by Stephan Charles Pacheco

A beefed up 4x4 clad with white supremacist", default", and other controversial bumper stickers is seen parked on the side of the street. TRENT and FRY, two young patch-punk kids are walking down the street. They halt as they notice the truck. They are visibly bothered by the truck. The two notice a set of blue plastic testicles hanging from the bottom of the truck. Trent, the older of the two pulls out a stiletto and proceeds to cut the balls from the truck as Fry pulls angrily on the phony testicles.

CUT TO:

Four muscular, hick looking Men walking back towards the truck.

OVER THE SHOULDERS of four men. Trent and Fry walking in front of them, moving away. MAN 1 stops to tie his shoe on the back bumper of the truck. He does not notice what has happened to the truck’s testicles. MAN 2 and MAN 3 enter the truck. MAN 4 straggling behind as he carries a television.

(to MAN 1)

Come on. This thing is heavy.

Man 1 finishes tying his shoe and opens the tail gate. The television is set inside the truck. As Man 4 closes the tail gate he notices white fabric covering the ground and his feet. Man 4 looks down at the ground.

Someone’s cut off our balls!

Man 1 looks. He jumps up and looks around feverishly. He sees Trent and Fry walking away.

Hey! Hey! You stop! Hey! You fucking punks!

POV from Trent and Fry looking back at Man 1 jumping up and down. His voice muffled slightly by the distance.

REVERSE ANGLE. POV of 4 Men. Trent and Fry begin to run. Man 1 and Man 4 hop in the back of the truck.

MUSIC CHANGE. (quick tempo)

CHASE begins. The lay of the area is shown.

Trent and Fry run into the squat. MUSIC STOPS. Truck roles around the corner, just missing Trent and Fry.

CUT TO:

Dark. Trent and Fry are standing at he base of the stairs breathing heavily and laughing.

ANGLE ON STEVE coming down the stairway. The light is dim. Steve stops and stares at them for a moment. There is a slight pause in the action.

Fry holds up the severed testicles. Steve smiles with a shake of his head, having expected some sort of bizarre mischief. Steve opens the front door. The light engulfs him. He looks back a final time towards the two young boys, laughs with another shaking of his head and exits.

FOCUS ON GORDON driving and talking on a cell phone.

Gordon, clearly stressed, begins to rummage through some papers on his seat. He then begins to look at some papers on the floor.

(into the cell phone)

I know they’re around here.

Gordon looks up to see he is driving into on coming traffic.

Shit!

He swerves back into his lane, slightly overcorrecting.

(shaken)

Oh God. Oh god. Yes, yes. I am fine. I spilt some coffee on myself…OK. I’ll call back later with an update. Keep trying for me please. It can be really (the person on the other end has hung up) good.

Gordon hangs up the phone and smacks himself in the head.

Gordon you can do this. This is your story. This is my story. Dang. Loosen up. I can make it happen. This is it. This is it. This is it. I can win this time.

FADE TO:

Mild SOUNDS of protesters are heard in the background.

CLOSE UP of Steve. He is staring off, incessantly chewing on a pen. PAN ACROSS FACE to opposite profile. PULL OUT to show door and partial APARTMENT. LANTERN and a few CANDLES on table. LOUD SOUND of creaking floor is heard. Steve continues to stare off, lost in thought. The door opens. DOTTI enters.

(as to shake Steve’s attention)

Steve.

Dotti.

Steve sighs, shaking himself from his mind.

What are you writing? Are you writing me a poem?

(softly)

No. I’m just writing some philosophy.

Read to me. Read me what your mind overflows with on this particular afternoon.

OK.

Steve flips back a few pages in the notebook he was apparently just writing in.

This is not finished yet. It’s just kind of a rough draft...

Dotti nods and touches his leg.

I know. I know. Expand me.

Steve smiles. He takes a deep breath.

Steve closes his notebook and tosses it on top of several other notebooks.

What’s that for?

(after short pause)

I don’t know.

Humans have conscious thought.

What?

Your writing about two different worlds. Humans can rationalize the need to not kill.

(sharply)

Steve stands and begins to walk around the apartment. FOLLOWING

CLOSE-UP of Dotti.

I love you.

Steve stops. Turns to her.

I love you too. (pause) (still shaking himself from his thoughts) How is Lisa doing?

I can never tell. But she seems all right.

(in playful breathy accent)

Shall we go visiting.

He offers his hand to Dotti. She takes it.

Indeed.

Gordon is dialing a long number into the pay phone. The sun is setting behind him.

Have you tried to call? The batteries on the cell phone died, so I thought I would call and check. (pause) OK, I was just checking to see. Have you heard anything about the story. (pause) Oh, all right. Hey. I couldn’t find those directions. Could you give them to me again? (He holds a small recorder near the ear-piece) I’ll be able to tell. OK. (pause)Yeah, I’m close. You emailed him. (brief pause) He knows I’m coming. (brief pause) All right. I just didn’t want to just show up…Right. Thanks. Try to keep telling Norman. (pause) I’ll charge the phone tonight in case you call…All right. Bye.

Art covers the walls. Candles are lit. A covered easel sits by the window.

LISA, STEVE, and DOTTI sit around a wooden table. Lisa melts wax onto the table. No one is talking.

Do you work tomorrow Lisa?

No. (pause) Are you?

Nope. I quit my job at the Humane Society. There’s just too much crap going on there. I do everything. It’s too much. It’s not fair.

Dotti ponders for a moment.

Philosophy, especially political philosophy is pointless babble that solves nothing. It only produces migraines.

(mentally entering the conversation)

An NPR reporter is supposed to show up tomorrow. If he does, he could be exactly what we need to get positive attention to our situation.

When did you find that out?

(sincere)

It’s all right. When’s the reporter coming?

The morning sometime.

It makes them feel connected to what they never could be.

(slightly laughs)

Right. Well I’m pretty tired.

OK. Let’s go up and go to sleep.

Dotti and Steve stand to exit.

FOLLOWING to the door.

Have a good night Lisa.

We’ll see you in the morning.

Sleep well.

Dotti and Steve both turn and smile. Steve and Dotti EXIT.

Focus on Lisa. Lisa looks at some old pictures for a moment. Lisa solemnly blows out the candles and sits for a moment in the darkness.

The sun shines brightly through the windows. The SOUNDS of a screaming kettle and pancakes sizzling are heard. The SOUNDS of the protesters is much louder this morning. FOCUS on Dotti cooking pancakes on a propane stove. Dotti pulls the kettle off the stove and removes the cooking pancakes from the skillet, placing them on a well established stack. FOCUS on STEVE, TRENT, FRY, and LISA, sitting at the breakfast table. Steve is pouring himself a glass of water from a gallon jug.

When’s the NPR prick getting here?

You don’t know if he’s a prick.

NPR, C-SPAN, it doesn’t matter where they are from. They are the same. Weavers of lies, exploiters, parasites…

(suddenly)

Provokers of false, unattached emotions.

(quick and sharp)

When’s the prick getting here?

(serving pancakes)

You can’t assume he’s a prick just because he’s a reporter.

Pricks flock together. They feel safer that way. A protected prick is a happy prick.

Lisa giggles slightly.

When’s the prick getting here?

(short pause/brief stare)

This morning sometime.

A crowd of about 30 people has gathered outside the building forming a rowdy barrier between a small collection of police officers and the squat. Gordon’s rental car is seen driving up towards the building. As GORDON exits the car he scans the surroundings looking for a less confrontational way into the building. Gordon locks his car. A PROTESTER runs up to Gordon. Gordon attempts to re-enter the car fearing that he is about to be attacked.

Hey dude, you the reporter?

Um, yes, from National Public Radio. Do you live in this building?

Oh, no. I’m just your average hell raiser exercising my right to peaceably assemble. All right man, follow me.

Gordon follows the protester as they begin to move through the crowd.

(yelling over the crowd)

What are the people that are living in the building like?

The protester pulls a crumpled piece of paper from his pocket and hands it to Gordon. They reach the front stoop.

REVERSE ANGLE looking back towards the crowd.

You won’t be coming in?

No. We don’t want to intrude on anyone’s space.

Gordon looks back towards the crowd. SHOT of protesters blocking the streets and yelling chants at cars.

Thank you.

The protester nods and steps back into the crowd. Gordon opens the door and enters the squat.

Gordon stands at the base of the steps. He shuts the door to the squat. The hallway is dark. The sound of the crowd is muffled. Gordon tries to read the piece of paper. After a short struggle with his sight he begins to walk up the stairs. He knocks on a door at the end of the hallway. The door opens. The hallway is engulfed with light and noise. Gordon enters.

Gordon closes the door.

Want some pancakes?

Oh, um, no thank you.

I’m Dotti.

Gordon follows Dotti towards the dining area.

I’m Gordon, from National Public Radio.

Obviously.

Dotti and Gordon enter the dining area where STEVE, TRENT, LISA, and FRY are all dishing up their food.

This is the NPR guy, Gordon.

Steve stands to shake his hand.

I’m Steve. Welcome to our little dilemma.

I’m Gordon.

Right. (short pause) This is Lisa.

Lisa sheepishly smiles, then looks down.

This is Trent.

Trent sits with his arms crossed and stares at Gordon.

ANGLE ON Gordon being uncomfortable.

(slightly laughs)

And this is his brother, Fry.

Fry stands quickly to shake Gordon’s hand.

(viciously shaking Gordon’s hand)

I’m Fry!

Hi.

As Fry is sitting:

(mumbling)

Fucking prick.

Everyone snickers. Gordon looks even more deeply uncomfortable.

Want some pancakes?

(awkwardly)

Um, no thank you. It does look good though.

Steve motions for Gordon to sit. Gordon sits. Dotti brings Gordon some pancakes.

Um, thank you.

Trent slides the syrup off the table knowing that awkward Gordon will not ask for it if he doesn’t see it. Gordon butters his pancakes and scans the table for syrup. He begins to eat.

You don’t want any syrup?

I didn’t see any, I thought maybe you didn’t use it.

Oh sure we do. Where’s the syrup?

ANGLE ON Trent, the syrup sitting very close to him.

It’s right here.

Trent passes Gordon the syrup. Fry is laughing.

Thank you.

Gordon proceeds to eat for a short time.

Is there anything else you’d like?

Well. Uh, do you have any bacon?

ANGLE ON Dotti and Lisa giving Gordon dirty looks. ANGLE ON Gordon squirming in his seat. Steve leans in towards Gordon.

I think so too. Especially with the kind of bleeding heart kind of people that listen to NPR. You know, people that love to cling to anything to feel good about themselves.

Mmmhm. Um, so Steve, please go ahead.

Gordon pulls out a tape recorder and a notepad with pen.

There is a brief pause as Steve thinks back into his memory. Steve begins to speak as his head drops. FOLLOWING his eyes to his plate.

About 10 years ago…

CLOSE-UP of plate. SOUND fades to silence.

FORK crashes to the plate very LOUDLY.

WIDE ANGLE of YOUNG STEVE-NEW SETTING-HIS PARENT’S HOME.–FLASHBACK

The house is lavish and well decorated.

SOUNDS of loud fighting.

You don’t know how to raise him!

You haven’t even been here! You’re not a Father to him. I raised him!

Father turns abruptly from yelling at his wife and begins to yell at Steve.

Don’t yell at my son you asshole! You haven’t been around to yell at him when you should have. You let him get to this point!

ANGLE ON Steve kneading his head with his hands. His level of stress is clearly escalating as the yelling continues.

ANGLE ON Father:

Listen you cunt, you have fucked this boy up. If it wasn’t for me being gone all the time you wouldn’t be eating. You’d be a whore on the fucking streets!

SHARP ANGLE ON Steve:

Steve throws his plate.

Stop it! Please! Fuck! Stop! Why are you doing this? You jerks!

Don’t you talk to your mother like that!

Steve’s father lunges for Steve. Steve’s shirt rips as he jumps away. ANGLE ON Steve’s mother as she falls to the ground in tears.

As Steve runs out the door:

Everyone is killing everyone around here. Leave each other alone! Walk away. Let it stop. Please. I love you.

Get your ass back over here. We’re not done talking to you!

Steve runs out the door.

Angry and frustrated Steve runs down the street. Exhausted he stops in front of an old building. It is the future squat. Full of pent-up rage he begins to throw rocks through the windows of the building until he has exhausted himself and drops to his knees in tears.

PAN the room. ANGLE ON EURO-PUNK, the hard-core singer of the band that is playing. The Euro-punk is a very noticeable character, torn cloths, patches, leather, and towering liberty spikes. FOCUS ON YOUNG LISA and YOUNG ADAM sitting at a table listening to the show. YOUNG STEVE enters and sits with them. Steve looks around viciously at everyone around him.

Hey Steve.

(short pause and stare)

Adam. What’s going on?

Nothing. You OK?

Steve nods to Lisa and almost smiles. Steve jumps off his chair and heads for a mosh pit. Lisa and Adam stare in concern. ZOOMING CLOSE-UP on Adam. ZOOMING CLOSE-UP on Lisa. Steve thrashes about the crowd intensely. His rage is nearly dream-like. SERIES OF FREEZE FRAMES/FROZEN FRAME SLIDES. The MUSIC ESCALATES in tempo and pitch. The motion slows with FOCUS ON Steve. MUSIC climaxes.

The streets are wet with rain. The city lights reflect towards the sky. The SOUND of subtly flowing water is interrupted by the occasional passing car. The SOUNDS of footsteps echoing in the darkness is accompanied by the rising voices of STEVE, LISA, and ADAM. The three appear on the sidewalk. They walk down the street talking unintelligibly.

CLOSE-UP of legs. ANGLE ON feet. CHASE SHOT. One set of feet halts abruptly.

WIDE FOCUS ON Steve looking upwards. WIDER ANGLE ON Adam and Lisa stopping to see why Steve has suddenly stalled. CLOSE-UP of the three friends staring upwards. Steve begins to walk forward. FOCUS remains on Lisa and Adam. Lisa and Adam look at each other for a brief moment. They follow Steve OUT OF FRAME.

The room is full of old furniture, dusty and ramshackle. The room is SLOWLY PANNED. SOUNDS of Steve ranting are heard outside the building. The SOUNDS of Breaking and Entering are rhythmic and steady, like the perpetrator is used to the actions involved.

(straining[from the exterior])

The SOUNDS of Breaking and Entering stop. FOCUS on Steve jumping in through the window.

(as he lands)

…me.

NEW SHOT of ADAM, STEVE and LISA standing in the middle of the room. Steve looks around intensely.

(very angry)

Steve climbs about on the furniture. He opens and closes drawers violently. Occasionally stopping, overcome by his mind.

Steve begins to break furniture. He thrashes about destroying everything he can.

Steve stops his destruction suddenly. Steve shakes his head viciously. Steve is breathing heavy. He looks toward Adam and Lisa. FOCUS on Lisa with Adam behind her. FOCUS on Steve. Steve looks back towards the wreckage. He lightly laughs. Steve turns and smiles toward Lisa. CLOSE-UP on Lisa. She stares.

THE SOUNDS of the crowd are heard outside. The crowd seems to have gotten a bit more rowdy.

STEVE, DOTTI, GORDON and LISA now sit in the living room in Steve and Dotti’s apartment. Trent and Fry have left sometime after they finished their free breakfast. Gordon’s phone begins to ring. Everyone turns and stares at Gordon. Gordon answers it.

(into phone)

Gordon heads into the kitchen to talk. Lisa, Steve, and Dotti all look at each other.

That was pretty interesting.

Yes. He’s completely awkward, yet lightly pompous. Well, at least we know he does work for NPR.

No. I meant my story. We are one hell of a story.

Dotti stares at Steve. She blinks hard.

We’re not just a story.

He uses us. We use him. Everyone uses everyone. Is that the nature of this world?

Welcome to reality. The trick is to not take it personally.

Gordon re-enters and the conversation stops.

(softly)

Sorry. Can we continue?

He sits.

Yes. Shall we?

Well, let’s see. (looks to notes) Steve, you don’t see your parents anymore?

CLOSE-UP on Steve. He looks down to the ground.

Steve stares to the ground intensely. SOUNDS of his parent’s fighting rage in the background. On the table is a pile of common place settings. Steve raises his head and rises from the table with determination. STEVE EXITS the FRAME. The fighting escalates. STEVE RE-ENTERS the FRAME with a loaded backpack and a sleeping bag underneath his arm.

The broken furniture from Steve’s rampage remains untouched in the room. A STORM rages outside. The boards covering the window are torn off. Steve’s saturated backpack flies into the room followed by a large garbage bag. Steve climbs into the room carrying a flashlight. Exhausted by drama, Steve pulls his sleeping bag from the garbage bag and sits on it. He scans the carnage of the disheveled room. After a time, Steve unrolls his sleeping bag and shuts of his flashlight. Steve lays in the darkness pondering his situation. Unable to sleep, he rises and pulls a can of spray paint from his backpack.

Steve paints a (squatter) symbol on the boards of the window he has entered from. Midway through the defacing Steve hears a sudden noise, like someone stopping in one’s tracks. Steve turns quickly towards the noise. CLOSE-UP on CLYDE. His steady fearless eyes staring deeply into Steve. Clyde shakes with emotion.

What are you doing here?!

Steve locks in a stare with Clyde, afraid but not willing to turn away. Lightning flashes, followed by a quick clap of thunder. Steve jumps, ripping his eyes from Clyde’s gaze. Quickly recovering he turns back towards Clyde, but Clyde is gone. CLOSE IN on Steve’s eyes.

PULL OUT on Steve’s eyes.

DOTTI, GORDON, and STEVE sit in there original places. Lisa is gone.

You said the man’s name is Clyde?

(short pause)

Yes.

What’s his story?

Oh, he’s quite psychotic. He’s not all there. You won’t be able to talk to him while you’re here.

He still lives here?

Is he mentally ill?

He’s sort of a genius retard.

He was a freedom fighter…

Steve turns quickly towards Dotti as if to tell her to shut up.

(sharply)

Doesn’t it bother you that your living with a madman.

Aren’t we all pretty mad? It just depends on who we ask.

Steve shakes himself from his short rant.

What time is it?

He looks to the clock. It is not moving.

The power has been shut off for a few days now.

Do you have the time?

Yes…3ish. Uh, you had power?

Checks. You have bank accounts?

Some of us. I need to go meet with the ACLU lawyer and try to figure out what the hell we’re doing next with this little culture clash.

I need to go anyway.

You’re welcome to stay if you’d like.

Oh, no, that’s OK. I could give you a ride though Steve, if you’d like.

Sure. If it’s not out of your way.

Well, I want to get an idea of the area anyway.

All right then. (to Dotti) I’ll see you in a bit my love.

Okie Dokie. I love you.

Steve stares at Dotti and smiles softly.

Me too, darling. (to Gordon) Let’s go, eh?

STEVE and GORDON exit.

STEVE and GORDON travel through the city. LOUD Opera Music blares on the radio.

Steve looks back and forth at the radio and then Gordon, annoyedly.

Is Dotti your wife?

Steve quickly cranks the volume on the radio down. Gordon jumps at the gesture.

(casually)

Not legally if that’s what you mean. I’ve never needed the sanction of a government or a god.

You seem to have a lot of differences.

We balance each other out.

If, uh, you don’t mind me asking. How did you two meet?

You’re lucky you’re a reporter. This would be a hard movie to make interesting. You know? Flashbacks should be left to acid.

STEVE is staring across the café out a distant window. A younger looking DOTTI enters carrying a small collection of books. Steve doesn’t notice her. She sits at a table on the opposite side of the coffee shop. Dotti scans the shop and notices Steve. She stares at him for a short time. Steve continues to stare out the window. Dotti gathers her things and sits at a table in the line of Steve’s vision. Steve shifts his eyes to her. He smiles. Dotti pulls out a copy of Beyond Good and Evil and begins to read it, blatantly showing the title.

Are you?

(turns)

What?

Are you beyond good and/or evil?

Because you fear pain. Because you fear death.

Dotti moves to Steve’s table.

Noo. Suffering is a negative thing. It leaves pain in the air.

You’re a bit disturbed aren’t you?

I am not afraid of myself. I don’t hinder my thoughts. I have found peace in my madness.

Insanity can set you free. To be insane in the eyes of this society is righteous beyond all things. The society is wrong.

I agree that the society is wrong, but for far different reasons than you.

Would you like some coffee?

No thank you. Would you?

No thank you.

Would you have been offended if I never offered you a cup of coffee?

No, I am engulfed in philosophy.

Right. So, if I never made a gesture of help and offering peace would have remained between us.

You are terribly attractive.

You are extremely beautiful.

For example, I may firmly grab the silky interior of your thigh.

FOCUS ON Steve’s hand grabbing Dotti’s thigh.

He slowly moves his hand up her thigh.

For a moment Dotti looks startled. Suddenly she grabs the back of Steve’s head and pulls him firmly onto her lips. They passionately kiss.

You are extremely passionate.

FOCUS ON Steve staring out the window.

Have you ever noticed how time doesn’t actually exist?

What? Noticed? I’m sorry I…

(turning to Steve)(very definitely)

Yes. I’ve noticed that.

FOCUS ON Steve throwing a succinct loud laugh at Gordon. Gordon laughs much more softly.

Take a right here. It’s this building, first complex.

The car stops and Steve begins to exit.

I’m going back to the motel if…

I’ll walk. It’s good for thinking. Thanks.

Steve closes the door and Gordon drives away.

The SOUNDS of the crowd have lightened as night has fallen.

WIDE ANGLE ON ADAM’S back as he stares out the window.

(out of frame)

Adam.

Adam turns around.

NEW ANGLE on DOTTI.

How are you doing?

(softly)

I’m all right.

Is Rich OK?

I think he’s a little scared.

Steve won’t let us lose.

I believe in him.

Dotti sits at the kitchen table. Adam copies her action.

I love him, and I will do whatever he asks me too.

Steve is trying to do more than just save our asses.

He’s always trying to be a hero.

Don’t be a fuck. He would die for you if you asked him to. Your very life is a more superior cause to him than anything.

(looking down)

Oh, fuck…I know. It’s just that Rich is so scared.

Adam sighs and raises his head after a brief pause.

What does the reporter know about Clyde?

He thinks he’s a nut, like everyone else does. The reporter will stay away from him. Clyde doesn’t even know that Steve is his guardian angel.

STEVE enters the apartment. Dotti and Adam jump from the sudden noise and turn towards the door. Dotti leaps from her chair when she notices who has entered. She runs and hugs him.

Hey love.

(at a whisper)

Hey darling.

ANGLE ON Adam.

What did the lawyer say?

Steve walks to a collection of postcards on the wall.

(as he counts the postcards)

What should we do?

Dotti stares at Adam with a surprised look.

I can’t handle this Steve. Shit.

You can do whatever you want. I’ll try and help with whatever I can.

Adam is concerned about Rich.

I’m sure Rich will be fine. I’m sure we will all be fine.

There is a silence as the three dwell on their own thoughts. Steve drifts to the window and stares down to the crowd.

GORDON knocks softly on a heavy, blackened, glass door with the inscription “Leaver Enterprises, Built on the Wings of Freedom.” A soft voice comes from within.

Please come in.

Gordon enters into a lavish reception area.

Is Mr. Leaver in? I, I had an appointment.

What is your name sir?

Oh shit, oh I mean, it is Gordon Lightfoot. I’m with NPR.

Yes. Right. Please have a seat. I’ll tell Geoff you’re here.

Gordon sinks into a cushy leather chair.

(into a phone)

Geoff?

Yo!

Mr. Lightfoot, from NPR is here to see you.

Give me twenty seconds then send him in.

OK sir.

The secretary stares at Gordon and smiles. Gordon looks at her and down to the floor, and to the wall, at his tie, etc. The secretary looks at her watch and stares and Gordon again and smiles. She looks at her watch again.

You can go ahead and go in.

Um, Thank you.

Gordon hesitates for a moment and points sheepishly to the only door in the room. The Secretary nods. Gordon enters.

CUT TO:

Hello sir. Oh, no cameras, I thought this was a television thing.

No, Mr. Leaver, I’m with NPR, radio.

I guess I didn’t need the twenty seconds. Hey, do you drink scotch or anything, do you want anything?

Oh, jeeze, no thank you.

FOCUS ON Leaver walking to his small bar and pours a drink.

FOCUS ON Gordon looking at his notes.

I’m here in regards to the squatter dispute.

Leaver’s hand enters the FRAME with a glass of clear liquid.

Um, thank you.

Gordon takes a sip.

Hhhaah.

ANGLE ON Leaver with a smile.

Ye…

I couldn’t say. Are you at all worried what will happen to these people?

OK. All right. Thank you, Mr. Leaver.

Gordon stands to leave. Before he reaches the door…

Drink your Scotch!

Gordon shoots it. Cringes for a moment and turns to the door.

(confidently)

Thank you.

Have a nice day, Gary.

Gordon pauses for a moment, nods to himself, and exits.

EXTERIOR OF SQUAT-MID-MORNING

GORDON is seen driving. He is forced to park further away from the growing crowd. Gordon notices STEVE walking behind the building with a bag of groceries. Wanting to avoid the crowd, Gordon follows Steve. As Gordon nears an alternate entrance, where no protesters are present, he notices Steve staring at a man. The man is standing in the shadows and his face is hard to make out. As Gordon approaches, Steve turns towards him. While Steve’s head is turned, the man retreats into the basement door. Steve turns back to where the man was and shakes his head.

Clyde?

Yes. He’s having a very off day today. Make sure you leave him alone. Where have your travels taken you today?

Just grinding out the beat.

Gordon smiles, waiting for Steve to do the same.

Hmmh. You smell like money.

ANGLE ON Gordon with his shocked look.

Or rather expensive leather. Hey, I’ll introduce you to everyone else.

Steve smiles. Gordon reflects his smile sheepishly, but with more strength than he began his assignment with.

The SOUNDS of the growing, muffled crowd are heard.

STEVE and GORDON stand before Adam’s doorway. Steve knocks. The door opens part of the way. The SOUNDS of the crowd become much less muffled. ADAM peeks out. Suddenly loud footsteps are heard barreling down the stairway. Adam opens the door completely. Before Gordon can turn to see what the noise is, Trent and Fry whiz by, bumping him and causing him to fall into the wall. Steve and Adam shake their heads and attempt to hold back their smirks.

Are you all right?

I, um, yes I’m OK.

They’re not bad kids. They just don’t like you.

Gordon almost smiles, almost with acceptance.

Come in please.

Steve gestures to Gordon to enter. Gordon enters. Steve casually follows.

THE APARTMENT is well decorated. It contains many “luxuries” the other apartments lack (ie. Nice TV, cushy chairs, etc.), but it is still cluttered with water bottles and jugs, as well as lanterns. All electrical nit-nacks do not move.

RICH is standing before them awaiting introduction.

This is Adam. And this is Rich.

Gordon shakes both their hands. Pleasantries are exchanged. Rich and Adam sit relatively close on a couch.

Have you been working for NPR long?

Rich’s demeanor is very calm and collected, not afraid like Adam said. Adam seems like he is attempting to hide his stress.

I’ve been reporting for six years. I’ve been with NPR for two.

How many human-interest stories have you done?

Well, well, not many.

Oh. Would you like some tea?

Uh, sure. Please. If it wouldn’t be too much trouble.

Steve grabs a magazine from the table.

Rich, did you read the article in here about the submarine? They think Hitler’s in it.

Rich and Steve drift into conversation. Rich forgets about Gordon’s admission to wanting tea. ANGLE ON Gordon looking uncomfortable and thirsty, but not wanting to interrupt. Gordon’s eyes shift about awkwardly.

Um, so Adam, how did you wind up involved in this situation?

FOCUS ON Adam is staring at Rich and Steve. ANGLE ON Adam. ALTERNATING FOCUS on Adam and then Rich and Steve.

(trying to hide his edginess)

We were at this concert…

Adam turns his head back towards Gordon. PAN around to the back of Adam’s head and reveal the concert.

PAN around to Adam’s face. He is young. PULL OUT: Young Lisa is standing beside him. A band is playing. They begin to move through the crowd to a sales table where the lead singer of the band that was playing during Steve’s flashback is setting up his bands record displays. Steve is standing nearby, zoning to the sounds of the band and the angry babble in his head. Lisa and Adam approach the table. Lisa picks through the albums and other various memorabilia.

(yelling over the music)

Hey how much is this vinyl?

EURO-PUNK

That’s three bucks, man? What’d you think of the show?

It hella rocked. You guys are cool.

EURO-PUNK

Thanks man. Hey, you know anywhere we could crash tonight? Are their any squats around here?

No, I’m sorry. I can’t think of anywhere.

You don’t have a manager, or anyone that hooked up this show for you?

EURO-PUNK

No. We’ve just been driving around the States with our gear. There’s almost always a show going on. So we ask if we can play. Our sales from the stuff here on the table usually get us to another town.

That’s fucking cool.

There aren’t many squats in the States, huh?

Um, what is a squat exactly? I mean I’ve heard it. I just never asked.

Are there a lot in Europe?

Lisa is standing listening to the conversation.

What?! What the hell are you guys talking about?

Squats.

Steve nods and stares at the sales table for a moment. He fades back into the music and his trance. ANGLE ON Lisa staring at Steve for a few seconds.

Adam, Lisa and the Euro-punk are sitting at a table talking. The crowd has mostly emptied out. Various band members disassemble equipment from the stage. Steve is sitting at the next table over, rocking steadily in his chair.

EURO-PUNK

The coolest one I ever stayed in is in Rome. These guys, squatted a castle. Forte Prenestino. If the pigs come they just lift the drawbridge.

No way.

Steve is now listening with interest.

RAIN can be heard outside-The slight SOUNDS of the thinned crowd are mostly muffled.

Adam, Rich, Steve, and Gordon sit upon various designated sitting areas within the apartment. Gordon continuously swallows hard, parched having not been served his tea.

I really didn’t know that there was a whole movement to all of this.

People like causes. I mean, it doesn’t really matter what it is, people like to belong to something. All this, is just another something.

It is amazing how the need to belong can control people.

Yeah. (Gordon looks down) How long has the crowd been here?

Only a few days.

Why are they here? Honestly, why do they care?

(mumbling)

They are loud. (normal tone) Adam, or Rich, you seem to have some sort of financial stability. Why did you come to an abandoned building? Why not just rent?

CLOSE IN on Adams face.

Nothing is ever as simple as it first appears.

Black out.

CLOSE-UP on Adam’s face. It is badly beaten. PULL OUT. ADAM, LISA, and STEVE sit close together. Adam in the middle.

Damn. Why don’t you come stay here, I mean, until this thing blows over. You know no one here cares if you’re a fag.

Dotti enters with a bin full of water and a sponge.

Did you just call him a fag!

Yes, woman.

Did you just call me woman?

Yes! I love you both. They are just words. Don’t put illusions to my words. Adam doesn’t care.

Dotti sighs. She begins to clean Adam’s wounds.

I don’t know what to do.

ZOOM IN on Adam’s pensive, beaten face.

A nice apartment. Very trendy. Rich sits on a sofa reading a newspaper. There is a hard knock at the door. Rich quickly turns. He gets up and opens the door. No one is there. A piece of paper is stapled to the front of the door. Rich pulls it off. Rich reads it.

“Eviction Notice”

What is the meaning of this? I pay my rent on time. I have no pets. I have never had a complaint.

(looking through documents)

Oh yes. Yes sir, you have had complaints filed against you. You see here, you play your music too loud.

I don’t own a stereo!

I’m sorry sir. You have thirty days to move out.

I can’t believe this! I want to talk with someone in charge.

No one is in today sir.

This isn’t over young lady.

Rich storms out.

Rich staring into a glass of rum. He looks down the bar to see Adam sitting at the other end. Adam’s face is clad with healing scars. They hold a gaze for a moment.

Lisa sits against the wall, beside a vent. She can hear the sounds of Adam talking through it. She smiles faintly. The apartment is very quiet, if not for the SOUNDS of the crowd outside. Lisa stands and looks towards the window for a moment. She moves to sit in front of her easel. The easel itself is shown from behind. She stares at the canvas for a short time. All SOUNDS from the vent cease. Lisa notices and looks to the vent. The SOUNDS of the crowd fade. Lisa picks up a brush and closes her eyes. With her eyes closed she gently, yet steadily roles the brush in her hand. She appears to be thinking intensely. She stops and smiles. Lisa opens her eyes, sets down the brush, and begins to mix her paint.

I, um, I think this is a good story. So many stories that randomly intertwine. It is astounding. (short pause) So, Steve you met with the ACLU?

I met with one of their lawyers.

What did she say?

However…

But the postcards do show that we have been a positive force in the neighborhood. The building has improved, and that is shown in every new postcard. (brief pause) I planted a garden.

CUT TO:

The squat is in transition to what it looks like in the modern day. RICH is picking some lettuce from the garden. Without looking Rich reaches beside himself and drops the lettuce on the ground. He pauses for a moment and looks to where he has just dropped the lettuce. Rich looks around confusedly. He notices ADAM carrying a basket full of fence supplies. Adam sets the basket down where the prospective fence will be.

Adam. I was using that basket.

ADAM

I just needed it for a second. Here you go.

Adam returns the basket. He picks the lettuce up and sets it inside. Rich smiles and laughs through his nose.

STEVE lies under a sink cranking hard on a pipe with a wrench. The pipe snaps and water sprays everywhere, soaking Steve.

STEVE exits the building. He is drenched in water. DOTTI is painting the walls on the exterior of the building.

What happened?

I learned a valuable lesson about plumbing today.

Was it a swimming lesson?

Damnit! That was way wittier than what I was thinking.

Dotti smiles. The two laugh.

Do you pay taxes?

Those of us that want our money back that the government stole from our paychecks.

I file every year. It keeps me up on where some of my moneys might be.

The ACLU talked to a realtor who said that if we had paid taxes for seven years we would be able to file for a silent title on this property. They said you could do it with any property. Let's say you owned a three acre parcel of land that you had your house on, I could start paying taxes on an acre of it. Seven years later I could file for a silent deed and gain ownership of your piece of property. Even if you had been paying the taxes too. But hey, none of us anti government radicals thought of that one. Oh well.

There is a slight pause in conversation.

Well, I’ll take you to meet the others.

OK. It was really nice to meet the two of you.

Oh, you too.

Rich begins to clean up and notices there is no teacups to pick up.

Ahh, I forgot to get you your tea. I’m sorry. I just completely forgot.

That’s all right.

See you guys later.

Gordon shakes Rich’s and then Adam’s hand.

NPR is gung-ho about the story, huh?

Gordon smiles sheepishly, as if to slightly encourage.

(weakly)

Yeah, oh yeah, NPR is excited.

Steve smiles.

All right. Let’s go. See ya, guys.

GORDON and STEVE begin to move up hallway.

Steve?

Gordon?

I need to go grab something to eat. I haven’t eaten too much today.

Fortune smiles upon you young Gordon. Trinity and Larry invited us to dinner already.

I don’t want to put anybody out.

By the time Gordon comments Steve is already knocking on a door.

GORDON and STEVE enter into a small apartment clad with beanbags, weed paraphernalia and other stereotypical hippie garb. TRENT and FRY await their next meal, entertaining themselves through whispers and giggles. Gordon pulls the smells in strongly.

It smells good in here.

It’s the weed. I’m Larry.

(skipping in)

I’m Trinity. Please have a seat wherever you’d like. If you need anything, want anything, feel free to use it, eat it, whatever.

Trinity hugs Gordon.

(slightly shocked and laughing)

Thank you.

Larry and Steve give a strong hug to each other. Trinity patiently waits her turn. Hugs are exchanged. Larry hugs Gordon.

(looking around)

So, what’s up? Are you just drifting about our society here?

Yes. Getting to know everyone.

Trinity finishes up the cooking.

So how did you wind up in this situation?

I’m sorry I…

Interviewing a group of vagrant trespassers.

I heard about what was happening out here on a standard press release that we get from all over the country. I thought maybe NPR could help.

That’s cool. You must be very kind.

Gordon looks down at the ground.

Hey you men, come grab your plates.

Larry and Steve rise, followed by Gordon. Larry gets his food. Steve allows Gordon to go in front of him. As Trinity is dishing up Gordon’s food she suddenly stops.

Oh, are you a meat eater?

Um, well, yes I eat meat.

Oh good.

She continues to dish. Gordon smiles.

Gordon, the drinks are in the ice chest. Grab what you want. Oh and here’s a glass.

Everyone gets settled at the table. Trent and Fry’s giggles cease as they become preoccupied with eating.

Want some barley wine, Gordon. It’s made right here in our home.

Uh, Sure. Why not?

Larry pours wine for everyone. The energy of the buzzing apartment dies down. The SOUNDS of RAIN rise. Small talk ensues. FOCUS ON Steve. Steve gets up to get some water out of a jug by the window. As Steve pours his water he looks out the window. Below, a safe distance away from the thinned crowd and small collection of officers, is Clyde standing beneath a street light. Steve stares down at him. Clyde slowly raises his head and locks stares with Steve. ALTERNATING CLOSE IN on Steve’s eyes and Clyde’s eyes. All SOUND fades, but the sounds of the rain.

SOUND CUTS IN. Laughing. Talking.

Steve, hey, why don’t you come enjoy your meal.

Talking fades, awaiting Steve’s reply. ANGLE ON the awaiting table. Steve turns away to look at Larry. Steve quickly turns back. Clyde is gone. SOUND fades back to the rain.

(to himself)

No one stops to chat in the rain.

Steve pauses for a moment and returns to the table. The conversation lifts.

How’s the stew Gordon?

It’s really good. Could I maybe have some more?

Hell yes. Help yourself.

Gordon casually gets himself some soup. He takes a glimpse out the window for the first time and pauses. He looks back at everyone talking. Gordon becomes dazed with thought and rests back against the counter. He smiles at his thoughts and looks back out the window.

What is that over there a vortex!?

Gordon turns and laughs. Trent picks up his bowl and takes it to the sink. Fry follows close behind. They stare at Gordon. And begin to exit.

Thanks Trinity.

Fry kisses Trinity on the cheek. And shakes Larry’s hand with a bit of jive.

Yeah, thanks. It was very good.

Trent also kisses Trinity and high fives Larry.

TRENT and FRY

(in near unison)

Do you need anything Steve?

No. Thanks though. You guys have a good night. Sleep well.

Trent and Fry exit.

The conversation fades again as everyone is lost to there own thoughts.

QUICK FADE to everyone cleaning up. All present begin to drift into the living room. The mood is a light one.

Dotti enters.

How was the flesh buffet?

Flesh-tastic.

Steve laughs. Dotti sits on Steve’s lap.

Hey love. How are you?

Not bad. I’m sitting on your lap.

For a moment they stare and smile at each other.

ANGLE ON Larry pulling out a glass pipe and packing some weed into it, like the motions were reflex. ANGLE ON Gordon looking around, slightly uncomfortable.

ANGLE ON Steve and Dotti still staring into each other’s eyes. ANGLE ON Trinity set on a bean bag lightly meditating. ANGLE BACK ON Larry finishing the pipe loading. Larry raises the pipe almost to his mouth, causing him to raise his head. His eyes catch Gordon and he abruptly stops, realizing what he was doing. ANGLE ON Gordon. ANGLE ON Larry. Larry smiles and hands the pipe towards Gordon. Gordon hesitates and takes the pipe.

ANGLE ON Steve already looking away from Dotti. Dotti still stroking his hair.

Relax Gordon. We’re supposed to be the tense ones. It’s good philosopher paw, it’ll blow your mind.

Larry hands Gordon a lighter.

It’s been awhile.

Gordon nods. He takes a hit. He holds it for a moment and begins to cough.

Really cold in the lungs, huh? It’s good. I figure if these are our last days in this home it might as well be the chronic.

Gordon continues to cough.

Are you OK.

Gordon nods amidst coughs.

That will probably do it for you.

Gordon passes the pipe to Larry. The hits are taken and the pipe passed. ANGLE ON Gordon staring at the floor. Steve starts to laugh as he takes a hit and stares at Gordon. Steve kisses Dotti. Dotti sucks the smoke from Steve’s mouth. She blows it out.

(to Dotti)

I really love you.

Dotti closes her eyes hard, feeling his love.

Stop the rotation. I have to piss.

Larry gets up and grabs a jug of water. The SOUND of the water pouring out of the jug is heard.

(from bathroom)

Everyone laughs. Trinity shakes her head. The pipe continues its rotation. Gordon passes on another hit. Larry re-enters.

Want some more wine Gordon?

OK.

Larry grabs the wine and returns to his spot on the couch.

The pipe is passed about.

SHORT FADE OUT. Everyone sits in silence. VARIOUS ANGLES on all faces. ANGLE ON Steve. Steve breaths heavy and shakes himself from his stare. Steve looks around the room and notices everyone sitting and staring. Larry is sitting on the couch staring, holding the bottle of wine. Steve laughs. Everyone looks at him and laughs, having caught themselves in their stupors.

You bunch of damned trippers.

This is pretty crazy. A lot is going on in all of our heads.

It’s harder when we’re stoned to not let those hidden things bother us. Isn’t it?

(grinding his teeth)

Yeah.

Gordon, don’t grind your teeth.

Gordon immediately stops grinding his teeth.

Steve laughs.

Welcome to being high with philosophers.

Everyone laughs. ANGLE ON Gordon laughing. Gordon suddenly stops laughing.

(breathy)

Whoa. I’m tripp’in out.

Everyone starts to laugh again.

Good…Maybe tonight you’ll find something interesting in yourself.

Good journey man.

How did you wind up at NPR?

Seriously. I wanted to help people. I couldn’t be a priest, I’m an atheist.

An atheist. I had no idea you were so philosophically advanced.

God is pretty dead.

Steve laughs.

God’s not so bad. A little bit of faith can save your life.

Hey. I love you.

I love you too.

So, you’re not afraid of what will happen?

I love you. Forever. That is our gift. To know everlasting love. From within ourselves. Wow.

FADE OUT:

CLOSE UP on Gordon’s face, passed out and drooling. The crowd outside is very LOUD. PULL OUT: Gordon is curled up in a beanbag like a puppy. Trent and Fry are poking him with a rain stick, giggling incessantly. Gordon stirs and rolls over. POV: Gordon awakes to see Trent and Fry sitting, staring at him. Gordon jumps slightly. Trinity enters.

Hey! Shoo! Leave him alone. Go eat breakfast.

Trent and Fry laugh and scurry away.

Would you like any breakfast?

Oh no, that’s OK. I need to go. I need to go brush my teeth.

Oh, you can use my toothbrush.

That’s all right. I need to go anyway.

Gordon gathers his things. He goes into the kitchen to grab his coat. Larry is at the table.

Morning Gordon.

Morning.

How was last night for you? You passed out kinda early.

It was the most fun I’ve had in a really long time.

Did you journey into anywhere useful?

Yeah, but I got there before the weed. It was a, uh, good night. Thank you.

Good.

I need to go. Everyone have a good morning. Thanks Trinity. Take care Trent and Fry.

You too.

Fry quickly turns and scowls at Trent. Trent shrugs his shoulders and continues to eat. Trinity runs over and gives Gordon a hug.

You never really know if you’ll see your friends again. Friends should be shown that they’re appreciated. Thanks for philosophizing with us last night.

Well I didn’t do very well.

(smiling)

Gordon exits.

CUT TO:

Gordon opens the front door and enters the outside. The light hurts his eyes. He stands on the stoop, behind the barricades for a moment. He scans the crowd. It is much larger than it has been. Gordon notices a limo a slight distance away. He stares at it for a moment. Gordon timidly enters into the crowd and works his way to his car. In his car, he takes a final look at the limo. He starts his car and drives away.

The front door opens and Trinity and Dotti enter the outside with cutting boards full of sandwiches. They begin to hand them out to the protesters from behind the barricades. After a short time Steve is seen working his way through the crowd. He stops on the stoop and looks at the crowd. He notices the limo and stares hard at it for a few seconds. He then enters the front door.

Steve enters. Trent and Fry are sitting on the couch.

Hey guys. Could you go around the squat and assemble our family? We need to have a meeting.

Trent nods and smacks Fry. They jump up and head out the door. Steve walks to the window and looks out at the crowd. After a short time Dotti enters.

What happened?

I’d rather only talk about this once. The boys are gathering everyone.

All right.

Dotti walks over and hugs Steve.

LOW ANGLE over the bed. FOCUS ON cell phone. The bathroom is in the background. Gordon can be seen, freshly showered and shaving. The cell phone rings. Gordon turns from the mirror and