Error 404: An Anthology Series

Irenic

(Note: This was used for a creative writing class assignment at Rio Hondo Community College. Colleges and indie filmmakers are allowed to record and act out this script with any necessary alterations, as long as credit is given.)

KALI

EDWIN

BENNY

SCENE 1: The following takes place in a cement hallway. An archway to an eating area and cafeteria is at the center of the wall. Unarmored soldiers Kali and Edwin sit against the wall near the entrance. A shadow mimicking Kali is seen in the room next door.

KALI: I don't like people.

EDWIN: Do... Do you like me?

KALI: Of course I do.

EDWIN: Why don't you like people?

KALI: They're mean. They judge a lot. A lot of them don't have manners.

EDIWN: Like Felix.

KALI: (she laughs) Yeah, like Felix. (she lays her head on his shoulder) I had another dream.

EDWIN: Was it a good dream or a bad dream?

KALI: Terrible dream, just like the last one.

EDWIN: Dreams can't be terrible... can they?

KALI: The only things good ware you and Benny. (she pauses) We were stuck in a building, wearing all white and doing all the dirty work for some really rich people. Everyone had their own room, too, and yours was right next to mine. We were always together, and they made sure we were, even when working. Every day they took us out and do field work. (She laughs softly) Some people got dirty, so dirty that they were taken to the pool to get all that stuff off. A few of them were still dirty, wet but dirty. At some point we found something. I don't know what we found but it was something bad. Some of us started to plan a way out. Some of them didn't want to help you but I convinced them. I couldn't leave you behind. Then one of the bad guys found out. Or was told, I don't know. They saw me, then you... and they took you. (Her voice begins to shake) I chased them to try and save you, but they stopped me and started to hurt you... Then I woke up.

EDWIN: (he holds her hand) It's not real. I'm still here and I'm fine.

KALI: (she wipes tears away and holding her head up) I want it to stay that way. Anyone tries to hurt you, I'll hurt them back.

EDWIN: Does your doctor know?

KALI: He does now.

EDWIN: So, you told him already.

KALI: No. I mean, I'm asleep. My body is anyway. He's... monitoring, right now.

EDWIN: (he panics a bit, lets go of Kali's hand, and stands up) He's watching us. Right now.

KALI: (she pauses) Yeah. He says something's wrong me (she stands up) and I spend too much time in the equipment and, in turn, with you. And Benny... and everyone else here, than with anyone else.

EDWIN: (he thinks) Does that make him God?

KALI: (she laughs) What does that make me if he is? You know I'm not from here.

EDWIN: I know but you... helped us. We weren't really anything before you came.

KALI: What do you mean?

EDWIN: Everything was dark, couldn't really see anything. We didn't do anything because there wasn't anything. But then you came and made things for us. You helped us make us.