03. DALLAS PROTOCOL
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.