S02-E04 DUST AND BONES
INT. NEW CENTURY PLAZA HOTEL LIFT SHAFT
(ALEX, SHARROW, ZED)
SHARROW
So explain to me again, how we end
up at the most exclusive hotel in
town, but have to sneak in, dressed
in boiler suits, and then climb up
inside, the elevator shaft. Why
don't we just take the lifts.
ALEX
You wouldn't even get to the
elevator select bot, there are
three layers of security, its a
private conference remember,
invitation only the heads of the
largest combines will be attending.
SHARROW
Why do we always have to sneak in
by the tradesman entrance. Just for
once it would be nice to come
through the front door.
ALEX
Well that isn't going to get you in
front of KRIS, now is it.
SHARROW
ALEX are you sure we want to do
this, its been fifty two years, we
probably won't even know her. It's
been a month for us, and a lifetime
for her.
ALEX
Yes, but I need to know what
happened after we were dispatched,
what happened to MAREE, it's an
itch I just have to scratch. Look
lets not over think this. We get
in ask the questions and see where
it goes right.
SHARROW
OK, so this 'pootho' (Chinese swear
word) suit, is not going together,
can you show me how to fit these
two arms on to the frame, its a
three dimensional jigsaw puzzle.
CLIPS, METALLIC
PARTS COMING
TOGETHER
ALEX
Ok you just put this piece here,
into this bit here, turn and clip
this widget here, turn around, I'll
clip it on to the harness. OK thats
the two robo-arms done. Now have
you got that harness tight enough?
SHARROW
I think so, its a little
uncomfortable.
ALEX
Better uncomfortable, than loose,
then a long fall at the fiftieth
floor. That would be a bad day, but
you'd be in the lobby! ZED how you
going?
ZED
Yep not too bad, can you check my
back, and the battery connections?
ALEX
Yep, thats good, and thats good,
yep all good. Shit, these lifts are
moving at a fair lick, we'll have
to watch we don't get dislodged by
the backwash.
ZED
OK time check, implant display.
ALEX
Oh hell, OK let me try and think it
on.
ZED
Just take your time, it gets
easier.
ALEX
I'm still creeped out, by this
stuff. OK, Oh, I've turned it on, I
see the figures in my peripheral
vision.
ZED
Good, now you see the icon for the
suit, open it and switch it to
active, then set to auto on. Got
it?
ALEX
Yep its auto is on!
ZED
You go first, I'll follow up at the
rear initially. If there is
technical issues its easier to go
up than down. Once were moving
smoothly I go past up to the hatch.
SHARROW
OK, if you say.
ZED
Ready, OK off you go, we're short
on time.
MAGNETIC
CLANKING,
REPETATIVE ROBOT
SOUNDS
INT. CUTHBERT AND JEFFERSON SOLICITORS OFFICE
(MAURICE, SLIM, CUTHBERTSON)
MAURICE
So as I was explaining, my partner
RENE and I, want to formalise our
engagement and wondered if you do
this sort of work.
CUTHBERTSON
Oh, naturally, of course sir, its
very simple nowadays, it's
surprising how many people still
want that old fashioned paper
certificate. I guess it's more
romantic.
SLIM
A-hmm, If we could just, get some
confirmation of your charge rates
please, perhaps on a physical paper
copy.
CUTHBERTSON
Well, it's slightly unusual.
MAURICE
Oh, I hope you won't mind, 'RENE'
here just loves calligraphy. The
Pen is mightier than the sword and
we do like the cut and thrust of
taught lettering. Oh, before I
forget, do you have some of those
delightful little paper business
cards, they are so sweet.
'RENE' and myself, we where
thinking of a little old fashioned
service, with good old fashioned
paper invitations.
SLIM
Ah yes, A-hmm, we both love
calligraphy, its one of our
hobbies, we do it together in the
evening.
MAURICE
Ah (staring at SLIM) we do love my
ah, (pause) calligraphs.
CUTHBERTSON
Ah, gentlemen, I see, ah yes here
they are. Now I hope to see you
back here very soon, and good luck
with the rest of the arrangements.
MAURICE
Yes well thank you sir. Oh you have
such lovely hands and that is a
beautiful watch, its a 'Louis
Berbridge' isn't it?.
INT. NEW CENTURY PLAZA HOTEL LIFT SHAFT
(ALEX, SHARROW, ZED)
ALEX
How far have we gone?
ZED
Only 45 floors or so, if my count
is correct.
ALEX
Here we go hold on.
SOUND OF LIFT
FLYING BY
SHARROW
Who-ooh, that was close, oh my god,
I looked down. ALEX argh!
ALEX
Hay SHAS.
SHARROW
What!
ALEX
Don't look down!
SOUND OF LIFT
FLYING BY
SHARROW
Thanks, good advice.
ZED
Lets just concentrate on keeping
these robo-climers going at maximum
speed, we are running out of time.
SHARROW
I hope those two old spinsters are
enjoying their Gin and Tonics, I
hope they choke on the ice.
ZED
Well knowing them, I am sure they
are tucking in, GANDER does seems
to have an amazing ability to soak
up the gin, it is the PLAZA after
all.
INT. ROBO-MATIC TAYLORS
(MAURICE, ROBO-TAYLOR, SLIM)
MAURICE
You know it goes against every
principle of good fashion and every
bone in my body don't you.
SLIM
MAURICE, we need to look like
solicitors, we need the cheap
manufactured suit look. We also
need to blend in, grey means
anonymous right, so stop the
moaning.
MAURICE
This is the last straw, My body is
used to the finest materials,
natural organics, very expensive.
SLIM
Well its going to experience
something radically different in
the next ten minutes.
MAURICE
The indignity of it all, am I a
horologist, what's next! Ghastly. I
was feeling physically sick as we
were going through those plastic
swatches. Its all greys in
artificial fibres, no colour at
all, and no nano clean technology.
ROBO-TAYLOR
Does Sir dress to the right or the
left?
SLIM
Listen my metallic friend, if your
cold snappy hands even get close to
that special place, there will be
trouble, understand. Now its to the
right, and get on with the
measurements, we don't have all
day. My friend here probably swings
both ways, but you should check all
the same.
ROBO-TAYLOR
Yes certainly Sir. Ah-ha there and
there, (bleep). If you could just
move to the laser cubical for
confirmation checks we can start
manufacture of the suit. Naturally,
Sir's manufacturing will only
commence, once we receive payment.
SLIM
Well, that figures, you mean
someone pay's for this, oh what the
hell.
MAURICE
Oh, ah, ohh, yes just a little to
the left I think. Oh! (Sound of
smack), naughty, keep your tape
measure away.
SLIM
There you are, transfer made, my
ghastly tailoring friends and every
credit transferred, is a crime
against good taste and decency.
Well MAURICE, the dirty deed is
done.
ROBO-TAYLOR
Very good sir, thank you for your
business. Both of Sir's suits are
being manufactured as we speak,
they will be ready in ten minutes.
INT. NEW CENTURY PLAZA HOTEL LIFT SHAFT
(ALEX, SHARROW, ZED)
ROBOTIC ARM
MOVEMENT SOUND
ALEX
This harness is killing me it's
chafing in all the wrong places.
ZED
Only ten floors to go, just keep
going!
SHARROW
Whoa, my arms just missed a step,
ohhh, and again. Somethings wrong!
ROBOTIC ARMS OUT
OF STEP
ALEX
Hold, on I'm going to work over to
you, ZED keep going get up to the
hatch.
ZED
OK, are you sure.
ALEX
Yep, go on, get up there we're
running late.
SHARROW
ALEX, I think the batteries have a
fault, the motors are slowing down
and starting to stutter. If the
magnetics go.
ALEX
OK don't move, shunt the power to
the magnetics.
SHARROW
Roger.
ALEX
OK I'm going to get above you and
lower the rope with a carabina.
SHARROW
OK, just be quick.
ALEX
OK here goes.
SHARROW
The power meter is visibly falling
now. I've only got seconds.
ALEX
Quick clip on.
SHARROW
The ropes swinging. Hold still. I
can't reach. I'll have to swing and
try again.
CREEKING ROPES
SHARROW
Ohhhh!
ALEX
Quick SHARROW make a grab.
SHARROW
Who ooh, oh my god that was close.
ALEX
You alright?
SHARROW
Not really, but I'm alive!
CLIMBING GEAR
CLIPS
ALEX
Urgh! My robo is starting to really
strain, I don't think its going to
last either. I'll keep going
slowly. I will have to hold on to
the steel with my own arms, perhaps
that will take some of the weight.
SHARROW
You can do it!
ALEX
You'll be the first to know if I
can't! The good news is there is
only five floors. I can see ZED, he
is up at the hatch.
ROBO SERVOS
UNDER STRAIN
SHARROW
OK. Keep it slow and steady. Look
stop I'm going to ditch the robo
arms, that will reduce the weight.
Argh, argh OK. I'll just fasten
them to the frame. Maintenance will
have a fright.
REMOVAL OF
HARNESS AND CLIP
SOUND
ALEX
I think that has helped a little
but my batteries are starting to
run down too.
INT. NEW LONDON HOSPITAL OWNERS CAVERN
(DENARO, MAURICE, SLIM)
MAURICE
SLIM do we really need these servo
pads and the brief cases, it's full
of blank paper and its heavy.
SLIM
Well, its got to look right, an
empty case doesn't swing right. Do
you want to make the first remarks,
you have the more refined accent.
MAURICE
Oh, very well. I'll give it a shot.
I think the best bet is if we go to
reception and simply request Doctor
Ellington.
SLIM
It might stir up a bit of hornets
nest, but its definitely our best
bet. You know, I think that little
bit of material in the pocket does
add a touch of cheap hopefulness.
What did you call it again?
MAURICE
It's a handkerchief SLIM, an old
accoutrement. Adds a little touch,
every gentleman should have one.
SLIM
Sure does partner. OK here's
reception.
MAURICE
Excuse me Miss, but we're
representing Cuthbertson and Digby,
see its on our card. Could we
please speak to a (pause) Doctor
Ellington, on a personal matter.
DENARO
Oh, yes of course, can I ask the
nature of your enquiry. You're the
second lot of people to see her
today, I've been trying to datavise
her, but she is not responding.
SLIM
Ah, well Miss, perhaps we could
wait, outside her office, save us
cluttering up your busy reception
here. Perhaps you could pass us
through, we are happy to wait. Its
a legal mater.
DENARO
Oh, is anything wrong.
MAURICE
Oh no, its just probate documents,
we need some papers physically
signed, they won't accept
electronic signatures. Oh miss, I
must say I do like your earrings,
are they from Cymbalist.
DENARO
Oh, yes they are as a matter of
fact, how did you know.
MAURICE
Oh, ah, well I just bought some for
(pause) ah, my wife, I recognised
them.
DENARO
Well, she's a lucky women.
MAURICE
Oh, well yes she is, but then I'm
the lucky man as well.
DENARO
Gentlemen, so here are your badges,
floor twenty three, section A ward
10. Now please don't stray to far
from the direct route as alarms
will be triggered.
MAURICE
Oh, that seems very secure.
DENARO
Well, we have been tightening up on
security, we had some robberies
last month.
MAURICE
How terrible, what ARE people like.
DENARO
Yes too true, we see the best and
worse in here. Now lifts are just
to your left.
MAURICE
Thank, you do look lovely!
HOSPITAL
CORRIDORS AND
WALKING FEET.
SLIM
Wife, quick thinking my friend, I
nearly responded, after our last
meeting.
MAURICE
It never hurts to compliment a lady
SLIM as you are well aware. You do
know I was married once for a short
time. Didn't really work out.
SLIM
I'll bet.
DOOR, AND CHANGE
IN AMBIENT.
MAURICE
Well, this is it, Section A 10, I
can't hear voices. Should we knock?
SLIM
I think its better than kicking the
door in.
DOOR KNOCKING
MAURICE
She would have responded if she was
in by now.
SLIM
Look keep an eye out, I'm going to
force the lock.
MAURICE
Ah, OK, its all clear, no one is
around, and I don't think there are
any camera's in this section.
SOUND OF DOOR
BEING OPENED
CAUTIOUSLY
SLIM
No worries my friend, doors open,
and our guest is already at home.
MAURICE
What do you mean. Oh, how ghastly
SLIM
Shit, thats blown it.
MAURICE
Look at the expression on her face,
the poor woman, why is she foaming
at the mouth.
SLIM
She's dead MAURICE, that's all we
need to know. We are a couple of
hours too late, nothing we can do.
See the ligature marks. I'm just
going to spend of few minutes
getting as much evidence as I can.
I have a small evidence kit in my
bag.
MAURICE
Is their anything I can do?
SLIM
Put on these gloves and get some
swabs from the door handle, put
them in the evidence bag and seal
them, one you've done that, wipe
the whole knob and surroundings
down quickly, then get back in here
and close the door.
MAURICE
Well, as you say, it confirms the
worse fears, we need to prepare for
war.
SLIM
That's what we're doing right now,
lets get as much DNA as we can, it
may identify the killers. I'm just
going to laser and micro-scan the
whole area, so we can look at it at
our leisure back at base. Then more
swabbing and then we get out of
here before we get tabbed for this
mess. One thing before we go
though. What was the name of the
nurse that also assisted the
doctor?
MAURICE
Macalister according to records.
SLIM
Well, thats our next port of call.
INT. PLAZA HOTEL SYBARATIC SUITE 10
(ALEX, GANDER, KRIS, SHARROW)
KNOCKING ON
HOTEL DOOR, AND
DOORBELL
KRIS
What, what do you want. I've just
called security, they are on the
way.
GANDER
Hold on, hold on Gospondin, we mean
you no harm, we just wanted to meet
with you.
KRIS
Oh, yes, and to what end?
GANDER
Well, its just a reunion of old
buddies really.
KRIS
What, I can honestly say I have
never met any of you before, and
my implants have also confirmed
that.
ALEX
Well, I'm afraid your implant's
have mis-informed you. In fact you
used to work for us!
KRIS
Excuse me?
SHARROW
Yes in fact you even made me coffee
many times!
KRIS
What in Laithwaite and Maritsuba
are you on about.
SOUND OF
SECURITY
ARRIVING
KRIS
Hold on bring them in please, can
you check for explosives.
PEOPLE BEING
MANHANDLED AND
SEARCHED
KRIS
OK get talking, you have ten
seconds.
ALEX
Kris, don't you recognise us, isn't
there even a flicker of something?
KRIS
Well now you mention it, your voice
is slightly familiar. I'm analysing
it, but it does not match stored
patterns.
SHARROW
What the hell KRIS, are you are you
a computer. You're are starting to
sound like one.
KRIS
Look, this is boring, I have a
multimillion credit business to run
and time is really tight, so if you
could get to the point, please.
ALEX
OK, it's difficult to explain but
we are ALEX and SHARROW, if you
give us a few minutes we can
explain.
KRIS
Look, I'm starting to get angry.
Its easy to research my background
and pick out old friends. So what
is it you guys want, whats the
angle. Security please hold them
tight!
ALEX
Wait, will you just listen for five
seconds.
KRIS
Five, four, three, two, one.
Security please remove them let the
local police deal with this matter.
GANDER
Wait, wait, if I may interject.
This is our address if you change
your mind please contact us.
KRIS
Oh, now get out, security remove
them please.
SHARROW
Look, to hell with all this shit,
KRIS we thought you were dead, we
really thought we would never see
you again. (raised emotions)
KRIS
I don't know what sort of game you
are playing or how you plan to use
me, (emotional, and teary), but I
sure as hell am not having you use
the names of my dead friends in
vain. (Raised voice) Security, get
these people out of here, now!
PEOPLE BEING MAN
HANDLED OUT OF
THE ROOM.
DOOR SLAMING
INT. POLICE STATION - OWNERS CAVERN
(ALEX, GANDER, SHARROW, STEARMAN)
STEARMAN
Now will you hold these plaques and
stand against the wall, I won't
tell you again.
GANDER
How dare you officer, what are the
charges, I protest.
STEARMAN
Once again, and I will not say this
again, you are charged with causing
a disturbance at the Plaza Prime,
and resisting officers when we came
to collect you from Hotel security.
ALEX
Look GANDER don't bother, it's like
talking to a log.
STEARMAN
Shut it, you!
SHARROW
Officer if I recall, this is not a
charge that necessitates an
overnight hold, or even charges, so
if we give you our details, are we
free to go. After all, it will be a
significant amount of paperwork,
and I believe it must be getting
close to you break period?
Oh, is that a contribution box for
the constabulary XMAS fund. I'm
sure my friends will be happy to
each make a generous contribution
for such a fine operation.
STEARMAN
Ahhh, Well, Ahem, yes I do believe,
what you say is true, look Miss, if
you and your friends, immediately
leave this cavern, I am sure any
charges can be dropped, after all
we do have much more important
things to deal with and it is a lot
of paperwork.
SHARROW
Thank you officer, now friends lets
allow this fine officer to take our
pictures and then we will go. ALEX,
won't we!
ALEX
Yes, I suppose so.
STEARMAN
Now, no pulling of faces, just hold
the id number and look into the
camera.
INT. RETROGRADE ALEX & SHARROW ROOMS
(ALEX, SHARROW)
ALEX
Look I'm sorry SHARROW, we didn't
know what to expect, people change
OK.
SHARROW
Yes but not like that, what the
hell happened to her, she was like
a cold hearted bitch queen.
ALEX
Perhaps she just had to grow up,
life has a way of hardening the
heart for some people. We don't
know what happened afterward.
SHARROW
It's going to bug me for months,
then there's also this nano shit,
implants and, the whole experience.
Each day I've been trying to hold
my shit together, be positive, see
the bright side.
I know its the only way to go, to
move forward, but really this is
too much (crying). We've lost
everyone we knew, our whole life is
just snubbed out, nothing.
ALEX
Shush, hey you've got me to keep
you company, I'm still the same,
well mentally at least. We've also
inherited the misanthropes
downstairs. Yes we've lost a hell
of a lot, but we've also gained a
lot, its just life. Come-on, lets
clean up and have a couple of late
nighters, I hear GHOST has been
learning flare bar tending, thats
got to be worth a look.
INT. RETROGRADE - MAIN BAR
(ALEX, DOILY, GANDER, GHOST & LATITUDE, KRIS, SHARROW)
DOILY
(In a slightly inebriated state)
GHOST, I can say I definitely did,
ah, din't like that last one, its
too sweet.
GHOST & LATITUDE
Miss DOILY, my sensors detect that
you may be starting to experience
toxic symptoms from the alcohol.
DOILY
Buddy, (burp), me old GHOSTY, thats
the general idea, when I fall off
the stool now that's the point at
whishh, you take me upstairs and
put me to bed right. Oh look its
out two dead crime fighters.
ALEX
DOILY, GHOST, hello.
DOILY
It's not DOILY to you. Its Ms
Cart'e. You're not my friends, your
some frozen popsicle, a pair of
walking corpuses, I mean
corpuscles, ugh, the rooms swaying.
SHARROW
I think she's going to be sick,
ALEX lets get her to the toilets.
DOILY
Get your frozen, hands off me argh!
ALEX
Yeps she definitely going to Shit.
Right on the floor, and some of
it's on my boot.
GHOST & LATITUDE
Miss DOILY are you OK, here let me
help you, you need to sober up.
ALEX
Hay GHOST can you look after her,
we'll get our own drinks OK, we
promise not to steal from the bar,
its wouldn't be worth it, just piss
the GANDER off.
GHOST SERVOS OFF
WITH DOILY
SHARROW
So, what do you want.
ALEX
Just a beer, need to nurse
something slow. Lets sit in the
nook.
SHARROW
Oh, OK.
ALEX
So you feeling better?
SHARROW
We not really, still fairly, up and
down. All the things we thought
were solid are just falling away.
ALEX
Ohh look the duty Cherries have
just stopped someone in a cape at
the door. Oh, there getting the rub
down. Its a bit weird though, I've
not seen a cape at all since we
came here. Looks like the rube had
concealed weapons. When will they
learn.
SHARROW
Hang on, its a female.
ALEX
Hay KRIS, she came to see us. I
better go over hang on I'll bring
her back.
ALEX WALKS OVER
TO DOOR, TALKING
TO CHERRIES
ALEX
Yes I will vouch for her, yes, yes
soldier, there will be no issues.
SHARROW
Hello.
KRIS
Hello, I'm sorry, I had a bad day.
ALEX
Three more coming up.
KRIS
That would be really good. Say
this place has atmosphere.
SHARROW
Yes, but it's got a whole lot more
as well.
KRIS
Well let's hope they let a big
combinate arsehole through the
unaccountably solid entrance door
and allow her to get drunk with
friends.
CLINK OF BOTTLES
BEING TOUCHED
ALEX
Well, I hope you've not going to
turn us into arseholes as well!
(laughter)
KRIS
Can't turn what's already there!
SHARROW
Join the back birth club.
KRIS
(Laughter, breaks the ice) Come
here, give me a hug, its been a
long time coming.
SHARROW
Well not for us, it seems like just
a month or so.
KRIS
Yeh, weird right?
ALEX
God, its good to see your still
alive and kicking. I thought you
might have been dead.
SHARROW
So what made you change your mind?
KRIS
Well, this little old lipstick
here.
ALEX
What, whats that.
KRIS
It came from your utility bag ALEX.
Remember the dumpster.
ALEX
Yeah, I can still smell it, for
sure. Stinky day, all around.
KRIS
Well I accidentally put it in my
pocket, as I was sorting through.
Just force of habit really. Then
two weeks later I found it. By then
I had heard that you two had been
killed. Its been on a chain around
my neck ever since. Its a memento
to remind me to not forget you, and
the bastards who killed you.
Anyway, you left a bag and a
robotic thing in the lift shaft at
the hotel. I got my security to
swab it for DNA, and guess what, I
got a match. So I followed up, and
here I am.
ALEX
Wow, useful bag that utility!
KRIS
Yep, sure was.
SHARROW
So what exactly happened after?
ALEX
Look as much as I want to hear this
tale, I think you need to tell your
tale in front of the team, they
kinda only half believe our
cockamamy story. Also I think it's
better not to be in public. Lets
get RUDI and GANDER in the loop.
SHARROW
No ALEX they are already coming,
must have been alerted by the door
guards.
GANDER
So, Ms FINCH, welcome to the
Retrograde Inn, glad you could make
it. So we had a change of mind,
after giving us the bums rush.
KRIS
Yes, well, sorry for that. I had a
DNA moment. Its easy to get very
paranoid, I've been up against some
real bastards over the past two
years, and its recently been
getting worse.
GANDER
Yes we know what that is like, we
have our own set of bastards. I
think we should go to my office,
you might find we have more in
common than you think.
END