@gay_corgi group
I have been working for a few weeks on writing a script for a fiction podcast, and I was wondering if anyone could help me make sure it makes sense? I'm not sure if I introduced all the characters/ plot in a way that makes sense, given that I already know what happens, the characters back stories, etc. This script is for a podcast, so there aren't any visual cues in the script (Also I don't really know how to write scripts, I just did my best with what I found online). If anyone wants to read through this and give advice/criticism, it would be very appreciated!
INT. THE LIVING ROOM OF THE CUBE
CASEY [STATIC-Y VOICE]
Embara Labs, experiment 4261, recording 1.
ROBOT
You are waking up from anesthesia. You were knocked out for the duration of your transition into The Cube to ensure you would not resist. As you wake, you may feel any number of the following after effects over the next several hours: Chills, nausea, confusion, dizziness, headaches, itching, fatigue, blurred vision, muscle aches, sore throat, and delirium. You most likely have many questions about the exact situation of your stay at Embara Labs will entail. Do not worry, for this, along with much more,will be explained in your personal Welcome Video.
SHEA
[cold laugh] Welcome video. Like being here is a good thing.
CEDAR
[Banging on walls] Let us OUT! Murderers, LET US OUT OF HERE! Just wait till I get out, COUNT YOUR DAYS, EMBARA!
SHEA
They can't hear you, Cedar.
RED
Yes, they can.
JUNIPER
And you would know that how?
RED
I worked with [COLDWINDS] for years, Jun. Even if it’s not the exact same organization that sent us here, I know how these things work. There’s no way they just sent us up here with no way to see what we’re up to. We’ve posed a threat to them before, and they know we can do it again.
I worked for them for years, Jun. The Labs monitor every one of their experiments with top-notch surveillance techniques. And that's with their normal ones. But us? We posed a threat to them before, and they know if we get out we could do it again.
CEDAR
They’re right about that. WE’LL FIND A WAY OUT, YOU HEAR ME? And when we do there is NOTHING that will keep me from KILLING YOU LIKE YOU KILLED HER!
JUNIPER
So what does that mean, exactly, Red?
REDWOOD
I'm… not sure about specifics. But what I do know is that they'll be watching our every move. Even if we weren't one of their 'projects' now, they would make sure they had a way to supervise our every movement.
SHEA
Could we see the “welcome” video? I want us to have all the information we can.
ASH
What's the point? We already know why we're here. Wasn't exactly sudden.
SHEA
I just- I want to be prepared. To know just what exactly they’re allowed to do to us up here.
ASH
Fine. Cue the video up.
[Shuffling, mechanical sounds, video starts]
CASEY
Hello. If you’re watching this, then that means that you have been successfully transferred into experiment 4261 by Embara Labs.
I know that you all are in a bit of a unique situation here, so just summarize what led you here In case anyone needs a refresher.
CEDAR
[Scoff]
CASEY
So, some of us here at The Labs found out a few weeks ago that there was a group of people planning to rise up against us in an attempt to take down Embara as well as the entire organization. This group, was, of course, you five. We decided to wait for the attack to come, give you a chance to think better of what you were about to do. To be clear, the only reason we waited for you to make the first move was because we knew we could defeat you easily and were hoping for the situation to end in a manner that we could use to our advantage. Which, given how things ended, is a goal I believe we achieved. You did end up -quite foolishly- following through with your plans to attack us. As suspected, you were Ill equipped to deal with our forces, and ended up captured almost immediately.
CEDAR
Gee, way to rub it in our faces.
SHEA
Will you be quiet?
CEDAR
Fine.
CASEY
Captured despite, might I add, having one of our former workers on your team. Tut tut, Redwood. You should have stuck on our side when you had the chance. In any case, Once the five of you had been apprehended and we had contemplated our options of what to do with you, we decided to give you a choice. A choice!
Most people in our programs don't have that. Count yourselves lucky. We gave you the choice between getting reported to the authorities for assaulting our organization unprovoked, or taking part in one of our psychological experiments. And, predictably, you chose the experiment. Any sane person would have done so, of course. You may well have gone to prison if we'd reported you, and the experiment you're in is one of our better ones by far. Speaking of which, I should probably stop blathering on and get to what your experience here will be like. We have been waiting to find people for this experiment for several months now, mainly because we specifically need people who are already well acquainted. The gist of it is to get a small group of people who already know each other and see what happens when they are forced to be in the same space for an extended period of time. For example you all are currently in a house sized cube with all shared spaces aside from each having your own room. The goal of this is to see how peoples interactions with each other change over time when they are forced to be in one another's presence constantly. You will not be able to leave The Cube, and you will not be able to interact with those outside it either. You will stay here indefinitely. Your family has already been informed of what is going on. If you have any questions, please send them to us through the computer you're watching this on now. I believe that about sums everything up, so toodle-oo for now!
JUNIPER
Wait, we can’t talk to anyone? But- I need- [panicked breathing] I need to call my parents- my brother- No, no, Aiden- he’s just a kid- I need to… [Mild crying]
ASH
They know we're here, right? They know that we're okay.
JUNIPER
It isn't enough…
CEDAR
At least you still have someone to write to.
JUNIPER
I-I'm sorry. I know you're going through a lot after Cherry-
CEDAR
Don’t say it. We all know what happened. You don’t need to rub it in.
JUNIPER
I'm sorry.
SHEA
I’m going to take a look around The Cube. I'd appreciate knowing where I’ll be living from now on. Care to join me, Cedar?
CEDAR
Why me? Are you trying to stop me from-
SHEA
I just want to keep everyone from fighting. We’re stuck here- which means we’re stuck together. And I’d rather not have us all trying to kill each other, if that’s at all possible.
CEDAR
I'm not going to kill anyone-
SHEA
It's a figure of- [deep breath] I just meant that I’d appreciate if we could all try to get along. We were allies-friends even-before the battle against Embara Labs.
CEDAR
Yeah, well, a lot's changed since then.
JUNIPER
I really didn't mean to bring up… you know…
CEDAR
[Forced] It's. Fine.
SHEA
Wonderful! Now, Cedar, care to join me?
CEDAR
Yeah. Whatever.
[small pause as they walk away]
JUNIPER
[Sigh] Are you okay, Ash? Red?
REDWOOD
Mmm.
ASH
I’m scared. Like, really scared. I’m 18, Jun. Barely even old enough to legally be here! I haven’t seen my family for weeks, between all the planning only to fail when we actually tried to…You know. Ferren’s turned 3 since I’ve been gone. What kind of person isn’t there for his sister's birthday?
JUNIPER
I get it. Or— not that specifically, but the whole missing-your-family thing. And being scared. And young. The others are all adults—real adults—And they knew what they were really risking when— when everything happened. I know they told us what the consequences might be, but it feels a bit like they tricked us into helping them.
ASH
YES! Like, it's not really their fault all this happened, but it was still their decision. I mean, they just sort of… met us? and then they immediately asked us to join them in taking down The Labs.
And what would they have done if we said no? Just been like okay, yeah, that's cool, but also we might need to kill you now because you know we're planning on attacking a massive organization.
REDWOOD
[Quietly] I'm sorry-
JUNIPER
Exactly! I don't think I would have said yes if I'd been able to think clearly, but I'd just been taken aside randomly and had someone ask if I wanted to get rid of the place that took my best friend. I didn't really question it at the time, but I feel like they really shouldn't have gotten eighteen year olds to fight some massive organization.
REDWOOD
I'm sorry! we didn't- didn't mean to… to trick you. I'm sorry. I didn't mean toput you in a place like- I didn't know - I'm sorry!
ASH
Shoot. Hey, hey, it's okay, Red. Focus on me. Okay? We didn't mean you. I'm sorry. We should have- What?
JUNIPER
did… the lights just…turn off?
REDWOOD
[Quiet] Oh no.
[Distant crash]
SHEA
[yelling] Have the lights off down there as well?
ASH
[also yelling] Yeah. Did you turn them off?
SHEA
[still yelling] Wasn't us!
JUNIPER
[yelling, of course] I think I saw a light switch earlier. I'll go try to find it! [shuffling] Ack! Can't- see… There!
[The lights turn back on]
REDWOOD
[Hisses] No no no…
SHEA
They're back on!
JUNIPER
Down here too!
SHEA
Wonderful!
REDWOOD
No, no.. Ara- She's going to- Oh god help help help HELP!
ASH
Oh crap, Red. It's okay. It's okay. She isn't here, you're safe.
JUNIPER
Are you… Um, are you okay, Red?
ASH
Let me handle this, Jun.
JUNIPER
O- Okay.
ASH
You're safe, Redwood. You aren't with Ara anymore. You're here with us. Is it alright if I take your hand?
REDWOOD
DON’T TOUCH ME! I won’t let you do this to me. You're just one of the shapeshifters! I- I won't fall for this again! Why can''t I just be safe for once?I thought I was safe. It was… I ca… [Sobs]
ASH
Breathe, Red. You are safe here. Ara ca-
REDWOOD
[Sharp intake of breath]
ASH
Sorry. She can't hurt you. Breathe, Redwood. Feel your feet on the ground, your back on the wall. Focus on the air coming in and out of your lungs. You are here. You are safe. She has no control over you anymore. Only you have that control over yourself. Everyone here cares about you, and we are all exactly who we look like. We aren’t- [short exhale] We aren’t shapeshifters here to lure you into a false sense of security. No one here can or wants to hurt you. You are safe.
REDWOOD
[Heavy breathing, like that after a panic attack] I’m… Safe…
ASH
That’s right. You’re safe. Is it okay if I hold your hand now?
REDWOOD
[Panicked] Mm-mm.
ASH
O-okay, um, that's okay. Can you find your pulse, then?
REDWOOD
Okay. [Small pause] I found it.
ASH
Good. Focus on that. That’s your heart keeping you alive and safe and here. So long as you have your heartbeat you are safe.
REDWOOD
Okay… I'm here. Oh- shit- I did it again- I'm sor- I need to, uh, I have to use the restroom. Sorry.
ASH
Oh- um, okay? Are you sure you don't want-
REDWOOD
(angry)I'm fine. Thanks, I guess.
REDWOOD walks away.
JUNIPER
What just… happened?
ASH
I don't really know. Ever since Red got back from Embara Labs, stuff like that keeps happening. You know how I was the one to go get him when he didn't come back for a few days?
JUNIPER
Yeah.
ASH
He keeps freaking out like that. And I sort of know how to handle it, because it happens kind of a lot, so I feel like I need to be the one to help him. I'm worried that if I let someone else try, they'll just make it worse somehow. I've done that a couple times. The first time Redwood spiraled after the thing with the Labs, I tried to get him to tell me what happened that he was so scared about.
JUNIPER
And?
ASH
Big mistake. I think that's the worst I've ever seen him. I thought he was going to pass out. It lasted for hours.
JUNIPER
Oh… my gosh. That's- And you don't know why?
ASH
He won't tell me anything. I stopped asking once I realized it only made things worse.
(pause)
I feel like I need to be there for him constantly.
Like if I leave his side for just a moment- he could-
(crying)
JUNIPER
Oh, Ash. Come here, honey, I'm sorry. That's terrifying. You shouldn't have to deal with this. None of us should.
ASH
But we have to! Even if we shouldn't have to deal with this, there's no other option! We can't change the past, and we can't change the future! We're trapped here. We have to deal with this because the only other option is dying.
(Pause)
I'm sorry. We won't die. I'm just-
JUNIPER
Scared?
ASH
Yeah.
JUNIPER
Me too, Ash. All we can do is hope it turns out okay.
ASH
And if it doesn't?
JUNIPER
It will. At the very least, we have to believe we'll be okay. That's the only way to keep going.
ASH
[Sniff] Then let's keep going.
[Few seconds pause]
CEDAR
Wow, what happened down here? You two look… Not great.
JUNIPER
We're fine. Ash and I were just sort of realizing what being here really means.
SHEA
I'm sorry. This is all so unfair; You two are practically children! The fact that they made you choose between coming here and going to prison shows just how messed up our situation really is.
ASH
I just… I miss my family.
SHEA
It really is appalling that they put you two in an experiment. That they put any of us here, really. But we just need to be positive, right? So long as we remain optimistic, we can make it through this together. Right?
ASH
Um, y-sure, I… guess?
SHEA
JUNIPER?
JUNIPER
Um- Yeah. Yeah! We'll be… happy.
SHEA
That's the spiri-
CEDAR
Where'd REDWOOD go?
JUNIPER
He went to the restroom a few minutes ago. He was kind of freaking out right before. He said he was okay after but he really sounded-
ASH
Fine! He sounded fine! Totally okay and calm and all that stuff. I think the lights turning off just spooked him a bit, so there's really no need to go check on him or try to ask him what happened because he's fine!
(Pause)
SHEA
Um… Okay? I'm glad he's doing well with everything that's happening so that's… Good?
ASH
Yes! It is! It's very good! Um, me and Jun were just about to go check out what food they gave us, you know, make sure we have enough for the five of us and all.
SHEA
Oh, thank you! Will you make sure we have some halal food? I know they said they'd send some with us, but I want to make sure.
ASH
Yup! Of course! Bye!
CEDAR
Welp, Ash seems to be losing his mind. Good for him, getting a head start before the rest of us.
SHEA
CEDAR! Don't say things like that. None of us will lose our minds. We will find a way out of here and until then we will continue to stay positive.
CEDAR
Jeez, fine, I was just joking. No need to get all dramatic about it.
We are now in the kitchen
JUNIPER
What was that about? 'He's fine'? Red was very clearly not fine in any way.
ASH
You can't just tell everyone about this! They don't know how to help Redwood calm down. If they know that he keeps going into… whatever it is that keeps happening, they'll try to ask him about it, and that will make everything even worse.
Not that they've been getting better, but- UGH! Didn't you hear what I said earlier? I'm the only one who can help him. I only told you because you were there to see one of his- things.
JUNIPER
What? ASH, we need to tell them! CEDAR and SHEA can help. If you just explain to them about what's been happening, maybe they'll have a name for what's going on.
ASH
But what if they don't? Redwood can go into one of his spirals at the smallest things. The one you saw was calm compared to some of the other ones-
JUNIPER
And that's why he needs help! Even with everything you've been doing for him- you said it yourself, he isn't getting better! I know you can sometimes calm him down when they happen, but what Red needs is for them to not happen at all! One day Cedar and Shea will see Red have one of his things, and if we don't tell them they definitely won't know how to calm him. You won't always be there for him. You can't be.
ASH
YES I CAN! I'll find a way to make sure I'm always there when he needs me. I can get him somewhere quiet and calm him down and make sure so one makes it worse.
JUNIPER
(sigh) Look, Ash, I can see why you might think that, but you need to let people help you help Red. Think about it? Please?
ASH
Fine! I'll… think about it.
JUNIPER
Thank you. And, also, you can ask me for help too. I know you don't want to tell people, but since I already know now and stuff I want to make sure you know you're not alone. I mean, obviously you aren't alone, we're all stuck a a giant cube together, but- you know what I mean.
ASH
I do. And thanks.
JUNIPER
Any time, pal!
(pause)
That sounded a lot cooler in my head.
ASH
Eh, I say weird stuff all the time too. Now, why don't we actually get to taking a look at this food? I did promise Shea we'd check and I don't want to make her upset.
JUNIPER
Ooh, yeah! I hope they gave us pasta…
(Talking fades out)
(We are now in either the living room again, or the bathroom, IDK.) (UUUHHHHH Ima try the bathroom but IDK how to write dialogue with 1 person sooooo…)
REDWOOD
…Stupid stupid stupid! Why couldn't I just keep it in? ASH shouldn't be stuck with me all the time.
(Sink turns on)
Why can't I just make them stop? I wish there was a button I could press to just shut off my brain, or hit refresh on life or something. I don't want to be stuck with some broken mind lying to me forever.
(sink turns off)
I can't even trust my own thoughts!
(Pause that devolves into pained laughter)
Oh boy, this is really sad, isn't it? I mean- I'm literally talking to myself in a bathroom! I just- I hate feeling like a burden on ASH. I know he feels like he always has to be there for me, but I can handle this on my own. Right? I can- I can handle my own brain, right?
(pause)
Ugh, I probably shouldn't stay in here too much longer or everyone'll start worrying. Okay… just gotta pretend like I wasn't crying. Easy! I got this.
(The door opens then closes)
(We are now in the living room. Also, turns out I can write dialogue with one person! Yay!)
CEDAR
…ASH was acting weird, though. Right?
SHEA
You heard what Juniper said. He's still getting used to being here really starting to understand what all this means. And they're kids. I'm sure it's normal for them to be a little on edge in such an… offsetting situation.
CEDAR
Okay, okay. But let me know if you see him acting… off again? I don't want him to get hurt. Anymore than we all already are, anyway.
SHEA
I'll keep an eye on him. Though I also want to look out for you. Have you been okay the past few weeks? Today especially, I guess, since we're actually here now. I know how close you were with Cherry-
CEDAR
I thought I said I didn't want to talk about that! Jeez, first Jun, now you? Why does everyone keep asking me about Cherry? She's dead! Gone!
There's no way to get her back so there's no need to keep badgering me about it!
SHEA
I- [sigh] I'm sorry. I know you don't want to talk, and I shouldn't have brought it up. Please don't be angry with me.
CEDAR
What-? Of Course I'm angry, SHEA! Everyone keeps bringing up one of the worst moments of my life, I'm not just going to sit there and be okay with everything! We're stuck in this goddamn experiment and we'll be stuck here for the rest of our lives! I'm done. I'm headed to my room. See you later, I guess, because we're all stuck in this fucking cube, or something, and it's not like we have a choice.
SHEA
No- don't go, Cedar. You'll be okay. We'll all be okay! We'll find a way to be happy here. Together.
CEDAR
No. We won't.
(CEDAR stomps away, leaving SHEA alone.)
SHEA
[quietly] Well, you've messed it up now, haven't you?
(Some audio signal to show that we have switched to Casey)
CASEY
Well, I do believe that we have heard quite enough for now. What I have observed from this experiment thus far: The participants are already showing signs of cracking under the stress of confinement. There does appear to be some tension between certain members of the group that we were previously unaware of, especially between Ash and Redwood, and Shea and Cedar. I will continue to take note of the on goings in The Cube, as well as the mental state of those inside.
I will mainly focus on their interactions with each other, but will also keep an eye on how their actions differ from the aforementioned when alone. I believe that the results of experiment 4261 will prove to be far more interesting than we initially believed. End recording.INT. THE LIVING ROOM OF THE CUBE
CASEY [STATIC-Y VOICE]
Embara Labs, experiment 4261, recording 1.
ROBOT
You are waking up from anesthesia. You were knocked out for the duration of your transition into The Cube to ensure you would not resist. As you wake, you may feel any number of the following after effects over the next several hours: Chills, nausea, confusion, dizziness, headaches, itching, fatigue, blurred vision, muscle aches, sore throat, and delirium. You most likely have many questions about the exact situation of your stay at Embara Labs will entail. Do not worry, for this, along with much more,will be explained in your personal Welcome Video.
SHEA
[cold laugh] Welcome video. Like being here is a good thing.
CEDAR
[Banging on walls] Let us OUT! Murderers, LET US OUT OF HERE! Just wait till I get out, COUNT YOUR DAYS, EMBARA!
SHEA
They can't hear you, Cedar.
RED
Yes, they can.
JUNIPER
And you would know that how?
RED
I worked with [COLDWINDS] for years, Jun. Even if it’s not the exact same organization that sent us here, I know how these things work. There’s no way they just sent us up here with no way to see what we’re up to. We’ve posed a threat to them before, and they know we can do it again.
I worked for them for years, Jun. The Labs monitor every one of their experiments with top-notch surveillance techniques. And that's with their normal ones. But us? We posed a threat to them before, and they know if we get out we could do it again.
CEDAR
They’re right about that. WE’LL FIND A WAY OUT, YOU HEAR ME? And when we do there is NOTHING that will keep me from KILLING YOU LIKE YOU KILLED HER!
JUNIPER
So what does that mean, exactly, Red?
REDWOOD
I'm… not sure about specifics. But what I do know is that they'll be watching our every move. Even if we weren't one of their 'projects' now, they would make sure they had a way to supervise our every movement.
SHEA
Could we see the “welcome” video? I want us to have all the information we can.
ASH
What's the point? We already know why we're here. Wasn't exactly sudden.
SHEA
I just- I want to be prepared. To know just what exactly they’re allowed to do to us up here.
ASH
Fine. Cue the video up.
[Shuffling, mechanical sounds, video starts]
CASEY
Hello. If you’re watching this, then that means that you have been successfully transferred into experiment 4261 by Embara Labs.
I know that you all are in a bit of a unique situation here, so just summarize what led you here In case anyone needs a refresher.
CEDAR
[Scoff]
CASEY
So, some of us here at The Labs found out a few weeks ago that there was a group of people planning to rise up against us in an attempt to take down Embara as well as the entire organization. This group, was, of course, you five. We decided to wait for the attack to come, give you a chance to think better of what you were about to do. To be clear, the only reason we waited for you to make the first move was because we knew we could defeat you easily and were hoping for the situation to end in a manner that we could use to our advantage. Which, given how things ended, is a goal I believe we achieved. You did end up -quite foolishly- following through with your plans to attack us. As suspected, you were Ill equipped to deal with our forces, and ended up captured almost immediately.
CEDAR
Gee, way to rub it in our faces.
SHEA
Will you be quiet?
CEDAR
Fine.
CASEY
Captured despite, might I add, having one of our former workers on your team. Tut tut, Redwood. You should have stuck on our side when you had the chance. In any case, Once the five of you had been apprehended and we had contemplated our options of what to do with you, we decided to give you a choice. A choice!
Most people in our programs don't have that. Count yourselves lucky. We gave you the choice between getting reported to the authorities for assaulting our organization unprovoked, or taking part in one of our psychological experiments. And, predictably, you chose the experiment. Any sane person would have done so, of course. You may well have gone to prison if we'd reported you, and the experiment you're in is one of our better ones by far. Speaking of which, I should probably stop blathering on and get to what your experience here will be like. We have been waiting to find people for this experiment for several months now, mainly because we specifically need people who are already well acquainted. The gist of it is to get a small group of people who already know each other and see what happens when they are forced to be in the same space for an extended period of time. For example you all are currently in a house sized cube with all shared spaces aside from each having your own room. The goal of this is to see how peoples interactions with each other change over time when they are forced to be in one another's presence constantly. You will not be able to leave The Cube, and you will not be able to interact with those outside it either. You will stay here indefinitely. Your family has already been informed of what is going on. If you have any questions, please send them to us through the computer you're watching this on now. I believe that about sums everything up, so toodle-oo for now!
JUNIPER
Wait, we can’t talk to anyone? But- I need- [panicked breathing] I need to call my parents- my brother- No, no, Aiden- he’s just a kid- I need to… [Mild crying]
ASH
They know we're here, right? They know that we're okay.
JUNIPER
It isn't enough…
CEDAR
At least you still have someone to write to.
JUNIPER
I-I'm sorry. I know you're going through a lot after Cherry-
CEDAR
Don’t say it. We all know what happened. You don’t need to rub it in.
JUNIPER
I'm sorry.
SHEA
I’m going to take a look around The Cube. I'd appreciate knowing where I’ll be living from now on. Care to join me, Cedar?
CEDAR
Why me? Are you trying to stop me from-
SHEA
I just want to keep everyone from fighting. We’re stuck here- which means we’re stuck together. And I’d rather not have us all trying to kill each other, if that’s at all possible.
CEDAR
I'm not going to kill anyone-
SHEA
It's a figure of- [deep breath] I just meant that I’d appreciate if we could all try to get along. We were allies-friends even-before the battle against Embara Labs.
CEDAR
Yeah, well, a lot's changed since then.
JUNIPER
I really didn't mean to bring up… you know…
CEDAR
[Forced] It's. Fine.
SHEA
Wonderful! Now, Cedar, care to join me?
CEDAR
Yeah. Whatever.
[small pause as they walk away]
JUNIPER
[Sigh] Are you okay, Ash? Red?
REDWOOD
Mmm.
ASH
I’m scared. Like, really scared. I’m 18, Jun. Barely even old enough to legally be here! I haven’t seen my family for weeks, between all the planning only to fail when we actually tried to…You know. Ferren’s turned 3 since I’ve been gone. What kind of person isn’t there for his sister's birthday?
JUNIPER
I get it. Or— not that specifically, but the whole missing-your-family thing. And being scared. And young. The others are all adults—real adults—And they knew what they were really risking when— when everything happened. I know they told us what the consequences might be, but it feels a bit like they tricked us into helping them.
ASH
YES! Like, it's not really their fault all this happened, but it was still their decision. I mean, they just sort of… met us? and then they immediately asked us to join them in taking down The Labs.
And what would they have done if we said no? Just been like okay, yeah, that's cool, but also we might need to kill you now because you know we're planning on attacking a massive organization.
REDWOOD
[Quietly] I'm sorry-
JUNIPER
Exactly! I don't think I would have said yes if I'd been able to think clearly, but I'd just been taken aside randomly and had someone ask if I wanted to get rid of the place that took my best friend. I didn't really question it at the time, but I feel like they really shouldn't have gotten eighteen year olds to fight some massive organization.
REDWOOD
I'm sorry! we didn't- didn't mean to… to trick you. I'm sorry. I didn't mean toput you in a place like- I didn't know - I'm sorry!
ASH
Shoot. Hey, hey, it's okay, Red. Focus on me. Okay? We didn't mean you. I'm sorry. We should have- What?
JUNIPER
did… the lights just…turn off?
REDWOOD
[Quiet] Oh no.
[Distant crash]
SHEA
[yelling] Have the lights off down there as well?
ASH
[also yelling] Yeah. Did you turn them off?
SHEA
[still yelling] Wasn't us!
JUNIPER
[yelling, of course] I think I saw a light switch earlier. I'll go try to find it! [shuffling] Ack! Can't- see… There!
[The lights turn back on]
REDWOOD
[Hisses] No no no…
SHEA
They're back on!
JUNIPER
Down here too!
SHEA
Wonderful!
REDWOOD
No, no.. Ara- She's going to- Oh god help help help HELP!
ASH
Oh crap, Red. It's okay. It's okay. She isn't here, you're safe.
JUNIPER
Are you… Um, are you okay, Red?
ASH
Let me handle this, Jun.
JUNIPER
O- Okay.
ASH
You're safe, Redwood. You aren't with Ara anymore. You're here with us. Is it alright if I take your hand?
REDWOOD
DON’T TOUCH ME! I won’t let you do this to me. You're just one of the shapeshifters! I- I won't fall for this again! Why can''t I just be safe for once?I thought I was safe. It was… I ca… [Sobs]
ASH
Breathe, Red. You are safe here. Ara ca-
REDWOOD
[Sharp intake of breath]
ASH
Sorry. She can't hurt you. Breathe, Redwood. Feel your feet on the ground, your back on the wall. Focus on the air coming in and out of your lungs. You are here. You are safe. She has no control over you anymore. Only you have that control over yourself. Everyone here cares about you, and we are all exactly who we look like. We aren’t- [short exhale] We aren’t shapeshifters here to lure you into a false sense of security. No one here can or wants to hurt you. You are safe.
REDWOOD
[Heavy breathing, like that after a panic attack] I’m… Safe…
ASH
That’s right. You’re safe. Is it okay if I hold your hand now?
REDWOOD
[Panicked] Mm-mm.
ASH
O-okay, um, that's okay. Can you find your pulse, then?
REDWOOD
Okay. [Small pause] I found it.
ASH
Good. Focus on that. That’s your heart keeping you alive and safe and here. So long as you have your heartbeat you are safe.
REDWOOD
Okay… I'm here. Oh- shit- I did it again- I'm sor- I need to, uh, I have to use the restroom. Sorry.
ASH
Oh- um, okay? Are you sure you don't want-
REDWOOD
(angry)I'm fine. Thanks, I guess.
REDWOOD walks away.
JUNIPER
What just… happened?
ASH
I don't really know. Ever since Red got back from Embara Labs, stuff like that keeps happening. You know how I was the one to go get him when he didn't come back for a few days?
JUNIPER
Yeah.
ASH
He keeps freaking out like that. And I sort of know how to handle it, because it happens kind of a lot, so I feel like I need to be the one to help him. I'm worried that if I let someone else try, they'll just make it worse somehow. I've done that a couple times. The first time Redwood spiraled after the thing with the Labs, I tried to get him to tell me what happened that he was so scared about.
JUNIPER
And?
ASH
Big mistake. I think that's the worst I've ever seen him. I thought he was going to pass out. It lasted for hours.
JUNIPER
Oh… my gosh. That's- And you don't know why?
ASH
He won't tell me anything. I stopped asking once I realized it only made things worse.
(pause)
I feel like I need to be there for him constantly.
Like if I leave his side for just a moment- he could-
(crying)
JUNIPER
Oh, Ash. Come here, honey, I'm sorry. That's terrifying. You shouldn't have to deal with this. None of us should.
ASH
But we have to! Even if we shouldn't have to deal with this, there's no other option! We can't change the past, and we can't change the future! We're trapped here. We have to deal with this because the only other option is dying.
(Pause)
I'm sorry. We won't die. I'm just-
JUNIPER
Scared?
ASH
Yeah.
JUNIPER
Me too, Ash. All we can do is hope it turns out okay.
ASH
And if it doesn't?
JUNIPER
It will. At the very least, we have to believe we'll be okay. That's the only way to keep going.
ASH
[Sniff] Then let's keep going.
[Few seconds pause]
CEDAR
Wow, what happened down here? You two look… Not great.
JUNIPER
We're fine. Ash and I were just sort of realizing what being here really means.
SHEA
I'm sorry. This is all so unfair; You two are practically children! The fact that they made you choose between coming here and going to prison shows just how messed up our situation really is.
ASH
I just… I miss my family.
SHEA
It really is appalling that they put you two in an experiment. That they put any of us here, really. But we just need to be positive, right? So long as we remain optimistic, we can make it through this together. Right?
ASH
Um, y-sure, I… guess?
SHEA
JUNIPER?
JUNIPER
Um- Yeah. Yeah! We'll be… happy.
SHEA
That's the spiri-
CEDAR
Where'd REDWOOD go?
JUNIPER
He went to the restroom a few minutes ago. He was kind of freaking out right before. He said he was okay after but he really sounded-
ASH
Fine! He sounded fine! Totally okay and calm and all that stuff. I think the lights turning off just spooked him a bit, so there's really no need to go check on him or try to ask him what happened because he's fine!
(Pause)
SHEA
Um… Okay? I'm glad he's doing well with everything that's happening so that's… Good?
ASH
Yes! It is! It's very good! Um, me and Jun were just about to go check out what food they gave us, you know, make sure we have enough for the five of us and all.
SHEA
Oh, thank you! Will you make sure we have some halal food? I know they said they'd send some with us, but I want to make sure.
ASH
Yup! Of course! Bye!
CEDAR
Welp, Ash seems to be losing his mind. Good for him, getting a head start before the rest of us.
SHEA
CEDAR! Don't say things like that. None of us will lose our minds. We will find a way out of here and until then we will continue to stay positive.
CEDAR
Jeez, fine, I was just joking. No need to get all dramatic about it.
We are now in the kitchen
JUNIPER
What was that about? 'He's fine'? Red was very clearly not fine in any way.
ASH
You can't just tell everyone about this! They don't know how to help Redwood calm down. If they know that he keeps going into… whatever it is that keeps happening, they'll try to ask him about it, and that will make everything even worse.
Not that they've been getting better, but- UGH! Didn't you hear what I said earlier? I'm the only one who can help him. I only told you because you were there to see one of his- things.
JUNIPER
What? ASH, we need to tell them! CEDAR and SHEA can help. If you just explain to them about what's been happening, maybe they'll have a name for what's going on.
ASH
But what if they don't? Redwood can go into one of his spirals at the smallest things. The one you saw was calm compared to some of the other ones-
JUNIPER
And that's why he needs help! Even with everything you've been doing for him- you said it yourself, he isn't getting better! I know you can sometimes calm him down when they happen, but what Red needs is for them to not happen at all! One day Cedar and Shea will see Red have one of his things, and if we don't tell them they definitely won't know how to calm him. You won't always be there for him. You can't be.
ASH
YES I CAN! I'll find a way to make sure I'm always there when he needs me. I can get him somewhere quiet and calm him down and make sure so one makes it worse.
JUNIPER
(sigh) Look, Ash, I can see why you might think that, but you need to let people help you help Red. Think about it? Please?
ASH
Fine! I'll… think about it.
JUNIPER
Thank you. And, also, you can ask me for help too. I know you don't want to tell people, but since I already know now and stuff I want to make sure you know you're not alone. I mean, obviously you aren't alone, we're all stuck a a giant cube together, but- you know what I mean.
ASH
I do. And thanks.
JUNIPER
Any time, pal!
(pause)
That sounded a lot cooler in my head.
ASH
Eh, I say weird stuff all the time too. Now, why don't we actually get to taking a look at this food? I did promise Shea we'd check and I don't want to make her upset.
JUNIPER
Ooh, yeah! I hope they gave us pasta…
(Talking fades out)
(We are now in either the living room again, or the bathroom, IDK.) (UUUHHHHH Ima try the bathroom but IDK how to write dialogue with 1 person sooooo…)
REDWOOD
…Stupid stupid stupid! Why couldn't I just keep it in? ASH shouldn't be stuck with me all the time.
(Sink turns on)
Why can't I just make them stop? I wish there was a button I could press to just shut off my brain, or hit refresh on life or something. I don't want to be stuck with some broken mind lying to me forever.
(sink turns off)
I can't even trust my own thoughts!
(Pause that devolves into pained laughter)
Oh boy, this is really sad, isn't it? I mean- I'm literally talking to myself in a bathroom! I just- I hate feeling like a burden on ASH. I know he feels like he always has to be there for me, but I can handle this on my own. Right? I can- I can handle my own brain, right?
(pause)
Ugh, I probably shouldn't stay in here too much longer or everyone'll start worrying. Okay… just gotta pretend like I wasn't crying. Easy! I got this.
(The door opens then closes)
(We are now in the living room. Also, turns out I can write dialogue with one person! Yay!)
CEDAR
…ASH was acting weird, though. Right?
SHEA
You heard what Juniper said. He's still getting used to being here really starting to understand what all this means. And they're kids. I'm sure it's normal for them to be a little on edge in such an… offsetting situation.
CEDAR
Okay, okay. But let me know if you see him acting… off again? I don't want him to get hurt. Anymore than we all already are, anyway.
SHEA
I'll keep an eye on him. Though I also want to look out for you. Have you been okay the past few weeks? Today especially, I guess, since we're actually here now. I know how close you were with Cherry-
CEDAR
I thought I said I didn't want to talk about that! Jeez, first Jun, now you? Why does everyone keep asking me about Cherry? She's dead! Gone!
There's no way to get her back so there's no need to keep badgering me about it!
SHEA
I- [sigh] I'm sorry. I know you don't want to talk, and I shouldn't have brought it up. Please don't be angry with me.
CEDAR
What-? Of Course I'm angry, SHEA! Everyone keeps bringing up one of the worst moments of my life, I'm not just going to sit there and be okay with everything! We're stuck in this goddamn experiment and we'll be stuck here for the rest of our lives! I'm done. I'm headed to my room. See you later, I guess, because we're all stuck in this fucking cube, or something, and it's not like we have a choice.
SHEA
No- don't go, Cedar. You'll be okay. We'll all be okay! We'll find a way to be happy here. Together.
CEDAR
No. We won't.
(CEDAR stomps away, leaving SHEA alone.)
SHEA
[quietly] Well, you've messed it up now, haven't you?
(Some audio signal to show that we have switched to Casey)
CASEY
Well, I do believe that we have heard quite enough for now. What I have observed from this experiment thus far: The participants are already showing signs of cracking under the stress of confinement. There does appear to be some tension between certain members of the group that we were previously unaware of, especially between Ash and Redwood, and Shea and Cedar. I will continue to take note of the on goings in The Cube, as well as the mental state of those inside.
I will mainly focus on their interactions with each other, but will also keep an eye on how their actions differ from the aforementioned when alone. I believe that the results of experiment 4261 will prove to be far more interesting than we initially believed. End recording.
If you read all that, thanks! I know it's kind of a lot. Criticism and advice is greatly appreciated.
