Ghost Signals, Episode 7: Part 1.2
RAIVEN (nods, to AC Second Class Dez-Lei) I know, it surprised me as well. It could provide a clue as to how the species ended up surviving- (signaling all around her) Whatever calamity befell this planet before.
AC SECOND CLASS DEZ-LEI (glances around) Maybe...
RAIVEN Even if that query goes unanswered, I'm quite fascinated to see what this Jaryd hue-minn could provide.
AC SECOND CLASS DEZ-LEI You're seriously thinking of taking up their offer to come to this "complex" they spoke of?
RAIVEN It'd be foolish not to consider it at least, to leave such information unmined. Besides, at the very worst, it doesn't pan out and we have a humorous story once we go home. (Dez-Lei sighs)
STEGGY (from the comm) Apologies for barging in on the scintillating conversation, guys. But I'm catching energy signatures similar to what we spotted yesterdat-
RAIVEN (to Steggy) Cheers, Cap! Is it stationary, or clumped in a wide area?
STEGGY Stationary. 30 metros to the northeast of your current posish.
Raiven looks over in that direction for a few moments. She takes in a deep breath, preparing herself to get back to work.
RAIVEN (excited) "Once more to the Stream," Dezzo. Once more!
CUT TO:
INT. CAR- Distant Past
Mina and Renee in the back of a Lyft some months after their first date. Both of them are wearing clothes befitting the Christmas season. Renee has her eyes covered in a scarf, with Mina barely containing her sense of glee at the surprise she's about to unfurl.
RENEE (to Mina) It's been two and a half hours. Can't you give me any hint? (Renee shaes her head) Not even a little one...?
MINA (calmly, to Renee) I know how good of a guesser you are. You'd ruin the surprise. Now, trust me- it's a good one.
RENEE Alright...
CUT TO:
EXT. STREET- Minutes Later
The outside of the car making a stop on the side of a road. We see the back doors open, and Renee stepping out with Mina behind her as a guide. Mina closes the door behind her shortly after setting foot on the pavement, putting on her Oval just before she speaks.
MINA (helping Renee put on her Oval) Won't be too long now. All we gotta do is go straight for a few meters, and...
Before she can finish the rest of the statement, we see Renee accidentally trip over the top of the curb. She stumbles forward a few steps, but Mina makes sure that she doesn't fall over and slam onto the ground.
MINA (Cont., sheepish) Curb. Sorry about that, shoulda warned you. (leads her over curb) Now, like I said- just a little further...
We move to a close-up of Renee's face after their brief hike has ended. Coming from off-screen left, as Mina takes off thes carf from Renee's eyes, you can hear the opening bars to "Tune Up #1" playing. It takes a few moments for her to realize what the gift was.
CUT TO:
A shot of the Greek Theatre glancing down from a long hillside where a holographic performance of "Rent" is starting over at its outdoor amphitheater. You can see a selection of floating platforms filled with people who aren't in the stands watching the show.
RENEE (beyond words) I--I thought tickets sold out months ago.
MINA (proud) I entered a Free Lotto before work. And after spending a tidy bit of ched stuffing the box...
Renee looks into the eyes of her girlfriend with beaming balls of love for a second as the song gets going.
MINA (Cont.) Merry Christmas...and happy 6-month Anniversary, my dear.
RENEE (choked up) Oh! Have I told you how much I love you?
MINA (grins) About a couple dozen times since this morning. But it never gets old! (the two of them embrace, kiss)
They kiss for a few moments and, after dealing with an automated booth to rent one of the floating platforms, steps on one and heads off to see the show.
CUT TO:
EXT. ANTIQUE STORE- A Month And A Half Later
An action shot of Mina walking into a store one afternoon as a flurry of snow blankets the area. You can hear the notes from the show playing in the ether for a few moments.
INT. ANTIQUE STORE- Continuous
We move to an interior shot of the young woman stepping inside the store. Before she can take more than three steps though, a voice from off-screen right jolts her to stop where she stands.
CASHIER (V.O., to Mina) Hold on one second, Miss.