Daylight - First Draft

Act I - Scene 12: The Admiral

SC12 - The Admiral

INT. SENATE BUILDING. MIDDAY.

Eleanor and Kayla exit the main elevator onto one of the top floors of the senate building. They enter a waiting room where Kayla approaches an official.

KAYLA: I have a guest for the Grand Admiral. He's expecting her, could you let him know we've arrived?

The offical nods and walks out of the room. Kayla takes a seat on a couch. Eleanor takes the one opposite, across the table.

KAYLA: So I don't suppose you're gonna tell me why you're here?

ELEANOR: Sorry. I don't even rightly know, myself. The Admiral has some interest in me. I just... hope I can get some answers.

KAYLA: Well that's great. There's a war on and all Balfor wants to do is talk to a kid. Bloody fantastic.

ELEANOR: I thought the war was over?

KAYLA: Maybe it feels like it's over out there in the middle of nowhere, but here it's far from it. Hell, with people like Balfor in charge I'm surprised peace talks are happening at all.

ELEANOR: He doesn't seem to be popular, does he?

KAYLA: (Grunts) That's an understatement.

The official re-enters the room and nods at Kayla. She stands and Eleanor follows suit. As they reach the door, Kayla places her hand on Eleanor's shoulder.

KAYLA: Look kid, just don't let him get to you. Oh and don't agree to anything. I'll be waiting here when you're done.

Eleanor gives her a puzzled look as the official whisks her away down the corridoor. They make their way to an office in the next hall, where the official opens the door for Eleanor. She enters and the official closes the door from the other side. The room is dull and the window shades are down, the only light source being from a lamp on the desk in front of her. Standing behind it is Admiral Balfor, facing away from Eleanor with his hands behind his back.

BALFOR: (Without turning) Welcome, Eleanor. Please take a seat.

Eleanor takes a seat in front of the desk. She suddenly realizes they are not alone in the room. A tall woman with dark hair is standing in the shadows to her left. Eleanor can't quite make out her face but she can tell the woman is watching her closely. Balfor turns and places his hands on the back of his chair.

BALFOR: Don't mind Delia, she's just here to... oversee this conversation.

ELEANOR: Well... it's good to finally be here. I have to say, I'm kinda in the dark about what's going on.

BALFOR: (Sits) I've been made aware that you have some sort of ability, is that correct?

ELEANOR: Uhh yeah. I didn't think anyone else knew about it. How did you find out?

BALFOR: I have my sources. I trust you interacted with the stone I gave the mercenary?

ELEANOR: Yeah, it glowed really bright when I touched it. You knew that would happen?

BALFOR: That was the desired result, yes. I wasn't expecting you to come here though. The plan was to collect you on the way.

ELEANOR: On the way to what?

BALFOR: (Pauses) Ah yes, the Emperor has a little excursion planned to an island in the west. He needs you to do something for us there. Something that I believe only you can do.

ELEANOR: I don't understand.

BALFOR: Fortunately your understanding is not required. Everything you need will be provided and all we require is your prescence. Our company will leave in a weeks time. Until then, I suggest you stay within the upper city so that we can keep track of you.

ELEANOR: (Stands, shaking her head) I'm sorry, Mr. Balfor but you have the wrong idea. I came here to find out what you know about my ability, not to go on some expedition. Now I have to get home. Thank you for your time.

Eleanor heads for the door but she is blocked by Delia. Up close, Eleanor notices there are a number of scars on her face and her eyes have a deep red glow to them. Delia stares at her, the corner of her mouth breaking into a smile. Eleanor backs away slowly.

BALFOR: I cannot risk letting you go now that I have you here. Unfortunately, you won't be going home.

ELEANOR: You can't... It's against the law to keep me here!

BALFOR: (Smiles) I act on the Emperor's authority and he is the law.

Two guards enter the room. Balfor barks orders at them.

BALFOR: Take her to the detention wing. I want her on constant watch.

The guards grab Eleanor by the arms and proceed to drag her away. Eleanor struggles and yells at them.

ELEANOR: Let me go! You can't do this!

They pass the waiting room and Eleanor catches Kayla's eye. Kayla leaps to her feet and makes to run after her but Balfor quickly steps in front of her, blocking her way.

BALFOR: (Smiling) Shouldn't you be on duty, Ms. Greye?

Kayla watches helplessly as Eleanor is marched down the hallway.