery slope.
FREDDIE
What is political party for?
MICHAEL
For seizure of power in a peaceful way.
FREDDIE
What power?
STAM
Do these well-informed people suppose that if Stone seized power, the question about an independent Venus would raise?
MICHAEL
In their opinion it would raise.
STAM
It means if we don't stop him now, nobody will stop him after.
GEORGIEVICG
What does it mean independent? What are you talking about?
STAM
I'll explain you later. I'm afraid that no time is left especially for conversations. I'll tell the last thing: in case of Stone's success we would dream about our previous life the same as about paradise while signing as canaries in a rusty cage.
LEE
(to Michael)
How do you get to the plant? The same trick won't work for the second time.
MICHAEL
I will try to use an elevator.
LEE
Difficult and dangerous.
MICHAEL
The guards will catch me on the control-post. Are you not sure about?
LEE
You are right. There are no other chances to get there. I will help you with elevator.
EMILY
No, Lee. You are staying here to protect your family. I am driving with Mr. Thorne to the elevator.
(having noticed that Michael is going to mind)
Don't say anything, Michael. I have my own accounts to settle with Stone.
STAM
Are you ready to fight, Lee?
LEE
It is not easy to knock me down. Those who thought so made a big mistake. Stone must answer for all the crimes. I won't turn back.
GEORGIEVICH
That's all good, of course... global politics, beautiful words... But what the hell is Thorne looking for in the glass-blowing plant? Does he think that they are blowing diamond glasses? I want to disappoint him but it's impossible to blow anything from a diamond.
MICHAEL
It is difficult for me to explain my decision but I am sure that the glassblowing plant administartion sends to the Earth not only ready products but diamonds as well.
GEORGIEVICH
How can you be so sure?
MICHAEL
Many facts are serving as complimenting evidence.
GEORGIEVICH
I see... nothing exact.
EMILY
Georgievich, shut up. If we had at least one direct evidence nobody would try to intrude into this plant. Do you understand that Michael is risking his neck?
Georgievich keeps silence aggrievedly.
STAM
What do others think?
FREDDIE
I have often heard that a man should be ready to protect his home, his family. But to tell the truth I have never thought that one day I would have to do it. But I am ready! No more riffraff in the Farmers' Valley!
GEORGIEVICH
And what is your opinion, Stam?
STAM
Our plan is the following. Thorne gets into the glassplant and we are getting ready here. Let them all come.
GEORGIEVICH
Is it our final plan?
STAM
Final. Are you with us?
GEORGIEVICH
I have nowhere to go!
LOC. STAM'S AIRSHIP PLATFORM. DAY.
Michael and Emily are on a bycicle. Everybody who took part in the conversation before are seeing them off.
FREDDIE
Turn there everything inside out, Michael!
LEE
Michael, even if they catch you, I'll get you out!
MICHAEL
Thank you, my friends!
STAM
Good luck! You really need it!
LOC. THE CITY OUTSKIRTS. DAY.
Hutch and Benchley disguised into the same tracksuits are ready to go to the Farmers' Valley. They are armed with pump guns. The eyes are not seen under tinted motorcycle goggles. Hutch is drumming his fingers on the intercommunication microphone.
HUTCH
How do you hear me?
BENCHLEY
Very well.
HUTCH
Direct fire on the house. Then to the sun as the last time. But it seems to me this time we'll have to come back. This fucking cop will likely get out from the falling house with his bitch.
BENCHLEY
Then may be we go not to the sun but down and crush them once and for all?
HUTCH
Yes, you are right. They can't recognize us now. Yes, do as agreed. Direct fire on and down. Then we smash these bastards and the same way down to the Valley.
BENCHLEY
I like your new plan, Mr. Hutch!
HUTCH
So, let's go!
LOC. UNDER THE CITY PLATFORM. DAY.
Michael ad Emily are threading their way under the platform to the glassplant elevator. They have to round thick metal ropes that fix the platform with the planet surface. The bicycle is near the low part of the glassplant elevator.
EMILY
Now we are waiting till pontoon with rocks come.
MICHAEL
Is it going to be soon?
EMILY
I hope that soon… Here it is.
An air pontoon is being lifted by means of rope. There is a large tray with rocks. The pontoon stops before an airlock. Emily brought Michael to the tray. Michael jumps to. The petals of the airlock are being opened. Michael sees metal hands coming out of the airlock. They take the tray. The petals are closed
INT. INSIDE THE AIRLOCK. FAINT ARTIFICIAL LIGHTNING.
Michael jumps out off the tray down to the low petal and conceals himself behind the tray side. Venus atmosphere is being pumped out and oxygen is vice versa. As soon as carbon dioxide is changed with oxygen the upper petals are opened. The tray is fixed with frame crane and transported to the dumping place. Michael is hanging on the tray edge with legs tucked up. The workers can't see him behind the tray side.
INT. RECEIVING PRODUCTION UNIT OF THE GLASSBLOWING PLANT. DAY.
Michael is hanging on the tray side. The workers still can't see him. The rocks from the tray are falling into the reservoir. Much dust in the air. Michael jumps into the reservoir. He uses a dust screen to climb out. He is hidden behind the routes of communications. Michael looks around, starts to move forward concealed by communications, finds a dirty uniform, puts it on. Michael notices the place that can be well used for observation. He gets there and begins to watch what is happening in the plant. His observation point is not visible for the surveillance cameras.
LOC. AIR SPACE. DAY.
Hutch and Benchly have reached destination sitting astride their scooters and now are ready to open fire. The Farmers' Valley is below them. All houses are clearly visible.
BENCHLEY
Where is her house?
HUTCH
That's it. Have you already forgotten where you got one in the liver?
BENCHLEY
I rememeber. Just asked.
HUTCH
Then let's go!
Hutch and Benchly take pump guns from protective covers, overcharge them and dash with a battle cry down to Emily's house. The scooters drew nearer. At this very moment a gunshot breaks the silence. The bullet goes through the Hutch and Benchly's scooter side made of plastic. Hutch and Benchly raise their eyes up and see Stam, Lee and Freddie on their bicycles. Stam shot with his self-made gun and perforated Hutch's scooter. Lee and Freddie shout cheerfully. Hutch and Benchly stop, change their direction towards the city. Hutch and Benchly shoot at bycicles hanging overhead. One of the bullets go through the Freddie's bycicle rubber inner tube. Air goes out through the holes and Freddie's bicycle starts to fall.
FREDDIE
I am shot!
Lee lets the air out of his bicycle inner tube, rotates the treadles and moves towards Freddie. Freddie also changes his direction and by all means tries to bring the bicycle nearer Lee's. Freddie's bycicle is much below that Lee's. Freddie stops to rotate treadles, stands up. Lee trows him a tether and stops to descend. Freddie catches the end of the tether and hangs holding it. Stam and Lee exult that their friend is rescued. People appear on the porches of their houses, they heard guns' shots. They also triumph over. The Freddie bicycle is falling down into abyss. Hutch ride to the city astride the broken bicycle. There is a trace of hydrogen going out of the bicycle. Benchly follows him.
HUTCH
Bastards! They'll pay for this!
BENCHLEY
Gain altitude and speed! You can do it with the high speed!
Hutch tries to get the height using maximal engine power. Piloting features of the scooter help in high gear.
BENCHLEY
Come on, Hutch! You can do it!
City appears far afield. Hutch and Benchly have already moved upwards, so the city is below their flight altitude.
BENCHLEY
To the main city, Hutch.
Hutch turns aside a little bit from the city and begins to make a landing so that to be on the wayside of the main street. There is almost no more hydrogen left. So, Hutch plans to land at the bebinning of the main street and expects scooter's piloting characteristics won't let him down. Hydrogen shortage prevents from landing at right angle, the scooter goes at oblique one.
LOC. THE BEGINNING OF THE CITY STREET. DAY.
The scooter's nose is greatly cocked. As soon as Hutch reaches the beginning of the street, his scooter flops down. So long as the nose was cocked, it strikes the road surface and noses over. Meanwhile a bicycle starts driving along the street. At seeing the scooter the cyclist stops, but so as Hutch was driving at oblique angle, his scooter is going to collide with the cycle. The bicycle is strung on Hutch's scooter. Both of them ram into the corner of the house. The bicyclist is cast away into the street pass. His life is rescued. There is a little of highly explosive hydrogen left in the pontoon. Sparkling and explosion. Hutch dashes out of the scooter under its own inertia, strikes against the wall and having flown some yards along the wall, falls down on the sidewalk. The guns falls near him. The scooter and the bicycle are burning. Benchly lands on the street sideway. He stops the scooter, gets off, runs to Hutch. Hutch's arms and legs are twist unnaturally, he breathes with strong rattle. He is conscious, but near death. Benchly looks in his eyes. Passers-by gather on the place of accident. They attention is drawn by the gun in the Benchly's scooter. Hutch is dead. Benchly moves backwards, gets on his scooter and drives away.
INT. GLASS-BLOWING PLANT. DAY.
Michael finds out where is the the end products storage area. He leaves his concealment and being disguised by dirty uniform, goes to the area.
INT. END PRODUCTS STORAGE AREA. DAY.
Michael enters the storage area. There are many packages there. Michael examines the ceiling, notices cameras, finds out the “blind” zone.
INT. CENTRAL CONTROL PANEL IN THE GLASSBLOWING PLANT. DAY.
Engineer-on-duty is watching the technological process in the plant. Nobody in the storage area pays attention at what Michael is doing. When Michael enters the blind zone, the engineer-on-duty forgets as he has ever seen this man. He is too busy with the process. Engineer notices defect in the production, turn on the microphone and speaks.
ENGINEER
Morris, where are the glassblowers? Loading up again? Melting is almost up to the end. Find them now!
INT. END PRODUCTS STORAGE AREA. DAY.
Michael finds the boxes with finished products, pulls out a vase, fumbles it. He can't see anything suspected. Michael breaks the vase, looking over the pieces. Usual pieces. Michael breaks a vase from the second box, then the third one. The result is the same. Michael stops, looks around. This attention is drawn by small packages situated separated from all the rest by a metal net. He is trying to find a solution. Michael climbs over the net, pulls fanciful products out. Foreign debris is seen inside, they set off the product. He breaks one of them, then a few more.
Meanwhile a loading workman enters the storage area. He is going to unload a cart with products.
Michael holds in his arm the glassy pieces. He scratches the glass surface with the ball. A deep furrow is left on it. Michael realises that these are diamonds.
MICHAEL
Damn it! If you want to hind something, put it on the front burner.
The loading worker pays attention at Michael. He is surprised to see a man on the closed territory, he jerks his head around without understanding.
LOADING WORKER
Hey, get out in your dirty clothes! How did you get here? Who are you?
INT. CENTRAL CONTROL PANEL IN THE GLASS-BLOWING PLANT. DAY.
Engineer-on-duty is still watching the technological process. He sees that Michael got into the exclusion area and breaks the finished glass products. Engineer-on-duty turns on the microphone and speaks with the security officer.
ENGINEER-ON-DUTY
Somebody is breaking products in the end products storage area.
SECURITY OFFICER OF THE GLASS-BLOWING PLANT
(voice)
I didn't get it. Repeat.
ENGINEER-ON-DUTY
I said somebody is smashing everything up in the storage area!
Some time after the Security officer of the plant runs into the Control Panel Room. He is peering at Michael and turns on the loudspeaker.
SECURITY OFFICER OF THE GLASS-BLOWING PLANT
Everybody to the end products storage area! Peacebreaker is the man wearing a dirty uniform.
Then the security officer dials the Stone's number.
SECURITY OFFICER OF THE GLASS-BLOWING PLANT
Albert, you client is here, in my storage area.
STONE'S VOICE
I am coming.
INT. END PRODUCTS STORAGE AREA. DAY.
Mihael is collecting pieces containing diamonds. He sees the loading worker and hears the voice of the security officer who is informing the latter about Michael's presence here. He puts fragments into the bag and hides it in his pocket. Michael climbs out the metal railing. The loading worker flattens himself against the boxes not to get involved with Michael.
Two guards run into the storage, take bludgeons, looking for a way to access to Michael. One of the guards is trying to strike a blow from the top. Michael dodges his blow and smashes him into the face. The guard falls down loosing consciousness. The second guard turns out to be more trained. He hits Michael in the arm. Michael strike a blow with the left hand somewhere in kidneys. The guard falls down and writhes with pain. Michael runs out from the area.
INT. GLASS-BLOWING PLANT. DAY.
Michael is running along the hall meanwhile reading doorplates. They show the way to the fire escape. Other two guards are running after. They started to shake fists again. Michael knocks them down off the feet and put their own handcuffs on them and the metal pipe going along the wall.
MICHAEL
Guys, come on! Gravitational force on Venus is low. You should train more!
INT. AIRLOCK OF THE FIRE ESCAPE OF THE GLASS-BLOWING PLANT. DAY.
A guard with bandaged leg is sitting at the desk. He is the second guard who was wounded by Michael near the Main Control Panel. Michael appears. The second guard regognizes him. His eyes become wide out of surprise and fear. He jumps up, hugs the wall, raises his hands.
THE SECOND GUARD
I am unarmed!
MICHAEL
Open the airlock.
THE SECOND GUARD
Do you want to go out of?
MICHAEL
Open the airlock.
THE SECOND GUARD
Of course. Ok, here you are.
MICHAEL
Put mask on, you are going with me.
Michael puts an oxygen mask on. The guard is looking for his mask with trembling hands, puts it on.
THE SECOND GUARD
Why do I have to go with you? Can I wait for you here?
MICHAEL
Come with me, my dear. If we get stuffed in the air-lock, then together.
THE SECOND GUARD
Get stuffed? Why? It works perfectly!
MICHAEL
Then perfect.
Michael seizes him by the scruff of the neck, opens the petals and come into with the guard.
LOC. PACE IN FRONT OF THE FIRE ESCAPE OF THE GLASS-BLOWING PLANT. DAY.
Michael and the Second guard come out of the airlock. Michael sees some luxurous scooters parked there. It turned so that this fire escape is used by the Plant Administration not to be pushed by the workers's elbows at the control post.
MICHAEL
Transport!
Michael gets on the most beautiful scooter.
THE SECOND GUARD
No, not this on! It's the director's!
MICHAEL
It's even better! It must be the fastest!
THE SECOND GUARD
Now I'll be fired. Sure.
Stone drives up and car and parks. He sees only Michael's back and doesn't recognize him. Stone opens the door, leans out of the window and calls the guard.
STONE
Where is the security officer?
Michael jerks his head towards Stone, their eyes meet each other. Stone is pararlized with surprise for a moment. Michael starts up and drives off with full speed. Having recollected suddenly he pulls out the gun, strikes a shot, but he missed the mark. The airlock petals are opened. The security officer and a guard run out into the street. Stone points his finger at the scooter with Michael.
STONE
Catch him!
Stone slams the car door, starts the motor up and dashes after Michaels. The security officer and the guard jump on the parked scooters and follow Stone. Michael gains the hight a little and tries to throw them off by mingling between buildings. Pursuers are still following him.
INT. INSIDE THE MAJOR'S CAR. DAY.
Major is his his car driven by a driver in a uniform. They are driving along the main street. Major is wearing glasses and looking throgh the papers. At the end of the street there is an explosion. The driver tells about to the major.
MAJOR'S DRIVER
Mr. Major!
Major puts down the papers.
LOC. THE BEGINNING OF THE CITY STREET. DAY.
The scooter and the bicycle are burning at the accident site. Hutch is dead. The cyclist is sitting in the pass holding his bruises. Passers by are gathering. Some of them try to help the bicyclist. The major's car drives up, he gets off the car and watches what is happening around. He sees Hutch and the gun. Representatives of the local TV company appear on a scooter. A reporter and a camera man get off the scooter. The operator starts to film immediantly. The reporter is commenting.
INT. SHERIFF'S OFFICE. DAY.
Sheriff is going to have a lunch. He locks the door, opens refrigerator and takes a piece of cake. Sheriff anticipating pleasure sits down at the table, takes the remote control, turns on the TV and starts searching for the channel. Finally he finds cartoons, puts down the remote control, takes a large piece of cake with a spoon and puts it into the mouth, sips coffee. Sheriff opens a drawer. Thereis a picture consisting of puzzles inside. He finds the right puzzle and inserts it into the picture. It fits. Sheriff smiles. The cartoon is abruptly interrupted. A reporter appears on the screen. There is a scooter and a a bicycle on the background.
REPORTER
We have to interrupt the programms in connection with a terrible accident that has just happened on the main street of our city. Two means of transport collided. There are victims. Our major, Frank Landon, is already here.
(tries to give him a microphone)
Mr. Major, can you comment upon what has just happened?
MAJOR
(Major waves the microphone away untactfully).
Where is the police? Oh, damn!
Having seen the Major on accident site on TV sheriff spits involuntary his cake and coffee out of his mouth, jumps out, grabs ERS, opens the door, runs out into the hall.
LOC. THE BEGINNING OF THE CITY STREET. DAY.
Major is standing at the accident site. People are still gathering. Sheriff's car is flying through the the roofs at high speed. The car flops down the street. People are afraid to be put out by the car. They are scattering. Sheriff runs out of the car to the Major.
MAJOR
(not loud but very angrily)
What is going on? I have forbidden you to fly by any means of transport over the city. Did you want to crush one more pedestrian?
SHERIFF
I was in a hurry, Mr. Major.
MAJOR
Where were you hurring? It is too late already. You should have done it to prevent people's death not vice versa. Armageddon is here and Sheriff affords himself to fly overhead meanwhile!
Michael's scooter is sweeping over the heads of those present, Stone's car and two more scooters are behind him. Major is ready to eat Sheriff. He points his finger up but can't pronounce a word. Sheriff is perplexed.
LOC. ABOVE THE CITY. DAY.
Michael is mingling between the city buildings. He is followed by two scooters with guards and Stone's car. The guards' scooters are lighter and have better piloting characteristics. That's why they follow hard on Michael's heels keeping pace with him. Stone's car is going by wider radius.
INT. INSIDE STONE'S CAR. DAY.
Stone is following Michael. He hears the voice of Security guard from the loudspeaker.
VOICE OF THE GLASSBLOWING PLANT SECURITY OFFICER
Fire, Albert!
Stone turns the car armament on. A quick-fire comes out of the hood. Indicator shows "choose ammunition". Stones pushes "tracer" and hears woman's voice of the trip computer system.
COMPUTER VOICE
Attention. The present type of ammunition ia not allowed to use for stopping means of transport equipped with a hydrogen filler.
STONE
That's what I need.
VOICE OF THE GLASSBLOWING PLANT SECURITY OFFICER
Fire! You are going to loose him again!
STONE
(to the microphone)
I can't above the city. Wait untill he is in the open space.
LOC. ABOVE THE CITY. DAY.
All actions are now happenning in the multilevel part of the city. There are many building of different height here. It makes it more difficult to catch Michael up. A guard loses control of the scooter and smashes into a metal tower. The scooter is exploded, the tower is falling down on the city buildings. It touches the electric conductors. Multiple sparkling. The scooter wreckages fly away. Michael understand that the explosion drew their attention for some seconds and srart moving towards an open space. On the border between the space and the city Michael is not clear visible, he jumps down along the side wall of the main platform. The Security Officer suddenly stop to follow Michael, gains height and turns around that place where his guard died.
INT. INSIDE STONE'S CAR. DAY.
Stone is keeping pace of Michael. The scooter of the guard who is in front os Stone collides with the metal tower and exploded. Stone has to drive aside not to suffer from the explosion. He takes no notice for some time. Having reached a safe place Stone looks arond and sees that Michael's scooter leaves the space above the city and it is flying in the open space. The distance is too long and Stone doesn't understand that there is nobody astride the scooter already. Stone is following the scooter, takes sight at it and ready to shoot. The empty scooter starts to tumble down (it is not driven by anybody), moves aside and looses height. However it is seemed to be a maneuver to leave the pursuers behind. Stones opens a burst of machine-gun fire. The burst of tracers are coming closer and closer to Michael's scooter and unites with it! Tracers go through the pontoon filled with hydrogen. Explosion. The scooter is torn into pieces. Wreckages are falling down.
LOC. AIR SPACE. DAY.
Stone steps on the air braking щитки and looks down at the burning wreckages. The Security Officer of the glassblowing plant drives up. He also steps on the air breaking and stops near. The Security Officer makes sure that the emergency balloon was not activated and realizes that Michael was torn into pieces as well as the emergency life-saving system. Stone and the Security Officer stare at each other. Stone is satisfied with the end of this big and hard deal.
LOC. UNDER THE CITY PLATFORM. DAY.
Emily is sitting on a bike near the elevator airlock of the glassblowing plant in the hope of seeing Michael again. She is looking at the airlock and wait when Michael appears. Emily's telephone rings. She answers the phone.
MICHAEL'S VOICE
North! Look to the north!
Emily is looking at the direction to the north and sees how Michael is getting up on the emergency baloon near the edge of the main platform. Emily rides to Michael rotating treadles of an airscrew with all possible efforts. Michael is on the same level as the platform, the balloon sets against the platform edge. Emily goes to him, she's happy that Michael's alive.
INT. THE CITY MAJOR OFFICE. DAY.
Major is waiting in the office. The glassblowing plant director, the director of metallurgic plant, sheriff Henry Mulin and Stone enter the office.
MAJOR
What is happening? What the hell is happening I am asking you?! Three dead bodies! Who allowed this? Stop loafing about finally! Does everybody in the city do whatever he wants? Why are scooters flying over heads of innocent sleeping citizens?
SHERIFF
They were not sleeping. It was the working day, Mr. Major.
MAJOR
Doesn't matter! It is even worse! Two women are in resuscitation department! Who allowed this? And all of them are officials! Where did corpse take the gun? Why on earth are guns here? Why does police do nothing?
STONE
In accordance with the live data he was going to organize illegal manufacture of oxygen and bought a gun to be held in respect in criminal circles.
SHERIFF
And casual handling with the gun became a cause of accident with his scooter.
MAJOR
Illegal manufacture of oxygen?
(to the sheriff and Stone)
What were you doing?
STONE
We were keeping vigilant watch on him but needed unchallengeable evidence to arrest him.
MAJOR
While you are waiting for your evidence, dead are flying on scooters!
SHERIFF
Such is the legislation, Mr. Major.
MAJOR
Why I got to know only today that our plants are being searched by anybody-knows-who? Besides he is a a tourist and who knows what else. Besides he is dead! And more over he died in an accident astride the plant director's scooter! The whole city is shivering with fever. What are you thinking about? Revolution? Military coup? Do you really think that I will lose my job in this case and nobody else? No! All of you are coming with me!
METALLURGIC PLANT DIRECTOR
Mr. Major, but it is an obvious provocation. Nobody is to blame in this case.
MAJOR
Provocation? Whose? What provocation are you talking about without any guilty?
METALLURGIC PLANT DIRECTOR
An unknown person, necessary to be mentioned, well prepared, intruded into my plant first and then to glassblowing plant. It is naked industrial espionage.
MAJOR
Stop palavering! Two women are in resuscitation department. Three dead! Espionage? I know it without you! They don't want us to develop independently. They to supply us with everything and make us for this. Sweat and pay. And they will batten on others! Not for taffy!
(shows long finger)
Who sent him? Tell me the name in case there is not only straw in your heads!
METALLURGIC PLANT DIRECTOR
I think we'll clear up evreything in some time.
MAYOR
What time? We don't have time at all! The whole city is shivering with fever!
Major speaks with the Glassblowing plant director.
MAJOR
Why are you keeping silence? Why is you scooter driven by self-murderers? Spies on scooters are already here?
GLASSBLOWING PLANT DIRECTOR
Not exactly, Mr. Major.
MAJOR
Not exactly? What does it mean?
GLASSBLOWING PLANT DIRECTOR
A specialist is waiting in the hall. Would you like him to express our point of view?
Major waves with his hand.
MAJOR
Our... Well, tell him come into. I want to look at your specialist.
Tailor, man of a middle age, a psychotherapeutist, enters the room.
TAILOR
Good afternoon, Mr. Major.
MAJOR
Come on, speak up. But in brief.
TAILOR
The matter is that all the latest event has something to do with the name of Michael Thorne. So, I decided to analyze the actions of the dead using the video materials from the both plants, metallurgic and glassblowing. And I was astonished by one thing. The point is that there is no... logic in his actions.
MAJOR
The man intrudes into two plants and in your opinion there is … no logic?
TAILOR
Absolutely.
MAJOR
How should I react to your words?
TAILOR
I am afraid that we are dealing with a mentally ill person.
MAJOR
Do you mean that they sent a mentally ill spy to Venus?
TAILOR
No, Mr. Major. When he first came here he was sure in a perfect mental health condition. But influence of Venus atmosphere and a wide range of other factors completely unknown for a person who just came from the Earth possibly could give such an effect.
MAJOR
What effect? Cuckoo?
Major twists with his finder near the temple.
TAILOR
Right.
TAILOR
And how many of these … cuckoos do we have?
TAILOR
It is the first registered case. We do not have possibility to watch all tourists who were here. They always fly back to the Earth. If we organize a program, finance it, find out about their activities after may be more cases will be brought to light.
MAJOR
Have I understood something wrong? What do we have... absolutely healthy tourist came here and lost his wits in a week... and in our city! He got so mad that … died? Are you out of your mind? Damn you! I am afraid for every cent, looking for sponsors all over the planet and you are telling me all sorts of nonsense? Have you decided to spoil all tourist system? If somebody gets to know that our tourists become crazy and die, more over, not a single person will visit us again? Do you understand that it is all rot? I'd better put you in a lunatic asylum not to hear your cuckoo's ideas.
STONE
But Thorne is not a tourist!
MAJOR
Not a tourist?
STONE
He spent some time on Venus as a tourist but as soon as his permit was expired Thorne left our city.
MAJOR
(to sheriff)
Right?
SHERIFF
Right. These are documentary facts.
MAJOR
How then did he come here again?
STONE
He came as a private citizen.
MAJOR
Hmm..., it is different thing. It means that Mr. Thorne spent here his time as a tourist, left after the fixed time period and was in good health condition.
SHERIFF
Right.
MAJOR
And only after he visited our city as a private citizen by reason of... by reason of?
STONE
Beloved woman.
MAJOR
Exactly! Beloved woman!
SHERIFF
And who is this woman!
MAJOR
Shut up, Mulin! Any woman in this city had become his beloved one if this would have been necessary for him. Even Mrs Mulin! Is it clear, Mulin?
SHERIFF
Clear, Mr. Major.
MAJOR
Then he hired a scooter of...
The Major looks at the Director of the Glassblowing Plant with a question in his eyes.
GLASSBLOWING PLANT DIRECTOR
I leased my scooter to rent-a-scooter company long time ago.
MAJOR
He hired the scooter in the company. Sheriff, check this information, how the contarct was executed and pay attention at the date of the contract conclusion.
SHERIFF
Already done.
MAJOR
And then died occasionally, lost control, neglected safety measures.
SHERIFF
Everything right, Mr. Major.
MAJOR
And Dr. Tailor thinks that it was like this?
TAILOR
No doubt, Mr. Major. Exactly like this.
SHERIFF
May be we should take control of scooters usage not any other similar accidents appear?
MAJOR
Right you are! Prepare a proposal for the City Council and we'll consider it in the nearest future! And you, Mulin, make sure no more corpses with guns flying in the air! Else you will sweep pavements till the end of your life!
SHERIFF
I have understood everything, Mr. Major!
INT. GLASSBLOWING PLANT DIRECTOR'S OFFICE. DAY.
The Director is sitting at the desk. Stone appears, sits down. а
GLASSBLOWING PLANT DIRECTOR
Well, it seems as if life came back to the usual routines again?
STONE
It does, Harvey. But to make it even more usual and routine we have to make one big common effort.
GLASSBLOWING PLANT DIRECTOR
Do you mean the farmers? Want to knock some sense into their heads?
STONE
Yes.
GLASSBLOWING PLANT DIRECTOR
How many people do you need?
STONE
All of them.
GLASSBLOWING PLANT DIRECTOR
Ok, I'll give you as many as I can. But I don't want my security officer get into the files with others?
STONE
Of course.
LOC. PACE IN FRONT OF FIRE ESCAPE IN THE GLASSBLOWING PLANT.
Stone is standing on the pace and his car is parked near. Benchly is sitting on his scooter. Secure officer is giving instructions to his 18 guards.
SECURE OFFICER OF THE GLASSBLOWING PLANT.
All of you remember that large-scale subversive acts were carried out against our enterprise. The damage is great! Our friend is dead! And criminals intruded into our plant have accomplices who are holding up now. They are laughing at our broken hearts! Police wish to punish these monsters! And our duty is to help them! Since this moment all of you are subordinate to the deputy sheriff, Mr. Stone. All his orders are hard and fast! And remember: our future and future of our plant are in your hands!
(to the second guard with an injured leg)
In case somebody fulfills his duties carelessly, he'll go like a shot from a gun out of this plant! And then we'd see how he could feed his family!
(to others)
Now listen carefully to Mr. Stone.
STONE
Rebellion is being prepared in the Farmers' Valley. Mass riots are likely to appear. Today we must give them so good lesson that none of them have even a slight idea of breaking the legislation! Never again! I am going to arrest instigator and put them into prison. Your task is to find all others and tan their hides! These people don't understand the human word and admit the Law.
ONE OF THE GUARDS
The same punishment for women?
STONE
In case of resistance, yes.
LOC. THE FARMERS' VALLEY. DAY.
Cavalcade consisiting of twenty people is approaching the Farmers' Valley. Stone in his car is at the head. He has staff gun. Benchly and two other guards are armed with pump guns. The rest of them has police truncheons and gas bottles. Farmers are ready to meet them with a rebuff. Two lines of bicycles – one over the other. They are armed with long metal lances, bows, arbalests, javelins. Bottles with Molotov's coctail are in hands. Stam is in the center. He holds a long home-made gun and wears a cowboy hat and lasso. The farmers' families are on the roofs of their houses. Women and older children use long metal lances for protection. Some of them hold arbalests. Stones stops his cavalcade opposite Stam's bicycle.
STONE
Have you gathered all local clowns? Or may be you have more? Do you imagine yourself to be the leader of Sicillian mafia? Are you really going to attact the police with the home-made sticks? Go home! Now!
LEE
Go back, Stone! You have nothing to do in our Valley!
STONE
I see you disregarded my warning and decided to listen to this half crazy old man who presents a sorry spectacle.
(points his finger to Stam)
Have you thought well enough? I am giving you the last chance. I'll count till three. If I see somebody here after I said three, he'll regret that was born!
FREDDIE
We want to plit on you! Take your bastards and go home!
STONE
What is it? Sun is too hot? Or you have swallowed too much Venus atmosphere?
STAM
You are right, Albert. Many of those who you decided to put into slavery were born on Venus. But you forgot – we are still Americans! And Americans always faught for freedom and independence. And when it was needed, they died for independence. You just forgot about, Albert.
Stones sees Michael on the roof of the nearest house.
STONE
Are you alive?
MICHAEL
Yes, Stone, I am alive. But for you it is not the worst news. I have come here to arrest you.
STONE
What a noncense? You are not on the Earth! You can't arrest anybody on the territory of other state!
MICHAEL
Unfortunately for you, from juridicial point of view this territory is the same state. So, this arrest is absolutely legal! Albert Stone, you are suspected of murder commited against the Federal agent named Malvin Dalton. And he lived on the territory of my state. Besides you accused of illegal diamonds smuggling. Your illegal actions are not the secret any more. Here are the evidence of your guilty!
Michael jerks his head to Emily. Emily takes a transparent bag in which there are diamonds in glasspieces that Michael got in the glassblowing plant.
MICHAEL
In addition you have organized a criminal group members of which extorted diamonds from people living in the Farmers' Valley.
Michael points to the farmers standing aside.
MICHAEL
They are all witnesses and ready to testify upon a trial.
The second guard with a broken leg recognises Michael.
THE SECOND GUARD
Ok, guys, it is better to lose the job than to be put into prison with such bastards. Let the Attorney do it! I have nothing to do here any more!
The second guard starts his motor up, turns and drives off. The other guards do the same and follow the second guard. Only Benchly still stands behind Stone's back.
MICHAEL
A member of your group is behind you. His nickname is Benchley, he'll be arrested as well. I hope he has all grounds to help the investigation.
Benchly sees that Stone doesn't take any measures. Benchly starts up and disappears. Stone is left alone.
MICHAEL
Besides Antony Ross was killed by your command. He refused to give you diamonds. You are responsible for his death either. I am sure that the dead husky guy lying on the main platform at the very moment will add some thrilling moments to your biography.
Stone starts the motor up, drives up to the roof where Michael is standing and jumps to the car roof.
STONE
Are you so upset that my guys killed Antony? You are sleeping with his widow. You must be grateful that we slew him.
MICHAEL
Lay down your gun, Albert Stone. You are arrested.
STONE
Want to have my gun? Come and take it. Let's decide everything once and for ever. As real men!
Stone take off his gun, gas bottle, knife and puts them on the roof surface.
MICHAEL
Stone, you are not on your stadium. Better calm down.
STONE
Now! Everything must be decided now! Come here and fight if you are the man!
Michael and Stone are in the middle of the roof. Stone tries to hit Michael into face with his right hand. Michael cracks his jaw. Stone almost fainted but still stands on his legs. Stone resuscitates and rushes at Michael, tries to hit his face with a left hand. But Michael parries the blow and hooks him into the liver. Stone begins to kneel, instinctively catches hold of Michael. Michael supports him. Stone having overcome the pain stands up. He realises that it's impossible to fight with Michael.
Meanwhile the sheriff's car is approaching the roof. It comes close to them. Sheriff Mulin and judge Dowley are inside.
Stone looks at Michael, at Dowley, and understands that he has lost at all points. He is at the edge of the roof, takes his knife, cuts off the device activating the emergency balloon. The knife is falling into abyss. Stone looks around.
STONE
Do you think you have caught Stone? Who are you? Nobody dares to say that he has defeated me!
MICHAEL
Stone, don't do this!
Stone jumps from the roof stepping back. It is an inevitable death, the emergency balloon can't be activated.
MICHAEL
Judge Dowley, I suppose it was an accident.
JUDGE
Sergeant Thorne, suiciders are not under Courts jurisdiction. If you have something to tell about the dead's property inheritance, appeal to the Notary.
MICHAEL
Thank you, Judge. After all I had to relive here, I'll refuse any legacy on Venus. But it would be not a bad idea for Lee to get a place for living instead of lost one.
JUDGE
Don't be so categorical! What air here!
(breathes in fresh air sitting in the car)
There is such ecologically clean air nowhere in the Solar system. I am telling you this. The Earth's air is a little bit too much spoiled. Besides as far as I understood the deputy sheriff's vacancy is casual now.
Judge looks at sheriff sitting near. The latter is surprised with what he has just heard. Judge is not against if Michael'll settle on this position. Michael wants to object. He looks at the faces of others and sees hope in their eyes. Emily comes up to Michael, squeezes his hand.
FREDDIE
Come on, Michael.
STAM
For your information,sеrgeant, we do not have a wide range of casual vacancies to turn up your nose.
GEORGIEVICH
Damn you! Say yes finally!
Michael keeps silence for a moment, then says.
MICHAEL
I agree.
Everybody triumphs over.
SHERIFF
Write a report related to deputy sheriff's Stone's death circumstances. Tomorrow it must be at my desk!
The car with sheriff and judge drives off.
STAM
Sergent! I have had two bottles of excellent whiskey for many years already. I had thought I would have never had an occasion to drink them. Now I understand. That's it! I invite you to my house. I invite everybody! Let's sit, drink as free people. Damn! We have already forgotten what it means just to visit each other.
FREDDIE
Wow, isn't that cute of Stam?! If it goes on, you'll get married here!
STAM
I am not ready for family life, but who knows... If I met a girl like your Jane … may be I'll say goodbye to my youth and freedom?
Michael takes the flask, that Stepan gave as a present to him, opens it and gives to Stam. Stam makes a sip, knits his brow – the drink is too strong.
STAM
What's this?
MICHAEL
The drink of friendship. `