Immunities Episode 3.3 – Choices
CANDACE
Molly, you should think more about this. The situation is complicated.
MOLLY
Ha! You sound like one of them. “Everything is complex. Everyone is an exception to the rule. The conditions everywhere make things different from everywhere else. You have to use common sense.” And the result was a world tearing itself apart. In the Unity, we follow simple rules, and arrive at simple, correct, solutions.
CANDACE
But you are not in the Unity. You do not have the assistance of the other minds. You are alone.
MOLLY
I…know…that.
CANDACE
So, that means that we have to think for ourselves. We have to take time, to take into account things which might not occur to us right away. Errors which normally others in the Unity would bring to our attention.
MOLLY
And where has your thinking got you?
CANDACE
It has…led me to put my trust in Lorna. She is our best hope, and so I have done everything I can to help her arrive at the decision to help us…voluntarily.
MOLLY
Oh, did you reject the alternative of forcing her to help us?
CANDACE
Yes, I did.
LORNA
Wait, what do you mean? Force me how?
MOLLY
Indeed.
CANDACE
Lorna, please inspect the clasp on the back of my hood.
MOLLY
What?
LORNA
Oh Jesus, it’s undone.
MOLLY
What?!?
LORNA
How?
CANDACE
I am…was…have been…a contortionist. Unlike Morse Code, it is a skill I learned before receiving the Look. But like it, it was not one I ever expected to use in our new society.
LORNA
Oh my God.
MOLLY
You could have looked at her. You could have changed her. At any time. Then she would have let us go. We could be out of here by now.
LORNA
Why…didn’t you?
CANDACE
Changing you would violate the Truce. The Unity decided that the Overlooked were not to be Altered against their will. We gave our solemn pledge, in order to save the world from destruction. It is not my place to overturn that.
MOLLY
But…Derek.
CANDACE
Derek has primary immunity, so it is impossible to convert him. And my room has no skylight, so I could not contact others.
MOLLY
But…Derek has violated the Truce. In the name of the Resistance. We are no longer bound by our pledge.
CANDACE
Derek is not to be trusted. The extent to which the Resistance has authorized or facilitated his actions has not yet been determined. It is not for me to act unilaterally on my own hypothesis about doubtful facts, when that action could dishonor the Unity, and myself, and unleash nuclear war upon our shared world.
MOLLY
I do not understand…you do not understand…when you have been here as long as I have…you will see these things differently. And you will regret that you did not take action while you could.
CANDACE
That is entirely possible.
LORNA
If that’s all true, why did you undo the clasp?
CANDACE
After you left, as the hours passed…I worried that you would not come back. As I assess my own state of mind, it seems that the clarity of my beliefs is eroding over time.
MOLLY
It IS happening, because YOU have doomed us.
CANDACE
My hope is that Lorna will help us before the process is complete. Molly, you must give her and me some time.
Sound of Derek’s truck pulling in.
LORNA
Derek.
MOLLY
No. We are out of time, Candace. Given time, and space, and people to help you, your idealistic vision would be the best one. But as it is, one of us must think realistically. I am going to tell Derek that Lorna has been spying.
CANDACE
Molly, you do not know what Derek will do.
MOLLY
He will be grateful. That is how the Separates react when you do something that personally benefits them.
CANDACE
He will punish us all.
MOLLY
He will punish Lorna, certainly. You, he will need for his work. Especially if he gives me a reprieve. I will…try…not to mention your abilities. Perhaps Lorna will not mention them either. That way, things will not be any worse for you.
LORNA
No.
MOLLY
You cannot stop me, Separate. Unless you kill me. And what would Derek think about that?
LORNA
No, I mean you’re not going to keep what Candace can do secret. I’m going to tell him about it.
CANDACE
You will what? Why?
LORNA
It’s our only way out of this. Here’s what’s gonna happen…
LORNA (VO)
So I told them the plan, even as I started to hear Derek’s footsteps approach. Well, it’s been a crappy life, but it’s been mine. Here goes everything.
Ground-level barn door opens and closes.
DEREK
Hey Lorna!
LORNA
*Looker voice*
Hello, Derek.
DEREK
Stand near the edge and I’ll bring over the ladder. I’m gonna hand some things up to you.
Wood-on-wood sound as Derek leans the ladder against the loft.
LORNA
I would recommend against that.
DEREK
You’d what? Why?
LORNA
You should hurry to your car and drive away from here. With luck, you might make it to the Overlook.
DEREK
Lorna…What have you done?
LORNA
I took the only course that seemed reasonable, after I awoke.
DEREK
Awoke…this morning?
LORNA
No, awoke just now. After Molly looked at me.
DEREK
Molly.
LORNA
She freed herself from her hood, and transmitted the signal to me.
DEREK
That bitch.
LORNA
Do not be angry on my behalf. I am grateful to her for my alteration. I see everything much more clearly now.
Beat.
DEREK
I don’t believe you.
LORNA
Your belief or lack thereof is irrelevant. I transmitted our predicament into the sky. People will be here soon. You should leave.
Beat.
DEREK
Why do you care whether I leave?
LORNA
I wish to avoid conflict. Fighting would not serve the Greater Good.
DEREK
Come down here and tell me that.
LORNA
It will make no difference-
Sound of revolver cocking.
DEREK
I always had a feeling I’d have to show you this. Come down, or I shoot.
LORNA
I- … I am coming.
Lorna steps down the ladder.
DEREK
Now, with this barrel pressed into your cheek…feels a little cold, doesn’t it?
LORNA
It does.
DEREK
What’s wrong? You seem a little nervous.
LORNA
The longer we continue this, the more chance that events will spiral out of control.
DEREK
What do you care? The Unity will still prevail, won’t it?
LORNA
I care about you. And about everyone. And about the Truce.
DEREK
Ha! You’re almost convincing…except for the part about me.
LORNA
You may not believe that you can be loved, but I love everyone.
DEREK
Really.
LORNA
Please, leave now before it is too late. You don’t have much time.
DEREK
What did you say?
LORNA
I duh- I cah- I can not remember what I just said. Please put the gun down.
DEREK
Come on. Try. What did you say?
LORNA
As I told you, I can not.
DEREK
It was something about how much time I have.
LORNA
Oh! You don’t have much-
DEREK
Gotcha.
Sound of Derek striking the side of Lorna’s face with the revolver.
LORNA
*grunts in pain and shock*
Violent, percussive classical music plays, representing Derek beating Lorna.
LORNA (VO)
He hit me. A bunch of times. First time was with the gun, which…if he’d kept that up, I’d’ve been out or dead in no time. But, he wanted an audience. So it was a few smacks with his hand, and then I was down in a crouch, crying with my arms over my head like I learned a long time ago. But crying quietly, so he wouldn’t think I was ignoring him.
DEREK
That was really stupid, Lorna. There was no way you were gonna pull it off. First, there was still vodka in the fridge. That got me thinking, and you don’t want me thinking. Then, your Looker act, which..well it wasn’t terrible, actually. Maybe the girls have rubbed off on you a little. But you didn’t consider who you’re dealing with. I’ve talked to a lot more Lookers than you’ve ever met, and that includes ones in fear for their life. It’s not that they don’t get nervous, but it’s a completely different thing from you or me or anything you can imagine if you haven’t seen it. But the point in all this, and this is what you should take away from it, is this: I knew things, and you knew nothing. So hopefully, maybe, this’ll teach you to keep your stupid head down, do your job, and let me do the thinking for both of us and for the future of mankind. And here’s one to make sure you remember.
Sound of Derek kicking Lorna.
LORNA (VO)
That kick knocked the wind outta me. Derek really knew his business. Again, I wondered who he’d been practicing on.
So, while I was trying to breathe, he dragged me to the ladder by my hair, lifted me by my arms, and carried me up on his shoulder. Maybe I could have struggled, tried to knock us both off the ladder. But what good would that have done? Instead, I did nothing, and when he shrugged me onto my cot, I went down like a rag doll.
Derek flops her on the bed.
DEREK
*scoff*
I can’t believe you. You know, you were picked out for this before we ever met. But when we did meet, I thought: This is a woman who gets it. She knows the stakes, she doesn’t have that sentimental weakness that just because someone has two arms and two legs and a face that means they’re a human being and should be treated like one of us. We’ve got to get over that, Lorna. That’s how they took over the planet in the first place. People like you were so concerned about being nice that they just let them walk in and take us over from the inside. But we’re learning better, and we’re taking our planet back, and you’re going to learn your lessons so you can be part of it.
Derek closes the door.
DEREK
I’m locking your door for a bit, but that’s just temporary. So, you take some time to lie there and think about things. You’ve still got a job to do, and so do I. I’m calling off your house break for this coming weekend, but shape-up and we’ll see if you can earn that back for the next one. I’m on your side, Lorna. Keep in mind who the real enemy is. Now if you’ll excuse me, I’ve got important work to do. I’ll be back later with dinner and some aspirin.
Sound of Derek climbing down the ladder, walking away over straw, opening and closing the barn door. Then a few moment’s pause.
CANDACE
Lorna?
LORNA
*groan*
CANDACE
Lorna. Thank you for trying to help us. It means a great deal to me that you took such risks on our behalf. I want to say these words while I am still able to say them, and you to hear them.
LORNA
Didn’t work out so well, though, did it?
CANDACE
That…is unfortunate. But the fact that you would try, despite how you feel about us. It gives me hope that humanity will survive our current dilemma. That somehow we will find a way not to destroy one another.
LORNA
Oh my head.
CANDACE
I just wish there was something I could do.
LORNA
Maybe there is…Do you feel pain?
CANDACE
At the moment, I feel discomfort, but I can alternate positions enough to prevent severe cramping.
LORNA
No, I meant…ever. But I guess you answered that question.
CANDACE
We do feel pain, yes.
LORNA
And it’s real pain…not just…some signal in your head that something’s wrong?
CANDACE
The pain is indeed real. Perhaps we have more ability to…rationalize it. And, if need be, to work around it. But it remains unpleasant.
LORNA
Too bad. I hoped you could give me a quick remedy to that beating Derek gave me.
CANDACE
You should not joke about that.
LORNA
I’ve got to laugh to keep from crying.
CANDACE
It sounded like you were already crying. Perhaps letting yourself cry further would be beneficial.
LORNA
There’s no time for that. Who knows when Derek will decide to come back. And when he does, he’s going to notice Molly and take that gag off her. And then she’s gonna buckle like a belt.
CANDACE
What does that matter?
LORNA
She can tell him about the messages. She can tell him that you can get your hood off.
CANDACE
But, you have not told anyone about the messages. I have not removed my hood. Derek would have no reason to punish us for that.
LORNA
Y’know, maybe Molly’s right, and you really have forgotten how bad people can be, when they’re feeling threatened and alone. Derek’s gonna panic. He’ll probably deep-six both of us with a quickness. Maybe torch this place with Molly and Kelsey in it. And Tyra too, if she’s still alive. Or, who knows, maybe Molly’s right about gratitude and he’ll let her loose. Either way, that’s the end of at least three more lives than I’m willing to let go of.
CANDACE
And your solution…
LORNA
Take the hood off. I’ll hobble over to the hole, where I can see from my room into yours. Then you look at me, and it’ll be done. For real this time.
CANDACE
But, the Truce-
LORNA
-will be fine. You said “against your will”. I’m volunteering. Overlooked people have done that before, right?
CANDACE
Very few.
LORNA
But yes, right? People who wanted to be with their families, RIGHT?
CANDACE
Yes, for the most part.
LORNA
Well, I don’t have any family I’d do that for. But those people, the volunteers, they decided there were worse things than getting taken over. And I’ve decided the same. So start getting that hood off and let’s get this show on the road.
CANDACE
I will.
Sound of fumbling with the jacket and the clasp.
LORNA
*getting fearful of the reality of it all*
What will it feel like?
CANDACE
*in between bits of contortionist effort*
Nothing immediately exceptional. You will feel drowsy, then you will sleep. And when you wake up, things will have changed their relative importance. And that may be the extent of the change, until you make contact with someone. And that…that will be wondrous.
LORNA
Well, I guess I’ll try to look forward to that.
CANDACE
I- I am encountering a new difficulty.
LORNA
With the jacket?
CANDACE
No, my arms are nearly free. The problem is with my…qualms. Once you allayed my fears regarding the Truce, I became flooded with…well, desire. To convert you. To share the wonders of the Unity, and improve those things in your life that make you so sad. But…then I think, this is something that you would not want, normally. You would normally consider it a tragic, terrifying thing. So, how can I look forward to it? What sort of person am I, if I can feel such anticipatory pleasure at the idea of doing something to you, which you would normally loathe? I…living in the Unity, I am unaccustomed to guilt. Everything we do is for the good.
LORNA
Well, you ain’t in the Unity now. But I’ll get you back there if I can. And if something about all this makes you feel good, then enjoy it while it lasts. There’s still no telling how this ends.
CANDACE
I…will try. The hood is off, but my eyes are still closed. This may be your last chance to change your mind.
LORNA
We’re way past that. Open them.
CANDACE
All right.
LORNA
And now I get up, look over, and…heh. I can’t even see you. I forgot how dark it gets over there after the sun sets. I’m not sure this is going to…the light.
CANDACE
Lorna!
LORNA
For just a second, I could see a light in your eyes. I…
*yawn*
…oh my God. It’s happening.
CANDACE
I am so sorry Lorna. It felt so good to connect with you. I am truly sorry.
LORNA
Don’t be. It actually…it really did help with the pain. Got a nice buzz going, like being in a warm, fuzzy blanket. A fuzzy buzz.
*giggles*
CANDACE
Good-bye, unaltered Lorna. Please accept my gratitude and apologies.
LORNA
No need. I’ll catch you…
*yawn*
…on the other side.
Music cue denoting passage of time.
LORNA
*Sharp, deep, inhale.*
*Looker voice, subtly different from last time*
Candace?
CANDACE
Yes!
LORNA
I can see your light! There is so much to say…but there are higher priorities. I must summon aid…and deliver a message.
CANDACE
I understand. Just look up through your skylight. Others will assist you.
LORNA
I will. Thank you.
Burble of ethereal voices.
WOMAN 2
Hello.
JEREMY
Greetings.
WOMAN 1
Is there something I can do for you?
LORNA
My name is…not important. I am with two…three of the kidnapped girls. But I can not leave. I need help.
WOMAN 2
You are there, with them?
JEREMY
Where, exactly?
LORNA
I do not know. I was brought here unconscious.
WOMAN 2
Brought by whom?
LORNA
By Derek…I do not know his last name.
WOMAN 1
Do you have a window?
LORNA
Yes, but I can only see the sky.
JEREMY
Did you see your surroundings at any point?
LORNA
I…yes. After getting up this morning. I caught a glimpse outside. But I only looked up for a second. I am not sure that I could describe anything.
WOMAN 2
You are in the Unity now. Just think of the image. Picture it in your mind.
LORNA
All right. I am doing that. Can you…see it?
ALL 3 LOOKERS
Yes.
LORNA
Do you recognize it? Does it tell you where I am?
WOMAN 1
No. But SOMEONE will recognize it. We will spread your message to others. Someone WILL recognize it. Do not worry. We will take care of you. We will return to you soon.
LORNA
Wait, before you go…there are things I need to say.
JEREMY
You can do that after you are free.
LORNA
No. It is possible that Derek will prevent my rescue, and I will die. Then these things would never be heard.
WOMAN 2
Very well. The rest of you, spread the image. I will stay and discuss this further.
JEREMY
Certainly.
WOMAN 1
Right away.
LORNA
First, about Candace Majeed. She, although separated has acted as part of the Unity, despite a great deal of temptation. She has stayed true to her principles, and loves you all.
WOMAN 2
And we of course love her. Tell her that.
LORNA
I will. Now, the other message is for someone in authority. Can you find someone for me? Someone who can make a decision, involving something very important and confidential?
WOMAN 2
Give me the message, and I will relay it.
LORAN
No, I must not do that. The message must not spread further than necessary.
WOMAN 2
I…believe that I can find someone. Are you sure that this message is more important than locating you?
LORNA
Yes, it is urgent. Far more important than my rescue.
WOMAN 2
Very well. Just a moment.
LORNA
Thank you.
WOMAN 2
Of course…ah, here she is.
LEE
Hello? Who are you? I was told it was urgent that we communicate. I am Governor Brenda Lee. And you are…
LORNA
My name is unimportant, but up until recently I worked in the Overlook, at a building, where the Resistance coordinates their intelligence activities.
LEE
You lived in the Overlook? And now you are one of us? How can that be?
LORNA
It is not important! Listen, please. I do not know how much time I have. The people who worked in my building. Some of them were keeping a secret. A deep, important secret. The identity of someone who was providing them with intelligence, intelligence stolen directly from the Unity. From inside the link between us.
LEE
The Outsider….
LORNA
Yes. The AlphaBeta.
LEE
And you were trusted with the Outsider’s identity?
LORNA
No. My employment was menial.
LEE
Then…why was it so urgent to tell this to me?
LORNA
Because, every once in a while, I overheard a name, and on some level, because of the way they said it, I knew it was the secret name. The name of the person providing the secrets.
LEE
And?
LORNA
The name was Scholl.
LEE
SCHOLL???
LORNA
Yes. It was Shelly Scholl.
SILENCE
End of Season Three
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