This is one of two transition chapters which will close out the second act. Lots of exposition here, but the next chapter will contain plenty of action. Not much more I can say here without spoiling things. Hope you enjoy. We're getting close to the end now.
186. EXT. SALT FLATS, OPEN FLATS – DAY
Roland is sat on the ground, leant up against a rock. Behind him, Thor sits motionless on the Salt Flats, the circular digger now no longer spinning. Looking slightly to his left he sees Lilith pull up her Outrunner nearby. Marcus is more than eager to climb down out of the vehicle.
From the direction of Thor, Mordecai's voice rings out.
MORDECAI
Why do you constantly insist on running into danger?
Mordecai makes his way over the flats towards Roland. As he reaches Roland, he extends a hand and helps him up.
ROLAND
Why do you constantly insist on running away?
MORDECAI
I'm rather fond of being not dead.
ROLAND
Right. You know, I've had the opportunity recently to give mortality a good hard thinking over.
Mordecai raises an eyebrow, slightly amused.
MORDECAI
Oh? And?
Far from the response Mordecai was expecting, Roland simply shrugs his shoulders.
ROLAND
It's over-rated.
Mordecai can't help but let out a small chuckle. From one side Marcus stumbles into frame, his face a pale white, eyes still wide from the previous battle.
He gives Roland a dirty look.
MARCUS
My friend… Consider my services rescinded.
He storms off.
Mordecai watches him for a moment. Roland however looks around at Lilith.
ROLAND
Still dragging around your new girlfriend.
Mordecai looks understandably annoyed at Roland's comment.
MORDECAI
She's not my girlfriend.
He's starting to get a bit sick of constantly having to make this clear.
MORDECAI
What the hell were you doing here, anyway?
ROLAND
Trying to get to Sanctuary.
Mordecai pauses for a moment and looks over at Thor, trying to work out how attacking the mining machine was supposed to lead to that goal. After a beat he breaks the bad news to Roland.
MORDECAI
Well you can forget that idea. Sanctuary has been taken over by the Lance.
Roland's jaw tightens as he hears this. He holds back a string of curses, finally settling for something a little more family friendly.
ROLAND
God-dammit!
Mordecai's next piece of news doesn't improve Roland's sudden bad mood.
MORDECAI
Honestly, that's hardly your biggest problem though. The Bandits have set up an encampment in the pass that makes this…
He indicates to Thor.
MORDECAI (CONT.)
…look like a scouting party. We took the high road in, but unless you have wings, there's a few sections which make it impossible to head back that way.
Roland takes a moment to digest the information, pacing back and forth.
ROLAND
So what brings you to the middle of nowhere?
MORDECAI
Me? I'm looking for…
Before he can finish his sentence, Brick, who has made it over to them after climbing down from Thor, cuts him off.
BRICK
MORDY!
Brick races over to Mordecai and scoops the thin man up in a big bear hug. Not knowing his own strength, Brick squeezes Mordecai almost to the point of bursting. Mordecai squirms to get loose of the giant's grip.
MORDECAI
All right. Hey Brick.
Off to the side, Roland's face drops to one of disbelief as he watches Brick wrap his arms around Mordecai.
ROLAND
Hey! Hey-hey! Where was my hug?
Mordecai manages to peer around Bricks arm as he answers.
MORDECAI
You didn't spend six weeks locked up in a cell with him.
Roland's jaw hangs open.
ROLAND
I got you OUT of that cell!
Brick finally releases Mordecai and lowers him back onto the ground.
MORDECAI
It's worth remembering how we ended up in there in the first place.
Roland simply can't believe what he's hearing.
ROLAND
Unbelievable!
He indicates towards Tannis.
ROLAND
I'm going to talk to someone who appreciates my services.
Roland turns and starts walking towards Tannis. Brick wanders over after him leaving Mordecai alone for a moment.
Sneaking up behind Mordecai, Lilith playfully teases the nickname she's just heard.
LILITH
Mordy?
Mordecai spins around and points a warning finger.
MORDECAI
Don't ever call me that.
His tone is serious, but not threatening.
Lilith laughs it off.
LILITH
Sure thing… Mords
MORDECAI
Do I have to get my gun out again?
187. EXT. SALT FLATS, OPEN FLATS – DAY
Tannis is sat down on her haunches away from the group slightly. She's hunched over the brown sack, pulling it open to look at the strange object inside.
Roland approaches her from behind.
ROLAND
So when can I get the coordinates to Sanctuary from you?
Pulling the sack closed, Tannis spins around to face Roland. Her glare in icy.
TANNIS
Why I am giving you the reward for a task you failed to complete?
ROLAND
Failed to complete? Hang on. I just saved your life!
TANNIS
The task was not to "save me". I asked you to recover a precious item.
Tannis quickly glances down at the sack.
TANNIS
And you couldn't do it. I had to get it back myself.
ROLAND
Right. Yeah! Sure. I see. You planned to get kidnapped the whole time. Is that right?
The look Tannis gives Roland could make Einstein feel stupid.
TANNIS
No. I didn't plan on getting kidnapped. I was kidnapped because they followed you. And you followed that stupid Claptrap… And Flynt also mentioned something about a white haired woman – and all of this is very good reason for me not to reward your complete failure.
God day, sir!
She strides off, leaving Roland stood there, speechless. Brick walks up and stands next to Roland, placing a hand on his shoulder.
ROLAND
I don't suppose the bandits will take her back?
As they stand there, Marcus's voice rings out from the direction of the Outrunner he's stood next to, causing everyone in the immediate area to look his way.
MARCUS
I do not mean to cut this reunion short, but could we please leave this place before more bandits show up to kill us.
188. EXT. FYRESTONE, OPEN AREA – DAY
SHEP SANDERS is thrown to the ground. Sending up a small cloud of dust as he lands, he turns over and looks up at the crowd of people surrounding him.
189. EXT. FYRESTONE, MAIN GATE – DAY
The first Fyrestone Outrunner rolls through the gate driven by Brick. Tannis is sat in the gunners pit and Roland hangs off the side.
As they enter through the gate, Roland notices the crowd surrounding Shep and jumps off. Brick turns the Outrunner right and moves behind the buildings to park it.
Noticing the group arrive, Dr Zed strides out of his shelter and makes his way towards Roland.
Meanwhile, the second Outrunner pulls through the gate. Lilith drives with Marcus sat in the gunners seat and Mordecai hung off the side.
Mordecai jumps down and gives the group a quick look before walking away towards Marcus's bar, giving them a wide berth. Marcus jumps up and clambers over the side of the vehicle, forcing Lilith to bring it to a stop.
As Dr Zed approaches Roland, Roland calls over to him.
ROLAND
What's going on?
He looks over towards the crowd.
DR ZED
We caught this young lad reporting your position to the bandits shortly after you left.
Roland glances over at Marcus as he puts himself next to Zed.
ROLAND
That would explain how they were ready for us.
Not waiting for a response, Roland strides over towards the crowd.
190. EXT. FYRESTONE, OPEN AREA – DAY
Roland pushes his way through the crowd and stares down at Shep. Instantly recognising him, Shep scrambles backwards, trying to put as much distance between himself and Roland as the surrounding crowd will allow.
ROLAND
Apparently you helped get a lot of good people killed today.
Reaching down to his waist he pulls out a small pistil, recovered from Thor.
Seeing the gun emerge, Shep's eyes widen with fear.
SHEP
No! Please! Wait! I didn't have a choice!
Roland bends his knees and sits down on his haunches, looking Shep dead in the eye.
SHEP
They have my family. Please! They said they'd kill my parents if I didn't do it. Th-th… The big one… He said he'd skin them and use it to make a tent.
Roland glares Shep down for a moment before aiming the pistil he's holding at Shep's face. Shep lets out a terrified cry.
SHEP
NO!
ROLAND
What is it they wanted you to do?
SHEP
They wanted to know what you were doing. Who you were talking to. I told them you went to visit Tannis and your friend saw T.K. I didn't know they would kill him. You have to believe me! Please!
ROLAND
Oh come on. Surely you suspected they might.
SHEP
I… I… …
Shep's silence tells the audience that he quite possibly more than suspected. He closes his eyes and a defeated tear rolls down his cheek. The sound of Roland sliding the pistil back into his holster causes him to open them again.
Roland stands up, towering above Shep. He mutters to himself.
ROLAND
It really is every man for himself on this planet.
Adjusting his gaze to look back down at Shep, he softens his voice slightly.
ROLAND
My parents were killed about twelve years ago.
He looks around at the crowd surrounding Shep.
ROLAND
I'm not sure how forgiving these people are, but I would suggest you find a way off this planet and as far from here as possible.
As Roland talks, the crowd slowly moves around so that they are all on the one side of Shep, leaving him an opening to leave through. Shep's face swaps from that of fear to one of relief as he listens to Roland. He doesn't move for a beat. Roland leans down towards him.
ROLAND
And I'd be doing it pretty damn quic…
BANG!
Sheps head explodes in a shower of brain tissue and skull fragments, causing Roland to jump back in shock.
ROLAND
JESUS!
He spins around to find Tannis stood just behind him holding a still smoking shotgun.
ROLAND
What the hell was that?
Tannis throws the shotgun to the ground and marches off in the direction of Zed's clinic. Roland follows after her, yelling in anger.
ROLAND
Hey! That kid was doing what he though he had to, to try and save his family. You had no right to go and blow his head off.
Having reached the clinic, Tannis spins on her heel's to snap at Roland.
TANNIS
That kid… has completely destroyed my life's work. Do you know what the bandits did to me? Huh!. Look at this!
She spins around and lifts her ponytail, to reveal a nasty wound right at the top of her neck. It looks like something has been forced into it. Roland is unable to make heads or tails of it.
TANNIS
They're tracking me. Like a dog. And on top of that, he admitted it was his fault T.K. died.
Having left the crowd, Zed approaches his clinic and moves towards Roland. Seeing him close, Roland pulls him over.
ROLAND
Hey, Doc? Could you have a look at this.
He shows Zed the wound on Tannis's neck.
ROLAND
Do you think it would be possible to pull that tracker out of her?
Zed takes a moment to examine the wound.
DR ZED
This is beyond my skills. The device is embedded deep into her spine. It's a wonder they didn't paralyse her putting it in.
Zed straightens himself out as Tannis spins back towards the two men. Roland looks over at Zed, who catches his gaze.
Lightly grabbing Tannis's arm, Zed leads her into his clinic.
DR ZED
Follow me. I'll have a closer look.
Having been left alone, Roland looks out over the open area of Fyrestone, which is now beginning to clear. Over on the other side he spots Mordecai sat on one of the stools in Marcus's bar.
191. INT. FYRESTONE, MARCUS'S BAR – DAY
Mordecai is sat on one of the stools at the bar. In his right hand he holds the pear shaped device. Holding it down by his waist he keeps his body between the device and the people outside.
Rubbing his thumb over the small screen he stares down at the device, lost in thought.
ROLAND (O.S.)
Beat my high score yet?
Caught by surprise, Mordecai swings his stool around to face Roland while placing the device back in his pocket as subtly as he can.
MORDECAI
I lost that thing when Atlas grabbed us.
ROLAND
Just dwelling on life, the universe and everything in it then?
MORDECAI
Something like that.
Mordecai readjusts his position as Roland sits himself on the stool next to him.
ROLAND
You never got round to telling me how you ended up here.
MORDECAI
We're looking for a woman named Patricia Tannis.
ROLAND
You and the rest of Pandora apparently.
Mordecai gives Roland a questioning look. Roland chooses to ignore it.
ROLAND
Why are you hunting her down?
Mordecai doesn't say anything for a moment, simply staring into space. After a few moments he finally answers Roland's question with one of his own.
MORDECAI
Have you heard anything about a vault?
ROLAND
Really? You too?
Across the main area, Lilith spots the two men and begins walking towards them.
Mordecai lets out a soft chuckle. Roland gives him a questioning look.
ROLAND
What?
MORDECAI
That was a surprisingly out of character response from you.
Leaning forwards Mordecai rests his elbows on the bar.
MORDECAI
I assume you've heard what's supposed to be in there.
ROLAND
Don't know don't care. My priority at the moment is getting off of this rock.
MORDECAI
Well that isn't going to happen while the Lance hold Sanctuary. They say the vault is full of valuable treasure. Enough to purchase half a galaxy, if the stories are to be believed. You know what happened when the cavern on Prometheus was discovered.
ROLAND
I know close to a hundred people walked in, and only eight walked out.
MORDECAI
And since when have you been one to let numbers make your decisions?
ROLAND
Do you know what else they say about the vault? It's a myth. There is no evidence at all that it even exists.
LILITH (O.S.)
It exists.
Mordecai and Roland both spin to face Lilith as she approaches the bar.
LILITH
And Tannis knows where to find it.
ROLAND
Does she now?
Roland gives Mordecai a quick hypocritical look.
ROLAND
Speaking of out of character…
MORDECAI
Leave it.
Roland looks at Mordecai a beat longer but knows better than to press that subject. He turns back to Lilith.
ROLAND
Well you're both in the right place.
He looks over towards Zed's clinic where Lilith is exiting with what looks like a rag covering the back of her neck.
ROLAND
The witless wonder over there happens to be the person you're looking for.
He turns back to Lilith.
ROLAND
Although I would have expected you, of all people, to know that.
He doesn't know yet that Lilith has lost a handful of her previous abilities. Hearing his sneer, Lilith gives Roland a dirty look. Her response contains more than a healthy dose of sarcasm.
LILITH
I get a warm, fuzzy feeling when I figure things out without my powers.
Roland chuckles at Lilith's comeback and gives Mordecai and sideways glance.
ROLAND
I like her.
He refocuses on Lilith.
ROLAND
I'd welcome you to the team if I wasn't constantly fearing for my bank details.
Across the open area unintelligible shouting can be heard. Glancing over, the trio see Tannis having a go at Dr Zed.
ROLAND
You're free to speak to Tannis, but I warn you; she hasn't been in a particularly helpful mood recently.
Mordecai hops up off his stool while Roland is speaking and turns to face his friend.
ROLAND
Remember that old hag we had to deal with on Lysindre?
MORDECAI
The one with the murderous canary? I seem to recall walking in after you'd spent half a day with her and getting the information within thirty seconds.
Roland points towards Tannis.
ROLAND
That woman is three times as bad.
MORDECAI
I'll bet you a week's wage I get her to talk.
ROLAND
Wage? Sure. One non-existent wage-worth if you manage to extract a location from her. No cheating.
Roland points towards Lilith as he quips about cheating.. Mordecai starts to walk towards Tannis. Lilith follows close behind. Roland calls after them.
ROLAND
I'll give you double if you get the coordinates to Sanctuary off of her.
As Roland spins his stool back to face the bar, Marcus appears from the back room. Looking around he waddles over to Roland.
MARCUS
So. You are seeking out the vault. Hmm?
ROLAND
Me? No.
Roland quickly glances back around at Mordecai.
ROLAND
Apparently he is.
MARCUS
The stories do paint quite a pretty picture. A massive cache, loaded to bursting point with alien treasure. Hell, I'd give all my stock to charity just to get a peek inside that room. I'd probably make twice as much back, off of a single item from in there. What would you do with that kind of money, my friend?
The question may be innocent enough, but Marcus's tone suggests that he has something up his sleave. Roland picks up on this.
ROLAND
What are you suggesting?
MARCUS
A business partnership. I can supply you with weapons and equipment and in return I receive a cut of whatever you find in there.
ROLAND
Uh-huh? What happened to rescinded services?
MARCUS
I am a forgiving man. Just don't drag me along this time... So, are we partners?
ROLAND
You're talking to the wrong person. I've got no interest at all of going after the vault.
Roland stands up, off of his stool and begins to walk towards Mordecai and Tannis. Marcus calls after him.
MARCUS
If you change your mind, remember my offer.
192. EXT. FYRESTONE, OPEN AREA – DAY
Tannis is sat on a stool near Zed's clinic with Mordecai and Lilith stood in front of her. As Roland approaches Tannis looks past the pair towards him. In response Mordecai turns around.
MORDECAI
Roland.
As Roland reaches Tannis gives him a pleading look.
TANNIS
I need your help.
She looks around, checking for unwanted ears and eyes.
TANNIS
Back at my place.
Roland appears more than hesitant, however Mordecai helps Tannis up.
MORDECAI
Lets go.
193. INT. TANNIS'S SHACK, MAIN ROOM – DAY
Claptrap bounces around on his wheel while using his arms to perform a variety of oldschool dance moves, quietly rapping to himself.
CLAPTRAP
Mmm hmm. Oh yeah! Check me out! … I'm dancing, uh-huh uh-huh, I'm dancing, uh-huh uh… …
He's interrupted, as the front door of the shack is pulled open.
CLAPTRAP
Master?
Tannis steps through the door into her shack. She's holding the brown sack. Claptrap speeds towards her.
CLAPTRAP
Master, master! I'm so happy to see…
Tannis reaches across to a small rectangular remote on a nearby bench and pushes a large red button. Claptrap's voice becomes deep and distorted as he shuts down.
CLAPTRAP
…you bitch.
Roland, Mordecai, Lilith and Brick enter the shack behind Lilith. The place is still a mess from the earlier bandit attack. Up in the rafters, the Bloodwing looks out over the chaotic mess.
Tannis pushes her way through the rubble, kicking various items out of the way until she reaches her desk at the back of the room.
Bending down she places the sack in a small cupboard under the desk and turns back to the four hero's slowly picking their way through the room towards her.
ROLAND
So what's going on? Why have you dragged us back here?
Tannis unconsciously raises an arm and gently rubs the wound on the back of her neck.
TANNIS
I need you to help me open the vault.
ROLAND
Open? You don't mean find?
TANNIS
No! I've known where it is for years.
Mordecai looks over at Roland, a victorious smile crossing his face.
ROLAND
Really? And you're telling us this because…?
Tannis flinches in pain as she applies too much pressure to her wound. She lowers her hand and looks down at the small amount of blood covering her fingers.
TANNIS
I can't go to vault anymore.
She lowers her hand to her desk, leaving small streaks of blood.
TANNIS
The bandits have stuck a tracker in me. If I go to the vault they'll follow me and take everything.
MORDECAI
So you need us to go in your place.
ROLAND
And what? Bring the treasure back here for you?
TANNIS
I'll let you keep some… Two percent.
ROLAND
Your generosity is unmatched.
He turns around to face the three people stood behind him.
ROLAND
Guys. We've had our fun on this planet; we took down a damn Atlas ship. And God knows we've kicked up enough of a fuss since for them to follow our trail back here. We need to leave now before they manage to find us.
Roland constantly adjusts his gaze between Brick and Mordecai, leaving Lilith out of the conversation. His eyes linger on Mordecai. Mordecai returns the look for a moment.
In a move that leaves Roland stood, speechless, Mordecai steps forwards, past Roland, towards Tannis.
MORDECAI
How did you find the vault?
Confusion crosses Roland's face for a moment. He refuses to turn around, instead eyeing off Lilith accusingly as the conversation continues behind him.
TANNIS
It wasn't that hard if you follow the clues properly.
MORDECAI
You found clues? What clues?
Deciding he given Lilith a sufficiently long death stare, Roland turns back around to face Tannis and Mordecai.
Tannis has grabbed the brown sack from underneath her desk and pulls out the strange shaped object inside. It's not currently glowing and so appears to just be a flat blue colour.
Tannis holds the object out for Mordecai.
TANNIS
See this? Like most doors, the vault requires a key in order to open it.
MORDECAI
And that's the key?
TANNIS
Yes… No… Sort of… It's… some of the key. I have another part stashed away and I know exactly where the final part is but I can't get it on my own so I'll need your help there.
MORDECAI
Where is it?
TANNIS
It's just sat in a cave, up in the mountains. But the cave is protected by a terrifying monster.
Roland rolls his eyes.
ROLAND
Monsters? Really?
Tannis glares at him for a moment before returning to Mordecai.
TANNIS
Anyway, watch this.
She moves the key fragment towards the window. As it hits the direct sunlight, it begins to glow, emitting a very soft hum as it does.
LILITH
Solar powered.
Lilith steps forwards, past Roland and puts herself next to Mordecai.
TANNIS
Yes. When I foun… Well… How much do you know about Pandora's geography.
MORDECAI
Not much.
Tannis looks slightly annoyed, but moves over to a globe of Pandora. Unlike a usual globe, which has a pole running through the top and bottom of the planet, the Pandora globe has a single rotation pole, entering the planet from the side.
Tannis grabs a light stand from nearby and places it in front to the globe. Numerous pieces of tape and well as a general wobbliness suggests the stand has been cut and taped back together in numerous locations. It's almost exactly the same height as the globe. She points to where the light is hitting the planet.
TANNIS
This planet is that it has an unusual rotation.
She switches on the lamp and points it towards the globe on the opposite side to the rotation pole.
TANNIS
The planet is tidally locked: This side here is constantly facing the sun and consequently is far too hot to visit, unless you enjoy becoming a flaming fireball. The other side is always facing away and will freeze you to death within minutes.
She gives the globe a spin and points to the band around the middle of the planet near where the day/night line constantly sits, with only a very small amount of movement.
TANNIS
Pretty much everyone here lives on this ring, which divides the two halves of the planet. Or the Borderlands, as we call it.
Tannis moves back to her desk and picks up the vault key fragment.
MORDECAI
So… The vault is on the sunward facing side?
Tannis rolls her eyes and gives Mordecai a condescending look. When she gives her answer it's done so in a tone intended to make Mordecai feel stupid for even considering such an outrageous idea.
TANNIS
No. When I found this, it was in a cave full of alien text. I still haven't translated all of it, but I kept finding references to a cycle: Two hundred years…
She moves back to the globe.
TANNIS
It took me a while, but I finally found out what they were talking about.
She offsets the lamp from the globe slightly to the right.
TANNIS
As Pandora makes its way around the sun, even though this side will always be facing it, the planet has a very slight rotation. What this means is that…
MORDECAI
The Borderlands becomes thicker.
Tannis stops, a little annoyed at the interruption. She gives the globe a spin watching as the light plays over sections of the planet that it couldn't reach before.
TANNIS
More parts of the planet receive direct sunlight.
Putting one hand on the globe to stop it spinning and holding the vault key up in her other hand, Tannis stands proudly in front of the group. The look seems a little forced as she completes her story.
TANNIS
So I managed to find the only place on the planet that receives direct sunlight once every two hundred years. And there it was.
She gives the group a big cheesy smile.
TANNIS
What do you think?
Mordecai opens his mouth to say something, but Roland cuts in from behind.
ROLAND
I think you haven't been praised in a very long time.
Now starting to get pissed off with Roland's attitude, Lilith spins around.
LILITH
Shut up. If you don't want to help us, just turn around and leave.
A little taken aback by Lilith's comment, Roland turns to Mordecai. The thin man shrugs.
MORDECAI
As heartbroken as I'll be to see your back, I'm going to have to agree with Lilith on this one.
ROLAND
Agree with her?
Roland strides up to Mordecai and grabs both his shoulders. The action is a little harder than he initially intended.
ROLAND
We've been together for nine years and you're going to side with a girl you've known for…
Roland is interrupted by a piercing shriek from the rafters, causing all five people in the room to look up at the Bloodwing, sat in the rafters.
As its shriek comes to an end, it spreads its thin, brown wings and leaps from its perch diving towards Roland and Mordecai. At the last moment, Roland pushes Mordecai out of its path and jumps back himself.
TANNIS
Cover your eyes!
Roland raises an arm and shields his eyes with it as the Bloodwing circles around the small shack and dives for him again.
Roland backs up as the bird approaches, peering through a tiny gap above his arm and bumping into Brick. He reaches down with his free hand and pulls out Nine-toes pistil from his belt. As he aims it at the bird, Tannis yells out.
TANNIS
No! Don't!
Brick reaches around Roland and grabs his gun arm, pushing it down as Roland fires, sending a bullet harmlessly into the ground.
ROLAND
Hey!
He shakes his arm free of Brick's grasp. Meanwhile the Bloodwing circles around Mordecai and Lilith, before gently perching on Mordecai's shoulder.
Still holding a hand over his eyes, Mordecai slowly turns his head to look at the bird sat on his right shoulder. The bird growls softly and ruffles its feathers, but doesn't make any further move to attack.
Hearing the flapping of wings stop, Lilith slowly uncovers her face and gives Mordecai and amused look.
LILITH
Looks like you made a new friend.
Swapping the hand covering his eyes to his right hand. Using his left hand he attempts to very lightly push the bird off of his shoulder.
The bird ruffles its feathers again and snaps its beak at the approaching fingers. Mordecai quickly pulls his hand away.
Tannis slowly raises herself from behind her desk and glares at the bird on Mordecai.
TANNIS
You sell-out!
MORDECAI
What?
Tannis slowly moves around her desk towards Mordecai.
TANNIS
My Bloodwing had apparently has decided to switch owners. And they're supposed to be incredibly loyal birds. Pah! Well he won't harm you now.
Slowly, Mordecai lowers his hand and looks back at the Bloodwing. The Bloodwing glares back and growls menacingly.
MORDECAI
Good birdy.
Tannis suddenly jumps Mordecai from behind, pulling a brown leather cap over his head. The cap covers most of the top part of his head, with two yellow lenses over his eyes. The action causes the Bloodwing to jump from Mordecai's shoulder, hovering in the air for a moment before re-landing exactly where it was before.
TANNIS
Wear this. Just in case.
Still shying away from the bird perched on him, Mordecai reaches up and adjusts the cap slightly, so he can see better through the two lenses on the front of it.
TANNIS
They like going for the eyes.
Lilith smiles at Mordecai.
LILITH
Nice look.
Mordecai's reaction isn't clear with his face obstructed by the cap. Still looking at Lilith, he addresses Roland.
MORDECAI
Roland. I wasn't siding with Lilith, or anyone else. I honestly think it would be worth our time to look at this vault.
ROLAND
I don't know if you were listening to the same story I was a moment ago, but if I recall, this vault is on a timer. And I'm not waiting around for two hundred years for it to open.
TANNIS
You wont have to wait long. It opens today.
ROLAND
Opens today, does it… Wait… today?
TANNIS
Yes.
Roland stops for a moment.
ROLAND
Have you told anyone else about this? Anyone from Atlas?
TANNIS
No, I haven't told anyone.
ROLAND
Is there any possible way that they could have known about this?
TANNIS
No.
Mordecai looks round at Roland, confusion washing over his face.
ROLAND
Huh… Their timing is impeccable.
Mordecai turns to Lilith.
MORDECAI
You said earlier that Atlas were here for the vault.
Lilith nods a confirmation.
LILITH
They captured me attempting to head them off and beat them to it.
Roland is only half listening. He's lost in his own thoughts, muttering to himself.
ROLAND
This is good. This is very good.
Hearing this, Mordecai breaks away from Lilith and moves towards Roland, his curiosity piqued.
MORDECAI
Care to let us in?
Roland snaps out of his moment and turns his attention to Mordecai.
ROLAND
If Atlas really wants that vault, they'll have put the better part of their manpower into scouring the planet. Sanctuary should only be very lightly guarded. It'll be a piece of cake to slip through and steal a ship.
As fast as it was gained, Mordecai's interest is suddenly lost again. He rolls his eyes and lets out a defeated sigh.
MORDECAI
OK. I don't know how many times I have to repeat myself, but the only way to Sanctuary…
ROLAND
Is in that corner.
Roland points towards the teleportation device. Mordecai swings around, causing the Bloodwing on his shoulder to readjust its balance, and looks into the corner, spotting the thin pole.
MORDECAI
What the hell is that?
Before Roland can answer, Tannis cuts in.
TANNIS
It's a device I created which breaks…
ROLAND
Trust me; the less you know the better.
Tannis is once again annoyed at being interrupted and crosses her arms.
ROLAND
All you need to know is that it can take us straight to Sanctuary. No Bandits. No flying.
Mordecai looks between the teleport device and Roland, his mind working overtime to try and come to a decision. On his shoulder, the Bloodwing growls softly.
LILITH
Mordecai?
Mordecai's mouth twists into a grimace and he finally turns towards Roland for the final time.
MORDECAI
Fine.
LILITH
No. Mordecai! You don't have to go with him.
Mordecai looks away. Roland steps up and puts a hand on Mordecai's shoulder.
ROLAND
Hey. I know you were hoping to find the vault, but take my word for it when I say that this is definitely the better... and safer option.
MORDECAI
And you know that, how?
ROLAND
One of these days I'll tell you a story that will completely shatter everything you think you know about me.
Mordecai holds his look towards Roland a moment longer before pulling away and moving towards Tannis.
MORDECAI
I'm sorry Tannis. I'm not going to be able to help you this time.
He moves in closer to Tannis, extending an arm as though to shake her hand.
Meanwhile, Lilith turns to Roland, ready to tear his head off.
LILITH
Does Mordecai ever get any say in your little group, or are you the big boss.
ROLAND
Hey. He's choosing to come. I'm not forcing him. Brick.
Roland calls the big man over. Brick parks himself next to Roland.
ROLAND
Ready to go home?
BRICK
Without treasure?
ROLAND
For now.
Roland pats Brick on the back and moves towards Tannis and Mordecai.
ROLAND
Right. Tannis. I know you…
TANNIS
I'll put in the co-ordinates.
Roland freezes in surprise as Tannis makes her way over to the machine. Mordecai doesn't immediately move, instead looking back at Roland, an amused smile crosses his face.
ROLAND
How did you?.. … You have got to teach me that trick.
Roland moves towards the device as Tannis begins to punch in the co-ordinates. Mordecai starts to make his way over but is intercepted by Lilith.
LILITH
Mordecai. Come on. We were so close to finding the vault.
MORDECAI
I know. But I need to stick with those two. You go and find the vault. There's nothing holding you back.
LILITH
I…
She quickly looks around at Roland.
LILITH
…don't think that's something I can do on my own anymore.
MORDECAI
You seem capable enough. You'll be fine.
Mordecai walks away towards the teleporting device, leaving Lilith stood alone. As Mordecai approaches the device he calls out to Tannis.
MORDECAI
You can have your bird back.
TANNIS
No I can't. His decision to switch is permanent. Make sure he stays fed, and he'll make sure you stay alive.
Tannis pulls out three handles, two of which are grabbed by Roland and Brick. Mordecai approaches the device and grabs the third handle. The button on the screen is ready to be pushed.
As the three men are holding the handles, Tannis jumps out and with both her arms clips a small metal device to Roland's and Brick's wrists. The device immediately locks shut around their arms.
ROLAND
What the hell is this?
TANNIS
An experiment.
She clips a third to Mordecai before he's able to pull away.
ROLAND
No. I've had enough of your experiments. How do you take it off?
He pulls at the device,looking for a latch to open it.
TANNIS
You can't.
Roland gives the device on his wrist a weary look before reaching back for his handle.
ROLAND
Time to go.
He raises a hand to push the screen. He's stopped by a cry from behind him.
LILITH
Wait!
Lilith jogs over to the machine and grabs Mordecai's handle.
LILITH
I'm coming with you.
Roland gives Lilith a piercing look.
ROLAND
I seem to recall having this discussion back on the Atlas ship.
LILITH
Good. So you already know the outcome.
Mordecai turns to Roland.
MORDECAI
We may as well at least get her off the planet.
Roland pauses for a moment before giving in.
ROLAND
Whatever. She's your responsibility.
He hits the button on the screen. Tannis suddenly leaps forwards and attaches the same device she gave to the men to Lilith's wrist, pulling away before the machine activates. There's a bright flash of light and the characters disappear from Tannis's shack.
