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Innocent Bystander: Roberto Barrios December 16, 2008
Innocent Bystander: Roberto Barrios December 16, 2008
Innocent Bystander: Roberto Barrios December 16, 2008
Bystander
Roberto Barrios
December 16, 2008
FADE IN:
HOMELESS GUY
(To Victor)
Thank you. God bless you.
RADIO ANNOUCER
…we have just received news that the
Steel Crusader is neck a neck in a fight
against Viperflex and the Trickster…
(Fade out)
VICTOR
Look, it’s three of my favorite people.
LENNY
Yo, Victor how’s it going.
RAUL
Good morning Victor.
ERIK
Hey dad, I was just about to take of to
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the University.
VICTOR
Wow, son, I’m so proud of you that you
are about to graduate. You know what I
plan to do?
ERIK
I know dad, you plan to sell the
restaurant after I graduate.
LENNY
Do you really have to sell it?
VICTOR
Yes. Those superheroes are destroying
the city, it’s only a matter of time
before we end up in the rubble.
RAUL
But, what will we do?
VICTOR
I’ll hire you in my new restaurant, in
Hawaii.
LENNY
Wow, really, in Hawaii.
VICTOR
I’m sure there won’t be any Steel
Crusader, Viperflex, Green Menace, or
any of other “heroes” to worry about.
Victor takes out his wallet and 200 dollars from it. He
offers it to Erik.
ERIK
Oh, dad you don’t have to.
VICTOR
Think of it as an investment. You use
this to buy some new clothes that get
you a good job, then you pay for my
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retirement.
ERIK
You know they have the Stock Market.
VICTOR
Yea, but the stock market doesn’t make
me bring me pride.
ERIK
Okay dad, thanks, I’ll see ya later.
VICTOR
Okay, make sure you have fun.
ERIK
Alright, I have to go I’ll see you later
you two. Don’t forget the keys again.
RAUL/ LENNY
(to Erik)
See ya later man, take care.
CUT TO:
Victor walks across the kitchen were Lenny and Raul are
Cooking. Victor enters a small office next to the kitchen.
He looks through some bills. He pauses to look at a picture
in an ad for a house in Hawaii. He takes it with him as he
is looking at it and walks to the kitchen. He puts it on a
counter next to a fryer. He then takes a gallon bottle of
oil and pours it onto some fryers. SFX: (O. S.) WINDOW
SHATTERING, AND TABLES AND CHAIRS TIPPING OVER.
VIPERFLEX (O.S.)
Not this time Steel Underwear. I’m
going to squeeze the living juices out
of you.
Victor walks toward the dining area. The window panels are
destroyed and some of the tables and chairs are tipped over
or broken. In the center of the dining area VIPERFLEX is
holding the STEEL CRUSADER tight by the back.
VICTOR
Why don’t you take it outside?
VIPERFLEX
You want a piece of this.
LENNY
Come on. Don’t be a hero.
CUT TO:
CUT TO:
VICTOR
So what kind of coverage do I get?
VICTOR
“Superhero Damage,” are you kidding me?
INSURANCE GUY
7
VICTOR
That’s preposterous. Look my restaurant
was destroyed. You’re supposed to fix
it. It’s why I got the insurance.
INSURANCE GUY
I’m sorry sir but yelling at me won’t do
you any good. There’s nothing I can
do.
VICTOR
But! but…
(More calmly)
my restaurant. What am I going to do?
INSURANCE GUY
Maybe you could go after the Steel
Crusader. I don’t know. I’ can’t help
you with this.
Victor looks away from the Insurance guy. He does not say
anything more, he looks depressed.
CUT TO:
KENIA
Victor, you have to eat something. It’s
not so bad. We’ll recover.
8
VICTOR
All this food reminds me of my
restaurant.
KENIA
Forget the restaurant, you’re still
alive. Be glad that you’re not hurt.
VICTOR
It was all I had. I don’t know what I’m
going to do now.
KENIA
Well you can sit there moping all you
want or you can look at the positive
side. Your son is about to graduate
from the university and I’m sure…
KENIA
Hi Erik. We have some bad news. The
restaurant it- Huh….Derailed…are you
okay…oh can you still make it to school…
no… too late…so what are you going to
do?…..Okay I guess we’ll see you
tomorrow… Bye, take care. I love you.
KENIA
(continues. To Victor)
It was Erik. The Steel Crusader was in
a fight close to the train tracks and
the train was derailed. Erik will not
be able to make it to classes this year.
He’ll have to postpone the whole
semester.
VICTOR
First the restaurant. Now this! Well
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CUT TO:
VICTOR
Okay thanks I’ll be right there.
VICTOR
Hello… hi Trish. Yea… I am going to
the party…
VICTOR
(continues)
I don’t think I’ll make it in time. I’m
going to file a complaint about what
happened yesterday… I know it sounds
absurd, but I have to do something…Okay,
well I’ll see you later… bye.
CUT TO:
EXT. POLICE STATION - DAY
CUT TO:
INT. POLICE STATION – DAY
OFFICER JASMINE
…so what do you know about this person?
VICTOR
Well, you gotta know that this guy is
not out there to do good he is a petty
thug.
OFFICER JASMINE
So, what’s the name?
VICTOR
You might think of him as a hero, but he
does more did more harm than good. He
destroyed my restaurant.
OFFICER JASMINE
Sir I need to know his name.
VICTOR
The… Steel Crusader.
OFFICER JASMINE
You want to file a complaint on the the
Crusader. Well that’s not really going
to help with your situation.
VICTOR
What? Why?! Can’t you do something
about him he’s wrecking the town and you
know it.
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OFFICER JASMINE.
Well, people have filed complaints
before. But think about it, what are we
going to do? Find him and arrest him?
It’s impossible, He’s faster and
Stronger than a hundred men put
together.
VICTOR
But, he is still a citizen; He should
have the same laws that we have.
OFFICER JASMINE
Even if we did try to arrest him the
press and protesters would hassle us for
months. We would be the most hated
police station in the country. I’m
sorry. Do you still want to file a
complaint?
VICTOR
No…. you know what… I’m going to find
him myself…
OFFICER JASMINE
(mockingly)
Okay. Good luck..
CUT TO:
EXT. POLICE STATION – DAY
VICTOR
O no, not today. Now I’m not going to make it in
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time.
CUT TO:
VICTOR
Listen, I need to talk to you!
REPORTER 1
Tell us about your amazing feat, how
were you able to defeat the Grim Knight
even when he used his Weakness Ray on
you.
STEEL CRUSADER
Well it wasn’t all that hard I just
searched strength from within.
VICTOR
You wrecked my restaurant and you owe me a lot of
money!
13
REPORTER 1
At any time were you afraid that…..
REPORTER 2
(interrupting Reporter 1)
Did you at any time stop to consider the
damages you caused in the city.
VICTOR
You better pay up. It’s time you realize
the consequences of your actions.!
REPORTER 3
How do you think you will fair in your
hunt for the rest of the League of
Evil?
STEEL CRUSADER
I think it will be an easy job.
VICTOR
Listen to me.
REPORTER 4
How do you feel about the rumor that you
have a son in Las Vegas?
STEEL CRUSADER
Well I can a sure you that those rumors
are completely false.
REPORTER 5
So, is there a missis Crusader?
LISET
Do you pant to continue your chase of
the League of Evil members today?
14
STEEL CRUSADER
I think I’m done for the day and
hopefully they won’t act up in other
attempts to stop me.
LISET
What happened to your side kick. Is she
still your right hand?
STEEL CRUSADER
Well… she moved to another city where
she was needed and I don’t think I’ll be
seeing her anymore.
LISET
What about the movie that will come out
in two months. Was it your idea to make
the movie?
STEEL CRUSADER
Well I have not heard much about the
movie, in fact…
(Conversation fades to the
background)
VICTOR
Would you happen to know where I can
find the Steel Crusader.
COP
I would have no idea, he’s always
running.
VICTOR
I’m never gonna get my restaurant back.
The man looks at his car which has a big cavity on it.
Victor looks at it. Then he looks back at the Crusader and
the reporters with an anxious look. The Crusader leaves
towards from the crowd of reporters. Victor looks Liset and
walks toward her.
VICTOR
Excuse me, would you happen to know
where I can find the Steel Crusader.?
LISET
I have no idea. He’s very elusive…. I
wouldn’t know
VICTOR
Oh, it just seemed like you knew him
well.
LISET
Well, sorry…
She walks toward her van. Her camera guy walks with her.
He is holding a camera in one hand.
VICTOR
(to camera guy)
Would you happen to know where I can
find the Steel Crusader?
CAMERA GUY
I can tell you. But, informing people is
my job.
The camera guy makes a money gesture with his hand. Victor
takes out his wallet. There’s fifty dollars in it, but
nothing more. He hands it to the camera guy.
CAMERA GUY
The reporter’s name is Liset. I heard
from coworkers that he’s been spotted
meeting in dark alleys at night, close
to the station or her house. She lives
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The camera guy takes out a card with the news station’s
address on it. He hands it to Victor.
VICTOR
Nice doing business with you.
CAMERA GUY
You didn’t hear it from me.
CUT TO:
CUT TO:
KENIA
(praying)
… forever and ever Amen.
( to Victor, in a sad tone)
I have some bad news.
VICTOR
(In a fed up with bad news tone)
Oh, no.
KENIA
It’s your grandson. Mauricio is in the
hospital.
VICTOR
What happened?
KENIA
He was trying to attempt a stunt that
the Steel Crusader does. He tried to
jump from one building to another.
VICTOR
(to himself)
I should have been there.
KENIA
He’s going to an expensive operation.
VICTOR
What kind of operation?
KENIA
To readjust his severed spinal disks.
Without it he won’t be able to walk
again.
VICTOR
Can Trish and her husband pay for it?
KENIA
No, that’s the problem.
VICTOR
It’s all the Steel Crusader’s fault. If
it wasn’t for him, we wouldn’t be in
this predicament.
KENIA
18
VICTOR
I don’t know but I’m not going to stand
around and let that man ruin our lives!
KENIA
What about your grandson? You should
pay a little more attention to him.
VICTOR
….You’re right… we should go see him
KENIA
We can’t, visiting hours are over.
VICTOR
We’ll go tomorrow then.
CUT TO:
INT: HOSPITAL - DAY
VICTOR
Hey, fella.
MAURICIO
Hey, gramps.
VICTOR
I bet you thought you could fly.
MAURICIO
No, I was just trying to jump to another
building.
VICTOR
It’s hard when you’re not a cricket to
jump high.
19
MAURICO
Are you mad at the Steel Crusader.
VICTOR
I’m just not very happy with him right
now.
MAURCIO
It was stupid. I know I can’t jump
high.
VICTOR
Well, you never know until you try.
It’s not stupid.
MAURICIO
It was stupid. And you know, I bet
doing stupid things, the Steel Crusader
will also end up in the hospital.
VICTOR
Maybe, you’re right, Mauricio. Maybe
you’re right.
MAURICIO
See, he destroyed your restaurant, then
he destroyed my uncle’s train. I bet he
will do another stupid thing that will
end him up in the hospital. So you
shouldn’t’ be so mad at him.
VICTOR
But isn’t he supposed to be invincible?
MAURICIO
Everybody has a weakness.
CUT TO:
CUT TO:
VICTOR
Hi I was wondering if Liset was working
right now.
RECEPTIONIST
Actually, she’s about to leave now,
maybe you could wait for her here.
VICTOR
No it’s fine.
CUT TO:
CUT TO:
CUT TO:
CASHIER
Excuse me sir are you going to order
today?
VICTOR
Well yea, yea just get me a…
CASHIER
Sir, sir are you okay? You seem out of
it.
VICTOR
Yea, I’m not myself. I just lost my
restaurant.
CASHIER
22
VICTOR
Oh, I’ll look into it. Just get me…a…
I’ll order later
CASHIER
Okay…
THE CRUSADER
So what do you think? Are you ready to
take this relationship further.
LISET
… to tell you the truth… I’m not sure if
I want to start a reationship…with you.
You see…
THE CRUSADER
Why? what’s wrong?
LISET
…hmm… I’m in love. I’m in love with
someone else.
THE CRUSADER
Oh, who is it?
LISET
I can’t tell you…. I gotta go, I have
to get groceries.
THE CRUSADER
23
VICTOR
(To cellphone)
Hello…what…he’s in a coma? Oh no…
CUT TO:
VICTOR
Oh, Mauricio. My poor boy.
It was all my fault.
If only I hadn’t been so preoccupied.
Now, what’s going to happen?
CUT TO:
CUT TO:
INT: BEST SHOP - LATER
24
CUT TO:
CUT TO:
CUT TO:
CUT TO:
CUT TO:
Then she turns around and the door to a van opens up. The
man in the trench coat from before and a bulky GOON, with a
ski mask on and a dark thermo shirt, grab her. She
struggles, the thermo guy grabs her mouth, and they both
pull her into the van.
CUT TO:
EXT: ABANDONED WAREHOUSE : NIGHT
VICTOR
Hello, I’m in Woodshed Storage. A lady
was taken by force to a warehouse.
VICTOR
(continued)
It’s warehouse A51. Can you come quick,
I think she might be in danger… Okay.
He stands next to the door and peeks in. He can see a bunch
of electronic things and cables running all over the place.
26
DARK TRENCH
Steel Crusader, you have beaten enough
of my brethren and I think it’s time
that I get some payback.
The DARK TRENCH man looks to his side. Close to the wall,
Liset is on the floor tied up.
LISET
Crusader don’t listen to him!
VICTOR
27
DARK TRENCH
Turn around.
VICTOR
Let her go.
DARK TRENCH
The Dark Trench taps his cannon with his other hand. Then
he moves toward Victor. The cannon unplugs from the
backpack.
CUT TO:
LISET
(Screaming)
28
Ahhhh
Just as Liset and Victor are about to get in the car, the
Dark Trench arises from the rubble. He has the electronic
backpack on his back and the cannon on his hand. Victor
quickly puts Liset in the car. Then he gets in also.
When Victor and Liset drive off the Dark Trench aims the gun
at the car and fires. The passenger’s side back tire
disintegrates. The car swerves to a stop. Victor is
delirious. He takes out the gun from his belt. He opens
the door and falls to the ground.
DARK TRENCH
Get out of the car!
LISET
(scared)
I - I cant.
DARK TRENCH
I really don’t want to do this, but your
precious boyfriend should have known
what a vault full of money is worth.
This is your last chance.
VICTOR
She said she can’t!
29
DARK TRENCH
Are you really willing to shoot me, an
unarmed man. You don’t have the guts.
VICTOR
No, but they will.
He nods his head toward a couple of cops that have their car
door’s open and are using them as cover. They are pointing
their guns at the Dark Trench . More cop cars are arriving
to the scene.
The Dark Trench points the cannon at the cops and then
CLICKS it. Then he throws it at the ground and turns
around. The cops quickly go to arrest the Dark Trench.
Victor is with Liset.
VICTOR
You’re gonna be okay.
CUT TO:
MAURICIO (O.S.)
…I bet he will do another stupid thing
that will end him up in the hospital…
LISET
Thank you. This is a nice gesture…
but…
The Steel Crusader takes out his mask from his pocket.
LISET
Leroy, I’m not in love with you, or the Steel
Crusader. I told
you I’m in love with someone else.
VICTOR
You have some nerve. First you destroy
my restaurant, then you destroy my son’s
train, then my is in a coma thanks to
you!
VICTOR
Are you not the Steel Crusader? because
you just said you were!
VICTOR
31
CUT TO:
EXT: PARK - DAY
LISET
(To the Steel Crusader)
I told you I was in love with someone
else.
VICTOR
Wow, who would have thought, and she is
attractive too.
ERIK
Yea, dad, I met her before back when I
was a Sophomore.
32
VICTOR
Thank You. I really appreciate you
coming you doing this. I thought I was
going to have to chase you forever.
ANNOUNCER
Thank you all for being here. I have
two announcements to make. We have just
made enough money to fund the operation
for Mauricio, and our Hero just entered
the scene….
ANNOUNCER
(continues)
….We just got a call from the hospital,
Mauricio slipped out of his coma and he
is ready for the operation.
LUIS an older man comes to where VICTOR and the others are.
Luis wears a suit. He walks toward Victor and takes out a
set of keys.
LUIS
I’m opening a new restaurant and upon
hearing your tragic news I want you to
run it.
VICTOR
Hmm… well… I can still retire in
Hawaii. I mean who wants to move to
33
Hawaii to work?
VICTOR
I think I’ll just get coverage for Superhero
Damage….
KENIA
We should go.
FADE OUT