* **_TABLE OF CONTENTS**_*
1. DROP DEAD
2. FULL ACCESS
3. STRANGER TIDES
4. THE DEAL
> “DROP DEAD”
EXT. TAMPA VIST - EVENING
SUNSET. Chaos ensues at Tampa VIST. Rows of cops lined up against a tall service building, the front headind titled: Tampa Valley Institute of Sciene and Technology Student Services Center. The engine purrs softly as Sterling emerges from his vehicle and approaches the area.
STERLING SMITH
Did Luna bring the money?
LANCE STARR
2o million in cold cash. Waiting on your call.
STERLING SMITH
Then wait a bit longer. I'm letting Indra run the show. Distract him as long as possible.
LANCE STARR
Understood.
Lance joins with the rest of the team. Sterling eyes the building in full details. Apart from the first floor, there's a handul of glass windows, but most of the facility is vaccummed sealed. An existential clock ticks; it's a game of patience for Sterling, but a game of speed for Indra.
STERLING SMITH
(re; radio -- Indra)
Dectective Suzuki, report your status.
CUT TO INDRA: He sneaks around the corner and places his palms around a dull metal doorknob. He forceful twists and it unlocks.
INDRA SUZUKI
I've reached inside. First floor.
STERLING SMITH (VOICE OVER)
(radio)
Any problems?
INDRA SUZUKI
What floor is he on?
BACK TO STERLING: Sterling meets up with commmuncations team, currently on the phone with the apprehender. They try to negotiate a better deal.
STERLING SMITH
What floor is he on?
No one listens. Frustration rises. Sterling grabs the phone.
STERLING SMITH (CONT'D)
Listen, bonehead. If you want to play your twisted game, your still going to need to follow some rules. What floor are you on?
HOSTAGE TAKER (VOICE OVER)
There's no need for such anger. You might scare me into killing everyone.
STERLING SMITH
Better add yourself to that list if you do.
HOSTAGE TAKER (VOICE OVER)
I am located at the top most floor of the building. If you choose to comply with my demands, bring the one of your officer and the money there.
Sterling puts the microphone on mute.
STERLING SMITH
(re; radio -- Indra)
Indra, we've got a location.
INSIDE THE BUILDING: Indra recieves the call, climbing up the second the floor. He stops at the top of the stairs and looks out the window. A massive huddle of officers waiting outside.
STERLING SMITH (VOICE OVER)
He's at the top most floor. I'll keep him busy as long as I can, but don't do anything that'll garner his attention. I've already got a bad feeling about this one.
INDRA SUZUKI
Copy that. Heading to the third floor now.
Indra continues climbing up the stairs, but with every step he notices the silence of the building.
INDRA SUZUKI (CONT'D)
It's... So quiet. Was it always this desolate?
He shakes his head and pushes further. BACK WITH STERLING: On the phone with the building in the rear of his eyes.
STERLING SMITH
How do we know you're not lying to us?
HOSTAGE TAKER (VOICE OVER)
What do you mean?
STERLING SMITH
I've been doing this job for a heck of a long time. I know how this goes. You ask us to send one guy with the money, and when he get's there, you shoot him. It's not going to work out like this?
HOSTAGE TAKER (VOICE OVER)
I see your concern, but I assure you I won't do anything of the sorts. Unless of course, you send him up here.
The radio team, which is listening in on the conversation, all look at one another with faces of confusion. They look at Sterling for a response.
STERLING SMITH
Who's him?
HOSTAGE TAKER (VOICE OVER)
You don't know? That's a shame. I guess it will be a game of chance.
STERLING SMITH
Don't play stupid with me, old man. Who of my officers are you threatening?
Pause.
HOSTAGE TAKER (VOICE OVER)
You've surely heard of the name Marx Starlight.
A collective gasp rippled through the crowd. Lance looks at Sterling hesitation to make a move.
STERLING SMITH
Yes, I have. What about him?
HOSTAGE TAKER (VOICE OVER)
Then you must have heard all about his opinion of Shiva Starlight? How he loathed him?
STERLING SMITH
Jealousy.
HOSTAGE TAKER (VOICE OVER)
Yes, jealousy. I guess you could call it that. But, no, it was more... Disbelief. Frustration. How could a lowly, half-educated scum from the muds of Tampa Valley possibly charm an elegant and sophisticated woman like Luna.
STERLING SMITH
What would you know about the muds? The hardships and pain? You think every poor person is the same?
HOSTAGE TAKER (VOICE OVER)
This isn't off assumptions, Detective.
Sterling pauses.
HOSTAGE TAKER (VOICE OVER)
I have seen Shiva Starlight in person. I, unlike the rest of the world, speak from true experience. Believe me, Shiva was not fit for Luna.
Sterling stands up and heads towards the Service Center.
STERLING SMITH
What makes you fit to decide that? What gives you the power to interfere with someone's love? Do you even know a percent of the struggle the poorest of Tampa citizens have to go through?
HOSTAGE TAKER (VOICE OVER)
It seems talking was useless. You didn't understand a thing. Let's hurry this up and bring me my money.
STERLING SMITH
What I said still stands? We don't trust you.
HOSTAGE TAKER (VOICE OVER)
(audible sigh)
Very well then. I'll propose another idea. You show me that your foce has indeed brought me the money and I'll come in person to collect it. How does sound? Does that sound fair?
Sterling nods to his team.
STERLING SMITH
You've got yourself a deal.
HOSTAGE TAKER (VOICE OVER)
Wonderful. Alright, now, have the officer wearing blue hold the money out in front of the building?
STERLING SMITH
Blue? Who's hearing blue?
LANCE STARR
Coby is.
STERLING SMITH
Coby, hold the briefcase. Stand in front of the building.
Coby, a tall man, rocking a blue collared shirt over his coat, stands in front of the building and holds up the briefcase.
HOSTAGE TAKER (VOICE OVER)
I can't quite see him. Farther.
STERLING SMITH
Take a step back, Coby.
Coby takes two steps back.
HOSTAGE TAKER (VOICE OVER)
A little more.
Coby takes another step.
HOSTAGE TAKER (VOICE OVER)
A bit farther.
Annoyed, Coby takes another step backwards. The rest of the cops watch ins suspicion. INSIDE THE BUILDING: Indra reaches the top floor out of breath. He peeks through the small window on the door, hand on his gun, seeing no one there. He lifts his gun out and...
INDRA SUZUKI
TVPD. Freeze and buts your hand up.
But there's no one inside. PRE-LAP:
HOSTAGE TAKER (VOICE OVER)
Just a tad bit further. There. Now, I'm happy.
Indra breaks in the through the radio.
INDRA SUZUKI (VOICE OVER)
Sterling! Come in Sterling! This is Detective Suzuki.
STERLING SMITH
Indra. What is it?
INDRA SUZUKI
There's no one here. I repeat, there is no one here.
STERLING SMITH
What? Are you sure?
INDRA SUZUKI
Yes. Top floor. Not a single soul is here.
Sterling hops on the phone.
STERLING SMITH
Hold it a second. You said you were on the top floor of the Student Service Center.
HOSTAGE TAKER (VOICE OVER)
Oh, I said I was on the top floor of the building. I never said which one.
INSIDE THE BUILDING: Indra peers out the window. A shiny reflection is seen at the hospital across the room.
STERLING SMITH
Are you fucking with me? Where the hell are you?
INDRA SUZUKI (VOICE OVER)
Mr. Sterling! The hospital! He's at the hospital!
STERLING SMITH
Hospital?
Sterling looks the towering building and finds the same reflective glint. He turns to Coby.
STERLING SMITH (CONT'D)
Coby, mo-
BANG! A sniper straight to his head. Coby drops dead on the floor as the pool of blood colors the grass. Panic ensues amongst the police.
STERLING SMITH (CONT'D)
Everybody, calm down... Just...
It's all too much for Sterling to take in.
STERLING SMITH (CONT'D)
Lance, call a medic. Now.
(re; radio -- Indra)
Dectective Suzuki. Report to me. Where are you?
INDRA SUZUKI (VOICE OVER)
The hospital. I'm certain that's where is. If I can get there before he leaves, I can stop him.
STERLING SMITH
Listen to me, Indra, don't go there. It's dangero-
INDRA SUZUKI
I don't care. He just killed one of your officers. Don't you care?
STERLING SMITH
I do. That's precisely why I'm not letting you go. He's dangerous. He won't hesitate to kill you.
INDRA SUZUKI
But, sir... I promised someone that I didn't care if I got scared... I had to step up and do the right thing. I'm going.
STERLING SMITH
Indra, don't. Don't go-
Indra is unresponsive. Sterling calls another number in a hurry.
LUNA STARLIGHT (VOICE OVER)
I heard gunshots. What's happening?Is everyone okay? What's all the commotions? Sterling, answer me?
STERLING SMITH
Luna, where are you right now?
LUNA STARLIGHT (VOICE OVER)
Patrolling by an Elm Street. Why?
STERLING SMITH
Stop by Tempa VIST. Come pick me up. We're heading to the hospital.
LUNA STARLIGHT (VOICE OVER)
(stammering)
What? Why? Is everything okay? Why are we heading to the hospital? What happened?
STERLING SMITH
It's a lot to explain. Just get over here now!
Luna's call pulls up to the center and Sterling hops in.
STERLING SMITH (CONT'D)
Step on the gas!
Luna pushes firmly as the car speeds up to 60 on it's route to the hospital.
LUNA STARLIGHT
Okay, stop avoiding the questio now. What the hell is happening?
STERLING SMITH
We've been duped. The guy shot one of our men. He's not at the Service Center, he's at Darren Healhcare.
LUNA STARLIGHT
Someone got...
(almost throws up)
Where's Indra?
STERLING SMITH
He's going to the hospital.
LUNA STARLIGHT
What? You let him. Are you out of your mind?
STERLING SMITH
It was not my choice. He ran off on his own.
Luna steps on the pedal harder. The car zooms forward as it approaches the hospital. It parks in a packed parking lot. Patients and citizens come screaming, running out of the hospital. Luna and Sterling exit the car, running towards the front gate. They squeeze past the crowd and up the stairs.
LUNA STARLIGHT
Where is he?
STERLING SMITH
At the top floor. Take the elevator.
LUNA STARLIGHT
No, it's too crowded. We have to run keep running the stairs.
Luna and Sterling push up the stairs, getting to higher and higher floor. The tension is rising.
STERLING SMITH
Luna, wait. I need to tell you something.
LUNA STARLIGHT
Can it wait?
STERLING SMITH
No, I need I tell it now.
LUNA STARLIGHT
We've to get Indra first.
STERLING SMITH
It's about your father, Luna!
Luna abruptly stops looking at Sterling. Then she keeps continuing up the stairs.
STERLING SMITH (CONT'D)
Wait, Luna. Listen to me. The guy who called... He kept mentioning your father. He told me all about how he didn't approve of Shiva. Said you could do better.
LUNA STARLIGHT
I don't need hear that thing again.
STERLING SMITH
Luna, it's import-
LUNA STARLIGHT
No. Just get Indra and leave.
STERLING SMITH
For God sake, listen to me. The guy knows something about your father. Are you really about to run in there with no plan?
LUNA STARLIGHT
He knows something about my father? How special. I know a lot a about my father. Most noteably, that he's more useless than a pile of rocks in the Pacific Ocean.
Sterling continues to chase Luna up the stairs, who keeps pushing the pace, trying to avoid the conversation. They're at flour 15 now.
STERLING SMITH
(coughing)
You're being as reckless as Indra now. Just step back and let me handle this.
LUNA STARLIGHT
Not until I see him alive.
STERLING SMITH
You need stop seeing doing that.
LUNA STARLIGHT
Doing what?
STERLING SMITH
You know what I mean. You think I don't notice. Why hang you out with Indra all the time? You see Shiva in him. You think he'll heal pain of your past. But wake up to reality, he's not Shiva. He's own person with own goals.
(MORE)
STERLING SMITH (CONT'D)
If you keep seeing as the man you used to love, nothing good will happen! To him and to you!
Luna doesn't say anything. She extends the gap further.
STERLING SMITH (CONT'D)
Luna, don't ignore me.
Suddenly, land gets a call on his phone. It's Lance. He stops and picks it up.
STERLING SMITH (CONT'D)
Why now, Lance.
FOLLOW Luna up the stairs. Her breath is heavy, almost as if she's about to cry. She reaches close to the top floor but then she sees a trail of blood. It leaks down the steps, and she steps on it, smearing it all over the marble floor. Her breath becomes shakier, she can't control herself. She slowly turns around the corner. And there's Indra standing on the ledge against the wall. His arm is bleeding with blood trickling down his fingertips. He softly looks up at Luna, trying to say something.
LUNA STARLIGHT
Indra...
Indra coughs, his body shaky and unable to control itself.
INDRA SUZUKI
(coarse voice)
Luna... It's... Your father.
Injured drops into Luna's arm. She sloughly holds him, the blood leaking on her shirt.
LUNA STARLIGHT
(growing louder)
No. No. No. No. No!
> “FULL ACCESS”
INT. COSBY AND CORY HOSPITAL - NIGHT
A silent empty hospital. The dead of night. Luna, with her arms wrapped around her knees, sits quietly to herself with her head buried deep into her body. Her hair now frizzy wraps around her and giving her a possessed aura. Sterling Smith with a grim face walks into the scene. He takes one good look at Luna and decides to take a seat next to her. The two sit in silence for some time.
LUNA STARLIGHT
What did the doctors say?
STERLING SMITH
He'll be alright. He managed to reomve the bullets, and, luckily, none of his vitals were hit. A couple days in recovery and a few more days in physical therapy and he should be back to normal.
LUNA STARLIGHT
That's good.
But she doesn't mean that. Sterling Fidgets around, not knowing what to say to break the silence. He plays on his phone, looking through his contacts. He picks his father and received the messages that have been sent. One dated two hours ago, regarding the Tampa Vista situation. And after that, nothing. Sterling leans back in his chair and takes a deep sigh.
STERLING SMITH
Are you holding up alright?
LUNA STARLIGHT
As much as I can. It's... A lot to take in. Even more so that the Burgesson case.
STERLING SMITH
Yeah, I know. These last weeks have been nothing but hectic. I haven't had proper sleep in days.
LUNA STARLIGHT
I just want go back to way things were. No stupid case. No one dying. Just us, at the station, having fun, doing our jobs.
STERLING SMITH
But Luna, this is our job. It's not all rainbows and sunshine. No one joins this force because it's fun. I told you, Luna, not to see him as-
LUNA STARLIGHT
How can I not?
Luna lifts her head up her eyes are steaming red, deprived of any sort of sleep or rest. She looks up at Sterling with tears rolling down her face, and anguish covering her face.
LUNA STARLIGHT (CONT'D)
Everything he does. The little jokes, the way he dress, the way he walks... His smile. Everything is like him. How can I not see Shiva in him? How can I not? Did I tell you when I was drunk, I thought Shiva wasn't dead. I thought I was talking to him, alive. But no, it ws just Indra. You can tell anything, but you cannot tell me to not see Shiva in him.
Soft fuzz emanates in the background as Sterling thinks of his mother, police sirens wave in the distant. Then suddenly, his mother's words fade into his mind:
NADIA SMITH
Sterling, I know I haven't lived long enough to teach you a lot, but if there's one thing I can teach is to be kind. You never know what grief the other person is going through.
STERLING SMITH
I understand. But I said that not to make you feel unhappy. It was the opposite. If you treat Indra like Shiva, the same might befall him. That's not something I want.
The two rest in silence as the clock takes forward and forward and forward with each passing 2nd like a ticking bomb.
STERLING SMITH (CONT'D)
Let's go. We can't spend all day at the hospital.
Sterling stands up.
STERLING SMITH (CONT'D)
Come on, Luna. We have to head back to the station. I promised Vanessa I get her something. We'll get something to eat too. Now let's move.
INT. TAMPA VALLEY POLICE MAIN STATION - NIGHT
PITCH BLACKNESS. ONLY THE DIM MOON. Inside, a barren office -- everyone's gone home for the day. Only a small handfuls of diligent and restless officers remain; the night shifts. Though, it's ironic. The streets are silent, almost no crime to be done at this hour, and the city reaks of wet grass. Still, the station is getting calls and messages. First responders are rushing to the scene. Sterling parks the car in front of the station. They go from the daunting darkness of night into the hollow fluorescent lights inside. Sterling takes a moment to grabs two large brown bags from the back, each almost half his size. He lays them down on the front table. Vanessa sits by her lone self, rolling around the leather chair. A lively smile when Sterling and Luna arrive, but one quick look at their dim expression is all it took to shut her up. Luna looks at her, regretfully, and musters up a small smile.
LUNA STARLIGHT
We're going to go to the Chief's office. There's some Italian by the table. Feel free to have whatever you want.
But even Vanessa knows it's fake.
VANESSA DARTH
Okay.
The two get to the Chief's office and take the two seats across from him. Colin clears his desk to make room for a crummy saffron colored folder. In rushed writing, he scribles the words Case Shiva, Sterling Smith on top of it. He hands the colored papers inside of it to Sterling and adjuts his computer screen.
COLIN SMITH
This is it. The full Case Shiva. Apart from all the information you found recently, this is all we had. I think I have some more here on the files, but not of much help.
Sterling plows through the papers. He looks back up at his father.
STERLING SMITH
Hamilton was a suspect?
COLIN SMITH
Originally, yes. But with his disapperance and a lack of evidence, we never looked further.
Sterling grabs a pen and circles a few words on the paper in bright red. There's a common theme amongst each word -- “Hamilton,” “Dissapperance,” “Hamilton Missing.” He hands the file to Luna, seeing if she would recognize anything. She grabs the paper and studies the highlights.
LUNA STARLIGHT
I don't remember much about Hamilton. I do remmeber he was very excited about the play. He loved theatre. Anything else, you would have to ask him?
Sterling looks at his father with dead eyes. Colin looks at his computer screen to confirm with Sterling. He sends a message to a contact.
COLIN SMITH
I'll see if I can book a session. Hamilton was there in person.
(MORE)
COLIN SMITH (CONT'D)
He would another great source of information.
Sterling shakes his head as his father types away ons his keybaord. He can hear almost every intricate sound -- the clock, the keyboard, the chair, the papers shuffling back and forth. They all bother him. He clencehs his first to calm himself, throws himself against the seat to relax, but he continues to fidget and shake at the sounds.
STERLING SMITH
Where was Marx Starlight?
The room pauses. Collectively, everyone looks at Sterling.
COLIN SMITH
What do you mean?
STERLING SMITH
During the play, where was your father, Luna?
LUNA STARLIGHT
He never came to play. He never came to any of my projects. I invited him several times to my premiere, but he never came. I think he knew I gave them to gim in out of remorse.
STERLING SMITH
Remorse? How?
LUNA STARLIGHT
I got into a big arguement with him over shiva. He never approved of us getting married. After that, we never contacted each other again. When Shiva died, I thought it was him at first, but I was too scared to think of anything. Now, though, I'm convinced. He defenitely killed my husband.
COLIN SMITH
What convinced you?
STERLING SMITH
The phone call, maybe?
LUNA STARLIGHT
A little bit of that, but something else too. When I found Shiva at the hospital, standing on the stairs, he said something to me. It sounded like, “Your father.”
COLIN SMITH
The report I got was that he hat set up an intricate escape route from the top floor to the first floor. Essentially, he blended himself with the crowd.
STERLING SMITH
How did he get a private room in the first place? That hospital is usaully full.
COLIN SMITH
He was money. Anything is possible with that.
LUNA STARLIGHT
I think the person who called and the one who shot Indra was my father. It had to have been him.
STERLING SMITH
I think we have a lead there. Dad...
COLIN SMITH
I know. As of today, Sterling, I am giving you full reign of Case Shiva. Anything in this force is at your disposal. Use them wisely.
STERLING SMITH
I will. And I promise you, I'll have every sick and twisted person involved in this crime behind bars.
COLIN SMITH
Good. What about Indra? Is he okay?
STERLING SMITH
The doctor's said he just needs somet time to recover. He'll be back in about a week. Until then, we'll continue investigating for more leads. Particulary, I want to talk with Burgesson and Hamilton again. Luna?
LUNA STARLIGHT
I'll talk with Burgesson.
STERLING SMITH
(nods)
Wonderful. Thank you for your time, Chief. We'll be leaving now.
COLIN SMITH
(checks his watch)
I think you should clock out for the day. You don't work nights shifts. Get home and get some rest. You too, Luna.
LUNA STARLIGHT
Yes, Chief.
The two leave the office and into the lobby. It's even quieter now. All you can hear is the sounds of plastic boxes and forks shuffling. Vanessa, sitting by herself in a corner, eating a plate of carbonara. She looks up at the two and smiles. Sterling goes towards the door.
STERLING SMITH
Vanessa, it's 11:45. Tommorow's a school day. Go home, okay.
As Luna leaves, Vanessa softly tugs on Luna's sleeve. The woman stops and looks down to see a horrifying picture of a mounrnful Vanessa.
VANESSA DARTH
Miss Starlight... Is Indra okay? I didn't mean to listen in on your conversation. It's just got so sad all of a sudden. Is everything okay?
Luna pulls Vanessa into a motherly hug.
LUNA STARLIGHT
Everything's alright. Indra's going to fine. We've almost solved the case. Don't worry about a thing.
Vanessa nods.
STERLING SMITH
Vanessa. You wanted to be a detective, right?
VANESSA DARTH
Yes, sir. I wanted to become one after I graduate.
STERLING SMITH
No need to wait that long. I have a job for you. Find me everything you can about Marx Starlight. Anything. Even the slighest info can lead us on the right path. Understod?
VANESSA DARTH
Understood!
STERLING SMITH
Welcome to the team, then.
> “STRANGER TIDES”
INT. TAMPA VALLEY POLICE STATION - DAY
Inside a sleek stint of the yard prison, a compound mix of despair and heartfelt emotions. The visiting center filled with anyone from families to children to best friends, all with tears and deep pain in their hearts. The room is cold surrounded by white walls, which give a sense that this is not an ordinary prison, one for holding people of standard crimes. No, this is an intense prison meant for holding the worst of the worst criminals. Separated by thin glass walls, you don't even need telephones to hear what the other person is saying. The fuzzy sound of commotion and arguing sprays in the background. CUT TO an isolated corner void of human interaction. The voices of other prisoners are dimmed here. A thin, fluorescent light flashes on and off. MEDIUM SHOT: A familiar setting, Sterling Smith sits in one chair to the right, sitting across of Christian Hamilton to the left. Hamilton has a smirk on his face as he chews on a piece of chocolate. Not sure how he got that. He looks up at Sterling and offers him the piece of chocolate.
CHRISITAN HAMILTON
You want some?
Sterling, without even talking, pushes his hand away, creating a division between the two.
CHRISITAN HAMILTON (CONT'D)
It's good. You should try it. Way better than that supermaket crap.
STERLING SMITH
I came here for important business, not to diddle around with you and your chocolate.
Hamilton laughs, not understanding the joke.
CHRISITAN HAMILTON
Alright, detective. What do you want? I thought I already gave you all the answers.
STERLING SMITH
Partially. There's still a whole lot more I need to know. And you are keeping it a secret for me.
CHRISITAN HAMILTON
Now, why would I do that detective? I'm just a humble, ordinary theatre actor.
STERLING SMITH
That's exactly why. I need the story straight. What happened at theater in the moments before the death of Shiva?
Hamilton thinks. Perhaps thinking about telling him the truth. Perhaps thinking about lying. A mix of emotions on his faces. You can't read him.
CHRISITAN HAMILTON
I don't how much more I can tell without ruining the fun.
STERLING SMITH
What fun?
CHRISITAN HAMILTON
Seeing you solve the case.
Sterling slams his fist onto the metal table.
STERLING SMITH
You think this a game? People are dead, looking for solice. If I don't get an answer from you, I'm going to force it out of you.
CHRISITAN HAMILTON
Isn't that the reason you dear father got mad?
STERLING SMITH
There's a difference. I didn't have the case back then. Now, I'm a tiger with no leash. You still remember what happened with Burgesson.
Hamilton laughed even louder almost choking at the joke it. Is it a joke?
CHRISITAN HAMILTON
Bold. Very bold. You know, for that, I'll tell another piece of information. You see, it was not my idea to kill Shiva. I just wanted him gone.
STERLING SMITH
What the hell does that mean?
CHRISITAN HAMILTON
You know exactly what it means. You just haven't pieced everything together yet.
A slow thought goes up Sterling's face as he tries to put the pieces of the puzzle together. He thinks Hamilto, Shiva, Luna. Marx. Marx. Marx... Wait, Marx Starlight.
STERLING SMITH
Marx Starlight ordered it.
CHRISITAN HAMILTON
There you go. You're on the right track already.
STERLING SMITH
What do you know about Marx? How much of it did he plan?
CHRISITAN HAMILTON
A good portion. Though, Marx is simple-minded. For a big name, he has a simple brain. He's very... One-dimensional you can say. He doesn't think of intricate plans, he just buys them. Just like he buys people like us.
STERLING SMITH
What do you mean by that?
CHRISITAN HAMILTON
He offers us something we can't refuse. Then he uses that to make us do his work. But in the end, he never gives us what he wants.
STERLING SMITH
You got you wanted.
CHRISITAN HAMILTON
That was rare. It just so happened that our goals were similar. Though I had a less extreme version of it.
STERLING SMITH
But why? Why did you want Shiva gone so badly? What was the reason? What did he do to you?
CHRISITAN HAMILTON
It's not what he did. There was nothing personal there. It what that Godforsaken society did.
Christian leans in closer his voice getting lower and raspier.
CHRISITAN HAMILTON (CONT'D)
You know that world is. If you're not born a star, you'll never be on. It's the people at the top that have all the say. They can rid of you your dreams. That's who I had a problem with.
STERLING SMITH
And you killed someone innocent because of it?
CHRISITAN HAMILTON
It could have been anyone.
STERLING SMITH
You sick twisted motherfucker!
CHRISITAN HAMILTON
Oh, watch your language. I respect my mother quite a lot. If not for her, I wouldn't even have told you this much. Speaking of which, have you singled him out?
STERLING SMITH
No, I'm waiting for the right moment.
CHRISITAN HAMILTON
That would be your first mistake. The longer you keep waiting, the more he'll keep getting things done, the worse your plans are going to become. And then victory will be gone. You see, he is a very special guy. He's like me. He sees what he wants, he does it. He doesn't work for others, even if it seems like he does. The worst thing you can do, Sterling, is to keep him waiting.
SLOW ZOOM IN on Sterling's face As Hamilton's words play through the screen, Sterling thinks hard, deep about his actions and then... CUT TO Sterling walking out of the room. He enters the main lobby where other police officers and jailers stand by, but they're not actually working on anything, simply for show. He meets up with Luna, sitting on a couch, scrolling through her phone. She looks up from our screen.
LUNA STARLIGHT
How did everything go?
STERLING SMITH
Good. He's still a loose cannon, but I've got some useful information out of him. Your father is defintively involved in the murder. He hired the gunner and Hamilton.
Lunar bites her fingers. She doesn't want to hear these words.
LUNA STARLIGHT
That's tough to hear, but I should've excpected it. Is it my turn yet?
STERLING SMITH
Burgesson should be set up. Be careful though. He's going to say things to get on your nerves. Don't let them affect you. This time there's no Lance to cover things up.
LUNA STARLIGHT
I understand that.
CUT TO:
Back in the same isolated interrogation room. Luna sits on one chair at Burgesson sits on the other. Burgesson, who's a little bit more dangerous, still in handcuffs as he stares at Luna, looking for some sort of reaction. A sinister smirk is on his face. Luna takes a deep breath and then looks at her papers.
LUNA STARLIGHT (CONT'D)
Mr. Burgesson, I hope I'm not disturbing you this afternoon.
VAN BURGESSON
I get you're being formal, but are you kidding? This is jail. There's nothing I got going.
LUNA STARLIGHT
Good. Then you can answer my questions.
VAN BURGESSON
How many of these have I done again?
LUNA STARLIGHT
Three including this one. But don't worry, I'll make things different. My first question, did you ever know or meet Shiva Starlight?
VAN BURGESSON
Nope, I was too young to know him. If anyone met on this problem, my father, but he never let me stay at the theater. Only on special occasions, he said.
LUNA STARLIGHT
I see. I've met your father. He was a good man. An honest man who understood the value of hard work. He was once rude to anyone. A starking difference, don't you think?
VAN BURGESSON
I loved my father. Don't get that wrong. But my father was a fool. He didn't understand the power that money had. He ran a business where money and status meant everything. That's why I swore I'd never go back to that life. I'd never be poor, never again.
LUNA STARLIGHT
And for that, you decided to indulge in a life of crime.
VAN BURGESSON
There's a difference though. I'm not like Hamilton or your father. My crime never hurt anybody. I just made my money and I left. That's it.
LUNA STARLIGHT
Yes, I'm aware that your crime never physically hurt anybody. What about the impact? You were suspected of stealing money from HSCC charity. They help a lot of young children get better. Do you still think that didn't hurt anybody?
Burgesson rolls his eyes, leaning back in his chair.
VAN BURGESSON
I told you before, I didn't steal the money from the charity. I make enough money scamming people at the theater. Why the hell would I need to steal from a charity? Besides. I know that place another guy who works today. hH's a good friend of mine. I would never steal anything from him.
LUNA STARLIGHT
Good friend? Or just another person you're lying to.
VAN BURGESSON
Okay, I see where you're going with this. Let me clear something up for you. I have friends, and I have allies. I lie to my allies, but I don't lie to my friends. No, I would never do that. I'm sure you would understand a few things. You got friends and you got allies too. You're like me. You tell one person to lie and the other person the truth.
LUNA STARLIGHT
When have I told a lie?
VAN BURGESSON
You think I don't know the stories my father told me. I know practically everything that happened at that theater from start to finish in full detail.
(MORE)
VAN BURGESSON (CONT'D)
There's a lot of things you're keeping a secret from everybody. How long are you gonna do that for?
LUNA STARLIGHT
I do-
VAN BURGESSON
Actually let me rephrase that. How long do you think that's gonna keep working? They're gonna find out eventually. And when they do, you're gonna run some stupid excuse to cover up for yourself.
Luna clinches her fists slowly taking a deep breath of meditation. Burgesson still has that stupid smirk on his face.
LUNA STARLIGHT
Let's move on to the next question.
VAN BURGESSON
Whatever keeps you happy.
LUNA STARLIGHT
In the recen years, or even weeks, have you ever had a conversation with a person named Marx Starlight?
VAN BURGESSON
Come on. When you ask questions like that, I think you know the answer. Like, just save me the trouble. Of course I've talked with the guy. How else do you think I get paid?
LUNA STARLIGHT
Interesting. And what does he tell you?
VAN BURGESSON
It's always the same crap every call. Do your job right. Don't let the people know what happened at the theater. Don't let Luna come to the theater. Don't let the cops figure anything out.
(MORE)
VAN BURGESSON (CONT'D)
It's so stupid. He gets on my nerves every time. And when things go south, I get the blame, as if he didn't make the plan.
LUNA STARLIGHT
It seems you dislike him.
VAN BURGESSON
I told you I lied in my allies, and he's not a friend. I hate him with every fiber of my being.
LUNA STARLIGHT
I guess we have something in common after all. May I ask you, why do you hate him?
VAN BURGESSON
He'd told me I would get paid two million dollars, untraceable cash, straight to my door, if I do his job for him. Now, when I do that job, you know what he does? He gives me another job. Said I haven't earned my money yet. He keeps doing that over and over and over and over. I've never once been paid by this guy.
LUNA STARLIGHT
I see. Then my final question. Do you happen to know where he lives? Or any place we could find him.
VAN BURGESSON
If I knew that I would have rotted him out long ago, like I said, I hate this guy. I would do anything to get him behind bars. But I don't know anything about him. He's mysterious. But there is somebody you can ask. Hamilton will probably tell you all about the guy.
LUNA STARLIGHT
Why Hamilton?
VAN BURGESSON
From what I've heard, Hamilton will do anything to that guy. He'll trash talk him, disrespect his family, spit in his face. He'll he'll call his crazy. He'll theathen to shoot him in the head. But Hamilton will never be punished. Hamilton can't be punished. Hamilton isn't scared of Hell. Hell is scared of Hamilton.
LUNA STARLIGHT
Thank you for that, Mr. Burgesson. That was quite informative. Keep helping the police sound like that, and you could be out of this place in a few years.
VAN BURGESSON
Don't push your luck. You don't get to decide the justice system.
Luna playfully smiles as she leaves the room.
INT./EXT. COSBY AND CORY HOSPITAL - DAY
The sun blazes down on the pristine asphalt of the hospital parking lot. Outside, LANCE and STERLING emerge from a black sedan. The air is cool and sterile inside the hospital lobby -- Gleaming white tiles, modern art hanging from the walls. A large reception desk sits at the center of the room, manned by a young woman. Lance and Sterling approach the desk.
RECEPTIONIST
Good morning. Can I help you with something?
LANCE STARR
Uh, yes. I'm here to visit someone. Family member.
RECEPTIONIST
Last name.
LANCE STARR
Starr. S, t, a, r, r. First name, Amelia.
RECEPTIONIST
Alright, she is room 402. Just head down to the left and take elevator to the fourth floor. Please be mindful of our visting hours.
LANCE STARR
Thank you.
Lance and Sterling head to the elevator. The metal doors slide shut with a soft hiss and begins to ascend.
STERLING SMITH
Who are we visting anyway?
LANCE STARR
My mother. I wanted you to meet her.
STERLING SMITH
This is the first time I'm hearing of this. How did you mother end in the hospital?
The elevator lurches to a stop and the doors open with a squeak. They step out onto a brightly lit corridor.
LANCE STARR
A car accident. I think it was... Nine, maybe ten years ago. It was terrible weather. She couldn't see a thing. The cart in front of her lost control of the wheel and the two of them collided. The whiplash caused her to be paralyzed.
The sterile white walls and hushed atmosphere a stark contrast to the enclosed space they just left. Lance strides ahead, just one step ahead of Sterling.
STERLING SMITH
God. Is it... Cureable? Is that that the right word?
LANCE STARR
The doctor said she can be treated. Being honest, I don't know how that works, but I'm glad it does. Unforunately, she has to be transferred to a private hospital. There, they can treat me. I don't have the money for that.
STERLING SMITH
I thought your family was quite wealthy. Your father had real great connections.
LANCE STARR
When my father divorced my mother, he took everything with him. I have nothing left to cure her with except the scraps I earn at the station.
STERLING SMITH
I'm sorry. I didn't know that.
LANCE STARR
Honest mistake. I never told anybody.
STERLING SMITH
How is she noW?
LANCE STARR
Have a look.
Lance pushes open the door to room 404, revealing his mother, Amelia, lying in a hospital bed. The room is brightly lit, with various medical machines humming quietly in the background. Her bed is tilted at an angle, propped up by pillows to help her breathe easier. She hears a door handle unlock. Her eyes flutter open slightly as she hears the door creak open.
LANCE STARR (CONT'D)
Mother, keeps your eyes closed. The doctor said they're growing weak. I don't want you lose them.
Amelia smiles weakly, her eyes struggling to focus.
AMELIA STARR
Lance? You came to visit?
LANCE STARR
I come everyday, Mom. What are you talking about? You took your medications?
AMELIA STARR
I live, breath, and sleep in the hopistal. I can't miss them.
Everything about this woman, apart from her periods, is exactly like Lance, her sense of humor, her witty jokes, her style of talking. Lance reaches out and takes her hand, his touch gentle and reassuring
LANCE STARR
Listen, I paid some of the money to get you transferred. I'm almost there. Just stay with me for a few more weeks. And then we'll go all around the world. You wanted to go to Italy, right? Rome?
AMELIA STARR
Sicily, Lance. I want to go Sicily. See the ancient ruins, taste the delicious food, and soak up the sun.
LANCE STARR
Yeah, yeah. Wherever you want to go, Mom. Just... promise you'll stay with me a little while longer.
AMELIA STARR
I won't go anywhere, my dear. I'm right here with you. I couldn't leave you if I tried.
Sterling steps forward, offering a warm smile.
LANCE STARR
Look, I know you can't see him, but I brought my friend with me. Mom, this is Sterling. Sterling, this is my Mom.
Sterling nods his head in respect.
STERLING SMITH
Hello, Miss Starr. It's a honor to meet you. You raised a good son. He's one of the best.
AMELIA STARR
You must be the Sterling I keep hearing about. Lance tell all about you.
STERLING SMITH
Well, I hope it's the good half of me.
LANCE STARR
I'll leave you two alone for a while. I'll talk to you after, Mom.
Lance gives his mother a kiss on the forehead and leaves the room, closing the door gently behind him. Silence between the two.
AMELIA STARR
My son tells me a lot about you. Said you're a good person. You've helped him a lot.
STERLING SMITH
I try to be. Though sometimes I'm not always kind.
AMELIA STARR
You seem kind to me. Lance... He hasn't had any friends over the years. I remember when he was younger, him and Luna would play in the house all day. And when he got a little older, he would bring me that boy she married. What was him name?
STERLING SMITH
Shiva Starlight.
AMELIA STARR
Yes. He was a sweet boy. Very innocent.
(MORE)
AMELIA STARR (CONT'D)
Lance always talked about him. The two of them were great friends. They were inseparable. There's wasn't a day that went by when you didn't see them together. But after that, the only person he every smiled at was me.
STERLING SMITH
I'm sure he cares about you deeply.
AMELIA STARR
I know he does, but I also worry about him. He spends so much time looking after me, I fear he's neglecting his own life.
STERLING SMITH
Sometimes our life's purpose is to bring joy to others. It's not about our own affection if it means seeing that person, the one who is so special to us, smile again. We would do anything to get that.
Amelia smiles gently.
AMELIA STARR
You're a wise young man, Steling. You know the weight of your words. I'm glad Lance found a friend in you.
STERLING SMITH
(Hesitates)
Thank you, Miss Starr. I... I appreciate that.
AMELIA STARR
Tell you what, why don't you call Lance back in? What kind of son shows up and then leaves his mother alone all day?
STERLING SMITH
He had it get somewhere.
AMELIA STARR
Don't push it, young man. I treat Lance's friend like my own children. That doesn't mean I won't beat from time to time.
They share a laugh.
STERLING SMITH
Thank you for time, Miss Starr.
AMELIA STARR
You're always welcome to come back.
STERLING SMITH
I'm sure I will.
> “THE DEAL”
INT. TAMPA VALLEY POLICE MAIN STATION - EVENING
Sterling heads out of one room and towards the exit. He stopped by Vanessa's desk, who is signing some papers. She looks up at him and then goes to grabs some folders. She can't sterling a purple folder -- Inside are articles and news reports about Marx Starlight all dated from years ago.
VANESSA DARTH
The last confirmed sighting of Mr. Starlight was after the Burgesson Theatre incident. When he was asked about the death of his son-in-law, he provided no comment.
STERLING SMITH
That's a normal reaction. Anything else?
VANESSA DARTH
Nope. He's never shown himself again. There some speculations about where he lives. I checked those out, but there dead ends as well.
STERLING SMITH
What about his old house?
VANESSA DARTH
Also nothing. Lance was correct; no one lives there anymore. I'm sorry I couldn't find more, Mr. Sterling.
STERLING SMITH
No, you did good. It's a big task for you.
VANESSA DARTH
Do you think we'll ever find him?
STERLING SMITH
Don't worry. After today, we'll exactly where he is. There won't be a single action we don't know. Keep searching for now. I'm going to check on Indra.
INT. COSBY AND CORY HOSPITAL, PHYSICAL THERAPY - EVENING
Inside a symmetrical white room, nurses and physical therapists surrounding Indra picks up a piece of weight, pulling it up to a shoulder. His breath oscillates as he lifts the weight up and down. His hand is still quite shaky. From a distance, Luna watches. A smile is present on her face as she sees the progress Indra mekes. One lift, two lift, three lift and over and over again, getting better with each step. Sterling enters the room.
STERLING SMITH
That's where you were.
LUNA STARLIGHT
I had no work, so I thought to stop by.
(beat)
He's doing good. Making progress.
STERLING SMITH
Will be good in time?
LUNA STARLIGHT
The doctor says he should be good to go by Sunday.
STERLING SMITH
That's when Vanessa's birthday is, right?
LUNA STARLIGHT
Shoot. I completely forgot about that. What should I get her? A concert ticket? A new phone? What does she like?
STERLING SMITH
Calm down. Relax. You've still got a couple of days. Just ask her what she likes and buy it for.
LUNA STARLIGHT
But that's not how surprises work! They're supposed to be, well, surprises.
Indra takes notice of Sterling.
INDRA SUZUKI
Hey, Mr. Sterling. Did something happen?
STERLING SMITH
No, just checking up on you. How's everything going?
INDRA SUZUKI
Pretty good. I can't lift more than 25 pounds yet, but I'm getting there. Man, I never realized how much a bullet hurts until now.
STERLING SMITH
It's a dangerous job. At least you weren't hit anywhere vital. That would have been much worse.
(checks the time)
Okay, I've got to go. Good to know you're doing well. Luna, meet back at the station by nine, okay?
Sterling exits the building.
LUNA STARLIGHT
Indra, I'm sorry. I'm so sorry.
INDRA SUZUKI
Sorry for what?
LUNA STARLIGHT
For my father. It's all my fault. He wants to kill because of me. He thinks another Shiva. He's wants to get rid of you from my life.
INDRA SUZUKI
I don't understand. How does father's acting make it your fault?
LUNA STARLIGHT
Because! If I was just a little bit more careful, none of this wouldn't have happened.
Indra grabs Luna's hand.
INDRA SUZUKI
Luna, listen to me. I've told you from the start, you're one of my closest friends. The person I could always turn to and trust. So believe when I say it's not your fault. When I find your father, I'll make him pay for everything that's he ever done. Make feel him feel the pain he caused you. I promise.
LUNA STARLIGHT
Thank you, Indra. Thank you so much.
EXT. TAMPA VALLEY POLICE MAIN STATION - NIGHT
FULL MOON. Luna's car pulls up to the station. Rows of police officers stand in formation in front of the station. All in uniform all. All in military style. Sterling stands in front of all the officers. He gives them a harsh look. Bleak clouds form over the sky, covering up the light.
LUNA STARLIGHT
What the hell is this?
STERLING SMITH
Luna. Stay to the side with Dad.
LUNA STARLIGHT
Not until you explain what's happening! Why are all these officers standing around? They have jobs to do!
COLIN SMITH
Luna. Please.
Luna reluctantly steps back and stands beside the Chief. Sterling strides forward, his eyes scanning the assembled.
STERLING SMITH
Every single one of you is wondering why I brought you out here today. Why I have you standing in front of the station as clouds prepare for a stormy season. It pays me to say this, but there is a mole in the station, a traitor to the cause. Normally, I would try to confront this traitor on my own, but he's made it difficult for me. So we're going to play a little game.
Sterling takes out a .375 Holland Mangum. He spends the cylinder and then slams it in. He points the weapon up in the air, and then towards the police officers.
LUNA STARLIGHT
What the hell is he doing?
STERLING SMITH
One bullet. Only one bullet in the six possible chambers. Russian Roulette. Here's how it'll work. I'll call one officer. You'll stand up in front of me. I'll point the gun towards you. And, bam, if it's a blank, you're safe. If it's not, well, good luck.
Luna's eyes widen in horror.
LUNA STARLIGHT
This is insane! That's the stupidest idea I've heard. What if you kill the guy who's the traitor? How do you even know there's a traitor.
STERLING SMITH
He gave me a lot of clues to work with. As for hitting someone innocent don't worry about that. I know exactly which chamber the gun is in. Officer Mack. Step up.
Officer Mack, his face pale with fear, steps toward Sterling. His hands tremble as he stands before the gun.
STERLING SMITH (CONT'D)
Why are you trembling? Are you nervous?
MACK
I've never had a gun pointed so clearly at my head.
STERLING SMITH
And you call yourself a officer? Well, then. You seem the prime candidate. Unsuspecting, hides in the shadows. Let's see how you do.
Sterling's finger slowly presses the trigger... Click. A loud, empty click echoes in the night air. Mack lets out a shaky breath of relief.
STERLING SMITH (CONT'D)
You're not the traitor. Next. Officer Perez. Step up.
Sterling repeats the process, pressing on the trigger and... Again, nothing.
STERLING SMITH (CONT'D)
Safe. Next!
Sterling keeps repeating the process until he gets to:
STERLING SMITH (CONT'D)
Detective Lance, step up.
LUNA STARLIGHT
You think Lance is the traitor? You've lost your mind. Chief, he's lost his mind.
Nut Lance steps forward without hesitation, the gun pointed his head. He adorns a blank face.
STERLING SMITH
No reaction. Are you not afraid of dying?
LANCE STARR
No, sir, I am afraid. Deeply. I don't want to die.
STERLING SMITH
But you seem confident. Let's test your luck.
Sterling's finger creeps towards the trigger. He slowly grips it. And as the finger presses the trigger -- BANG! Lance knocked Sterling's hand out the way. The bullet goes flying in another direction. Lance scrambles to his feet and sprints towards his car. All the officers stand in disbelief.
STERLING SMITH (CONT'D)
Don't let him run away! Catch him! And don't kill him! We need him alive!
Sirens wail as police cars screech out of the station. You can hear the engines purring in the background. Sterling heads to his car. He opens the door to his McLaren 570, but is stopped by Luna.
LUNA STARLIGHT
Sterling. Hold it. What the hell happened?
STERLING SMITH
What do you think happened? Lance the mole.
LUNA STARLIGHT
But I know Lance. He wouldn't do this. He was just scared.
STERLING SMITH
Listen to this: Lance joined the force two days after you did. He requested to be in the same team as you. Additionally, out of this entire station, he is the only person who's ever met Marx Starlight. So, either you get in the car and chase him or you keep vallowing.
Luna gets inside the car. Sterling steps on the gas.
INT. COSBY AND CORY HOSPITAL - DAY
Inside of Pearl White room, Indra sits on the desk. A nurse hands him a glass of water.
NURSE
And light's out happens at ten. If you need anything else, please call us.
INDRA SUZUKI
I will and thank you.
The nurse leaves the sea, and it takes the remote to turn on the TV. The news is playing. They showcase footage of the flashing cars driving through traffic, trying to chase Lance.
NEWS REPORTER
This just in. Breaking News: The Tampa Valley Police Department seemed to be involved in a chase of one of their own men. The officer being chased in question is Lance Starr, a ten year detective with the agency. As of now, the chief has reported no such information as to why, but we will keep you updated with live footage.
INDRA SUZUKI
Chasing? Lance?
Indra looks at the door.
EXT. TAMPA VALLEY STREETS - DAY
Follow Sterling's car speeding through red lights. INSIDE THE CAR: Luna bangs her hands against the window.
LUNA STARLIGHT
Why? Why him? I... I've known him since I was four. Why did he have to turn out this way?
STERLING SMITH
He's Lance. He's a good person. I'm sure he has a good reason. But whatever it is, we need to catch him first.
LUNA STARLIGHT
How did you find out?
STERLING SMITH
Hamilton gave me an inside clue. But when I started thinking about Lance being the mole, it made sense. During the Burgesson interrogation, he seemed to know a little bit more about the situation then me. He wasn't once surprised by anything that happened.
LUNA STARLIGHT
So, you think Lance was involved with Shiva.
STERLING SMITH
No. From what I've heard, they were good friends. I still don't see how he would join force with Marx, but I can't see why he wouldn't either.
Stern looks to make it turn, nut as he does, a flash of light blinds him. It's another car, a big truck. Sterling steps on the pedal trying to steer away, but the two make contact and the sleeker car hits a pole. Luna steps out the car enraged.
LUNA STARLIGHT
What the hell is wrong with you? You're driving on the wrong side of the road.
The car doesn't do anything except move forward. Luna rushes to the driver's seat.
LUNA STARLIGHT (CONT'D)
You okay?
STERLING SMITH
My foot's stuck. I can't move it.
LUNA STARLIGHT
Let me help you.
Luna holds onto Sterling and attempts to pull him out of the car. Sterling managed to squeeze out, but when he tries to thin on both legs, he winces in pain. He hobbles around on his left leg.
STERLING SMITH
Shit. My leg, my leg.
LUNA STARLIGHT
Is it broken?
STERLING SMITH
Probably. I can't walk.
LUNA STARLIGHT
I'll call the Chief. He'll pick us up.
STERLING SMITH
What abou-
LUNA STARLIGHT
Don't worry about Lance. Your oficers are after him.
INT. EXT. INTERSECTION - DAY
Plants makes it when isolated area. He parks his car behind a large warehouse. He places a key into the door and lifts it open. Then he closes it behind him. Only the soft moonlight enters the room -- DARKNESS. A small droplet, some sort of liquid. It's all over the floor. Lance functions in the room as if the lights are still on. He makes its way to a table.
INDRA SUZUKI
Turn around and put your hands up.
Injur Suzuki, his fingers shaky, points a gun to Lance's head. Lance turns around, but he doesn't put his hands up.
LANCE STARR
Ten out of ten on the entrance. A six for the saying. I would gone with saying nothing. Sometimes silence works best.
INDRA SUZUKI
You would know aweful about it. Keeping a major secret silent from the station. Why should I should not shoot you for it?
Lance pulls out a lighter and flicks it on.
LANCE STARR
That would be stupid. I think you understand what's on the floor isn't water.
Indra shuffles his feet. He gets a good smell. It's oil.
LANCE STARR (CONT'D)
If you decide to shoot, I'll blow us both into pieces. A part of us there. A part of there. A part of us all the way in Los Angeles.
INDRA SUZUKI
You're ready to kill yourself to hide the truth.
LANCE STARR
No, I wouldn't kill myself. I'm too afraid of that. I'm risking death. You won't shoot me because you're afraid of dying. And I won't drop the lighter because I'm afraid of dying. We're the same.
(MORE)
LANCE STARR (CONT'D)
We both value our lives more than others. We're selfish like that.
Indra clinches onto the gun, his fingers still shaky.
INDRA SUZUKI
No. I'm not selfish. I'm not like you. I don't tell lies.
LANCE STARR
You're not? How many people there know your story? How many people have hid the truth from? You've lied to people, Indra. We've all lied to people.
INDRA SUZUKI
Why?
LANCE STARR
Why lie?
INDRA SUZUKI
Yes. Why lie to everybody? Why are you working with Marx? Did he offer you money?
LANCE STARR
Money is half of it. My mother in the hospital. Been so for many years. She needs to get to a private hospital for better treatment. I need money for that.
(beat)
I said before Indra. You are not I similar. We're both selfish pricks in this stupid world. We've both seen hell up close for different reasons. And it's because we know that hell that we value our lives. That we lie so we can surive another day. Even if we survive to help another soul, we lie. We become selfish to become a selfess.
INDRA SUZUKI
That's wrong! You don't know anything about me.
LANCE STARR
I know everything about you. From the day you came into this agency, I knew what you were. You want to care for others, but you can't help take care of yourself instead.
INDRA SUZUKI
You're wrong!
LANCE STARR
Am I? Then, let's do something. If you agree to shoot yourself -- Bang! Through the head -- then I'll turn myself in, tell them everything I know. And I know a lot. Everything you could possibly need to know about the case. So, go on, do it. Just pop a couple piece of lead.
The gun fiddles around in Indra's hand.
LANCE STARR (CONT'D)
See, you can't do it. You're not going to kill yourself for the truth. But I guarantee you if Luna came crying in here or something, you'd do it.
INDRA SUZUKI
No. I don't know if I can trust.
LANCE STARR
Don't give me that crap. You can't trust anybody in this world. There's nobody left to trust. You have seeing trust; you have to reliability. Can this person get the job done? That's it. That's all you see. Because if you trust someone, it only brings pain.
INDRA SUZUKI
Are you speaking from experience? Because you broke our trust.
Lance jolt towards Indra. He grabs his gun and places it to his head.
LANCE STARR
Look, you see this gun. It's not a threat. It's the tool of death. Whoever holds this has the power to decide people's fate. So, if you think I'm such a bad guy -- and trust me, I don't want to be this guy -- then shoot me.
Indra hesitates. Lance pushes deeper on the trigger, but Indra stops him.
INDRA SUZUKI
No. I won't do it.
LANCE STARR
Why not?
INDRA SUZUKI
Because we need you alive... You know too much.
LANCE STARR
(smirks)
Good. Good response. For that, I'll tell you something. You know why I picked you Indra? And not Luna or Sterling? They're selfish, too, but your different. You're doing something for a selfless cause. You're selfish so you dig this world out of hell.
INDRA SUZUKI
What do you about Marx?
LANCE STARR
What know about him? A lot. For example, that he's not a man of his words. You'll do a job for him, excpect to get your end of the deal, and then bang. Another job, no payment. It's a spiral to insanity. You never get what you want. I've wanted my way with for so long. Though of every way to pop a bullet through his chest. But I can't. But you can Indra. You're ready to pull any sick, twisted card to see a better world.
INDRA SUZUKI
Why would play dirty?
LANCE STARR
Because you have people you want to protect. You're going to rush in, take the hero role, put yourself in center stage and for what... To see other people happy. How heroic? But when no one thinks of you, will you do the same?
Pause.
LANCE STARR (CONT'D)
Well, will you?
INDRA SUZUKI
I don't know.
LANCE STARR
Then it's time for you to figure out. I have a deal I want to cut you, Indra. It's a very good deal.
INDRA SUZUKI
And why would I listen?
LANCE STARR
You came all this way to meet me for what... Just to have a talk. Prove to me... That you're nothing like me.
Indra's face swells up with hesitation and confusion. His eyes wander from side to side until they lock with Lance.
INDRA SUZUKI
I'll listen.
LANCE STARR
Good choice.
INT. EXT. TAMPA VALLEY POLICE MAIN STATION - NIGHT
A car rolls up to the front. Indra walks in with glance behind him. This Cheif and Luna confront him.
LUNA STARLIGHT
Indra, what are you doing here? You're supposed to be at the hospital.
COLIN SMITH
And what the hell is he doing here?
LANCE STARR
Being escorted, sir.
COLIN SMITH
Save the smart talk.
INDRA SUZUKI
Please, sir, I need to have an important conversation. With you, Luna, and Sterling.
Colin scans Indra's anxious face.
COLIN SMITH
Okay, get inside. Somebody put this guy in handcuffs and keep a watch over him.
LUNA STARLIGHT
What happened back there, Indra?
INDRA SUZUKI
I'll tell you everything inside.
INSIDE THE STATION:
COLIN SMITH
He cut a deal with you? Are you sure about this?
INDRA SUZUKI
Yes. Positive.
COLIN SMITH
What was the deal?
INDRA SUZUKI
He tells everything he knows about Luna's father, including where he is. In exchange, I have to kill him.
STERLING SMITH
Kill him? Like the death penalty?
INDRA SUZUKI
No. As in the place were we encounter him is the place he dies. There's no arrest, no trial, not jurisdiction. Mr. Starlight has to die.
STERLING SMITH
Are you kidding? He's probably trying to guilt trip you. We have no way to make sure he's not lying.
Sterling stands on foot, hobbling. His other, bandaged.
COLIN SMITH
Sterling, take a seat.
STERLING SMITH
No, I'm fine standing.
COLIN SMITH
Sterling.
Sterling pulls a chair and sits down.
LUNA STARLIGHT
Indra, how are you certain that Lance is telling the truth.
INDRA SUZUKI
Because...
COLIN SMITH
Take his words with caution. He's already broken our trust. We don-
INDRA SUZUKI
We can't trust him. Please, sir, just trust him. I'm begging you, please. For everbody here, trust him.
LUNA STARLIGHT
Why are you defending him?
INDRA SUZUKI
Because he's right. I am like him. I am seflish and lie to myself everyday that I'm doing something selfless. I've lied to so many people. You, Sterling, the Chief. I... I know how Lance thinks. He's a lost soul. He's fallen a dark path, but he just wants to help his mother. I'm not saying that he's actions are justified, but I'm saying he's trying to change. So, please, sir. Trust him. Let me take this deal.
Colin grabs Indra's shoulder.
COLIN SMITH
Indra. You're a bright kid. You have a lot of potential. I saw it when I interviewed. That's why gave you the detective role, placed you in Sterling's team. That's why I can't have you die or get injured.
Indra hangs his head in defeat.
COLIN SMITH (CONT'D)
You're not seflish. You think you are. That's why you throw yourself into action, taking every bullet that gets in your way. But in doing those actions, being selfless as you call it, ends up being selfish. There are so many people here that care for your lives. If you throw it away, what do you think they're going to feel?
(beat)
I'm going to let you take this case, but promise me, you're throwing your life away.
Indra's face lights up in determination.
INDRA SUZUKI
Yes, sir. I promise I won't.
COLIN SMITH
Good.
(MORE)
COLIN SMITH (CONT'D)
(re; Sterling)
I'm making him in charge of the case.
STERLING SMITH
I guess that means I'm out.
COLIN SMITH
Just because your not fighting on the front lines doesn't mean you're out of the action. You'll be the brains of the operation.
STERLING SMITH
Understood.
COLIN SMITH
Luna, you're going to confront your father with Indra. Do you think you can handle it? I know it's been a while since you've seen.
LUNA STARLIGHT
If you're worried, I'm going to cry, I assure you that won't happen.
COLIN SMITH
Alright, good. Let's bring everybody inside, settle things down and call it a night.
STERLING SMITH
Can you do something for me? Bring Lance in here.
COLIN SMITH
Are you sure?
STERLING SMITH
Yes, I am. And no handcuffs. I want to talk to him as is.
COLIN SMITH
(nods)
I'll bring him in, but the first sign of trouble, I'm coming in.
Colin leaves the scene. A while later, the door squeaks open. It's Lance.
LANCE STARR
Your dad called me.
STERLING SMITH
Take a seat.
Lance sits besides Sterling.
LANCE STARR
What did you want to talk about?
STERLING SMITH
Why? Why did you keep everything a lie from us?
LANCE STARR
I needed money. My mother need treatment. I showed you. I want show her around the world.
STERLING SMITH
Then why did you have to work this him! You could've asked me! I would done something to help.
LANCE STARR
No offense, but you wouldn't have the money.
STERLING SMITH
Then I would have done something, or I would have asked Luna to help you. Do you not understand? We could have helped you. I trusted you. You were the guy I could always rely on when things went south. But now, I can't see you as anything but a trator.
LANCE STARR
I'm sorry to hear that, but it's true. I'm nothing but a tr-
STERLING SMITH
No, don't even say it. I... I see you as a traitor, but my heart refuses to see that. Who filled my head with hope? Who got me on the right track to solving this case?
(MORE)
STERLING SMITH (CONT'D)
Who was the guy, when I stumbled one step back, pushed three steps ahead? You think I'm going to except that you're a... Some sort of bad guy. Some evil maniac.
Pause. Pain wobbles in Sterling's breath.
LANCE STARR
I always though I was alone. I never bothered to care what others thought of me because I always knews no one could care. If they learned the truth, they wouldn't see as anything else. I didn't realize I had people to cared for me. I'm sorry about that Sterling.
Sterling and Lance look at one another. Then... Laughter.
STERLING SMITH
Are you stupid? What kind of apology is that?
LANCE STARR
Well, I had to come up with something on the spot.
STERLING SMITH
I would've appreciated the heart felt message if you took some time to write it.
LANCE STARR
Then, you'd be waiting for years.
STERLING SMITH
Alright, cool. Then I'll get my apology some other way. When you tell us the address of the guy and you're there in the moments, I'll look at your face through the cameras and that's how I'm going to get my apology. Get out of here. So stupid.
LANCE STARR
Listen, though. What gave me away? I though I did a fair job.
STERLING SMITH
Oh, it was Hamilton.
LANCE STARR
Oh, Hamilton? Of course, it's him. It's always him, he doesn't give two shits what Marx thinks.
STERLING SMITH
Damn right.
LANCE STARR
What happened to your foot?
STERLING SMITH
What happened? Oh, I was driving the car-
LANCE STARR
Your McLaren?
STERLING SMITH
Yeah that. I was driving, and then bozo driving the opposite way on the road, decides to show up and ram my car. I hit the pole and the next thing you know, my foot's jammed. All cause of you.
LANCE STARR
Me? How?
STERLING SMITH
Well, I was chasing after you. That's how.
LANCE STARR
Okay, next question. What hints gave me away?
STERLING SMITH
You wanna know?
LANCE STARR
Yeah, I wanna know.
STERLING SMITH
The Burgesson interview, the hotel, and the best one. Genius. Here me out.
(MORE)
STERLING SMITH (CONT'D)
When you shot Hamilton, you came throught he front door. But the front door was never open. And Hamilton never opened it either. He didn't time though.
LANCE STARR
Damn, I should've done something.
STERLING SMITH
No, you shouldn't have. Listen, enough goofing around. I'm not gonna forgive you for everything you did. But I am going to give you a second chance. I don't what you told Indra, but you determined the hell out of him. So, when this mission comes around, I want you take care of everything. If anything goes wrong, you know who I'm gonna call.
LANCE STARR
Don't worry about the mission. I've been planning this one for a long time.
(beat)
By the way, what happened to my money?
STERLING SMITH
What money?
LANCE STARR
The one you owe for the bed. You remember the C&C offshore thingy.
STERLING SMITH
Oh, that one. I'll get it to you.
LANCE STARR
Nah, nah. Never trusted a guy who said. Get to me tommorow.
STERLING SMITH
I can't. My foot's broken, I can't go to the hospital.
LANCE STARR
Just Venmo me.
STERLING SMITH
I though you said you don't trust online cash.
THE LAUGHING FADES INTO: THE END.