“GAME”
Season 1, Episode 1
“Game On”
Written by
Caleb Moran
New York City, January 2008
A young woman, Jean Anderson, walks quickly down the street, struggling to hold a large bunch of overloaded yellow files containing much paperwork. A large chunk falls out and hits the sidewalk. Jean sighs and kneels down to collect her papers.
JEAN
“Just what I need…”
Several pedestrians knock into Jean as she scrambles to collect her papers.
JEAN
(Mutters)
(Mutters)
“No, don’t any of you help.”
A young man, about thirty, kneels down and helps gather the last few papers.
MAN
“I wouldn’t say that. Some people might think you mean it and just continue on walking. Then again, they were doing that when you didn’t say it, so maybe people here are just rude.”
The man hands the papers to Jean and smiles. Jean takes the paper and smiles back at the man.
JEAN
”Thank you. Not many people stop to help when that sort of thing happens.”
”Thank you. Not many people stop to help when that sort of thing happens.”
MAN
”Well, it’s not like you were in front of a bus or something. If I were in the situation I can’t guarantee that I’d be risking my own neck for an absolute stranger. But hey, this was just a few spilt papers, bit like spilt milk – don’t cry over it, or something like that.”
”Well, it’s not like you were in front of a bus or something. If I were in the situation I can’t guarantee that I’d be risking my own neck for an absolute stranger. But hey, this was just a few spilt papers, bit like spilt milk – don’t cry over it, or something like that.”
JEAN
(Lets out a small laugh)
(Lets out a small laugh)
“What’s your name?”
MAN
“Me? Not important. Yours?”
JEAN
”Jean. Jean Anderson, your turn.”
”Jean. Jean Anderson, your turn.”
MAN
”And what would you do with my name Jean, Jean Anderson?”
”And what would you do with my name Jean, Jean Anderson?”
JEAN
”Maybe ask insert-your-name-here out for a drink…”
”Maybe ask insert-your-name-here out for a drink…”
MAN
“Oh, now that’s a bit awkward really. I’m not into the whole dating, drinking…socializing thing, not really me.”
JEAN
”So, why won’t you tell me your name?”
”So, why won’t you tell me your name?”
The man stands up with a worried look on his face, gritting his teeth and nervously brushing his hair.
MAN
“Alright then. My name is…Game.”
Jean looks at the man with a vacant expression. She raises her eyebrows and frowns.
JEAN
”No, seriously. What’s your name?”
”No, seriously. What’s your name?”
MAN
“That is my name.”
JEAN
“Look, if you’re going to play games with me, excuse the pun, then I’m going to head off to work. Anyone who knew me would realise that I’m really not in the mood. I hate my work…”
GAME
“I am serious, Jean. I don’t go around saying; “Jean? That’s not a real name, a real name is Boris.” Actually, Boris isn’t exactly a great name. Well, not unless you live in the USSR. But it’s really not a great name for a young lady like yourself. You don’t exactly look like a Boris. Look more like a Thelma…or a Louise…good movie, sad ending.”
Jean looks stunned and confused at Game’s constant rambling and lets out an exasperated laugh.
JEAN
”Well then, Game, I bid you farewell, because I have to get to work. And if I were you, I’d work on that rambling thing.”
”Well then, Game, I bid you farewell, because I have to get to work. And if I were you, I’d work on that rambling thing.”
GAME
”What rambling thing? I don’t ramble. I will, on occasion, let myself talk a bit more than the average person, but I’m not exactly an average person. People who know me would realise that. Well, it’s been a pleasure Jean, Jean Anderson.”
”What rambling thing? I don’t ramble. I will, on occasion, let myself talk a bit more than the average person, but I’m not exactly an average person. People who know me would realise that. Well, it’s been a pleasure Jean, Jean Anderson.”
Game’s watch starts to beep. Game looks at the time and his eyes go wide.
GAME
”Oh Dear! Well, gotta run!”
”Oh Dear! Well, gotta run!”
JEAN
(Sarcastically)
(Sarcastically)
“Bye-bye…”
Jean starts walking down the street while Game runs down the street in the opposite direction. All of a sudden, Game disappears into thin air, as though he’s turned invisible.
Jean arrives at her workplace, a tall office building with a sign, Metaworx, on its front. Jean walks in and gets into the elevator where she finds herself standing with Tim Hastings.
TIM
“Hello, and how are you today?”
JEAN
(Sighs)
“Just peachy, Tim. Yourself?”
TIM
”Workload’s been a bit…lax, I suppose – new supervisor a bit of a lazy guy.”
”Workload’s been a bit…lax, I suppose – new supervisor a bit of a lazy guy.”
JEAN
”Yeah, I’ve found that. I haven’t actually done much of anything since Ms. Bullock got replaced by what’s-his-name.”
”Yeah, I’ve found that. I haven’t actually done much of anything since Ms. Bullock got replaced by what’s-his-name.”
TIM
”Skinner? Norm Skinner?”
”Skinner? Norm Skinner?”
JEAN
“Yeah, that’s the one. I don’t know, he just…sits there all day. Never speaks to anyone, never asks for a coffee; he just stays in office from nine to five.”
TIM
”Maybe his wife is a bit of handful.”
”Maybe his wife is a bit of handful.”
JEAN
(Unsure)
”Yeah, maybe.”
(Unsure)
”Yeah, maybe.”
The elevator stops and Tim hops out.
TIM
”See you at lunch, Jean.”
”See you at lunch, Jean.”
JEAN
”Bye-bye.”
”Bye-bye.”
As the elevator continues its way up with Jean, Mr. Norm Skinner sits alone in his office on the 42nd floor. He types furiously, at an inhumane speed on the computer. His eyes flicker but do not blink as he continues to type. He sits with the blinds shut and the lights turned off.
A knock on the door stops him typing, and he locks his eyes on the door. Tim Hasting enters and goes to switch on the light.
NORM
“Don’t!”
Startled, Tim removes his hand from the light switch and approaches Norm.
NORM
“Please…close the door.”
Tim nods and shuts the door behind him.
TIM
”Sorry to bother you sir, but a couple of the guys…and me were just wondering why you never give us anything to do. You seem to be always here, always working away. I’m sure we can help take some of the load.”
”Sorry to bother you sir, but a couple of the guys…and me were just wondering why you never give us anything to do. You seem to be always here, always working away. I’m sure we can help take some of the load.”
NORM
“No one can bear this load. No one. I, and I alone must bear it.”
TIM
”But why? Surely, if it’s got to do with a complicated computer program, I’m sure we can learn it.”
”But why? Surely, if it’s got to do with a complicated computer program, I’m sure we can learn it.”
Tim walks over to Norm and has a look on the computer screen. He sees lots of flashing schematics and other information titled “Project Niskner”.
TIM
“Project Niskner? I thought production was shut down on that program. It was deemed…well, dangerous. Artificial intelligence in computers is something that isn’t exactly safe according to government.”
NORM
”Who needs to know, Hastings?”
”Who needs to know, Hastings?”
TIM
“Well…if you’re planning on distributing Niskner, selling it, I’d say that the police, the government needs to know. But first and foremost, security in this building!”
Tim walks away from Norm and prepares to call security. Norm gets to his feet quickly.
NORM
”Stop right there, Hastings!”
”Stop right there, Hastings!”
TIM
(sarcastically/tauntingly)
”Or what, you’re going to fire me?”
”Or what, you’re going to fire me?”
NORM
“If that’s how you want it…”
Norm extends his hand out and a burst of fire shoots fire towards Tim. On the other side of the door, a brief, muffled scream is heard and then ceases. Underneath the door, small amounts of ash and dust blow out from the office.
Some hours later in a large outdoor courtyard, Jean sits alone eating a small sandwich. Her friend and co-worker, Samantha Appleton joins her.
SAMANTHA
“You see Tim anywhere? He was supposed to meet me for lunch.”
JEAN
”I have noticed he’s been a bit scarce today.”
”I have noticed he’s been a bit scarce today.”
SAMANTHA
“Yeah, not like him.”
JEAN
”So how is working for Mr. Skinner going?”
”So how is working for Mr. Skinner going?”
SAMANTHA
“Working? We’ve got nothing to do! He hasn’t given us one thing to do! Not one computer repair call, product services, invoices, orders – nothing!”
JEAN
”There’s something about that man…”
”There’s something about that man…”
Jean spots Game across the courtyard and waves at him. Samantha looks over her shoulder and sees Game looking back at the pair.
SAMANTHA
“Who’s that?”
JEAN
”I-I don’t actually know.”
”I-I don’t actually know.”
SAMANTHA
”Well I want to know! He’s gorgeous!”
”Well I want to know! He’s gorgeous!”
Game approaches the two and stands with his hands in his pocket.
GAME
(Cheerfully)
“Well hello, Jean Anderson. What’s for lunch?”
JEAN
”Ham sandwich.”
”Ham sandwich.”
GAME
(Queasily)
(Queasily)
“Oh, you do know ham isn’t actually ham?”
JEAN
”What?”
”What?”
SAMANTHA
”Aren’t you going to introduce me?”
”Aren’t you going to introduce me?”
JEAN
”Oh sorry. Samantha Appleton this is…well he actually hasn’t told me his name yet.”
”Oh sorry. Samantha Appleton this is…well he actually hasn’t told me his name yet.”
GAME
”Yes I have! Appleton, eh? As in juice, cider, never falls far from the tree?”
”Yes I have! Appleton, eh? As in juice, cider, never falls far from the tree?”
SAMANTHA
”Yep, that’s the one, hon.”
”Yep, that’s the one, hon.”
Samantha winks at Game and he looks uncomfortable.
JEAN
”You have not told me your real name. He says his name is Game.”
”You have not told me your real name. He says his name is Game.”
SAMANTHA
”His name is Game? Into the rhyming are you, mate?”
”His name is Game? Into the rhyming are you, mate?”
GAME
”No, it’s just my name. Well, abbreviation of my name. Do you two work here?”
”No, it’s just my name. Well, abbreviation of my name. Do you two work here?”
Game looks curiously up at the tall Metaworx building. He turns back to Samantha and Jean.
SAMANTHA
“Yeah, I’ve been here five years.”
JEAN
”I’m going on seven. Why do you ask, Game?”
”I’m going on seven. Why do you ask, Game?”
GAME
”Hmm…no reason. It’s just a bit of a weird signal coming from the building.”
”Hmm…no reason. It’s just a bit of a weird signal coming from the building.”
Game holds out a small electronic device which looks something like a PDA. The device emits a quiet beeping noise.
GAME
”Have you noticed anything odd lately?”
”Have you noticed anything odd lately?”
JEAN
”Define odd.”
”Define odd.”
GAME
“Oh, I don’t know. Weird people being around, hearing voices in a silent room, inanimate objects that aren’t quite inanimate.”
SAMANTHA
“None of those, but weird people, I think Mr. Skinner fits into that category.”
GAME
“Mr. Skinner, eh? Well, that’s interesting…”
JEAN
”Why’s that interesting? Do you know him?”
”Why’s that interesting? Do you know him?”
GAME
”No, of course not! Just felt like an appropriate thing to say. Makes me a bit witty and eccentric.”
”No, of course not! Just felt like an appropriate thing to say. Makes me a bit witty and eccentric.”
JEAN
”Not to mention enigmatic.”
”Not to mention enigmatic.”
GAME
”Could you, uh, show me to Mr. Skinner’s office?”
”Could you, uh, show me to Mr. Skinner’s office?”
JEAN
”Sure, I suppose. He’s not the talkative type though.”
”Sure, I suppose. He’s not the talkative type though.”
GAME
”Why’s that?”
”Why’s that?”
JEAN
”Don’t know. Don’t think I’ve ever talked to him. Actually, I’ve hardly even seen him. He just stays in his office from nine to five. No one ever goes in and no one comes out.”
”Don’t know. Don’t think I’ve ever talked to him. Actually, I’ve hardly even seen him. He just stays in his office from nine to five. No one ever goes in and no one comes out.”
GAME
”Nine to five, eh? Does he…ever, come out?”
”Nine to five, eh? Does he…ever, come out?”
SAMANTHA
”I’m sure he does come out. You know, bathroom.”
”I’m sure he does come out. You know, bathroom.”
GAME
”But have you ever seen him outside of his office?”
”But have you ever seen him outside of his office?”
SAMANTHA
“Nope.”
JEAN
”No. Oh wait, once, when I was working late he got a drink of water from the water cooler.”
”No. Oh wait, once, when I was working late he got a drink of water from the water cooler.”
GAME
”Late? How late?”
”Late? How late?”
JEAN
”I don’t know. It was about eleven.”
”I don’t know. It was about eleven.”
GAME
”Don’t you find it a bit odd that a very strange and mysterious man becomes involved in your company and you hardly ever see him?”
”Don’t you find it a bit odd that a very strange and mysterious man becomes involved in your company and you hardly ever see him?”
JEAN
”No, not really.”
”No, not really.”
SAMANTHA
”No.”
”No.”
GAME
”Oh, okay then. Never mind.”
”Oh, okay then. Never mind.”
JEAN
”C’mon, mate. I’ll show you to his office.”
”C’mon, mate. I’ll show you to his office.”
GAME
“Ah! Excellent.”
Jean leads Game into the building where they get into the elevator. They arrive on the 42nd floor where they find two police officers, Marshall and Harris. A young woman, Betty, is being interviewed.
JEAN
“Betty, what’s going on?”
BETTY
(Sobs)
(Sobs)
“Tim’s gone missing. He’s missed three meetings this morning. No one’s seen him since he arrived!”
OFFICER MARSHALL
“When’s the last time you did see him?”
BETTY
“Around ten this morning. He went to have a talk with Mr. Skinner and I haven’t seen him since.”
OFFICER MARSHALL
”Right. We’ll need to talk to Mr. Skinner, where is he?”
”Right. We’ll need to talk to Mr. Skinner, where is he?”
BETTY
”In his office, like always. I’ve never seen him come out.”
”In his office, like always. I’ve never seen him come out.”
OFFICER HARRIS
”Where’s his office?”
”Where’s his office?”
BETTY
”End of the hall there.”
”End of the hall there.”
Betty points down the hall to Skinner’s office. Marshall and Harris make their way down the hall, Game and Jean following at a short distance.
GAME
”Quick, ten second explanation. Who’s Tim?”
”Quick, ten second explanation. Who’s Tim?”
JEAN
”He works here. I was talking with him about Mr. Skinner this morning. Now he’s disappeared apparently. That’s odd…”
”He works here. I was talking with him about Mr. Skinner this morning. Now he’s disappeared apparently. That’s odd…”
GAME
”That is odd. But this Skinner sounds even odder.”
”That is odd. But this Skinner sounds even odder.”
Marshall knocks on the door loudly.
OFFICER MARSHALL
”Mr. Skinner? It’s the police, we’d like to talk to you for a moment.”
”Mr. Skinner? It’s the police, we’d like to talk to you for a moment.”
Harris goes to open the door but it’s looked tight. Marshall knocks again, louder.
OFFICER MARSHALL
”Mr. Skinner? We’d like to talk to you for a moment. Unlock the door.”
”Mr. Skinner? We’d like to talk to you for a moment. Unlock the door.”
OFFICER HARRIS
”We will be forced to break in if you do not comply, Mr. Skinner.”
”We will be forced to break in if you do not comply, Mr. Skinner.”
There is still no reply. Marshall upholsters his weapons. Harris kicks the door which swings wide open to reveal the darkened room. Norm Skinner sits behind his desk, typing away on his computer.
OFFICER HARRIS
”Mr. Skinner? We need to ask you some questions.”
”Mr. Skinner? We need to ask you some questions.”
SKINNER
”No.”
”No.”
OFFICER MARSHALL
”I’m afraid that’s not an option, Mr. Skinner.”
”I’m afraid that’s not an option, Mr. Skinner.”
Skinner looks up from his computer screen and stares at the two officers. Game and Jean watch from the door. Harris moves to flick the light switch but it doesn’t work.
SKINNER
”Afraid? You should be afraid.”
”Afraid? You should be afraid.”
Harris draws his gun as Marshall places his hand on his holstered weapon.
OFFICER HARRIS
”Put your hands where I can see them!”
”Put your hands where I can see them!”
SKINNER
”No, I have work to do.”
”No, I have work to do.”
Game obnoxiously enters the room and looks around.
GAME
”Question! Why don’t you have any lights on in here?”
”Question! Why don’t you have any lights on in here?”
Skinner ignores the question and continues typing.
OFFICER HARRIS
”Put your hands where I can see them!”
”Put your hands where I can see them!”
Game looks down and sees a small pile of scattered ash and dust. Jean sees it too and comes into the room.
JEAN
”What is that?”
”What is that?”
GAME
”It’s ash.”
”It’s ash.”
JEAN
”Ash? But what’s it from?”
”Ash? But what’s it from?”
Game sees scorch marks on the back of the door and looks back at the pile of ash. He gasps as he realises what has happened.
GAME
”Not what, who.”
”Not what, who.”
JEAN
”Who? That was a person? But how could that be a…oh my god, Tim!”
”Who? That was a person? But how could that be a…oh my god, Tim!”
Game turns to Skinner and slams his fist down on the table.
GAME
”Who are you? Identify yourself!”
”Who are you? Identify yourself!”
SKINNER
”I am Norm Skinner.”
”I am Norm Skinner.”
GAME
”We both know that’s not your real name, now identify yourself!”
”We both know that’s not your real name, now identify yourself!”
SKINNER
”Norm Skinner.”
”Norm Skinner.”
GAME
”IDENTIFY YOURSELF!!!”
”IDENTIFY YOURSELF!!!”
OFFICER HARRIS
“I’m taking you in for questioning!”
Harris moves towards Skinner with a pair of handcuffs.
GAME
”No! Don’t touch him!”
”No! Don’t touch him!”
Harris reaches to grab Skinner’s arm, but Skinner grabs Harris’ arm. He holds it tight and twists it in an awkward and painful position.
OFFICER HARRIS
(Screams)
(Screams)
“ARRGHH!”
Harris’ arm starts to burn where Skinner holds him. Marshall draws his weapon and points at Skinner.
OFFICER MARSHALL
“Let go of him! Or I’ll shoot!”
GAME
”Let him go!”
”Let him go!”
Skinner’s face twitches slightly as he clenches his teeth. In a terrifying moment, Officer Harris completely disintegrates into ash and dust.
OFFICER MARSHALL
”What did you do to him? Who the hell are you?”
”What did you do to him? Who the hell are you?”
SKINNER
”The last person you’re ever going to see…”
”The last person you’re ever going to see…”
GAME
”Look out!”
”Look out!”
Skinner shoots a tongue of flame from his palm, engulfing Officer Marshall and reducing him to ash. At the same time, Game ushers Jean out of the door quickly.
GAME
”Run, run, run, run, run, run, run!”
”Run, run, run, run, run, run, run!”
JEAN
”What the hell is he?”
”What the hell is he?”
GAME
”A Niskner! Run!”
”A Niskner! Run!”
As Jean and Game sprint into the main area with booths filled with workers, Game smashes a fire alarm on the wall. The entire building begins to evacuate.
BETTY
”Jean? What’s going on?”
”Jean? What’s going on?”
JEAN
”I haven’t got a clue! Get out of the building!”
”I haven’t got a clue! Get out of the building!”
As Game, Jean and Betty arrive at the bottom floor, Betty runs off while Game leaps over an empty desk and sits down at a computer.
JEAN
”What are you doing?”
”What are you doing?”
GAME
”Finding out why he’s here.”
”Finding out why he’s here.”
JEAN
”Who? Mr. Skinner?”
”Who? Mr. Skinner?”
GAME
”That’s not his name.”
”That’s not his name.”
JEAN
”What is his name? And what was that you called him; Niskner?”
”What is his name? And what was that you called him; Niskner?”
GAME
”You’d be better off not knowing.”
”You’d be better off not knowing.”
JEAN
”Oh, would I now? Why’s that?”
”Oh, would I now? Why’s that?”
GAME
”Because I said so!”
”Because I said so!”
Game inserts a small thumb-drive into the computer. It is black with a dozen different flashing lights of green, red, blue and yellow.
JEAN
”What kind of brand is that?”
”What kind of brand is that?”
GAME
”Alien.”
”Alien.”
JEAN
”Ah, yeah. My cousin has an Alien computer.”
”Ah, yeah. My cousin has an Alien computer.”
GAME
”Ha, not that brand.”
”Ha, not that brand.”
JEAN
”Huh? What are you doing?”
”Huh? What are you doing?”
GAME
”I’m accessing Skinner’s computer.”
”I’m accessing Skinner’s computer.”
JEAN
”I thought you said that wasn’t his name.”
”I thought you said that wasn’t his name.”
GAME
”It’s not his name, but I don’t know his real name, so I’ll call him Skinner.”
”It’s not his name, but I don’t know his real name, so I’ll call him Skinner.”
JEAN
”Frustrating isn’t it? Someone not giving you their real name.”
”Frustrating isn’t it? Someone not giving you their real name.”
GAME
”My name is what I said it is.”
”My name is what I said it is.”
JEAN
”I don’t believe you.”
”I don’t believe you.”
Game stops hacking into the system and frustratingly runs his hands through his thick hair.
GAME
”Gameiezeeohlahkarpasifis!”
”Gameiezeeohlahkarpasifis!”
JEAN
”What did you just say?”
”What did you just say?”
GAME
”Gameiezeeohlahkarpasifis; that’s my real name. Game is a lot easier to say, right?”
”Gameiezeeohlahkarpasifis; that’s my real name. Game is a lot easier to say, right?”
JEAN
”I’m sorry, how can that be your real name?”
”I’m sorry, how can that be your real name?”
GAME
”Do you remember your birth, Jean?”
”Do you remember your birth, Jean?”
JEAN
”No, no one remembers their own birth.”
”No, no one remembers their own birth.”
GAME
”Well I do. And I specifically remember my mother giving me the name Gameiezeeohlahkarpasifis.”
”Well I do. And I specifically remember my mother giving me the name Gameiezeeohlahkarpasifis.”
JEAN
”Wait, how can you remember your birth?”
”Wait, how can you remember your birth?”
GAME
”I’ll explain later…ah! Found it!”
”I’ll explain later…ah! Found it!”
Jean looks at the computer screen and sees the schematics for “Project Niskner.”
JEAN
”Niskner? Isn’t that what you called Skinner.”
”Niskner? Isn’t that what you called Skinner.”
GAME
”Yes, yes I did.”
”Yes, yes I did.”
JEAN
”Niskner’s not Skinner’s name. Niskner is a computer program we created here at Metaworx.”
”Niskner’s not Skinner’s name. Niskner is a computer program we created here at Metaworx.”
GAME
”What’s it do?”
”What’s it do?”
JEAN
”Installs A.I. into the computer and basically runs itself. It removes viruses on its own without software, its got voice recognition so you only have to say what you want to do and it’ll do it. Eventually, it’ll program itself to your preferences and you won’t have to do a thing.”
”Installs A.I. into the computer and basically runs itself. It removes viruses on its own without software, its got voice recognition so you only have to say what you want to do and it’ll do it. Eventually, it’ll program itself to your preferences and you won’t have to do a thing.”
GAME
”Artificial intelligence, eh? That’s a bit ahead of everyone here. I’m guessing ol’ Skinner cooked up Project Niskner?”
”Artificial intelligence, eh? That’s a bit ahead of everyone here. I’m guessing ol’ Skinner cooked up Project Niskner?”
JEAN
”Yeah, that’s right. And he didn’t let anyone work on it, even before it was deemed hazardous.”
GAME
”Why? Why was it deemed hazardous?”
”Yeah, that’s right. And he didn’t let anyone work on it, even before it was deemed hazardous.”
GAME
”Why? Why was it deemed hazardous?”
JEAN
”The A.I. evolved. It didn’t want to be confined to just an ordinary PC. It started infecting other programs via the internet. If it got into the military network it could launch missiles at anywhere in the world. Even to the moon if it wanted.”
”The A.I. evolved. It didn’t want to be confined to just an ordinary PC. It started infecting other programs via the internet. If it got into the military network it could launch missiles at anywhere in the world. Even to the moon if it wanted.”
Game types again and brings up Niskner’s signal strength.
GAME
”That is one powerful program. It could…oh…”
”That is one powerful program. It could…oh…”
JEAN
”Oh? Oh what?”
”Oh? Oh what?”
GAME
”It could send missiles further than the moon. It could send them to another planet, out of the galaxy.”
”It could send missiles further than the moon. It could send them to another planet, out of the galaxy.”
JEAN
”But why would the program want to do that?”
GAME
”Because it wants to fire at someone.”
”But why would the program want to do that?”
GAME
”Because it wants to fire at someone.”
JEAN
”Back up. Why would a “program” want to fire at someone who isn’t on Earth?”
”Back up. Why would a “program” want to fire at someone who isn’t on Earth?”
GAME
”Because it’s not the program’s wishes, it’s its creators wish; Skinner the Niskner. Oh, he’s good!”
”Because it’s not the program’s wishes, it’s its creators wish; Skinner the Niskner. Oh, he’s good!”
JEAN
”Skinner the Niskner? What are you on about?”
”Skinner the Niskner? What are you on about?”
GAME
”Jean, do you promise not to shout, scream hysterics or tell anyone?”
”Jean, do you promise not to shout, scream hysterics or tell anyone?”
JEAN
”Whatever. What?”
”Whatever. What?”
GAME
”Skinner is an alien, called a Niskner. I thought they went extinct during the Third Galactic War, but apparently one survived and found itself here on Earth. Now, the Skinner the Niskner has created “Project Niskner”, bit of a hint to his race, eh? This program isn’t actually A.I.; it’s been Skinner the Niskner the entire time, trying to get into the military network.”
”Skinner is an alien, called a Niskner. I thought they went extinct during the Third Galactic War, but apparently one survived and found itself here on Earth. Now, the Skinner the Niskner has created “Project Niskner”, bit of a hint to his race, eh? This program isn’t actually A.I.; it’s been Skinner the Niskner the entire time, trying to get into the military network.”
JEAN
”But why’s he want to get into the military network?”
”But why’s he want to get into the military network?”
GAME
”To fire the missiles, Jean. He wants to get back into the war. He wants revenge.”
”To fire the missiles, Jean. He wants to get back into the war. He wants revenge.”
JEAN
(Confused)
(Confused)
“So, uh, why can he, uh, how can he shoot fire from his, uh, hands?”
GAME
”Didn’t you hear me? He’s alien.”
”Didn’t you hear me? He’s alien.”
JEAN
”But he looks human!”
”But he looks human!”
GAME
”Probably just a simple holographic program to disguise himself. It’s sort of like a virtual shell on the outside of your own body.”
”Probably just a simple holographic program to disguise himself. It’s sort of like a virtual shell on the outside of your own body.”
JEAN
”How the hell do you know all this?”
”How the hell do you know all this?”
GAME
”Well, um, you know what I said about ol’ Skinner being an alien?”
”Well, um, you know what I said about ol’ Skinner being an alien?”
JEAN
(Nervously)
(Nervously)
“Y-Yeah…”
GAME
”Oh come on! You haven’t figured it out yet? “Alien” thumb drive, vast knowledge of…stuff that no one else knows. A name like Gameiezeeohlahkarpasifis! Do you know any humans with the name Gameiezeeohlahkarpasifis? If you do, tell them I share their pain.”
”Oh come on! You haven’t figured it out yet? “Alien” thumb drive, vast knowledge of…stuff that no one else knows. A name like Gameiezeeohlahkarpasifis! Do you know any humans with the name Gameiezeeohlahkarpasifis? If you do, tell them I share their pain.”
JEAN
(Stunned)
”You’re alien?”
(Stunned)
”You’re alien?”
GAME
”And I come in peace. Well, actually, no I don’t – cause I’m about to go to battle with a Niskner! Care to join me?”
”And I come in peace. Well, actually, no I don’t – cause I’m about to go to battle with a Niskner! Care to join me?”
JEAN
”No I do not care to join you! You’re off your bloody head! How much have you been drinking?”
”No I do not care to join you! You’re off your bloody head! How much have you been drinking?”
GAME
(Stunned)
(Stunned)
“I haven’t been drinking! Did you not see two police officers disintegrated by Skinner?”
JEAN
”Well yes, but that doesn’t mean –“
”Well yes, but that doesn’t mean –“
GAME
”He’s alien! I’ll prove it to you! Follow me!”
”He’s alien! I’ll prove it to you! Follow me!”
Game turns and runs for the stairwell. Jean just watches him run, standing with her hands on her hips.
JEAN
”What a lunatic…”
”What a lunatic…”
Jean turns to walk out of the building. She takes several steps and then stops. She turns and looks at the open door to the stairs. She sighs to herself and takes a few deep breaths.
JEAN
”Now I’m the lunatic!”
”Now I’m the lunatic!”
She runs towards the stairs to catch up with Game. As Jean climbs the stairs, she finally arrives on the forty second floor where Game is waiting for her.
GAME
”Took you long enough.”
”Took you long enough.”
JEAN
(Panting)
(Panting)
“How. Did. You. Know. I. Was. Coming?”
GAME
”Oh, I’ve just got a knack for these things, you know? Plus I could hear you coming up the stairs.”
”Oh, I’ve just got a knack for these things, you know? Plus I could hear you coming up the stairs.”
JEAN
”Right. So, how are you going to fight this Niskner? Have you got any weapons, like, I don’t know, a ray gun or a bazooka?”
”Right. So, how are you going to fight this Niskner? Have you got any weapons, like, I don’t know, a ray gun or a bazooka?”
GAME
”Nope, I don’t carry weapons. I’m going to reason with the Niskner.”
”Nope, I don’t carry weapons. I’m going to reason with the Niskner.”
JEAN
”Reason?”
”Reason?”
GAME
”Uh-huh.”
”Uh-huh.”
JEAN
”You’re going to reason with an alien who can disintegrate people?”
”You’re going to reason with an alien who can disintegrate people?”
GAME
”Uh-huh.”
”Uh-huh.”
JEAN
”You’re going to reason with an alien who can disintegrate people without using any weapons?”
”You’re going to reason with an alien who can disintegrate people without using any weapons?”
GAME
(Excitedly)
”Yes I am!”
”Yes I am!”
JEAN
”You’re madder than I thought!”
”You’re madder than I thought!”
Game runs off with Jean following close behind once again. They arrive outside the office of Skinner and cautiously approach it. Game opens the door to the darkened office.
GAME
”Excuse, Mr. Niskner?”
”Excuse, Mr. Niskner?”
SKINNER
“Leave, unless you want the same fate as the others.”
GAME
”I’d really rather not leave. I just want to talk.”
SKINNER
”I’d really rather not leave. I just want to talk.”
SKINNER
“So did they.”
GAME
”Yeah, but I’m different.”
”Yeah, but I’m different.”
SKINNER
”Ha! I don’t think so.”
”Ha! I don’t think so.”
JEAN
”Um, Game?”
”Um, Game?”
Skinner gets to his feet and holds out his hand again, ready to shoot a tongue of flame at the pair. Game flicks the light switch and it turns on the lights. Skinner yelps in pain and collapses to the ground, scrambling to get under his desk and out of the light.
JEAN
”What’s he doing?”
”What’s he doing?”
GAME
”He’s a Niskner. Aliens born and bred on a planet where night lasts one hundred and seven years and day goes for a measly twelve minutes. The Niskner’s hate the light. Anything above the brightness of say, oh I don’t know, a light globe and they’ll start to burn themselves.”
”He’s a Niskner. Aliens born and bred on a planet where night lasts one hundred and seven years and day goes for a measly twelve minutes. The Niskner’s hate the light. Anything above the brightness of say, oh I don’t know, a light globe and they’ll start to burn themselves.”
JEAN
”But that thing can shoot fire from its hands. Doesn’t the brightness of the fire affect it?”
”But that thing can shoot fire from its hands. Doesn’t the brightness of the fire affect it?”
GAME
”First of all, it’s a him, not an it. And secondly, no. The Niskner’s own fire doesn’t hurt them, but any other fire does. Isn’t that great?”
”First of all, it’s a him, not an it. And secondly, no. The Niskner’s own fire doesn’t hurt them, but any other fire does. Isn’t that great?”
JEAN
(Deadpan)
(Deadpan)
“Fantastic.”
SKINNER
(Heavy Breathing)
”You haven’t beaten me…”
”You haven’t beaten me…”
GAME
”Oh, yes I have. Look at you! You’re hiding under a table for crying out loud! I could do a little dance and you couldn’t do anything.”
”Oh, yes I have. Look at you! You’re hiding under a table for crying out loud! I could do a little dance and you couldn’t do anything.”
JEAN
”He can still shoot fire.”
”He can still shoot fire.”
GAME
”Not for twenty four hours he can’t.”
”Not for twenty four hours he can’t.”
JEAN
”Why’s that?”
”Why’s that?”
GAME
”You really know nothing. When a Niskner is exposed to light, all of their energy goes into protecting themselves. If they use any of that energy as a weapon, say a flamethrower from their hands, they’ll pretty much…die.”
”You really know nothing. When a Niskner is exposed to light, all of their energy goes into protecting themselves. If they use any of that energy as a weapon, say a flamethrower from their hands, they’ll pretty much…die.”
JEAN
”That’s terrible!”
”That’s terrible!”
GAME
”That’s life. Or, death actually.”
”That’s life. Or, death actually.”
SKINNER
”What are you going to do with me…?”
”What are you going to do with me…?”
GAME
”I will allow you to get to your ship and to leave this planet for good.”
”I will allow you to get to your ship and to leave this planet for good.”
SKINNER
”I have no ship.”
”I have no ship.”
GAME
”Then how’d you get here?”
”Then how’d you get here?”
SKINNER
”My ship was destroyed in the crash. I have no way of leaving.”
”My ship was destroyed in the crash. I have no way of leaving.”
GAME
”Very well then. Take this.”
”Very well then. Take this.”
Game pulls something out of his pocket and tosses it to Skinner. Skinner picks it up and weeps to himself. The device is small, like a metal lid off a bottle. It has a small red button in its center.
GAME
”Use it. Or face a worse fate.”
”Use it. Or face a worse fate.”
SKINNER
(Weeping)
”Who are you?”
”Who are you?”
GAME
”I’m Game.”
”I’m Game.”
SKINNER
(Weeping)
(Weeping)
“Of what species?”
Game silently looks down at his shoes and doesn’t answer. Jean looks over and sees that Game is quite sad. Skinner starts to chuckle to himself.
SKINNER
(Chuckling)
(Chuckling)
“Oh…so, you don’t know which species you are. Ha ha!”
JEAN
”What do you mean you don’t know? How could you not know?”
”What do you mean you don’t know? How could you not know?”
GAME
”Use the device, Niskner. You’re testing my patience.”
”Use the device, Niskner. You’re testing my patience.”
SKINNER
”The lonely Game, thrown out from his planet, rejected and scattered to the stars. Ha! Pathetic…”
”The lonely Game, thrown out from his planet, rejected and scattered to the stars. Ha! Pathetic…”
GAME
”Use the device! Right now!”
”Use the device! Right now!”
SKINNER
”Pathetic…”
”Pathetic…”
Skinner presses down on a small, red button on the small circular device and suddenly disappears in a pale white and blue light. Jean looks and sees that the Niskner is nowhere to be seen.
JEAN
”What was that thing?”
”What was that thing?”
GAME
”Teleporter device. It sends him directly to the Colossus Prison of the Fifth Galactorial Empire.”
”Teleporter device. It sends him directly to the Colossus Prison of the Fifth Galactorial Empire.”
JEAN
“Of the Fifth who?”
GAME
”Galactorial Empire; aliens who have expanded and control five galaxies. Galacticons they call themselves; much like humans actually.”
”Galactorial Empire; aliens who have expanded and control five galaxies. Galacticons they call themselves; much like humans actually.”
JEAN
”What did Skinner mean when he said you were, uh, rejected?”
”What did Skinner mean when he said you were, uh, rejected?”
Game doesn’t reply and walks out of the office with his head down. Jean follows but when she exits the office she can’t see Game anywhere.
JEAN
”Game? Hello? Game? Where are you?”
”Game? Hello? Game? Where are you?”
Jean sighs and leaves the building. On the bottom floor Samantha and Betty are waiting to see what has happened as a SWAT team enters the building. Jean ignores everyone and heads for home. She arrives home where her sister, Patricia Anderson is waiting for her.
PATRICIA
”About time you got home from that job!”
”About time you got home from that job!”
JEAN
”Have you found one yet?”
”Have you found one yet?”
PATRICIA
”No, not yet. I think this town is just full of snobs! No one will hire me!”
”No, not yet. I think this town is just full of snobs! No one will hire me!”
Jean sits down and drinks from a bottle of water. She sighs and leans back in her chair.
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