The Alternative Prisoner

Episode 9 - "Do Not Forsake Me, Oh My Darling" - The Boot is on the Other Foot - wherein Number Six's mind is transferred into a different body

2009-12-05T12:21:00.000-08:00

Scene Opens. Six's bed. A shape is under the covers. A steady, low snoring can be heard. The scene pulls back and is on the big screen of the Observation Room. Number 2 is talking to another man, flanked by the Supervisor. The man is wearing a white doctors coat

Number 2: Are you certain this is safe to go ahead?
Doctor: Of course. The feminising process is complete.
Number 2: It seems...so....impossible somehow.
Doctor: It will be second nature to him.
Number 2: And the woman?
Doctor, suggestion of regret: You prohibited any transfer, in order to guarantee his safety. I simply do not know....that was the risk you took when you insisted upon this procedure.
Number 2, sharply: It became necessary!
Doctor, blankly: Sir.
Number 2: Finding her after all this time was an unexpected opportunity. We could not waste the chance.
Doctor: I hope Number Six sees it that way sir.
Number 2: She will see things our way!
Doctor: I half expected it to fail.
Number 2: Their compatilibity was assured. Number Six is normally so incompatible. He has been a tricky subject. To find his fiancee was a once-in-a-career chance.
Doctor: I am certain your career is assured sir.
Supervisor: Six is waking up Sir!

Their attention transfers back to the screen.

Fadeout

Standard Intro begins. Flash image of Lotus 7 reveals the driver to be a woman. Her hair is held by a satin head-scarf. Her mouth is drawn tight, determined. The intro progresses. In the corridor the walking feet are strong but well-shaped female feet in slightly-heeled shoes. They clip-clap firmly along the corridor. The door opens firmly but calmly into the study. The bespectacled man politely ushers the woman into a chair. She is tapping an envelope on the desk. The man has a condescending expression. The woman flicks a head movement, irritated. She pushes the envelope into the man's tea-cup and pushes the cup towards him as she stands and walks out of the room exasperated. The cup has upset, pouring tea over the man's papers. The envelope lies stained on the desk. It has the word: 'Resignation' scrawled across it. Cut to the woman in her apartment, packing a small case. She tosses some holiday brochures in. Gas enters the room. The woman gasps and collapses onto a bed. Throughout this sequence, the womans face has only been glimpsed, shrouded by the head-scarf.

Six's bedroom. The shape is sitting, back to the viewer, up on the bed. The blankets are pulled up and around, covering the back of the head. The figure stands and pads across to a window Cut to outside the window. The blind is seen from the outside, a slat is bent by a finger, an eye peers out, it is blue, the other is squinted closed against the bright light. The picture switches to the view from the window.

It is the Village. Title comes up.

THE BOOT IS ON THE OTHER FOOT

Observation Room

Number 2: Remarkable!
Doctor: The real test is yet to come
Number 2: But...she...looks....utterly, that is...... entirely.....
Doctor: Normal?
Supervisor: Heading for the bathroom Sir!

The blanketed figure is shuffling into the bathroom. The light comes on automatically. Six stares into the mirror. Cut to reflection. It is a woman! She has billowing reddish-blonde hair. One eye is blue, the other is hazel. She pushes a finger at the blue eye.

Six: It's another fine morning...and I don't think. Boy! Do I look strange today.

Turns tap and sluices cold water into her face, rubbing vigorously. Blinks as water drips from eyebrows and nose.

Six: That's better.

Observation Room. The view from behind the mirror is on-screen

Two: Truly stupendous! You are to be congratulated Doctor. I will commend you in my Report!
Doctor, looking doubtful: Thankyou. It is gratifying to know my theories have been proved correct.

Two is putting an arm round the man's shoulder as they head out of the Observation Room

Two: I never doubted for a minute, old boy!

The Supervisor is left in the room. The Watchers are transfixed, watching the woman, washing her face and neck. The Supervisor's eyes are wide too. He suddenly becomes self-conscious and snaps at the Watchers

Supervisor: Area 14! Report!
Watcher 1, hurriedly turning a dial: Erm...Area 14, that is....
Supervisor, loudly, annoyed: Report! Now!

Six is towelling her face dry. She turns from the mirror and idly plucks a brush from the work surface. She is humming gently as she sits on a couch and flicks on the TV. The usual Village nonsense is being broadcast. As she watches it, she drags the brush through the unruly hair, bringing it into order.

TV: And tomorrow, especially for all you lovely ladies....there is Keep Fit, in the Gymnasium! Keep those figures trim now girls! Exercise is good for you!

Six sighs, tapping the brush on her knee

Six: Oh Yippee! Keep Fit! I can't wait.

The front door hums open and a muscle-bound man in a striped tee-shirt comes in

Six: Don't bother ringing the bell will you.
Workman: Here to mend the light for you
Six pulls her dressing gown tighter around her legs: Really? Hadn't noticed it was broken.
Workman: Never you mind about it. There's a man about the house now!
Six: So I see.

The workman is grappling with a tall standing lamp to one side of the seated woman, his exertions prompt him to be uncomfortably close. Six stands and slips away.

Six: Are you fixing the light? Or just blocking it?
Workman, looking vaguely disappointed she has moved: What the heck is wrong with it?
Six: Why don't you just leave it alone? It's daylight anyhow.
Workman: What have you done to it? I don't know. You girls and mechanical things!

Six blinks, exasperated. Moves quietly across to the wall behind the couch. Slips an electric plug into the socket. There is a large bang. The workman is blown across the floor, the lamp-standard snapping, as it is pulled over.

Six has straightened quickly and is pulling her hair back: Oh dear! Are you alright?

There is a siren and the front door opens as two men with a stretcher rush in to attend to the stricken workman.

Six: How many men does it take to change a light-bulb?

The men carry the electrician out, casting nervous looks in the direction of Number Six

Six: Close the door behind you, there's a dear.

The door swings shut.

The Living Space.

Number Two and the doctor are watching the big screen

Two: Gracious! Lost none of the temperament I see!
Doctor: Hmm. They were similar in that regard...however I am a little surprised....the aggressive qualities.....
Two, interrupting: Yes, yes. It can only be expected. But he has no idea, no idea at all!

Claps hands delightedly. The butler moves forward with a tray of tea.

ADVERT BREAK

Six is leaving the house. She is dressed in a neat pencil skirt, just below the knee. She has a white roll-neck sweater, topped by a tailored blazer. She is wearing her numbered badge on one lapel. A group of women, walking past spot her

Woman 1: Number Six! You are looking lovely today!

The other women cluster round, like clucking hens, jabbering compliments

Six, smiling, flattered: That is so kind of you all
Woman 2: We were so worried about you Number Six
Six: Really?
Woman 3: You have been so poorly!
Six: Have I?
Woman 1: But you're all better now! Aren't you!
Six, smiling sweetly: Apparently!
Woman 4: You will be joining us for Keep Fit tomorrow won't you?
Six, hugely grinning: Wouldn't miss it for the world. What time does it begin?
Woman 2: High Noon of course! As usual!
Six, smiling directly: Of course! Be seeing you!

Six moves away, lightly touching arms, as the other ladies reach out. They all smile contentedly at her and each other, then clucking, move away.
Six heads towards the Green Dome

Living Space.

Door slides open and Six walks down the ramp.

Two: Number Six! How delightful to see you! You're looking so much better!
Doctor, proffering a seat: Please. Sit down.
Six, pointedly takes another chair: Thankyou. I will

The two men glance at Six, then at each other, smiling inanely

Six: Cats got your tongues?
Two: Oh, not at all. It's just....just so nice to see you.
Six: Missing me?
Two, clears throat, glancing round. Presses button:Tea?
Six: For Two?
Two, glances at Doctor: Are we finished?
Doctor, eyes twitching: Ah... that is...yes sir. I suppose we are. Nice to see you up and about again Number Six.
Six, dismissively: I'm sure.

The Butler bustles in. The doctor leaves, grudgingly, glancing behind him, as he goes. The Butler is pouring the tea. He lifts a cup towards Number Six

Six, taking tea and sniffing fragrance: Thank you. It smells delicious.

Butler, smiling slightly: Nods

Two, placing his cup carefully near the red phone: We were quite worried about you Number Six.
Six, crossing one leg neatly and leaning back: You were? Have I been ill?
Two: You don't remember?
Six: I remembered my way here
Two, breaking a short silence: It was a terrible mistake on my predecessor's part.
Six, sipping at tea, interestedly: Perhaps you're still making it.
Two, clearing throat: A gross error. He has, of course paid the price.
Six: Gone to see Number One has he?
Two, glancing at the red phone: I'm sure if Number One were here...they would apologise in person....
Six, swallowing tea and stroking the rim of the cup: He knows where I am!
Two: He?
Six: She?
Two, teasingly: She...He....
Six, annoyed: Tea Hee...
Two: Don't be angry..my...dear
Six, takes draught of tea: So here we are
Two, picks up cup, smiling: Indeed. Tea for two, and two for tea.
Six: Why am I here?
Two: To tell us why you resigned. Don't you remember?
Six: Oh, that again.
Two: It is important.
Six: To you.
Two: To all of us.
Six: If I told you, we'd have nothing left to talk about.
Two, leaning forward, excited: Try me?
Six: Maybe I wanted to have children.

Two starts back, spilling tea, the liquid flows towards the red phone. He snatches at it, only succeeding in knocking the cup over completely and sending the phone tipping over the counter top. Six has moved like a panther, casting her own tea onto the floor in front of the desk as she catches the phone before it could reach the ground. The Butler is fussing over Number Two.

Six, into phone: Hello? Hello?
Two, panicking, but blocked by the Butler: Give me that!
Six, into phone: Number One? Why! How nice to speak to you at long last. What? Number Two? Oh, he's just having a small upset.

Two, careering around the desk, slips in the tea spilt by Six and falls at Number Six's elegantly shod feet.

Six, into phone: Oh! You want to speak to Number Two?
Two, looks up imploringly: I will be in so much trouble.
Six: You weren't already?

Six holds the red phone high, in her fingertips, then drops it. Two flaps at it from the floor but it slips past him and smashes into several pieces as it hits the floor. Six swivels on her toes and heads back up the ramp.

Six: I think you've been cut off!

Two Village thugs have rushed in and are standing, halfway down the ramp, looking uncertainly at the confused scene. Six, seeing them, pitches her weight forward and collides, shoulders-first with each of them. In their surprise they each flinch sideways as Six passes between and out the sliding door. The two thugs are eyeing one another uncertainly as Two screams at them.

Two, clutching the pieces of the red phone: Don't just stand there you idiots! Call Engineering!

Six is heading for the cafe. A voice is heard from a large bush. It is the doctor.

Doctor: Please meet me. Tonight, in the Cat & Mouse. 8-o-clock. There is something you must know!
Six, pretending to check the heel of her stocking: Why not tell me now?
Doctor: No time!

Bush rustles as he disappears
Six gently sings Armstrong: "....got all the time in the world......"
Six makes way to cafe, sits and looks at menu. Waiter comes out, eyes flit up and down at Six.

Six: Eggs Benedict?
Waiter eyes Six: Will that be all?
Six, dismissively: Some tea would be nice.
Waiter, disappointed: Madam.

Waiter heads to kitchen. Six flaps menu, meditatively. An old man gets up from a nearby table and approaches, chess set in hands.

Old Man: Game of chess m'dear?
Six: It is, isn't it
Old Man, uncertainly: I...sorry?
Six, smiling gently: It will be a pleasure. I'm having brunch presently but if you care to set them up we can play a game, or maybe two.
Old Man, with delighted smile: Splendid!

Observation Room.
Two is with Supervisor. He has a small criss-cross plaster on one temple and is dabbing a cloth pad on a red patch on the back of his hand.

Supervisor: Six appears to be having another cup of tea sir.
Two: Who is that with him?
Supervisor: Just the chess-man
Two, annoyed: What's he doing away from the Old Folks Home?
Supervisor shrugs: Do you want me to have him taken back?
Two, still annoyed: Oh. Never mind. Keep your eye on her. Don't let her out of your sight.

Two leaves room. Supervisor zooms in on Six's ankle. Watcher 2 winks at Supervisor as he sweeps by.

Watcher 2: No chance of that eh Sir?

Supervisor, furious, presses phone: Security! Observation Room immediately. And bring a new Watchman!

Watcher 2 has look of terror on face as the boom sweeps him away from view.

ADVERT BREAK

Six's bedroom. It is evening. She is in her dressing gown, studying the wardrobe, mumbling glibly to herself.

Six, flicking aside garments: Hmm. What to wear? A date? How unusual.....and with a gentleman from the professions. No.....too plain. Perhaps. Oh dear, no, not that. Blazer and slacks? Oh, not again. Come on girl, pull yourself together. Aha! That's it! Why on earth didn't I think of that in the first place.

Observation Room

Supervisor: She's in the dressing room sir
Two, on phone in Living Space: Put her on-screen please.

The screen shows the interior of Six's house. A figure is moving around but it is indistinct, a mere shadow.

Two, to himself: Damn!
Two, into phone: Supervisor! What on earth is wrong with the picture. I can hardly see anything!
Supervisor: Instructions from Number One sir. Decency Clause 15.5 has been programmed into the TV monitoring system.
Two, gulps and looks guiltily at the red phone, which has electrical tape holding it together: Ah yes! Of course. Good work. Congratulate the Engineering section for me. Let me know as soon as something happens.

Cut to Cat & Mouse Bar. A few desultory couples are sitting at tables. Two Villagers are at the bar. The door opens. Six steps in. She looks as elegant as Kathleen Turner. Realising with a sweeping glance that the doctor is not in the room she makes her way to the bar. All the men in the bar are staring. One of the two single men moves down the bar.

Barfly: Well, hello to you.
Six: And hello to you too.
Barfly: Buy you a drink?
Six: Thanks, but I'm meeting someone.
Barfly, with a leer: But I'm here and he isn't.
Six, with a sigh: Of all the bars in all the world and you have to be in my one.
Barfly, swaggeringly: Lucky, huh? What's your poison?
Six, slipping credit card from handbag: No, really. I can pay.
Barfly, presses the card back into her hand: My treat.
Six, fatalistically: Your credit's as good as mine I guess. I'll have a small whisky - plain.
Barfly: Non alcoholic?
Six, smiling sweetly: I try to be.
Barfly: Huh?

The door opens, the doctor comes in, looking around, looking frightened. Six flags a look to a table in the far corner. The doctor heads over to it.

Six, to barfly: Actually, could you make that two?
Barfly, delightedly: Heck yes! Barkeep, make that two of them whiskies!

Six, picks up the two drinks, as she slips away from the bar, winking at the barfly: Enjoy your evening!

The barfly is left standing, baffled, as Six makes her way to the doctor.

Doctor: We haven't much time
Six: Well that's more time than we had earlier.
Doctor, surreptitiously pushes something across the table: Do you recognise him?
Six looks at small photo of the real Number Six: No, should I?
Doctor, disappointed: No, I don't suppose I should expect you to. I just hoped........
Six, sips whisky, pulls face: Why don't you just tell me what's going on?
Doctor: He is in great danger.
Six: I know the feeling.
Doctor: Only you can save him.
Six casts glance back at Barfly: Sounds like one of his lines.
Doctor, grabs her hand on the table: You don't understand. He cannot last another two days. He is in the hospital. You must get to him...before it is too late.

The bar door bursts open. Four Village thugs charge in, heading for Six and the doctor. Six jumps from her seat. The thugs ignore her and grab the struggling man. A small fight ensues but the doctor is soon disabled and dragged away. The barkeep comes and puts the tables straight again. The rest of the room resume their conversations as if nothing has happened. Six wonderingly makes her way back to the bar. Her suitor sidles up.

Barfly: Guy run out on you huh?
Six: He was a bit of a drag evidently.
Barfly: Another drink?
Six, glances at the barely touched whisky in her hand, pushes it along bar in front of the barfly: Here. Knock yourself out.

Six heads for the door

Living Space.

Two is shouting furiously down the phone at the Supervisor.

Two: The doctor! Meeting with Six? At night? In the Cat & Mouse? He should have left this afternoon! This is a disaster! What kind of operation are you running?.........Yes, I realise it is Security's responsibility........Of course, I will be looking into it immediately.......Yes, Supervisor, thank you for informing me so quickly.......and....well done for dealing with the matter so quickly. The doctor must be taken to the Hospital......No.....immediately! I cannot risk any more damage. I must go now......I must make my report to Number One.

Two puts the yellow phone down and throws his head into his hands. He opens his fingers and a frightened eye peeps out at the bandaged red phone.

Six's house

Six is in her bed. She looks again at the photograph under cover of the blankets. There is tiny, detailed, writing on the reverse. A look of puzzlement creases her brow. She stares at the image of the man and then pushes it under her pillow as she goes to sleep.

ADVERT BREAK

Two is doggedly watching his screen in the Living Space. The camera is watching the sleeping face of Number Six. Her eyeballs are moving under the closed eye-lids.

Cut to classic Intro but each segment switches from being the woman to being the man.

The images speed and repeat hypnotically. The images speed and repeat hypnotically. The images speed and repeat hypnotically. The images speed and repeat hypnotically. The images speed and repeat hypnotically. The images speed and repeat hypnotically. The images speed and repeat hypnotically.

Six wakes with a mild shriek and sits upright in bed.

Two is dozing in his embryo chair and wakes with a jerk. He speaks into a dictaphone.

Two: Subject seems to have suffered no adverse effects from meeting the renegade doctor. Security action effective in isolating him before any communication took place. Subject still dreaming vividly, as before, but stable. Prognosis is for the disclosure to take place tomorrow.

Six is in bedroom, selecting clothes. Cut to outside. Group of Keep Fit ladies are approaching the house.

Woman 1: I hope she's ready. We will be late.
Woman 2: I'll ring the bell
Six comes to door, wearing tee-shirt and slacks: Hi girls. I'm ready. I'm feeling fitter already!

There is a glitter of laughter as the group head away towards the Gymnasium
Two is watching screen in Living Space. A different doctor is with him. This one is a woman.

Two: Doing Keep Fit! The embedding is complete!
Lady Doctor: Hmm. Almost too complete. I am concerned that the process is too successful.
Two, worried: What do you mean?
Lady Doctor: Our aim is exploit the milder gender, a woman's lack of self-determination, her willingness to go along with authority, her conditioning from childhood....
Two: She is! Look at her! Out with the girls!
Lady Doctor: Appearances can be deceiving sir. Look at what happened yesterday when you......
Two, angrily interrupting: That is nothing to do with anything! It was a freak accident....I slipped... and...
Lady Doctor, soothing: Of course. I never meant.....It is just, if we have embedded too strongly she may not be....as compliant as we had hoped.
Two, with superiority: Nonsense. It is just a matter of waiting...you'll see.

Gymnasium.

The Keep Fit is underway. A cacophony of music and shouting fom the Instructor is filling the room. Six is exercising next to Number Eighty Two.

Eighty Two: We'd like to invite you to join us Number Six.
Six: What?
Eighty Two: We're escaping. We weren't sure if you'd be well in time, but you are, so we'd like you to come.
Six: There is no escape from this place.
Eighty Two: We have a plan. They think we are just stupid chattering women. They do not watch us as carefully as the rest.
Six, looking intrigued: How? Where?

The music stops. The room quietens

Eighty Two: Shh! There now Number Six! You must be feeling better already!
Six, grinning, red-faced: Thankyou Number Eighty Two! Yes, I'm feeling better than I have for a long time!

The Instructor bellows some more instructions and the Keep Fit continues. Six and Eighty-Two continue their private conversation.

Living Space.
Butler shuffles across, collecting teacups and plates.

Cut back to Keep Fit class.

Six: So you are certain Rover will ignore you?
Eighty Two: We have had a try-out. We just walked past it. It paid us no attention.
Six: The other systems will alert them when you cross the line.
Eighty Two: We will be in the forest by then. Are you coming with us?
Six: Not this time. You are certain Rover will ignore you?
Eighty Two, nodding: We will miss you.
Six, smiling: You hardly know me.
Eighty Two: Good luck
Six: I've a feeling we are going to need it.

The Keep Fit is over. Eighty-Two is looking at the departing figure of Six. Her mouth makes the silent shape of "We?" as she frowns in puzzlement.

Six is sitting in her house. Her hands are clutched to her temples, she is rocking, agitated. Two is striding through the streets of the Village. The female doctor is striding confidently alongside him.

Lady Doctor: I did try to tell you he was unreliable.
Two: Not hard enough evidently.
Lady Doctor: Boris was always a sentimentalist at heart. Brilliant, but weak.
Two: Well Dr. Seltzman, you have control now.
Lady Doctor, smiling greedily: The Seltzman Method. Invented by Suzanna Seltzman. Yes. I will not let you down sir.
Two: You realise your brother will have to be.......
Seltzman: Yes. Of course. Such things are necessary.
Two, glancing with a faint distaste: Excellent. Ring the bell?

Inside, Six stirs from her troubles as Number Two and the Doctor walk in.

Six, dreamily: Does nobody have any manners in this place?
Two: Sorry to burst in on you Number Six but today is a big day and you never answer the bell!
Six, looking at the woman: Chance would be a fine thing. Another doctor?
Two: This is Doctor Seltzman. She is the one who made you well. I thought you might like to meet her.
Six, smiling prettily: Ah! Pleased to meet you Doctor. You're used to seeing me in bed I assume?
Seltzman, smiling uncertainly: Indeed, but now you seem much better.
Six: Oh I feel....like a new woman!
Seltzman, exchanging glances with Two: Excellent.
Six, to Two: What happened to the other doctor?
Two, hastily: Ah yes, most unfortunate. He was an assistant to Doctor Seltzman, but he....formed...an unhealthy attachment to you Number Six. I gather there was an unseemly incident last evening. Most unpleasant.
Six, patting her slacks smooth: Indeed, possibly the most disappointing date I can recall, although I was once left standing outside a cinema for three hours in the rain....but that was many years ago.
Seltzman: He has had some kind of breakdown. He is in safe hands now.
Six: That's good to hear. I wonder Doctor, as I have now met you, whether I could thank the rest of your staff?
Two: What a lovely idea. I'll arrange for them to visit you.
Six: I was thinking I could visit them - at the hospital. I wouldn't want to drag them away from important work.
Two, confused: Erm , well that might be difficult.......
Six, smiling benignly at Seltzman: I'm sure the doctor could arrange it, couldn't you? I feel like I have awoken from a terrible dream this morning. I need to make some changes to my life here. We need a fresh start Number Two, don't you think? But, first I must pay my dues.
Two, puzzled but excited: Quite so. Yes, I'm sure that is possible. Doctor?
Seltzman,shrugging: Of course sir. We could arrange it for say, an hour from now?
Six: Ideal. Now, if you'll excuse me. I'm going to clean up.
Two, turning to door: Of course. Doctor?
Six, watching the pair leave: Be Seeing You!

The Hospital.

A large stone building, slightly forbidding. There are bars on the windows. Six, wearing slacks, sneakers and a blazer over her plain roll-neck sweater, is jogging across the lawn to an open window, past a Rover, which seems to ignore her.

Cut to main entrance. Number Two and the doctor are walking in. As they enter there is an eruption of noise: loud sirens and emergency buzzers. Rovers come bounding onto the lawns all around the hospital, pulsating gently, as if awaiting orders. Number Two grabs a yellow phone from the reception counter.

Two: What on earth.....Escaped? How?....Four of the Keep Fit class? How on earth did they get past the Rovers? Not programmed to arrest those women? You stupid, stupid fool. Where are they now? You don't know?....Find them!.....And reset Rover for all Villagers...In fact, I want full Lock-down...NOW! Nobody is to set foot outside....ANYWHERE...until the fugitives have been found!

Number Two is sweating profusely. He slams the phone down and looks at the doctor who is staring at him.

An operating theatre.

Six is entering the room carefully. Boris Seltzman is on one bed. His face is covered by some weird assemblage of goggles and ear-phones. Six is hurriedly altering various switches and buttons. She seems satisfied. She walks across to the other bed. The male Six is obvious under the apparatus. Six lowers her hand towards his exposed cheek. She has a sad expression as she traces the line of his skin, her finger not quite touching him, a membrane of space between them. She bunches her fist as the sirens begin to wail. She leaves the room, glancing quickly at the two empty beds, also in the room. She dodges through a corridor, finds an open side-door and walks purposefully outside.

Two and Seltzman are outside on the lawns, looking around them. Village Guards are moving in various directions. There is a terrible roaring from one side of the building. Number Two runs to the source of the noise.

Guard, looking at the pounced Rover: It's got her sir!
Two, in horror: Get it off her!

Six is plainly visible in the gossamer grip of the roaring Guardian. In the background four other Rovers are dragging members of the Keep Fit class. Seltzman has arrived.

Seltzman: It's killing her!
Guard: Rover was reset to attack on a Lock-down sir
Two, in a panic: Radio the Control Room! Tell them to deactivate Rover...Quick man! Before it's too late

Operating Theatre.

Suzanna Seltzman is climbing on one bed. The prone form of the female Six is on another. Nurses are hurriedly attaching tubes.

Seltzman: The system is all set up for reverse trasnsference sir. I will make up the fourth, to ensure a conscious control. Boris will take up the woman, if there is anything remaining. Number Six will be returned and I will monitor the process from within
Two, flustered: Very well. Be quick...before I lose both of them.

Seltzman is locked into position and the technicians throw the power switches. All the bodies become rigid as the process is carried out. Two is pacing frantically, looking at each bed in turn. The process is finished. None of the bodies are moving. Suddenly Seltzman stirs. Her mask is removed.

Two: Well?
Seltzman, looks disgustedly at Two, but Two is oblivious: The woman is unrecoverable.
Two, glancing at the prone woman: Yes Yes, we knew that was inevitable. We could not take the risk of transferring her originally. Her mind had to be flushed to make room for the important one. How is He!
Seltzman, looks sadly at the body of her brother: Dead too, I'm afraid.
Two, screeching and pointing at the real Number Six: Not him! HIM!!!

As Number Two screams Number Six stirs. Technicians remove the apparatus. He sits up slowly, confused. He looks at Number Two and Seltzman. Then he catches sight of the prone woman. He stands, staggers slightly, then balances and plods across to the side of her bed.

Six, with a look of unutterably sad despair on his face: Janet?
Two: Yes Number Six. You have only yourself to blame. We were bound to discover her sooner or later. You should have realised that.

Number Six turns with a look of malignant hatred.

Six: Hell will have no fury............

Number Two blanches and steps back, shaking with a sudden fear. His mouth opens and closes without sound. Number Six turns back to the body. His fingers reach down and trace the line of her cheek, not quite touching her skin, a membrane of space keeps them apart. Seltzman has walked across. She acknowledges Number Six with a glance and gently lifts the arms of the dead woman to form a cross on her breast. As she does so, she removes the small photograph, clutched in one of the dead hands, and drops it in her pocket.

Six, looks plaintively at the doctor: There was no way you could save her?
Seltzman: I am so sorry.
Six, very quietly: For your sister?
Seltzman, looking at the approaching Number Two: The Seltzman Process is in my hands now. It will be my responsibility in future. I am sorry she has gone Number Six.

Six, glancing dispassionately at the doctor, brings a pointing finger up to the side of his head

Six: She is here. She will always be here.

Flash Cut to Bar-Slamming Sequence

END

Epiosode 17 "Fall-Out" - the Alternative. Seeking harmony with the penultimate episode and offering even fewer resolutions........

2009-09-18T02:22:00.000-07:00

No opening sequence. Titles Hover Briefly
WALK-OUT
Camera opens on Nursery tableau.
Scattered toys and props.

Six, back to doorway is staring down at bulky Two.
Two is flat on back, eyes staring, mouth open

SIX: Die
SIX: Die
SIX: Two?
SIX: TWO?

Door swoops open

BUTLER: He’s dead
Six bends, pulls at shoulder of dead man.
Body flops back, head lolls lazily to one side.
Six firms mouth, no pity.

SIX: I won

Turns back to butler

SIX: You can speak
BUTLER: Of course. What man cannot?
SIX: Him (flicks head toward dead man)
BUTLER: He is speaking more loudly now than before. Can you not hear?
SIX: Maybe I’m not listening.
BUTLER: Whenever did you?
SIX: No-one would listen to me.
BUTLER: Did you have something to say?
SIX: Not to you; No.
BUTLER: To whom then?
SIX: Number One.
BUTLER: Do you think Number One will speak to you now?
SIX: He is the only one left.
BUTLER: If you are the only one; to whom can you speak?

Six pouts and paces across Nursery.
Backwards and forwards he rants

SIX: I’ve been plucked, sucked, cracked and snapped. I’m sick and tired of being pushed, prodded, poked and probed. I will NOT do it any more. Take me to your Number One!
BUTLER: Our Leader? (grins)
SIX: Not mine.
BUTLER: Nor mine.

The pacing Six, stops short and stares at Butler

SIX: I thought not. Who are you?
BUTLER: (grins widely) That would be telling.
SIX: Tell ME!
BUTLER: Tell him (waves arm at dead man)
SIX: He cannot hear. He cannot speak. He does not know. He does not care! I asked YOU, not him.
BUTLER: (shrugs indifferently) I am the Butler.
SIX: (snorts) And I am Number Six!
BUTLER: (shakes head) No. You are Number Two. You have the Degree Absolute. You have earned your Number.
newTWO: (shouting quietly) I will NOT be your Number Two. I was not Number Six. I am nobody. I did not ask to come here. I did not ask to stay here. I want to leave. I want to leave NOW!
BUTLER: Which one of us did choose to be here? Why should you be different.
newTWO: Because I did NOTHING wrong.
BUTLER: Which man can make that claim? You resigned.
newTWO: A man has a right to resign.
BUTLER: Perhaps, but he must give a reason.
newTWO: Why?
BUTLER: Because those are the rules.
newTWO: Not my rules.
BUTLER: YOU do not make the rules.

newTwo laughs and straightens

newTWO: I am Number Two! I DO make the rules.
BUTLER: (smiling tightly) Number Two ENFORCES the rules.
newTWO: (recognising trap) I cannot enforce the rules upon myself.
BUTLER: You are the only one that can.
newTWO: I do not know what the rules are!
BUTLER: The rules are the rules. We have explained them so many times.
newTWO: I do not accept your rules.
BUTLER: They are your rules! You are Number Two.

newTwo picks up rocking horse and crashes it furiously into scenery

TWO: I am not a Number! I am a free man!

Butler calmly steps aside as debris scatters past him
Beckons to open doorway, to panting Two

BUTLER: Patently, you are not. Why pretend?
TWO: (uncertainly approaches doorway) If I am not free. What am I?
BUTLER: (patiently) A Prisoner. What else?

They pass through the door
FADEOUT

ADVERT BREAK

The Village.
Devastation.
Smashed buildings. Canted doors. Open, loose windows.
Rusting, dented mokes.
Penny Farthing lies on its side. Wheel cruelly buckled.
The grass is long, uncut.
The pond is rank, with brown scum floating in clumps.
Two looks around in shock.

TWO: What happened?
BUTLER: You won.
TWO: Are they all dead?
BUTLER: Who? (turns head, glancing right and left)
TWO: The people. The Villagers. Whoever they were.
BUTLER: You won. They lost.
TWO: (uncertain) I did not mean THEM any harm.
BUTLER: Who then?
TWO: Who?
BUTLER: Who DID you mean harm to?
TWO: The…the….Number Two, the others.
BUTLER: Which of them was innocent?
TWO: I…I….could never be sure.
BUTLER: So, you are not sure which you meant harm to.
TWO: Nobody could wish to harm everybody.
BUTLER: You think not?

They walk.
The lawn is rutted, large pieces of masonry embedded.
The gloriette is decapitated

TWO: It is a shame it is all smashed.
BUTLER: You hated it.
TWO: I hated being here. It was a beautiful place…to look at.
BUTLER: Nobody knew it was here. Nobody will miss it now it is not here.
TWO: I hate destruction.

Butler laughs. It is a disturbing whinnying laugh

TWO: (annoyed) What’s so funny?
BUTLER: You are Number Two.
TWO: Small things amuse small minds.
BUTLER: No need to be personal.
TWO: You think because I would destroy this…this establishment, I would destroy everything?
BUTLER: You have. Look around you.
TWO: You cannot blame me. I had no control. I was the victim.
BUTLER: And now you are the victor. Climb aboard.

They are at the stone boat.
Two looks at the concrete shape suspiciously

TWO: What for?
BUTLER: The only way out of here is by sea.
TWO: (condescendingly) It’s made of concrete. It won’t float.
BUTLER: You are learning.
TWO: I have a Degree. Am I not to meet Number One after all?
BUTLER: Number One would hardly be here, would they.
TWO: So what is the point?
BUTLER: (smiling patiently) The point of what?
TWO: The point of this (waves arm at smashed village) ALL of THIS?
BUTLER: To break you of course. To make you tell what was needed to know.
TWO: I said I would never tell you.
BUTLER: Not me.
TWO: (waves frantically) Well, whoever! Number One. Whoever.
BUTLER: People always SAY they will not tell. But they always DO, you know.
TWO: Not me.
BUTLER: Not you. Are you coming aboard or not?

Two clambers aboard.
The Butler leads him down to the lower deck.
He locates a lever and tugs. A door in the floor hums upwards.

BUTLER: After you, sir. (gesturing to hole with ladder visible)
TWO: (flinches back) I’m not going down there.
BUTLER: It’s the only way out.
TWO: Why can’t we take the helicopter. I was out on it more than once.
BUTLER: (waves a hand loosely) It is lost in the woods. Smashed. Crashed.
TWO: Well, let’s just wait until someone comes here.
BUTLER: Nobody is coming Number Two. (laughs gently) Never again.
TWO: I do not like dark places. Where does it go?
BUTLER: Out of here. Where else is there?
TWO: Why are YOU still here?
BUTLER: (shrugs) Because I am the Butler. The butler is always here..or there.

Two slumps, seated onto a stone bench along the hull
Head in hands.
Head rocks, hands massage head and neck

BUTLER: Are we staying?
TWO: (peers at hole) Here? Or there?
BUTLER: Anywhere.
TWO: (shrugs helplessly) Do I have a choice?
BUTLER: You always have a choice. That is why you are here.
TWO: I choose to be THERE

Steps up decisively and climbs into hole
Disappears into Blackness

ADVERT BREAK

The small butler is scuffling to the bottom of the ladder.
Two is peering at the dim walls of the circular room.
He finds a switch and flicks it down.
A light comes on.
A door hums open in the wall and a long tunnel can be glimpsed.
As the tunnel is exposed by the opening door it is illuminated along it’s length by a staggered flickering line of fluorescent lights, coming alive, one by one.

TWO: This way?
BUTLER: Do you know a better?

Two glances up at the small circle above him.
Walks into tunnel. Butler follows at his heel

TWO: It was down a tunnel like this that my problems began.
BUTLER: Really?
TWO: Yes. It seems a long time ago.
BUTLER: Time is a strange thing.
TWO: It ticks by very reliably.
BUTLER: Ah yes, the time as measured. I was thinking more of the time of our lives.
TWO: A time to live and a time to die.
BUTLER: But so much in between.
TWO: Or not. How long is this tunnel?
BUTLER: No idea.
TWO: Where does it lead?
BUTLER: To the way out.
TWO: Which is where?
BUTLER: Freedom.
TWO: Is there such a thing?
BUTLER: You seem to think so.
TWO: You don’t know what I think.
BUTLER: Should I?
TWO: Not even if I were to tell you.
BUTLER: That’s as it should be. Perhaps.
TWO: What if it’s a dead end?
BUTLER: The tunnel?
TWO: Of course.
BUTLER: We will die.
TWO: We can go back.
BUTLER: (shaking head and grinning) No. The hatch is timed. It will be closed now. We couldn’t afford to have it left open. You understand.
TWO: (angry but resigned) You might have told me.
BUTLER: I would have. If you’d asked.
TWO: If I didn’t know, why should I ask?
BUTLER: If you don’t ask, how can you know?
TWO: I know.
BUTLER: Know what?
TWO: What I know.
BUTLER: I may not know what you know.
TWO: You will never know what I know.
BUTLER: Nor you what I know. That is the glory…and the misery.

There is an evident blackness ahead.
Two strides towards it, determined.

TWO: I hope there is a door that opens. Otherwise we will know each other rather better than we might care to.
BUTLER: (scurrying) There is no door.
TWO: Then we will soon know ALL the answers.
BUTLER: You think you will find answers?
TWO: A turn of phrase. We will be dead. That is for sure.
BUTLER: I think then that we will be dead.
TWO: You’re entitled to your opinion.
BUTLER: And you yours.
TWO: Apparently not.
BUTLER: Ah yes. I see what you mean. There is no door.

The blackness is the absence of light.
The tunnel continues but there are no more lights..
It is completely black.
Two stops, pacing back and forth, in and out of the gloom.

TWO: Do we go forward?
BUTLER: We can go back.
TWO: To where?
BUTLER: (shrugs) To the light.
TWO: Ahead is the way out.
BUTLER: We hope.
TWO: You said it was.
BUTLER: What do I know?
TWO: More than me.
BUTLER: Not any more. The choice is yours. Forward or Back? Light or Dark?
TWO: You know the answer.
BUTLER: But I need YOU to tell me.
TWO: Why?
BUTLER: Because you are Number Two. You are the leader.
TWO: Number One is the leader.
BUTLER: But he is not here.
TWO: Or there?
BUTLER: Anywhere? Nowhere?
TWO: Everywhere?
BUTLER: YOU know the answer.
TWO: But I need YOU to tell me.
BUTLER: Forwards of course.
TWO: Darkness you mean.
BUTLER: If the way you can see leads to certain death, you must choose the darkness of ignorance.
TWO: But we will die one day anyhow.
BUTLER: How do you know?
TWO: Because everything dies.
BUTLER: Everything but you perhaps.
TWO: I will die.
BUTLER: When?
TWO: One day.
BUTLER: One night?
TWO: Perhaps. What does it matter?
BUTLER: Why go on then?
TWO: Because I’m alive.
BUTLER: Where there’s life there’s hope. Is that it.
TWO: Where there is life….then it is to be lived.
BUTLER: Why bother?
TWO: Because I CHOOSE.

Two stalks into the impenetrable dark.
Butler scuttles after him

ADVERT BREAK

The screen is black.
A slower, steady footfall is echoed by a stuttering scuttle.

BUTLER: Number Two. This is ridiculous.
TWO: Stop calling me that.
BUTLER: What SHOULD I call you?
TWO: Who do you think I am?
BUTLER: A very important person.
TWO: I’m not who you think I am.
BUTLER: They thought you VERY important.
TWO: Who WERE they?
BUTLER: My employers.
TWO: You should be more careful who you work for.
BUTLER: I work for you now.
TWO: Exactly.

The footsteps stop.
The walkers are looking back.
There is a tiny circle of light a long way off

TWO: Do you want to go back?
BUTLER: I don’t like the dark.
TWO: You can find your own way back.
BUTLER: That’s what I’m afraid of.
TWO: I can promise you nothing but uncertainty.
BUTLER: At least it’s a promise. And you keep your promises.
TWO: You noticed.
BUTLER: I was always watching.

The footsteps start up again

TWO: I will find Number One you know.
BUTLER: Not in this tunnel.
TWO: You know where he is then?
BUTLER: I know where he is NOT.
TWO: Is he in London?
BUTLER: Not now.
TWO: Washington?
BUTLER: Never.
TWO: Moscow?
BUTLER: He is not there now.
TWO: He is European then?
BUTLER: A Pole or a Czech?
TWO: Very funny.
BUTLER: You are….sometimes.
TWO: Why should I care?
BUTLER: Why indeed. But you do.
TWO: Do I? Not anymore.
BUTLER: Really?
TWO: Truly.
BUTLER: Why do I find that difficult to believe?
TWO: Because it’s true?

There is a gasp and bumping noises.
A rattle.

TWO: I think it’s a door
BUTLER: Can you open it? Is it locked?

There is a whiteout

TWO: Argh. I cannot see.
BUTLER: There is too much light.

Gradually the whiteness is greying.
Two figures stumble against one another and a doorway.

TWO: Where are we?
BUTLER: Somewhere else.
TWO: (laughs) At the end of the tunnel!

Two figures stagger from the door set in a concrete wall.
They are in a broad flat piece of ground.
There are two fences running parallel to each other.
They hem in the flat ground.

TWO: (blinking) Where is this?
BUTLER: The real world.
TWO: A prison?
BUTLER: It is very large if we are the only inmates.
TWO: Is Number One here?
BUTLER: How would I know. I’m just a butler.
TWO: And I’m just a man.
BUTLER: They thought you were very important.
TWO: I was, for a while.
BUTLER: And now?
TWO: I’ve escaped.
BUTLER: To where?
TWO: Somewhere else.
BUTLER: Where are you going now?
TWO: (points) This way.
BUTLER: (points the opposite direction) I want to go that way.
TWO: Then we must separate.
BUTLER: We were never really together.
TWO: Just in the same place, at the same time.
BUTLER: It happens.
TWO: All the time.

The two figures walk in opposite directions
After a small distance, the butler stops, turns and calls out.

BUTLER: Will you find find Number One?
TWO: I think I already have.
BUTLER: Who was it?
TWO: Goodbye.

The two men turn and continue walking away.
An overhead camera increases height as the two figures stride apart.
The figures become dots as the screen fills with countryside, the avenue between the fields marking a defining boundary between nowhere and nowhere.

HEIGHT INCREASES UNTIL EARTH APPEARS AS PLANET. SPINS AND TURNS INTO PENNY FARTHING.

END