SECOND CHANCE

an original screenplay by

Charlotte John
Charlotte John
1356 Yardley Wood Road
Birmingham
B90 1JT
charlotteajohn@gmail.com
20 PAGE EXTRACT FOLLOWED BY SUMMARY FOR NFTS
"SECOND CHANCE"
FADE IN:
INT. BACKUP FACILITY WARD L ROOM 3 - MORNING
Twenty beds fill the clean, clinical room, each occupied
by a sleeping man. A chest of drawers sits beside each
bed, but there is nothing to show the personality of its
owner - no alarm clocks, no photographs of loved ones.
The room is dark, the only window shielded by a blind.
In one of the beds next to the window is LUCAS A8942, 34.
On his wrist is an old digital watch. It vibrates, waking
Lucas. He removes the watch and hides it under his bed,
taking out a roll of paper.
He gets out of bed, then sneaks across the room to the
door. He checks that he has not woken the others. The
coast clear, he slips out of the room.
INT. BACKUP FACILITY WARD L MAIN CORRIDOR - MORNING
Lucas exits his room, quietly closing the door behind
him. He dashes across the dark, empty corridor and enters
the dining hall.
INT. BACKUP FACILITY WARD L DINING HALL - MORNING
The dining hall is a large room filled with rows of tables.
At one end is a large serving hatch, currently closed,
behind which we can hear CARERS cooking breakfast.
Lucas enters, walks to the other end of the room and
spreads the roll of paper across the wall. Suddenly the
blinds covering the windows open, filling the room with
light. The Facility is waking up.
INT. BACKUP FACILITY WARD L ROOM 3 - MORNING
HELEN FULHAM, 38, better known simply as Carer Helen,
enters.
CARER HELEN
Morning, boys.
The BackUps rise from their beds, stretching. But one is
missing. She notes Lucas' empty bed and leaves.
INT. BACKUP FACILITY WARD L MAIN CORRIDOR - MORNING
Carer Helen leaves Room 3. The corridor is now filling
with BackUps heading for breakfast. She cuts through
them, smiling and greeting them as she passes. A cheer
suddenly erupts from the dining hall.
2.
INT. BACKUP FACILITY WARD L DINING HALL - MORNING
There he is: Lucas. He stands on a table, a banner he
clearly made himself stuck to the wall behind him. 'HAPPY
FULFILMENT DAY KAREN'.
KAREN, 72, is in the middle of the room, walking towards
Lucas. He jumps down from the table and gives her a big
hug. Karen is then whisked away by other well wishers.
Carer Helen cuts through the BackUps and approaches Lucas.
Her playful, admonishing look is returned with a cheeky
grin.
CARER HELEN
I don't know how you do it, Lucas.
You're supposed to have your full
eight hours.
LUCAS
Waking a little early now and
then won't hurt. There's not
much I can do around here to
surprise people.
CARER HELEN
Well, you surprise us more than
most. I won't tell this time,
but if it happens again -
LUCAS
I'll be put in special measures,
I know.
CARER HELEN
Good boy.
INT. BACKUP FACILITY WARD L DINING HALL - MORNING
The BackUps sit at the tables, empty breakfast plates in
front of them. All are chatting amongst themselves, until
Lucas stands.
LUCAS
Attention please!
The din of conversation quickly turns to silence. All
eyes on Lucas.
LUCAS (CONT'D)
As you all know, it's a very
special day for one of our
favourite ward members. She has
been here longer than any of us,
she cared for us when we were
children, helped us whenever we
needed it, and she's beaten us
all at Monopoly more times than
(MORE)
3.
LUCAS (CONT'D)
we care to mention. Here she is,
on her very special day: Karen!
The BackUps all clap and cheer as Karen rises and Lucas
takes his seat. Karen looks around the room, beaming.
The applause dies down.
KAREN
Thank you so much, Lucas, and to
everyone for celebrating my day
with me. I have been here seventy
two years - far longer than most.
I admit I have felt a pang of
jealously every time one of my
friends has been taken from us.
At last it's my turn: I finally
get to fulfil my purpose. It has
been a long wait, but thank you
to all of you for making it a
pleasurable one.
The BackUps give Karen a standing ovation.
INT. BACKUP FACILITY WARD L ROOM 3 - MORNING
The BackUps of Room 3, freshly showered, change into their
day clothes. The room is now filled with daylight, the
window revealing a picturesque countryside scene.
Lucas puts on a sock as TOMMY, 8, runs into the room and
jumps onto Lucas' bed. He picks up Lucas' other sock and
puts it on his arm, making a puppet.
TOMMY
They're letting us go to the
Learning Room late today, so that
we can wave Karen off! Cos she's
so old and stuff.
LUCAS
That's great!
Lucas tries to take his other sock from Tommy. Tommy
clutches on to the sock, and makes the sock talk.
TOMMY
"My name is Lucas, I'm an idiot
with humongous feet!"
Tommy stands on the bed, moving away as Lucas playfully
tries to retrieve his sock.
LUCAS
Tommy!
Laughing, Tommy runs across the room. Another BackUp
suddenly enters.
4.
BACKUP
The Transporters are here!
Lucas takes his sock from Tommy and quickly pulls it on.
He and Tommy hurry out to the corridor, everyone else in
the room follows.
INT. BACKUP FACILITY WARD L MAIN CORRIDOR - MORNING
Excited BackUps line the walls of the corridor. At one
end, next to the big Core Door, TWO TRANSPORTERS wait, a
wheelchair between them.
Karen leaves her room at the other end of the corridor.
As she appears, the BackUps cheer. She has no luggage,
just the clothes she is wearing.
Lucas picks up Tommy and sits him on his shoulders so he
can see over those in front of him. People call out their
goodbyes as Karen passes; she smiles and waves in return.
She soon reaches the Transporters and sits in the
wheelchair. One Transporter takes control of the
wheelchair, the other presses his finger against a small
control panel next to the Core Door.
With one final wave, Karen is wheeled through the door.
INT. BACKUP FACILITY WARD L CORE DOOR - MORNING
Karen is wheeled through the first Core Door. Once she
and The Transporters are through, the door closes swiftly
behind them. There is an audible click as the door locks.
A Transporter straps Karen's arms to the wheelchair; she
looks shocked, but remains silent. A second door opens in
front of them. They continue through.
INT. BACKUP FACILITY THE CORE, FLOOR 6 - MORNING
Karen and The Transporters have now entered The Core, the
central part of the BackUp Facility that the BackUps only
see on their way to Fulfilment. It is from The Core that
the Facility is run.
The Core is a hive of activity, a stark contrast to the
calm atmosphere on the ward. Karen's senses are
overloaded. She sits quietly, looking around at the
unfamiliar sights as she is wheeled down the corridor
towards the lifts. They do not have to wait long for a
lift, but there is enough time for Karen to look out of
the window.
She sees tall skyscrapers, bright lights, something
metallic flying through the air: what happened to the
countryside she has looked out at her entire life? Before
she can say anything, she is wheeled into the lift.
5.
INT. TRANSPORTER VAN - MORNING
Karen is wheeled into the back of a van. One of the
Transporters stays with her. He unstraps her from the
wheelchair.
TRANSPORTER
Lie on the bed, please.
Karen lies on the bed. The van begins to move, silently
and swiftly.
KAREN
This doesn't feel good.
TRANSPORTER
It's ok, try to relax.
The Transporter prepares a vaccination.
KAREN
Is this it?
TRANSPORTER
Yes. Ready?
Karen nods. The Transporter injects her. Her eyes droop
as she falls into unconsciousness.
INT. CAPITAL HOSPITAL WARD - DAY
KAREN TRUMAN, 72. This is the Original from whom Karen
was cloned. She is fatter and more worn than her BackUp.
She sits up in bed, her SON, 27, at her side.
On her lap is a small black box, from out the top of which
a holographic image is projected, acting much like a
computer monitor. The image is of a woman.
WOMAN (V.O.)
Karen, just wanted to wish you
luck with your surgery today.
May your Second Chance be as good
as your first. See you when you're
out.
EXT. CAPITAL HOSPITAL - DAY - SAME TIME
The van transporting Karen, which has 'Second Chance Inc.'
emblazoned across it, parks outside the hospital. The
Transporter opens the back doors, jumps out, then unloads
Karen, who is unconscious on the bed.
INT. CAPITAL HOSPITAL WARD - DAY
Karen Truman and her son are watching another video from
a well wisher. The ORDERLY enters. Karen presses the
box and the image disappears; her son takes the box from
her.
6.
SON
Mum -
KAREN TRUMAN
Oh don't look so worried.
(to Orderly)
Tell him, will you? He's been
told it enough, but he won't stop
worrying. Just because I'm older
than most, doesn't mean anything
will go wrong.
ORDERLY
Certainly, the fact you have kept
in such good health for so long
is a good sign.
KAREN TRUMAN
See? I'm going to be fine.
SON
Ok, Mum. Love you.
KAREN TRUMAN
Love you too.
(to Orderly)
Right, let's do this.
The Orderly presses a code into a control panel on the
bed. The bed moves slowly towards the door, then leaves
the room.
INT. CAPITAL HOSPITAL CORRIDOR 1 - DAY
Karen is wheeled through the corridor by the Transporter.
INT. CAPITAL HOSPITAL CORRIDOR 2 - DAY
Karen Truman sits on her bed, the Orderly walking behind
as it drives itself.
INT. CAPITAL HOSPITAL OPERATING THEATRE - DAY
The Transporter locks the wheels on the bed, upon which
Karen remains unconscious. The Transporter exits.
Karen Truman enters on her bed, the Orderly close behind.
Original sees her BackUp.
KAREN TRUMAN
May I take a look?
ORDERLY
Of course.
The Orderly disables the bed's auto pilot and guides the
bed across the room. Original studies her BackUp.
7.
KAREN TRUMAN
She's so... clean.
ORDERLY
She's been kept under the
healthiest conditions possible -
a lifetime without stress or worry.
KAREN TRUMAN
Must be nice.
THE ANAESTHETIST enters.
ANAESTHETIST
Ready, Ms. Truman?
The Orderly moves the bed to the other side of the room.
Karen Truman continues to stare at her BackUp. She does
not look away until the Orderly makes her lie down.
The Anaesthetist injects her. Her eyes droop in the same
way Karen's did as she falls unconscious.
The SURGICAL TEAM enter, all wearing scrubs.
SURGEON
Heart transplant today, guys.
Let's get started.
INT. BACKUP FACILITY WARD L DOCTOR'S OFFICE - DAY
DOCTOR SPIERS, 92, sits at his desk. Despite his age, he
looks much younger. There is a knock on the door.
DOCTOR SPIERS
Come in!
Lucas enters. The Doctor stands.
DOCTOR SPIERS (CONT'D)
Right on time as ever, Lucas.
As they shake hands, Lucas surreptitiously passes the
digital watch he used to wake himself up that morning to
the Doctor.
DOCTOR SPIERS (CONT'D)
(lowering his voice)
I trust it worked?
LUCAS
I'm sure you've heard it did.
DOCTOR SPIERS
Indeed I have, and I have been
instructed to remind you that
waking early is not only against
the rules but also very bad for
(MORE)
8.
DOCTOR SPIERS (CONT'D)
your health. So stick to your
full eight hours in future,
understood?
LUCAS
Understood, Doctor.
Doctor Spiers winks conspiratorially at Lucas and puts the
watch into his bag.
DOCTOR SPIERS
Hop on up, then, Lucas. Let's
see how you're doing.
Lucas stands on the scales.
INT. BACKUP FACILITY WARD L MAIN CORRIDOR - DAY
Lucas leaves the Doctor's office. Tommy is waiting for
him outside.
LUCAS
Hey, kid. What did you learn
today, then?
TOMMY
Nothing.
LUCAS
You spent 4 hours in class and
learnt nothing whatsoever?
They slowly walk down the corridor.
TOMMY
Well, we did stuff about the
cloning process. It was boring.
LUCAS
It's important though. You need
to understand how and why we are
created.
TOMMY
I know all that! I'm not a baby!
LUCAS
Alright, kid, sorry. So, how
would you like to help me out in
the laundry room tomorrow?
Tommy is suddenly excited.
TOMMY
What?
9.
LUCAS
I cleared it with the Carers.
You can come with me tomorrow
afternoon, I'll show you the ropes.
If you want to, that is.
TOMMY
Yes please!
Tommy hugs Lucas tightly.
INT. BACKUP FACILITY WARD L ROOM 3 - MORNING
Lucas is dressing. His socks are on the bed beside him.
Tommy runs in.
TOMMY
It's today! I'm going to be a
Laundry Worker!
Tommy takes Lucas' socks and throws them up in the air
before catching them.
LUCAS
Tommy, can I have -
TOMMY
Nope.
LUCAS
Ok, first rule of being a Laundry
Worker: don't steal clothes!
TOMMY
I'm not stealing, I'm playing!
Tommy hands the socks back.
LUCAS
Every single morning.
Lucas ruffles Tommy's hair.
INT. BACKUP FACILITY FLOOR 6 LAUNDRY ROOM - DAY
The Laundry Room is large and full of machines. Carer
Helen leads 15 BACKUPS, including Lucas and Tommy, into
the room. The BackUps know what they are doing, and each
take up their positions. Lucas guides Tommy to a long
table at the furthest end of the room.
Carer Helen watches as the BackUps get to work.
LUCAS
(to Tommy)
My job comes last: I fold the
clothes, put them in the correct
basket, then deliver them.
(MORE)
10.
LUCAS (CONT'D)
Our job doesn't start just yet
though. See what they're doing?
He gestures towards two BackUps at the other end of the
room. They wheel out a large bag of laundry, then fill a
large metal tub with the clothes.
LUCAS (CONT'D)
Those metal tubs are the washing
machines. A standard wash takes -
He notices that Tommy is looking behind him.
LUCAS (CONT'D)
Hey, what you looking at? This
is important!
TOMMY
Where does that door go?
Tommy points to a door in the wall beside them, directly
opposite the door through which they entered.
LUCAS
To Ward K. Now pay attention. A
standard wash takes 2 minutes...
Tommy cannot take his eyes off the door.
INT. BACKUP FACILITY WARD L MAIN CORRIDOR - DAY
Lucas pushes a trolley full of clean, neatly folded
clothing down the corridor, Tommy follows. They enter
one of the bedrooms.
INT. BACKUP FACILITY WARD L ROOM 1 - DAY
Lucas pushes the trolley into the room. He lifts a pile
of clothes off the trolley and hands it to Tommy, who
carries it to a bed and places it down. Lucas laughs as
the pile is almost as big as Tommy himself. Tommy looks
proud as he completes his task.
INT. BACKUP FACILITY WARD L DINING HALL - NIGHT
The BackUps are eating dinner. Tommy sits near Lucas.
The room is full of conversation and laughter.
Carer Helen enters. She approaches Tommy.
CARER HELEN
Tommy, you're needed! It's your
Fulfilment!
Tommy is shocked. The BackUps around him congratulate
him. Lucas quickly tries to cover his sadness.
11.
LUCAS
Fulfilment? Don't you mean a
Donation? A kidney or something?
He'll be coming back -
CARER HELEN
No, a Fulfilment!
TOMMY
Right now?
CARER HELEN
Yes, right away! Your Original
needs you!
Tommy stands. People applaud and cheer as he follows Carer
Helen to the door. Lucas follows behind them.
INT. BACKUP FACILITY WARD L MAIN CORRIDOR - CONTINUOUS
The Transporters wait at the Core Door, the wheelchair
between them. Carer Helen walks with Tommy, Lucas follows.
CARER HELEN
You have been so lovely, sweetie.
I'm so happy for you!
They reach the Transporters. Tommy turns to Lucas, beaming.
Lucas puts on a happy face.
LUCAS
Come here, kid.
Lucas bends down to Tommy's height. They hug.
LUCAS (CONT'D)
I'm so proud of you.
TOMMY
Thank you, Lucas.
CARER HELEN
I'm sorry you two, but Tommy really
has to go.
Tommy breaks away from Lucas' hug and sits in the
wheelchair. He looks so small in the adult sized chair.
The Core Door is opened. Tommy waves excitedly at Lucas.
Lucas waves back. Tommy is wheeled through the door.
TOMMY
Bye Lucas!
LUCAS
Bye -
The door slides closed. A loud click, and it is locked.
12.
Carer Helen walks back towards the Dining Hall, leaving
Lucas alone.
Lucas stares sadly at the door.
INT. BACKUP FACILITY WARD L ROOM 3 - MORNING
The BackUps are asleep. A gentle alarm sounds and the
blinds open, filling the room with light. The other BackUps
rise from their beds, Lucas stares blankly at the ceiling.
Slowly, he pulls himself out of bed. His roommates leave
for breakfast as he walks over to the window and looks
out at the countryside. Carer Helen is at the door.
CARER HELEN
Lucas?
LUCAS
Be there in a minute.
INT. BACKUP FACILITY WARD L DINING HALL - MORNING
The BackUps sit, eating. Lucas is the last to arrive. He
walks to the serving hatch and collects his food.
He walks over to a table and sits without greeting anyone.
INT. BACKUP FACILITY WARD L ROOM 3 - DAY
Lucas is dressing. He only has his socks left to put on.
He picks them up and looks over his shoulder expectantly.
No one comes.
INT. BACKUP FACILITY WARD L GYM - DAY
Lucas runs on the treadmill at a very fast pace. At the
front and sides of the machine are holographic images of
a path winding through hills. As Lucas runs, the images
move as though he is running through a hilly countryside.
Carer Helen enters.
CARER HELEN
Lucas?
Lucas continues to run, unaware of Helen's presence.
CARER HELEN (CONT'D)
(louder)
Lucas?
Pulled out of his trance, Lucas stops the treadmill and
the holographic images disappear. Out of breath, he picks
up his towel and steps off the machine.
LUCAS
Yeah?
13.
CARER HELEN
Doctor Spiers is waiting for you.
LUCAS
Oh. Right.
Lucas walks past Helen and leaves.
INT. BACKUP FACILITY WARD L DOCTOR'S OFFICE - DAY
Doctor Spiers paces the room. There is a knock at the
door.
DOCTOR SPIERS
Come in.
Lucas enters, still sweaty from his run.
DOCTOR SPIERS (CONT'D)
It's not like you to be late.
LUCAS
I got caught up in my run. Sorry.
DOCTOR SPIERS
Take a seat, Lucas. Let's talk.
Lucas sits. Doctor Spiers remains standing.
DOCTOR SPIERS (CONT'D)
The Carers are worried about you,
Lucas. They say -
LUCAS
I'm fine.
DOCTOR SPIERS
Tell me how you're feeling. Are
you jealous?
LUCAS
No.
DOCTOR SPIERS
Sad?
Lucas is silent.
DOCTOR SPIERS (CONT'D)
It's ok to feel sad, Lucas.
LUCAS
But he's achieved his Fulfilment.
I should be happy for him, right?
DOCTOR SPIERS
Of course you should, but it's
also understandable that you miss
(MORE)
14.
DOCTOR SPIERS (CONT'D)
him. He was like a son to you.
You're bound to feel a little
down at first without him. But
it's important that you remember
why he left. He has been Fulfilled
now, he has achieved his purpose.
Try to be happy for him. Come
on, let's check you over.
Doctor Spiers walks to the scales. Lucas remains seated.
LUCAS
It's just not fair.
DOCTOR SPIERS
What isn't fair?
LUCAS
He was eight years old. Just
eight years... and now he's dead.
DOCTOR SPIERS
He isn't dead, he has fulfilled
his purpose.
LUCAS
It's the same thing. Stop
pretending it isn't!
DOCTOR SPIERS
Lucas -
LUCAS
Why should he have to die? How
is that fair?
DOCTOR SPIERS
He saved a little boy's life. Do
you think it would have been fair
for that boy to die?
LUCAS
At least that boy had a life! At
least he got to go wherever and
do whatever he wanted. At least
he had a future to look forward
to! We're just kept here, doing
the same thing day in, day out.
We're just waiting to die. Why?
Why should we die for them?
DOCTOR SPIERS
Lucas, stop.
LUCAS
I just want to know -
15.
DOCTOR SPIERS
I know, but just stop. Very few
have ever asked such questions.
I'd strongly advise you not to do
so.
Lucas is defiant.
LUCAS
I'm not even allowed to express
myself.
DOCTOR SPIERS
Lucas, please!
LUCAS
What if I don't want to die for
someone else? Am I not allowed to
choose what I do with my own body?
DOCTOR SPIERS
Lucas, you're upset, you're saying
things you don't mean.
LUCAS
Oh I mean them, Doctor.
DOCTOR SPIERS
Then I can tell you now that life
will be very difficult for you.
You think your life is unfair?
You have no idea how unbearable
your existence will be if you
continue talking like this. I
will ignore this behaviour just
this once, because I know you,
Lucas. I knew you would be more
inquisitive than most - it's in
your nature. I just hoped...
(pause)
Be sad. Think things over. Just
don't go saying these things out
loud, ok? It won't help anything,
and it will only upset the others.
You don't want that, do you?
Lucas reluctantly shakes his head.
DOCTOR SPIERS (CONT'D)
Good. I'll be instructing the
Carers to keep a special eye on
you. If you do or say anything
that so much as suggests this
kind of bad behaviour, there will
be dire consequences. You are
smart enough to know when to back
down. Now let's move on.
16.
INT. BACKUP FACILITY FLOOR 6 LAUNDRY ROOM - DAY
Carer Helen leads the BackUps into the room. Lucas walks
to his table and waits as the others start the process.
As he waits, he stares at the door next to him: the door
to Ward K. He walks over to it and knocks on it. He
then pushes it, trying to open it.
Carer Helen runs over to him.
CARER HELEN
Lucas!
LUCAS
Why can't we go there?
CARER HELEN
It's not your ward.
Lucas continues to push the door as Carer Helen tries to
pull him away.
LUCAS
Why aren't we allowed to meet
them? How many of us are there?
How many of us do you kill -
CARER HELEN
Lucas!
Lucas turns from the door, his arm hitting Carer Helen
across the face.
Carer Helen clutches her face, angry and upset. Lucas
cannot believe what he has done.
LUCAS
Helen I'm so -
CARER HELEN
Save it, Lucas. Get back to work.
Carer Helen walks off, the other BackUps glare at Lucas.
He walks back to his table in shame, with no choice other
than to do his job.
INT. BACKUP FACILITY HOLDING ROOM 1 - MORNING
Lucas is asleep. The morning alarm sounds, the room fills
with light as the blinds open. Lucas opens his eyes,
rolls over. Something is not right.
He sits up. Looks around. This is not his room.
He is in a small room - just one bed and a treadmill. He
jumps out of bed and runs to the door. He tries to open
it. It is locked. He bangs on the door.
17.
LUCAS
(shouting)
Let me out! Let me out!
Movement can be heard on the other side of the door.
DOCTOR SPIERS (O.S.)
Lucas, step back. I'm coming in.
Lucas does as he is told. The door is unlocked, Doctor
Spiers enters. The door is closed behind him.
LUCAS
Where am I?
DOCTOR SPIERS
Try to remain calm, you're still
in the Facility. Sit, please.
Doctor Spiers sits on the bed. Lucas remains standing.
DOCTOR SPIERS (CONT'D)
This is just a temporary measure,
to give you some time to think.
When you feel less upset you may
be moved back to your ward. For
now, you'll stay here.
Lucas sits on the bed next to the doctor.
LUCAS
Carer Helen, is she -
DOCTOR SPIERS
She's fine. Hurt and upset, but
fine.
LUCAS
I didn't mean to -
DOCTOR SPIERS
She knows that. But we can't have
violence on the ward, so you'll
have to stay here until we're
satisfied that you're no longer a
danger. I'm sorry, Lucas. It's
for the best. I'll come by
regularly to see how you're doing.
Doctor Spiers stands and walks to the door. He leaves,
the door closes behind him and locks with a loud click.
MONTAGE:
INT. BACKUP FACILITY HOLDING ROOM 1 - LATER
Lucas stands by the window, gazing out at the countryside
beyond. A Carer enters and places a tray of food on his
bed.
18.
INT. BACKUP FACILITY HOLDING ROOM 1 - EVENING
Lucas sits on his bed, eating his evening meal.
INT. BACKUP FACILITY HOLDING ROOM 1 - NIGHT
Lucas tosses and turns in his sleep.
INT. BACKUP FACILITY HOLDING ROOM 1 - MORNING
Lucas lies on his bed, staring at the ceiling.
INT. BACKUP FACILITY HOLDING ROOM 1 - AFTERNOON
Lucas stands by the window, eating his lunch as he looks
out.
INT. OPERATING THEATRE - NIGHT
Tommy lies awake on a hospital bed. A SURGEON cuts down
the middle of his torso. He reaches in and rips out
Tommy's heart. Tommy screams.
INT. BACKUP FACILITY HOLDING ROOM 1 - NIGHT
Lucas wakes from his nightmare, panting and sweating.
LUCAS
Tommy!
He bolts upright. He slows his breathing and lies back
down, but remains awake.
END OF MONTAGE.
INT. BACKUP FACILITY HOLDING ROOM 1 - DAY
Lucas gazes out of the window. Doctor Spiers enters.
DOCTOR SPIERS
Lucas?
Lucas turns to face the doctor.
DOCTOR SPIERS (CONT'D)
Let's talk.
Doctor Spiers sits on the bed and indicates for Lucas to
sit beside him. Lucas obeys.
DOCTOR SPIERS (CONT'D)
You've been here a few days now,
Lucas. How are you feeling?
LUCAS
Fine.
19.
DOCTOR SPIERS
It's not like you to be
monosyllabic, Lucas.
LUCAS
I guess I'm out of practice when
it comes to talking.
DOCTOR SPIERS
You're right, and I'm sorry we've
had to isolate you this way.
Hopefully the time alone has
allowed you to do some thinking.
LUCAS
Plenty.
DOCTOR SPIERS
Good. Now I don't want to move
you back to the ward just yet,
but I do have an offer for you.
There's a laundry room down here
that is used to wash the Carer's
uniforms. They would be happy
for you to help out a few times a
week. Would you like that?
LUCAS
Please. I need something to do.
DOCTOR SPIERS
I agree. Your first shift will
be tomorrow, one of the Carers
will take you. Anything you need
to tell me, Lucas?
LUCAS
No, Doctor.
DOCTOR SPIERS
Would you like to go back to your
ward soon?
LUCAS
Very much.
Doctor Spiers stands and walks over to the window.
DOCTOR SPIERS
I sense you are a little tense,
Lucas, which is perfectly normal
under these circumstances. I'd
like you to lie back on the bed
and close your eyes. We're going
to do a guided relaxation.
Lucas obeys. Doctor Spiers remains by the window, his
back turned to Lucas as he gazes out at the countryside.
20.
DOCTOR SPIERS (CONT'D)
I want you to focus on each part
of your body and relax it. Feel
the tension ebb away as you focus.
Start with your toes.
Lucas shuffles slightly, finding the exercise awkward.
DOCTOR SPIERS (CONT'D)
And now your left leg... and your
right.
Frustrated, Lucas opens his eyes and sits up a little,
looking across at Doctor Spiers. The Doctor does not
seem to be focussed on the relaxation, and is instead
doing something to the window. Lucas lies back down.
DOCTOR SPIERS (CONT'D)
And your spine. Actually, I'm
not very good at this, am I?
Doctor Spiers walks to the bed and sits on the edge.
DOCTOR SPIERS (CONT'D)
I'll ask one of the Carers to do
it properly: they are trained to
keep you relaxed, after all. It
may be a little while before I'm
back, Lucas. I want you to have
plenty of time to think. If you
want to see me, of course just
ask one of the Carers.
The Doctor stands and walks towards the door.
LUCAS
Thank you, Doctor.
DOCTOR SPIERS
You're welcome, Lucas. I just
want you to get out of here.
Doctor Spiers exits, the door closes behind him and locks
with a loud click. Lucas stands and walks to the window.
He notices something is wrong with it.
A thin covering on the window has been pulled away slightly
at the bottom left hand corner. Lucas inspects it. He
pulls at the covering and the view of the countryside
moves with it. He peels a little more of the covering
away from the window and looks underneath.
A BUSTLING CITYSCAPE is revealed beyond the true window.
Shocked, Lucas presses the covering back into place. He
takes a deep breath, then pulls it up and looks again.
There is definitely no countryside beyond the window.
What other lies have they been feeding him?
21.
SUMMARY
Everyone in the BackUp Facility knows that they are going
to die. Death is one of life's inevitabilities, but for
the BackUps, it is also their purpose. Cloned from a newborn
baby, each BackUp lives its life on a ward in one of the
many Facilities throughout the world. They are well looked
after by Carers, kept in the healthiest condition possible
until their Original needs them. Maybe only a kidney will
be needed, and they can return to their ward after
Donation. It could be some hair, or a limb. Eventually, a
vital organ will be required. The ensuing transplant means
the BackUp will be Fulfilled (or, as some say, will die),
while their Original lives on, their new organ giving
them a second chance.
Lucas A8942 is a well-loved BackUp. Everyone on his ward
admires his cheeky, charming spirit, including the Carers,
who let him get away with more than they should. He is
more than happy with life in the Facility, but that all
changes when Tommy, a young BackUp who is like a son to
him, is taken for Fulfilment without warning. Lucas is
usually leading the celebrations on someone's Fulfilment
Day, but the sudden shock of losing Tommy causes him to
start asking difficult questions. Why should the Originals
get to live their lives to the full, while BackUps are
locked away until they are killed? His behaviour leads
him to be isolated from all other BackUps. Unknowingly
aided by his doctor, Doctor Spiers, he manages to escape
the Facility, determined to find the truth.
In a hospital across the city from the Facility, Lucas
Bellingham sits beside his comatose son. A well-respected
scientist and founder of a large security company, he is
more used to solving problems and keeping people safe.
Here, he feels helpless. He has not left his son's side
in the three weeks since the accident, until one morning
he is forced to attend a meeting with his business
associate Melissa Wilson, CEO of Second Chance Inc. - the
company that runs the BackUp Scheme. She informs him of
an escape from one of the Facilities. Bellingham dismisses
it as impossible - until he is informed that the escapee
is his own BackUp. Determined to find his clone before
the public find out about the escape, Bellingham teams up
with private investigator Maurice Lumley, and together
they set out to find Lucas in the huge city.
For over a hundred years, the BackUp Scheme has worked
well - for those who can afford the cloning process. Those
from poorer backgrounds have to go without a BackUp, and
are known as Uniques - but are not treated as specially
as the suggests. The culture of replacing rather than
repairing bodies has lead to the decline of thorough
medical research, and Uniques in particular suffer as a
result. A minority of the public are realising the problems
with the BackUp Scheme, and are starting to question the
system.
22.
Although their views are currently dismissed by the
majority, Nicki Robertson and David Taylor, two lawyers,
have created an anti-cloning organisation, determined to
spread the word about the ethical issues of the Scheme.
Nicki and David hit the jackpot one day, when a couple of
unusual stories about Bellingham make the headlines. In
his first public appearances since his son's accident,
Bellingham is reported as acting very strangely, drawing
attention from the public. David, who was once close
friends with Bellingham, knows immediately that this is
not the same person. Lucas, oblivious to his Original's
fame, has unintentionally caused a media stir as he tries
to figure out the strange world outside the Facility.
Nicki and David beat Bellingham and Lumley in their search
for the BackUp. Lucas is horrified to discover that his
Original, like so many in this outside world, believe
BackUps to be second-class citizens. He agrees to help
Nicki and David in their quest to change public opinion,
although is less pleased to find that their plan involves
using his Original for their benefit.
Nicki, David, and Lucas trap Bellingham and coerce him
into joining them. Bellingham has no choice unless he wants
to lose his BackUp, who is willing to sacrifice himself
for the cause. Bellingham is at first very reluctant to
help, but working with Lucas makes him question his beliefs
about BackUps, and he becomes more invested in the cause.
With Melissa Wilson and Inspector Lumley hot on their heels,
the group have little time to get their message through
to the public. They make a bold move, risking everything,
unsure whether or not it will make the change they are
aiming for. When they put their plan into action, the
world is certainly turned upside down.