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Layout — 4 panels
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Dev, whisper, very fast:
- DEVI have been tapping the shuffle on this crate since the conversation started.
- DEVThe crate is empty. It is hollow wood. It is acting as a small drum.
- DEVThere is just enough resonance to register on the Amp Box's input from this distance — if I can get the USB plugged into the Amp Box.
- DEVI need fifteen seconds. I need you to keep them talking for fifteen seconds and then move away from the Amp Box so I can dive for it.
- DEVWhen the USB plugs in, the Amp Box lights green.
- DEVWhen the Amp Box lights green, you sprint to it and grab the cable.
- DEVWhen you grab the cable, you plug it into the green guitar.
- DEVWhen the cable seats, you hit the chord.
- DEVI will be at the Amp Box turning the volume to eleven the second you start to strum.
- DEVThat gives the Operative about three seconds total to fire the weapon. They will miss.
- JESSE(whisper)That is a terrible plan, Dev.
- DEVIt is also our only plan, Jesse.
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Jesse, breathing.
- JESSEOkay.
- JESSEKeep them talking.
- DEVKeep them talking.
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Jesse turns back to the Operative. Sits up on the crate. Composes his face. Asks a question.
- JESSEI have a question.
- OPERATIVEOf course.
- JESSEIf you are so powerful — if you have always known where my dad was and what he was doing and what we'd do —
- JESSE— then why are you in the room with us right now?
- JESSEWhy isn't this an automated process?
- JESSEWhy are you personally negotiating?
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The Operative. The question lands. They pause. They smile — slightly less cold this time. They consider the answer.
- OPERATIVE…
- OPERATIVEThat is a good question, Jesse.
- OPERATIVEI will answer it.
- OPERATIVEBut you will not like the answer.