Dark Inheritance
Warning: Mature themes discussed
INT – DARKENED CONFERENCE ROOM, TIME UNKNOWN
FADE IN shows darkened room with a lit up display screen. MARCUS, WILLIAM, JAMES and SARAH stand near the screen. With them holding a clipboard is MARCUS's secretary, GAIL SMITH, a young woman in her early twenties. Several professional looking people sit at conference tables. An image of JUDITH REINHARDT appears on the screen.
GAIL
This is Judith Reinhardt, age 16.
An image of JC REINHARDT appears on the screen next to hers.
GAIL (cont.)
And this is her brother, JC Reinhardt, also 16.
A few more pictures of the twins appear as she continues.
GAIL (cont.)
Both hail from the Reinhardt family line, one that's been strong with inheritor blood for generations. Each has manifested special abilities based on different inheritor legacies.
Murmurs are heard from the spectators.
MAN 1
Two inheritors in the same family? That's almost never happened.
WOMAN 1
You wouldn't know by looking at them. They look like typical teenagers.
The screen focuses on Judith's images.
GAIL
The daughter has shown increased intellect and cognitive abilities, and has shown to harness the power of the sun and fire.
The focus shifts to JC's images.
GAIL (cont.)
JC, her brother, has demonstrated enhanced physical capabilities, as well as the ability to heal more quickly from injury.
MAN 2
Like regeneration? Are you sure?
JAMES
He was shot on his 16th birthday. The next day he showed up at our house and was none the worse for wear. He also punched a man hard enough to crack several of his ribs.
MAN 1
What else is he capable of?
GAIL
He was observed running at a speed well past 'normal'.
The images shift to the room JC 'exploded' in. More murmurs are heard.
GAIL (cont.)
He unleashed a large explosion of power after being shot. This may be an indication of some weather-based abilities.
The screen changes to a map of the world. Several points are marked.
GAIL (cont.)
There are legends from all over the world that speak of people descended from powerful beings and inheriting their gifts. Most are located in Africa, Asia, and North America.
MARCUS
Our family claims strong descent from these Progenitors. Many individuals within our ranks have developed abilities over the generations. Along with others around the world, they've created bloodlines that persist to this day.
MAN 3
These people, these 'inheritors', went on to become humanity's leaders, protectors – their heroes.
WILLIAM
Our main organization has made sure that these lines don't die out, so that they may continue to oversee the planet. We, however, have decided to take a more direct approach to doing so.
MARCUS
To start, we'll gather up as many inheritors around the country as we can find. Once we establish a strong group, we'll eventually broaden to other countries.
MAN 1
What about JC and Judith? Are they part of this project?
The screen images switch to images of JC and JUDITH. JUDITH is reading a book and JC looks more discreet.
SARAH
They are two of the most powerful inheritors we've encountered. Their power is almost at the Alpha level.
Excited murmurs are heard from the spectators.
WOMAN 1
Alpha? That's almost the level of the Nephilim. Are you saying they could be…?
MAN 2
Could the Heavenly Kings be returning?
JAMES
It's very likely. The founding mother and father seem to have emerged from our family.
MAN 3
But only your daughter is in custody. The brother still runs free, correct?
The REINHARDTs look uneasy at this comment.
MARCUS
For now, Judith is our Chosen One. All we really need at this time is her.
Several members of the audience nod at this.
MARCUS (cont.)
Ladies and gentlemen, the time has come for the gods' blessings to come upon our people. All of you were chosen to be a part of this momentous event.
CUT TO:
EXT – HIGH SCHOOL BUILDING, MORNING
JC and DIANA and running quickly towards the building. JC has his backpack.
DIANA
Come on! We're going to be late!
JC
We wouldn't be late if you hadn't taken so long!
DIANA
You're one to talk!
The two enter school and the bell rings. A montage of scenes show them going about the day, attending classes and studying. At one point JC is outside on the schoolyard for gym class. He looks out at all the other students going about their business.
JC
(internally)
It's been over a week since I started here. Everyone here is living out a normal life. I didn't think people who were different did things like this…until I became different.
He looks at the nearby sports equipment shed. A figure is walking around its corner towards the back. JC follows and peaks around the corner and sees two people: AYLA PERKINS, a student his age, and MR. JENKINS, one of the science teachers. The two are embracing. JC looks surprised and quickly leaves the area and acts like nothing happened.
CUT TO:
INT – HIGH SCHOOL BUILDING, AFTERNOON
JC gets out of lunch and heads down a hall. As he nears a classroom he hears voices. Peeking in, he sees AYLA and JENKINS again, holding each other whispering. He quickly leaves and heads around a corner.
JC
It's none of my business, just forget about it.
He turns to leave and he sees AYLA standing there, looking at him in fear.
AYLA
JC, what did you see?
JC
What are you talking about?
AYLA
Don't play games! I know you saw something!
JC shakes his head in confusion. AYLA takes a step towards him.
AYLA
Look, I know I shouldn't, but Mr. Jenkins and I have known each other since I was little. He's always been my only friend. Please, don't tell anyone.
JC hesitates for a moment and then nods. The two part ways without a word. Around a far corner, MR. JENKINS is shown watching them with a serious look on his face.
Time lapse to the end of the school day. JC is putting some items away in a back room. As he leaves and heads down the halls, he sees the loading docks out the back window. A large, unmarked trailer truck is parked against the entrance. JC looks quizzically at it but then shrugs and walks off. He heads to another room and starts to organize when gloved hands grab him from behind. He struggles and shoves the assailant off and turns to face them. The figure wears a black jumpsuit and a black ski mask. They move in to attack. JC steps forward and punches them in the face, staggering them. He follows up with a kick that connects with a sickening sound. The figure bounces off the wall and goes limp. JC goes forward and pulls the mask off. The person looks completely off: Eyes are glassy and blank, skin too smooth and solid-looking. He checks the neck for a pulse.
JC
This feels like plastic. Is this some kind of mannequin?
JC checks the 'body' for anything. No phone, items or anything else.
JC (cont.)
What's going on here?
JC gets up and looks cautiously out the door. The coast is clear. He quickly walks down the halls.
JC
Where is everyone?
After a few turns he runs into DIANA.
DIANA
JC! Where have you been?
JC takes her arm and moves them both quickly down the hallways.
JC
I'll explain on the way.
Time lapse. Both are closing in on the front lobby.
DIANA
A mannequin attacked you? Are you serious?
JC
I wish I wasn't. I don't know what's going on, but we should get out of here.
AYLA steps out from around a corner and stands in their way. She glowers at JC.
AYLA
How could you!?
JC
Ayla? What's going on?
AYLA
Don't play dumb with me!
AYLA rushes at JC and swings at him. Both he and DIANA dodge. A burst of flame erupts from her hands as she rushes past them.
JC
(Whispers)
Diana, get clear!
DIANA takes the hint and quickly moves away while AYLA's back is turned. Once facing him, AYLA glares.
JC
Ayla, I don't know what you're talking about!
AYLA
Me and Mr. Jenkins…you told!
JC
What? I did not! I promised!
AYLA
Don't lie! He told me you told the class. He said we can't be friends because of you!
More flame appears in her hands. Beads of sweat form on her forehead. She charges JC with a look of hatred. JC dodges again and she falls forward, gasping for breath. A figure walks around the corner towards them. JC sees it's MR. JENKINS, smiling smugly.
JC
You told her that lie? Why would you do that?
MR. JENKINS
I needed to test her new abilities. I must say the results are very good so far.
JC
Those abilities…how did she get them?
MR. JENKINS
Your family provided a means to 'bring out her potential' that I was to give her. Honestly, I was unsure of the effects. I'm confident I can give a satisfactory report to them.
JC
Why would you do this to her? She looked up to you. She trusted you.
MR. JENKINS
Believe me, I was compensated very well. You family made me an offer I couldn't refuse: A chance to be part of a momentous scientific breakthrough for humanity. Oh, and a great deal of money as well.
JC
You connected to that thing that attacked me earlier?
JENKINS shrugs.
MR. JENKINS
They gave me something else to test. I don't know much about it. I guess it wasn't much of a challenge for you. Ayla, here, should be more on your level.
AYLA composes herself and gets up. She turns and focuses. A fire ball forms in front of her as she concentrates. Suddenly, the fire disperses and she starts coughing. Blood trickles from her mouth. MR. JENKINS looks annoyed.
MR. JENKINS
What's wrong, Ayla? He's right there. Get him.
AYLA
I…I can't. It hurts.
MR. JENKINS
Ayla, you have these abilities for a reason. Don't shy away from your duties.
AYLA falls to her knees.
AYLA
Please, something's wrong. I can't focus.
JENKINS starts to become angry.
MR. JENKINS
Quit making excuses. You have the power. He's your enemy. Take him out.
AYLA can't stand up. MR. JENKINS grabs her arm and tries to force her to her feet. JC steps in and punches MR. JENKINS in the face, sending him backwards to the floor.
JC
You son of a bitch. You used her. She cared about you and you took advantage.
JC grabs his collar and starts to pull him up, ready to punch him again. AYLA steps in a pulls them apart, kneeling down next to JENKINS.
AYLA
Mr. Jenkins, are you okay?
MR. JENKINS looks angrily at her.
MR. JENKINS
Stupid slut! What the hell is your problem? I gave you instructions. Burn that punk now…
AYLA looks heartbroken as the man continues his rant. With tears forming, she conjures up more flame and brings it close to her face, trying to burn herself. JC sees this and grabs her hands, wincing a bit as the flames touch them before going out.
JC
Don't do it Ayla. He's not worth it.
AYLA drops her hands. MR. JENKINS continues to rant at her and JC. JC raises his foot and kicks the man in the face, knocking him out. He looks at AYLA and sees more blood dripping from her mouth.
CUT TO:
INT – BELMONT MANOR, EVENING
JC, ALICE, and DIANA are watching the news. Footage of the school and images of MR. JENKINS and AYLA are displayed.
NEWS ANCHOR
…authorities say Ayla Perkins, a student at this school, was drugged by Mr. Aaron Jenkins, one of the science teachers. Miss Perkins was taken to a hospital and is reported to be in a comatose state. Doctors are unclear as to the type of drug used…
JC
I can't believe I let this happen.
ALICE
It's not your fault JC. You didn't do this.
DIANA
Did that drug really give her powers?
ALICE
It's more likely she had the genes but they were latent. The drug enhanced them so they would manifest. Unfortunately her body couldn't handle them.
JC
My sister was right. It's not just me and her. I'll have to be more careful.
CUT TO:
INT – MARCUS's OFFICE, EVENING.
MARCUS sits at his desk. GAIL and WILLIAM stand with him.
WILLIAM
So, Jenkins didn't work out.
MARCUS
He was irrelevant to begin with. His test did prove to be useful.
GAIL
Did you intend for JC to interfere?
MARCUS
What better way to test him? Miss Perkins had potential, but JC's always been more important.
GAIL
The data gained will be useful. And there are more potentials out there.
FADE OUT