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Spinmasters

New -- October 1, 2003

 Multiple Choice

Episode IV

   

INT:  ULTRAMODERN OFFICE -- FUTURE (CIRCA 2300 A.D.)

David is standing, looking out the window of an ultra modern, but nevertheless dark and dismal office.  A heavy rain is pounding the strangely shaped window/skylight combination positioned at a 45 degree angle with the floor.  Outside the window can be seen a section of an extremely futuristic city, and on one nearby roof, two figures moving about.  David, however, seems more curious than concerned, and seems to be merely staring at the water coming down.  Then with a heavy frown, he turns to look at the rest of the room.  He is dressed in a shimmering jumpsuit uniform, with a personal identification and insignia emblazoned on his breast.  The ID shows his name and title, which he reads aloud.

DAVID

D. Kincaid, Director, Spin-Master Directive -- Historical.  Galactic Federation, Mintaka.

A VOICE is heard over an apparent intercom but without coming from a specific location.

VOICE

Repeat request.

David looks around the room, grimacing.

DAVID

Never mind.

 

VOICE

You have a meeting with the Senior Director in ten minutes, Sir.

 

DAVID

Uh, thanks.

 

VOICE

Repeat.

 

DAVID

I mean I’m ready.

 

VOICE

Yes, Sir.

A panel of the walls opens, and David, shrugging his shoulders, steps through.

 

INT/EXT:  FUTURISTIC “TUBEWAYS” CONNECTING DIFFERENT SECTIONS OF THE GALACTIC FEDERATION HEADQUARTERS

David walks slowly down a very modernistic, transparent tube walkway -- hovering over and below numerous other similar ones, all at various angles and heights.  Some of the tubes are moving as if selecting a new destination from a prior one.  As David walks, he keeps glancing around, and at one point, shudders.  At the end of David’s tube, he comes to a cubicle attached to a sealed doorway.  The cubicle has the appearance of stainless steel and substantial strength.  As he steps inside, a SECOND VOICE greets him.

SECOND VOICE

Identification required.

David sees a stylistic handprint on the side of the door and applies his hand. At the same time, a laser beam catches his eye.  Abruptly the door opens.  David steps into a second chamber, as the door behind him closes -- sealing him in the second cubicle.  Suddenly, a spray floods the interior, as David reacts, coughing violently and covering his eyes at the same time.  Almost as quickly, the spray mist vanishes and another door opens.

 

INT: SENIOR DIRECTOR’S OFFICE, SPIN-MASTERS, GALACTIC FEDERATION

Still coughing and rubbing his eyes, David steps through the doorway into an elaborate office.  From behind an ultra-modern desk -- with transparent, but barely visible shields surrounding him -- Jeremiah looks up in surprise.  His mood quickly changes to a light-hearted one, but one laced with undercurrents.  His voice is still raspy.

JEREMIAH

Don’t tell me you forgot to close your eyes again!?

 

DAVID

Right.  Frightfully stupid of me!

Jeremiah is momentarily taken by the English accented statement, as if recognizing its source.  Momentarily, he mouths the words, mimicking it.  Then he shakes it off.

JEREMIAH

As you say.  Stupid.

David approaches the desk, and a single wing chair just off to his left.  Abruptly a second chair materializes by rising from the floor.  David quickly moves toward the chair being provided for him.  As he sits down, he sees Aris in the other chair.  She is looking straight ahead.  As he takes his eyes off her and looks to Jeremiah, she takes a quick, appraising glance in his direction, her expression stern. 

Jeremiah, meanwhile, appears to be keeping himself busy at his desk, essentially ignoring his guests.  David frowns slightly and look perplexed.  He glances over at Aris, but she is again patiently staring straight ahead.  David starts to lean back in his chair and silently wait, when a much more elaborate chair materializes toward the end of Jeremiah’s desk.  The action catches Jeremiah’s attention and standing up, he smiles his most diplomatic smile. Aris quickly leaps to her feet to stand at attention, and David, glancing at the two of them, mimics their actions. 

On cue, another door seems to materialize out of the wall behind the new chair. Through the new opening and dressed to the hilt such that it is now apparent that she is the senior officer present, Cathy steps into the room.  Jeremiah is all diplomacy as he greets the new arrival, using a combination of an appropriately official and cordial manner. 

JEREMIAH

Counselor!  We are indeed honored.

 

CATHY

That will depend on what transpires here.

Jeremiah maintains a steely smile, and as Cathy takes her seat, sits down as well.  David follows Aris’ lead and the two of them sit.

JEREMIAH

I trust, Counselor that you will find my reasons for this meeting amply justified.  We certainly appreciate your august attendance.  Apprentice Aris has been working on a project of mine, delving into ancient history to a time of the earliest manifestations of our glorious Ta Ra Nee.  As I’m sure you appreciate, it is these ancient traditions that constitute the very glue that holds the Galactic Federation together. 

David’s face registers surprise, but Jeremiah hardly notices, concentrating his attention on Cathy’s poker face, and giving only a quick cursory glance in the direction of Aris.

JEREMIAH

Apprentice Aris has gone back some three hundred years to what was then known as the “End of the Mayan Calendar”, sometime around the transition from the Twentieth to the Twenty First Century.

David reacts with a decidedly surprised look on his face, a gesture which Jeremiah notices.

JEREMIAH

A bit further back than one might have expected, I suspect. But Apprentice Aris’ evidence -- which, of course, has to be verified -- nevertheless suggests that decisions made at that time on a small, but otherwise uninteresting planet, constituted the critical beginnings of the Ta Ra Nee!

Jeremiah smiles almost gleefully, as Cathy tilts her head, taking momentary notice of the information, and David leans forward, his mouth dropping open.

JEREMIAH

I know.  An incredibly exciting concept!  One with the potential for extending the traditions and longevity of the Ta Ra Nee, and thereby providing for even more credibility and justification for its glorious reign.  Imagine!  Another one hundred years of credible ancestry!

 

ARIS

The evidence is quite convincing.

 

JEREMIAH

The evidence, of course, is not what’s important.  As you well know, Counselor, all we need is the gem of the idea, the seed of truth. We can then elaborate and construct a truly glorious past.  Think of it!  There are no limits to the spin we can put on this one! 

Jeremiah gestures with his hand toward David, as if introducing him to Cathy.

JEREMIAH

As my most trusted and talented Spinner -- not to forget his expertise in ancient historical matters -- Master David is the clear choice to follow this lead.

Cathy studies David for several moments, and then turns to Jeremiah.

CATHY

Approved with Master David in charge.

With no other fanfare, Cathy rises, with the others leaping to attention at her august departing presence.  She then exits, as her elaborate chair slips away.  The three then sit back down, each of them breathing a heavy sigh in their own individual way.

JEREMIAH

As you can see, we have interests in our project at the very highest levels.  Accordingly, no expense will be spared to ensure its successful completion.

 

DAVID

Naturally.

 

JEREMIAH

Apprentice Aris will provide you with a complete briefing, and will work with you in fleshing out the reconstruction of those early years.  I’m placing her at your complete disposal. When you’re ready, we can bring in a Pub Team to develop the presentation and announcement.  Time is of the essence!

Jeremiah leans back in his chair, his fingers touching each other in a modified prayer mode, but with a considerable space between the palms of his hands.  He then presses the fingers together, as if trying to emphasize his point.

JEREMIAH

Can you imagine the excitement this project will engender in the Upper Echelons?  The Counselor is only the first step -- and she will of course, receive her due rewards.

 

DAVID

Of course.  And Apprentice Aris has all of the information I’ll need...?

 

JEREMIAH

Yes.  But keep in mind she is only a Level Twelve Confidant.  Some of the evidence she’s uncovered may easily require your higher level.  If it goes beyond that of course, I will have to become personally involved.  For the moment, though, we need your expertise to verify her evidence, and then to assess the potential spin.  So if there are no other questions...

 

DAVID

No.  Not for the moment.

 

JEREMIAH

Excellent!  I was certain I could count on you!  I suggest you meet with Apprentice Aris immediately.  I’ve already arranged a debriefing room for the two of you.

 

DAVID

Of course.

Jeremiah abruptly stands, his body ramrod straight, and his heels clicking.

JEREMIAH

“The Many Support the Few.  The Few Support the One.”

Aris is on her feet as quickly as Jeremiah.  Simultaneously, the chairs in which she and David had been sitting begin to disappear into the floor.  David almost stumbles, trying to get up from the receding chair, but manages to catch himself. 

ARIS

“The Many Support the Few.”

 

DAVID and ARIS

“The Few Support the One.”

Jeremiah has already sat down and turned to something on his desk console.  Aris stares at David with a serious, questioning look.  David avoids her eyes and turns toward the door.

 

INT/EXT:  TUBEWAYS -- MOMENTS LATER

As David steps through the open doorway and stops in front of the second one, he turns slightly. The door closes before Aris appears, and the second one then opens.  David steps forward and begins walking along a tubeway, which is moving to a new destination.  He walks slowly, looking around, until he sees, below him and off to the right, Aris moving briskly in a separate tube.  He watches her as she enters a “junction box” and step into a second tube which begins to move and direct her heading in the same direction as David’s.

                                                                                                                       

INT:  BRIEFING ROOM, GALACTIC FEDERATION HEADQUARTERS

David enters an ultramodern, but sparsely furnished briefing room where two chairs face each other across a table with built-in computer screens and controls.  The only lighting is on the table. As he approaches one chair, Aris enters from the opposite door.  She quickly joins him, taking the other chair.  Without a word, she approaches the computer, using a keypad to enter her identifying code.  David watches her, until his computer screen lights up and begins displaying her evidence. Aris looks expectantly at David, as the first of various real and computer generated images light up the console screen.

DAVID

Uh... You may begin.

 

ARIS

Thank you, Sir.

The computer screen begins displaying graphics showing three dimensional grid lines on a computer generated view of Earth.

ARIS (voice over)

Using a standard Lansingstoke-Heraldry 31-C Procedure, I was able to pinpoint a continuum coordinate some three hundred years ago, in an unusual stellar location.  The star system in question had a planet called “Earth”, which was, apparently, a three dimensional construct.

 

DAVID

Three-dimensional...?

 

ARIS

Yes, Sir, I know.  Very unusual, and quite frankly, difficult to even imagine.  But the evidence is extremely persuasive.

 

DAVID

And how does this affect us?

 

ARIS

That was my original question.  It seemed incongruous for such limited beings to have any effect on our history.  But nevertheless it seems clear that they did.  Perhaps you’re aware of the Paatal Legend?

 

DAVID

Yes.  But what’s your interpretation?

 

ARIS

Basically, the legend involves eleventh dimensional beings who decided to conduct some kind of “Grand Experiment” by separating consciousnesses and thereby limiting themselves to a world of three spatial dimensions.  Sounds fanciful, I’ll admit, but the stories of the “Masters of Limitations” do permeate the galaxy.  That factor alone leads me to believe there’s at least something to the legend that might be factual. Let’s face it: we’ve worked with  less factual data and as Spin Masters created much more elaborate scenarios as the truth.

 

DAVID

That I’m well aware of.  But these so-called “Masters of Limitations”...

 

ARIS

Just a reference to the fact that in such a limiting, three dimensional universe, they were still able to accomplish so much.  These beings, if we’re to believe the legends, were living less than a hundred years, and yet were able to live what we would consider to be multiple lifetimes, learning at a prodigious rate, making enormous spiritual and philosophical strides.  Technologically, the...

 

DAVID

And you think this anomaly was due in part to some beings from the...?

 

ARIS

Eleventh dimension. Yes, sir.  I can’t say I believe it, but it is part of the Paatal Legend.

 

DAVID

Incredible!

A rapid sequence of scenes of UFO attacks similar to David’s dream and his experiences in the future begin to appear on the computer consoles.

ARIS (voice over)

This planet, Earth, at the time of its effect on our particular timeline, was apparently invaded or involved in an interstellar conflict.  They were either under attack, or simply found themselves in the line of fire.

 

DAVID (voice over)

Invaded?

 

ARIS (voice over)

It’s a possibility.  The only motivation I’ve been able to construct is that perhaps the technologically advanced interstellar groups who instigated the conflict, were somehow vitally interested in the DNA of the Earth’s principal creatures.

 

DAVID (voice over)

You’re kidding!

Aris reacts to skepticism by straightening her posture and trying to appear professional.

ARIS

No, Sir.  They may have believed the Legends and realized the Earthling’s DNA might include the incredible powers of the Paatal!  At the same time, if the Earthlings were utilizing as part of the Grand Experiment only a small portion of their DNA or brain power, then they would be vulnerable!  The Earthlings’ DNA would then have enormous latent reserves, be available for the taking, and as such, represent an incredibly tantalizing prize!

 

DAVID

This is unbelievable!

 

ARIS

The Paatal Legend does not have to be true.  Only that the invaders believed it to be true.

 

DAVID

Maybe so, but I...

For a moment, David just leans back, shaking his head from side to side.

ARIS

Perhaps, Sir, you’d prefer we continue this in a nature setting?  I assume you might be more comfortable with that.

David sits up and looks at Aris with increased interest.

DAVID

What made you say that?

 

ARIS

I don’t know, Sir. I certainly didn’t look at your personnel file -- I’m well aware of the penalties for such unauthorized access.  But for some strange reason, I just knew you liked nature.  A rare trait, I’ll admit.

 

DAVID

Well, you’re right.

 

ARIS

I can request one, if you like.  We can then adjourn to it at a later time.

 

DAVID

Yeah.  Good idea.  Let’s do that.

Aris does some manipulations on the computer, as David watches, his mind racing.  Then she smiles slightly, and stands up.

ARIS

It will be available at time thirty-seven point five.  I can meet you then.

 

DAVID

Fine.  Meanwhile, I’ll stay and review your other evidence.

 

ARIS

Yes, Sir! “The Many Serve the Few, The Few Serve the One.”

Aris salutes, turns, and exits, while David just looks amazed.  Then he turns back to the console and begins scrolling through the computer information.  A sequence of scenes appear on the computer screen (and subsequently in full view), showing some of the same scenes from the Pentagon briefing, intermixed with other views of Earth, additional crop circles, footage of UFO sightings, and other apparent paranormal activities.  Also included are clips from well known science fiction movies -- such scenes eliciting a knowing smile from David, as he recognizes movie stars and plots. But other scenes which appear more legitimate, quickly wipe the smile off his face.

 

INT: BRIEFING ROOM -- LATER

David is still at the console.  He leans back to think, one finger touching his lips, with the opposing thumb supporting his chin.  He sighs heavily.  Then he straightens up.

DAVID

Computer.  Location of Apprentice Aris...

The computer console displays a flashing dot on a floor plan layout.

DAVID

Take me there.

 

COMPUTER VOICE

Transport limited to Upper Echelon Levels only.  Subject is in an unauthorized zone.

 

DAVID

Fine.  Take me as close to Apprentice Aris’ location as you can.

The door in the briefing room opens, and David exits.

                                                                                                                       

INT:  ENTRY TO UNAUTHORIZED ZONE -- MOMENTS LATER

David is in a noticeably shabbier hallway, deep in the bowels of the Galactic Federation Headquarters and approaching what appears to be a hatchway on a modern day naval vessel. On the hatch, which is apparently seldom used, is a rusted sign which reads:

 “No Security Beyond This Door. 

Proceed At Your Own Risk. 

No Unauthorized Entry. 

Code 1139.783.12.”

David smiles slightly, and begins unbolting the hatch.

 

INT: SENIOR DIRECTOR’S OFFICE, SPIN-MASTERS, GALACTIC FEDERATION

Jeremiah is watching a screen showing David stepping through the Security hatch.  Jeremiah reaches for a “Security Alert” button on his console, but just as his hand reaches the button, he hesitates.  With his elbow resting on the console, his index finger wavers in the air, occasionally rubbed by an opposing thumb.  Then his hand moves away from the console and his fingers touch his lips, as he takes another look at the screen, which now shows David closing the hatch behind him. 

Jeremiah sighs heavily as if weighed down with a very difficult decision.  He leans back, his hands coming up to press -- with considerable strength -- fingers against opposing fingers, his index fingers touching his lips.  For several long moments, he breathes heavily and stares into space.  Then, he notices the manner in which his fingers and hand are held, and a puzzled expression crosses his face.  He moves his hands to see his fingers from different perspectives, including what looks like a prayer mode. 

Abruptly he shakes his head to dislodge the thought, reaches for the “Security Alert” button, and presses it.  For a moment, he continues to sit there, his expression one of worried expectancy.  Then he stands and moves back to a small wet bar.  Quickly, he splashes water on his face, waits for just a second (as if expecting something).  When nothing happens, he takes a towel and begins drying his face and hands.  He continues to dry his hands with increasing strength.

 

INT:  PASSAGEWAYS WITHIN THE UNAUTHORIZED ZONE

David is moving through passageways deep within the bowels of Galactic Federation Headquarters and areas which are apparently part of the old machinery which may have once contributed to the “Upper Echelon Levels” above.  Now, all seems deserted and totally lacking in maintenance. 

David continues to wander through the maze, looking around.  As he approaches what appears to be a stagnant pool of water within a rectangular, rusted steel encrusted opening in the floor, a large gate value suddenly opens automatically, and a rush of water begins pouring into the pool.  David steps back, only slightly wet.  He hesitates for a moment, smiles, shrugs his shoulders, and continues walking. 

Rounding one junction, he sees a light ahead.  As he approaches the lighted area, he finds a hatch slightly ajar.  Approaching cautiously, he begins hearing voices.  Quietly, he steps through the hatch, being careful not to open it any more than necessary.

ROBYN (voice over)

Yes, but aren’t there other timelines? Other possibilities?

 

ARIS (voice over)

Of course.  But not with the Ta Ra Nee.

 

ROBYN (voice over)

So... if we cause a change at the correct continuum coordinate, back on this planet...

 

ARIS (voice over)

...Earth.

 

ROBYN (voice over)

Earth.  Then everything would be completely different!?

 

ARIS (voice over)

It would have to be!

David is smiling until he suddenly feels the blunt point of a weapon against his temple. He looks up to see STOUT, a substantial and intimidating individual in any reality.  Stout is also smiling.  Abruptly the smile vanishes and he announces himself to the others.

STOUT

We have an intruder!

Taking David by the arm, Stout moves him further into the room, where Robyn and Aris turn to stare at the new arrivals.  Aris gasps upon seeing David.

ROBYN

(to ARIS)

You know this man?

 

ARIS

A Spin-Master Director.  My new superior on the project.

 

ROBYN

A Spin-Master Director a spy? I didn’t know such high flyers ever dirtied their hands in such a manner!

David looks worried, until, as he looks at Robyn and Aris, his mood abruptly changes.  For just a moment, he laughs.

DAVID

Interesting!

 

ROBYN

Is that right?  You’re about to incur our displeasure, and yet you find the situation "interesting"?

 

DAVID

You’re part of the Underground!

 

ROBYN

(to ARIS)

What’s he talking about?

 

ARIS

I have no idea.

 

DAVID

The revolution.  The Fifth Column.  Rebels.  Those opposed to the established rule...

 

ROBYN

(to DAVID)

Are you accusing us of disloyalty!?

David gestures to each of their chests, where large Celtic Crosses are worn in full view.

DAVID

You’re all wearing Celtic Crosses -- an ancient symbol worn by people who would never submit to a... a tyranny.

 

ROBYN

Really?  But you, of course, are not wearing such a symbol.

 

DAVID

It wasn’t necessary before.  But that’s a minor detail.  What you really need is a way to change the past.

 

ROBYN

And you have such a way?

 

ARIS

Careful, Robyn.  He has a reputation for deceit and cunning.

 

DAVID

Spoken like a true, jilted lover.

 

ROBYN and ARIS

What!!?

 

DAVID

Perhaps later.  Right now, thanks to all the evidence so neatly provided by “Apprentice Aris”, I’ve been able to do some homework.

 

ROBYN

Some what?

 

DAVID

Research, a chance to understand. To know the kind of truth that sets ye free.

David glances at Aris, who glances down in thought, but says nothing. 

DAVID

The Ta Ra Nee is only one timeline.  But if history could be changed -- not just rewritten or revised on paper -- but really changed... 

 

ARIS

You’d have to first know the critical factor which spawned the Ta Ra Nee.

 

DAVID

The Mintakan attack on Earth.  Right?

David looks expectantly at Aris, but she says nothing, still wary.

DAVID

Or better yet, the failure of the Earthlings to ask for help.  That might easily be the critical bifurcation point, when the timeline of the Ta Ra Nee, the tyranny, branches off from the other possibilities.  But the real trick is finding a way back to such a remote time when the critical decisions could be changed.

 

ARIS

Do you have such a method?

 

DAVID

Time is permeable, right?

 

ARIS

Theoretically, yes.

 

DAVID

We could easily find ourselves in another timeline dimension based on different decisions from the past. 

 

ROBYN

But it’s not known how to shift dimensions.

 

DAVID

Not known, or held in secret?

 

ROBYN

Does it make a difference?

 

DAVID

Possibly. But if you could this moment, you personally, Apprentice Aris, enter a time vortex and make the trip back, would you?

 

ARIS

Yes, I think I would.  If only to make a difference.  Or just to prove that I could make a difference.

 

ROBYN

You’d be willing to trust this man?  This “master of cunning and deceit”?

 

ARIS

Somehow, there’s more here than...

Suddenly, Stout stiffens, as he holds his hand to his head in the manner of listening intently to an internal communication device, and holds up his other hand for silence.

STOUT

Security forces.

 

ROBYN

Brought your friends, I see.

David holds up his hands as if to deny everything.

ARIS

I don’t think so.

 

ROBYN

Are you kidding?

 

ARIS

No.

 

DAVID

We can make the leap now.

 

ARIS

You’re on.

 

DAVID

(to ROBYN)

And you can witness it, if you like.

 

STOUT

We have to hurry!

 

ROBYN

Okay, Spin-Master Director.  Lead the way.

David leads the others to the door, and then retraces his steps to the pool and waterfall. There they encounter members of the Security Force, who quickly turn to open fire.  Robyn and Stout exchange advanced weaponry fire with the Security Forces, while David and Aris duck for cover.  Then, David turns to Aris.

DAVID

Do as I do!

On a fast break, David runs headlong for the waterfall.  Aris watches intently and gasps when he leaps into the waterfall and phases.  A broad smile crosses her face.

ARIS

Cover me!

With Stout and an amazed Robyn covering her with a phalanx of fire, Aris makes her own break, leaping into the waterfall, and quickly phasing.

 

Episode Three -- Five Sided Buildings

Forward to:

Episode Five -- Interstellar Space

               

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