THE KRONOS PROJECT: DIVA WARS
INT. HOSPITAL HOTEL DIEU, PARIS 2069 - DAY
TITLE OVER: HOTEL
DIEU,
Perry is sitting by
The door opens and two POLICE OFFICERS come into the room. They exchange a look before approaching Perry. The following conversation is IN FRENCH, with SUBTITLES unless otherwise stated.
OFFICER 1
Miss Delarue?
Perry startles awake with a soft sound of inquiry.
OFFICER 1
We would like to talk to you.
She brushes her hair back from her forehead and pushes away
from
PERRY
Of course.
She has blood on one cheek, down her neck and the front of her once white shirt.
OFFICER 2
(concerned)
Are you okay?
PERRY
(looking down)
Yes. It's not mine.
(looks to
OFFICER 1
Can you tell us what happened?
PERRY
(sighs)
Where to start?
OFFICER 2
Begin at the beginning of your involvement with the American Diva Ariana.
PERRY
(beat)
It began at the Ritz... When we arrived in
DISSOLVE TO:
EXT. - LES JARDINS DE TUILLERES - NIGHT
Amidst the lights of the
Supporting Joss, they walk to the sidewalk and stare into the lights of a very modern city.
JOSS
Wow.
CIARA
(wrinkling her nose)
Still smells gruesome, too. An entirely different stink - what IS that?
(sniffing)
I think it's car exhaust, and…I don't know what else.
ANAIT
We've been away from the modern world for quite some time.
PERRY
It may not smell any nicer, but it has hot running water, clean beds, and fabulous restaurants.
Perry looks side to side along the street, then across it, and points.
PERRY
Three blocks that way, if I am not mistaken.
REY
This is 2069, Perry, the city may have changed from what you know.
PERRY
I do not doubt, but the Ritz will be right where we left it.
JOSS
Erm, Perry. We're not exactly dressed for the Ritz, are we?
And I'm afraid we don't smell so great ourselves.
PERRY
Ah, but it is 2069, which means we are not only filthy, but filthy rich. Besides, it's late, so we will not offend other guests while they prepare our suite.
REY
I take it to mean you've stayed
REY
there before?
PERRY
(grinning)
Non. I shunned this lifestyle, contrary to what some believed.
JOSS
(mildly)
Hey.
INT. - RITZ LOBBY - NIGHT
Stock shots of the interior of the Ritz lobby, which probably hasn't changed much in sixty years.
The concierge is making the "I smell something bad" face, while Perry negotiates a suite.
PERRY
I'd like a suite, please.
CONCIERGE
(disdainfully)
I'm sure you would. But I'm afraid all our suites are booked. Perhaps I can recommend another hotel?
PERRY
I'm sure you could. But we are tired, and we are here now, so perhaps you could double check? My name is Perette Delarue, we need one of your two bedroom suites. I'm afraid the banque du France is closed now, but we have a quantity of gold and silver antique coins that should hold the suite til morning.
CONCIERGE
(double-take)
Delarue? Pardon, did you say Perette Delarue?
PERRY
(wary)
Oui.
CONCIERGE
(staring hard at her)
Can you prove that?
Perry shrugs off the pack she still carries, and hefts it onto the counter. A cloud of dust rises, which the concierge waves away. She opens the pack, and begins rooting for the small sack that contains modern - though undated - picture identification of all the Project members. She slides her own picture across the counter.
PERRY
It's old, but it's chipped.
The concierge runs it through his machine, and gets her to press her thumb on the small square. It confirms she is Perette Delarue.
CONCIERGE
Mademoiselle, we are honoured to have you and your companions here. One moment, while we prepare the suite.
(to bellboy)
Garcon!
Perry replaces her id.
PERRY
(hand still in pack)
Do you wish to hold our coins til the morning?
CONCIERGE
If you would like to put them in the hotel safe, we would be happy to oblige.
Perry is somewhat surprised by their warm welcome. She knows that she must have accumulated a fair degree of wealth, but is unaware of just how much. She glances at the others.
PERRY
The safe will be fine. How soon do the shops open? The bulk of our luggage is lost. We need a few items. And we would like to have our leathers cleaned properly.
CONCIERGE
First thing in the morning, mademoiselle, I assure you. May I show you to your suite?
PERRY (V.O.)
A member of our party had come down ill on our journey to
INT. SUITE - MORNING
A two bedroom suite with Jacuzzi, each bedroom has an ensuite bath. Off the sitting room are two balconies that overlook the inner gardens.
Ciara is tightly wrapped in a hotel bathrobe, sitting near a window with a laptop, browsing the merchandise in the hotel shops.
CIARA
This stuff is really frou-frou, don't they carry anything real women would wear?
Perry comes out of one room, wearing her hotel robe loosely tied. She looks over Ciara's shoulder.
PERRY
Hmm, that is a little…excessively feminine.
Joss comes out of the other room. His robe is untied. His brow is creased with pain, but he acts as if he's fine.
JOSS
What could be excessively feminine to you, cream-puff?
CIARA
(absently cross)
You can't have me believe you're in too much pain to tie your robe.
PERRY
That one is interesting. I like it.
CIARA
It changes colour according to your mood. I'd love to see the hardware for that, never mind the program.
JOSS
(whistles)
Nice price tag on that. Why don't you try men's clothes, Ciara? Might be more to your taste.
Ciara touches the screen, and now Joss leans over her shoulder, his robe still open, now gaping, but his tender bits are hidden by Ciara.
CIARA
These are men's clothes?
JOSS
I think I'll stick with Project leathers.
CIARA
Me, too.
(reaching for laptop)
May I?
CIARA
Sure.
She passes him the laptop, turns to stare at Joss.
CIARA
Exhibitionist.
JOSS
(wry smile)
If you've got it…
At that moment, Rey comes from the same room Warren and Perry did, wearing absolutely nothing. Joss takes one look and ties his robe, which makes the women snicker.
CIARA
Rey, do you have any sense of modesty?
REY
(puzzled)
What?
CIARA
You're naked.
REY
(still puzzled)
Yes?
Ciara throws up her hands, but a grin breaks out on her face.
PERRY
Rey gives Perry a look of fond confusion, ruffling her hair as he walks by.
REY
(to
"Pretty"?
Knowing Perry, she probably means spandex and leather.
PERRY
(smiles sweetly)
You are so funny,
Hey, this isn't so bad.
Perry goes over to look. It looks like a vest and coat with tails, over pinstripe pants, but the model isn't wearing a shirt.
PERRY
Mmm, I like it.
Which page has shirts?
PERRY
Oh I think you should wear it as pictured.
Sexual harassment.
JOSS
And your point is?
Rey points at the screen
REY
(to Perry)
Is that pretty? I could wear that.
He's pointing to an outfit of black, close-fitting pants, topped with an extravagant white shirt, full sleeves, open in front with a string tie closure at the throat, worn under a black vest-style garment trimmed in red and gold. The model is wearing a flat, brimmed black hat trimmed in red and gold.
PERRY
Very pretty.
How come he gets a shirt? How come Joss gets to pick his own clothes?
PERRY
I am merely making suggestions.
Anait finally comes into the common room, wrapped up to her chin in the robe. Her eyes are half closed in blissful enjoyment of their present luxury.
ANAIT
Scented soap. Hot water. These robes are so soft, it's like being wrapped in a cloud.
She crosses the room to see what they're looking at.
ANAIT
I wouldn't spend a lot of money on clothes, kids. We can't keep 'em.
PERRY
(sigh)
You're right. We should shop elsewhere. Too bad, I liked that dress.
A KNOCK on the door.
MAID (O.S.)
Maid service.
ANAIT
That would be our leathers. Joss, what do you say we find a hospital and get you fixed up?
JOSS
(slowly)
I thought the deal was I get cured when we're done?
ANAIT
(fondly)
Things have changed.
(briskly)
Besides, we want you healthy before we go to Detroit.
Ciara beams, hugs Joss, then she frowns as it occurs to her to wonder why Joss didn't do this himself.
CIARA
Joss, isn't this your present?
Joss holds up the one minute finger to Ciara and looks at Anait with some alarm.
JOSS
Why do we have to go to Detroit?
ANAIT
An item you, shall we say, liberated.
Joss knows instantly what she's talking about - he normally liquidated his booty as fast as possible, when the point of the theft was survival and not simply snubbing his nose and so-called impenetrable security. But one item caught his fancy.
JOSS
The cameo.
ANAIT
Have you ever pried the cameo out of its setting?
JOSS
(surprised)
No. Why would I do that?
Anait just smiles. Joss stares at Anait until he realizes she's not going to elaborate. He sighs, drops down on the sofa beside Ciara.
JOSS
The cure is available, geisha-girl. The problem for me was identification. I didn't have any. And the quality stuff you've given us, well that kind of thing costs way more than I could heist. I couldn't go elsewhere because all travel requires DNA identification, and my DNA is on everyone's list of suspect persons to detain.
REY
Since we were rendezvousing in Lisbon down time, we jumped first and then flew over.
JOSS
Going to a hospital was out of the question. Now, though. I'm not in the United States. And I have legal identification.
(kisses her hand)
Thanks to you.
CIARA
So…I'm saving your life, right?
Joss manages a grin.
JOSS
Right. You wanna come to the hospital with us?
CIARA
You bet.
EXT. RITZ - DAY
As WE SEE the Kronos Project leave, a long black limo pulls up.
JOSS (V.O.)
Hey Anait, wait up a sec. I want to do something first…
CUT TO:
INT. - HOTEL DIEU - DAY
Perry is standing, there are not enough chairs for the officers to sit, and she does not like looking up at them.
PERRY
I suppose that morning is when Ariana arrived, but I cannot say for sure.
OFFICER 1
That is the information the hotel provided us. The Diva Ariana is being charged with a number of offenses. You and your friends will be called as witnesses, so I suppose I need not repeat the American cliche, “don’t leave town”.
PERRY
(tight smile)
I want to see her punished as much as you do.
Warren stirs, drawing Perry's attention.
WARREN
(weakly)
Perry?
She goes immediately to his side, stroking the side of his face, his forehead, etc. All conversation between Warren and Perry is IN ENGLISH.
PERRY
I'm here.
WARREN
Marry me?
PERRY
(grins)
I guess you're going to be okay.
He tries a smile, but it turns into a grimace.
PERRY
(continuing, gently)
I couldn't marry a man in a
hospital gown.
WARREN
I'll wear a tux.
PERRY
That I'd like to see.
WARREN
Just say…yes.
She strokes his face again.
PERRY
The police are here, they want to know what happened. You should rest, they'll want to hear you tell the story later.
WARREN
What story are we telling?
PERRY
(smile)
The truth, it's easier to remember.
INT. RITZ - LOBBY
Six people wearing dark purple tops with flying wing collars surround an arrogant young woman in a short dress with swirls of various shades of purple, possibly moving. This ARIANA, an American Pop Diva. Her PERSONAL ASSISTANT (PA)is at the desk, arguing with the concierge. Finally Ariana, tired of standing in the lobby, pushes through to the desk.
ARIANA
What's the problem?
PA
I told you we should have made a reservation.
ARIANA
(to concierge)
We had to drive in from some boonie 'port because of this dumb strike and we're tired. So just gimme the keys, willya.
CONCIERGE
I am sorry, mademoiselle Ariana, but that suite is not available now. Perhaps another…?
ARIANA
(scornful)
Do you know who I am? I am the most sparkly pop fucking Diva in the goddamn world, I have more green than any-fucking-body, and if I want my usual suite, I'll have it and you can move whoever's in it out, asap.
CONCIERGE
(through gritted teeth)
You may take another suite or you may stay in another hotel, the choice is yours.
This gives the Diva pause. She is used to getting whatever she wants. But she chose this hotel because of the cachet that goes with it. If it were a lesser hotel, her staying elsewhere might detract from it, but this is the Ritz - it might be her reputation that is tarnished if she suddenly stays elsewhere.
ARIANA
(grudgingly)
Another suite will do, until whoever is occupying my suite leaves.
Her PA looks relieved.
INT. ARIANA'S SUITE - DAY
The suite, while decorated differently than the one occupied by the Kronos Project, is equally sumptuous, emphasizing Ariana's pettiness.
She is perched on a slipper chair, near the window, while one of her people manicures her nails. She is pouting.
ARIANA
Watch the door of that suite. I wanna know who is so more sparkly than me.
INT. BANQUE DU FRANCE - DAY
Perry and Rey are talking with an older man, SALFOUR, whose only job is to take care of Perry's account. They are in his office, which is a mix of modern (2069 modern) and old world.
SALFOUR
Mademoiselle Delarue, it is a pleasure to meet you. I met your grandmother a few years before she died, yet I can see the family resemblance.
PERRY
(surprised)
My grandmother?
SALFOUR
I half expected to meet your mother, after her death. Is she well?
PERRY
(floundering)
I, I suppose she is.
SALFOUR
Of course it is none of my business, how inexcusably rude of me.
He pulls out a file folder, about the thickness of a cd jewel case, and passes it to Perry. She opens it, and it's an electronic file, just two sides, containing years of documentation.
PERRY
I did not bring my financial advisor; perhaps you would be so kind as to tell me what this means?
SALFOUR
Your grandmother's financial advisor was a genius, it's as if he'd seen the future and based his advice on that. Which means, mademoiselle, you are an extremely wealthy woman.
PERRY
(smiling)
Could you please be a little more specific?
He takes the file, touches the small keypad on the right hand side, and passes it across the table to her. Her eyes widen in disbelief as she takes in the figure. Silently she adjusts the file for Rey to see.
REY
That explains why the Ritz was so happy to see us.
SALFOUR
But of course. Mademoiselle Delarue, your name may not famous, but you are well known in financial circles as one of the world’s wealthiest women. How long do you intend to stay in Paris?
Perry shares a look with Rey.
PERRY
We had hoped to be departing for Detroit in a few days, but with this labour strike...
SALFOUR
(sympathetically)
Oui, mademoiselle. The planes are not flying, and so the trains are booked to capacity for weeks.
(smiles)
Not that you could take a train to America, of course.
REY
We had hoped to take a train to another airport, but we may have to rent a vehicle.
SALFOUR
I understand it is difficult to even rent transportation, as many people have had the same idea. I wish you the best of luck, though.
Perry stands up, Rey hurries to stand as well.
PERRY
Thank you for your time and attention, Monsieur Salfour. My affairs seem to be well in your hands.
Salfour rises and bows.
SALFOUR
(beaming)
A pleasure, mademoiselle Delarue.
Perry rolls her eyes.
INT. DOCTOR'S OFFICE - DAY
The office is blue and white, gracious curves. The DOCTOR is young, Joss's age, and he examines Joss curiously. Anait waits patiently.
DOCTOR
I'm surprised you didn't have this fixed earlier.
JOSS
Circumstances. You know.
DOCTOR
I see. I also see that you've been given a blocker. You know that may have eased your pain, but it didn't do anything for your condition.
Joss gives Anait an ironic look.
JOSS
What do you mean?
DOCTOR
I mean the damage was still being done. I can fix the original problem, which will eventually restore your marrow to normal, but there will be pain until then.
(smiles)
We're not miracle workers!
JOSS
(fervently)
To now it’ll soon be gone forever is miracle enough.
The doctor runs his fingers in an elegant dance across his desk top.
DOCTOR
(absently)
Give me some time to design your solution. Check in to day surgery and we'll see how it goes from there.
EXT. - RITZ GARDENS - DAY
Perry, Rey and Warren are sitting in the gardens, having lunch. Perry toasts the group.
PERRY
To the Kronos Project…and to Joss.
Warren snickers, and all three clink elegant flutes.
WARREN
I wonder how it's going. I somehow had it in mind they'd be back by now.
PERRY
I suppose it depends on what's involved.
REY
I believe medical technology at this points uses nanotechnology to correct defective genetic material.
WARREN
So…why aren't they back for lunch?
REY.
(shrugs)
I don’t know the specifics of how it might work. I do know that even in my time, there is no instant cure. Joss will continue to feel pain, albeit in decreasing severity, until his body has restored his marrow deficiency.
WARREN
Lets hope they give him a blocker.
PERRY
I'll drink to that.
REY
If I had the facilities to take care of him properly...but never mind.
Perry steeples her fingers on her champagne flute.
PERRY
Do either of you know what’s up with Anait?
WARREN
(thoughtfully)
And I thought I was imagining it.
REY
It concerns me that she has not confided in us.
PERRY
After all we’ve been through, it can’t be any kind of acceptance worries.
REY
I will ask directly.
PERRY
Good. She'll tell you.
(pause)
Rey, today at the bank, when M. Salfour mentioned my grandmother, he meant me, didn't he?
REY
There is only one Perette Delarue.
WARREN
I'll drink to that.
Glasses are raised and clinked. The concierge walks discreetly from the background to the Project table.
CONCIERGE
(to Perry)
Mademoiselle Delarue, pardon my interruption of your lunch.
INT. ARIANA'S SUITE - DAY
She's eating with her fingers from an elegant silver tray. One anonymous purple suited person enters the room.
ANONYPURPLE
They're eating in the gardens, and they look like they're wearing animal skins.
(s/he makes a face)
Anyway, they all look alike, but the concierge came to the table and pied with the chikka with the long black tress.
ARIANA
Another Diva, then. Figures. I don't recog her face, so she's not American.
(pouts)
What Diva anywhere is more sparkly than me?
ANONYPURPLE
He called her Mademoiselle Delarue. The chocolate hunka called her Perette.
ARIANA
Oh, I get it! This is Paris, she's not more sparkly, she's just French.
ANONYPURPLE
(doubtfully)
She gotta have some sparkle to get that suite.
ARIANA
(yelling)
Sissa!
The PA comes into the room.
PA
(mildly)
My name is -
ARIANA
Irrelevant, Sissa. We're initiating a war.
PA
(appalled)
We can't initiate here! The City of Paris banned Diva Wars two years ago!
ARIANA
That chikka-bitch is in MY suite. I declare war. Now are you gainful, or are you fired?
PA
(pause, then resentful)
Gainful, Ariana.
ARIANA
Good. Now, get everyone togged, we're going to trough in the gardens.
PA
Yes, Ariana.
EXT. RITZ GARDENS - DAY
Ariana struts into the garden area, wearing a purple and silver outfit that would not be out of place in the Jetsons cartoon. Her sycophants trail behind her, in matching purple and grey, no metallics or glitter, PA closest to her.
Ariana slinks over to the KP table, by Perry's side. The Project members look at her, and look again, struck by the shiny and bizarre outfit.
ARIANA
I think this is my table.
PERRY
Excusez-moi? The tables are not reserved...
ARIANA
And you're a nob who's sitting at my table with your nob friends.
PERRY
(to Warren)
What did she just say?
WARREN
Beats me.
Ariana kneels down so that her head is level with Perry's. Her sycophants behind both women, Ariana grabs Perry's hair near the ends and yanks, forcing Perry's head back. Perry winces, her eyes wide in shock, her body tensed to fight.
ARIANA
Ears open, chikka. You and me are for it, less you give me this table.
PERRY
(to Ariana, with restraint)
I ‘ave no idea what you’re saying, but you had best let go...
Ariana yanks harder, and Perry's hand grab the edge of the table. Rey pushes his chair back, tense. Warren is also ready to move, eyes locked on Perry.
ARIANA
This is my table, eh chikka?
PERRY
(conversationally)
If you don' let go of my hair, I will be forced to ‘urt you.
Ariana grins and releases Perry's hair.
ARIANA
We're engaged, chikka-bitch.
She spits in Perry's food. Perry's leg starts to swing out but Warren puts both hands on her thigh, stopping her. Ariana notes the position of his hands with a smirk.
ARIANA
What's with the greybeard beddy-boy?
PERRY
(furious)
Security!
ARIANA
We're leaving. Later, chikka-bitch.
Perry turns to watch her walk away, then pushes her plate away so hard it nearly falls off the table. Rey catches it.
PERRY
(mildly)
I wouldn't have hurt her much.
REY
This isn't the past, Perry. We must remember, different times…
PERRY
(fuming)
Different rules, I remember. But what are the rules regarding crazy girls in costumes who pull your hair and spit in your food?
WARREN
(wryly)
We're not exactly in a position to diss someone else's clothing choice. As for the rest, doesn't it remind you of school?
PERRY
Merde.
INT. KP SUITE - AFTERNOON
Perry picks up the laptop and flips it open. The system is intuitive enough, she figures it out.
WARREN
What are you doing?
PERRY
Trying to figure out what that crazy rich girl was in my face about. I've been running her fascinating expressions through. Nob seems to be slang for “nobody”.
Warren sits at her feet.
WARREN
What's a beddy-boy?
Rey comes in and Perry scrunches closer to Warren automatically so they all fit on the sofa. Perry types the term, and smiles at the results.
PERRY
Ah ha. Now we're getting somewhere. A beddy-boy is a man used for sex by a Diva. Now lets see what a Diva is, in this context.
REY
Wouldn't that make us both your beddy-boys?
WARREN
I don't object to being used for sex, but I object to the term.
PERRY
Mmmm. A Diva is a pop-star. Hey! Isn't this the freak-show girl who pulled my hair?
She turns the laptop towards Warren, then Rey.
REY
That's her.
PERRY
Ariana. An American Diva, very popular.
Rey shifts around, until Perry is resting against his chest, her legs entwined with Warren's. Warren is rubbing her legs in an affectionately absent way.
PERRY
Mmm.
She closes the laptop, wiggles her toes.
WARREN
Mmm?
PERRY
Would it be rude, do you suppose, if they came back and we were having an afternoon, hmm, nap?
REY
Probably.
WARREN
Not as rude as if they found us “napping” on this sofa...
PERRY
Maybe we should go to bed…
She saunters toward the bedroom, turns and gestures 'come on' with her hand to both men.
INT. BEDROOM - AFTERNOON
A dress is draped across the bed, with a note.
WARREN
What the…?
Rey picks up the note.
REY
It's for you, Perry. From Joss.
It is the mood-dress. Perry picks it up.
PERRY
Tell me he didn't.
WARREN
I think he did.
REY
You mean he...
PERRY
Stole it.
EXT. - PARISIAN STREET - DAY
Anait and Ciara are strolling down the street, Ciara distractedly worried about Joss, who is at the hospital. Anait is, however, looking closely at the signs on the shops. Spotting what she’s looking for, she grabs Ciara’s arm and drags her through the door of a COMPUTER SUPPLY SHOP.
INT. - COMPUTER SUPPLY SHOP - DAY
Like such stores today, every available counter space is crowded with arcane bits of hardware, wire, tools.
CIARA
What do we need in here?
ANAIT
(softly)
We’ll figure it out together. I need you hack into one of my programs.
This takes Ciara’s mind completely off Joss.
CIARA
What?!
ANAIT
So first, we need some kind of interface...
INT. RITZ POOL - DAY
The pool is deserted, except for Warren, who is swimming lengths with ease.
ARIANA (V.O.)
We target the beddy-boy, first. He's ab mad for the chikka-bitch, his undo.
(beat)
Leave him to me.
He returns to where he started, holding the side of the pool and shaking water out of his hair and eyes. He rubs at his eyes.
WARREN
(muttering)
Damn chlorine.
Ariana is lying on a lounge chair nearby, wearing the tiniest bikini in the history of bikinis.
ARIANA
Hey.
Warren sees her, nods his head warily.
ARIANA
Whatcha doin'?
Warren raises an eyebrow, then rubs at his eyes again.
ARIANA
K, stupid question. How long you been this Perette's beddy-boy?
Warren dives back under the water and swims another two lengths. When he reaches the end and turns again,
ARIANA
You're good peeps, for a guy your age.
Warren swims two more lengths.
ARIANA
A lot of guys would kick to be talking to me.
Warren rubs water off his face.
WARREN
What do you want.
ARIANA
Aw, be sweet.
Warren shakes his head, turns to dive again.
ARIANA
I can make you a better offer.
WARREN
(turns)
Better offer? Better than what?
ARIANA
The chocolate hunka, he's your replacement, y'know. Me, I could use a beddy-boy with lots of… experience.
WARREN
(laughing)
I may have been born at night, kid, but not last night.
He dives into the water. When he comes back, Ariana has pulled her top down.
ARIANA
(archly)
This could be all yours.
Warren, not being dead, gives her breasts an appreciative look. He climbs out of the pool and shakes, making her flinch away. He grabs his towel and starts drying off.
WARREN
Not bad, kid.
(grins)
But I got the real thing at home.
Warren gives her a mocking bow and goes into the men's change room, just as two men exit, leaving a furious Ariana to hastily re-tie her top.
INT. RITZ HALLWAY - DAY
Outside the door to the KP suite, Perry arrives with an armful of boxes and bags, just as Warren arrives at the door as well.
Warren is carrying his towel and his hair is still damp.
WARREN
Allow me.
He inserts his card key, pushing the door open for Perry. He pats her ass as she walks by.
INT. KP SUITE - DAY
Rey is on the sofa, reading from the laptop. He is frowning, but clears his expression when the other two come in. Perry sets her shopping down, and grins.
PERRY
I got us some dress up clothes so we eat in the dining room tonight. I even picked up some for Joss and the others, in case they come back tonight.
REY
What are we going to do about the dress he stole?
PERRY
Let Anait figure it out.
WARREN
That Ariana girl just made a pass at me down by the pool.
PERRY
(teasingly)
And were you tempted?
Warren gives her a head to toe look of frank sexual desire.
WARREN
You gotta be kidding.
Rey smiles, but it fades to a frown.
REY
Speaking of which, I did some more research while you two were out. These Divas, their claim to fame seems to lie, not in their singing talent, but in their penchant for engaging in something called Diva Wars.
PERRY
(lightly)
What is that, to us?
WARREN
(chuckling)
We’re not Divas.
REY
I don't know. If I understand Ariana’s slang correctly, she declared a Diva War on you, Perry, Diva to Diva.
PERRY
But...I am not a diva. I’m a lawyer.
(pause)
Would this diva war manifest in a way, such as trying to seduce Warren?
REY
(nods)
If she learns we are flying to Detroit, she may assume you are making your American debut there. She might try to bribe our cab to keep us from the airport, get us kicked off the flight, re-direct our luggage, any number of annoying, but hardly dangerous things.
He pauses, as if to say more, then closes the lap top and grins.
REY
(continuing)
So, what did you buy?
INT. RITZ DINING ROOM - NIGHT
The trio is decked out in finery, fitting right in with the elegant and opulent dining room.
Perry is wearing a loose-fitting slip dress in silk, plain but elegant. Her hair is coiled smoothly on top of her head, artful tendrils framing her face.
Rey and Warren are both in black dress pants and white collar-less shirts, but Rey's jacket is black with black satin lapels while Warren's is grey and without lapels.
They are enjoying looking at each other as much as they are enjoying the food, and they are having a delightful, if subdued, time.
INT. KP SUITE - NIGHT
The door opens and several masked people enter. By penlight we can see they are garbed in purple. They carefully overturn furniture, pull drawers out of dressers, denude the beds, break some small glassware, remove a painting from the wall (but leave it propped against the wall).
A search for personal clothing reveals little, but knives are taken to many pieces of leather. After one look at the general destruction, they leave.
INT. RENTED SUITE - 2126 - DAY
TITLE OVER: 2126
The suite is open concept with a wall of window overlooking a cityscape of mixed traditional buildings and elegantly curved ones. The furnishings are simple, functional, designed to be unobtrusive but comfortable.
Anait is sitting on a padded bench-like sofa, staring out the window. Beside her is an array of pin-like items, a coil of thin cable. On a square, unadorned table beside her is a small, opened access panel.
From behind a closed door emerges Ciara, looking reflective. Both women are in their project leathers.
CIARA
He's sleeping, not exactly comfortably.
She sits down beside Anait.
CIARA
(continuing)
Is there a reason why we're staying here for the entire healing process? I miss the others.
ANAIT
As do I. The doctor said it was almost impossible that anything should go wrong, but he wasn't considering time travel into his diagnosis. I would rather not take any chances, and…we can afford the time.
Ciara nods, then points to the stuff on the table.
CIARA
What's all that?
Anait turns to look at her.
ANAIT
There's something I haven't told you, any of you.
CIARA
(frowning)
Shouldn't you wait until we're all together, then?
ANAIT
(gently)
I can't. Ciara, my personality was copied onto a central processor, which was then lodged inside my head, replacing a good chunk of my organic brain. I have cables running alongside veins and arteries. In some ways I am as alien as Reynard.
CIARA
You've never elaborated much, Anait, but we ARE Arthan. Between you and Rey, the most alien of us, if you insist; we have created something precious to all of us, something most humans aspire to and never achieve. So if this is about you feeling like you don't fit in, that's just crazy.
ANAIT
(smiling)
It isn't. Thank you. My employer, who instigated the Kronos Project, feels that once the project is complete, I am a risk for temporal pollution.
CIARA
Use little words, please.
ANAIT
When the project is finished, there won't be enough tachyons left for another jump. I can't go home.
CIARA
Your home is with us.
ANAIT
(smiling)
Anticipating a situation like this, my employers gave me some additional programming. Like a self-destruct sequence. It will kill me.
CIARA
(shocked)
Oh.
ANAIT
I am hoping you are hacker enough to remove or disable the program. Hence the hardware. It isn't available down time, and I don't want to carry it there, for obvious reasons.
CIARA
Why didn't you say anything?
ANAIT
And cause worry? Besides, if you can't disable the program…
CIARA
Ah, how hard can it be?
INT. RITZ DINING ROOM - NIGHT
Perry signs the bill, charging the evening to their suite. Each person has a glass of champagne in a delicate glass, all nearly finished.
WARREN
(softly)
I miss them, too.
PERRY
Let's take a walk through le Jardin de Tuileries. We might meet them.
EXT. LE JARDIN DE TUILERIES, PARIS - NIGHT
The trio walk, arm in arm in arm, through the well-lit gardens. They talk softly among themselves, pointing to various flowerbeds or trees or stonework design. Always one or another looks around to see if the rest of the project has returned.
REY
(wistful)
I don't think they're coming tonight.
PERRY
(forcing cheerfulness)
Then we will see them tomorrow. Lets get some sleep so they don't know we missed them.
INT. KP SUITE - NIGHT
Rey holds the door while Warren makes an 'after you' gesture to Perry. She smiles, flicks the light. The destruction of their suite is immediately obvious, and smiles fade instantly.
PERRY
Call Security.
EXT. PLACE VENDOME - NIGHT
The trio are discussing the destruction of their suite. Due to the damage to their project leathers, Perry is wearing her vest with a short black skirt, Rey is wearing his dinner shirt with his leather pants, while Warren is still in his finery, minus the jacket.
PERRY
It must have been Ariana.
WARREN
I would bet money.
PERRY
(wryly)
They took the dress Joss stole. I hope they find it in Ariana’s room.
REY
We can’t accuse her without evidence, you of all people should know that.
WARREN
It’s annoying, but not really dangerous.
REY
Different times, different rules.
PERRY
I…I just 'ate feeling 'elpless.
WARREN
I know, it feels…invasive.
At that moment a shiny van-like vehicle screeches around the corner and halts, while six purple masked people grab Warren, gag him, and haul him away. Rey and Perry are so dumbstruck, they can only stare as the vehicle screeches away.
PERRY
Warren!
She grabs Rey's arm.
PERRY
What will they do to him? Is it still a police matter? 'ow does Anait track us through the amulets?
REY
(strained)
It is still a police matter, I think. The signals go through Anait’s processor, we cannot trace it without her.
PERRY
So we can't find him?
REY
You found him in Vancouver.
Perry takes a deep breath.
PERRY
Oui, I did, didn't I.
In the background, a police vehicle pulls away. The concierge beckons to Perry. Rey follows.
INT. RITZ MANAGER'S OFFICE - NIGHT
A spacious, well-appointed room. Perry sits, Rey stands behind her, one hand on the chair back.
NIGHT MANAGER
My most humble apologies; things like this are not supposed to happen here. The suite is almost repaired. Was anything of value damaged or stolen?
PERRY
(fidgeting)
All our valuables are in the safe, including our identification chips. Several articles of personal clothing were destroyed and will need to be replaced.
NIGHT MANAGER
We will, of course, replace those items at our expense. All meal charges have been dropped from your bill for the duration of your stay. We will be happy to provide you a personal vehicle and driver for yourself and your entourage, for your convenience.
PERRY
(aggrieved)
And for this particular night, we will not be charged.
NIGHT MANAGER
Of course not, Mademoiselle Delarue.
INT. RENTAL SUITE, 2126 - NIGHT
The windows are dark. In front of the utilitarian sofa, the window has become a huge screen, across which rows of illegible figures run.
Anait is leaning back, eyes, closed. Ciara rubs her eyes tiredly.
CIARA
I need a break, Anait. If I stare at this code any more, I'll go blind. And all three of us need to eat.
(hopefully)
Want me order in?
Anait reaches stiffly to unplug herself from the apartment's computer.
ANAIT
Sure.
The screen clears, then resolves to a stylized intertwined MS in the upper right hand corner, and a similarly designed KF in the lower, while a menu offers graphic icons of theatre, restaurants, shopping.
Gleefully, Ciara stabs at the air in the general direction of the restaurant icon. For her, ordering the food is as much fun as eating it.
CIARA
I can't believe it took me so long just to isolate a single program.
Anait rubs her temples.
ANAIT
I can't believe how much it hurts to have you rooting around in there.
CIARA
(sympathetically)
Sorry.
Joss comes out to join them. He looks as if his pain has diminished to the same level Anait is now experiencing.
JOSS
Headache?
CIARA
My fault. What do you guys want to eat?
ANAIT
Anything not deep fried.
JOSS
And no more stuff with the words 'mock', 'imitation', or 'style' in the name.
CIARA
Sushi?
There are no objections so Ciara grins and stabs at the air some more.
ANAIT
Add a miso soup to the order.
Joss runs his fingers fondly through Ciara's hair.
JOSS
When do we get to go home?
ANAIT
Soon. I miss them, too. I hope they're staying out of trouble.
Joss grins. Ciara and Anait look at each other - uh oh.
CIARA
Why are you grinning?
JOSS
I left Perry a present before we jumped up. You know that mood dress thing she said she liked? I kind of liberated it for her.
ANAIT
Joss!
JOSS
Relax. Knowing Perry, she probably just took it downstairs and pretended to be quite offended that "this thing" was in her room.
CIARA
It's probably just a bit of excitement to a few boring days.
JOSS
Speaking of which…
ANAIT
No.
Ciara picks up the cable they've been using to access Anait's programming.
CIARA
This is still down time to you, right?
ANAIT
Yes. That represents the childhood of a science that will produce such as me, in not too many years.
CIARA
How's it going to end?
ANAIT
(confused)
What?
CIARA
The Project. I mean, none of this is new to you, right, you knew who we were and what we'd become all along, right?
ANAIT
(wryly)
Not exactly, no. I didn’t know, coming down-time, who you would be.
CIARA
But...you knew our names!
ANAIT
Er, yes, well...
JOSS
What a disappointment we must have been.
CIARA
You and Perry fighting like cats and dogs.
Joss gives her a look.
CIARA
(continuing)
Yeah, yeah, none of us were well behaved. But that doesn't answer my question - how does it end?
ANAIT
(smiles)
Wait and see.
INT. KP SUITE - NIGHT
The suite looks much as it did before the vandalism, even as it did before the project occupied it. The project is adept at leaving very little mark on their surroundings.
NIGHT MANAGER
There are two cams on this corridor, watching your door, and two security guards will be on duty at all times until the conclusion of your visit.
PERRY
I doubt we'll be bothered again.
NIGHT MANAGER
Oh?
PERRY
I have no proof, so hesitate to accuse anyone. But perhaps you might begin your investigations with the diva Ariana.
He bows without replying, suggesting the idea has crossed his mind already.
NIGHT MANAGER
Good night, then.
He leaves.
REY
I don't know how comfortable I am staying here until the strike is over.
Perry hesitates, looking over the suite. The beauty and luxury of it are lost on her; not that they ever held high appeal.
PERRY
We stay here until we...until we are all together again. We will stay elsewhere until the trial is over.
REY
Trial?
PERRY
At a certain point, we must let the police and courts handle this. But for now, it seems to be up to you and I to retrieve Warren.
REY
So…how do we find him? How did you find him before?
Perry begins to pace.
PERRY
Warren has been kidnapped by a well-known person; that has to be to our advantage.
Perry sits down, opens the laptop and touches the screen.
PERRY
(continuing)
Who is Bethany Portal?
REY
I was researching Diva Wars…her soundman died of internal bleeding after a beating he received during the course of a war.
PERRY
(aghast)
Died?!
REY
I'm sure Warren will be fine.
Perry gives him a worried look, then returns to typing. After a few minutes she tosses the laptop aside.
PERRY
I don't know how Ciara does it.
She gets to her feet and pulls open drawers on the desk, shutting them when she doesn't see what she's looking for. Finally she pulls out a phone directory, carries it and the phone back to the sofa.
REY
Who are you calling at this hour?
PERRY
Ariana will have taken Warren someplace she's rented. She stays here for the cachet that comes from staying at the Ritz. It is unlikely she has a long term rental, she probably rented something once she decided to kidnap Warren.
REY
And you are calling?
PERRY
Private investigator.
REY
(beat)
And will he or she be able to locate Ariana any faster than if we wait for Anait tomorrow?
PERRY
(fretfully)
Probably not, but I 'ave to do something. And what if the others do not come back tomorrow, either?
He nods and goes to the window, while she picks up the phone.
INT. RENTAL SUITE, 2126 - DAY
The windows are blacked out, and the big screen is on, again displaying rows of incomprehensible code. Anait is leaning back, her face taut with discomfort.
Ciara is leaning forward, intent on the screen, a keyboard on her lap. Joss is behind the sofa, rubbing Anait's shoulders.
CIARA
(to Anait)
Tell me everything you can about whoever might have passworded this program.
ANAIT
Jan-lynn. Birthdate 24 April, 2151 in SoCal, North America. Unmarried. No children. Background education in social history, joined our organization in '75. Worked up the ranks to director.
Ciara types rapidly as Anait talks, pauses, types again.
CIARA
Hobbies, obsessions?
ANAIT
(bluntly)
An ass-kisser, as Joss would put it. If the project had been up to her alone, it would never have happened. It was a huge expenditure of funds for no tangible return. As far as I know, she had no life outside of-of the organization. OW!
CIARA
Sorry, forgot to switch out of your authorization codes.
Ciara grins.
JOSS
You know what you're doing?
CIARA
If you're asking could I write this stuff, nuh-uh, no way. But Anait can rewrite her own programs.
JOSS
That sounds kinda cool, but then why does she need you?
CIARA
Kind of cool? It's totally kick-ass cool. But this program is locked, and if she tries to access it, the program bites her. So to speak.
She sits back, grinning widely.
CIARA
(continuing)
I think I got it. Give it a shot.
Anait breathes deeply, her eyes still closed.
ANAIT
I'm in.
She jumps to her feet, eyes still closed.
ANAIT
(continuing, sotto voce)
That forsaken bitch!
Her eyes are moving behind her closed lids as she rapidly rewrites her program, deleting the self-dstruct sequence.
ANAIT
Shit...Ciara, there’s a worm...I’m...shutting it down...
Anait’s body goes rigid, then relaxes and she stumbles a little, opening her eyes. Joss catches her up.
CIARA
Are you okay?
ANAIT
Yes. I just lost...a few memories.
(smiles)
Nothing recent.
JOSS
(hopeful)
Can we go home now?
Anait stands free of him, looking at him carefully.
ANAIT
How do you feel?
He takes one of her hands and rests it on his chest, he takes the other and puts it on his crotch.
JOSS
You tell me.
She smiles, as does Ciara.
INT. KP SUITE, PERRY'S ROOM - MORNING
The phone rings, Perry reaches across Rey in bed to pick up an ornate handset.
PERRY
Delarue.
She comes fully awake, tries to climb over Rey, but he stops her halfway, so that she's lying atop him. His expression is not lustful, but concerned and curious.
PERRY
(continuing)
How soon can you be here?
She looks for a clock.
PERRY
(continuing)
Just ask for me at the desk, I'll be in the lobby waiting.
She hangs up the phone, kisses Rey lightly on the mouth.
PERRY
(continuing)
That was the investigator. He already has the information we want. He's coming over to tell us.
REY
Why wouldn't he say on the phone?
PERRY
He wants to be paid, silly. Lets see if we have any clothes we can wear.
INT. RITZ LOBBY - MORNING
Perry is wearing the shirt she bought for Joss over her short black skirt and project boots. Rey is dressed as he was at Place Vendome. Both are waiting patiently in the lobby.
The INVESTIGATOR comes through the front doors. He is tidily dressed, but no fashion plate.
He asks at the desk after Perry, who is pointed out.
Perry nods at Rey, and stands up as the investigator approaches them.
INVESTIGATOR
Perette Delarue?
PERRY
Oui.
INVESTIGATOR
Not the original, of course.
PERRY
(beat)
Even so. You found her?
INVESTIGATOR
Not that hard to find. I almost feel badly for charging you.
PERRY
I did not know where to look, so I am comfortable paying you.
He passes her a thin envelope, she gives him one scarce thicker in exchange. He looks at her, then at Rey.
INVESTIGATOR
You're not one of them, are you? Those foolish divas?
PERRY
(smiles)
Non. I am a lawyer.
He looks her up and down sceptically.
PERRY
(continuing)
I know. I don't look like a lawyer.
(to Rey)
Haven't heard that one in awhile.
INVESTIGATOR
(smiles)
I guess we don't expect beautiful women to be lawyers.
She inclines her head at the compliment.
INVESTIGATOR
(continuing)
Is there any other matter I can look into for you?
PERRY
(graciously)
Not at this time, thank you.
He gives a shallow bow and walks away. Perry opens the envelope, while Rey watches the investigator leave.
PERRY
Place de Voges. Why am I not surprised. Rey, didn't the night manager say we had a vehicle reserved for our use?
REY
(gently)
And what can we do, in broad daylight?
PERRY
(upset)
Broad daylight was fine in Vancouver.
REY
But Takai wasn't expecting us to rescue Warren. Ariana probably is. And she knows exactly what we look like.
PERRY
The longer he's with them…
Rey touches her arm.
PERRY
(anguished)
What am I supposed to do until dark?
REY
(beat)
Why don't we figure out where we'll stay during the trial?
EXT. PLACE DE VOGES - NIGHT
A large five wheeled electric limo, the driver of which is obscured behind glass. A passenger door opens and Perry and Rey emerge, in project leathers, with the addition of gloves.
REY
I still don't think we should be doing this alone.
PERRY
(impatiently)
Who else is there?
The front of the limo opens, and the driver turns out to be JOSS.
JOSS
Now where would you two be sneaking off to, instead of planning a welcome home party for us?
REY
(grinning)
Good to see you, Joss.
Joss puts an arm around Perry and tugs her roughly to him. He puts a finger under her chin.
JOSS
Have you been a bad girl?
PERRY
Are Ciara and Anait with you?
JOSS
No, they’re waiting at the hotel.
He realizes something serious is going on; releases Perry and looks from her to Rey.
PERRY
(tersely)
Warren’s been kidnapped.
JOSS
(nonplussed)
Again? How...?
(head shake)
No, explain later. Try to fill me in as we go.
REY
If I said Diva War, would that explain most of it.
Joss looks startled.
JOSS
Diva war?
(looks at Perry)
Ah jesus, cream-puff.
They approach a building, try the door, it's locked.
JOSS
(whispering)
Good thing I showed up when I did...
He does something we can't see, twisting a little this way and that. Then he opens the door like the valet at the Ritz, with an elaborate bow.
Rey puts Perry behind him and goes in first. Perry rolls her eyes at Joss and follows Rey. Joss grins and lets the door shut behind her. He goes around to the fire escape and begins to climb.
INT. APT. BUILDING - NIGHT
The foyer and stairwell are well lit, and Rey and Perry walk confidently, as if they belong.
PERRY
(softly)
I think we have learned many bad habits in the past.
REY
(philosophically)
Blame Anait. She was always the one insisting we break laws.
Rey takes a step on the staircase.
PERRY
You are a healer, not a fighter. Allow me to go first.
REY
I am also the head - and protector - of the arthan.
(sigh)
Go ahead.
INT. OUTSIDE ARIANA'S APT - NIGHT
The stairwell door has a window in it. Through it we see Perry seeing an empty hallway. She taps her shoulder.
EXT. FIRE ESCAPE
Joss has located the appropriate floor, but the fire escape is designed to serve the whole floor, so it opens into the hallway, not, as he'd hoped, the apartment itself.
PERRY
(filtered, V.O.)
Hallway empty.
JOSS
(sigh)
Yeah. I see.
Joss waves.
INT. HALLWAY
Perry looks disappointed as she waves at Joss. This won't be as easy as it might have been.
She knocks on the door.
PERRY
(Loudly)
Pizza!
She positions herself so that when the door opens, she can force her way in. Rey waits behind the door and Joss is sneaking down the hall behind Perry.
The door opens a crack, and we see a slice of face above a purple outfit. Call her PURPLE 1.
PURPLE 1
We didn't order pizza.
PERRY
(in French)
You are too stupid to live.
Perry jams her elbow into the opening, forcing it open enough for Rey to grab it and pull it all the way. Perry kicks Purple 1 and
INT. ARIANA's APT. - NIGHT
a small room, rented just for this occasion.
There are two other people in the room, PURPLE 2 and ARIANA, who react to Perry's forceful entry.
Warren is tied to a ceiling beam. He is naked, his face is covered in so much blood you can't really tell it's him. His body is nearly black from bruises. He may or may not be conscious.
Rey and Joss come into the room, closing the door behind them.
Perry is shocked at seeing Warren.
PERRY
Warren!
His head moves marginally at the sound of her voice, but he is barely conscious.
JOSS
(menacingly, to Ariana)
We can do this the easy way or we can do it the hard way.
PERRY
Fuck it, we're doing it the hard way.
REY
(to Joss)
I'll call the police.
Purple 1 has grabbed a sandbag, the item used to bruise Warren so badly, and hefts it at Perry. She dodges, it grazes her hip. She spins, but Rey already has Purple 1 in an arm lock. Rey gives her a negative head movement: no maiming or killing.
PURPLE 2 has a stick, much like a wooden boken, or practice sword, not the long staff Perry has used in the past. Unlike Perry, Purple 2 doesn't know how to use the stick, short of basic swinging. Swinging, however, is still effective in small spaces.
Perry blocks a blow with her forearm, flinching, and forces the stick up; using her other arm to deliver a blow to the diaphragm, which effectively disables Purple 2.
Joss emerges from the kitchen area with a roll of twine, grins at Rey, and begins to tie Purple 1 & 2 together.
Ariana, however, has a gun.
Perry freezes, staring at the gun.
ARIANA
Ah not so brave now, are we, chikka?
JOSS
You can't use guns in a diva war.
ARIANA
This little ol' thing?
Ariana takes the gun by the barrel and swings around, striking Warren with the butt. He groans a little, his body twitching. She grins at Perry’s reaction, twirling the gun to a firing position.
ARIANA
This is just insurance.
Perry looks in horror from Warren to the gun, frozen between two fears.
ARIANA
I didn't expect you to come for him yourself. This is an unexpected bonus.
Joss makes a sound of disgust, brushes past Perry and yanks the gun from Ariana's hand, tossing it into the kitchen area.
Perry runs to Warren's side, afraid to touch him anywhere, his body is one giant bruise.
REY
I'm going to untie him, you'll have to support him.
SIRENS fill the night.
Perry takes part of Warren's weight as Rey releases one arm, the pressure on his body makes him groan in pain again.
WARREN
(vague whisper)
Perry?
PERRY
I'm here.
WARREN
Knew you…loved me.
He loses consciousness again. Perry staggers under his weight as Rey finally frees his other arm.
The police come through the door.
INT. - HOTEL DIEU - DAY
Perry finishes pacing to look at both officers.
PERRY
You know the rest.
OFFICER 2
And you are still at the Ritz?
PERRY
(looking at Warren)
Non. We have taken a suite at a more modest auberge. Will the case go quickly? We are expected in Detroit and hope to be able to leave as soon as the strike ends.
PROSECUTION
Your honour, may I call Perette Delarue as evidence?
JUDGE
Evidence?
PROSECUTION
The defense would have the jury believe that M. Masterson engaged in sexual relations with Ariana on the basis that she offered, and is irresistible. I wish to demonstrate precisely why M. Masterson would not succumb to the diva's charms, as lovely as she is.
JUDGE
As you wish. Perette Delarue, approach.
Perry stands up hesitantly and approaches the prosecution attorney. She is wearing a dress reminiscent of the 1950s, a style currently in. It is short, full, and low cut in the neckline. She looks, in short, divine.
Warren's attention is immediately drawn to her, a reaction not lost on the jury.
PROSECUTOR
Ladies and gentlemen of the jury, this is M. Masterson girlfriend. Honestly now, with a woman like this at home, what possible temptation would he find with Ariana? You may sit down, Mademoiselle.
Perry, blushing, does so.
DEFENSE
Do you not concede that Ariana made an honest mistake in identifying you as a fellow Diva?
PERRY
I would hesitate to use the word honest…
JUDGE
Yes or no, Mademoiselle Delarue.
PERRY
Yes, but…
JUDGE
Yes or no, Mademoiselle
PERRY
(sighs)
Yes.
DEFENSE
So this was all a big mistake? An error in judgement?
Perry opens her mouth for an angry retort, holds her tongue and temper. The prosecutor objects, the judge chastises the defence.
PERRY
Your honour, may I respond to the defence?
JUDGE
No.
PERRY
(chargrined, quietly)
I am not used to being on this side of the bench.
The judge smothers a wry smile; he can tell.
It's the prosecution's turn.
PROSECUTOR
Mademoiselle, the night of the kidnapping, wasn't your suite at the Ritz vandalized?
PERRY
(wary)
Yes.
PROSECUTOR
And do you not believe that this was also done by Ariana or her sycophants?
Perry stares at the prosecutor, trying to figure out where he's going with this - it is not a line of questioning she would have tried. She reply is pointed.
PERRY
(stiffly)
What I believe is irrelevant. There is no honour in an accusation without proof, particularly in a court of law.
She glares at the defense, wondering why he doesn't object.
Belatedly, he does, but the prosecution requests a moment for relevance.
PROSECUTOR
No honour. I think that in a reverse situation Ariana might not be so...honourable.
PERRY
And do you think that a public court is the appropriate place to air your slanderous opinions?
JUDGE
M. Delarue…
PROSECUTOR
(surprise)
I am representing you, mademoiselle.
PERRY
(dryly)
Perish the thought.
JUDGE
I call for a recess until the prosecution can collect itself.
In a small room, the prosecutor and the KP are together.
PROSECUTOR
I suppose you think you could do better?
PERRY
(angrily)
We have a strong enough case we do not need to resort to dirty tactics! If I were the judge I would strike your remarks regarding the vandalism from the record, though the damage is done.
PROSECUTOR
I am representing you!
PERRY
In only the very loosest of definitions! I would not have brought up the vandalism, or ventured slanderous opinions on the defendant. You turn the jury to her side. Hell, you turn me to her side!
WARREN
Perry…
REY
Different times, Perry.
PERRY
(to prosecutor)
You will apologize to the court and to Ariana, then you will focus on what we CAN prove, is that clear?
PROSECUTOR
You want me to apologize?
PERRY
Yes. Humble admission of wrong-doing will bring the jury back to our side, if nothing else.
PROSECUTOR
I wish they'd warned me you were a lawyer.
PERRY
I wish they'd warned me you weren’t.
WARREN
Perry…
PERRY
(to Warren)
I'm sorry, I suppose I am like a doctor who makes a lousy patient.
WARREN
You're magnificent to watch in a courtroom.
A head pokes through the door: "five minutes"
PERRY
(warningly)
By the book, this is an open and shut case, I could win it with my eyes closed.
REY
If you blow this, I don't know if she'll sue you for failure to perform, or take you out back and beat you to a pulp. I know which I'd rather watch.
PERRY
Rey, different times.
Rey kisses her on the mouth.
WARREN
Cut it out, you two. I'm not healthy enough for that.
Perry grins salaciously at him.
PERRY
Are you sure?
WARREN
I guess I could try.
She kisses him, somewhat more involved than her kiss with Rey.
PROSECUTOR
Lets go, lovebirds.