Kyle XY S3 E08
(My version of how Kyle meets up with Latnok, just a few lines of the original dialogue - in italics - from the TV show but with a different emphasis, any changes are in bold. I also indulged in and included a personal belief that I thought would fit in with Kyle saving the environment and such. Disclaimer: All publicly recognizable characters, settings, etc. are the property of their respective owners. The original characters and plot are the property of the author. The author is in no way associated with the owners, creators, or producers of any media franchise. No copyright infringement is intended.)
***
College Craze Part One
Thursday night after Hillary's newscast.
DECLAN [to Kyle in his room]: So, this is the plan? [He studies a sheet of paper].
KYLE: Yes. Steven and Nicole are coming up on Saturday to express their "concerns" to Cassidy about me joining an organization that uses terrorization tactics, and if they ever pull a stunt like that again or do anything endangering me, them or my friends, they will go to the police.
DECLAN: Aren't you planning on doing that anyway?
KYLE: Yes, but I want to know what they're really up too. The trusted Latnok members we contacted said there was some secret plans going on but, they weren't informed what exactly those plans were. Whatever this Grace Kingsley person is planning, she didn't let them in on it. Probably knew they wouldn't approve. They also mentioned they have someone inside but are unsure if they can be trusted.
Declan nods.
KYLE: This weekend is more to observe. I don't feel good about this. Does this really justify invading Cassidy's privacy because he invaded mine?
DECLAN: Hell, yes!
Kyle smiles as if he knew Declan would say that.
DECLAN: Are the bugs ready?
KYLE: Right here. [He points to his desk].
DECLAN: Where does Foss get these things?
KYLE: He has his sources. [Declan looks at him]. I didn't ask.
DECLAN: What you don't know can't hurt you, eh?
KYLE [takes him literally]: Yes, it can.
DECLAN: Ah, no. I just meant you might be liable in case he obtained these illegally.
KYLE: He said he didn't. [Declan doesn't look convinced]. I think we're good to go. [They head to the kitchen where the family is having a snack].
NICOLE: I think we all need a good night's sleep. It's going to be a long weekend. [A cue for Declan to head home and for everyone else to get ready for bed].
KYLE [walks Declan to the door]: Meet up with you in your dorm room at the college?
DECLAN: Yeah.
LORI [walks past]: Lucky you. A private room. Wish I could have one. [She glances behind her at Nicole who is on her way upstairs].
NICOLE: Ha. You're lucky you're even going on this field trip.
DECLAN: Later.
KYLE: Later.
Declan leaves and Kyle looks over at his family settling in for the night.
KYLE [narrative]: I wasn't sure what the weekend would bring, but one thing I hoped for was that it would be the start of something new. But more important, the start of putting an end to Latnok's plans for me.
Opening credits. Early Friday morning and scene opens to the Beachwood High School bus pulling up to the University of Washington.
TEACHER: Okay, students, remember, this weekend is for you to gather information on what the university has to offer. You'll need to check in with me or the driver, Drake here, each evening at the dorms by 10pm each night. Before heading to your first class, come with me to your assigned dorm rooms. Also, be sure to fill out your career planning sheets. This is a working weekend, not a partying one. The bus is scheduled to pick you up Sunday at 2pm. Don't be late.
The students head off the bus and wait for their luggage as the driver opens the storage compartment beneath and pulls out overnight baggage. Everyone starts picking out and taking his or her bags. Declan waits behind Hillary and Lori.
HILLARY [to Lori]: Isn't this exciting? I plan to document everything. Well, almost everything.
DECLAN: I knew there'd be no living with you now that you're part of the mass media. [Hillary wrinkles her nose at him]. Congratulations again on that newscast. You were great.
HILLARY: Aww, thanks pumpkin.
LORI: You were really good.
HILLARY [smiles looking very pleased with herself]: The great thing is, there's a story lurking around every corner. [She looks around]. Evan! [Calls out to her camera minion]. Time to document. You guys first. [She indicates Lori and Declan].
DECLAN: Have mercy, Hills. Wait till I'm settled. See you. [He makes a hasty escape only pausing to pick up his two duffle bags, leaving Lori stuck with her overeager friend].
LORI: Hills, come on. Give me a break too. We just arrived.
HILLARY [undaunted]: Exactly. The first to embark on college soil. How do you feel to be here? [She taps her foot as Evan finally aims his camera and has to repeat her question so he gets it on tape].
LORI [feigning excitement]: Excited. Can hardly wait to get started.
HILLARY: So, what do you plan to do first?
LORI: Explore my options.
HILLARY: Like?
LORI: Not sure.
HILLARY: Cut. Lori, can't you give me more?
LORI: Sorry. [She tries to scoot past on seeing her bag and Hillary tries to track down all the other students heading in].
Jessi freezes and doesn't answer when Hillary asks her how she feels to be here. All she does is smile stiffly, wide-eyed into the camera.
HILLARY: Never mind. Cut that. [She moves on and Jessi hurries past, away from her] Amanda! [She catches sight of her and Kyle walking by]. How do you feel to be here?
AMANDA: Great. Looking forward to see their music conservatory program.
HILLARY: And how about you? [Turns to Kyle] How do you feel about being here?
KYLE: Good. [Hillary tries to indicate silently for him to continue when he pauses to long]. There's a few subject areas I'm interested in exploring so, can't wait to get started either.
HILLARY: Plan on any other extra-curricular activities?
KYLE: Like what? [Wonders why she asks that and thinks of Latnok where he's scheduled to meet with Cassidy after lunch today].
HILLARY: No, sweetie, that's why I'm asking. [He shrugs, unsure]. Okay then. Cut. I must be asking the wrong questions.
AMANDA: Maybe at the end of the weekend would be best.
HILLARY: I got it! Roll! [Amanda sighs but keeps on smiling wanting to help Hillary out]. What do you expect to get out of this college venture? How will it compare to what you expect today and what you wind up getting out of it when it's all over?
AMANDA: Ah…well, a new outlook?
HILLARY: Like? [It was like pulling teeth with some people while other people she had to butt in because they were trying to take over her limelight – one extreme to the other, but she loved it].
AMANDA [shrugs]: I don't know. Sorry.
Hillary sighs, but not wanting to give in to defeat, moves on to other students in hopes of getting some more useful answers.
AMANDA [turns to Kyle]: Oh boy. I can tell already this is going to be some weekend.
KYLE: Yeah, me too. [He thinks of his scheduled meeting with Latnok].
AMANDA [whispers as they walk into a main hall]: You're worried about Latnok, aren't you?
Kyle nods.
AMANDA: I'm worried for you, too. [She squeezes his hand and they walk to the dorm areas].
TEACHER [watches for stragglers, Hillary being one of them as she tries to wrap up her interviews]: Come on, let's get settled in. Gentlemen, follow Drake here. Ladies, follow me.
She leads the girls to one wing while the guys follow Drake to another. Declan signs in too but heads to a private wing. Once Kyle signs in, he heads to Declan's room and sets up his laptop and a few other items.
KYLE: I really appreciate your help, Declan.
DECLAN: Hey, I'd be really pissed if you hadn't included me. Now that you have Jessi.
KYLE [pauses as he senses an undercurrent of emotion]: What do you mean?
DECLAN: Just that she can do so much more than me.
KYLE: I still need you. [He glances at his equipment]. Just differently.
DECLAN [tries to shrug off his jealousy]: Yeah, I know. Don't know why I brought it up.
They go back to work even though Kyle looks at him from time to time in concern.
DECLAN: Look, forget I brought it up, okay? I don't want you worrying about my feelings now. We got bigger concerns, one of them begins with an "L," the other a "C."
KYLE: No, I'm glad you told me.
Declan shakes his head at his own folly, knowing Kyle will worry and be concerned about his feelings anyway. They continue to set up the equipment. Kyle makes sure the bugs are online and working.
DECLAN: I should be asking how you are. [Kyle glances at him]. You and Jessi's new circus routine.
KYLE: It's great. Might come in handy one day. Amanda gave me a lot of insight too, on gambling and cheating.
DECLAN: Most gambling outlets are rigged so no one wins.
KYLE: Made me think that's what Cassidy's doing.
DECLAN: And you want to beat him at his own game?
KYLE: No, I just want it to end.
Kyle takes a device and scans the room. The readings on it give him a feeling of relief.
DECLAN: Room clean?
KYLE: Yes, the housekeeping staff did a good job.
DECLAN: Ha, I meant free of bugs…and not the creepy crawly kind.
KYLE: Oh, listening devices. Then, yes. No "bugs."
Declan and Kyle leave the room and lock up then head to their first class. Then scene switches to a campus lunch room. Camera pans over Beachwood students, includes Kyle, Declan, Lori, Hillary and Jessi getting lunch then going over to all sit at the same table cuts to the hallway further down where Amanda is. She is making her way towards the lunchroom then sees Cassidy coming up a side staircase busy talking on his cell. She recognizes him from the picture Kyle drew.
CASSIDY: What do you mean there's a problem? Just fix it.
When he clicks off his cell he notices her and by the slight look of surprise and quick glance away, she guesses his running into her isn't planned. He just nods to her as if she is any other student and walks on by. In a way she's relieved he didn't confront her but also wishing she could have told him off. The encounter was enough to leave her shaken and upset. So, when she enters the lunchroom she heads straight for the counter to order food she doesn't feel like eating but will give her something else to focus on. Kyle stands up when she comes in and then looks on with concern as she walks right by him without seeing him.
JESSI: What's wrong with her?
Without answering he goes over to Amanda and is even more concerned when she jumps, startled from suddenly seeing him beside her.
AMANDA: Hey. [She tries to cover her nervous reaction but should have known better to keep it from Kyle. He can always tell when something is bothering her].
KYLE: What's wrong?
Camera back to Jessi who listens in, Lori noticing her doing it but doesn't dare call her up on it with Hillary right beside her.
AMANDA: Nothing really. Nothing happened. I just saw Cassidy in the hallway. I think he was on his way somewhere. He looked surprised a bit at first on seeing me so I don't think it was planned. [She is beginning to talk fast, one outward sign she does when upset but Kyle knew by inward signs that she was]. All he did was nod and walked on past as if I were any other student here on compass but since he looked surprised I knew he knew who I was and I think he knows I know who he is. [She takes a deep breath]. Anyway, nothing happened.
KYLE: Do you want to leave? Eat somewhere else?
AMANDA: No, no. I'll be fine. [She tries to give him a reassuring smile].
He leads her to a table for just them and notices she just picks at her food. He hates to see her so upset.
AMANDA: So, tell me how your morning went. Mine went really well. The band is giving a brief recital late this afternoon and I'm going to play.
KYLE: That's great.
AMANDA: How about you?
KYLE: The lecture I went to was pretty interesting. [He hesitates to tell her more, not wanting to worry her].
AMANDA: What about?
KYLE [decides to tell her]: Criminology. [She looks at him with sudden interest].
AMANDA: Oh?
KYLE: The psychology of the criminal mind. Why they do what they do, how to profile one.
AMANDA: And?
She surprises him and encourages him to tell her more. It's what he always sensed in her, she's stronger than most people think but his urge to protect her has a tendency to make him, not forget, but put aside that fact. So he tells her what he learnt and how to apply that to Cassidy.
It's after lunch and it's time for Kyle to meet Cassidy. They meet in a hallway of the Faculty of Science building on the University compass.
CASSIDY: Waited a long time for this day.
KYLE [walks with him down the hall towards a staircase]: Where to?
CASSIDY: Just this way. What'd you expect, an underground lair? [They walk down the staircase].
KYLE: We are heading underground.
CASSIDY: Yeah, well, I wouldn't call it underground. Just a lower level. I know your previous impressions of Latnok have been not so great but I'm determined to change all that. I want you to see we're not about stuffy suits or mad scientists…
KYLE: What are you about?
CASSIDY: The future. [They reach the bottom of the stairs and in front points to a room full of students]. These are the best and brightest minds on campus but none of them hold a candle to you.
KYLE: What do they know about me?
CASSIDY: I told them you were a genius, a prodigy, a real find, but that's all they know. As far as they're concerned you're just my latest recruit. The one I want most of all.
KYLE: Is this sponsored by the University?
CASSIDY: The University gives us the space in exchange for bragging rights generated by our ideas.
KYLE: What kind of ideas?
CASSIDY: All kinds. In science, technology, working towards a better more sophisticated civilization.
KYLE: I don't have a great history with people who say that.
CASSIDY: Yeah, well, forget about everybody else, we're the real deal. [He heads toward a girl]. And this lovely little pixie is Jackie who—
JACKIE: Who holds the record for darts, guitar hero and the longest kickstand. Let me know if I can kick your ass at any of them later, kiwi.
KYLE: What's she working on?
CASSIDY: Nuclear suitcase bomb. [Kyle gives him an alarmed look]. Plants, mate. Growth patterns.
JACKIE: My goal is to accelerate the maturic saturation period.
CASSIDY: A system like hers could help eradicate world hunger.
Kyle just studies what's on her computer screen and doesn't offer any advice. Cassidy doesn't seem pleased he makes no offer of help.
NATE [comes up to them]: So, the great mind has finally come to play with us mortals.
CASSIDY: Most people open with hello but that'll work. Nathaniel Harrison, Kyle Trager.
KYLE: Hello.
NATE: Hello and goodbye. Got work to do.
CASSIDY: Why don't you tell Kyle what you're working on, maybe he can help? [Hoping to encourage Kyle to take part but realizes Nate may not be the best candidate to share with].
NATE: Ah, no offense to the boy genius, but graduated high school at 13 and I have an IQ of 156. I think I got it.
CASSIDY: Nate considers himself top dog around here, he thinks I'm an idiot because I have an IQ of a normal person but I don't take it personally. I've got better hair. So make yourself at home, get to know everyone, believe you already know [points]—
KYLE: Mark [nods to him].
MARK: I'm glad we finally got you in here. [Cassidy walks off in hopes that if he left Kyle alone he'd be more forthcoming].
KYLE: How'd they recruit you?
MARK: Ah, well, when I wrote a research paper, a quite innovative one, I was introduced here and asked to join. An honor and a privilege, I did research them, they have a long-standing organization dedicated to helping mankind for good. I've been involved for two years. I really think you're going to like it here.
KYLE: Why?
MARK: Well [looks briefly around] I know for me, well for the first time I can remember I'm in a place where I'm not this super smart outsider. We all are. It's my home.
Kyle just nods and looks around at the others, wondering how many were led to believe and think they were working for the greater good. A greater good that in recent years has become less so. Very less so, not just what from Adam told him but from his own experience with them so far.
KYLE: What were you doing that night at the prom, when I went back inside to get Amanda's stuff?
MARK [looking uncomfortable and making Kyle uneasy. He thought he sensed something good and decent in Mark but his unrest now said otherwise]: Just getting my disks together, packing up. Look, all I was told was to detain you for a second or two. He said you were expecting them to…I don't know [he frowns] whatever game you and he had planned. A little bizarre, but the greater puzzle for you to solve the better to find out…
KYLE: What?
MARK: Cassidy wasn't exactly forthcoming with that, said it was between you and what he had planned for you that night. And he said he found out what he wanted.
KYLE: You were there? [He kept his voice low but he was intense enough to make Mark blink].
MARK: Uh, yeah, didn't you find out what you needed?
KYLE [sounding disappointed in him]: Yes.
MARK [waits a bit but Kyle says nothing else. Kyle does notice Mark seems bothered by his silence and what it might imply]: Look, I know this has been overwhelming for you, I mean, your first day and all, but we're good people here. We have the best resources available. It's all about discovery and opportunity, scientific and financial.
KYLE: Financial?
MARK: Yeah, we're encouraged to chase grants and enter competitions. Uh, I myself, cleared more than $80,000 last year.
KYLE: Can I see these grants and competitions?
MARK: Sure, they're over here. [He leads him to a large binder].
Kyle begins reading through until the end. What he discovers is disturbing in the sense that like any big corporation they now use and misuse funding for any type of project no matter how useless that project might seem. So much for not keeping true to their original mission statement, the one they used to have and the one that made Adam join in the first place. He sees something that wouldn't be anything of real benefit to mankind or anyone and was just the sort of waste of funds that seemed to be the standard for the past few years. Latnok had changed and not for the betterment of mankind.
KYLE: So what else is there to see?
MARK: Ah, well, this is pretty much it.
CASSIDY [coming up to them clapping his hands once]: So, have we won you over yet? [He nods to Mark as an indication to leave which Kyle takes note of].
MARK: See you later. [And how Mark was quick to obey].
Obviously Cassidy called the shots here, despite how friendly things appeared.
CASSIDY: Ready to inspire them all yet?
KYLE: Still like to look around more. Get a feel of what you do.
CASSIDY: Make yourself at home. [He walks away to leave Kyle to look].
KYLE [goes up to Jackie]: Mind if I ask you something?
JACKIE: Not at all, ask away, kiwi.
KYLE [smiles a bit]: What made you join?
JACKIE: 'Cause they're the best? You're free to be who you are here. Why?
KYLE: Just wondering. Cassidy said to look around. Hope that means okay to talk to everyone here.
JACKIE: You'll find we're very friendly. Cassidy's in charge but we have tons of freedom. He knows when to help and when to get out of the way.
He talks to a few others but, when he sees Nate ignore him, he leaves. So far he has seen nothing to help with his case against Cassidy.
CASSIDY: So, Nate, I see Kyle was making the rounds. Do you know what he was asking everyone?
NATE: Why ask me? Ask them.
CASSIDY [sighs]: Look, I know you don't want him here, but I do.
He finds out from the others that Kyle just wanted to know why and how they joined and if they liked it here.
While Kyle was with Cassidy, Amanda was walking with Lori after lunch.
AMANDA: He made you look out for me again, didn't he?
LORI: I wouldn't call it "made me."
They laugh.
AMANDA: Well, thank you. But I'll be fine. [She notices a bulletin board and stops on recognizing a flyer].
LORI: What?
AMANDA [points]: Jade's here. He's doing a demonstration. Want to see it?
LORI: Ah, not particularly.
AMANDA: Okay. You go on ahead. I don't want to hold you back from what you really want to do.
LORI: Sorry, I take the responsibility of friendship very seriously and if that means helping one friend who, even though she tries to convince me she doesn't, needs it.
AMANDA: It's okay, really. I'm fine.
This time Lori hesitates and Amanda knows for sure she wants to do something else.
AMANDA: I'm not going anywhere, then. Go, do what you want.
LORI: I—[Amanda doesn't budge]. Fine, I'll go.
She goes one way as Amanda heads to the demonstration.
AMANDA [goes up to Jade before the demo starts]: Hi.
JADE: Hey there. You missing me?
AMANDA: Missing you?
JADE: Missed your Thursday session. Now you're here.
AMANDA: Oh, I guess I did miss it, had to work, but I'm not here because of that. I'm on a field trip. Say, don't need any volunteers do you?
JADE: If I did, you wouldn't be one of them. You're too green, still. [He looks her up and down making her feel uncomfortable in the way she knows he is going to let into her in his usual gruff manner]. You know what to do to work off your anxiety.
AMANDA: How do you know I'm anxious?
JADE: Think I don't know the signs? That's my job.
He leaves her to start his demo and she stays to watch. She finds watching a person being attacked is more disturbing than being attacked. With Jade's mock attacks on her she was too busy trying to remember the moves and fight her fear. Is this how Lori felt each time she came to watch her? She now had a new appreciation and gratefulness for Lori and she knew Jade was right yet again. She wasn't just anxious but restless as well, ever since she saw Cassidy and decides to do as Jade suggested and heads to the sports building where various sport activities are going on, from basketball to boxing to ice skating to swimming – all in various arenas. Amanda sees Declan on the basketball court.
AMANDA: Hi.
DECLAN [looks puzzled at why she's there and guilty too for participating in the game when he knows he shouldn't make his ankle worse]: Did Kyle send you?
AMANDA: Kyle? Why would he send me?
DECLAN: Didn't he tell you?
AMANDA: Tell me what?
DECLAN: I have a bum ankle. I shouldn't be playing.
AMANDA: No, he didn't tell me. I'm sorry to hear about your ankle.
DECLAN: Yeah, I'm sorry too. Should have known he'd keep it confidential. Guess I just want to play a last game while I can, you know? [Amanda nods, looking sympathetic]. So, what about you, what are you doing here?
AMANDA: Came here to work out.
Amanda realizes she's left telling the truth to Kyle about taking self-defense lessons for far too long and hates lying about it now. She heads to the other end, trying not to show her guilt in keeping the truth from Declan. He goes back to playing after one awkward guilty look at her for playing when he shouldn't be.
She starts with the punching bag, taking all her guilt, anger, frustration and fear out on it. Declan glances over and sees her using moves he didn't know she knew. His attention then goes back to the game and he makes a great three-pointer shot, winning the game. The guys cheer and soon he gets caught up in the celebrating. Amanda starts running around the outer court to do laps, rehearsing what and how to tell Kyle the truth. Meanwhile, the college students don't take it too well at being beat by a few high school kids and start a fight off to the side, too close to the outer court where joggers, including Amanda, are doing laps. It soon turns into a brawl and the few joggers veer away, one running for security. Amanda tries to veer off too but the fight shifts like a tornado would and comes directly at her.
She yelps when one guy barrels into her and falls right on top of her. She does a quick twist but almost wrenches her arm out of its socket then elbows the guy. He yells in pain and hits back in retaliation without realizing she's a girl at first, punching her on the side of her neck and shoulder. She gasps in pain, trying to breath as black dots swim in front of her vision and hears as if from a distance, Declan's voice.
DECLAN [shouting]: Stop, you idiots, you're beating up a girl!
In the confusion of blocking swinging fists and stopping when realizing they're mauling a girl one guy accidentally steps on her causing him to trip. Like a domino effect he lands into another guy who lands into another guy until they all fall in a writhing mass of bodies.
Believing she's about to be trampled, Amanda uses whatever strength and breath she has left and kicks out like she was taught and makes contact with someone who yelps in pain before scrambling away.
DECLAN: Amanda! Hang on. [He limps over to her].
Suddenly his face appears in her line of vision. The fight is over. The guys now struggling to get up and off each other and especially away from the feisty small-fry of a girl. They look scared and worried.
ONE GUY: Let's get out of here.
He turns to leave but runs smack into Jade and other security personnel.
DECLAN [to Amanda]: Man, you okay? [He helps her up]. Those were some moves.
JADE: There's a bench over there. [He points]. Think you can make it?
Amanda looks around, dazed, hanging on to Declan's arm even though he has a hard time standing on his sore ankle. Declan leads her over to the benches and they both sit. In the background security takes statements and charge the college boys for inciting a brawl. Amanda then realizes her lip is bleeding when she wipes away something on her chin and looks at her hand. A medic comes over and gives her a gauze.
MEDIC: Just hold that right on it. It should stop soon. You're lucky you didn't get a split lip.
JADE: Well, guess you got in your fight in after all.
DECLAN: What? [He glares up at this jerk].
The dam of pent up emotions break through and Amanda starts shaking and crying.
MEDIC: You have a lousy bedside manner, Jade.
JADE [grimaces]: That's why I have you Willy.
Declan puts an arm around her and she leans into him. Willy drapes a blanket over her.
AMANDA [to Jade]: I hate you.
JADE: Yeah, I get that a lot.
In between her tears she starts laughing causing Declan to look back and forth at both of them.
DECLAN: You know this guy?
She nods and ends up hiccoping.
JADE: This your boyfriend?
She shakes her head no.
DECLAN: Oh man, I better call Kyle.
AMANDA: No. Don't. [She looks all worried and afraid].
DECLAN: Why not?
JADE: This Kyle, he the boyfriend?
DECLAN [to Jade]: Who are you? [Then to Amanda] Who is this guy?
AMANDA [sighs]: I've been taking self-defense lessons from him. [She nods to Jade]. His name's Jade. Jade, Declan. A friend.
DECLAN: So, that's what you've been keeping from Kyle?
AMANDA: You know what he's like. [She's thinking he'll blame himself and want to protect her even more].
DECLAN: Yeah, I do. He'll—
He shuts up abruptly looking at Jade and Willy then at Amanda. By unspoken agreement they stop talking for fear of saying more so they won't reveal any of Kyle's abilities. Healing ones in particular. Jade and Willy misinterpret their silence and her not wanting to tell her boyfriend the truth believing this boyfriend would react negatively. Amanda checks her watch and realizes she'll be late for her recital.
AMANDA: I have to go.
DECLAN: Go where?
AMANDA: I have a recital. I have to get cleaned up.
DECLAN: Ah, hate to tell you this but you look pretty beat up.
AMANDA: I have too.
WILLY: I think you should get checked over. You're still in shock.
AMANDA: No, I'm fine. Meet me back in your room with—[she glances over at Jade and Willy, not wanting to reveal more than she has to and thankfully Declan understood].
DECLAN: I'll take care of it.
AMANDA: Thanks.
She leaves and Willy shakes his head.
WILLY: If you're her friend you'll make sure she gets looked at.
DECLAN: Count on it. [He thinks of Kyle].
WILLY: Let's check that ankle.
Scene now switches to dorm room where Amanda gets ready for her recital. She looks in the mirror and realizes Declan is right, she looks awful. She repairs what she can and makes it to the recital. But she is anything but fine as her right arm swells and it gets very difficult to play or move either her shoulder or elbow. She sets her teeth against the pain and keeps on playing and successfully completes her composition. At the end of the show she heads straight for Declan's room hoping Declan got a hold of Kyle and that he'll be there.
DECLAN [calls Kyle, now in nursing station with his ankle being soaked in ice]: Hey, busy?
KYLE's voice: Just heading to check out a lecture.
DECLAN: Amanda should be done her recital about now, said she wanted to discuss something in my dorm room privately with you.
KYLE [switch to see him pause before entering a class]: Is everything all right?
DECLAN: She'll tell you. Just tell her it's okay to spill the beans on me since I was there and was practically in the middle of it. [He clicks off before Kyle can sense more to the story].
KYLE [looks at his phone in confusion]: Beans?
Kyle hurries to Declan's dorm room and paces for a while until he hears her coming by the sound of her heartbeat. He opens the door and is shocked at seeing bruises and her swollen arm.
KYLE: Amanda! [He puts a hand on her back and gently guides her inside, closing the door]. Who did this to you?
AMANDA: Ah, it happened in the gym. I was doing a few laps when a fight broke out between some guys and ran right into them.
KYLE: Declan said he was there. Told me to tell you "it's okay to spill the beans on me since I was there and was practically in the middle of it." What did he mean?
AMANDA: Oh. He was playing basketball. He told me about his sore ankle and just wanted to play one more time. When he and the other Beachwood guys won the game the college guys didn't take it too well and started a fight. He yelled at them to stop when he saw a few of the guys trip and fall on me. Tried wrenching free at one point, guess that's how this happened. [She indicates her sore arm].
KYLE: Amanda. [He reaches to hold her].
AMANDA: That's not all. [He pauses]. I've been taking self-defense classes. That's where I've been going two nights a week with Lori. Jade, that's my instructor, is here this weekend doing a demonstration. He does street style defense tactics, I think you call it. Mostly I'm just doing exercises, learning how to fall with a few defensive moves.
KYLE: Street-style?
AMANDA: Yeah, if attacked any complex motor skills are useless and only gross motor skills are left.
KYLE [looks and feels shocked]: I know the type. But, that's only as a last resort if...
AMANDA: I know, may God help me if I ever have to use such a skill. I didn't want to learn how to fight just to fight. I wanted to protect myself.
KYLE: No, I understand. [She crosses her arms in a nervous gesture but winces against the pain in her shoulder]. Here.
He hugs her, turning so the hug is more on their left side while he places a hand over her arm. She feels a warmth flow through her, the pain slowly melting away as the lights in the background flicker. He's healing her again.
AMANDA: Don't heal the bruises. [He pauses to look at her puzzled].
KYLE: Why not?
AMANDA: I don't want anyone becoming too suspicious on how I've suddenly healed. Some of the students have already seen them.
KYLE: Okay. Then I guess I'm done. How do you feel?
She tests her arm and though it feels a bit stiff it was no longer hurting like it was, the swelling gone. In the mirror she still sees the bruises on her neck and checks her legs, the bruises are still there too. He winces on seeing them and looks like he wants to heal her completely.
AMANDA: So much better now. I love you. Not for what you've just done and all the amazing things you can do, but for just being you. [She puts a hand over his heart]. Your caring, kindness, inner strength and integrity, [she gives a heartfelt shrug], everything.
KYLE: I love you, too.
They hug tight, emotions high and intense, so they just hold each other for a long while, until Kyle hears far in the background outside the open window, a rally going on. Maybe what they both needed was a break from the university and Latnok. They were too close for his liking.
KYLE: Do you want to go see a concert?
AMANDA: Sure, where?
KYLE [nods to the window]: I can hear one.
AMANDA: Love too, anywhere, as long as I can spend as much alone time with you this weekend as we can. If you're okay with wanting to spend time with me as well?
KYLE: Always.
They smile and head out, and Kyle finds that the rally is a few blocks away from the university in a park, farther than he thought. Like always, strong emotions sharpens and brings about new abilities so his hearing must have sharpened to hear further away.
KYLE: It's farther away than I thought. If we get caught from being off campus we won't be able to go on any more field trips.
AMANDA [looks back at the university and for a moment feels stifled]: I wouldn't mind a change in scenery. It's up to you.
He listens in on the rally and what he hears makes him even more curious.
KYLE: Let's risk it. [She looks surprised]. It's a feeling and what I'm hearing makes me very curious to see what's it's about.
AMANDA [smiles at him]: Lead on.
The rally he learns is all about a natural way of life and nutrition through Natural Hygiene. Kyle spends his time reading through every book they have on display.
AMANDA: What are you thinking? [Watches him as he looks deep in thought, holding open one book but not reading it].
KYLE: I think I found the truth. It's all about preserving nature, the environment through natural means, not through chemicals and modern science that threatens life. All about going green.
AMANDA [looks at all the books scattered on the table and whispers]: You read all this? [He smiles]. Of course you have. Wow.
They each buy a book of their own preference and then see other tables selling raw food items.
AMANDA: Do you want to try some?
KYLE: Yes, I was going to ask if you wanted to try eating what they have here.
AMANDA: I'm always willing to try new experiences with you. [Realizing that sounded more forward then she wanted it too, she looks awkwardly away but he just smiles, taking what she said at face value – another reason why she loved him].
They each take a bite and find it surprisingly sweet and delicious. Amanda gets a peach pie while Kyle gets an apple pie and both try a "mock" pizza and a couple of coconut cookies.
AMANDA: This is really good.
KYLE: It is good. I really like it. [He buys another coconut cookie].
AMANDA [to person behind counter]: So, all this raw food is…?
COUNTER PERSON: Fruits, vegetable, nuts and seeds. It varies on the percentages.
AMANDA: Different.
COUNTER PERSON: Very.
After having a picnic of raw food they pass another table.
GUY [behind table calls out to them]: Hey, want to buy a ticket?
KYLE [comes over]: For what?
GUY: An old fix'er upper Volkswagen van, Vintage 60's. Plus a special surprise. Interested?
KYLE: How much?
GUY: Fifty.
KYLE: That's a lot.
GUY: Like I said, you'll get a very special surprise with it.
He takes a second to debate inside his head, calculating the odds of winning. The very type of gambling he warned Jessi of only the prize was a van instead of money. Considering this whole weekend is about taking chances he takes the chance and buys a ticket, surprising Amanda and himself, but this is one thing he feels good about.
GUY: Be sure to stick around. You'll know by midnight if you've been selected or not.
KYLE: Okay. Will do that.
GUY: We've got lots of entertainment until then, the announcement will be made up on the stage over there. [He points].
KYLE: Thanks.
GUY: Good luck.
AMANDA: I can't believe you just did that.
KYLE: Neither can I, especially after I warned Jessi about the perils of gambling. This weekend is definitely… [he thinks for a moment].
AMANDA: Life-changing?
KYLE: Yes.
They smile at each other. Kyle takes her hand and she walks close beside him as they make their way over to the stage. Soon they find a spot and spend the rest of the evening enjoying the bands and a guest speaker who had told his own testimony of how many years the natural life had benefited him. Then at midnight an announcer comes up to the microphone.
ANNOUNCER: And now, the moment a few of you, if you're still here, have been waiting for, the winner of owning a vintage 1960's Volkswagen van is…[drum rolls in background], Kyle Trager!
Amanda hugs him before he gets up and walks to the stage. The announcer hands him the keys.
ANNOUNCER: Congratulations.
KYLE: Thank you.
The audience claps, and off to the side the announcer tells Kyle where to find the van and all it's contents inside the van will also be his to keep. Kyle and Amanda stay for the last wrap up songs before heading over to the van. As they see it, they walk around it, then Kyle opens the door and then the passenger side for Amanda. They get in. He turns on the inside light, studies the front panel and turns on the inside lights then looks behind him. There's a closet just behind his seat so has to lean over a bit to see the back. It's full of boxes and laid out flat, further in the back, is a bed.
AMANDA [looking too]: Wow.
They smile and he starts exploring, stepping carefully over and around boxes. On the driver's side there is a sink and small fridge and a compact generator. Inside the closet on the top shelf is a new set of dishes and a pot and a cast iron pan. Hanging on a clothes bar is a new black leather jacket and a fringed tan jacket. Below is a seat. Kyle lifts the seat cover to find a hidden make-shift potty.
AMANDA: This is all so cool. [She sees the rough toilet facilities]. Eww…
KYLE: The guy said it was old. [He opens a top cupboard door above and beside the sink and fridge].
Inside the cupboards contained a blender, juicer, and food processor and drawers of knives, forks, spoons, spiraller and other gadgets to help create raw food dishes. Beneath the bed were new sheets and blankets in a plastic storage container. The boxes on the floor contained books of Life Science Health and Nutrition and on Raw Food Cuisine.
AMANDA: This is amazing.
KYLE: The fifty dollars was worth it. This is some surprise.
AMANDA: A fantastic surprise. Want to keep looking or start back?
KYLE [looks around]: I wouldn't mind staying but if you want to go back—
AMANDA: No, I want to stay too, besides, curfew was hours ago.
They clear a spot so they can lie down more comfortably on the bed, taking off their jacket and shoes and placing one of the blankets over them. He reads to her a part in one of the books.
KYLE: It's so opposite of what's normally taught.
AMANDA: Are you going to change?
KYLE [thinking hard]: I'd like to. Of course that means giving up my favorite…sour patch kids, blueberry pancakes…
AMANDA: Unless we do it one step at a time. [She holds up her book].
KYLE: We?
AMANDA: Yeah, but slowly. I need time to take it all in.
KYLE: You don't have to change just because I want to.
AMANDA: I'll be doing it a lot more slowly.
KYLE: Together then?
AMANDA: Yeah, together. [She pauses to think hard too]. So sudden.
KYLE: Yeah, it is, but…I have to. It feels, is, right.
He gets up and goes through some more boxes and takes out a couple of books and brings them over.
KYLE: I think you'll like these ones. They're more geared toward your faith and how they incorporated the teachings of God and Life Science together in perfect harmony.
AMANDA: You read these, too?
KYLE: They were at another booth. Looks like I won every book they had out there and then some.
AMANDA: As soon as I'm done, I'll give them back.
KYLE: Your mom can read them too if she wants.
AMANDA: Oh God, my mom. I still haven't told her about my self-defense classes. I don't even know how she'll feel about all this.
KYLE: You haven't?
AMANDA: No.
KYLE [leans back down]: Need a hug?
AMANDA: I'd love one.
Eventually the events of the day catches up with them and soon they fall asleep. Come morning he wakes up and sees her sleeping and watches her for a while, enjoying being near her.
KYLE: Amanda?
He gently shakes her awake. But she grumbles and buries her head deeper into his shoulder. He tries shaking her again but she turns over so her back is to him. This was a new side to her. It didn't faze him though. He pressed something on his watch, noticing the time and how late it is. They have to get back to the university. He holds his wrist close to her face and presses another button, causing it to beep. She reaches over with her hand making a motion to turn off an alarm clock. But when her hand encounters his hand it shocks her into coming awake. Dazed and disoriented from a deep sleep she forgets where she is and thinks the hand is someone else's, feeling only a male body next to her and gives a sharp jab with her elbow behind her right into Kyle's stomach. He doesn't expect it and grunts in pain. She rolls away.
AMANDA [blinks]: Kyle! I'm so sorry!
KYLE: Jade taught you well. [Barely getting the words out as he tries to catch his breath].
She starts laughing then he does too. She scoots closer.
AMANDA: You okay?
KYLE: I'll live.
She waits a moment until she's sure he's okay and then they kiss.
KYLE [caresses her cheek briefly]: As much as I want to continue, we have to head back.
He shows her the time. They scramble off the bed, searching for their shoes, gathering some books and locking the van doors before he takes her hand and they run back to the college. Kyle finds Declan and they head to the library. Kyle notices Declan is limping and trying to hide how much pain he's in.
DECLAN: Man, still can't believe Amanda has been taking a self-defense class. She really handled herself well.
KYLE: I can. [He rubs his stomach].
DECLAN: You can? [Sees his hand]. What do you mean?
KYLE: She elbowed me.
DECLAN: What, you two were practicing on each other?
KYLE: No, when she woke up. She made this cute little grumpy noise when I tried to wake her.
DECLAN: I'm taking it you just slept as in actual sleeping, right? [Kyle just looks at him as if that were obvious] Yeah, kind of thought so. So this makes how many times have you two slept together now? Four? And still nothing? You know, statistically speaking, the more times a couple sleeps together the greater the chance and inevitably they have sex.
KYLE: They do?
DECLAN: Oh, yeah. [This makes Kyle think and debate whether it will be a good thing or a bad thing]. So, where did you two sleep anyway?
KYLE: We were at a festival. I won a van.
DECLAN: No way.
KYLE: Yes. [Declan looks at him and he realizes it was just another expression]. I think while we're here I should look up modern expressions.
DECLAN: Why? And not have anything to tease you with? I mean in a good way.
Kyle smiles at him and he starts helping Declan find various interests or courses he might want to do as an alternative to basketball.
KYLE: How about law?
DECLAN: You gotta be kidding?
KYLE: Your dad's in it. You might find you have a talent for it too.
DECLAN: Don't think so. How about cloak and dagger stuff?
KYLE: If you're thinking police or spy work you still have to learn about the law. [Declan still doesn't appear keen]. I found out something. [He looks around to make sure other students are too far away to overhear them].
DECLAN: Latnok?
KYLE: Oh, no. Sorry. I meant when Amanda and I were at this festival. I think I found a way to heal your ankle. [Before Declan can look too hopeful he continues]. But not to the point where you can play basketball. After Nicole, I haven't ever healed bones before. I didn't want to try it with you first in case I made things worse for you. I didn't want you to blame me.
DECLAN: Gotta admit, I did wonder why with all your abilities you never offered to heal me like Jessi tried to do that one time. [They look at each other with fresh understanding]. So, what's this new way?
KYLE: You have to do a few things first, but I can help you with the pain before really healing anything yet. You'll have to cut out alcohol and soft drinks. They contain a lot of sugar and are known to leach away calcium from the bones.
DECLAN: Just that?
KYLE: Not that easy. I'd also want you to start eating more fruits and vegetables, especially greens. I can give you a recipe. Greens contain sodium to help build and restore calcium, among other benefits. [Declan doesn't look too happy]. You said one time you'd do anything to make it better.
DECLAN: Trust you to remember everything I said. [Kyle waits]. Okay. I'll try. But greens? [Makes a yuck face and shudders, causing Kyle to smile].
During the break, they return to Declan's room and he places his hands on Declan's ankle and helps heal the sprained part of his ankle, and enough to ease the pain.
KYLE: No physical exertion.
DECLAN: Got it. Thanks, man.
They clasp hands. That afternoon Kyle visits Latnok again and comes in with Jessi. In the background Cassidy has walked by and comes up to Mark, but then sees Jessi.
CASSIDY: What's she doing here?
MARK: She said you invited her.
Other than not looking pleased and a muscle tick, Cassidy heads towards them.
CASSIDY: What's going on? This facility is for special invite only.
JESSI: You invited me.
CASSIDY: I never thought you'd take me up on my offer, especially when you didn't show up with Kyle yesterday.
JESSI: Did you have a time limit?
CASSIDY: Kyle, can I see you in my office for a bit?
Kyle nods and follows Cassidy into his office as Jessi waits for Steven and Nicole.
Camera pans outside as Steven and Nicole pull up to the university.
STEVEN: Well, this is it. Kyle will let us know if it's not safe to plant bugs on Cassidy by using the code word "text message." First stop, Declan's room.
NICOLE: We're taking an awful big risk.
STEVEN: I know.
Camera back at Latnok as Jessi waits for Steven and Nicole she listens in on Kyle's and Cassidy's conversation.
CASSIDY: Look, we've liked the idea of her here for a while, well aware of her gifts, but she's volatile and unpredictable, we prefer you. Kyle, you have to understand they wanted you here desperately.
KYLE: Who?
CASSIDY: The old guard, the stuffy suits. They put enormous pressure on me to bring you in. They wanted one of their greatest achievements on their side. Besides, Jessi's mother is no friend of Latnok.
KYLE: What do you know about Sara?
CASSIDY: I know she's an extraordinary person, but I also know that she's headstrong and contentious and doesn't share our vision.
KYLE: What vision is that?
CASSIDY: Do you not see? That's for you to determine. Inspire them, be inspired, shape the future. With you on board, there are no limits.
KYLE: My parents are coming by. We can talk more of my being on board then.
CASSIDY: Why are they coming?
KYLE: Something here you don't want them to know about?
CASSIDY: 'Course not. But it is unusual.
KYLE: Is it?
CASSIDY: Look, if you can't let go of past impressions—
KYLE: Impressions? Kidnapping is against the law. [His voice rises, in the background is a camera shot of the front entrance where Steven and Nicole have entered]. And so is stalking.
CASSIDY: You can't just randomly accuse without proof. Proof you don't have.
A knock sounds on Cassidy's office door.
CASSIDY: Come in.
Jessi brings in Nicole and Steven.
Cassidy, smooth like the oily snake he is – an expression he picked up from Amanda. She really was changing and starts to blame himself all over again when he realizes he's even getting tired of blaming himself. Maybe he was starting to change too. Cassidy comes around his desk to greet them.
CASSIDY: Kyle was just telling me you were coming to visit. Name's Michael Cassidy. Pleased to meet you. [He holds out his hand].
STEVEN [shakes his hand]: Steven Trager, and this is my wife, Nicole.
CASSIDY: My pleasure. [He shakes her hand as she nods].
He indicates with his hand toward chairs in front of his desk for them but there's only enough for two. Nicole and Steven sit.
CASSIDY: I'll get more chairs. [He leaves].
Kyle looks around first, seeing whatever he needed to see to store away for later. Then pulls out his cell phone and presses a button to scan the room.
STEVEN: Lori?
KYLE: Just a text message.
Steven nods and they wait for Cassidy to come back. The room is bugged and has security cameras.
CASSIDY [Nate comes in with him bringing two chairs]: Here you go.
KYLE: Thanks. [He takes the chairs from Nate and he and Jessi sit in it].
NATE: What is this? Bring your parents to work day?
CASSIDY: Shut it, Nate. [He closes the door on him and sits at his desk]. So, this is a surprise.
NICOLE: We're not here to exchange pleasantries. We're here to find out what you want from Kyle.
CASSIDY: Well, blunt. I appreciate that. Basically, to be an inspiration to them. [He nods to indicate the other students outside].
JESSI [cuts in]: What about me?
CASSIDY: I have no objection to having you here as well.
Steven notices Kyle gives Cassidy his "I know you're lying look" that thankfully Cassidy misses.
STEVEN: If that's all you want from Kyle then why the terrorization tactics?
CASSIDY: I can't even begin to express how sorry I am for that. [Repeats what he said to Kyle earlier]. The old guard, the stuffed shirts, the scientists, they wanted to see what he could do. I told 'em, not the best way to earn his trust. You're here calling me up on that, understandable. Now, I'm the one who has to do damage control. Whatever I can do to earn your trust, just tell me. I will do what's necessary.
Kyle sensed a double meaning behind his last words. Taking that one criminology class did help him gain more insight, plus reading more books on the subject.
NICOLE: I hope you mean that.
CASSIDY: Indeed, I do.
NICOLE: As you know, Kyle and Jessi share very unusual backgrounds…
CASSIDY: Two peas in a pod, so to speak.
NICOLE: Yes, well, we want to keep their lives private. My biggest concern is that they always stay protected, not be exploited in any way.
CASSIDY: I couldn't agree with you more. Their well-being will always be at the forefront. [Steven and Nicole give him a look of disbelief]. Seriously.
STEVEN: In that case, consider this a trial period. If anything happens to them or they feel threatened in any way, we will go to the police, proof or not. Kyle told us how all the evidence was gone when he went back to where he'd been held. Using resources to hide what you were doing—[He tries to stem his anger].
NICOLE [finishes for him]: Frightens us.
Kyle looks at them in concern.
CASSIDY: Again, my apologies for Latnok's regrettable actions on prom night.
NICOLE: Regrettable is putting it mildly.
CASSIDY: Yes, of course.
STEVEN [stands up to leave]: I take it we made our point and we understand each other?
CASSIDY: Yes, it is. I understand you completely. [He stands too and follows them out. Kyle and Jessi leave too]. You're not staying?
KYLE: We have a couple more classes to attend.
CASSIDY: Right. Well, you're welcome back here anytime.
Kyle just nods and Cassidy lets out a deep breath as if he's had a narrow escape. Nicole and Steven leave, wishing both Kyle and Jessi good luck.
Kyle and Jessi head down a hall and on one side is a glass partition looking down on a gym where they see a group of students acting out a simulation similar to what they do at the warehouse each morning.
KYLE: Want to check it out?
JESSI: Sure.
They head down below in order to enter the gym and a woman greets them.
WOMAN: Names?
KYLE: Kyle Trager and this is Jessi Taylor.
WOMAN: You're not on the list.
KYLE: Oh, sorry. I thought this was open to us.
WOMAN: If you're second year students. [One student is struggling with a tackle line]. Oh, wait. Not that way! [She leaves them and goes to the student having difficulty].
JESSI: We can do this easy.
KYLE: But we're not registered.
A man comes up to them, another instructor, this time.
MAN: Where's your gear?
KYLE [looks briefly at Jessi and she at him]: We didn't bring any.
MAN [doesn't look pleased]: That's a mark against you. All search and rescue teams must have their equipment on hand. Come with me, I'll set you up over here.
KYLE: But—
JESSI [cuts in]: Okay.
Kyle's tendency for honesty was making them miss this opportunity and she didn't want to pass it by. He looks at her and she has to push him forward slightly to follow the man.
KYLE [whispers]: What are you doing?
JESSI: I'm not missing this opportunity.
KYLE: But we don't belong here.
JESSI: Just because our names are not on a list? I'm not going to let that stop me. Come on.
Against his better judgment he goes with her and stands by to watch as the man explains what they are to do.
MAN: You are to complete the entire circuit. First check the equipment here, then see if you can do it in record time. How long have you been a team?
JESSI: Almost three months. [Giving the man the amount of time she and Kyle had spent training together in the warehouse].
MAN: That's all? [He shakes his head]. All right. [He holds up a stop watch]. Start now.
Kyle and Jessi look uncertain at each other.
MAN: Well, move!
Jessi doesn't like his tone and narrows her eyes but Kyle turns and gets to work.
KYLE: Jessi. [He holds out a piece of equipment for her to check].
As the man steps away with arms crossed, Kyle leans over Jessi.
KYLE: You wanted to do this.
JESSI: All right. I don't like his tone.
KYLE: That's nothing. You should have heard Foss when he trained me. [She looks interested]. I'll tell you more about his methods later.
Soon they are right into it, like a second nature, they start the circuit with a naturalness born only from years of experience. They don't see the man staring wide-eyed. The woman who came up to them now comes up to the man to watch too.
WOMAN: Hey, those two weren't on the list.
MAN: They're not? Well, they sure should be. Look at them go. They said they only had almost three months training together.
WOMAN: That's not possible.
Hillay, Lori and Evan walk past the glass partition looking down on the gym and see the simulation.
HILLARY: Hey, isn't that Kyle and Jessi?
LORI: Where?
Hillary points.
LORI: Oh, my. What are they doing?
HILLARY: Participating. They're really good. Evan! [She has him point the camera]. We're getting real live action from an actual simulation of how search and rescue teams train. Not only that, Beachwood has its very own S&R team in the making. [She sees Kyle and Jessi make a daring move]. Look at them go!
Lori closes her eyes as if in pain. The one thing her parents didn't want for Kyle and Jessi was media exposure. Now they were getting some, big time.
LORI: Ah, Hills, I hope you ask Kyle's permission before airing that?
Kyle and Jessi finish the circuit in record-breaking time. Jessi isn't as pleased because she knew they could have finished sooner. She hated being held back.
JESSI: You know we could have finished sooner.
KYLE: Yes, but you know we can't show our full potential to outsiders. Not unless you want to be stuck in some lab.
JESSI: I don't need reminding.
KYLE: Then why are you always wanting to do more in public?
JESSI: Because I hate being restricted.
KYLE: What's really bothering you?
Jessi hangs her head briefly and Kyle guesses what's bothering her.
KYLE: You're not upset by what Cassidy said are you?
JESSI: He wants me out of the way.
KYLE: Jessi—
Before he can continue and reassure and encourage her not to let Cassidy's comments bother her, both the man and woman instructors come up to them.
MAN: Well done! You beat the record.
KYLE [looks worried]: We did?
Jess can't help looking pleased.
MAN: Did you two just transfer here?
KYLE: Ah, no. We're from Beachwood High, on a field trip, exploring what the University has to offer.
WOMAN: You're in high school? [Sounding incredulous].
JESSI: Yes, we are. [She says this too proudly for Kyle's liking].
MAN: Where did you get your training?
JESSI: My father, then his. [She points to Kyle].
MAN: Your fathers?
KYLE: Uh, yes. Mostly. And self-taught.
WOMAN: That's impossible.
MAN: You two are naturals. You've been interested in S&R for a while?
KYLE: I'm interested in a lot of things, S&R being one of them, yes. [Man then looks at Jessi].
JESSI: I've just started thinking about what I want to do. This weekend is showing me opportunities. I like doing this kind of work.
MAN: Well, if you're still interested once you start college, [he pulls out two business cards and hands one to each of them], contact me and I'll set you up in an accelerated program. What are your names again?
He takes out a pen and writes their names down. Kyle and Jessi come out of the gym smiling at each other.
HILLARY [comes up to them]: That was awesome. I have it all on tape!
She holds up her hands like a prayer, microphone clasped in between.
HILLARY: Please, please say you'll let me use it!
Jessi nudges Kyle as he hesitates.
KYLE: Only if you'll let me view it first and edit parts. [Hillary looks crestfallen]. I might not edit much, but can't promise until I see it. Will that do?
HILLARY: Whatever you want as long as I can use some of it I would be forever in your debt. Just think of this as a visual resume. [She nods encouragingly at him].
KYLE [thinking]: A visual resume…
Hillary smiles, very pleased.
KYLE [narrative]: This weekend at college was proving to be the start of something new. A chance of a new career choice. [He fingers the business card he just received]. And learning of a natural way of living that makes what science Latnok and other modern science are into, unnatural and wrong. I could only wonder what else I would learn by the time this college field trip was over and learn what Latnok is really hiding. [Scene cuts to Declan unpacking the bags Steven brought which includes grappling hooks and two ninja outfits].
End of Part 1.