To the moon, never coming back - in the billionaire's bunker (excerpt)
INT. Billionair’s Bunker - AFTERNOON
FADE IN:
MELBOURN, a young climate criminal on the run, and her great-grandfather THOMAS MODYFORD THE 3RD, an ex-billionaire, sit in velvet chairs ina room in his bunker. They meet for the first time in their lives. He has just bought her from a group of scavengers who abducted her the night before. Melbourn’s forehead is injured, her head is spinning, and she has just regained consciousness.
MODYFORD
(confidently)
I’m taking my Cadillac back. I always liked that car. You won’t need it anyway, now that you found me.
MELBOURN
(in a faint whisper)
I wasn’t… I wasn’t looking for you.
MODYFORD
(ignoring what Melbourn said)
Joe and those other lowlifes had no idea who you were and gave you up practically for free. But I knew the moment I saw the Cadillac. And, well, you are a spitting image of your mother. Although she kept her figure in check, you might want to work on that.
MELBOURN
You recognized me?
MODYFORD
(again ignoring her)
Now, you can stay in the bunker but don’t expect any special treatment. There’s no such thing as a free supper. You will work for me.
MELBOURN
I need to go. I’m going to the moon.
MODYFORD
Nonsense. You’re not going anywhere. You’ll start tomorrow, 8 am sharp. If you’re late, I will dock your pay.
Modyford gets up and leaves the room. Melbourn is still weak, and she loses consciousness again.
CUT TO:
INT. Billionair’s Bunker - NIGHT
After a few hours, Melbourn finally comes to her senses. She scans the room and walks up to the door. It is locked, with no handle.
MELBOURN
This is tricky.
A female voice with a posh British accent coming out of nowhere responds. It is JENNIFER, the bunker’s AI.
JENNIFER
The door will open at 8 am, as scheduled by Mr. Modyford. You should rest, Miss Modyford.
MELBOURN
Let me out. I need to use the bathroom.
Immediately, a flashy toilet rolls out from behind the Picasso painting that hangs on one of the walls.
JENNIFER
The room is equipped to fulfill all your needs, Miss Modyford. Mr. Modyford doesn’t like to be disturbed while he’s resting.
MELBOURN
(under her breath)
My name is Melbourn, not Miss Modyford.
(louder)
If so, then I’d like some food. And something to drink. Something nice.
CUT TO:
INT. Billionair’s Bunker - NIGHT
Melbourn is back in the red velvet chair. Empty champagne bottles are sprawled around her, and she is visibly very drunk. Suddenly, the door slides open.
MELBOURN
Is it 8 a.m. already? I will be leaving then. It was nice meeting you, Jane. Please give my best to Grandpapa. Tell him I won’t be coming back if I can help it.
NIM, who traveled with Melbourn before she got abducted and sold off to her great-grandfather, stands in the doorframe.
NIM
Melbourn, You’re completely wasted. Should you be drinking with a headwound like this? Don’t answer that. You shouldn’t. Now, let’s go before the old geezer wakes up and makes trouble. He has a whole arsenal down here.
Nim grabs Melbourn’s arms and pulls, helping her up, then moves to her side, gripping her waist.
MELBOURN
Nim… I think I’m going to be…
Melbourn reaches for a vase that is conveniently close to her, leans over it, and pukes into it.
MELBOURN
Sick
At the same time, Modyford appears at the door, dressed in a purple robe and slippers, holding a machine gun.
MODYFORD
Young lady, this is the Blue and White Pomegranate Ming Dynasty Vase!
NIM
Move it, capitalist pig.
MODYFORD
(smirking)
I don’t think so. You see, I’m the one holding a deadly weapon, which means you’re in no position to talk to me like that.
NIM
Yeah? You sure about that? Call your AI. See if it answers.