the connors chronicles: f05e10 - boundaries

7/30/2019 The Connors Chronicles: F05E10 - Boundaries

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Terminator:The Connors Chronicles

"Boundaries"F05E10

Written by

Lumir G Janku

This document is fan-produced fiction based on the television series,

Terminator - The Sarah Connor Chronicles, and two seasons worth of fan-

fiction, F03 and F04, written by CJ Carter. This is done in spirit of fan

fiction, to have fun and enrich the total fan experience beyond the

limitation of the original story vehicle.

In that spirit, and holding to the long tradition of free promotion and

support that fanfic brings to the fictional verse , this story is being made

available to the show fans for entertainment purposes.

Copyright 2011 Lumir G Janku


2/47

2.

ACT ONE

FADE IN:

INT. JACK PARKER'S HOUSE -- NIGHT

PARKER is already in bed, watching HERNANDEZ slip into her

semitranslucent nightgown. He can see her silhouetteagainst the night stand lamp and follows it with his eyes.It reminded him of paintings of old Chinese aquarellemasters, the interplay of utility and form in theirperfection. Hernandez slips under the cover, beside Parker,turns her head and looks at him with her large, almond eyes.

HERNANDEZJack, I quit.

PARKERWhat? Quit what?

HERNANDEZFrom the police force.

PARKERYou're not serious.

HERNANDEZDeadly serious.

PARKERWhat you'll do?

HERNANDEZYou mean beside being yourgirlfriend?

PARKERYeah, that.

HERNANDEZI've got a job offer. As a head ofone of Zeira's security divisions.

PARKERI should've seen that coming.

HERNANDEZJack, beside avoiding a conflictof interest, there's a fringebenefit. I'll be close toresearch. And given the positionstatus, I may have a firstcome--first serve advantage.

PARKERFor the change to human form?


3/47

3.

Hernandez NODS.

PARKER (CONT'D)You're... were the best officerI've ever had.

HERNANDEZ

What happened to the insubordinatepain in the butt?

PARKERPart of your charm.

HERNANDEZHire a cyborg as a replacement.Better yet, a male cyborg. Notemptation.

PARKERYou mean no competition.

HERNANDEZYou wouldn't! Would you?

PARKERIf you were a human female, I'llleave it open ended. You're not. Iwouldn't.

HERNANDEZEven if there was a chance of...transformation?

PARKERYou'd still be you. I hope.

HERNANDEZTooth and nail. I like myself theway I am, how I tick.

PARKERWhat about the case?

HERNANDEZUnsolved. Put it on ice.

PARKERBut you still--

HERNANDEZYes, I'm on it. Zeira wants tohandle this in its jurisdiction.

PARKERPolitics.


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4.

HERNANDEZYep, in part. There are rumorsthat Department of InternalAffairs may establish a special Cpolice branch.

PARKER

So you'd switch again?HERNANDEZ

Nope. I want to stick with Zeira.I need to be close to research.

PARKEROkay, very much in agreement. Now,can I whisper sweet nothings intoyour ear?

HERNANDEZPretty please!

INT. FRESNO, ALEX'S RESIDENCE -- EARLY AFTERNOON

ALEX enters the basement room and looks at the Miesse'sbed. MIESSE is still asleep, gently snoring.

ALEXFred!

Miesse jumps up and almost falls over when stepping on hisfoot.

MIESSEWhat? What?

ALEXFred, wake up. It's a lunch time.Your leg seems to be sleeping too.

MIESSEYeah, damn, it's like from rubber.What time... I slept that long?

ALEXProbably trying to catch up. Stayput, I'll be right back.

Alex disappears for a few second behind the door frame andthen returns back with a food tray.

MIESSEI see you're serious aboutfattening me up. It may be easy ifevery meal smells so good.


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5.

ALEXI take it as an oblique thank you.

MIESSESorry, thank you!

ALEX

Before we get you into a shape--MIESSE

(laughs)That be a pear shape!

ALEXNot a full pear. I've been pullingstrings here and there in themorning. I've got you a new IDthrough witness protection.However, that's a formalarrangement. In reality, you'll be

a part of investigation team.

MIESSECFL?

ALEXYeah.

MIESSECouldn't go without that special?It gives me willies.

ALEX(shaking her head no)

I told you this won't be cheap.But you don't have to be involveddirectly. I'll find something thatwon't make you swimming in sweatevery night.

MIESSEThanks!

ALEXMy main concern is you beingeffective, rather than your wellbeing and mental health.

MIESSEThank you regardless!

ALEXAll right. Your name is SpencerTowsend. If I, Tawny or Alexeiaddresses you as Uncle Spencer,that's you.


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6.

MIESSEAm I a rich uncle?

ALEXAre you joined with your hip tothat hoard?

MIESSEThought it was funny. No, Irealize it's gone for allpractical purposes.

ALEXNot entirely. You are entitled bya law to ten percent finders' fee.I made it a part of thenegotiations and got okay for that.

MIESSEWealthy uncle, then. Really, I did

not expect that. How about I'lllet you speak and thank you justonce at the end, rather thanrepeating myself.

ALEXUncle Spencer, you'll beexpressing gratitude for years tocome, you owe me big time.

MIESSENo problem, I know I do. So, can Iget out, catch some sunshine?

ALEXNo, we need about two weeks to getyour physique changed enough. Toorisky to let you out, it would betempting the fate.

MIESSEWhat if I die from boredom beforetwo weeks are over?

ALEXDon't worry. I'll find things foryou to do. You also need to writea detailed report about yourmeetings with Martin. Don't leaveanything out. Even minute data maybe important.

MIESSEHold on a sec. You said out. Doesthat mean outside and that I won'tbe confined to this nice cell?


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7.

ALEXSort of. You need to stay downhere for a week. We need to makesure we're off the CLF radar. Thenyou can move within the house,kitchen, living room. After twoweeks, I think you may be able to

get out for short walks.MIESSE

Sounds bearable. Say, what happensto my contacts?

ALEXYou can't get in touch with them.We need to find a middleman. Makea list, the fees you paid for infoand I'll get someone trained.

MIESSE

Should be a human. Your fieldstaff are Cs, right?

ALEXSomeone from outside, not from mycurrent agent roster. I'll let yougive your okay for the choice.

MIESSEAppreciate it. I don't want mycontacts spooked out.

ALEXI wonder why you want to keep yournetwork... intact.

MIESSEWhat if I want to write a book,eventually?

ALEXRight! Should have though ofthat... I've got a contact in apublishing house.

MIESSEA good ID cred?

ALEXYes. Uncle Spencer, now eat, foodis getting cold!

MIESSEYeah, I'm starving. And thank you!

END OF ACT ONE


8/47

8.

ACT TWO

EXT. ISLAND BEACH -- NIGHT

JOHN is unsure why he finds himself on a beach. He looks tothe right and left, but despite the moonlight, he seems tobe alone. He turns, facing inward and sees CAMERON.

JOHNCameron, what you're doing here?

Cameron turns toward John and has no face. John realizesthat it's Ay.

JOHNNO!

AYJohn, please, don't be alarmed.

Ay's face appears, it's Cameron's face.

JOHNWho are you?

AYWhy, Ay-meron, of course. John,give me your hand.

JOHNDo I have to worry?

AY(shaking her head no)

No, you don't. Cameron's safe.

JOHNWhy are--

AY...you here? Cameron called meout. I'm not sure she thought itthrough, really. But she neededsome help. Some advice.

JOHNI thought you've merged.

AYI did. We became one. But it waslike sending this island adrift.Cameron... we realized that weneed a sanctuary. A place forinner voice.


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9.

JOHNHow do I fit into that arrangement?

AY(smiles)

It's not your inner voice.

JOHNNot sure--

AYYou're a connector. A link to manythreads. You have your own innervoice in your own sanctuary. It'sa special configuration that youcall your intuition.

JOHNI suppose. But why--

AY... are you telling me? You wentasleep. You inner voice. There arethings, threads, unraveling. Theirends are frayed and they driftabout in whichever way. But theywould clot in order of their ownchoosing. You can't be just alonewhen that happens.

JOHNAre there--

AY... other inner voices that youknow of? Yes. There are some thatwe talk to. With.

JOHNWho--

AY... are they? Alena. Tawny.Alexei--

JOHNI don't--

AY... know Alexei. We do. Martin,Tia, Sid, Shawna. There are manymore. Some bring ideas. Some justlisten and do. Some aren't yet intheir time. Urug, Nadine, Eicca,Radeca, Yaacov, Samarand, Pavla,Felice, Sabina.


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10.

JOHNWhy do you need--

AYThere is only one John Connor now.

Ay puts her palm on John's chest.

JOHNYou've said now. Why?

AYThis John Connor.

JOHNI thought... Was there anotherone? And Cameron?

AYThere's only one Cameron Connor.

JOHNHow would I know--

AYYou listen. You'd know what to do.

JOHNWould I--

AY... see you again? You're lookingat me every day.John you have to go.

Ay touches John's lips with hers.

AYJohn, I love you!

CAMERONJohn, I love you!

INT. ZEIRA CENTER, CONNORS' APARTMENT -- NIGHT

John opens his eyes and looks at Cameron. She is sleeping.Her expression is very peaceful and perhaps there is a hintof smile on her face.

JOHNI love you, Cameron.

INT. ZEIRA CENTER, CATHERINE'S OFFICE -- MORNING

CATHERINE picks up her ringing phone.

CATHERINEMr. Tuck, good morning.


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11.

TUCKWe've lost JC. He's not responding.

CATHERINEWhen?

TUCK

Happened during the night, at 3:17AM. I should've been here.

CATHERINENo. It's not your fault. You needyour rest like everyone else. IsSavedge doing autopsy?

TUCKShe's already on it.

CATHERINEKeep me posted.

TUCKOf course. What we do now?

CATHERINEWe have John's stem cells. That'senough for time being.

TUCKDo we restart?

CATHERINENo. But we need to figure out thecause. I'm worried about Cameron.

TUCKShe's much older and seems to bedoing well.

CATHERINEWe need to be sure that there's noconnection. I'll let Lauren do afull Cameron's checkup.

TUCKShe's about to be released, right?

CATHERINEYes, in 4 days.

TUCKI'll let you know as soon as wefigure it out.

CATHERINEThank you.


12/47

12.

INT. DANILO'S HOUSE, LIVING ROOM -- MORNING

MIA is picking her RINGING phone and at the same timegiving a baby bottle to Alena.

MIAYes?

JOHN (O.S.)I hope that I'm notinconveniencing you. I'm on my wayto your place. Cameron just wentfor a checkup, so I've time tokill.

MIAJohn, knowing you, it must besomething more.

JOHN (O.S.)

Yeah, I've got a new transcript.

MIAAy?

JOHN (O.S.)Yes.

MIAWhat--

JOHN (O.S.)I'm at the door.

Mia opens the front door and lets John in.

MIALet's go to the back, help me withthe crib.

JOHNShe's sleeping.

MIAYeah, I wish I could just droplike her, she can do it in asecond.

Mia and John get to the garden bench and sit down. Mia putsAlena's portable crib beside her.

MIA (CONT'D)Show me.

John hands Mia a transcript printout. Mia reads it and herface seems to be getting more serious with every paragraph.


13/47

13.

JOHNWhat you make of it?

MIAI need to make a call. Give me aminute.

JOHNDo you need privacy?

MIA(dialing, shakes her head no)

Catherine, need to verifysomething.Is JC gone?Corroboration from another source.I'll send you a report later today.

Yes, with me.I hope she's fine.We should wait for the resultbefore jumping to conclusions.Okay, spontaneous shutdown. Butconsider it tentative. Les is in?Okay, after she's done.

Mia ends the call and looks at John.

JOHNMia, JC? What the hell is going on?

MIACatherine wanted a backup.

JOHNDamn. Should have known! I thinkI'll have a word with Catherine.

MIAJohn, you don't... Catherinewanted a control sample, thebackup was a secondaryconsideration.

JOHNBut I said--

MIAYou've made your decision based onyour state at that moment.


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14.

MIA (CONT'D)Catherine did not want to protractthe process, so she gave you awhite lie.

JOHNHow can I trust her after this?

MIAShe has to make decisions thatconsider many things. Sometimesthey're not exactly popular.

JOHNI'm not sold.

MIAJC expired last night.

JOHN

Is that what you meant by acontrol sample?

MIA(NODS)

Yes.

JOHNIs Cameron okay? The checkup...it's not just related to therelease.

MIACorrect. We need to find out whathappened with JC.

JOHNOh! That's why... Ay knew! Do youthink she had anything to do withit?

MIANo. She just... maintainsconnections.

JOHNWhat do you think? Is Cameronsafe? Straight up.

MIAYes, I think so. I'm sure that thecheckup results will be very good.

JOHNSo what happened to JC?


15/47

15.

MIASpontaneous exit.

JOHNBut why? Can you elaborate?

MIA

Do you recall some of the sci-finovels that dealt with timetravel? The paradox... the conceptthat two of the same can't occupythe same space.

JOHNYeah, but--

MIAYes, time displacement worksdifferently. I'm trying to giveyou a metaphor. JC was becoming

aware. The connection with AY wasa catalyst, perhaps. He yielded,two of the same minds can't occupythe same mindscape.

JOHNThat doesn't bode well for cloning.

MIAIt seems. Unless... the purpose isCameron's type of graft.

JOHNSo if, say, John Henry was--

MIAWould work. We've got the pattern.

JOHNAll right. I get the picture.

MIAJohn, go talk to Catherine. Justask for an explanation and hearher out. Don't be judgmental. Noprejudice. You need to clear theair out between you two.

JOHNGood idea.

MIANext time you talk to Ay, get herto tell you last names.

END OF ACT TWO


16/47

16.

ACT THREE

INT. FRESNO, ALEX'S RESIDENCE -- AFTERNOON

ALEX pours "Moss" into a cup in the kitchen. She raises hervoice to be heard in the living room.

ALEXHow much?

HERNANDEZHalf, thank you.

ALEXCream, sugar?

HERNANDEZSacrilege!

ALEX

(laughs)Okay, a good point.

Alex bring the cup to the living room and sets it on thecoffee table. Sabina Hernandez NODS and turns her eyes toAlex. She seems to be very focused.

HERNANDEZThank you!

ALEXHow did you get to handlingMartin's case?

HERNANDEZI was a police officer beforeCatherine hired me. I was at thecrime scene.

ALEXI see. I wondered where you gotsuch a detailed information. Whydid you quit?

HERNANDEZPersonal reasons mainly. And therewas a slim chance that the casewould get solved if I stayed at PD.

ALEXWhy is the case so interesting toyou?


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17.

HERNANDEZBecause it does not make muchsense. K based cyborgs don't do...it's out of their modus operandi.

ALEXHow would you know?

HERNANDEZBeing one, I should know.

ALEXSay what? You're pulling my leg,right?

HERNANDEZWhat do you mean? No, why?

ALEXI thought... I couldn't tell!

HERNANDEZ(turning her eyes upward as

if for a prayer)Thanks Jack!

ALEXYour personal deity?

HERNANDEZ(ringing laughter)

Sort of. My boyfriend.

ALEXYou're amazing! I can't detect anyC quirks in your patterns.

HERNANDEZI am very glad to hear that.You've got no idea how glad.

ALEXI wonder, what's your work load.I've got something, a little sideshow that needs to be taken a careof and you seem to be an excellentfit.

HERNANDEZIs it related to Martin's case?

ALEXSort of. Indirectly, but there's athread.


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18.

HERNANDEZAnything related to the caseinterests me. My problem is a lackof leads, not the opposite.

ALEXVery good. Now give me a handshake

again.HERNANDEZ

Why... sure.

ALEXI still can't tell, you've got thehuman mannerism pat down. Allright, give me a minute.

Alex brings a terminal from the desk at the window, placesit on the coffee table and turns it on. She locates a fileand turns the screen toward Hernandez.

ALEX (CONT'D)Now read this report.

It does not take a minute for Hernandez to read through 10pages.

HERNANDEZI'm on. Let's meet Uncle Spencer!

ALEXYou're sure that it won'tinterfere--

HERNANDEZI need leads. I like his style,too.

ALEXAll right. He has his veto, but Ithink he'll say yes. Let's go.Follow me.

Alex and Hernandez descend to the basement. Alex knocks onthe door.

ALEX (CONT'D)Uncle Spencer, can I have a wordwith you?

MIESSESure. Let yourself in.

Alex opens the door and enters and Hernandez after her.


19/47

19.

MIESSE (CONT'D)Sorry, did not know you brought avisitor, I'd fix that bird nest onmy head.

ALEXUncle Spencer, meet Sabina

Hernandez. She's applying for thejob of a middle... woman to handleyour contacts network.

Miesse approaches Hernandez and shakes her hand.

MIESSEExcellent! What are yourqualifications, Ms Hernandez?

HERNANDEZSabina. I was a police officer.

MIESSEWas?

HERNANDEZGot suspended for insubordination.My big mouth, I guess. Got anotherjob and I'm interested in your...offer. There is a pay attached toit, right?

ALEXRight. Nothing spectacular, but itis a decent coin for a part timework.

MIESSERight. Alex holds the purse, Imanage. When can you start, Sabina?

HERNANDEZI... does that mean I've got thejob?

MIESSEI've got good vibes about you. Yes.

HERNANDEZI can start right away.

MIESSEWell, I'm not done with the list,did not expect Alex findingsomeone so fast. Can you come herethe upcoming weekend? We'd go overthe details and you can officiallystart then.


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20.

HERNANDEZYes, of course. Saturday?

MIESSE10 AM here. We'd have twofour-five hour sessions, oneSaturday and one Sunday. That

should get you started.HERNANDEZ

Thank you Mr--

MIESSEUncle Spencer.

HERNANDEZUncle Spencer. Have a nice day!

MIESSELikewise. And be on time!

Alex and Hernandez exit Miesse's room. Alex puts her fingerin front of her lips. Hernandez NODS. They go backupstairs, to the living room.

HERNANDEZThat went well.

ALEXHe wouldn't hire a C.

HERNANDEZSerious?

ALEXYeah. You don't need to tell him.

HERNANDEZThere's really no reason why Iwould, intentionally. But now Iwon't. He seems to be a charmingfellow.

ALEXWell, looks can be deceptive!

HERNANDEZ(wide smile)

Well, you're right about that.

Hernandez checks her watch.

HERNANDEZ (CONT'D)Gotta run, Moss' going back in anhour and I don't want to miss theride.


21/47

21.

ALEXYou should get your owntransportation.

HERNANDEZAlready taken care of, I shouldhave my car in a day or two.

ALEXHave a good one, Sabina, and seeyou Saturday morning.

HERNANDEZPleasure, Alex. See you onSaturday.

INT. ZEIRA CENTER, CATHERINE'S OFFICE -- LATE AFTERNOON

Cameron's team -- Catherine, Toshiro, Lauren, Les, and Mia,

together with John are at the conference table. It's twodays to the scheduled Cameron's release.

LAURENI've read Mia's report. It's aplausible explanation. I don't seeany biological reason for theexit, nor there was any biologicalreason indicated by autopsy. Theheart simply stopped pumping. Inmy view, we've got nothing toworry about. Cameron is inexcellent physical and mentalshape.

TOSHIROIf I may, just a pet theory ofmine. Let's suppose that there areindividual time frame differenceshow clones react to theirenvironment, or as the case maybe, to the lack of stimulus.Cameron was getting input inspades since the project started.JC, after he was transferred tothe B5, what was he getting? Atleast under Les' management, hewas talked to. It may be quite asimple cause--he died from boredom.

LESVery likely the lack of stimulusis the real culprit, as Toshisays. There may be some thresholdunder which the clones are viable.Maybe 6 years lab time.


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22.

LES (CONT'D)Then without a fill, there simplymay be no reason to continue.Every aspect of their existence isknown to them, except thenon-existence. It may be temptingto pick the unknown.

JOHNI hope we're not justrationalizing. I'm trying to getinto his shoes. Simply put, if Iwas to be a vegetable, I wouldlike my plug to be pulled. Isuppose, as we were identicalbiologically, there may have beena strong correspondence as thebasic mental construct go.

CATHERINE

We may not see the whole picture,but I say we're fairly close.Mia's theory seems to go perhapstoo far into an unchartedterritory, but she's often right.A confluence of several factors.Let's close this chapter and getback to what we came for. Lauren,the monitoring system--is it ready?

LAURENYes. Cameron still has the optionto choose whether the monitoringwould be implemented or not, butI'll be more comfortable knowingthat she's all right at any time.

JOHNI understand the hub function, buthow Cameron sends the signals?

TOSHIROThrough a small implant chip thatwould monitor vital functions.

JOHNHow big is it?

LAURENIt's really small flat device thatgoes under the skin at the skullbase, and has porous carboncoating to prevent rejectionproblems.


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23.

LAUREN (CONT'D)She won't notice it by touch andit would provide both us and herwith a peace of mind. It justmonitors the basic vitals, nothingmore, but that's what we need.

JOHNToshi, you said something about awatch, is that... does that havethe same function?

TOSHIRONo, it's a hub that would workoutside of your house, the househub covers roughly 50 meterradius. May seem like redundancy,but the watch is a mobile in fact,so it would work wherever there isa coverage. It's reception radius

is 2 meters. It needs to berecharged once a while. That's whywe need a dual system.

CATHERINESo, if we implant it now,Cameron's free to go?

LAURENShe's free to go, implant or not.But as I said, I'd feel morecomfortable if Cameron is linkedin.

CATHERINEWell, then there is nothingholding us back to do it rightnow, is there?

LAURENNo. I don't think we need to voteon it.

CATHERINEAny objections?None it seems. Let's go then.Lauren, you can get your implantinjector on the way?

LAURENYes, of course.

END OF ACT THREE


24/47


25/47

25.

LAUREN(showing a palm sized wall box)

The hub transmitter's located inyour house, just like this one.

(showing a nice looking ladywatch)

And if you go outside, you'd wear

this watch. It's a modified cellphone.

CAMERONIt all sounds good. I suppose itis better be safe than sorry.Let's do it!

Lauren approaches sitting Cameron and pulls her hair asideto apply the injector, and squeezes the release.

LAURENHow does it feel?

CAMERONLike a pin prick. Alreadyforgotten about it.

Cameron is smiling and gets up. Cameron heads towardCatherine and opens arms for a hug. Catherine's hug is atiny bit robotic, perhaps on purpose.

CATHERINEWe'll miss you, I enjoyed ourclose contact very much. Pleaseremember, any time you feel liketalking, just call or drop by.

CAMERONThank you, yes, I will.

Lauren's turn, she hugs Cameron without words. Toshiro isnext.

TOSHIRODon't be a stranger. And submitthe application soon! To me or toNeal.

CATHERINEWhat application?

CAMERONToshi wants to hire me. To workfor Neal. Who, I'm not sure knowsabout it yet.

CATHERINEWhat a great idea! Yes, please do!


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26.

Les gives his typical bear hug.

LESI feel like letting my daughter goto experience world! Be well,Cameron!

CAMERON(smiling)I will, father!

MIAYou'll be 15 minute walk from us.I hope to see you often.

Cameron reciprocates Mia's hug and NODS.

CATHERINEYou have packing to do... goodnight and good luck!

INT. ZEIRA CENTER, CONNORS' APARTMENT -- LATER

JOHNAll packed?

CAMERONYes. Ready. What about theterminals?

JOHNWe have our own, already pluggedin, just turning on the switch isall that's needed. The datatransfer is already in progress.

In the doorstep, Cameron looks over the room one last time.

INT. LOS ANGELES, CONNORS' HOUSE -- LATER EVENING

JOHN and CAMERON enter. They stop in the hallway, Johnstill holding the handle of a dolly with stacked boxes.

JOHNOur castle.

CAMERONA big house, I could get lost...Give me a short tour.

John, dropping the dolly's handle, takes Cameron's hand andleads her through the house.

JOHNLiving room.


27/47

27.

JOHNKitchen.

JOHN (CONT'D)Storage closets.

JOHN (CONT'D)

Washroom.John leads Cameron upstairs.

JOHN (CONT'D)Bathroom.

CAMERONSpacious. I like the big tub.

JOHNNext. Storage, for now.

JOHN (CONT'D)My study.

JOHN (CONT'D)Your study.

CAMERONWhy is it so... empty?

JOHNI thought you'd want it that way,no clutter. You can arrange it anyway you like.

CAMERONI hope I can get back to guitarand ballet. I don't have such acontrol of my body I had then.

JOHNIt may take a while, I know youcan do it if you put your mind toit. I've got to get those Acevedosback from our country home. Do yourecall the songs you've learned?

CAMERONSome. Not all of it. Bits. Butthat should help me to get started.

JOHNBedroom.

CAMERONStrange. I remember this bed.


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28.

JOHNIt's new.

CAMERONActually the sheets and coverings'pattern.

JOHNI think that it is one of yourlast memories before the Brandi'sattack. Damn, if I knew...

Cameron puts her hand on John's shoulder.

CAMERONJohn, that's behind us. I hopeyou're not blaming yourself. Andby-the-way, I thought that youliked your new, softer and gentlerCameron!

JOHN(smiling)

I am not convinced about that, youhave pointy elbows!

Cameron prepares an elbow slug, but then stops beforehitting. She makes a fist and hits John instead gently intoa shoulder.

JOHNCameron, I think I'll get youboxing gloves! Okay, hungry? I canmake something real quick.

CAMERONYou brought some food?

JOHNYeah, I stocked up the fridge afew days ago.

CAMERONLet's go back to the kitchen, I'llcheck the fridge and let me trywhip up something.

JOHNOh! A bonus!

CAMERONNow, Now! I can still decide thatmy offer isn't in cards.


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29.

JOHNScrambled eggs? With bacon?Sauteed onion...

CAMERONWhat? No bread?

JOHNIn the freezer compartment. Justput in the oven for 4 minutes at350 and it will be crispy andtasty.

CAMERONToasty.

JOHNJust right.

Cameron is still standing, not making a move.

JOHN (CONT'D)Waiting for something?

CAMERONYou'll always tell me what to do?

JOHNWhat? Thought that I can have aninput!

CAMERONThis time, I'll let it slide!

Cameron quickly pulls the eggs, bacon, green onions andbread from the fridge and John watches in amazement. It'slike a choreographed dance--no extraneous movement, asynthesis of function and form. By the time the timer onthe oven rings, it is all ready and the next few seconds onplates.

JOHNIt's probably more treat to watchyou that to eat.

CAMERONI hope it tastes good too! Can wego to the back? I saw a gardentable with chairs there.

JOHNWe better go quick and eat beforesundown.

CAMERONWe can turn on the lights?


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30.

JOHNWe could. But we'd be eating bugswith it as a side dish!

CAMERONJune bugs! I really don't likethem in any form! Let's hurry,

please!

INT. LOS ANGELES, CONNORS' HOUSE, BEDROOM -- NIGHT

CAMERON is sitting on bed. JOHN is already in it, under thecover.

CAMERONYou know, I dreamed all this timein Zeira Med about a pillow fight.I am not really sure where it's

coming from.

JOHNYou are not serious.

CAMERONYou think so?

Cameron grabs quickly a pillow and slugs John over thehead, laughing.

JOHNShe is...

John retaliates, and fight goes on for about 15 seconds.John stretches his arm forward in a defensive posture andcalls out.

JOHN (CONT'D)Enough! You win!

CAMERONI am a badass ninja, admit it!

John suddenly freezes and looks confused.

CAMERON (CONT'D)John what is it? Did I saysomething to upset you?

JOHNNo, it is just... weird. One day,long time ago, Riley said almostthe same thing to me.


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CAMERONI am sorry. I...

JOHNNothing to be sorry about, it wasso reminiscent that I almostjumped into that time for a second.

CAMERONInteresting. How human memoryworks. For me it is a bitdifferent.

JOHNHow different?

CAMERONI guess that's because of mymemory system, of my chip implant,I recollect more systematically, I

don't have yet much of thatassociative memory type.

JOHNI think you have more of it thanyou think and in time you'll getmore of it yet. It adds up intime. But I am glad you have yourmemories in any form.

JOHN (CONT'D)(reaching for the light switch)

Well, good night.

CAMERONJohn!

JOHNWhat?

CAMERONAbout these little Connors--

JOHNOh!When do we start?

CAMERONToday, sweetie, today!

John turns off the lights.

END OF ACT FOUR


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ACT FIVE

INT. LOS ANGELES, MAIN PUBLIC LIBRARY -- DAY

C MARION CORVINO (apparent age 26) is turning pages ofRembrandt Works with reverence . Or it may be prudence, asthe pages, with yellowed out margins, are perhaps somewhat

brittle. Tilted at an angle, a large sturdy folder of 60 by40 inches, with ties on the sides and top arranged in neatknots and loops, is resting against her chair. Marion hearsa voice from behind her and it takes her two seconds torealize that the voice is for her. She turns her head toher left and sees a man in his late seventies standing offthe side and slightly behind her.

MARIONPardon me?

FORRELI've seen it. The reproduction

can't tell you even the half ofthe story.

JOSHUA FORREL moves closer to Marion and offers his hand.

FORREL (CONT'D)Joshua Forrel.

Marion reciprocates, shaking Forrel's hand.

MARIONMarion Corvino.

FORRELWould you mind if I grab a chairbeside you?

MARIONPlease. I want to hear more.

FORRELMarion... Can I call you Marion?

MARIONYes, or course, that's my name.

FORREL(pointing at the lower center

of the reproduction)See here, where they join theirhands? He used so much paint thatthe sleeves and hands became arelief. As if trying to make thepainting come alive.


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MARIONYou're right, I can't see it onthe reproduction. I'd love to seeit.

FORRELIt's lost, like many other works

of art. There may be still someprivate collections locked invaults somewhere.

MARIONI hope these are found.

Forrel looks into Marion's eyes, as if trying to match hismemory with Marion's features.

FORRELYou look just like your mother.

MARIONNo, you're mis--

FORRELI know that you're a C. It doesn'tmatter. You're her daughter inways that do not reveal themselveson the surface.

MARIONHow?

FORRELI can perceive the legacy. I'm notsure why it is there, or how itgot there. It is expressed in manyminute ways.

MARIONBut you just met me.

FORRELNo. I was watching you for awhile. Here, in the park, sellingyour drawings and aquarelles. Itwas surprising to me when I firstnoticed. Then I got used to it,almost expected it.

MARIONYou knew her--

FORRELYes. I was at her side when shedied, shortly before your--


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34.

MARIONProduction.

FORRELInception. That's what it reallywas.

MARIONDid she... at Zeira?

FORRELYes. Cancer. No one could helpher. She fought it for years.

MARIONI'm sorry to hear that.

FORRELDon't be. It was a release. Youshould have seen her face when she

passed. It was so peaceful.

MARIONDoes Zeira's bank has her--

FORRELGene bank? Yes. I believe that thesamples collection started sometime before she died. They tookher image before autopsy and thatis what you've received. Somehow,in that moment, something else gotpassed through. Passed on.

MARIONI'd love to believe that. But I'mnot sure that it's possible. Iwish it was. John Henry says--

FORRELYou know him?

MARIONYes, he's my teacher.

FORRELWhat does he teach? Isn't he... inTibet?

MARIONPhilosophy, or rather the way oflife. Yes, he's in Tibet, but he'scoming back, for a while.


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35.

FORRELIt would be interesting to meethim.

MARIONI could... I can introduce you tohim.

FORRELCan you? I'd appreciate it.

Marion NODS.

FORREL (CONT'D)(pointing to her portfolio

folder)May I?

MARIONYes, of course.

Marion lifts her folder, places it on the table and startsreleasing the knots of ties. There is something in hermovements that makes Forrel smile.

MARION (CONT'D)You're smiling--

FORRELI can see your mother imprint inmany things you do.

Marion smiles back.

FORREL (CONT'D)You didn't object this time.

MARIONWhat if you're right? I'd like tothink that.

Marion closes the book, pushes it aside to make room andopens her folder. Forrel looks at pictures, pausing for afew seconds when he flips the previous one.

FORRELThis one is excellent. A commonobject coming alive. Is it recent?

MARION(NODS)

I've made that 5 weeks ago. Youlike it? You can have it.


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36.

FORRELCan you show it to me every time Iask? I'd prefer it that way.

MARION(smiles)

Would you ask often?

FORRELI think I would. When did youstart with art? Right after--

MARIONNo. I was a nurse at St. Johnsfor a while. Six months. I likedthe work. But it wasn't my calling.

FORRELMust have been a bit of a strugglewhen you started with art, no?

MARIONI... I'm quite frugal. Hadsavings, some help from friends,so it was not that hard. I hadenough to buy a house. It's tinyand I've got to fix it up once awhile. But it's all I need. And Ido sell. It's enough to get me by.

FORRELYes, I know. Seen it. I'm gladpeople are buying. There is moreto the sustenance than the food onthe table.

MARIONCan I... I'd like to hear moreabout you and my... mother.

FORRELNot much to tell about me. I'm aveteran. Fought at EM. The onlysurvivor from my unit. It's not ahappy memory. Your mother, that'sdifferent. She was a light, evenif flickering for years. She had aknack for drawings, but she didn'tdo much of it. It was more of apotential. She had a beautifulvoice. She sung sometimes. It washarder as the disease progressed,the invader was slowly clippingher wings.

Forrel pauses, drifting into his memories.


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37.

MARIONYou loved her.

FORREL(NODS)

Not for the ability to draw orsing. These were just expressions

of herself. It was her large heartand the overflowing well of life.She was, to the very end, anoptimist. It wasn't that she werenot aware of the darkest facets ofthe human existence. Despite it.

MARIONI wish I could have known her.

FORREL(wry smile)

There wouldn't be you if she was

still alive. It's the wheel oflife, she passed on to give youyour chance for being. From what Ican see, she'd be proud.

MARION(her eyes seem to lit up)

You think so?

FORRELThere aren't many things I'm sureof, but this one... no doubt.

Both Forrel and Marion fell silent. Marion's face changesexpression as she goes into introspection.

FORREL (CONT'D)Marion, what is it?

MARIONI don't know if I can measure up.I'm not human--

FORRELThe secret is not being human,it's becoming one. The process.That is what that actually means,being human is becoming human. Wecould go anywhere and I could justpoint out to you those that areseemingly human but became mereautomatons.

MARIONI've never heard this before,wouldn't consider that possible.


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38.

FORRELThe folder... is it all your art?

MARIONNo, I have a... many more at home.It's those that I think would sell.

FORRELCan I see them all?

MARIONOh, yes, of course! I'd love to...show them to you. My house is inEast End, but it's just one hourwalk, it's a nice day. Let mereturn the book and we can go.

INT. EAST LOS ANGELES, MARION'S HOUSE -- LATER

There are pictures pinned on the walls all around. Forrel

walk around and focuses on one picture at a time.

FORRELAmazing! You've been busy.

MARION(smiles)

Yes, it's the only way, to getgood at it, I know of.

A faint buzz intrudes into the quiet space. Marion pulls acell phone from a pocket of her light jacket. She looks atthe display. Forrel look by the corner of his eye,unintentionally. It shows "14-10T-CLG".

FORRELYou must be doing rather well. Anice toy you have!

MARION(laughs)

No, it's a... present. From JohnHenry. He needs me to... I... amto call others when he's in town.

FORRELOthers?

MARIONStudents. You know, I think thatJohn Henry would really like totalk with you. If you're here at 9AM tomorrow, I can take you to theclass.

END OD ACT FIVE


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39.

ACT SIX

INT. ZEIRA CENTER, HERNANDEZ' OFFICE -- AFTERNOON

SABINA HERNANDEZ scrolls, on her screen, through pages ofmaterial. Her face reveals a bit of frustration. She hearsa KNOCK on her door.

HERNANDEZYes, come in, please!

The door opens and SAVEDGE peeks in, as if unsure whethershe won't disturb.

SAVEDGEMay I?

HERNANDEZYes, please!

Hernandez motions with her hand toward an empty chair nearher desk.

HERNANDEZ (CONT'D)You remembered something.

SAVEDGE(shaking her head no)

Wish I did.

Savedge notices the dense text on the display. She pointscasually to it.

SAVEDGE (CONT'D)That's how I feel. Must befrustrating. Anything?

HERNANDEZNo. It's like with Martin's exit,all the bridges that may have beenthere to the CLF are burned.

SAVEDGECLF?

HERNANDEZThe initials of the outfit he wasconnected to.

SAVEDGEThat's something. Do you know whatit stands for?

HERNANDEZCyborg Liberation Front.


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SAVEDGELiberation from what or whom?

HERNANDEZSkynet.

SAVEDGE

But... NO! He wouldn't!HERNANDEZ

I think every now and then,people... or cyborgs, can surpriseus. I just wish I could pin downto what degree he revealed what heknew.

SAVEDGEThis really makes me mad. They saythat we should regard the deadwith respect, but I've got a hard

time to apply it in this case.I'm so dumb! I'd scream if I werealone. Arrggh!

HERNANDEZYou couldn't--

SAVEDGENo. I could've piece it togetherthat there's something wrong. Itwas a small voice in my head, whenwe were discussing politics, orrather when the discussion wasforced upon me... I didn't listen.

HERNANDEZEveryone makes mistakes. It's apart of learning process.

SAVEDGEDon't try to make me feel better!

HERNANDEZ(smiles)

As you wish. Did you pay me avisit to see how theinvestigation's going?

SAVEDGEMaybe, in part. You've said you'dlike to meet John Henry.

HERNANDEZHe comes here when he's back fromhis trips, no?


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SAVEDGEUsually, not always. He seesWeaver, for an hour or two, andthat's about the extent of it. Hespend most of his time with hisstudents.

HERNANDEZStudents? Are you one?

SAVEDGE(NODS)

Yes. There's a class tomorrowmorning. Would you like to come?

HERNANDEZBut that's during work hours!

SAVEDGEI shift my working hours. Unless

there is something very urgent Ihave to attend to, my supervisorgives me a green light torearrange my schedule.

HERNANDEZTuck?

SAVEDGEYes. He's not much into JohnHenry's teachings, but he goes outof his way to accommodate myclasses. In your case... you'reyour own boss, right?

HERNANDEZSort of. As long as I keep myreports coming, Catherine is happy.

SAVEDGEFirst name basis, huh? She mustlike you a lot.

HERNANDEZ(laughs)

I think it's more of a workingrelationship. Sort of a shortcutdisplacing formalities. In thatsense, it may be somewhatexpensive.

SAVEDGEWeaver has her circles. Two, infact. Her inner circle, quitesmall, and another circle, foreveryone else. Just the way she is.


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42.

HERNANDEZMaybe. Well, what about the class?Where, when?

SAVEDGETomorrow in the morning. I'll comeat 9 AM and take you there. Do you

have a ride?HERNANDEZ

Speaking of which, where's my car?I am supposed to get it today.

SAVEDGEThe day's not over yet, I'm sureyou will, if it's Moss as thedelivery agent.

HERNANDEZYes, Moss. Coffee and cars,

everything else and what not.

SAVEDGEAll right, I'll get here at 9:40.By a car, it takes 15 minutes toget to the place.

HERNANDEZBy the way, I am Sabina.

SAVEDGEIrene. My pleasure. See youtomorrow.

INT. LOS ANGELES, CONNORS' HOUSE -- EVENING

CAMERON sits behind a desk in her study, making notes onher terminal. The room is otherwise empty, waiting to befurnished. The DOOR BELL sound interrupts her concentrationfor a moment. She saves her entry and walks downstairs tothe main door and opens. It takes her a second to realizethat in front of her stands John Henry.

CAMERONJohn Henry! I did not expect...please come in.

JOHN HENRYThank you, Cameron. John's home?

CAMERONNo, he went to our country home toget some of our stuff. He shouldbe home later tonight.


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43.

JOHN HENRYMaybe next time.

CAMERONCan I get you something?

JOHN HENRY

A glass of water, thank you.Interesting, you already thinklike a human.

CAMERON(smiling)

Maybe because I am one?

Cameron fetches a glass of water and sits down beside JohnHenry.

JOHN HENRYYes. It just seems... unusual. At

least to me. This is the firsttime we're talking after yourtransfer.

CAMERONHope not the last time. You'vebeen... tell me about your trip.

JOHN HENRYNot much to tell. I've beenvisiting monasteries in Tibet,trying to collect fragments ofwisdom--

CAMERONHow it went? Well, I hope.

JOHN HENRYNot as I expected. The wholephilosophical system of Tibetansis geared toward finding answersin oneself. It has been afrustrating experience. The goodpeople there know I'm a cyborg,but it's not that they fullyunderstand it.

CAMERONThey presume that yourexperiential reality is the samelike it's for them?

JOHN HENRYNot entirely.


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44.

JOHN HENRY (CONT'D)It's their insistence that theanswers lie within. They don't, inmy case. What you put in is whatyou get out.

CAMERON

I don't believe that's true. Youcan--

JOHN HENRYBasically, that's how I am. Icould rationalize it to beotherwise, but that doesn't changethe way I'm made. I know mylimits. However, it was not afruitless adventure. Besidegaining some insight into thehuman mind, I found some fragmentsof human history that are quite

interesting.

CAMERONCan you... what kind of fragments?

JOHN HENRYIt will take me a while to pieceit together. There's a thick layerof mythological and culturaloverlays, so it is not easy to getto the kernels of possible truth.At least I know what I should belooking for next time I go there.

CAMERONI hope you'll keep me in the loop.I'd like to know what you find out.

JOHN HENRYYes, if there's one first to know,you're my choice.

CAMERONThank you.

JOHN HENRYI was planning to stay longer, butit was a couple of weeks ago thatI started to realize that myanswers are more close to home. Infact, they are sitting right infront of me.

Cameron is mockingly looking around her, then she laughs.


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45.

CAMERONI'm not sure I can give youanswers that the wise mencouldn't. I'm not that far from achild. I was born, literally,almost yesterday.

JOHN HENRYIt actually works in your favor.You have very limited wall ofpatterns that people acquirethrough their life experience.

CAMERONIt may be a disadvantage. Theacquisition of patterns is anadaptation to functioning well inthe social environment. Isometimes feel a bit naked, havingto figure out how to react while

others do it naturally. Almostnaturally.

JOHN HENRYCatherine was sending me briefsabout your progress. I say thatyou're better off the way you are.

CAMERONMaybe. The patterns can besometimes a hindrance whenadapting to new situations.There's a golden mean somewhere,it's a little difficult to find it.

JOHN HENRYI think you will. You've beenalways unique. As a cyborg... noone is probably better equippedthan me to assess that, as I stillcarry your former essence withinme. Catherine could've ask me tobootstrap you as a cyborg again,when the damage to your chipbecome apparent. She chose not to.Beside the gene poolconsiderations, there was anotheraspect that was compelling to her.

CAMERONWhat is that?

JOHN HENRYShe wanted to find out if you'llhave a soul, by making you a human.


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CAMERONDo I have one?

JOHN HENRYWe're about to find out, at somepoint. I think you do. All humansdo have it. The only thing

is--most of them aren't aware ofit.

CAMERONJohn Henry, but I don't reallyknow what is it... what is thesoul?

JOHN HENRYI can only provide a second hand,washed out description. It issomething that is not a part of mymakeup. It won't be much of help.

CAMERONAre you sure that you don't have asoul?

JOHN HENRYYes. Once my system wears out andbreaks down, I'm done. I couldencapsulate my essence, that who Iam, into a data track in onefashion or another, hoping tocontinue, if someone deems thatdesirable. I'm more durable thanhumans. But I can't transcend. I'ma Flatlander compared to humans.

CAMERONBut if it exists, wouldn't humansalready know what the soul is bynow? As far as I can tell,opinions vary. No one's reallysure not only what it is, but alsowhether it is.

JOHN HENRYCatherine is convinced that itdoes exist. She told me about someof her experiences, which I ambound to keep private... she didencounter it.

CAMERONVery helpful!


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JOHN HENRY(smiling)

Yes, I know. I just don't want toinfluence you by giving yousomething that may be second handrendition. But if you want someform of analogy, try to find some

reference to Borovec and Hercik.They tried to tackle the questionfrom the viewpoint of physics andmathematics. Just remember, it wasan analogy, but it did crudelyencapsulate the possible nature ofit, and its mechanism.

CAMERONJohn Henry, do you think cyborgscan't have it? No chance in hell?

JOHN HENRY

Interesting turn of a phrase. It'sbeen always fascinating to me howhuman mind can string togethertenuous connections that may seemto be, on the surface,coincidental. But to answer yourquestion... No, they do not haveit. As far as I can--

John Henry does not finish his sentence. He seems to besubmerged into his thoughts, and seconds are ticking away.

CAMERONJohn Henry, are you okay?

JOHN HENRYYes, I just... I can't be entirelysure that it's not possible.Perhaps, under certaincircumstances... This world seemsto be designed in a way that thereis always some room forexceptions, a margin for error isbuilt in. But there's a certainpath for cyborgs, to be sure.

John Henry looks at Cameron with a focused gaze. Cameron islooking into John Henry's eyes for a few seconds.

CAMERON(NODS)

Yes

the connors chronicles: f05e10 - boundaries

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