Splice (first draft)

Scene Eight: Let's Make A Deal

Frogger watches Fox and Wolf (who sit on the floor, leaning against the couch on which Lana snores away; Fox hopeful, Wolf on guard). Sutton sits on the arm of the couch, looking expectant.

Frogger: [to Sutton] Where did you find them, again?

Sutton: Champion, north of the Weston Pillar.

Frogger: [sitting up] Alright.

Sutton: [Hopeful] Alright?

Frogger: It's less than I'd usually take but all things considered, it'll do.

Sutton: [relieved] Alright!

Fox and Wolf look both excited and a bit out of the loop, in their own ways.

Frogger: [standing and pulling out a slip, writing something down] You're going to need an ivoryman, and since you're working with nothing, one who can both implant the chips and get you two into the system. [taking the slip over to Sutton] The Dentist is going to be your best bet, especially considering your lack of funds. He has a...[pauses] soft spot for splices, and is likely to accept the promise of favors as payment. [holds it out]

Sutton: [looking mildly overwhelmed but grateful, reaches for the slip] Thank you. I can't tell you how much this--

Frogger: [pulls the slip away before Sutton can grab it] You've never been below C, have you?

Sutton: [somewhat concerned and confused] No, my parents always told me it was a dangerous place, but--

Frogger: [drops head with a 'sigh', defeated] Good parents. I can't give you this.

Sutton: [a little irritated] I grew up in the Swamps, I'm sure I can handle myself.

Frogger: The sublevels are a whole different ball game, kid, you'll get yourself killed fumbling around down there.

Sutton: I'm not going to fumble around, and you can't stop me from trying to find the Dentist myself, which I will, so if you'll just give me the address [makes a grab for it]

Frogger: [lifts head and steps back, putting the slip out of reach] Look, I'd rather not make myself a suspect in some missing person's investigation because you go down there and never come back, so if you'll listen [looks at Sutton pointedly. Sutton backs off, crossing their arms. Frogger relaxes] I'll arrange the meeting, and make sure you make it back in one piece. [hands them the slip] Just don't go down there by yourself, and definitely don't take them with you.

Sutton: [blinking, surprised] I-I don't know what to say...

Frogger: Don't get worked up. I wouldn't even offer if I didn't need to talk to him already. Consider this just another exchange.

Sutton: I still don't have any way to pay you.

Frogger: You work with Dr. O'Neal, right? I'll think of something to ask you. [opens the front door] In the meantime, I want access to them [points at Fox and Wolf].

Sutton: Sure, I mean, if they're willing [turns to look at them]

Frogger: Trust me, it'll be far from the most invasive thing they've had to deal with. [leaves]