The Word Cloud

Nic Kodak - Law and Disorder

an original screenplay
by

JtF



FADE IN

EXT. HEMPSTEAD TOWERS - EVE

In torrential rain, a small car negotiates a rubbish cluttered street before turning into the down ramp of Hempstead Towers. Looming overhead are 150 floors of high rise – it resembles a single grey and glass finger making a futile obscene gesture to the tempestuous heavens.

WRITTEN: 14th November 2019. Hempstead Towers municipal housing.
This is Hemel Hempstead but not as we know it.

ANGLE ON: Resident’s Parking Permits Only sign.

INT. SMARTKA - CONT
The driver is NIC KODAK, 30. Nic’s hand smudges some condensation on his windscreen. He pulls closer to the security sensor. The metal grille blocking the entrance to the underground car park remains resolutely closed. His car radio is playing the news. The Prime Minister speaks from Parliament

PM ON RADIO
The fabric of these new laws gives us a copper bottomed constitution which cannot be broken. These legal boundaries are in place to be observed, not overstepped - -

NIC
Shut the fuck up!

He snaps off the radio. Above this is a small screen which scrolls ‘Security gate inoperative. Please contact your administrator.’ Nic hasn’t noticed.

NIC
Come on then!
What are you waiting for? Christmas! -

The gate remains shut. Nic slams the SmartKa into reverse and careers back into the street. His ever present ID(multi)pass on a light chain around his neck depicts a suited, boyish Nic wearing a cheeky grin. (and probably mouthing Appipouli !)


EXT. STREET - CONT
ANGLE ON: the parking permit affixed to the reverse of his driving mirror. Its picture is of a yellow and white creature called Flat Eric. Nic roars away through the paper, rubbish and light cosmetic consumer debris. The rain buckets harder.

INT. SMARTKA - CONT
Nic is plainly unamused.

NIC
Sat Nav display car parks
A headup display flickers into life. A red spot pinpoints his destination.

The SmartKa computer, christened SYLVIA by Nic speaks softly almost seductively

SYLVIA
One hundred and twenty metres, turn right.
Nic is driving like a maniac.

NIC
Thank you Sylvia -

He yanks at the wheel and puts the car into a sideways skid

SYLVIA
This parking structure has zero spaces.

Nic drives on. The next car park is full.
And the next.


EXT. STREET - CONT
Desperate now, he turns sharply and almost squishes some teenagers. They jump back dropping their stolen cache of computer games.

TEEN 1
Watch out man!

TEEN 2
You nearly got us

Nic’s side window swishes down.

NIC
Get a job, Hippies!

Nic flips the teenage reprobates the finger. He roars off again, splashing through the puddles.
All the time he’s getting further and further away from the imposing shadow of Hempstead Towers. The rain falls even harder.


INT. SMARTKA - CONT
Nic’s incandescent with anger. He throws the small car into a U-turn and makes his way to the Hempstead Towers car park exit ramp. As he approaches, another car emerges. Nic guns his motor and careens past.
The metal security grille is descending before him. Alarms sound within the SmartKa.

SYLVIA
You are about to perform an illegal operation. Pull up!

NIC
Keep ya pentium panties on Sylvia -

Nic struggles to control the car

SYLVIA
PULL UP!!

NIC
I’m on it - relax

SYLVIA
Warning. . .
Computer applying emergency override -


EXT. SMARTKA - CONT
The SmartKa’s brakes are applied and the wheels lock. The SmartKa skids under the descending grille with just centimetres to spare.

INT. SMARTKA - MOMENTS LATER

NIC
There. No harm done.
Are you satisfied?
(BEAT)

NIC
Sylvia restart engine.
(LONG BEAT)

NIC
C’mon Sylvia! I can’t just leave you here -

SYLVIA
System check OK. Engine restart.

Sylvia purrs obediently. Nic drives sedately to his parking place, scoops an armful of papers from the passenger seat, exits the car and makes his way to the service lift.


INT. CAR PARK LIFT - LATER
CU on Nic’s finger on the call button. It doesn’t light up. He presses it a few times. The lift is busted. Struggling with his pile of papers he kicks at the metal doors.
Nick makes his way up a single flight of cement stairs to emerge into the inclement elements surging around Hempstead Towers.


EXT. HEMPSTEAD TOWERS - CONT
Nic battles through the wind and rain to get to the front lobby. This entrance looks reasonably presentable and its lifts work. Nic’s coat and paperwork are dripping with water.


INT. LIFT - CONT
Nic looks tired and worried as he swiftly journeys to the 146th floor.
Follow Nic as he exits and walks down the garish hallway to his front door.

INT. NIC’S FLAT - CONT
CU on Nic’s state of the art Pineapple computer. This has transparent sides, showing off the six C-Cell parallel processors which scintillate softly like inert square squids.
MADISON a mermaid, Nic’s personalised screen saver (looking like every perfect inch of Daryl Hannah) swims languid laps across his computer screen.

O.O.S. Nic’s fumbling with his papers and IDpass which unlocks his door.
Nic enters his flat. It’s neat but lived in and contains hundreds and hundreds of books.
He looks around for somewhere to drop his armfuls of soggy paperwork. Unable to decide he lets the pile slip to the floor.
Madison stops swimming and waves from the screen.

MADISON
Welcome Nic Kodak.

Nic is flapping his wet coat while small puddles of water are forming at his feet.

NIC
Hi Madison. Any messages?

MADISON
You have one message.

NIC
Play message.

A videostream over Internet box opens on screen. GINA GILLETTE 20, leaves her message.

GINA
Hi Dad. When you get in could you rescue us? We’re getting some serious hassle.

Nic approaches the screen for a better look. Even in her distressed state, Gina is very pretty.

GINA
It’s Suzi’s birthday. There’s this guy who won’t leave us alone. I’ve told him to fuck off, but he doesn’t seem to take the hint.
We can’t just leave, as we’re waiting for some other friends to arrive. They’re stuck in the Hypertube!
We’re in a Technobar in Hillfield Street. Please help us?

Gina disconnects

NIC
It’s a misdirect.

MADISON
Shall I delete this message?

NIC
No wait. If she’s in trouble - call her back.

MADISON
Dialling - - The line’s in use.

NIC
Copy the message to my palmcom. Could you tell Sylvia to set her climate control to warm.

MADISON
Done.

NIC
As soon as I find a dry coat I’m out of here.


INT. SMARTKA - CONT
Control panel lights snap on and the dodgy climate control kicks in.

INT. SMARTKA - LATER
Nic jumps in. He retrieves a Barbados palm tree sticker from the floor an attaches it to the climate control. He drives recklessly away.

EXT. HH MAGIC ROUNDABOUT - LATER
The road ahead is full of people driving like maniacs attempting to miss the congestion spots and arrive home, or at a bar, as quickly as possible. Nic sees a gap and goes for it.

NIC
Let’s show some speed Sylvia. I’m a man on a mercy mission.


EXT. TECHNOBAR - LATER
Nic slides his SmartKa across the paths of oncoming traffic. It comes to rest just inches from the curb, in a parking space directly outside the Hillfield street bar. Nic opens his door and peers down at the curb. He looks very pleased with his driving stuntwork.

NIC
I can walk from here, Sylvia.

Nic dashes through the monsoon-like rain and descends the frothing steps to the entrance. Sylvia flashes him a locked and immobilised signal.


INT. TECHNOBAR FOYER - CONT
Nic pretends to shake the rain from his coat while he looks around for Gina and her cronies.
CU as his fingers curl around his palmcom computer, a device which (amongst other things) enables him to grab the details of all the smartcard ID’s within a twenty feet radius. This is highly illegal, but he’s a man on a mission.


INT. TECHNOBAR MAIN AREA - CONT
Nic spots Gina, her friend SUZI and the MAN. As he walks towards them, he presses a button on his palmcom. ID pictures and details flash rapidly across its small screen.

NIC
Sorry I’m late, Gina. The traffic’s murder.

Gina, who’s legs are coiled protectively around a barstool offers no outward sign of recognition. Nic turns his attention to the man. His tone dismissive

NIC
Who’s your friend?

The man looks unfazed. In a display of mute macho they get the size of each other. Nic puts his hands to Gina’s face and kisses her. She tries to resist, her efforts hampered by her entangled legs. Nick gets a concealed look at his palmcom to see the picture and name of JOE NIKE.

GINA
Get off!!

She’s repelling all boarders.

JOE NIKE (TO NIC)
I like your style, man.

He reaches for Gina’s friend Suzi. Suzi backs away.

NIC
That’s enough Joe Nike. You’re not included in this game.

SUZI
Hit the road Nike!

GINA
Take a running jump Nike.

NIC
Don’t speak - Just do it.

Joe Nike starts to protest then thinks better of it. He walks away. Gina and Suzi look at Nic not quite knowing what to do. Nick holds up his palmcom.

NIC
I got your call.

CU on Gina’s lips. She’s wearing emoto-photochromic lipgloss that changes colour with differing light levels and emotions. Her lips glow a very frosty blue.

GINA
Who the hell are you?!

Nic smiles his best smile and plays her message on his palmcom.
CU on Gina’s lips. They are now white. Nic smiles slightly.

NIC
We have cold fusion!

Gina is livid.

GINA
You’re not my Dad!

NIC
I hope your Dad doesn’t kiss you like that.

SUZI (TO GINA)
This entire evening’s been ridiculous. Let’s call it a night.

She reaches for her bag.

NIC
Hey! I’ve just saved your life. You owe me.

Gina stands to leave

GINA
How do you work that out?

Nic takes her arm, his eyes flicking to his palmcom then up again.

NIC
You ARE Gina Gillette and Suzi Wilkinson?
The two sharpest blades in the box -
. . . . .

Before either girl has a chance to reply, a STRANGER emerges from the shadows at the back of the bar. He clicks his fingers and jerked his head towards the exit.

STRANGER
Scram!

The girls pout in unison, pick up their bags then flounce out. Upon reaching the door, Gina turns and blows Nic a kiss. Whilst Nic's attention is drawn, the newcomer deftly removes Nic's palmcon and pockets it.

NIC
Hey -

STRANGER
Shut it. Now listen, here's the score. It's payback time, Nic.

NIC
I don't know what you mean.

STRANGER
Do you want me to remind you of all the favours the Firm has done for you?

NIC
Ah.
(beat)
It wasn't a misdirect, was it?

STRANGER
No, it wasn't.

NIC
Ah.

STRANGER
Sorry to disappoint you. But if you are interested in either or both of them, then I can let you have their private numbers. I understand their rates are very competitive ..."

NIC
I ... don't think so.
OK, who are you and what is it you want?

STRANGER
My name isn't important, just call me Brian.

NIC
Brian who?

STRANGER
Just Brian. The rest is classified.

This was true, although not for the obvious reasons. Brian Anusol had quite a different, albeit understandable, motive for keeping his surname secret.

STRANGER
Anyway,this is what we want you to do ...

KEVIN GROUP FOUR watched the pair from across the dance floor, under his breath cursing the fact that his surname made so hard to work undercover. If only he could publicise Anusol's secret.

He followed them out of the club, keeping a discreet distance. He takes out his mobile phone and dials

KEVIN GROUP FOUR
Bollocks. Voicemail.

DISTORTED
Hi, this is Jacqui Polaroid. Leave a message and I'll be back in an instant

KEVIN GROUP FOUR
It's Group Four. Our boy has taken the bait.


EXT. STREET - NIGHT
Nic and Brian exchange a few grimaces ending with Nic jumping into his smartKa and slamming its door.


INT. SMARTKA - CONT

NIC
Home please Sylvia.

SYLVIA
Yes Nic.

The car purrs in to action and drives itself.

SYLVIA
Are you too drunk to drive?
Nic’s attention is upon his rear view mirror

NIC
How I wish that were true. Is that arsehole still on my tail?

SYLVIA
The following car is within safe stopping distance -

NIC
Please connect me with Madison.

MADISON (VO)
Good evening Nic Kodak.

NIC
Hi Madison. What have you got on Brian?
You Arsehole!

MADISON (VO)
Searching - Brian U. Arsehole not found

NIC
No! I wrote an article about him last year. Paperclip Health and Safety. That arsehole didn’t seem to get the point.

Madison’s screen flashes up this article. The text highlights as she reads it -

MADISON (VO)
Paperclips may not be the sexiest objects in the busy office but I insist on safe sex says Brian.

NIC
Cross match his company biog with the DVLC. I want to know if he’s following me -


INT. NIC’S OFFICE - NIGHT
CHARLIE CANNON and XAVIER XEROX are starring at some blank sheets of paper.

CHARLIE
I don’t understand?!

XAVIER
Perhaps it’s the toner?

CHARLIE
I’ve checked the toner - three times!

XAVIER
The ioniser wire - it’s got to be.

CHARLIE
Nic’s going to blow a fuse. It’s time to call Elizabeth Epson

Xavier snatches the phone. He pleads -

XAVIER
Please wait. She’s so expensive.
Try Linda Lexmark - her call out’s not so steep.

CHARLIE
Don’t be a fool Xavier!
A professional printing call out girl charges professional prices.


INT. SMARTKA - CONT

MADISON
There is no indication that Brian Anusol drives

NIC
Ha! That’s a fitting name for such a pain in the backside.
Could you make a pit stop at Indigo’s. I need something to take the edge off.
Thanks Sylvia.


EXT. INDIGO’S POLEBAR - NIGHT
Nic’s smartKa glides to a halt. NIKI SMITH-KLIENE-FRENCH (nee Smith Kliene) is upon the smartKa before Nic’s window is even down

NIKI
Hey sugar. You want business?

NIC
Hey Niki. You’ve always got what I need.

NIKI
Long time no lickey Nic. You after some more purple pills?

NIC
Not tonight. I was thinking more of something to subdue the synapses, not keep them firing all night.
Her hand shoots inside the car and ferrets between Nic’s legs. She palpates his warm plums.

NIKI
Shame. It’s a slow night. I’d have given you air miles too.

NIC
C’mon Niki. I just need some pills.
She withdraws her hand, slips a small package from her stocking tops and teases him with it.

NIKI
A quiet night in’s gonna cost you ten Mondoes.

NIC
Cash or charge?

NIKI
Flash me the cash and I’ll show you just what you’re missing.

As Nic pays up, Niki flips up her skirt (it’s so short you can plainly read the washing instructions - really no more than a pink leather belt - a pussy pelmet if you will)

NIC
You realise they’ve modelled ‘Trash Talking Turleen,’ the Trailer trash doll on you.

NIKI
Baby, don’t make a stranger of yourself OK.

Nic drives away in to the night.


EXT. OPPOSITE INDIGO’S - CONT
In the inky darkness camera snaps a shot. PHIL PHOTOSHOP is adept at image management. His software is so powerful that even if it didn’t exist he could magic something from the deep digital depths.

PHIL
Every picture tells a story, buddy. Let’s see how you’re going to squirm out of that?
Via bluetooth, Phil’s agent MAXINE MEMOREX seems almost inside his brain.

MAXINE
That’s great. It’s front page.

PHIL
It’ll be even better after I’ve retouched it.

MAXINE
Yeah. I’ve seen some of your Sharon Stone shots. You retouch it any more and you’ll go blind.

PHIL
Maxine - you ever seen a Prince Albert?

There’s the sound of Phil unzipping himself then firing off a shot.

MAXINE
Jesus Phil, that’s gross!!

PHIL
Suck on that 3G!

I liked the opening of this, especially the scene in the bar with the two girls. You are imaginative in your creation of a slightly futuristic world - love the mood enhanced colour changing lipstick idea. The down side for me was the number of people introduced here. I started to find it very difficult to follow and wasn't sure whether the people were actually with him or on a screen talking to him. Sometimes it started to read a bit like a novel with people's thoughts and motivations given and lost some of the visual elements it had at the start.
A question, how many actual pages is this? - obviously here on the forum there is no indication - have you introduced all of your main characters yet? I couldn't spot the theme being mentioned early on. This might be good as it is subtle, but when I think back, apart from the fact that he's some kind of agent and the story becoming very sleazy, I don't really know what's going on yet.
Hope this helps

Jackie

I'm not a script writer so I can't comment from that perspective, but as a reader I could image your story playing out in my head, and I enjoyed it very much. There's were many moments that caused sniggering.