Same Blood

written by

Alex Humberstone

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AN OLD-FASHIONED TV PROGRAMME:

TV SHOW PRESENTER (V.O.)Tonight on the History Channel: the legend of the Anti-Biotics!

A trio of anthropomorphic pharmaceutical capsules pose heroically. Centre-stage is BIOMAN with a protruding jaw, crooked nose and two-toned superhero outfit. Flanking him are MEDIGIRL, a rod-shaped tablet with a billowing cape, and PILLBOY, a disc-shaped tablet with a big ‘P’ across his chest.

TV SHOW PRESENTER (V.O.)A long, long time ago, when the world of Daisy was in its infancy, there lived a trio of superheroes called the Anti-Biotics. They were Medigirl, Pillboy and, of course, the mightiest superhero of them all, Bioman!

The trio flex, throw a few punches, grin goofily for the camera.

TV SHOW PRESENTER (V.O.)The Anti-Biotics were the embodiment of justice and equality. What they lacked in numbers they made up for in teamwork. Together they were brave and they were true, and they always fought for what was right!

The trio soar over a busy metropolis, seeking out danger.

TV SHOW PRESENTER (V.O.)During the dark early days of our planet’s history, later termed by historians as ‘The Infection Years’, the Anti-Biotics saved our civilisation on numerous occasions. Tonsillitis? Bam! Impetigo? Wallop! Whooping cough? So long, sucker!

The trio wrestle a gang of bacteria to the ground in a dark alley. They string up a bacteria duo in front of a police station. They chase a group of terrified bacteria across a cornfield.

TV SHOW PRESENTER (V.O.)The Anti-Biotics could do no wrong! They were the toast of Daisy! But then one day, out of the blue, their reign came to an abrupt and curious end.

A stern-looking white cell in military uniform stands in front of a packed crowd. GENERAL ALBUS speaks into a microphone.

GENERAL ALBUSI am here to announce that the Anti-Biotics will be leaving Daisy with immediate effect. I cannot comment on why and cannot say whether they will ever return. All I can say is that Daisy’s Immune System promises to be even stronger in their absence.

He hammers the lectern with his fist. The crowd roars in approval.

TV SHOW PRESENTER (V.O.)The reasons for the Anti-Biotics sudden departure were never revealed or discovered. So it was under a cloud of mystery that the Anti-Biotics packed their bags and prepared to leave.

The Anti-Biotics are filmed packing and carrying their suitcases, deflecting away paparazzi attention.

TV SHOW PRESENTER (V.O.)But before they disappeared for good, Bioman did have one last word to say:

Bioman stands on a hillock surrounded by national press.

BIOMANThe nights can be long and dark and frightening, but the moon always watches brightly from overhead. Remember that. Stay safe, cells of Daisy.

The Anti-Biotics soar off into the sky, disappearing with a flash of lighting.

TV SHOW PRESENTER (V.O.)

And so off they went, never to be seen again by blood cell eyes! Are the Anti-Biotics still out there after all these years? Will they ever help save Daisy again? Will we ever discover the truth behind their mysterious departure? Who knows! I guess, dear viewer, we can only wait and find out...

DISSOLVE TO:

EXT. BONE MARROW CITY - DAY

A TV showing the History Channel. One of many in the display window of an electronics shop. ZOOM OUT onto a sprawling city, with all-white skyscrapers and tangles of mauve motorways.

We fly through the city centre. Past a Las Vegas-like sign flashing: “Bone Marrow City". Anthropomorphic blood cells - white cells, red cells and platelets - wander the busy streets. On a large Times Square-like billboard, a video loop plays of DIRECTOR CANDIDUS (General Albus’ distant descendant). He is similarly stern, donned in regimental dress, with sleek white hair, a goatee and fierce features. He jabs a gloved hand at the camera.

GENERAL CANDIDUSWe white cells are here to protect YOU!

The image dissolves to a daisy and the text: Daisy's Immune System.

ADVERT VOICEOVER PERSON (O.S.)Daisy’s Immune System - in association with Spleenfield School of Blood Cell Development.

The next billboard is a split-flap display reading: "No infections in: 93 days, 12 hours and 32 minutes". It flips to "33 minutes" as we swoop past. Over a half-built sports stadium being tended to by platelet construction workers. Finally stopping outside a futuristic building bearing a red cross and the name: "Bone Marrow City Hospital".

INT. BONE MARROW CITY HOSPITAL - DAY

Two female adult white cells (WANDA and WENDY) scurry down an immaculate corridor. They squeeze hands, brimming with excitement.

Ahead of them is a lab coat and glasses-wearing TECHNICIAN, also a white cell.

They pass a large panoramic display window looking into an industrial-sized neonatal bay. Inside are rows of incubators, small biconcave scarlet discs nestled inside each. On the window are stickers advertising: Red Cells - buy one, get four free! All stocks must go!

Wanda and Wendy pause to look.

WANDAWow, they’re incredible!

TECHNICIANUgh, those are just the basic red cells. You don’t wanna trouble yourself with them.

The technician strides on ahead as Wendy and Wanda press their faces to the glass. A couple of adult red cells, dressed in worn tatty clothes, are handed several baby red cells by an unsmiling technician.

TECHNICIAN (O.S.)Come on, this way!

Wendy and Wanda jump. Hurry after her.

They pass a second window housing a similar neonatal bay, except here reside tiny purple blobs with three stubby pairs of arms. The stickers read: Platelets - 50% off!

WANDA Ooh, look at all the baby platelets!

WENDYThey’re so adorable, aren’t they?

TECHNICIAN If you find mediocrity adorable, sure. But you're sophisticated people. I suggest we keep going.

They continue after the technician, nearing the end of the corridor.

TECHNICIANNow this... this is the moment you’ve been waiting for...

The walls give way to a final neonatal bay, the incubators glowing angelically and now home to small off-white spheres. There are no discount stickers.

TECHNICIAN...the newborn white cells!

Wanda and Wendy put their hands to their cheeks. Gush.

WANDALook at them, Wendy! I just want to sweep them up and cuddle them all!

WENDYThere’s so many! How’re we ever going to choose?

WANDAOh why can’t we just take every last one?

The technician stands by a pair of sliding doors, waiting. She’s finally smiling. She stabs at an electronic tablet.

TECHNICIANMaybe I can help with that. Would you like to come in and see them?

Wanda and Wendy nod frantically. They follow the technician inside.

INT. WHITE BLOOD CELL NEONATAL BAY - CONTINUOUS

The trio walk slowly between the incubators. Wanda and Wendy stare in amazement at each baby they pass. The technician pokes at her tablet. Adopts a salesman’s voice:

TECHNICIAN All the baby white cells that you see here are made from only the finest of Daisy’s stem cells. Each and every one will grow up to do something great for her Immune System. That’s a Bone Marrow City guarantee.

They pass a stocky baby hungrily suckling feed out of a drip.

TECHNICIAN

This is Warren. His DNA means he’ll become big and strong in the future. A top-ranking soldier or police officer, for sure.

They move onto the next baby. It looks inquisitively around the incubator with beady eyes.

TECHNICIANThis is Willow. She’s got an IQ way above your average cell, even by white cell standards if I may say. If you fancy a doctor or a prize-winning scientist in the family, she’s your gal.

The next baby is halfway through a yawn and belches unexpectedly. He’s tiny, but stares at Wanda and Wendy with doe-eyes. Wanda and Wendy fall head over heels.

WENDY Ohh, isn’t he the cutest?

WANDAIt’s as if he knows why we’re here. He wants us to take him home.

The technician stops abruptly mid-stride. Looks between them and the baby, incredulous. She taps at her tablet.

TECHNICIANUgh, I’m so sorry, there must have been some kind of mistake. That’s Wilson - the runt of the litter. You don’t want him! The quality checkers should have got rid of him along with all the other bad eggs. How embarrassing!

WANDABad eggs...?

TECHNICIANYes, any cells found to have defects at birth are removed from circulation by our quality checkers. How neat is that!? It’s the only way to maintain the high quality of cells that Daisy needs. Obviously no system is perfect and a few

duds slip through the net... but don’t worry, that’s not your mess to clear up!

The technician turns to the next baby, already moving on.

TECHNICIANNow, how about this champion instead? Walter will grow up to be incredibly tall and handsome and-

WANDAWe want Wilson.

The technician freezes, turns back aghast. Wanda and Wendy stand defiantly by Wilson’s incubator, arms folded. Wilson kicks playfully underneath his blanket.

WANDAHe’s not a mess. He’s perfect. And we’re not going to let you bin him.

The technician guffaws.

TECHNICIANI’m sorry, I’m not quite sure you understand. Wilson doesn’t belong here. Daisy's Immune System doesn't want its reputation diminished by having him poisoning the gene pool. It’s greatness that separates us from the platelets and the red cells. Please, I beg you, let me show you a few more-

WENDY No thanks, we’ve found what we were looking for. Wilson is the baby for us.

They gaze down at Wilson again. He manages a lop-sided smile. They smile back.

The technician sighs dispiritingly.

TECHNICIANVery well. Your funeral.

She stabs a reluctant finger at the tablet. There’s a puff of steam and the plastic lid of the incubator rises up.

EXT. BONE MARROW CITY HOSPITAL - DAY

Wendy and Wanda drive out the hospital car park, Wilson securely fastened in a baby seat behind them. They join the motorway out of the city.

FADE IN:

MONTAGE - WENDY AND WANDA DRIVING HOME

A) Liverwood - they cross some rolling burgundy hills, with the name ‘Liverwood’ perched on the hillside like the Hollywood sign

B) Kidney Opera House - they pass alongside a wide yellow river with structures akin to Sydney Harbour Bridge and Sydney Opera House nearby. The sign pointing to the latter reads: Kidney Opera House.

C) Grand Colon - they follow a winding road alongside the edge of a Grand Canyon-like landscape, with a tourist sign reading: ‘Grand Colon National Park'

END OF MONTAGE

EXT. SPLEENFIELD - EVENING

The car navigates the crest of a hill. Beneath them in the valley is the city of Spleenfield: a sprawling mass of buildings and scarlet streets against a burgundy landscape. A sign reads: Welcome to Spleenfield - cell count: 1,726,183,348,926. The last two digits flick to 29 as they pass.

WANDAHome sweet home!

EXT. RED CELL DISTRICT, SPLEENFIELD - CONTINUOUS

The first neighbourhood they pass through is cramped and impoverished, with unkempt terraced houses and dirty streets. Red cells of all ages pack the pavements.

EXT. PLAETELET DISTRICT, SPLEENFIELD - CONTINUOUS

They pass through a second neighbourhood. This is slightly more upmarket, with modest semi-detached houses, small gardens, and

some greenery. Platelet families play in their gardens and wash their bubble cars.

EXT. WHITE CELL DISTRICT, SPLEENFIELD - CONTINUOUS

Finally, they arrive in an affluent district with ivory mansions lining the pristine lawns and streets. White cell couples stroll around with pampered pooches.

EXT. DRIVEWAY, WANDA AND WENDY’S HOUSE - CONTINUOUS

They pull up outside a comparatively modest detached house, though still flanked on both sides by mansions. Wendy lifts Wilson out of the car. Carries him to the front door.

INT. WANDA AND WENDY’S HOUSE - CONTINUOUS

They step inside. Wendy holds Wilson aloft in the hallway, spinning slowly. Wilson giggles and thrashes his arms joyously.

WENDYThis is it, Wilson! Your new home! I hope you like it.

She sets Wilson down on the staircase. Wendy and Wanda crouch in front of him, each rest a hand on his tiny legs.

WENDYYou’re probably too young to understand, but we’re going to take such good care of you, chickpea. We promise.

WANDAAnd don’t you ever worry about anything other people say to you, okay? You’re not a mistake. You’re special, Wilson. The rest just haven’t seen it yet.

FADE IN:

INT. HALLWAY, WANDA AND WENDY’S HOUSE - DAY

A series of framed photographs chronicling Wilson’s childhood:

1-year-old Wilson drenched in his first birthday cake.

Toddler-aged Wilson brandishing a Bioman figurine at Christmas.

Pre-school-aged Wilson curled up beneath an Anti-Biotics duvet with his Bioman figurine as Wanda reads him a bedtime story.

Wilson’s first day of school, proudly sporting a Bioman rucksack and lunchbox.

Wilson returning from his first day of school, crying tears into Wendy’s shoulder.

A lovely photo of the three of them, all smiling arm-in-arm.

INT. KITCHEN, WANDA AND WENDY’S HOUSE - CONTINUOUS

Wendy ambles in from the hallway dressed in police attire. An 11-year-old Wilson is sat at the kitchen table, wearing an Anti-Biotics branded jumper. He shovels soggy cereal into his mouth, eyes glued to a small TV. In the background, Wanda is dressed in paramedic gear as she cleans the dishes.

FOCUS ON the TV: There’s a flash of lightning, the roll of thunder. A cartoon version of Bioman lands heroically into view, confronting a snake-like bacterium who hisses menacingly at him. This is STREP. The backdrop is of a human throat covered in a whitish film.

STREPYou’re too late, Bioman. The throat is already infected. I hope you don’t find defeat too difficult to sssswallow...

BIOMANYou expect me to choke, Strep? Well, think again!

Bioman leaps forward, clobbers Strep over the head with a large fist. Grabs the dazed bacterium, twists it like a party balloon, props his giraffe-shaped handiwork on the ground. Strep tries to speak, produces only a weak splutter.

BIOMANWhat’s the matter? Lost your voice?

Medigirl and Pillboy swoop down next to him. They survey the state of play.

MEDIGIRL Nice work, Bioman. Strep always was a pain in the neck.

PILLBOYNow to soothe everything over.

The trio's eyes glow red until laser beams shoot out, dissolving the whitish exudate covering their surroundings.

Wilson watches with astonishment. He tries to spoon cereal into his mouth, eyes not leaving the screen. He misses. Spills cereal on himself instead.

Wanda turns around from the sink, notices the mess.

WANDA(motherly)

Oh Wilson, look what you’ve done!

She hurries over with a cloth, starts wiping at his top.

WANDAAll over your favourite jumper as well.

WENDYIt’s that TV show again. How many times must you have seen this episode?

WILSON(smugly)

Maybe a hundred... But Mums, the Anti-Biotics are so cool! Together they can get rid of anything!

WANDA(muttering)

Well, maybe they can get rid of this stain from your jumper then...

WILSONI wish I could meet them in real life! Then I could be just like them!

Wendy and Wanda exchange a worried look.

WENDY

With all the mess they make? No thank you.

Wilson bows his head.

WILSON They’d protect me. They’d make sure no one would ever try teasing me again.

There’s a creak of metal and a thud as someone pushes something through the letterbox. Wendy goes to fetch it. Comes back with a letter attached to a parcel.

WENDYIt’s for you, Wilson!

Wilson refuses to look away from the TV.

WILSONYou read it! I’m busy!

Wendy humphs, opens the letter.

WENDYDear Wilson, we are pleased to inform you that you have been accepted at Spleenfield School of Blood Cell Development. Please find enclosed your new white cell uniform... Oh my word, Wilson, I don’t believe it! It’s finally arrived!

Wendy tears open the parcel. She unfolds the contents, revealing a cadet’s camouflage uniform. While his parents look elated, fear crosses Wilson’s face.

WENDY Come on, let’s try it on!

Wilson groans, drags himself from his seat.

INT. HALLWAY, WANDA AND WENDY’S HOUSE - CONTINUOUS

Wilson stands in front of the hallway mirror, looking sour. The uniform is huge on him, sagging over his hands and feet.

WILSON

I look like an overgrown hedge. It doesn’t even fit!

WANDAI’m sorry, chickpea. It’s the smallest they had. Ant-size they called it.

WILSONGreat, 'cause that’s not insulting...

Wilson starts to peel the robe off. Wendy grabs him by the arm.

WENDYHey, what’s the matter? I thought you’d be excited to start big school?

WILSONWhat’s there to be excited about? It’ll just be the same teasing but on a bigger scale.

WENDYYou can’t think like that! What about all the new friends you might make? The red cells and the platelets?

WILSON More cells to laugh at me, yay! Besides, people always say we white cells should have nothing to do with them.

WENDY Who says that?

WILSON Everyone. My teacher says they’re simple and lazy and contribute nothing to Daisy.

WENDYWell, good job they’re your ex-teacher then...

Wendy and Wanda eye each other with concern. A look of understanding passes between them. They nod.

WANDA

Hey, chickpea! I tell you what - how about we go on a little family trip today? Just the three of us?

WENDYAnd Bioman, of course!

The figurine from the photograph lies on the staircase, his arm up in approval. 

WILSONA family trip? Where?

WANDAIt’s a surprise! But it’s somewhere we’ve always wanted to show you. We were just waiting for the right time.

WENDYWe think now is that time.

Wilson looks reluctant.

WANDA(temptingly)

Come on, we promise it will be worth your while...

WENDYYou can’t just sit inside and watch the Anti-Biotics all day...

Wilson raises his eyebrows at her. They both know it’s a lie. But reluctantly, Wilson gets to his feet.

WILSONOkay then. Surprise me!

A hand snatches up Bioman from the staircase. Followed by the slam of the front door closing.

EXT. SPLEENFIELD - DAY

The bubble car, with Wilson, Wendy and Wanda inside, rises the crest of a burgundy hill with Spleenfield behind them.

EXT. OESOPHAGEAL MOTORWAY - DAY

The car speeds along a wide red motorway surrounded by a tunnel of rippling dark muscle. A roadside warning sign reads: DANGER! FALLING FOOD!

WANDAOops, mind your heads!

Biscuit crumbs fly overhead like planes.

INT. WANDA AND WENDY’S CAR - DAY

In the front seats, Wanda and Wendy exchange reassuring looks. Behind them, Wilson stares around in increasing wonder.

EXT. NASAL CAVITY - DAY

They branch off the motorway, follow a smaller road that winds through a gigantic nasal cavern. A NOSE CELL by the side of the road waves his fist as the car flashes by, Wilson’s head craned out the window.

NOSE CELLHey! Quit being nosey!

EXT. SK-EYE GARDEN - DAY

Ahead along a narrow dirt road is an archway adorned with blossoming flowers and ivy. A sign hangs from underneath, reading in swirly handwriting: Sk-EYE Garden.

As they pass underneath the archway:

WANDAWilson! We’re here!

Wilson startles from a slumber, leans between the front seats for a closer look.

They emerge onto a beautiful clifftop with shimmering bushes and lush green grass speckled with daisies. An Eden. A park bench sits near the cliff edge, overlooking the expanse. But instead of blue sky, the cliff looks out through Daisy’s eyes - a portal to the outside world.

The car stops shy of the park bench. The trio step out, gaze in wonderment.

WILSONWow!

The horizon shows a young girl’s bedroom, pink walls adorned with hand-drawn pictures of Disney princesses and Pixar characters. The view moves downwards, revealing a plastic doll house and a pair of girl’s hands eagerly playing with it.

Wanda guides Wilson over to the park bench. They sit down, eyes not leaving the sky.

Daisy’s friend, ALICE (5), calls to her. The voice, though slightly muffled, echoes across the clifftop.

ALICEDaisy, you gotta come and see this! Quick!

The whole sky sways as Daisy clambers to her feet. Rushes towards a young black girl applying lipstick in the mirror. Daisy stands over her shoulder, stares into the mirror too; revealing a gap-toothed sweet-looking girl with pigtails, also aged 5.

Wilson leans forward, absorbed.

WILSONIs that... is that us?

Wanda nods proudly.

WANDAThat’s Daisy. She is our world. The reason we exist. Everything we do in life is for her.

Alice has lipstick smeared across her face. She hands the lipstick to Daisy who draws herself cat whiskers. The two girls stare at each other, giggle uncontrollably. Wanda and Wendy chuckle along too.

WILSON She’s amazing...

Wilson turns to his parents, slightly wounded.

WILSON

Why are you only showing me this now?

WENDYBecause you’re finally about to fly the nest, chickpea. We’ve protected you, cared for you all these years as best as we possibly could. But you’re going to have to look out for yourself from now on.

They each take one of Wilson’s hands.

WANDAThat world out there, Wilson, the one you see now... it’s dangerous. There are so many things that could happen to cause Daisy harm.

WILSONBut she’s so big! Even bigger than Bioman! She must be indestructible!

WANDANobody’s indestructible, chickpea.

WENDYOne day there will be another infection, Wilson. A bad one. As surely as you’re going to ask for a Bioman cake for your birthday this year. And as white cells, we will be expected to step up to fight it.

WANDABut before that happens, you need to understand why we do it. Why we risk our lives. What is at stake. Otherwise you can never hope to give it your all.

She points up at the sky.

WANDAThis is why we do it.

They watch as Daisy and Alice race out of the bedroom. Down the staircase. Out into the back garden. Giggling all the while.

WENDY

There’s something else you should know, chickpea. You say you wish you could meet the Anti-Biotics in real life... well, maybe there’s a way you can.

Wilson stares at her incredulously.

WILSONWhat! And you’re only telling me this now!?!

(beat, suspicious)How...?

WENDYWell, back in the early days, when our great ancestors lived and Daisy was a brand new world, the Anti-Biotics walked this earth as real as you and I. They saved Daisy on many occasions. I mean, where do you think the TV show got their inspiration from?

WILSONThey were real?

WENDYOh yeah! But then one day they left Daisy quite suddenly and no one has ever seen them since.

WILSON(distraught)

Why did they disappear?

Wendy shrugs.

WENDYI honestly don’t know, chickpea. I’m not sure if people have ever known. Because of this, some believe they no longer exist, that they disappeared forever. But your Mum and I think that they’re still out there somewhere, just waiting for that call for help.

Wilson stares up at the sky in wonderment.

WILSONBioman! Bioman, can you hear me? I need help!

WANDAThat’s not how it works, silly! You can’t just ask them for something and expect them to reply!

WILSONWell, how do I know they’re out there if they don’t reply?

WANDAYou don’t. You just have to trust in them and keep having faith. And then, one day, when you really need them the most, that’s when they might help you.

Wilson eyes them suspiciously.

WILSONYou’re tricking me, aren’t you?

WENDYNo, Wilson. We’d never trick you about something like this.

Alice unfurls a kite and it takes off into the sky, swooping in the wind.

FADE IN:

EXT. SK-EYE GARDEN - EVENING

The blue sky fades to amber as the kite continues to flurry and flutter. Wilson has dozed off in his mothers’ arms. They gaze down at him lovingly.

WANDA The life of a blood cell is never a long one, chickpea. So make the most of your time, be happy and don’t ever worry about what other people think of you. You don’t need to be Bioman to do something great.

They stare at him. They’re not sure if he’s heard.

WENDYCome on, you’ve got a big day coming up. Let’s get you home.

Wendy scoops Wilson up in her arms. They carry him to the car.

EXT. SPLEENFIELD SCHOOL OF BLOOD CELL DEVELOPMENT - DAY

Wilson edges across the busy main courtyard in his oversized cadet outfit. Anxious. Vulnerable. He glances shiftily at the cliques of blood cells surrounding him: the white cells are all dressed in identical cadet outfits; the platelets wear navy work overalls, and the red cells the plain black uniform of an amateur waiter.

Wilson strays too close to a pack of white cell bullies. Two bullies (WESTON and WYATT) spot Wilson. Begin laughing and pointing.

WYATTWho let this baby into the school?

WESTONI thought you had to be potty-trained first?

Wilson glows red. Quickens his pace until the laughter is behind him. He pulls the Bioman figurine from his pocket. Clutches it tightly to his chest.

INT. GREAT HALL, SPLEENFIELD SCHOOL - DAY

Like in Harry Potter, the hall is set out as three long columns of tables with banners designating the different blood cells above. All students are sat at their respective tables apart from the new cohort, who huddle at the front. The white cell jocks jostle and natter, annoying the other new recruits.

Director Candidus, now a decade older, approaches the lectern brandishing an eagle-headed cane.

DIRECTOR CANDIDUS Attention everyone! My name is Director Candidus. Welcome back to another year at Spleenfield School of Blood Cell Development. As with every new year,

we have some fresh meat before us! To them, a word of motivation: it is here that you will seek to fulfil the career paths set for you from birth. And it is here that you will hope to accomplish the special skillset necessary to perform your future duties. Please, join your fellow cells at your respective tables.

The first year cells make their way to their tables.

Wilson finds himself perched precariously on the edge of a bench. Weston looks along the table, notices him, mutters to Wyatt beside him. The whole row then shuffle along the bench, knocking Wilson off the edge and to the floor. He picks himself up, emotionally bruised. He hovers awkwardly next to the bench in a semi-crouch.

Director Candidus flourishes his cane. Behind him, a black-and-white projected video starts playing on a screen, accompanied by patriotic music.

DIRECTOR CANDIDUSRed cells! The most plentiful of all the blood cell types! The world needs energy and natural resources in order to survive. By working the factories, shops and transport networks, you will make sure that the rest of life can continue growing.

The video displays red cells working in power stations, supermarkets, coal mines. It then transitions to platelets constructing buildings, fixing sewage leaks.

DIRECTOR CANDIDUSPlatelets! Your natural ability to build and mend means you will be the construction and repair workers of the future. There will be nothing you cannot make! And nothing you cannot fix!

The video now switches to groups of white cells, some working in hospitals, other marching past army barracks. The video is now brighter, in colour. The patriotic music escalates.

DIRECTOR CANDIDUS

And last but certainly not least, the white cells! You are our natural healers. Our protectors. And one day, upon graduation, you will have the honour of becoming a part of the greatest operation in all of Daisy: the Immune System. Whether you pursue healthcare, the emergency services, or the armed forces, you will be the first line of defence should something ever go wrong with our world.

The video darkens again, the music turns sinister. Armies of bacteria, viruses and fungi march across the screen.

DIRECTOR CANDIDUSInfections are the greatest threat to the future of our civilisation, and I am proud of the record and reputation that our immune system has in keeping Daisy safe. But we cannot be complacent. That is why we will teach you, train you, push you to the best of your abilities. For only the elite among you can be granted this greatest of responsibilities.

The video fizzles out to stunned silence. Then all the white cells - Wilson apart - start chanting raucously. Director Candidus stamps his cane and the teachers all stand to attention behind him.

DIRECTOR CANDIDUSFirst years, remember to get to the dormitories promptly after lessons today to move into your new digs. Now off to your classes!

The students rise to their feet as one, quickly start making their way out. Wilson is buffeted side to side by passing students.

WILSONExcuse me, do you know where-

Wyatt intentionally nudges Wilson from behind and he sprawls to the ground. As the crowd thins, he slowly picks himself back up, looks up at the stage. Director Candidus is staring down at him, unimpressed. He shakes his head and strides off.

INT. GYMNASIUM, SPLEENFIELD SCHOOL - DAY

Wilson hurries into the gym, panting heavily, wearing similarly oversized PE kit. The other white cells are assembled in a huddle in the centre. They snicker and part for him... revealing COACH WEISS - a thickset, moustached white cell with a buzzcut, tank top and whistle on a chain.

Coach Weiss leers at Wilson as he approaches.

COACH WEISSWhat speck of dust do we have here then? You’re late!

WILSONI’m sorry, I got lost and-

COACH WEISSI don’t want your excuses, boy!

Mr Weiss starts to circle Wilson like a shark, sizing him up.

COACH WEISSNot much meat on you is there? And you’re supposed to be a white cell, huh? Well, we’ll see about that.

He turns back to the others:

COACH WEISSWelcome to Infection Fighting class! This is where you’ll learn to master the moves necessary to defeat a dangerous opponent. In the coming lessons, I will teach you the difference between a karate chop and a pork chop! A fist punch and a fruit punch! But most importantly, I will teach you how to destroy the enemy!

He thumps his fist into his hand. Wilson flinches.

COACH WEISSNow, I need a victim- I mean, a volunteer!

Coach Weiss chuckles sinisterly. The rest of the crowd quickly step back, leaving Wilson marooned.

COACH WEISSAh, the dust speck! You’ll do perfectly.

Coach Weiss takes up a position opposite Wilson, tucks his arms behind his back, acting casual.

COACH WEISSNow, as hard as it must be for you to do anything remotely intimidating, pretend for one moment that you’re a fearsome bacterium. Meanwhile, I’m the lone white blood cell standing in the way of you and body-wide domination. Attack me!

WILSONI’m- I’m sorry?

COACH WEISSGo on! Attack me, pipsqueak! Give me your best shot!

Wilson takes up an awkward stance, stick-like arms raised in front of him. He charges in. Clumsily. Coach Weiss dodges his attack with ease, grabs him by the body, flips him head over heels- THUD! Wilson lands hard on his back and gasps for breath, winded.

The other students burst out laughing as Coach Weiss struts away. Wilson scrunches up his eyes, pained both physically and emotionally.

COACH WEISSOf course, you will never face opposition so timid in real life. Even the common cold can put up more of a fight! But my point still stands. You must be prepared to do battle with whatever infectious foe may break through the body’s barriers. Now let’s get to work!

Coach Weiss directs the class to disperse out in front of him. No one offers Wilson a hand. He crawls meekly to his feet, joins the end of the line.

COACH WEISSOkay! First you need to know how to punch like a warrior!

We track along the class as they all practice repeatedly swinging their right arm. They’re in unison. Regimented. Until we get to Wilson... He swings his arm laboriously. Grimaces. Grabs his right shoulder as he feels something twinge.

Coach Weiss shakes his head grimly.

COACH WEISSNow try blocking an opponent!

Wilson takes up a defensive stance. He looks terrified, body trembling. Opposite him is Wyatt, salivating in anticipation.

WILSON Uh, hey, I don’t think we’ve been introduced. Maybe you could take it slightly easy on-

COACH WEISSAttack!

Wyatt charges. Wilson screams and covers his arms in front of his face. He’s knocked effortlessly off the ground, soars through the air, lands in a heap against the far wall. Blood streams from his nose.

Coach Weiss throws a withering look.

COACH WEISSSomeone help Pipsqueak to the medical room.

INT. MEDICAL ROOM, SPLEENFIELD SCHOOL

Wilson sits hunched on a plastic stool, holding a piece of bloodied tissue to his nose. He looks forlorn.

A stern white cell MATRON comes up to him and removes the tissue.

MATRONLooks like the bleeding has stopped. You can go now! And let that be a lesson not to pick your nose again.

WILSONBut I wasn’t picking my nose!

Matron grimaces.

MATRONOops, my bad. You look like a nose-picker.

EXT. SPLEENFIELD SCHOOL OF BLOOD CELL DEVELOPMENT - EVENING

It’s evening by the time Wilson trudges out of the school building. He freezes after several paces, hit by realisation.

WILSONThe dormitories!

INT. DORM A, SPLEENFIELD SCHOOL - EVENING

A modern, white-walled, well-equipped lobby with a water cooler, fashionable artwork and sofas. Wilson staggers into view, dripping with sweat, lugging a suitcase behind him.

He starts down the corridor, checking out the rooms on each side. Wyatt is pumping weights through an open door.

WYATT Ha! Not a chance, loser.

Wyatt kicks the door close with his foot.

In the next room, Weston is hunched over his desk scribbling furiously. He notices Wilson out of the corner of his eye.

WESTON You must be thicker than you look. Buzz off!

The door slams closed.

Three quick cuts of doors closing: Slam! Slam! Slam!

A dejected Wilson reaches the white cell WARDEN at the end of the corridor.

WILSONThere’s no more rooms left for me.

WARDENYou snooze you lose, slowcoach. You’ll have to find somewhere else to stay.

(consults his clipbaord)Looks like there’s some beds still free in Dorm F. That should be more up to your speed.

WILSONF? That’s the worst letter there is.

WARDENIt’s also right on the other side of campus. Happy walking.

EXT. SPLEENFIELD SCHOOL OF BLOOD CELL DEVELOPMENT - CONTINUOUS

Wilson leaves the modern accommodation block of Dorm A, starts trudging back across campus.

EXT. DORM F, SPLEENFIELD SCHOOL - CONTINUOUS

He arrives outside a grotty, rundown building in desperate need of TLC. The electronic doors don’t work and he has to prise them open manually.

INT. DORM F, SPLEENFIELD SCHOOL - CONTINUOUS

The lobby is shabby and messy compared to Dorm A. Wilson wipes some fresh blood from his nose, detects a commotion coming from the other side of a door. He approaches cautiously. Opens the door.

A dorm party! Red cells and platelets pack the length of the corridor, chanting and cheering. Glitter and streamers fill the air. Funky music bounces off the walls.

Wilson takes a step inside, drawn by the atmosphere. The nearest red cell notices him- and suddenly the music ceases, the glitter settles and all eyes are on him.

Wilson backs up against the door, fearing the worst. But then a female red cell with a goofy smile and wild straw-like hair sticks her head into frame. She’s much taller than Wilson but crooked in shape, her body curved like a half-moon. She’s wearing an oversized t-shirt hailing ’The Rolling Gallstones'. This is RILEY (11).

RILEY

Hey, another new kid!

She steps in front of Wilson, offers her hand warmly.

RILEYMy name's Riley. Why am I so happy all the time people ask? It’s 'cause I’m B Positive!

(sniggers)Just a little red blood cell joke for you there. But for the record, I’m actually O Negative. Don’t wanna get those two mixed up in a blood transfusion, no way Jose!

Wilson regards her tentatively, taken aback by her charisma.

WILSONI’m sorry, I think I’m in the wrong dorm. I don’t belong here.

RILEYSure you do!

(notices the suitcase)You looking for a spare bed? We’ve got one going!

WILSONYou do?

RILEYAbsolutely! Right this way!

(to the others)Let’s get this party going people!

The music restarts. The red cells and platelets return to their partying. Wilson and Riley work their way down the corridor.

RILEY So what’s your name?

WILSONWilson.

He regards the other cells warily, but they barely even notice him.

WILSONDon’t you care that I’m a white cell?

RILEYWhy would I care about that?

WILSONBecause I’m different. Because I’m not one of you.

RILEYThat’s not a reason to care. I only care if you’re a nice cell.

(turns on him suddenly)You are a nice cell, aren’t you? You’re not going to stick all my belongings to the ceiling when I’m not looking?

WILSONNo!

RILEYGood!

(smiles sweetly again)If I started judging cells based on the way they looked, then I would be nothing more than a hypocrite.

Wilson scrutinises her back.

WILSONI’m guessing you're talking about your back. What happened to it?

RILEYOh, this old thing? I’m sickled. I was born this shape. My doctor says it means I don’t work so good as a red cell, but I’ve learned to live with it. Means I’m great at the limbo though!

As if to demonstrate, she ducks under a paper chain strung across the corridor. Wilson is able to walk straight underneath. They near the end of the corridor...

INT. WILSON’S ROOM, SPLEENFIELD SCHOOL - CONTINUOUS

Turn into a cramped room with a bunkbed that takes up most of the space. Squeezed into the corner is a large flat-screen TV, in front of

which sits an overweight teenage platelet, PETE (11). He has headphones on and stabs frantically at a video game controller with his three sets of arms.

RILEYThis is Pete, your new roommate! He’s a platelet, so can be a bit clingy if ya know what I mean. We once went on a date to a blood vessel back in school. Alas it was all in veins.

They stare at the back of PETE’s head. He doesn’t turn.

RILEYOh my word, he can’t hear us! This is perfect!

A mischievous grin. She creeps up behind Pete, suddenly whips off his headphones and puts on a deep, booming voice:

RILEYThis is Bioman! What do you think you’re doing?

Pete shrieks and the games controller launches into the air. He spins round in his chair, recognises Riley, folds his arms in a huff.

PETEDamn you, Riley! It’s not funny! Look, you’ve just made me lose!

RILEYMy bad! You don’t usually need any help with that.

Pete rolls his eyes. Notices Wilson standing by the door.

PETEOh hey, didn’t see you there! Are you auditioning to be my new room buddy?

RILEYHa, you’ll take anyone you can get. His name’s Wilson. He’s quite quiet.

PETEQuite quiet, huh? Shame that isn’t contagious.

(a pointed look at Riley)Nice to meet you anyway, Wilson.

He holds out one of his six hands. As Wilson goes to shake it, he quickly swaps it for another.

PETEHaha, gotcha!

Wilson nervously shakes his hand. When he tries to let go, the hands remain stuck, as if by thick glue. Wilson yelps.

PETEOh man, I’m sorry! I tend to sweat a lot when I’m stressed. Here, let me help you.

Pete uses another hand to try and pull Wilson’s arm away. He ends up becoming stuck in two places.

PETEOh dear, I’ve just made things worse now.

Riley huffs dramatically.

RILEYGuess you could call this a sticky situation. I’ll sort it.

She tucks her hands inside her baggy sleeves, carefully prises Pete’s hands away. Pete slumps back in his chair, breathless and relieved. Riley pulls a disgusted face, wipes the gloop off on the back of his chair.

PETEThank you.

RILEYJust call me Medigirl. So why are you so stressed?

Pete picks up his controller and swings back towards the TV.

PETEI’m about to face the next boss: Chlamydia. Gets me every time!

RILEYYou should try using protection.

PETENot helpful, Riley!

Wilson suddenly edges forward, eyes transfixed on the TV.

WILSONIs that... the Anti-Biotics?

Pete nods, doesn’t look away from the screen.

PETEYou know them?

WILSONKnow them? I freakin’ love them! I’ve watched them on TV every day since I was tiny!

RILEY(under her breath)

You’re still tiny.

Pete pauses the game, turns back round, face alight.

PETEMe too! What’s your favourite episode? No wait, let’s do it at the same time! Three.. two... one...

WILSON Strep throat!

PETEStrep throat!

They stare at each other in amazement.

PETENo way!

WILSONIt’s just so good!

PETE(impersonating Bioman)

You expect me to choke, Strep?

WILSON(impersonating Bioman)

What’s the matter? Lost your voice?

RILEYUrgh, boys...

Riley feigns retching, takes her cue to leave. Wilson and Pete are so engrossed they don’t notice.

PETEThis is the Anti-Biotics video game. Only came out last week!

WILSONThere’s a video game now? How did I not know about this!

PETEYou wanna have a go?

Wilson nods eagerly. They swap positions. Wilson is handed the controller.

PETEThis is level 3: Chlamydia. You can play as any of the Anti-Biotics but-

WILSONI pick Bioman!

PETEI could’ve guessed!

Wilson experiments with the controller, throwing a few kicks and punches.

PETEThe aim of the game is to fight your way through the levels - one body part and one infection at a time - until you reach the final boss. That’s level 13: the brain.

Wilson can’t suppress his smile.

WILSON

You know, I was worried that this evening would be as rubbish as the rest of the day. But I think this might be the coolest thing I’ve ever seen.

On screen, Bioman is smothered by an army of Chlamydia bacteria. GAME OVER. Wilson lowers the controller in disappointment.

PETEHave another go!

WILSONYou sure?

PETEOf course! We’re roomies now! That means we look out for each other.

The smile returns to Wilson’s face. He resumes playing.

WILSONSo who’s the final boss?

PETE(shudders)

Oh, you’ll find out soon enough...

FADE IN:

EXT. ORAL CAVITY - DAY

CARD: FIVE CELL YEARS LATER (FIVE HUMAN DAYS)

Two tongue cells (TONY and TITO), dressed as security guards, stand by a sentry post. A perimeter fence stretches off into the distance, the ground rippling like muscle. The two cells speak with cliched Italian accents.

TONYUgh, I cannot get rid of this horrible taste. You know I really hate being a tongue cell sometimes.

TITOSoggy spaghetti - my mama would be mortified! You know what this means, don’t you?

They lock eyes.

TONYDad’s cooking.

TITODad’s cooking.

TITOI mean where’s the seasoning? Where’s the flavour? Where’s the...

He kisses the air like an Italian chef.

TITOMaybe he is trying to bore us to death?

Suddenly the sky overhead lights up.

TONY Ah bellissimo... sunshine!

They gaze up as Daisy opens her mouth, light filling the oral cavity. In sync, they snap on shades and sigh contently.

A dark shadow in the shape of a plane suddenly blots out the sunlight above them. They gasp, whisk off their shades.

A large military transport aircraft buzzes through the air, emblazoned with a black ‘M’. The cargo door whirs open. Dozens of olive green bacteria, wearing black military uniform and parachute packs, dive out in perfect sequence. They fall gracefully, still in sequence, before deploying their parachutes at the last moment.

Tony and Tito scream, start fleeing for their lives.

TONYMamma mia! Please save-

Tony is splattered into gloop as a bacterium lands right on top of him. The bacterium then whips out a green ray gun, splatters Tito too. He is the only bacterium to wear a military cap and his uniform is decorated in badges and war medals. An ugly scar runs down one cheek. His name is LORD GITIS.

He looks out across a rich landscape of fruit trees and crops as the rest of his large army form behind him.

LORD GITISSo this is the land of Daisy...? It will do nicely.

(turns to his army)Men! We’ve made it to another land! Our quest to conquer every human being alive continues!

The army cheer, raising their weapons high. Lord Gitis sweeps his arm across the horizon.

LORD GITISLook at what lies before us: the trees, the crops, the villages - all just waiting to be taken. Their defences will be no match for the might of the Men-in-Gitis!

MEN-IN-GITIS SOLDIERWoo! Go Men-in-Gitis!

The soldier is smacked round the head by an irked colleague. Lord Gitis waves his clenched hands passionately.

LORD GITISWith every day, as they surely become weaker, we will become stronger. And very soon, nobody will be able to stop us!

He turns sharply to face the route ahead.

LORD GITISWe march onwards, men! These bacteria are going viral!

CLOSE ON Lord Gitis’ sneering face.

FADE IN:

INT. CLASSROOM, SPLEENFIELD HIGH SCHOOL - DAY

The same sneering face is projected onto a classroom whiteboard. A wooden stick thwacks Lord Gitis across the nose, then MRS BLANC, a middle-aged white cell teacher with hawkish features and old-fashioned dress sense, leers at the class.

MRS BLANC

This is Lord Gitis. Commanding officer of the Men-in-Gitis. Without question the most feared and deadly infection that could ever attack a human planet as young as ours.

She swipes her stick back to her side.

MRS BLANCWelcome back to Infections Class, students. If I haven’t made it clear enough already, today’s lesson is one that requires your full attention.

She glares at the back of the classroom.

MRS BLANCI said your full attention, Wilson!

Wilson, now aged sixteen, is doodling drawings of the Anti-Biotics in his workbook. Wyatt, sat at a neighbouring desk, sniggers and squirts a water bottle at his crotch. Wilson jumps bolt upright, drops his pencil, which rolls off the desk to the floor.

WYATTHaha, Wilson’s wet himself!

WESTON (O.S.)Not for the first time I bet!

MRS BLANCWilson, are you listening to me?

WILSONYes, ma’am.

He looks up, notices the display.

WILSONNo way! It’s the Men-in-Gitis!

WYATT (O.S.)What the hell’s a ‘gitis'?

WESTON (O.S.)It sounds like a stupid hat. Like something Wilson would wear!

MRS BLANCIt doesn’t mean hats! It’s Ancient Greek for ‘inflammation of the membranes’.

WESTON (O.S.)(snorting derisively)

Well who would have guessed that?

Mrs Blanc shakes her head in dismay. She clicks to the next slide: a cartoon brain with a palace perched at the peak.

MRS BLANCThe Men-in-Gitis army are the living, breathing definition of evil. First of all they attack the brain, but after that, if our Immune System fails to keep them in check, they can quickly invade the rest of the body.

On the slide, childish animation makes a cutout of the Men-in-Gitis army move from the brain to a diagram of the human body.

MRS BLANCNowhere will be safe, including us here in Spleenfield. This is known as Code: Sepsis.

She looks up, notices Wilson straining his arm in the air. She sighs exasperatedly.

MRS BLANC Yes, Wilson?

WILSONMiss, why do they do it? Why do infections attack us like this?

Mrs Blanc’s eyes widen with surprise.

MRS BLANCOh, a surprisingly appropriate question, Wilson... for once. Well, you see, infections like the Men-in-Gitis seek to exploit foreign lands like ours for their own gain. They pillage our villages, steal our food, cut down all our natural resources, until we have nothing left for

them to take. They exist only to harm. To maim. And yes, in the most severe cases, to kill. Together infections are the biggest threat to the existence of our world.

Mrs Blanc clicks to the next slide: cave paintings of white cells battling against bacteria.

MRS BLANCThat is why you must all listen to and learn from exactly what I tell you. As white cells, we have the privilege of being the strongest and most powerful cells out there. But with all that power, we have a moral duty to protect and defend the weak when such attacks occur.

FEMALE WHITE CELL STUDENT (O.S.)What if we’re not strong enough to defeat them?

MRS BLANCInconceivable! We white cells have been genetically engineered by evolution to be smarter, stronger and better than any other cell out there!

FEMALE WHITE CELL STUDENT (O.S.)But just say what if?

Wilson leaps out of his seat.

WILSONThen the Anti-Biotics squad will stop them! They’ll come back and rescue us, just like they did before!

A tense silence. Then the whole class, Mrs Blanc included, burst out laughing. Wilson glows read, shrinks into himself.

MRS BLANCAnd who exactly told you that?

WILSONMy parents...

MRS BLANCYour parents, huh? Well, Wilson... I’m afraid to say it, but your parents are idiots. The Anti-Biotics don’t exist anymore. They’re extinct. Finito. Died out years ago like mullets and baggy trousers. Now they’re nothing more than a distant legend, fuelled by the popularity of a children’s TV show and an equally childish video game. If you didn’t spend so much time obsessing about them, you might open your eyes for once and see that.

As Wilson’s world crumbles around him, Mrs Blanc addresses the rest of the class.

MRS BLANCNo, the only people that can be relied upon to save Daisy is us - the future Immune System.  I pray, for all our sakes, that you never have the misfortune of facing the likes of the Men-in-Gitis in your lifetime. But in case you do, that’s why you need to know what you’re up against.

FOCUS ON Wilson’s distraught face as Mrs Blanc continues the class.

FADE IN:

INT. CANTEEN, SPLEENFIELD ACADEMY - DAY

The canteen is set out with one third of the room on a raised platform. Here the food and furniture is more luxurious, the spacing less cramped. This is where the white cells sit: Director Candidus, Coach Weiss and Mrs Blanc all laughing raucously at the well-stocked staff table. Everywhere else, red cells and platelets tuck into standard school canteen fare.

Wilson sits alone at a table in the shadow of the raised area. He picks at his food. A paper ball hits him on the side of the head. He avoids reacting. A second later, a flurry of paper balls rain down on him.

He looks up, scowling. Above him, Weston and Wyatt snigger and turn out their hands, feigning innocence.

Wilson turns away as Pete and Riley join him at the table. They both set down trays, Pete’s piled high with food.

RILEYHas it been snowing here?

She brushes paper balls off her seat and sits down. Pete looks between his chips and his bread roll and, unable to decide which to eat first, cram both in his mouth at once.

WILSONIt’s just white cells being idiots. I’m used to it.

He glances up again. The bullies glower back.

WYATT(whispering)

Traitor! You’re no white cell!

PETE(shrugging, mouth full)

We're all used to it. It’s politics.

Pete looks up too. The bullies are now puffing out their cheeks like hamsters. Pete opens his mouth to show them his half-chewed food and they turn away in disgust.

PETEThere you go! Sorted!

WILSONThey’ll be back, as certain as Coach Weiss makes another joke about how I’m so weak I couldn’t even lift a mood.

RILEYSpeaking of lifting moods, what’s up with you? Did they cancel the next season of the Anti-Biotics or something?

WILSONNo, it’s worse -- Mrs Blanc told everyone that the Anti-Biotics don’t exist anymore and that my parents are idiots for thinking they’re still out there.

Pete snorts, accidentally spraying some food.

PETE(a little too loudly)

Yeah but teachers know nothing! Everybody knows that!

From over Wilson’s shoulder, a table of red cell and platelet teachers turn and stare at Pete. He ‘hides' behind Wilson, still completely visible.

RILEYPete’s right, you know.

WILSON(disbelievingly)

Is he?!?

RILEYOh, not about the teacher thing. No, that’s rubbish. I mean it all being about politics.

WILSONHow so?

RILEYLook around you. Look at the whole of Daisy. The white cells have always looked after their own and no one else. Why do they get the better dorms and the better food, while we’re stuck with itchy blankets and... whatever this is?

She lifts up a spoonful of gloop. It oozes back onto her plate.

PETEIt’s because they think they’re more important. And I quite like the unidentified gloop actually.

To demonstrate, he crams a large spoonful in his mouth. Wilson and Riley recoil in disgust.

RILEYWhy should they be more important? What makes them any more valuable than we are?

WILSONYou’ve lost me. What’s this got to do with Anti-Biotics?

RILEYWell, according to conspiracy theories.com, the Anti-Biotics were banished all those years ago because the white cells thought they were cramping their style.

WILSONThat’s crazy! They were just trying to help!

RILEYBut that’s exactly it! The white cells don’t want anyone else’s help. They never have.

They both stare at the white cell teacher’s table, at the comparative feast going down.

RILEYTell me I’m wrong...

With Wilson distracted, Pete quickly swipes some chips from his plate and wolfs them down.

DISSOLVE TO:

EXT. MOUNT BRAIN - DAY

Lord Gitis marches the Men-in-Gitis army up the undulating incline of Mount Brain. As they advance, soldiers with axes and chainsaws hack down every tree, plant and crop they come across. The food and raw materials are loaded onto wooden carts.

EXT. BRAININGHAM PALACE - CONTINOUS

As they reach the peak, the grandiose Brainingham Palace rises into view. Manning the front gates and the terraces are brain cells dressed as the British Queen’s Guard; some on foot, others on horseback. One guard notices the army approaching and his bearskin cap leaps from his head in fright.

QUEEN’S GUARD ONEEnemy army approaching at twelve o'clock!

QUEEN’S GUARD TWO(checking his watch)

It’s not twelve o’clock. It’s barely even eight thirty.

QUEEN’S GUARD ONENot the time! There! In front of us! We’re under attack!

The rest of the Queen’s Guard notice the advancing army. Freeze like meerkats. Then start flurrying around in a blind panic.

QUEEN’S GUARD WALLASound the alarm! Someone call the white cells! We’re all gonna die!

Lord Gitis surveys the hapless opposition.

LORD GITISBarely a brain cell between them. Men, let’s take the palace!

The Men-in-Gitis army pull out their ray guns, start firing. Several guards are splattered instantly. The army launch cables up at the terraces. They hook into place on the brickwork. Soldiers then shuffle up the cables, swiftly, well-drilled.

LORD GITISMen! Advance!

Lord Gitis strides through the palace gates, zapping any guard who gets in his way. The doors to the palace burst open and three brain cell corgis flee the melee, yapping hysterically. Two dozen Queen’s Guard rush out with rifles. They pick off several Men-in-Gitis soldiers, but are soon overwhelmed and splatted to smithereens. Just their uniform and caps remain.

Lord Gitis storms the palace. Winds his way up a flame-lit turret, close-quarter combat all around him. He snatches one of the flaming torches. Sets alight a guard’s bearskin cap. Emerges on the palace roof as the guard desperately tries to extinguish the fire.

Lord Gitis looks down over the palace courtyard: the Queen’s Guard are all but defeated, the last few stragglers being rounded up by his men. Suddenly a horse whinnies and a rogue guard on horseback breaks beyond the palace gates.

MEN-IN-GITIS SOLDIERMy lord, he’s getting away!

Lord Gitis raises his ray gun, lines up the shot, the guard growing ever smaller. He fires!

The shot clips the horse’s heels and it rears up, but both horse and guard remain upright. They gallop off beyond the curvature of the mountain. Lord Gitis lowers his ray gun.

A flag with the emblem of a daisy flutters from the palace rooftop. Lord Gitis holds the torch to the flag. Admires it burning.

LORD GITISLet them run for help. See if I care! For it’s not I who’s about to have the headache - it’s them!

INT. WILSON AND PETE’S DORM - EVENING

Pete is playing the Anti-Biotics video game, as enthusiastic as ever. On screen, Bioman is duelling with Lord Gitis. Wilson sits at a cramped desk in the corner, head buried in a textbook.

On screen, Bioman is splattered by Lord Gitis. GAME OVER.

PETEAh man, he’s got me again! I swear I’ll never defeat him.

Pete spins in his chair to face Wilson.

PETEHey, fancy sharing some of your white cell powers over here? I could really do with a hand.

WILSONSorry, I’m busy. Besides, you already have six.

PETE

Ha-ha, very good. But it’s the final boss! Lord Gitis! Bioman’s sworn nemesis!

Wilson doesn’t reply, absorbed in his book. Pete glides over on his chair, peeks over Wilson’s shoulder.

PETEAre you studying?

WILSONThat’s what it looks like.

Beat.

PETEAre you feeling okay?

Wilson slams his hands down on the desk.

WILSONI’m fine, Pete! I’m just fed up of being belittled by all the other white cells. I want to prove them wrong for once, that I can be like one of them.

PETEOkay, jeez, sorry I spoke. But ask yourself, what’s so great about being like one of them anyway? Contrary to popular belief, white cells aren’t everything, you know.

WILSONAdvice noted, thank you.

Pete nods, accepting he’s making no headway. He turns back to his game -- just as a Blitz-like air raid siren rips through the building.

Wilson jumps in his seat, bashing into the desk. His book slides off the back of the desk.

WILSONOh great, any more distractions?

(stands up)What is it? The fire alarm?

Pete rushes to the window, peers out.

PETEUh, I don’t know about you, but that ain’t like any fire I’ve ever seen...

EXT. DORM F, SPLEENFIELD SCHOOL - CONTINUOUS

Wilson and Pete join Riley in the crowd assembled outside the dorm block. They stare skywards as electricity pylons flash red and anti-aircraft searchlights sweep through the darkness.

CUT TO:

INT. WILSON AND PETE’S DORM - CONTINUOUS

LIVE NEWS FOOTAGE:

A breaking news bulletin.

NEWSREADERIt is with great regret that I must inform the citizens of Daisy that reports of a new Men-in-Gitis infection are true. This exclusive footage of the invading army was captured by air drone just minutes ago. 

A birds-eye view of the Men-in-Gitis army as they march through dense woodland. They leave no tree left standing. Lord Gitis notices the drone above. Points. A moment later, a gunshot sounds and the camera topples out of the sky, turning to static upon impact.

Wilson, Pete and Riley are huddled in front of the TV. They all gasp in horror.

NEWSREADERAs I speak, Daisy's Immune System is already assembling in preparation for battle. This team of highly-skilled white cells has rarely seen action in recent years, but Commanding Officer, Director Candidus, also of Spleenfield School, is confident they will get the job done.

Director Candidus appears behind a lectern, military uniform immaculate.

DIRECTOR CANDIDUSThe Men-in-Gitis will be defeated like any other infection: swiftly and efficiently. We white cells have been training for this moment for years, for generations, and we will not rest until we’re victorious. My one request is that all other cells remain at home, safe out of harm’s way, and allow us to get on with our job unburdened.

Riley folds her arms crossly.

RILEY Humph, ‘unburdened’ - really knows how to make friends, doesn't he?

NEWS JOURNALIST (O.S.)And what of the Anti-Biotics, Director? Do you think there is a chance they may have a role to play?

Director Candidus’ eyes darken.

DIRECTOR CANDIDUSNo more questions. I have a war to win.

He turns and storms off screen.

Wilson’s phone starts ringing in his pocket. He takes it out: Wanda and Wendy are trying to video call him.

WILSONI’ll be right back.

INT. CORRIDOR, DORM F - CONTINUOUS

Wilson hides out in the corridor and answers the call.

WILSONHey, Mums...

Wanda and Wendy appear on screen. They adopt brave faces.

WANDAHey, chickpea. Are you okay?

WILSONOh, you know, not too bad considering the world might be about to end.

WENDY You’ve seen the news then?

Wilson nods solemnly.

WILSONI can’t believe it’s happening. You’ve always told me that nobody is invincible, but I think I’m only just realising what you mean.

(beat)When do you both have to go?

WENDYAt first light. We join up with the rest of the white cell troops at dawn.

WILSONWill it be dangerous?

(beat, parents look away)Actually, don’t answer that. But I wish I could come with you. Show people what I can really do.

WANDAMaybe one day, chickpea. One day.

The whole building suddenly shakes, furniture rattling, screams emanating through the walls. A framed picture comes loose above Wilson and almost cracks him on the head. The air raid sirens fill the air once more and the corridor lights flicker on and off. Briefly he loses connection on the phone.

After several seconds, the shuddering ceases and Wendy and Wanda reappear.

WILSONWhat was that?

WENDYA fever. With rigors. It means the infection's getting worse, that the Men-

In-Gitis are continuing to spread. We should get going.

Wilson’s eyes well up as his parents hold the camera closer to their faces.

WANDAJust remember why we do it, Wilson. Remember what’s at stake. And remember that we always love you.

Wilson nods firmly, smiling as he tries to hold back the tears.

WILSONI love you too, Mums.

They smile back and end the call, faces frozen on the screen.

FADE IN:

EXT. LYMPH - EVENING

CARD: The Battle of Lymph

Lord Gitis stands upon a hillock, surveying a burning village against the darkening sky. White cell troops flee into the hills as the Men-in-Gitis army pillage the remains.

A clock tower is toppled via ropes and the army cheer jubilantly. A second later, a wooden battering ram knocks down part of a school to similar cheers.

MEN-IN-GITIS SOLDIERSchool is out, suckers!

Lord Gitis smirks and descends into the streets. Wanders between destroyed buildings and burning shrubbery. Watches as his men round up surviving white cells and shepherd them into a church hall.

INT. LYMPH CHURCH - CONTINUOUS

The white cells are clustered in a huddle: Defeated. Terrified. Trembling. They are trapped by armed Men-in-Gitis soldiers. Lord Gitis scrutinises them.

LORD GITIS

I must confess, I was expecting more of a challenge. Director Candidus must be an even bigger fool than he looks.

WANDA (O.S.)We’re not scared of you!

At the head of the white cell pack are Wanda and Wendy, holding each other tightly. Lord Gitis strides up to Wanda, sneering. He grasps her by the face.

LORD GITISOh, but you should be!

He lets go, stomps out through the front doors. The other soldiers also file out either side of him.

WANDAHey, what are you going to do with us? Hey! Hey!

EXT. LYMPH CHURCH - CONTINUOUS

Several soldiers slam close the church doors, fix a wooden barricade through the handles. A flaming torch is produced and set to the building. As the fire takes hold, Lord Gitis continues his exit.

INT. WILSON AND PETE’S DORM - NIGHT

Wilson tosses and turns in the upper bunk, unable to settle. Beneath him, Pete snores loudly.

There’s a knock at the door. A crack of light as the door opens ajar.

OFFICER WILCOXWilson?

An adult white cell in military uniform (OFFICER WILCOX) pokes his head into the room.

OFFICER WILCOXWilson?

Wilson jolts awake. Sits bolt upright. Stares at the new arrival.

WILSON

Yes?

OFFICER WILCOXMy name’s Officer Wilcox. I was hoping we might be able to sit out in the rec room and talk for a bit. I’m afraid I have some very bad news for you.

INT. REC ROOM, DORM F - NIGHT

Wilson huddles on the sofa, eyes wide and teary, as Officer Wilcox kneels before him, a hand resting on his shoulder. Officer Wilcox talks.

Suddenly Wilson bows his head and sobs into his lap. Officer Wilcox pats him on the back.

OFFICER WILCOXI’m sorry, Wilson.

Officer Wilcox departs. Wilson remains curled up with his head buried.

FADE IN:

INT. REC ROOM, DORM F - MORNING

Darkness gives way to morning light. Pete and Riley appear in the doorway, expressions full of sorrow. They join Wilson on the couch and embrace him in their arms.

FADE OUT.

INT. CORRIDOR, DORM F - DAY

TANNOYThis is an emergency announcement! All students assemble in the Great Hall immediately. I repeat: all students assemble in the Great Hall immediately.

INT. GREAT HALL, SPLEENFIELD SCHOOL - DAY

Wilson, Pete and Riley are one of the last to arrive.

PETEWhat do you think is going on?

RILEYI don’t know, but it doesn’t sound good.

Wilson is stony-faced, eyes still red from crying. They take a seat at the back of the hall. Director Candidus strides onstage.

DIRECTOR CANDIDUSCadets! I hope you have all been keeping safe and well in your dorms during these unusual times. Many of you will no doubt be wondering why I am here right now, and not on the battlefield directing the troops. Well, it’s because I have an exciting new announcement to make - a unique opportunity that has opened up to a select few of you.

On the screen behind him, an image of beaming white cell soldiers huddled arm-in-arm.

DIRECTOR CANDIDUSWhite cells of Spleenville School -- Daisy’s Immune System needs you! This is your chance to be promoted early from the academy and join your senior fellows and existing heroes on the frontline. Teaching and training can take you so far, but there really is no substitute for firsthand experience. Trust me.

Murmurs of excitement and apprehension race through the crowd. Riley and Pete shoot Wilson uncertain looks.

DIRECTOR CANDIDUSObviously, for the protection of yourselves and others, not all of you can be granted this great honour. Only the most exceptional cells - the most-skilled, the bravest, the strongest and the smartest among you - can be considered worthy-enough. I have here a list of names...

Director Candidus produces a scroll which he flattens out on his lectern.

DIRECTOR CANDIDUSWyatt... Weston...

The two bullies saunter to the stage, high-fiving members of the crowd as they pass. Wilson tenses, his fists clenching. He can see which way this is going.

FADE IN:

INT. GREAT HALL, SPLEENFIELD ACADEMY - CONTINUOUS

DIRECTOR CANDIDUSWillow... William...

More white cells join those already assembled on stage. Wilson remains seated.

FADE IN:

INT. GREAT HALL, SPLEENFIELD ACADEMY - CONTINUOUS

DIRECTOR CANDIDUSAnd, finally, Warren... and Winona. That is all. Please give them a huge round of applause.

The crowd clap half-heartedly. Wilson looks around: he is the only white cell still remaining in the audience. The surrounding cells keep glancing at him -- nervous looks of regret and sympathy. Wilson starts to bristle.

DIRECTOR CANDIDUSThe named champions will remain here with me for a full briefing. The rest of you, please leave and return to your dorms immediately. In the interests of safety, I have no choice but to close the school indefinitely and a Daisy-wide lockdown is now in place.

The hall is filled with loud anxious chatter as the remaining students make for the exits. Wilson leaps from his seat, face full of anger. He pushes his way towards the front, battling against the tide.

PETEWilson! Where are you going? Hey!

Pete and Riley try to follow him, but whereas Wilson is small and is able to dart between people, they are held up by the throng. Wilson ducks under some legs, weaves between static bodies, emerges at the foot of the stage.

WILSONDirector Candidus! Director Candidus!

Director Candidus examines Wilson like he may a dung-beetle.

DIRECTOR CANDIDUS Now is not the time, Wilson. Get back to your dorm like everyone else.

WILSONEveryone else? Everyone else has had their name called - apart from me.

DIRECTOR CANDIDUSOh really? I never noticed.

WILSONMaybe you left out my name by mistake?

DIRECTOR CANDIDUSNo, no, there was no mistake. Now if you’ll excuse me, I’ve got some very important business to at-

WILSONI want to fight against the Men-in-Gitis. I believe I’m ready. I believe I can help.

Director Candidus stares at him.

DIRECTOR CANDIDUSYou want to fight in the great war of our generation? You?

WILSON(tersely)

Yes, sir. Me.

Director Candidus throws back his head and roars with laughter.

DIRECTOR CANDIDUS

I’ve heard some codswallop in my time, but that may just take the biscuit. Perhaps you didn’t hear me just now - exceptional white cells only! There’s no place for your kind on the battlefield. You'll only hold us back. I suggest you stay at home and try not to get in the big boys’ way. Capeesh?

Director Candidus dismisses him with a flick of the arm, starts turning back around. Wilson’s face glows redder.

WILSONDon’t think I don’t know what’s going on here!

Slowly, Director Candidus turns back. Wilson initially cowers, but finds the courage to continue, surprising even himself.

WILSONYour little sales pitch about honour and a unique opportunity may have fooled everyone else, but I know why you really need us.

Director Candidus folds his arms, waiting expectantly.

WILSONYou’re losing this war. My mums have already died fighting for you and I’m certain that they’re not alone. You underestimated the Men-in-Gitis and they’re getting stronger, like infections do. But you’re too afraid to admit it. Your precious reputation is at stake. So you’re covering it up, at the same time desperately recruiting unprepared cells to try and tip the battle back in your favour. Well, it’s not gonna be enough!

DIRECTOR CANDIDUS It’s an interesting theory. Why don’t you write it on paper and drop it in a bin somewhere?

He turns to go again.

WILSONWe need the Anti-Biotics! They’re the only ones who can save us!

His words strike a chord. Director Candidus lunges angrily at him, grabs him by the scruff of the neck, lifts him off the floor so that their eyes are inches apart.

DIRECTOR CANDIDUSWe do not need the Anti-Biotics! We have never needed the Anti-Biotics!

WILSONThey saved our lives! They’re heroes!

DIRECTOR CANDIDUSHeroes? They are frauds! Foreigners! With their stupid costumes and their ridiculous names. They do not belong here! They are not blood cells like us! That is why my great grandfather banished them all those years ago, to take back Daisy and the job of protecting it for ourselves!

Wilson’s face falters. Director Candidus notices, face twisting into an evil grin.

DIRECTOR CANDIDUS Oh of course, you didn’t know. Yes, those imposters didn’t vanish from Daisy just by chance. They were stealing our thunder, taking over our jobs -- the very jobs we white cells were born and raised to do. As long as they were there, we were obsolete. So General Albus, my great grandfather, exiled them. Told them never to return to our shores again. And that is why we do not need them now.

Director Candidus releases his grip. Wilson falls ungainly, landing on his bottom. He stares up at Director Candidus -- a monster -- as Pete and Riley rush up to help him. Director Candidus puffs out his chest, resolute, and turns away.

INT. WILSON AND PETE’S DORM - NIGHT

Wilson paces the room, lost in his thoughts. Pete and Riley watch a clip of the Anti-Biotics cartoon on TV:

A goofy rod-shaped bacteria with hundreds of tentacles wades through a lagoon of yellow liquid. This is E COLI. The Anti-Biotics squad land in the pool, confronting him.

E COLIPrepare for a stinging with this bladder infection, Bioman!

BIOMANBladder infection! Well you know what that means, E Coli? Urine trouble!

WILSON(irritated)

Can you turn that thing off?

Pete and Riley are stunned. This is serious. Meekly, Pete switches off the TV.

WILSONWe need to do something. We can’t just sit here and do nothing.

RILEY Why not? That’s what you two usually do.

Wilson shoots her a glare.

RILEYSorry, not helpful. But this is what Director Candidus told us to do: stay indoors and stay safe.

WILSONWe can’t trust what he says. Lord Gitis is too strong and the Immune System doesn’t stand a chance without more help.

RILEYAnd you know this how?

PETEThe Anti-Biotics video game - on there Lord Gitis is undefeatable!

RILEYYou mean you haven’t defeated him yet?

PETEPrecisely! Undefeatable!

RILEYRight. And that game is famously factually accurate, is it?

PETEWell, you don’t get to be the final boss without being a bit of a badass, just saying.

WILSONMrs Blanc once called the Men-in-Gitis the most deadly infection that could ever invade our world. Is that enough to convince you?

RILEYSo what do you suggest we do? If it hasn’t escaped your notice, we’re just three teens locked indoors.

PETEAnyone know how to build a robot? That could go outside.

WILSONWe don’t need a robot. We just need this.

He holds up the Anti-Biotics video game case.

RILEYA video game?

WILSONNo, not the video game. The Anti-Biotics!

PETE

But mate, they haven’t been seen for generations. No one even knows if they still exist.

WILSONI do. I know they still exist.

CUT TO:

INT. WILSON AND PETE’S DORM - CONTINUOUS

Wilson holds up his phone for the others to see. On screen plays a clip from the opening History Channel TV Programme:

BIOMANThe nights can be long and dark and frightening, but the moon always watches brightly from overhead. Remember that. Stay safe, cells of Daisy.

Wilson tucks away the phone.

WILSONIt’s a code. They wanted to tell the cells of Daisy that they would always be around to help them without General Albus realising. And now we know why.

PETE(shrugs)

Or the guy just really likes moonlit nights.

Wilson sighs deeply.

WILSONListen, I don’t expect you two to fully understand. But my mums died to protect Daisy and preserve our future. I’m not just going to sit on my butt and watch their sacrifice go in vain, no matter what Director Candidus says.

RILEYOk, let’s say for arguments sake that they are still out there somewhere. How

do we find them? Where do we even start?

Wilson taps the video game case again.

WILSONWhere are all smart ideas come from, of course: the brain. If we want them to hear our call, the key will lie there.

(beat)So who’s with me?

Wilson looks between his two friends; neither looks very convinced.

WILSONPete?

Pete scratches awkwardly with all six arms.

PETEWell, I am behind on homework...

WILSONRiley?

Riley sighs, averts her gaze.

RILEYI’m sorry, Wilson. I don’t wanna get in any trouble with Candidus.

Wilson huffs. Folds his arms.

WILSONFine. I see how it is. No one's ever believed in me before, so I don’t know why I expected you to now. And FYI, we’re already in trouble. That’s why I’m trying to do something about it.

He drags his old Bioman rucksack from under the bunk bed. Slings it on his back. Storms out of the room.

INT. CORRIDOR, DORM F - CONTINUOUS

Wilson strides down the corridor, angry and determined. Riley and Pete rush to the doorway.

RILEYWait, Wilson! The lockdown! You can’t leave!

WILSONWatch me!

He continues on.

EXT. DORM F, SPLEENFIELD SCHOOL - CONTINUOUS

Wilson strides out of Dorm F. Stomps towards the main road in the semi-darkness.

EXT. OESOPHAGEAL MOTORWAY - MORNING

The oesophageal motorway is now closed-off and deserted, tall barriers blocking its access. The electronic boards above each lane read: Closed due to lockdown! All cells stay at home!

A police car makes a U-turn at the barrier. An officer leans out the window, hunting for trespassers. There is no one to be seen. The police car drives off.

Wilson emerges from the roadside undergrowth. Trudges to a halt in front of the barriers, already looking worn out. He flexes his fingers.

WILSON Come on, I can do this.

He reaches for the first foothold. Grabs it. Is able to pull himself up. He steadies himself. Reaches for the next foothold. But it’s too far out of reach. He grits his teeth. Tries to jump for it. His fingers claw at thin air and he tumbles to the ground.

He picks himself up. Pained. Angry. He tries the climb again but with the very same result.

WILSONBlast my short arms and legs! If only Riley were here to-

He stops himself. Looks towards the alternate route - a country road snaking into the wild undergrowth. An arrow points along it reading: Lungs 5cm. With shoulders slumped, Wilson has no choice but to follow it.

EXT. TRACHEA - DAY

Wilson tramps up the trachea - a giant tunnel of alternating muscle and cartilage rings. The ground is like a muddy marsh: thick bubbling swamps of mucus dotted among swaying shoulder-height tufts of cilia.

Wilson pushes his way through the cilia, struggling to make headway. Small frog-like creatures leap in and out of the mucus around his feet, making it even harder to find his footing.

WILSONShoo! Buzz off! Go away!

Wilson tries to shoo them away with his foot, but slips and loses his balance. At the last, he is able to grab hold of a cilia branch. It bends dangerously, Wilson hanging just above the level of the mucus. But it holds firm.

WILSONPhew. That was a close one.

The cilia recoils. With a shriek, Wilson is catapulted through the air. He lands with a big splash in a mucus pool some distance away.

CUT TO:

EXT. TRACHEA - DAY

An angry Wilson stomps onwards on dry land, dripping from head-to-toe in thick mucus.

WILSONDamn my lightweight body and single pair of puny arms. If only Pete were here to-

He stops himself again and growls furiously. He pushes on through the dense cilia, the trachea stretching off into the distance.

FADE TO:

EXT. OPTIC CHASM - EVENING

Wilson trudges alongside a vast X-shaped chasm, the sun setting low over the opposite bank, a fast-flowing river at its floor. Too tired to

walk any further, he slumps first to his knees and then sprawls out on the ground.

WILSONI can’t do this... I can’t.

He continues to lie there until a vulture swoops down next to him and pecks at his head.

WILSONOw! I’m only resting, you know!

Wilson bats an arm and the vulture flies off.

The ground tremors from another fever, rocks bouncing off the edge of the cliff. Wilson looks up, finds he’s in front of a tall multi-directional sign. The first arrow points ahead and reads: Brain 20cm.

Wilson groans loudly.

WILSONI’m never gonna make it.

He then looks at the next sign, pointing laterally: Sk-EYE Garden 0.5cm.

He gasps. Looks the way the arrow is pointed: in the distance, just visible, is the archway leading to the Sk-EYE Garden.

Wilson stands up, brushes himself down, and makes towards it.

EXT. SK-EYE GARDEN - EVENING

Wilson walks underneath the archway which has now fallen into disrepair; the wood rotten and splintered, the flowers and ivy long since dead. The garden itself is equally dying, the grass patchy, pale and crunchy under foot.

Wilson crouches down to pick a daisy from the lawn - it crumbles in his hand. He sits down on the bench, now broken and covered in graffiti, and looks out into the dark sky.

We see a dim hospital room, illuminated by a single pale bulb, and the outline of Daisy’s body tucked underneath a blanket. On either side of the hospital bed sit Daisy’s parents (DAD, MUM), faces glum, eyes full of sorrow. They gently stroke both of her hands.

MUMYou’ll be okay, sweetie. We promise.

DADYou’re a tough cookie, Daisy. You always have been.

The sky rolls as Daisy tries to move her head. She groans with pain, slumps back down.

DAISYMy head hurts so much! It feels like it’s on fire.

MUMWe know, sweetie, we know. The doctors are doing everything they can.

Tears well up in Wilson’s eyes as he watches.

DADYou get some sleep now, okay, pumpkin? You’ve got a big fight ahead. We’ll see you in the morning.

MUMWe love you so much, sweetie.

DAISY(weakly)

I love you both too.

Daisy closes her eyes and the sky turns black.

Wilson continues to sit there, cast in moonlight, gently sobbing. He opens his rucksack, pulls out his old Bioman figurine, holds it tightly to his chest.

WANDA (O.S.)We’re so proud of you, chickpea.

Wilson looks up. There, floating above the abyss, are Wanda and Wendy, holding hands, smiling at him. He scrambles to his feet.

WILSONMum! Ma! They told me you were-

WANDA

We’re not real, Wilson. I’m sorry. We’re just projections of your memories.

WENDYYou see, when someone is very ill, their mind can start playing tricks on them. They’ll teach you about it in school one day, I’m sure.

WANDAIf there’s a school left to ever return to...

Distraught, Wilson returns to the bench.

WILSONMums, is Daisy dying?

They both nod solemnly.

WENDY I’m afraid so, chickpea. We always told you never to take your homeland for granted, to protect it all costs. Because this is how fragile life can be. And if our world can’t survive, then neither can we.

Wilson hangs his head. Snivels.

WILSONI’ve failed her. I’ve failed you, after everything you sacrificed to try and save her. You gave your lives to-

WANDAIt’s not too late, Wilson. There is still hope.

Wilson looks up again.

WANDAYou’ve come so far, chickpea.

WENDYBut you know you’re not there yet.

Wilson’s eyes widen as his hope is renewed. He looks down at his Bioman figurine. It seems to be glowing in the moonlight. He looks back up at his parents. They are nodding.

WANDARemember to have faith, Wilson.

WENDYJust like we always had faith in you.

The skies suddenly burst and rain pours down over Wilson. By the time he wipes away the drops from his eyes, his parents have gone.

His hair is flat and sodden. His clothes are soaked through. But Wilson grits his teeth and rises to his feet. With the rain hammering down around him, he marches back the way he came.

EXT. SPLEENFIELD TOWN CENTRE - SUNRISE

The surviving white cells of the Immune System army trudge down the main street: battle-weary, defeated, many limping or sporting injuries. Red cells and platelets peek out from their doorways and windows to watch them. Some spectators gasp. Others turn away in resignation.

The white cells reach the grassy square in front of the city hall. They slump to the ground, exhausted. Director Candidus appears on the top step of the city hall. He surveys the scene of carnage.

DIRECTOR CANDIDUSWhat’s going on? Why aren’t you all out there fighting? I demand to know!

SOLDIER WAYNEWe tried, sir. But the Men-in-Gitis are just too powerful.

SOLDIER WINNIEThey’ve built extra weapons, sir. From our own resources. They took us apart. We didn’t stand a chance.

DIRECTOR CANDIDUSI don’t believe this...

Director Candidus marches angrily down the steps towards the fallen soldiers. He grabs the nearest cell, drags him to his feet.

DIRECTOR CANDIDUSCome on, on your feet all of you! You’re supposed to be the elite! The best of the best! Where’s your commanding officer?

SOLDIER WALTERHe’s gone, sir. Perished in battle.

Director Candidus’ face turns whiter than usual.

DIRECTOR CANDIDUSSo who’s in charge now?

SOLDIER WAYNENo one, sir. At that point we all retreated, otherwise we would’ve perished too. Lord Gitis is advancing on us now. This is the last stand.

Wayne looks down at the ground, realises he’s seated. He quickly stands.

SOLDIER WAYNEI mean, this is the last stand.

Director Candidus growls furiously.

DIRECTOR CANDIDUSWe didn’t train you to fold like a pack of cards, soldiers. You’re supposed to be the bravest, strongest, smartest in all of Daisy!

He walks through the crowd, clapping his hands and dragging people back to their feet.

DIRECTOR CANDIDUSWe will not be defeated! Not on my watch! If Lord Gitis wants to attack us here, he can be my guest. We will be ready for him, won’t we?

(the soldiers are silent)I said won’t we?!?

WHITE CELL SOLDIERS(half-heartedly)

Yes, sir!

With great effort, the soldiers start to ready themselves again. Director Candidus looks on, unable to hide his trepidation.

EXT. BLOOD BRAIN BARRIER - DAY

Wilson marches onwards, looking and feeling unstoppable. The ground shakes from another fever, but he doesn’t break stride. He clutches Bioman in one hand.

Ahead looms a gigantic vertical tube, stretching from the ground to the ceiling, its surface translucent and shimmering like water. A pair of heavy-duty doors appear the only way in, but they are being guarded by a brain cell draped in a dark cloak. This is THE GATEKEEPER. The doors bare the sign: Brainingham Palace - This way! Queues likely!

Wilson walks up to the doors. He stands there expectantly, waiting for them to open. They do not.

THE GATEKEEPER(mysteriously)

You will be standing there a long while, child! I am the gatekeeper of here thee gates, and only those who can pass the ultimate test are granted access beyond the Blood-Brain Barrier.

(beat)Or you can just bribe me twenty dollars, whichever’s easier.

WILSONI don’t have any money.

THE GATEKEEPERThen the ultimate test it is mwahaha! What pastures beyond do ye seek, child?

WILSONI beg your pardon?

THE GATEKEEPER(sighs with annoyance)

Where are you going?

WILSONBrainingham Palace, of course!

THE GATEKEEPERIntriguing... You don’t look like our usual kind of tourist.

WILSON

I’m not a tourist! I’m here on a quest - to call upon the great Anti-Biotics for help!

THE GATEKEEPERThe ancient heroes? You intrigue me more, child. I’ve manned this post every day for the past 10 years -stupid unfair work rota - and I can count the number of believers I’ve met on one hand.

The gatekeeper sticks out a hand - as a brain cell, his hand comprises of thousands of finger-like dendrites.

WILSONOh, that’s not too bad then.

THE GATEKEEPERIt’s five. One, two, three, four, five.

He counts each one out on his hand.

WILSONOh.

THE GATEKEEPERSadly once adored by so many, now believed by so few! But if it is Brainingham Palace you wish to view, then a most devilish riddle is the task you must do!

The Gatekeeper winks. Wilson gapes at him.

WILSONYou want me to answer a riddle?

THE GATEKEEPERA devilish riddle.

Wilson looks down at the Bioman figurine. The figurine smiles back.

WILSONOkay, I’m ready for anything. Let’s hear it.

The gatekeeper waves his hands and a scroll appears in the air in front of him. He brushes some dust off.

THE GATEKEEPERI flow like a river, I block like a dam- Spreading warmth and energy wherever I am- I come in all different kinds of types- And without me, you should know, there can be no life.

The Gatekeeper rolls up the scroll and waits expectantly as Wilson thinks.

WILSONI flow like a river, block like a dam... uh, water?

THE GATEKEEPER(makes a wrong answer buzzer noise)

Incorrect! Try again!

WILSONSpreading warmth and energy wherever I am - is it... fire?

THE GATEKEEPER(the same buzzer noise)

Strike two! Three strikes and you’re out!

WILSON(double-takes)

What?!? You didn’t tell me I only had three guesses?

THE GATEKEEPERDidn’t I? Oopsie. Sorry, child, it’s such a long time since I last had to do this, I completely forgot!

Wilson presses his hands to his head, straining so hard that sweat starts to pour from him. The Gatekeeper casually starts filing his fingernails with the scroll.

WILSONI come in all different kinds of types...

(beat)Oh, it’s no use! I have no idea what the answer is. I’m just too stupid.

Wilson slumps to the ground, buries his head in his hands.

WILSONIf only the others were here to...

PETE (O.S.)Save the day?

Wilson gasps and looks around. Standing there behind him, looking tired and dirty and smiling sheepishly, are Pete and Riley. Wilson scrambles to his feet.

WILSONI was gonna say bounce ideas, but I guess that works too. I can’t believe you guys came all this way.

Pete and Riley exchange looks.

RILEYI won’t lie, we thought you’d turn back as soon as you got to the main road. It was only when you’d been gone an hour that we realised you were serious.

WILSONOf course I was serious! Daisy is depending on us!

PETEWe know, mate. That’s why we came after you the moment it hit us. Riley managed to get us lost-

RILEYPete managed to get us lost!

PETEBut at least we didn’t fall in the windpipe mucous pools, right, Wilson?

WILSONUh, yeah... right.

PETEWe’re sorry we didn’t trust you at first. But we’re here now. After all, you’re our friend.

Wilson smiles. They each put a hand in the middle, one on top of the other. They try to take their hands away, but Pete’s stickiness has glued them all together.

RILEYUgh, Pete! Not again!

PETEI’m sorry! It’s been a sweaty journey, okay?

He gently peels his hand away, releasing the others.

RILEYSo what’s this then?

WILSONThe last obstacle before Brainingham Palace - the Blood-Brain Barrier. This liar-

THE GATEKEEPERHey, I forgot okay! Honest mistake!

WILSONSays we have to answer a riddle to be allowed through. We only have one guess left.

RILEYWhat’s the riddle?

They look to the Gatekeeper. The Gatekeeper sighs, theatrically rolls out the scroll again.

THE GATEKEEPERI flow like a river, I block like a dam- Spreading warmth and energy wherever I am- I come in all different kinds of types- And without me, you should know, there can be no life. Okay, that’s it, that’s the last time I’m reading it out!

The scroll dissipates into thin air as Pete scratches his head, looks confused.

PETE

I’ll be honest, I’m rubbish at puzzles. Even remembering my phone number is a bit of a-

RILEYSssh! I’m thinking!

Riley rubs her chin, deep in thought. Slowly she looks between Wilson then Pete then back to Wilson again. Her face lights up.

RILEYI think I’ve got it! Look! Blocks like a dam-

(she points at Pete)Spreads warmth and energy-

(points at herself)All different types-

(points at all of them)And without it, there can be no life.

She turns confidently to the Gatekeeper without waiting for the others.

RILEYIt’s ‘Blood’, isn’t it?

The Gatekeeper smiles wryly.

THE GATEKEEPERVery good, m'lady. You have won your passage beyond the Blood Brain Barrier.

The Gatekeeper waves a hand and the doors slide open. The trio make their way towards it, the Gatekeeper winking to Wilson as he passes:

THE GATEKEEPERShe’s a keeper that one.

EXT. BRAINSTEM - DAY

They pass through the doors. And stop dead in their tracks. Instead of Brainingham Palace, a giant white column rises into the air in front of them, accessible via a narrow bridge. The column stretches upwards for a considerable distance before ending at a platform.

RILEYUh, Wilson. I thought you said the Blood Brain Barrier was the last obstacle.

Wilson turns around to confront the Gatekeeper.

WILSONWhat’s this? Where’s Brainingham Palace?

THE GATEKEEPERAh! Before yee stands the brainstem, child, the vital connection between the brain and the rest of the body. To reach Brainingham Palace, you must first ascend the brainstem.

WILSONWell, how do we do that?

THE GATEKEEPERThere is... a lift.

PETEA lift? Well great, let’s go!

THE GATEKEEPERBut regrettably it is closed due to the Daisy-wide lockdown. So the only way to the top... is to climb.

Wilson gawps at him.

WILSONClimb?

THE GATEKEEPERIndeed. Good luck on your quest, child. Tarrah!

The doors slide shut, trapping the trio in. They size up the height of the obstacle, visibly intimidated.

WILSONHow high do you think that is? 5cm?

RILEY Never mind how high it is - how far down do you think it goes?

They look down - the brainstem disappears off into the gloom.

RILEYI don’t feel so good...

She sits herself down. Wilson tries to help her back up.

WILSONWe can’t give up now! We’ve come so far!

RILEYGreat! That just means we have further to fall! I’m not risking my life on that thing, Wilson. Heights terrify me!

WILSONWe have no choice, Riley! Our lives are already at risk!

PETEGuys, relax... I got this!

Pete is stretching out next to the narrow bridge. He clasps his six hands together, emphasising their stickiness as he tries to separate them.

PETEThis is the challenge I was made for.

(offers two of his hands)All aboard the Pete-mobile.

CUT TO:

EXT. BRAINSTEM - CONTINUOUS

The trio are halfway up the brainstem, Pete leading the way with Wilson and Riley either side of him. Pete has each of them gripped by the back, keeping them pressed against the wall.

They climb up a little further.

PETEHow’s everyone doing back there?

RILEYTerribly. Thanks for asking.

PETE

Just don’t look down. You’ll be fine.

Riley instinctively glances downwards. The brainstem disappears off into the darkness. Her eyes bulge and she retches.

RILEYWhy does everyone always say ‘don’t look down'? It just makes people look down.

Wilson focuses on the platform above them - their target is getting closer. Pete is holding him via his backpack, but as Wilson pulls himself up, the main zipper comes loose... making the front flap start to peel away.

PETEHey, would you look at that? We’re getting close!

WILSONYeah! Maybe we'll actually make it after a-

As Wilson goes for another reach, his rucksack and Pete’s force on him peel away completely. Wilson stops dead in mid-air. Then tumbles downwards.

Wilson screams, but lurches to a halt, hanging upside down, as Pete is just able to keep his grip on the rucksack flap. Wilson stares wide-eyed into the abyss as the contents of his rucksack rain past him: Clothes. Food. And Bioman.

WILSON No, Bioman!

Wilson desperately tries to catch the figurine. But he’s too late and it tumbles out of his grasp.

Pete groans as Wilson sways beneath him.

PETEWilson, hold on!

WILSONTo what? What do I hold on to?

PETEI mean wait! I’m coming to get you!

WILSONOh don’t worry, I’m not going anywhere!

Pete slowly lowers himself down. His hand on the rucksack starts to slip away and Wilson can hear it, like peeling glue.

WILSONUgh, Pete? Might want to hurry up there, buddy!

Suddenly the grip goes and Wilson screams again. But at the last moment, Pete is able to grab him with another arm. He lifts Wilson back up, groaning from the strain.

Wilson grapples for the brainstem. Slumps against it, breathing heavily.

WILSONYou saved my life, Pete. Thank you.

Pete shrugs, red-faced, also panting.

PETEYeah, well, you’d have done the same for me.

WILSON Not likely! Have you seen the size of my arms?

PETEYou make a fair point. Good job you’re a light little so-and-so.

EXT. BRAINSTEM - CONTINUOUS

The trio pull themselves up onto the platform, Pete pushing Wilson and Riley ahead of him before climbing up himself. They take several moments to recover.

Wilson stares down into the abyss, cradling his torn rucksack.

RILEYI’m sorry about Bioman, Wilson. I know how much he meant to you.

WILSON

Thanks, but it doesn’t matter.

He hurls away his rucksack, watches it plummet into oblivion.

WILSONLet’s just go and find the real thing.

EXT. MOUNT BRAIN - DAY

The trio emerge on the rough, uneven surface of Mount Brain.

WILSONCome on, we need to hurry. We’re running out of time.

They start scrambling upwards, stooping forwards, using their hands to steady themselves. The mountain shakes from a sudden fever. Laid bare on all sides are the tree stumps and trampled plants from the Men-in-Gitis’ rampage.

EXT. BRAININGHAM PALACE - DAY - CONTINUOUS

The ground starts to flatten out and a turret appears on the horizon.

WILSONLook! It’s just there! Brainingham Palace!

(starts running ahead)I can’t believe we-

Wilson stops dead in his tracks. The others catch up with him and also stop dead.

The palace has been left in ruins, reduced to a pile of smoking rubble other than a single standing turret. Bearskin caps and red Queens' Guard uniform litter the ground.

RILEYWhat the hell happened here?

PETEIt’s the Men-in-Gitis. They attack the brain first. Just like in the video game.

Wilson staggers forward in a daze.

WILSONNo... no, it can’t be.

They wade through the rubble, clearing it with their feet, but there is nothing left to salvage.

Riley comes across the half-scorched remains of the flag of Daisy. She crouches down. Cradles it. Then lays it to rest.

WILSONThere’s got to be some way to contact them: a button. A telephone. Anything!

He spots a large pile of rocks. Rushes over to it.

WILSONHere, help me shift this!

He tries to displace some of the rocks. Groaning. Muttering. The rocks do not budge. 

Pete and Riley simply watch him. Wilson turns on them angrily.

WILSONWell, don’t just stand there! Help me!

Pete ambles over, helps push the rocks over. There is nothing underneath.

PETEMaybe there isn’t anything, mate. Maybe they really have disappeared for good.

WILSONNo, I refuse to believe it. They said they’d come back. My mums told me to have faith. They wouldn’t lie to me. They wouldn’t...

He stares out across the mountaintop but there really is nothing. He sobs, falling to his knees. He faces up at the sky, puts his hands together in prayer, closes his eyes.

WILSONPlease, Bioman, I’m begging you: if you’re out there somewhere, can you help us? We need you. We need you

more than ever. If you don’t, Daisy will surely die. And therefore we will too.

He opens his eyes. The sky shimmers back, unchanged from before.

RILEYI don’t think they’re coming, Wilson. I’m sorry.

They walk over to him. Help him to his feet.

PETEBut hey, at least you still have us, right? The dream team! Your blood!

Pete’s words strike something in Wilson. As Riley and Pete trudge back the way they came, Wilson remains where he is.

WILSONBlood...

His eyes suddenly widen. He rushes forward to catch up with the others.

WILSON Guys! Guys! I know what the answer is!

RILEYThe answer to what? Sorry to break it to you, but I solved that riddle ages ago.

WILSONNo, not the riddle! The answer to how to defeat Lord Gitis! Remember what the Gatekeeper said: I come in all different kinds of types- And without me, you should know, there can be no life. The reason why Daisy’s Immune System is failing is because they refuse to embrace all that blood cells have to offer. It’s not just about white cells. It’s about all blood cells.

Pete and Riley still look bemused.

WILSON

Take this journey: before you arrived I was struggling badly. I even managed to fall into the mucus pools!

PETEI knew it!

WILSONBut with you two here to help me, we’ve been invincible! Riley with her street-smarts and energy. Pete with his dexterity and weird stickiness. And me...

Wilson falters.

RILEYYou with your courage and strong heart. To even set out here in the first place.

Wilson smiles gratefully.

WILSONMy point is Daisy needs all of us if she is to survive. But no one else has realised it yet.

He looks around him.

WILSONCome on, we need to get back to Spleenfield. We need to tell everyone!

RILEYOkay, but how? It took us more than a day to get here and my legs are dead. We’ll never make it back in time!

Suddenly, from behind them, a loud whinny. They turn. Standing amidst the rubble are three horses, bearskin caps perched precariously on their heads. Wilson looks at them and grins.

EXT. MOUNT BRAIN - DAY

The three horses gallop down the side of the mountain, Wilson whooping, Riley and Pete clinging on for dear life. They disappear through a hole in the blood-brain-barrier left by the Men-in-Gitis army.

EXT. OUTSKIRTS OF SPLEENFIELD - DAY

The Men-in-Gitis troops are well-drilled and in sync as Lord Gitis marches them to the top of a burgundy hill. He orders them to stop with a single flick of his hand. He looks down into a valley, at Spleenfield, and licks his lips.

LORD GITISI love the smell of blood cells in the morning.

He turns to his men.

LORD GITISAttention!

The soldiers snap to attention.

LORD GITISMen! Today is our day. The day we take the land of Daisy for good. We have stripped them of all that they own!

(the men cheer)Reduced their towns and forests to dust!

(the men cheer again)Now all we must do is vanquish their last trembling line of resistance. In a few short hours, our job will be complete. And Daisy shall be no more.

He turns to face Spleenfield, withdraws his ray gun.

LORD GITISLet the bloodbath commence!

EXT. SPLEENFIELD TOWN CENTRE - DAY

The remaining white cells watch, trembling, as the dark shadow appears on the hilltop. Standing at the rear, Director Candidus notices the red cell and platelet civilians watching from their doorways.

DIRECTOR CANDIDUS Get inside! All of you inside - that is an order! The white cells will handle this! It is what we were born to do!

The civilians reluctantly head inside, but reappear again at the windows. Director Candidus stares straight ahead, ghostly white, forehead dripping with sweat.

DIRECTOR CANDIDUSWe can do this, white cells! We are the elite! We are the-

His voice falters. None of the white cells are listening to him anyway. With trembling hands they reach for their weapons.

The silence of the square is broken by the clattering of hooves against stone. Then a neigh. Then Wilson, Pete and Riley burst into view on horseback. They ride straight up to Director Candidus, pulling up the horses like experts.

DIRECTOR CANDIDUS(under his breath)

Ugh, just what I need right now...

WILSONDirector Candidus! I know what we need to do to stand a chance!

Fury crosses Director Candidus’ face.

DIRECTOR CANDIDUSI thought I told you to stay out of my way! You were never good enough to make it as a white cell. And you’re still not good enough now!

WILSONYou may be right, sir. Maybe I am not good enough. But this is bigger than just me. And the white cells alone are not good enough either, no matter how highly you think of them.

Some of the closest white cell soldiers overhear the conversation and turn around to listen. Director Candidus is enraged.

DIRECTOR CANDIDUSDon’t listen to him! He’s weak! And a fool!

Wilson sits up on his horse so that everyone can see him.

WILSONI’m not the fool here! He is! For years, he and his ancestors have been too ignorant to see that white cells are not the only important blood cells out there. We all are!

Director Candidus’ moustache twitches.

DIRECTOR CANDIDUSWhat did you say about me?

WILSONYou heard me! And so did everyone else! Generations of red cells and platelets have been repressed by your kind, marginalised from society just like you did with the Anti-Biotics! You’ve tried to reduce them to nothing more than non-key cells -- working-class, low-skilled nobodies. But it’s not true!

Wilson stands precariously upon his horse - now everyone can see him. Red cells and platelets have returned to their open doors and windows to witness him.

WILSONRed cells and platelets! We need you! We’ve always needed you! Daisy is a human that cannot rely solely on the work of white cells. When I was young, my mums taught me something - each of us is special in our own different ways. But all of us are important. We have a collective responsibility to care for our world. Because we only have one Daisy. And if we don’t protect it now, it - and us with it - will be gone forever.

The air raid siren echoes across the town. The crowd jump with fright. Up on the hillside, the Men-in-Gitis army start to descend towards them.

PETEMate, we don’t have much time. Do you think you can save the big speech for

afterwards and get on with, you know, the war stuff?

WILSONOh yes, of course...

(back to crowd)Now I may be no expert in warcraft, but my friend, Pete, and I have played our fair share of fighting games over the years-

RILEYYou mean every day?

WILSONYes, every day. And most nights as well. But what I’m trying to say is, we think we know what we need to do to stand a chance against Lord Gitis.

DIRECTOR CANDIDUS You think?

Remarkably, the whole crowd shoot him down with icy stares. Director Candidus shrivels into himself. The crowd turn back to Wilson, galvanised by his spirit.

WILSONWe need everyone to play their part - not just white cells, but red cells and platelets too. For the Immune System to achieve its full potential, it requires all of us. Now listen in carefully, cause we don’t have much time. This is what we’re going to do...

EXT. SPLEENFIELD - DAY

Lord Gitis marches his army through the impoverished outskirts of Spleenfield. The streets are eerily quiet, with not a blood cell to be seen.

MEN-IN-GITIS SOLDIERWhere are they all?

LORD GITIS

Must be quivering in their pants out of sight. They do say blood rushes from the surface when you’re feeling scared.

He fires his ray gun and several nearby bubble cars explode into flames.

LORD GITISThat should flush the babies out!

A lone platelet suddenly appears in the road up ahead: it’s Pete.

LORD GITISAh, breakfast is served!

Pete stands his ground as the army stomp towards him. He tries to control the quivering in his legs.

LORD GITISSo this is all the Daisy Immune System has to offer? One trembling platelet, ha!

PETELord Gitis! I never thought I’d get the chance to meet you in real life. It’s an honour. You know, I’ve fought against you online about a thousand times before today. You’ve annoyed me more than TV adverts, slow wifi and wasps put together. Well, this is the final time. Today, I will be victorious!

As Lord Gitis reels from confusion, Pete turns to his side.

PETENow!

Several thousand platelets all rush the street from various hiding places. They link arms together, forming a barrier that encircles the whole Men-in-Gitis army.

Lord Gitis surveys the new opposition.

LORD GITISThere must be thousands of you bloody blood cells! Good, more fun!

Lord Gitis and Pete lock eyes.

LORD GITISMen, fire at will!

PETEPlatelets! Arm yourselves!

The Men-in-Gitis army start firing at the platelet barrier. At the same time, the platelets use their spare arms to reveal makeshift shields made from household items - cooking pans, dustbin lids, picture frames. Some platelets are hit and evaporate in puffs of red. But most deflect the rays away, several bacteria bursting into gloop from the rebound.

Lord Gitis roars and charges towards the barrier. As the rest of the army follow him, the platelets roar back.

The street is a flurry of green lights as deadly rays flash and ricochet in all directions. Pete grits his teeth as his section of the barrier shudders from repeated impact.

PETECome on, guys, we need to stick together!

NEIGHBOURING PLATELETLiterally?

PETEYes, literally!

The platelets continue to deflect rays. But as the Men-in-Gitis army advance they quickly become overwhelmed. Several platelets evaporate next to each other, a gap forming in the wall.

Lord Gitis is handed a rocket launcher by a subordinate. Takes aim. Fires at the gap. The surrounding platelets are blown away and suddenly the gap is now a passageway.

The Men-in-Gitis army surge through triumphantly -- only to be confronted by a sea of interspersed white and red cells. Leading the line are Wilson and Riley, armed with a broomstick and a rake.

WILSONHey, scarface! Quit bugging us already!

He winks at Riley.

WILSON

Was that good? Was that like Bioman?

RILEYMeh, could do with some work.

WILSONDagnabbit.

He stares Lord Gitis down. Raises his broomstick. The Immune System army let out a raucous battlecry.

The two armies charge towards each other.

A bacteria makes straight for Riley, firing rapidly. Riley uses her sickled shape to dodge this way and that, deflecting them off with her rake. When the bacteria is in reach, she leaps. Somersaults over a ray. Clobbers the bacteria over the head. Reduces it to gloop.

Wilson gets caught up in the stampede. Trips. Is able to roll out of the way to avoid being trampled.

WILSONCome on, Wilson!

A bacteria rushes past. Wilson sticks out a leg. The bacteria is sent sprawling and pops underneath a rush of feet.

WILSONYeah!

He produces a little fist pump. Clambers to his feet. Surveys the battle.

A bunch of red cells push against the base of an advertisement board. It teeters. Then it topples, crushing a group of screaming bacteria underneath.

Pete and a band of platelets use their multiple sticky arms to grab passing bacteria. They spin them around till they're blurs, then fling them into the air. 

A team of white cells engage bacteria in hand-to-hand combat. They pull out their karate moves. Blocking. Feinting. Weaving. And finally karate chopping them into the ground.

Lord Gitis roars in anger.

LORD GITIS Enough! Let’s end this once and for all!

He fires his ray gun thrice. Three platelets disappear in a puff of purple. He then wrestles a curtain rail out of a white cell's hand. Swings it around him, knocking surrounding cells over like dominos. He fires at a RED CELL. The beam takes out a chunk of the cell's side. Blood starts dribbling out.

RED CELL Help, I’m leaking! Has anyone got more blood?

Riley rushes over. Scoops the red cell up as Lord Gitis fires again. Both miss the ray by the finest of margins.

Wilson spots Lord Gitis through the crowd.

WILSONHey! Pick on someone your own size!

Wilson brandishes his broom. Races towards Lord Gitis. Lord Gitis smirks, beckoning him to approach. Wilson swings with the broom, aiming at the head. Lord Gitis catches it in mid-air.

LORD GITISMy size? I’ve picked bits out of my teeth bigger than you.

He wrenches the broom up and Wilson is dragged with it. He desperately clings on, being shook to and fro. His hands slip and he crumples to the floor.

Lord Gitis shoots at him, but Wilson rolls out of the way. He jumps to his feet. They stare each other down.

WILSONI’ve been waiting for this moment. You killed my parents!

LORD GITIS(smirking)

I wish I could say I remember them. But I don’t. They meant nothing to me.

Wilson growls and charges at Lord Gitis again. Lord Gitis sticks out a heavy boot. Kicks Wilson to the ground with ease.

Lord Gitis looms over him, aiming down with his ray gun, sneering. Wilson tries to kick his legs away. He makes contact, but Lord Gitis doesn’t even flinch.

LORD GITISIf it’s any consolation, I kill a lot of parents. And quite a few kiddies too!

Pete dispatches an opponent. Happens to glance in Wilson’s direction.

PETEWilson! No!

Wilson closes his eyes. Accepts his fate.

Suddenly a huge flash of lightning shoots across the sky. Lord Gitis stares upwards, distracted. Thunder rolls over the battlefield, drawing everyone to a standstill, and dark clouds converge directly above. Then, from their midst, three figures burst into view:

Bioman. Pillboy. And Medigirl. The Anti-Biotics are here!

The trio dive low over the battlefield, flinging several bacteria in the air with their updraft. They swoop back skywards. Complete a full loop then shoot towards the ground. At the last second, they pull up. Land smack on their feet in a cloud of dust.

The dust clears and the trio stand there proudly, hands on hips. They look older, packing more weight than their TV show days. But still every bit the superheroes.

Wilson opens his eyes. His jaw drops.

BIOMANDid someone call for a kill pill?

WILSONDammit! His lines are better!

Lord Gitis glares at Bioman.

LORD GITISBioman! And the two less important tablets who no one remembers! What an unpleasant surprise. I should have known you’d show up!

BIOMANWherever we're needed most, Lord Gitis, that’s where we’ll always be. As for you, I think you’ve infected these poor souls for long enough!

LORD GITISLong enough? I’m just getting started...

Lord Gitis reaches for his back. Pulls out a laser cannon. Aims it squarely at Bioman.

LORD GITISReady to face your end, Bioman?

BIOMAN(unperturbed)

Nope, but I’m ready to end your face.

Lord Gitis growls and fires. Bioman launches into the air, the laser passing underneath him. The crowd scream and duck, the ray whooshing over their heads. It blows up the ice cream parlour across the square.

PETENo, not the ice cream store!

Bioman hovers above the crowd.

BIOMANOh, now you’ve really made them feverish!

Bioman swoops in and the battle recommences all around. Bioman grabs Lord Gitis by the neck, slams him against the ground. Lord Gitis drops his cannon and roars. Flips him over. Now Lord Gitis is on top.

Bioman kicks out and Lord Gitis flies backwards. He's caught by several of his fellow bacteria. He shrugs them off angrily.

LORD GITISNobody touch him! He’s mine!

He whips out his ray gun. Rapid-fires. Bioman dodges the rays Matrix-style, somersaulting and twisting through the air. He lands behind Lord Gitis. As Lord Gitis spins around, Bioman punches him in the face. His military cap is knocked off, revealing an unfortunate monk-style hairline. The crowd - both enemies and allies alike - gasp in shock.

BIOMANOops, that was unfortuna-

Lord Gitis punches him back, landing three quick jabs to the face. Bioman’s nose trickles a bright liquid. Lord Gitis raises the ray gun

again. They grapple for it, forcing the barrel up to the sky. Several shots are fired.

EXT. SKY - CONTINUOUS

Several pigeons flap nonchalantly through the air. All but one are hit by the rays, erupting into balls of feathers. The lone survivor squawks in horror and flaps desperately away.

EXT. SPLEENFIELD TOWN CENTRE - CONTINUOUS

The dead pigeons splat against the ground amidst the fighting as Bioman and Lord Gitis continue to grapple. Bioman launches into the air, dragging Lord Gitis with him. Their fighting causes them to lurch all over the place, twisting and spiralling.

Still they continue to grapple for the ray gun, strength equally matched. Whenever one looks like the have the advantage, the other fights back.

Bioman glimpses the terrain. They’re heading straight for the city hall! A brainwave crosses his mind.

Bioman rips off his superhero cape. Caught in the wind, it wraps itself around Lord Gitis’ face. Lord Gitis roars but clings onto the ray gun. Bioman, however, let's go and pulls away.

The cape comes away just in time for Lord Gitis to glimpse the advertisement board outside the city hall. His eyes widen. He opens his mouth to scream.

Splat! Lord Gitis cannons straight into the advertisement board. It is promoting mushy peas and his splatted remains merge with the picture perfectly.

The fighting suddenly ceases. Everyone turns to look at Lord Gitis’ spattered remains. Elation crosses the faces of Wilson, Pete and Riley. Horror crosses those of the Men-in-Gitis army.

MEN-IN-GITIS SOLDIERRetreat! Retreat!

The Men-in-Gitis army turn and flee back towards the hills. Medigirl and Pillboy rise into the air. Bioman swoops in between them, his cape rejoining him on his back.

BIOMANJust like old times.

MEDIGIRL After you?

BIOMANNo... together.

Their eyes glow red. They swoop over the scattering bacteria, lasers beaming from their eyes. Every bacteria the beams touch evaporates into a fine mist.

The civilians of Spleenfield stand below, watching the lights display in awe. Soon there is not a bacteria left standing.

The three superheroes descend towards the ground. The crowd make a clearing for them, applauding rapturously as they land. Bioman puts up his hands bashfully.

BIOMANPlease... please... thank you all for the kind applause. It’s good to finally be back here in Daisy. Pillboy, how long has it been?

PILLBOYFour generations. Not since the golden skin infection of infant-hood.

BIOMANOf course! Impetigo! How could I forget? My, I was so much more flexible back in those days. And not quite so portly.

(pats his belly)But anyway, as kind as your welcome is, I’m afraid we're not the heroes you should be applauding here. No... that honour should belong to them!

He points through the crowd. The crowd parts slowly, all turning to stare. Eventually they reveal Wilson, Riley and Pete, standing together in an awkward huddle. A TV camera crew push to the front to film them. Wilson doesn’t know how to react.

BIOMAN

It takes a lot of guts to believe in something bigger than yourself, but even more to stand up and fight for it. Those kids believed in something when no one else did. And that something was all of us.

LIVE NEWS FOOTAGE:

The TV cameras turn to Bioman. The headlines ‘Lord Gitis Squashed’ and ‘Anti-Biotics Return To The Rescue’ scroll along the bottom of the screen. Bioman embraces the limelight like a seasoned showman. He starts to pace through the crowd.

BIOMANWhen we were last here in Daisy, we were banished from a world that was broken and naive. Not because of what we’d done. But because of who we were.

Bioman plucks a cowering Director Candidus from the crowd. He holds him effortlessly aloft to be made an example of. Shakes him with every sentence. 

BIOMANIt didn’t matter that we were here to help. We weren’t white cells. And so people like him didn’t want us.

He drops Director Candidus to the ground and he quickly crawls out of reach.

BIOMANThey didn’t want red cells or platelets to be a part of their Immune System either. And that’s what really got me. Because no matter how smart, or strong, or brave as individuals you think you are, we are always better off when we work together.

Bioman wanders over to Wilson, Riley and Pete. Wraps one large arm around the three of them, squeezing them together. 

BIOMANThese kids learnt that. They understood that it’s okay to ask for help sometimes.

Know your limits and know that everyone has flaws: white cells, red cells, platelets. Even me.

TV REPORTERSo what’s your weakness?

BIOMANFunny cat videos. Can’t get enough of them. Oh, and antibiotic-resistant bacteria. Man, I do not get on with those guys.

(beat)In short, what I’m trying to say is it shouldn’t take an emergency for us all to start working together. But now that we’re here as one, let us continue that way. Respect each other for who they are and what they do. Because in times of adversity, no less than the contribution of every single cell out there will see us through. We are all the same Immune System. We are all the same blood. And we are all equally important.

END LIVE NEWS FOOTAGE

The TV camera crew withdraw to review their footage. Bioman kneels down in front of Wilson, their heads at equal heights. He rests a hand on Wilson’s shoulder.

BIOMANIt’s Wilson, isn’t it?

PETE(gushing)

Oh my gosh, he knows your name! (scolds himself)

Just play it cool, Pete, play it cool.

Wilson is starstruck.

WILSONHow do you know?

Bioman smiles, taps the side of his forehead.

BIOMANYour parents would be proud of you.

WILSONYou think?

Bioman stands up. Winks.

BIOMANI know.

They both glance up at the clear blue sky.

EXT. SPLEENFIELD TOWN CENTRE - DAY

The Anti-Biotics squad assemble in the centre of the thinning crowd. Wilson, Riley and Pete stand at the front watching.

BIOMANI don’t know when you might need us again, but know that we will always continue to watch over you. That said, I have a feeling you're in safe hands now.

Bioman looks to his sidekicks. They nod back at him. Together they take to the skies. They circle the crowd once as the civilians cheer below. Then they shoot upwards and disappear in a twinkle of light.

INT. WILSON AND PETE’S DORM - DAY

Wilson and Pete are back in front of the TV playing the Anti-Biotics video game. Riley is sat behind them, half-watching.

PETECome on, Wilson! Teamwork! Remember we all need to pull our fair share of the weight.

WILSONExactly! So why don’t you do us a favour and put a bit more effort in?

Their fingers fly across the joypads. Riley rolls her eyes.

RILEY

Look at you both! One compliment from a superhero and suddenly it’s as if you’re part of the Avengers.

On screen, Bioman and Medigirl attack Lord Gitis with flying karate kicks. Lord Gitis’ health bar drops to zero and his character dissolves into a pool of green gloop.

PETEOh my word! We’ve done it! We’ve actually done it! After all this time! I can’t believe it!

Wilson and Pete fling their arms in the air, hug each other tight. But their cheers quickly fall flat. They awkwardly part, stare puzzled at each other.

PETEDoesn’t feel as big a deal anymore now that we’ve beaten him in real life.

Riley stretches out, yawns exaggeratedly. She stands up.

RILEYWell, now that’s finally over, perhaps we could do something fun for once? Maybe something outdoors in the sun? You’re looking awfully pale, Wilson.

WILSONHaha, just because you’re already sunburnt.

Wilson suddenly has a brainwave, his eyes lighting up.

WILSONActually, I think I know just the thing.

EXT. SPLEENFIELD TOWN CENTRE - DAY

The trio cycle leisurely through the town centre on rickety bicycles.

Blood cells work together to repair the destroyed ice cream parlour: red cells ferry wheelbarrows to and from the building site, white cells pass up bricks and mortar to the platelets who then fix them into place.

They cycle past a set of three billboards:

On the first, blood cells peel away a poster of a menacing-looking Director Candidus pointing into the camera.

On the second, blood cells paste down a new poster of red cells, white cells and platelets standing proudly arm-in-arm. The banner reads: ’Daisy's New Improved Immune System’.

On the third, blood cells try to scrub the green gloop of Lord Gitis off the mushy peas advertisement board. The gloop refuses to budge.

BLOOD CELLHmph, even dead he still manages to annoy us...

Riley and Pete start to pull ahead on their bikes, leaving Wilson trailing.

WILSONHey, guys! Wait up! This isn’t fair, I’ve only got tiny legs!

EXT. SK-EYE GARDEN - DAY

The garden has returned to full bloom, the lawn laden with daisies and bright sunshine beaming overhead. The trio dump their bikes on the grass and tread across to the park bench.

RILEY Wow, I can’t believe I never knew about this.

WILSONMy parents took me here once when I was young. It was their favourite place in the whole of Daisy.

RILEYI can see why.

The trio sit on the park bench and look skywards:

EXT. DAISY’S HOUSE - DAY

DAISY’S POV - Daisy steps out of a car. She's led carefully up the driveway of a suburban home by her parents. They open the front door for her.

INT. DAISY’S HOUSE - CONTINUOUS

DAISY’s POV - Inside, the hallway is adorned with balloons, streamers and a large banner reading: Welcome Home, Daisy! A puppy rushes up to her and leaps up onto her legs. Daisy laughs and fusses the pup.

DAISY (O.S.)And I’ve missed you too, Pickle.

EXT. SK-EYE GARDEN - DAY

Wilson, Pete and Riley gaze at each other proudly.

PETEYou know what? I think she might be okay.

WILSONYeah, we did alright.

INT. DAISY’S HOUSE - DAY

DAISY’S POV - she continues to fuss Pickle.

MUMWhy don’t you take her outside, Daisy?

DAISYGreat idea, mum! Come on, Pickle! Come on!

EXT. DAISY’S GARDEN - CONTINUOUS

DAISY’S POV - Daisy lets herself out of the house. Rushes onto the lawn as Pickle jumps up around her.

She falls onto her back among the grass. Pickle leaps on top of her, licks at her face. Daisy giggles and pushes him off.

She stares up at the sky: blue, cloudless, perfect.

EXT. SK-EYE GARDEN - DAY

Wilson, Riley and Pete sit there admiring the same view.

FADE TO BLACK.

THE END