Trancendence
How is it out there? Have you found anything?
MAX
No. Nothing. I heard Tokyo has power. Berlin, too. But they’re just rumors.
JOSEPH Nobody’s connected?
MAX
No. No phone. No internet. No power. Nothing.
They walk in silence, both lost in thought. Max takes in the lifeless machines all around them.
JOSEPH
You know we’re rebuilding the same system?
Max goes silent. They move to the exit, guarded by SOLDIERS with assault rifles.
JOSEPH (CONT’D) Let me know what you find.
Max walks away. Joseph moves back into the facility.
INT. LOOTED TOWNHOUSE – DAY
Max takes in the abandoned home. Water stains. Debris. Piled mattresses suggest squatters have come and gone. The floorboards were scavenged for firewood – the charred evidence is in the fireplace.
In the center of the room is a pile of discarded cell phones, laptops, and tablet machines. Max grabs one of the phones.
He leans against a wall. He slides into a crouch. He turns the phone over in his hand. It’s dead.
His breathing quickens as he fights back emotion. Wrapping his arms around his knees, he waits for the sensation to pass. He sits there. Alone.
MAX
I’m sorry.
outside, the rain has stopped. The day brightens. Max looks to the rear of the house. Something arrests his attention. He makes his way through the 19th century townhouse.
INT. DATA CENTER – DAY
Joseph, walking through the long row of machines, slows. Stops. Looks up at a lifeless server.
EXT. GARDEN – DAY
Max steps into the garden, which is lush and full of life. Ivy covers the walls. Flowers of every shape and color. The garden contrasts everything we’ve seen of this world.
In a corner rests a set of vintage garden furniture. A small table, two chairs. Dark, lightly rusted metal. Max stares at the empty seats.
Water from the recent rains drips in a PERCUSSION. As it does-
A calmness comes over Max. His attention settles on a leaf of ivy, where moisture collects into a bead of water.
He studies the shimmering drop of liquid. As he stares, something new emerges in his eyes •.• Recognition.
THE END.
