Part 4: The Recluse
WE BEGIN AT TRINKETT’S SHOP. WIND BLOWS THROUGH WINDCHIMES AS TRINKETT’S BARE FEET WALK INTO THE MIDDLE OF THE ROOM. SHE LIGHTS INCENSE AND SITS ON THE FLOOR. SHE BREATHES IN AND OUT FOR A MOMENT AND THEN SPEAKS.
TRINKETT
As the Earth holds me. As the Sky sees me. As the Sun rises within me. I step out to greet the Day.
SHE CONTINUES TO BREATHE UNTIL THERE IS A TIMID KNOCK ON HER DOOR. SHE TAKES ONE MORE BREATH AND ANSWERS.
TRINKETT (CONT’D) Come in.
THE DOOR OPENS AND DOUG WALKS IN.
FLAT DOUG
Hello?
TRINKETT
Hello Doug, come in.
FLAT DOUG
Sorry, am I disturbing you?
TRINKETT
Not at all, Doug, come in.
DOUG SHUTS THE DOOR BEHIND HIM.
TRINKETT (CONT’D) How are you?
FLAT DOUG
I’m okay.
TRINKETT
Just okay?
FLAT DOUG
I’m good... I’m sorry, that’s a lie, I’m just okay.
TRINKETT
Do you remember the emotional intelligence wheel I gave you?
FLAT DOUG
Yes. Right. I’m uh... fragile. I’m feeling fragile.
TRINKETT
And because you used the word fragile, you feel less fragile, right?
FLAT DOUG
Yes. Yes, a little.
TRINKETT
Good. Sit down.
FLAT DOUG
Okay.
DOUG SITS ON THE FLOOR. TRINKETT BREATHES.
TRINKETT
I’m sorry I’ve been away for so long. Have you been able to drink the skullcap tea in the morning?
FLAT DOUG
Yes. Yes, I have, it helps a lot. I gave up coffee.
TRINKETT
That’s great. I mean, there’s nothing wrong with coffee, it’s just very powerful and you need to pace yourself.
FLAT DOUG
I’ve had a little coffee.
TRINKETT
That’s okay.
FLAT DOUG
... Things have been very strange in town.
TRINKETT
Yes, Doug, they really have, I’m glad you came to see me.
FLAT DOUG
I’m not really sure what to do with it all.
TRINKETT
Well, the first thing to do is, what you’re doing right now, reach out to other people. Try and stay connected.
FLAT DOUG
Right.
TRINKETT
And what do you say to yourself?
FLAT DOUG
“I’m not sick.”
TRINKETT
You’re not. That’s right. The stars have made you sensitive to things that others aren’t. Things affect you differently than other people. That doesn’t mean you’re wrong, that doesn’t mean you’re broken, it just means you’re different. Different is good. Different is important.
FLAT DOUG
Right... It would help if things weren’t getting so strange. I mean, it’s nuts out there, Trinkett.
TRINKETT
I know it is, Doug. It’s not just you, it’s hard for me too. It’s been very hard to stay centered and connected for me, too. It’s not just you.
FLAT DOUG
Okay.
TRINKETT
How are things with your Dad?
FLAT DOUG
Well, he’s still an asshole.
TRINKETT
Okay.
FLAT DOUG
But he also can’t take care of himself, so I’m over there a lot.
TRINKETT
Right. Well, we’ve talked about this before, your father spent most of his life working for timber companies. Bringing down old growth like that releases a huge amount of energy that was being contained in the trees. He spent far too many years being exposed to that, he’s carrying a lot.
FLAT DOUG
He tends to make that my fault, though.
TRINKETT
I know, Doug. That’s not an excuse, that’s an explanation. He really is an asshole.
FLAT DOUG
Thank you.
TRINKETT
Don’t spend more time over there than you have to.
FLAT DOUG
I won’t.
TRINKETT
So... what do you need today? Is the tea enough do you think? I’ve got some linden oil that might help.
FLAT DOUG
Uh... actually something’s going on, it could be nothing, but I thought, y’know, considering everything that’s happening...
TRINKETT
What is it?
FLAT DOUG
It’s about Cameron.
TRINKETT
Cameron, what about Cameron?
FLAT DOUG
He... you know how he has his Wall Street Journal delivered to my store?
TRINKETT
Yes. Thank you for doing that, by the way.
FLAT DOUG
It’s no problem. It’s easy. The paper gets delivered to the shop and I drop it off at his front gate every day. He pays me way too much money to do it.
TRINKETT
So, what is the problem, then?
FLAT DOUG
The papers have been piling up a little. He hasn’t been picking them up. I dropped one off this morning and there’s five newspapers at his gate now.
TRINKETT
I see.
FLAT DOUG
I’m sure it’s nothing. Considering what’s going on lately, though, I thought I should say something and I know you go up to see him sometimes so I thought... Maybe I should come see you.
TRINKETT
Okay... thank you for doing that. I’m glad you told me.
FLAT DOUG
I’m sure it’s nothing.
TRINKETT
I’m sure. But I’m glad you told me.
FLAT DOUG
Should I tell Frank?
TRINKETT
No, don’t worry about it. I’ll check on him, you don’t have to worry about it.
FLAT DOUG
Okay.
TRINKETT
In fact I’ll do that right now.
FLAT DOUG
Great.
THEY BOTH GET UP. TRINKETT OPENS A BOX ON THE COUNTER.
TRINKETT
Before you go, I want you to take this. Keep this with you. It’s sodalite, it’ll help you stay cool out there, okay? Just keep it in your pocket, don’t leave home without it.
FLAT DOUG
Okay great. I’m so glad you’re back.
TRINKETT
Me too, Doug. I’ll let you know when more skullcap comes in, okay.
FLAT DOUG
Great.
DOUG EXITS.
TRINKETT
... What’s going on, Cameron?
WE MOVE TO THE HORIZON MOTEL. JUNE IS OUTSIDE DRINKING COFFEE. A CHICKEN APPROACHES.
JUNE
Ah... You again...
FRANK WALKS OUT OF THE OFFICE.
FRANK
What is that sound?
JUNE
Estelle’s back.
FRANK
You named Clementine’s chicken Estelle?
JUNE
I did. Good morning, Estelle.
FRANK
Why did you name it Estelle?
JUNE
Look at her. It works right?
FRANK
... It does.
JUNE
Estelle.
FRANK
How has one lone chicken been surviving in a forest full of chicken-eating things?
JUNE
Ooooh, I do not want to know the answer to that question.
FRANK
Nor do I.
JUNE
Maybe Estelle’s a survivor. When Trinkett’s comet swings by and obliterates the Earth, Estelle’s still going to be here. Just Estelle and cockroaches and Nick Nolte.
FRANK
I see we’ve added “getting obliterated by a comet” to our daily parlance.
JUNE
I see we’ve added “daily parlance” to our daily parlance. Are you a Dickensian banker?
FRANK
We’re not going to be obliterated by a comet.
JUNE
Trinkett says there’s a comet heading for Earth and it’s going to obliterate us.
FRANK
That’s not what she said, she did not say obliterate.
JUNE
It’s just like you to quibble over terminology when the world is on the brink of destruction. Can you believe this, Estelle?
FRANK
Don’t drag Estelle into this.
VERGE EMERGES FROM THEIR ROOM LIGHTING A CIGARETTE.
JUNE
Morning, Verge.
VERGE
Morning.
JUNE
What’s up this morning?
VERGE
Oh you know, just taking it all in before we’re obliterated.
JUNE
See?
FRANK
I thought it was my job to be the pessimistic one. I don’t like you two moving in on my territory.
JUNE
Nobody elected you the President of Pessimism, it was a volunteer position that you always took on pro-bono.
FRANK
Well, I’ve resigned my position and now I’m switching sides since you two seem to have it covered.
JUNE
Well look at you. Look at the growth.
FRANK
I’m just saying, just because there’s a lot of weird shit going on doesn’t mean that every hair-brained theory is correct.
JUNE
It’s like I don’t even know you.
VERGE
That’s a chicken, right?
JUNE
Verge, this is Estelle. Say hello, Estelle.
VERGE
You eat these, right?
FRANK
We’re not eating that one.
JUNE
Oh no, we are not. Stay away from this chicken, Verge. It’s cursed. Bad Juju.
VERGE
Juju?
WE HEAR TRINKETT’S BICYCLE COMING UP THE DRIVEWAY.
JUNE
Hey, speaking of witches and curses.
VERGE
Who’s this?
JUNE
It’s Trinkett, the local mystic, Verge. Do you need your chackras hoovered?
VERGE
My what what-ed?
FRANK
Trinkett, what’s up?
TRINKETT
I need your help. Hi, June.
JUNE
What’s going on?
TRINKETT
It’s Cameron.
FRANK
Cameron?
TRINKETT
I talked to Doug, Cameron hasn’t been picking up his newspapers.
FRANK
Well, maybe he just realized he was the last person in America to get the newspaper delivered.
TRINKETT
I think he may have regressed while I was gone. We need to check on him.
JUNE
What do you need us for?
TRINKETT
I tried ringing his intercom several times, he’s not answering.
FRANK
What can we do about it?
TRINKETT
We’re breaking in.
FRANK
... Oh, we are, are we?
TRINKETT
Yes.
FRANK
Trinkett.
TRINKETT
What?
FRANK
I’m not going to break in to Cameron’s high-tech compound, I wouldn’t even know how to do that.
TRINKETT
Would you just get your tools and come with me?
JUNE
Maybe he’s just out of town, Trinkett.
TRINKETT
He’s an agoraphobe.
JUNE
Oh shit. Really?
TRINKETT
I was working with him before I left... I shouldn’t have left... He didn’t trust doctors so he would call me once a week. We set up a plan where he would, once a day, leave his house to go pick up the paper at his front gate. It wasn’t a lot but it was working for him. Now there’s a pile of Wall Street Journals at his front gate.
FRANK
Trinkett, Cameron’s gate is solid steel, the locks are all computerized, he’s got security cameras, he could have machine gun turrets for all I know. My bolt cutters aren’t going to do the trick.
TRINKETT
We’ve got to do something.
JUNE
(Talking only to Verge.)
Hey, space friend.
VERGE
Who are they talking about?
JUNE
Cameron Winterborne-Welsh. Local reclusive billionaire. Do the rich people get really weird and eccentric where you come from?
VERGE
Totally.
JUNE
This guy’s like that. He invented a couple of things and made a bunch of money and then one day he buys a big plot of land up here, builds a high tech compound and then we never see him.
VERGE
And you’re going to break into his house?
JUNE
Well, I was wondering-
VERGE
Oh boy.
JUNE
I was wondering if your magic pocket pal had the ability to hack into a high tech computer lock situation.
VERGE
I’m assuming, yes.
ELDIN
Please don’t talk about me like I’m not here.
JUNE
Hey Eldin. Do you have some sort of Asimov’s law that prevents you from doing crimes?
ELDIN
June, look who my owner is. This is the longest Verge has gone without committing a crime.
JUNE
That’s cool. You guys are so cool.
ELDIN
I’d recommend against this but what a waste of processing power that would be.
JUNE
(To Frank and Trinkett.)
Guys, I have an idea!
WE MOVE TO THE FRONT GATE OF CAMERON’S COMPOUND. VERGE APPROACHES THE INTERCOM PANEL.
INTERCOM
Good morning. Please enter code or scan your passkey.
ELDIN
I hate it when they talk to me.
VERGE
This is it. Do your thing.
ELDIN
One moment...
TRINKETT
(To Frank and June.)
Who is this person?
FRANK
This is Verge.
TRINKETT
Okay.
JUNE
Verge is staying with us at the Horizon.
FRANK
Verge is a... skilled person.
TRINKETT
They’re a criminal.
JUNE
No.
FRANK
They-
JUNE
Not in the classic way-
FRANK
We don’t like to ask a lot of questions.
JUNE
Privacy is important, Trinkett.
FRANK
We recognize the irony of saying that while we’re breaking into someone’s home, but still...
ELDIN
Hmm.
VERGE
What?
INTERCOM
Good passkey. Please morning your enter or code your scan.
ELDIN
Interesting.
VERGE
What’s happening?
ELDIN
The estate has its own operating system. Not bad for Earth, actually, but something’s corrupting the system. Connections are being made where there shouldn’t be.
VERGE
Is there a workaround?
ELDIN
Yes. Hang on.
WE HEAR A BEEP AND THE HUGE GATE BEGINS TO SLOWLY OPEN.
VERGE
There we go.
ELDIN
I’d watch yourself in there.
VERGE
Why?
ELDIN
The system appears to have been hacked but not in any useful way. There’s been a randomization of the code that I can’t seem to put my finger on.
VERGE
I’ll keep my eyes open.
ELDIN
As will I.
JUNE
I can just imagine Cameron talking to his architect. “Yes, that gate is nice, but does it open ominously?”
TRINKETT
Thank you. I can take it from here.
FRANK
Are you sure?
TRINKETT
... No. No, I’m not, would you come with me?
FRANK
Sure.
JUNE
I was going in anyway, I have to see this place. C’mon, Verge. Crime!
VERGE
Lead the way.
THEY MAKE THEIR WAY ON FOOT UP TO THE ESTATE.
FRANK
... So he’s an agoraphobe, huh?
TRINKETT
It’s not about open spaces for him, it’s about purity. Feeling clean. The house is completely sealed off from the outside world and he’s got a complicated filtration system that everything runs through. He said he began to feel like every time he was outside, something was trying to infest his body. He didn’t want to feel that way, it was just an inescapable feeling for him.
FRANK
Jesus.
TRINKETT
Apparently when you work with microchips you have to do it in a clean room without any dust particles. You have to wear this head-to-toe suit that keeps you from corrupting things. He said the first time he ever stepped into one of those clean rooms was the most calm he’d ever felt in his life. He got obsessed with the feeling. It took over everything.
FRANK
And he turned to you for this? I didn’t think there was a magic spell for Agoraphobia.
TRINKETT
Very funny.
FRANK
Is there a magical spell for Agoraphobia?
TRINKETT
Frank, are you honestly asking me about my work or are you just looking for an opportunity to make fun of me?
FRANK
Can’t it be both?
TRINKETT
You’re such an asshole... I’d start with passion flower tea. Then if that didn’t work, Black Tourmaline.
FRANK
A rock?
TRINKETT
Wear it as a necklace near your sternum.
FRANK
Did any of that work?
TRINKETT
He never tried it. He was just as skeptical of me as he was a conventional doctor. He just felt like he could talk to me. I accepted him for who he was, without any judgement. That can be very powerful for someone.
JUNE
There it is.
VERGE
Fuck, it’s huge.
JUNE
Yeah, not exactly a cozy, blanket-on-the-legs cabin in the woods is it? I guess if I lived there I’d get a little agoraphobia too.
VERGE
Eldin, define Agoraphobia.
JUNE
I got this one, Eldin. It’s a fear of going outside.
ELDIN
It’s not.
JUNE
It’s not?
ELDIN
No. Agoraphobia is a rare human condition wherein a person develops an irrational fear of locations that appear to have no easy escape. Because of this fear they may have the tendency to avoid leaving their homes. Based on what we’ve heard, a more accurate assessment of this man may be mysophobia, an irrational fear of germs and contamination.
JUNE
But Trinkett said he was an agoraphobe.
ELDIN
There are no experts on this subject in our immediate vicinity.
VERGE
Sounds like airlock shock.
ELDIN
There are some similarities between mysophobia and airlock shock.
VERGE
Sometimes if you’re on a long haul, you spend a lot of time with recycled air and sealed airlocks. If you spend enough time in the black you can get attached to the idea that you’re in control of your entire environment. Then, the next time you need to dock somewhere, you hesitate. You don’t want to leave the safety of your perfectly manicured air supply. You begin to fear what’s out there.
JUNE
Wow. Did that ever happen to you?
VERGE
Once. I was in some pretty deep trouble so I had to make my way into some uncharted territory. I was in a sealed environment for how long?
ELDIN
Approximately two Earth years.
JUNE
It took you two years to get where you were going?
VERGE
Two years. No stops along the way.
JUNE
Jesus. How big was the ship?
VERGE
It was very, very small... I remember reaching out to depressurize the docking port for the first time. My hand shook. It took me a while to get up the courage to leave. I’m sure space travel seems pretty romantic to you, June, but it’s definitely not a place to make your home.
JUNE
How long have you made it your home?
VERGE
... My whole life.
TRINKETT
Fucking hell, Cameron.
FRANK
Has he blacked out the windows?
TRINKETT
He’s blacked out the windows.
FRANK
Well, what do we do? Should we just knock?
TRINKETT
What else can we do?
TRINKETT STEPS UP TO THE FRONT DOOR AND BEGINS KNOCKING.
TRINKETT (CONT’D)
Cameron?... Cameron, it’s Trinkett... Cameron are you there?
ELDIN
Something’s not right.
FRANK
Trinkett, stop knocking.
VERGE
What’s wrong?
TRINKETT
Cameron, I had to break through your gate I’m pretty upset right now.
FRANK
Stop knocking.
TRINKETT
What?
ELDIN
There’s a high particulate count in the air. Organic. It looks like... spores.
FRANK
The windows aren’t blacked out.
TRINKETT
What do you mean?
FRANK
Look...
TRINKETT
... What is that?
FRANK
It looks like fungus, Trinkett. It’s completely covering all the windows.
TRINKETT
How do you know?
FRANK
Look at the door jamb.
JUNE
...Are those mushrooms?
ELDIN
I highly suggest your friends step back from the windows and doors.
VERGE
Let’s move back, people.
TRINKETT
What?
VERGE
Ever had a lung full of spores? Move back.
JUNE
Spores?
THE MUSHROOMS AROUND THE DOOR BEGIN TO HISS AS THEY EMIT A CLOUD OF SPORES.
JUNE (CONT’D) Oh shit!
FRANK
Back back back back back!
THEY ALL STEP AWAY FROM THE HOUSE.
JUNE
Did cameron’s house just try to kill us?
FRANK
Every single window is black and there’s a lot of them.
JUNE
The entire house is full of mushrooms?
TRINKETT
What happened?
FRANK
I thought his house was hermetically sealed from the outside world?
TRINKETT
It is.
JUNE
Well he should fire his contractor.
TRINKETT
If he’s still in there he’s...
FRANK
Trinkett.
VERGE
If he’s still in there he’s been dead for a while... sorry. If this place is really full of that much active fungal spores... no way he lives.
FRANK
...
TRINKETT ...
VERGE
Sorry, I thought I should cut to the chase.
TRINKETT
I need to get in there.
FRANK
Absolutely not.
TRINKETT
I’m going in there.
FRANK
Trinkett, listen to what Verge just said. There’s a very high chance of there being a dead body in there.
TRINKETT
I’m not afraid of that. I’ll put a mask on.
FRANK
That’s not enough.
TRINKETT
It has to be.
FRANK
No, Trinkett, I’ve been through this when I used to work demolition, okay? It’s not just a mask you need.
For mold spores it needs to be a full-face gas mask AND with something called a P100 filter. Nobody in town has those.
TRINKETT
Why not?
FRANK
Because it’s a town of 600 people, Trinkett.
TRINKETT
He could be alive in there, too, Frank. We’re forgetting that part, he could be alive in there and he needs help. We need to get in there right now.
FRANK
Even if it kills us?
JUNE
(To Verge.)
Excuse me, Spaceperson?
VERGE
Yes.
JUNE
I think we need you to go put your spacesuit on.
VERGE
My spacesuit?
JUNE
I’m assuming your spacesuit would protect you from mold so, yeah. It’s an emergency. Spacesuit on. Let’s go.
VERGE
I don’t have a spacesuit.
JUNE
What are you talking about, you have a spaceship but no spacesuit?
VERGE
It’s not that kind of spaceship.
JUNE
What the hell kind of spaceship doesn’t require a spacesuit?
ELDIN
Verge’s ship is a converted racing sloop. It has no airlock therefore no spacesuit is required.
JUNE
Well... I’m very disappointed in your spaceship.
ELDIN
We do have a set of two hazard masks.
JUNE
What are those?
ELDIN
Masks that are meant to adapt to hostile environs should you touch down on a planet with a less than favorable atmosphere.
JUNE
That works, right? Are they anti-mushroom?
ELDIN
Most definitely.
JUNE
Now we’re cooking. Nice work, Eldin.
ELDIN
I live for your approval.
JUNE
Guys, I’m crushing it today. I’ve got good idea number two. Frank, take us back to The Horizon.
LATER. WE HEAR A CASE POP OPEN AND DECOMPRESS.
VERGE
Okay, here they are.
TRINKETT
This looks really complicated, you just travel around with these?
VERGE
Lot of hostile environments out there.
FRANK
Are you sure you want to do this, Tinkett?
TRINKETT
I’m sure. How do you put it on?
VERGE
I’ll show you, are you ready?
TRINKETT
Yes.
VERGE
You don’t look like you’re ready.
TRINKETT
I am. I’m... it’s going to cover my whole face and I’m a little claustrophobic.
VERGE
Doesn’t sound like there’s any time for that now.
TRINKETT
You’re right. Go ahead.
VERGE
Okay, I’m going to put this over your head like so...
VERGE PUTS THE MASK ON TRINKETT.
VERGE (CONT’D)
This part goes in your ear so I can talk to you. Since I know how these work I’ll wear the other one and go in with you.
JUNE
You don’t have to do that Verge.
VERGE
We might need to make adjustments while we’re in there, also, I’m a little curious what the hell’s going on past that door.
VERGE PUTS THEIR MASK ON.
VERGE (CONT’D)
Can you hear me?
TRINKETT
I can hear you. This is very disorienting.
VERGE
You’ll get use to it.
TRINKETT
Just give me a moment, okay?
VERGE
Sure. Focus on breathing... Eldin, are you connected to my camera?
ELDIN
I am.
VERGE
You two take Eldin. His screen will show you everything I’m seeing, okay?
JUNE
Okay, Eldin, I promise not to drop you. Also, do you break if a drop you?
ELDIN
Please give me to Frank.
JUNE
Good call.
TRINKETT
Okay, I think I’m going to be alright. Let’s go.
VERGE
Alright. I’ll go through first. Stay close.
TRINKETT
Okay.
VERGE
Knock knock.
VERGE KICKS THE DOOR OPEN. THEY SLOWLY WALK INSIDE. THE ENTIRE HOUSE SEEMS TO REACT TO THEIR ENTRANCE. IT MAKES SOUNDS LIKE AN OOZING AND TEEMING ENVIRONMENT.
VERGE (CONT’D)
Well, this is something.
FRANK
(In earpiece.)
Jesus Christ, the whole place is covered in mushrooms.
JUNE
(In earpiece.)
That is so fucking creepy. Trinkett, how’re you doing, it looks pretty weird in there?
TRINKETT
(To herself.)
Goddess my shield, my encircler, each day, each night, each dark, each light. Goddess my shield, my encircler, each day, each night, each dark, each light.
VERGE
What’s that?
TRINKETT
Just asking for some protection.
VERGE
Not a bad idea.
INTERCOM
Good beautiful, Cameron. Morning The today be a day. air quality clear is mostly should.
VERGE
Any hope for this operating system, Eldin?
ELDIN
No. It’s completely scrambled.
VERGE
It’s like a farm in here. How many different kinds of mushrooms am I looking at?
ELDIN
I’ve counted sixty-seven varieties at this point. Some of them...
VERGE
What?
ELDIN
Some of them not native to this planet.
VERGE
What?
ELDIN
In this main room alone are clusters of Aboobalooth, Jambles, and the very rare Green Mountain Hermit with Asure Blue Eggs. These are all fungal strains from planets in Triangulum.
VERGE
The plot thickens.
ELDIN
Indeed.
FRANK
(In earpiece.)
This doesn’t make any sense. Fungus needs decay to live. There’s nothing in his house that decays, what is the fungus feeding on?
ELDIN
The Cro-Magnon is right. None of this makes sense biologically.
TRINKETT
I can’t believe what I’m seeing.
VERGE
Neither can I.
TRINKETT
I don’t... I know mushrooms. When it’s the season I’m harvesting at least once a week... I’ve never seen half of these. I don’t understand... Cameron?... Cameron, can you hear me?...
VERGE
Look, if he’s somehow alive he definitely can’t call out for help.
JUNE
(In earpiece.)
Hey Trinkett, do you know if he had one of those... shit, what do you call them? When rich people are scared of poor people?
FRANK
(In earpiece.)
A safe room?
JUNE
A safe room. Trinkett, did he have a safe room? Maybe he’s hiding in there?
TRINKETT
No, he didn’t... I need to check the bedroom.
VERGE
Ok.
TRINKETT
I can’t.
VERGE
Why?
TRINKETT
... The bedroom is this way... it’s completely blocked.
VERGE
You’re telling me this wall is a hallway?
TRINKETT
Yes.
VERGE
It’s a wall of mushrooms now.
TRINKETT
I need to get through there.
JUNE
Wait, what’s happening?
VERGE
The hallway is completely blocked by a fungus wall.
JUNE
Gross.
FRANK
That’s a bad idea, Trinkett.
VERGE
Stand back, okay?
TRINKETT
What are you going to do?
VERGE
Eldin, what’s a good setting?
ELDIN
.06 power on a scatter setting.
VERGE
Okay.
VERGE TAKES OUT THEIR PLASMA GUN AND MAKES ADJUSTMENTS.
TRINKETT
What is that?
VERGE
Do you want to go through that hallway?
TRINKETT
Yes.
VERGE
Then don’t worry about it.
JUNE
Are you going to laser beam the mushrooms?
VERGE
Plasma.
JUNE
Are you going to plasma beam the mushrooms?
VERGE
I’m just going to give them a little shove. Here we go.
VERGE FIRES THE PLASMA GUN AT THE WALL OF MUSHROOMS. IT’S A LOW CASCADE RATHER THAN A VIOLENT BLAST. WE HEAR THE MUSHROOMS BEGIN TO RECOIL.
JUNE
It looks like it’s working.
VERGE DISCONTINUES THE BEAM.
VERGE
Okay, looks like you’re good to go.
TRINKETT
Thank you.
VERGE
At the end of the hall?
TRINKETT
Yes...
VERGE
... Do you want me to come with you?
TRINKETT
No... No I should go alone.
VERGE
Okay. Shout if you need me.
TRINKETT TAKES A LONG WALK DOWN THE HALLWAY.
TRINKETT
Goddess my shield, my encircler, each day, each night, each dark, each light. Goddess my shield, my encircler, each day, each night, each dark, each light...
FRANK
... Trinkett?
TRINKETT
... I found him... He’s gone... It’s like... It’s like the infestation started with him and then moved out to the rest of the house... He’s completely covered by them.
FRANK
... Shit... Okay... I’m very sorry Trinkett.
JUNE
I am too, but Trinkett, you really need to get out of there now okay? This doesn’t feel right.
TRINKETT
... There’s something I need to do.
FRANK
Okay... okay make it fast, Trinkett...
TRINKETT
... I’m so sorry, Cameron... I shouldn’t have left... I abandoned you... I hope you can forgive me...
SHE TAKES A DEEP BREATH.
TRINKETT (CONT’D)
Goddess of death, I stand here as your priestess knowing that life must be winnowed to thrive. This is a holy act I perform...
WE MOVE BACK TO VERGE.
VERGE
Eldin... am I seeing what I think I’m seeing?
ELDIN
You are... That is the Space Foot.
JUNE
What is that?
VERGE
How is this here?
ELDIN
I have no idea how any of this is here, but this little bit of fungus especially. Scientists have been trying to cultivate Space Foot for a generation.
VERGE
And here it sits.
ELDIN
What the fuck is going on in this town?
VERGE
I’m supposed to ask you questions, remember?
ELDIN
Damn... Verge one of the seals in your mask is losing integrity. I can’t guarantee a seal anymore, you’d better head back outside.
VERGE
Shit. Okay.
VERGE HEADS BACK OUTSIDE.
VERGE (CONT’D)
Trinkett, I’ve got a bad seal I have have to head back out, are you okay?
VERGE EMERGES FROM THE HOUSE AND STRIPS OFF THEIR MASK.
FRANK
Are you alright?
VERGE
DAMN that was creepy. Everything squished.
FRANK
Where’s Trinkett?
JUNE
Trinkett? You need to come out now, Trinkett. No spelunking in the fungus cave without a buddy.
FRANK
... Trinkett?
JUNE
... Trinkett?...
FRANK
Oh God.
JUNE
Damn it, I knew we should’ve tied a rope to her.
FRANK
Trinkett? Trinkett, Verge’s mask isn’t working anymore, we can’t come and get you, you’ve got to get out of there...
JUNE
Oh shit... oh shit... C’mon, Trinkett.
TRINKETT
... I can’t find the door...
JUNE
Shit.
TRINKETT
I don’t know where I am.
FRANK
Fuck. We’ve got to get her out of there.
VERGE
My mask’s no good anymore, she needs to figure it out for herself.
TRINKETT
I think... I think the walls keep changing...
FRANK
Trinkett, just keep moving forward, one foot in front of the other.
TRINKETT
I can’t see the door.
ELDIN
She’s becoming hypoxic. She’s having a panic attack, she needs to leave right now.
JUNE
Try to breathe, Trinkett. You’re having a panic attack.
TRINKETT
I can’t... I can’t breathe...
FRANK
Oh, fuck this-
JUNE
Frank! Whoa!
FRANK OPENS THE FRONT DOOR AND WALKS INSIDE. WE MOVE TO TRINKETT. SHE TRIES TO CATCH HER BREATH.
TRINKETT
... Cameron, I’m so sorry...
WE HEAR FOOTSTEPS APPROACH. FRANK HAULS TRINKETT TO HER FEET.
FRANK
Hey there, Trinkett. Can I get you some Black Tourmaline.
TRINKETT
Frank...
FRANK
Let’s go.
THEY MAKE THEIR WAY TO THE FRONT DOOR.
TRINKETT
You can’t be here-
FRANK
I know, which means if you don’t move it, it’s going to be all your fault when I die, c’mon, keep moving.
THEY BURST OUT THE FRONT DOOR.
JUNE
Frank, what the fuck!
FRANK
Get the mask off her.
VERGE
Hold still.
VERGE GETS THE MASK OFF OF TRINKETT. TRINKETT DROPS TO THE GROUND AND TRIES TO CATCH HER BREATH. JUNE STARTS REPEATEDLY HITTING FRANK.
JUNE
You... stupid...
FRANK
Ow!
JUNE
Fucking... asshole!
FRANK
Stop hitting me!
JUNE
You just sucked in more mold than a truffle pig, you dick!
VERGE
Eldin can you give Frank the once over?
ELDIN
Hold still, Captain America, I need to sonogram your lungs.
JUNE
You’re a fucking asshole and I hate you.
FRANK
What was I supposed to do, sit here while she turned into a toadstool?
ELDIN
I think... I think you’re going to be fine, Frank.
FRANK
Okay. See? Everything’s fine.
JUNE
Everything’s not fine, you yutz!
FRANK
Trinkett, are you okay?
TRINKETT
... Thank you, Frank...
FRANK
No problem.
VERGE
Well... I don’t know about you three but Auntie Verge needs a little drink. How about we pack up here and go raise a glass to the mushroom guy?
LATER. WE CAN HEAR THE SOUNDS OF DRINKING AND LAUGHING INSIDE THE SHEEP’S EYE. THE DOOR OPENS.
VERGE (CONT’D) Hey.
TRINKETT
Hey.
VERGE
... That was a very nice service you performed in there.
TRINKETT
Thanks... I wish I could’ve done more...
VERGE
I’m sure we all do...
TRINKETT
... I was in the high desert with five other practitioners once... One of us was going through a very scary time and we decided we would try and invoke a spirit for courage... The Great Horned God is what we call him... Not that horned god, a different one, okay?
VERGE
Okay.
TRINKETT
We sat around a fire as the sun set. After an hour... I swear to you we saw him... He was standing in the fire. I could see the flames curling around his legs... it was transformative... We were all really deeply changed by that moment... And I remember thinking to myself that that would be it for me. That will be the strangest thing I ever experience. Some curved flames in a campfire... After today... After today I... I think today broke me. I don’t know how to bring meaning to what I do anymore, I can’t explain what just happened... It broke me.
VERGE
... There’s a saying where I come from... “May you be blessed by the world breaking you. May you survive the blessing and break the world.”
TRINKETT
... I get a very strange energy off of you.
VERGE
Thank you... Here.
TRINKETT
What is... You took one of the mushrooms?
VERGE
I did.
TRINKETT
...I don’t know what this is.
VERGE
It’s got a stupid name. It’s called the Space Foot.
TRINKETT
Why?
VERGE
Because it looks like a little foot and because it can survive in the void of space... Space Foot.
TRINKETT
Why did you take this?
VERGE
Because it’s important. If you can figure out how to process it, that little fungus can obliterate any disease it comes into contact with. It’s one of the rarest things in existence.
TRINKETT
How do you know that?
VERGE
Because I used to smuggle them... I thought it might help you to know that your friends body isn’t lying in a tomb right now... It’s laying in a fucking pharmacy.
TRINKETT
... Who are you?
VERGE
You realize you’re not ready to ask me that question yet, right?
TRINKETT
... Yes... Yes I do... It’s a beautiful little thing, isn’t it?
VERGE
Yes.
TRINKETT
... Tell everyone I said thank you.
VERGE
I will.
TRINKETT
... It’s nice to meet you, Verge.
VERGE
You too, Witchy-poo.
TRINKETT
Goodnight.
A FEW DAYS LATER. THE DAY BEGINS AGAIN, TRINKETT WALKS TO THE MIDDLE OF THE ROOM, LIGHTS INCENSE AND SITS.
TRINKETT (CONT’D)
As the Earth holds me. As the Sky sees me. As the Sun rises within me. I step out to greet the Day.
THERE IS A KNOCK ON HER DOOR AGAIN.
TRINKETT (CONT’D) Come in.
FLAT DOUG
Hey there.
TRINKETT
Hey Doug. Come in... How are you doing?
FLAT DOUG
Uh... I actually came in to see how you were doing.
TRINKETT
Oh... That’s kind of you.
FLAT DOUG
I’m so sorry about Cameron.
TRINKETT
Thank you.
FLAT DOUG
I didn’t really know him.
TRINKETT
... I guess I didn’t either.
FLAT DOUG ...
TRINKETT ...
FLAT DOUG
Did he have any family?
TRINKETT
No, it was just him.
FLAT DOUG
... The whole place had really been taken over by mushrooms?
TRINKETT
... Yes... How have you been feeling about that? I imagine it’s a little worrying for you.
FLAT DOUG
It’s funny I...
TRINKETT
What?
FLAT DOUG
It effected you.
TRINKETT
It really did, yes.
FLAT DOUG
... Is it weird that that helped me?
TRINKETT
How do you mean?
FLAT DOUG
... I’ve been hit by two snow plows, Trinkett.
TRINKETT
Yes, I know, Doug.
FLAT DOUG
I live in a small town at the top of a very big mountain to avoid things like that happening and it happened to me twice.
TRINKETT
It did.
FLAT DOUG
So there’s no getting away from it. That’s what I said to myself. It’s all inescapable so I better just worry about everything all the time.
TRINKETT
And you did.
FLAT DOUG
And I did. All the time. So there I would sit, either worrying about the things I did or worrying about the things that could happen, never on the present moment, like you always tell me to do, and it sucks real bad, Trinkett.
TRINKETT
I know.
FLAT DOUG
And I watch people walk around all day and they’re fine. They don’t think about everything all the time like I do, their minds are free and clear and... it’s just today for them... I really hate them for that sometimes... Why can’t I be like that? Why can’t it just be today for me... And then I saw you at Cameron’s wake and I saw you were upset and... I don’t know... you helped me by being upset... just by being human... And I just thought that maybe, with you being here and us always coming to you with problems, maybe you feel like you always have to be... better. Above it all... and maybe that’s a little exhausting.
TRINKETT
... It really is sometimes.
FLAT DOUG
There’s a lot going on right now, Trinkett. It’s okay to be freaked out like the rest of us... in fact maybe we’d appreciate it. Maybe it would help us.
TRINKETT
Thank you do saying that.
FLAT DOUG
I need to open the store. You should come by the Sheep’s Eye sometime. We’d all love to see you. Even Frank.
TRINKETT
Ok... I’ll think about it.
FLAT DOUG
Alright. Have good day, Trinkett.
TRINKETT
You too, Doug.
THE DOOR CLOSES. TRINKETT TAKES A DEEP BREATH.
THE END.