03. DALLAS PROTOCOLS


SOUNDSCAPE: THE DULL ELECTRONIC BUZZ OF THE OTHERWISE PLEASANT ESCAPE POD.

MIKE: So, like…did you always want to be a Nanny when you grew up?

DOUG: (SPEAKER) (CONSIDERS THIS) In a way.

MIKE: Wait. Really?

DOUG: (SPEAKER) Prior to my activation four days ago, I did not exist as you know me now. But from the moment of my creation, I have been… compelled to ensure your survival.

MIKE: (CHUCKLING) I bet you say that to all the humans.

DOUGS: (SPEAKER) Perhaps. But my programming and purpose affords me the freedom to act independently of my designated User.

MIKE: Well… I guess it’s a good thing we’re such good friends–

SFX: SYSTEM ALERT.

MIKE: Doug. Please tell me that freaky alarm means somebody’s finally saving us.

DOUG: (SPEAKER) Mike, that freaky alarm means somebody’s finally saving us.

MIKE: (SURPRISED) Seriously?

DOUG: (SPEAKER) No. But you asked me to–

MIKE: Doug. The alarm.

DOUG: (SPEAKER) The alert was a relay from distant escape pods.

MIKE: And?

DOUG: (SPEAKER) Multiple units down. Users, deceased.

MIKE: (HEART SINKS) What? How?

DOUG: (speaker) Cause: unknown.

MIKE: Are we under attack? Is it whoever attacked–

SFX: SYSTEM ALERT.

DOUG: (SPEAKER) Several more units have ceased function. Users–

SFX: SEVERAL SYSTEM ALERTS.

MIKE: (TERRIFIED) Doug, what the Hell is going on?

DOUG: (SPEAKER) Possibilities include faulty or damaged units, unavoidable collision with nearby hazards, malicious forces with no-hostage protocols–

MIKE: (ANGRY, SCARED) Yeah. Okay. I get it, Doug.

AN UNCOMFORTABLE SILENCE.

DOUG: (SPEAKER) (CONSIDERS THIS) Perhaps the Dallas Protocol–

MIKE: (EXHAUSTED, BROKEN) Doug. Please. Please, just… just stop.

SFX: SEVERAL MORE ALERTS. UP, UNDER.

DOUG: (SPEAKER) Do not be afraid, Mike. No harm shall come to you. (BEAT) I promise.

SFX: ALERTS CONTINUE.

FADE.

END SCENE