THE ALPHA CENTAURI PROJECT SCRIPT

  THE ALPHA CENTAURI PROJECT

  SCRIPT

  by Marco Santini

  November 23, 2014

  Published by Marco Santini at Smashwords

  Copyright Marco Santini 2007-2014

  Smashwords Edition, License Notes

  Standard Copyright License - All right reserved

  Cover design by Lilia Morales y Mori

  books.msantini@gmail.com

  https://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/AlphaCentauriProject

  FADE IN:

  INT. NET RESTAURANT -- NIGHT

  Net sites are marked on the screen by a red blinking dot.

  A hall crowded with customers in elegant suits.

  In a cheerful dance, laser beams are criss-crossing the gigantic hologram of a Christmas tree with iridescent reflections.

  On one side, three colored musicians dressed in white are performing compositions from past times. In the background, are the LONGING SOLO played by a frenzied trumpet and HOARSE VOICES.

  VICTORIA (soul, apparently mid 20's - a human digitized after death becomes a soul) is at a table checking her appearance in a mirror: raven hair, naked shoulders, a blue lace dress revealing her perfect breasts.

  The chair in front is empty. She concentrates on the clients at the entrance. Elegant overcoats.

  There is JAMES (human, 30 years old, handsome). In dinner-jacket, with a white handkerchief in his breast pocket. A waiter rushes to him and points to the table.

  James hurries towards Victoria. He bends.

  JAMES

  This evening will be just for us.

  victoria

  I feared you had forgotten me.

  James sits. He looks through the menu. He raises his eyes.

  JAMES

  What about an epoch dish?

  VICTORIA

  OK.

  JAMES

  French cuisine?

  Victoria nods. James places the order touching the menu.

  A waiter arrives. Victoria stares in silence at him pouring a vintage Bordeaux into crystal goblets. Then she rotates the glass gently. Ruby color, fruity aroma.

  A sad smile comes to her lips.

  JAMES

  Is there anything wrong?

  VICTORIA

  For you it is easy. You spend your day in the real world. Instead I'm here waiting for you all day long.

  James stretches his harm along the table.

  VICTORIA

  When I met you in Net after my accident, I thought our love could withstand forever. Not even my death had separated us! I gave up the dehumanization, to remain the person you loved...

  beat

  Now I'm not sure anymore.

  JAMES

  I realize how difficult is.

  VICTORIA

  I believed I could integrate in the digital world. But without dehumanization, I am too different from the other souls!

  JAMES

  You should return to the real world.

  caressing Victoria's hand

  You can install inside a gynoid. I'll buy it for you.

  VICTORIA

  We could sleep together at least!

  beat

  But what shall we do if the law making dehumanization compulsory passes?

  JAMES

  touching lightly Victoria's nose with his forefinger

  I don't think so: the opposition is very strong. But now let's enjoy this evening. I want to see you smiling!

  INT. EARTH SECURITY HEADQUARTERS -- NIGHT

  Absorbed expressions, strained faces.

  The officers are all turned to the head of the table, where C573Y (digital being, now installed in an android - apparently middle-aged) is waiting for the final arrivals.

  His words RESOUND in the large space.

  C573Y

  We can start. Three hours ago a satellite of ours intercepted a message encrypted with a secret technology. This system was destined to replace the one currently in use.

  He inspects the ten members while tension becomes tangible.

  C573Y

  The theft happened in our cryptography center. Just where we thought it impossible.

  beat

  This means that the whole security system of the Confederation is at risk. I have informed the President.

  OFFICER

  Do you have any idea about the authors?

  C573Y

  The message was sent from the Space Agency.

  The officers exchange pensive looks.

  OFFICER

  This technology can be used to build undetectable viruses. The Agency is involved with the Alpha Centauri project. According to the last reports, the number of extremists interested in making fail the transfer of the digital people to the nearest star system is raising sharply.

  ANOTHER OFFICER

  The Caravels are sailing in a month.

  If we are dealing with terrorists, the countdown has already begun. We should be prepared for the worst scenarios. I fear an attack like that against the city of Net Heaven: all the population's backups erased.

  OFFICER

  I wonder if they are really terrorists. These criminals are professionals.

  ANOTHER OFFICER

  Did you prepare a list?

  C573Y

  It will be available soon. We believe they rely on informers.

  addressig his assistant

  Can you bring us up to date on the investigations?

  ASSISTANT

  Our agents are already in the Space Agency and in the cryptography center. Our A.I. programs are making rapid progress: records and data banks seized, control of the staff started.

  He points at the wall. Three faces appear: a man in his fifties and two young women. The assistant stops for a moment.

  ASSISTANT

  Here are the principal suspects. Paul Widman is the Space Agency deputy manager. We believe the message was sent from his computer. A very good record of service. The natural successor to the present director who is retiring within two years. An irreproachable life till a few months ago, when he got involved in bad speculations.

  beat

  Linnh Yung, the New Technology manager. An appointment in information security.

  They were all convinced she would be entrusted with the management of the Alpha Centauri project, but at the last moment the choice fell on an outsider. She confided to a colleague about being quite embittered. She is Widman's closest collaborator, and she has probably an affair with him. During her university studies, she took part in hacking. This came to our knowledge during the interrogation of some hackers.

  The assistant stops while gazing at the third person.

  ASSISTANT

  Eve Dirac doesn't have any relationship with the Agency, but she was Linnh Yung's roommate at university and she is among the few people with the technical expertise of the criminals. After a short period in the army, she devoted herself to research, excelling in the artificial intelligence field. She was a member of the committee for the certification of the soul programs till a scandal broke. She had favored some software producers. Then her suicide, about thirty years ago. After entering Net, she disappeared.

  beat

  Widman and Yung are under surveillance. But it won't be easy to find Eve Dirac.

  EXT. net street -- EVENING

  Victoria is walking briskly along a dimly lit street, looking around all the time. She stops in front of a maze of lanes.

  VICTORIA

  speaking to herself

  I didn't have to take that short cut!

  She resumes her walk. Around, sidewalks full of rubbish. In the air, stench of rotten food.

  Every now and then shabby people cast menacin
g glances at her.

  She reaches the middle of the lane, and following a smelly drain, quickens her steps.

  A drunk bumps into her, and, while grumbling, continues his walk.

  She feels uneasy. She buttons up her dustcoat.

  Then a WHISTLE, from afar. She doesn't notice it. A second one, closer.

  Victoria stops dead. She looks back out of the corner of her eye.

  Three dark figures are staring at her under a street lamp, a hundred meters away. Nobody else.

  She springs forward, her heart in the mouth. Neglected warehouses. Doorways boarded up with panels.

  She glances right and left. Nothing. Still nothing.

  SHOUTS from behind.

  She stops in front of a wall blocking the road. Impossible to climb over it. She is BREATHING WITH DIFFICULTY.

  She turns her head towards a dark corner. Hidden by a rubbish heap, there is a small door... Half-closed!

  She rushes into and bolts it.

  INT. net warehouse -- MOMENTS LATER

  Victoria gropes for a switch, then looks around. She has ended up in a storehouse. Without windows and secondary exits. A cage.

  She runs up the stairs to an inner balcony.

  INTERCUT BETWEEN NET STREET AND WAHREHOUSE

  The three reach the entrance. Their chief, a guy with his face half blue half red, indicates the sides of the building. SHORT LOUD ORDERS.

  Then he reaches the main entrance. He puts his hand up. Black gloves, cut at the knuckles. Claws as sharp as knives, able to terminate any program.

  A few slashes on the hinges. The door crashes NOISILY to the ground.

  Victoria watches the scene from the balcony. She springs towards a dark corner. An emergency exit! Her QUICK FOOTSTEPS resound.

  She flings open the door, looks down. On the sidewalk, a large and squat being is waiting for her.

  Long folded limbs, like a toad's. On its face, iridescent scales. A wicked smile.

  With a GURGLE, it jumps onto the rungs, covers two of them at a time, helping itself with the handrail. The stairs VIBRATE.

  Victoria rushes inside. She flies towards a pile of goods and curls herself among the sacks.

  In the meantime the chief has reached the balcony. He stops, looks around, smells. LOUD steps. Nearer and nearer.

  She holds her breath. SILENCE.

  Now he is in front. Bloodshot eyes. His claws by his sides...

  Then, just a WHISPER.

  VOICE (O.S.)

  Run to your right. I am going to open a tunnel five meters away.

  Victoria jumps, and even before touching the ground, the passage closes behind her.

  INT. net elects' hideout -- NIGHT

  Victoria tumbles down onto a stony surface. With an aching shoulder, she looks around: a cavern.

  EVE (soul, apparently mid 30's, golden hair), is standing straight in front of her.

  Victoria bursts into tears. The other kneels down and hugs her. She has a SOFT VOICE.

  EVE

  Here you are safe.

  Victoria gradually calms down.

  EVE

  My name is Eve. And you?

  VICTORIA

  Victoria.

  EVE

  How did you get into your head to go to that place?

  VICTORIA

  I took a short cut to home. I lost my way.

  EVE

  Luckily I saw those criminals.

  VICTORIA

  How did you bring me here?

  EVE

  It was a child's play...

  VICTORIA

  looking around

  Where are we?

  EVE

  Just under the warehouse. I live here with my friends. Come with me!

  They join three people.

  EVE

  I'd like to introduce Victoria to you.

  VICTORIA

  Nice to meet you.

  fellow

  Welcome!

  EVE

  Three tugs attached her. I arrived just in time.

  turning towards Victoria

  Now relax. What about dining with us?

  VICTORIA

  Thanks.

  They set out for a table.

  EVE

  Outside it's dangerous. You can sleep here.

  They sit down on benches. Victoria places herself near Eve.

  Other people arrive, now they are about ten.

  On the table, bread, fruit and wine.

  VICTORIA

  An unusual dinner for souls!

  fellow

  This evening we are celebrating your rescue. And then, this is the best way to relive our past.

  They chat. A guy with dark complexion reports a funny fact happened a few hours before. A woman with freckled skin is laughing heartily while telling a joke. Only a few phrases are heard.

  Victoria smiles.

  When the participants take their leave, to reach their rooms, Eve gets near Victoria.

  EVE

  There is a small lake near here, what about going for a walk?

  INT. net elects' hideout lake -- NIGHT

  The two women set out along a tunnel covered with sharp-cornered stones, leaning from time to time against the walls.

  After about ten minutes, they emerge in a large space. Huge stalactites hang from the vault.

  They sit on a boulder, turned towards the waters of an underground lake ten meters ahead.

  An expanse like oil, getting lost in the darkness of the gorges.

  The faint light of a few torches hanging on the walls, transforms the rocks into ghosts emerging from the shadows.

  SILENCE, broken only by the CONTINUAL DRIPPING.

  Eve throws a stone into the lake. A DULL SPLASH.

  Concentric circles lighting up with blue reflections.

  EVE

  What do you think of it?

  VICTORIA

  Enchanting. I couldn't imagine such a place could exist in Net.

  EVE

  I created it. A cave of the Earth inspired me.

  They chat and smile. Between them, there are complicity and naturalness.

  EVE

  Do you have a boyfriend?

  VICTORIA

  He is a human.

  EVE

  It will be difficult to get on with him...

  VICTORIA

  I didn't undergo the dehumanization for him.

  EVE

  I refused it too… Did you meet long ago?

  VICTORIA

  It happened at the seaside, when I was a litte girl. We were used to meeting every summer. Till that day...

  staring at the dark expanse

  I was fifteen. James was with me. The beach was deserted. The sea was boiling with foam after three days of storm. The water was still warm. The right moment to bathe. We undressed and threw ourselves into the big waves.

  Eve remains SILENT.

  VICTORIA

  becoming excited

  When I was about to get my breath back, a breaker arrived, sucking me into a whirlpool. I tried to resurface, in vain. Too strong currents. But I was not frightened: I had already faced such an awkward situation. I had to keep cool and hold my breath, letting the currents take me towards a zone of more moderate sea.

  EVE

  taking Victoria's hand

  You are troubled. Stop it!

  VICTORIA

  I was about to resurface, when another breaking wave pushed me under. I opened my mouth. The water penetrated my lungs! I transmitted a signal from my localizer before plunging into darkness. I was told the rest. The rescue team arrived ten minutes later. They found me on the seabed; I was carried to the shore. All in vain.

  EVE

  James watched the scene, I imagine.

  VICTORIA

  He rushed to help me, but when he arrived, I had already disappeared underwater. He followed the attempt to bring me back to life. When I was put on board the ovoid, he got into it too, and during the entire flight repeated that h
e would never abandon me. He continued standing nearby when my parents arrived and attended my funeral.

  EVE

  A terrible experience.

  VICTORIA

  After digitization, the virtual reality meetings with relatives and psychologists began.

  At my parents' first visit, all of us were weeping. I met James the following time. We embraced each other all the time, without saying a word. The recovery was slow, but I got over the shock.

  They stay silent staring at the lake.

  EVE

  It's my turn now. It happened during the worst period in my life. I was coming back from a meeting with the president of the Certification Committee, the organization authorizing the use of programs supplying the virtual beings with new features.

  VICTORIA

  You worked in the Commission?

  Eve nods.

  EVE

  I was investigated for bribery. All the evidence pointed to my guilt.

  The president of the committee was afraid my presence could discredit the organization and asked me to resign. I explained I was innocent, but I accepted his request.

  frowning

  All the evidence was fabricated. But nobody believed me.

  I reached the cliff of Long Cape. The sluggish movement of the sea, twenty meters below. I closed my eyes. Only three steps. No suffering. But I was seen. Deep coma, for a week. In Net, I met a psychologist, only once. I was too disgusted by the world.

  VICTORIA

  Why did they frame you?

  EVE

  I backed up innovative products that could have damaged the industry.

  VICTORIA

  You have found friends here!

  EVE

  Certainly, and now I am calm.

  They stand up and start walking hand in hand towards a light.

  INT. net inner ring -- NIGHT

  Progressively the rocks dissolve and the semi-darkness is replaced by a uniform glimmer.

  They enter a limitless space walking in the void. A MELODY pervades the space.

  From all directions, diaphanous creatures approach with such harmonious movements that they look as if they were dancing.

  Eve and Victoria stop. Now they are surrounded by phantoms with undefined profiles, on which little golden flames are flickering.

  VICTORIA

  Where are we?

  EVE

  In the first of the inner rings. This spot is inaccessible to humans, because time runs too fast.

  VICTORIA

  Never seen such a place.

  EVE

  The inteligences use it to reflect upon the material world. It's the source of their most farsighted projects, admired and envied by the humans. I contributed to this place while working at the Superior Institute of Artificial Intelligence.