Dandelions - Episode One (Draft 1)
Jun 22, 2016 17:42:03 GMT
Post by philj on Jun 22, 2016 17:42:03 GMT
EPISODE 1 – THE SILENT KILLER
Scene 1: The Dandelion Field
Fade in
(FX: INTRO MUSIC THEN STRONG WIND NOISE AND VEHICLE NOISES, WHEELS, ENGINE, BUMPS IN THE ROAD)
MEGAN WOODS
(Loudly) According to the police report, it’s just in the next field.
DR JON MYLES
(Loudly) It better had be Megan I haven’t got time for this nonsense and I really don’t like the look of the weather.
MEGAN
I checked with the meteorological station before we left, Hurricane Donna will not hit us for another seven hours.
DR JON
There will be hell to pay if this is another of Charlie Swindon’s alien conspiracies.
MEGAN
According to Paul…
DR JON
I hadn’t realised that the police sergeant was back from the mainland.
MEGAN
He got back this morning and picked up Charlie’s call as he walked through the door.
DR JON
For crying out aloud, the man’s a menace, he’s a conspiracy nut he sees alien abductions and experimentation in everything.
MEGAN
Not this time, he told Paul that something has killed all his sheep and that he blames us.
DR JON
Why us?
MEGAN
They were in the ‘Dandelion Field.’
DR JON
You mean he was letting his sheep graze on our test crop?
MEGAN
Yes I know he was trespassing, but that’s not the point, the dandelions are supposed to be harmless.
(FX: VEHICLE STOPS, DOORS OPEN AND THEY GO OUTSIDE INTO THE WIND, FOOTSTEPS ON GRAVEL, GATE OPENING AND MORE FOOTSTEPS)
DR JON
Bugger!
MEGAN
Charlie was correct… they are all dead.
DR JON
Why would he graze his sheep here, he knows this field is restricted.
MEGAN
He likes his sheep to graze on dandelions; he reckons that they are high in calcium, nitrogen, copper and iron.
DR JON
And that they cost him nothing to grow…
MEGAN
That as well!
DR JON
(Deep sighs of frustration) As we are here, we need to pick one up and take it back to the lab for an autopsy. Maybe we can salvage some good out of this.
(FX: FOOTSTEPS AND INSECT NOISE)
MEGAN
I don’t like the look of that.
DR JON
Hmmm!
MEGAN
Why are the flies swarming over by the cliff edge?
(FX: CONTINUING WIND, FOOTSTEPS ON GRAVEL)
DR JON
I’d stay Megan there if I were you.
MEGAN
What is it? (Indignant) I’m not a squeamish newbie I’ve seen death before. Oh… (long pause) is he?
DR JON
Quite dead, I’m afraid, and look at those burns.
MEGAN
The poor man, he must have died in absolute agony.
(FX: THE SNAP OF RUBBER GLOVES AND RUSSLE OF CLOTHING)
DR JON
What are you doing?
MEGAN
I’m checking for his ID… Patrick Hartnell, Dam it, he’s a tourist from the mainland. We need to get him back to the police station before the Hurricane arrives… (takes a deep breath) and we can examine his body there.
DR JON
We will take him back with us to the Research Centre, our facilities are better than the local coroner’s.
MEGAN
If we do that we risk being accused of taking part in a cover-up, I disagree, we should take him to the station.
DR JON
I’m afraid I must insist… should it be necessary we will invite the coroner over to check our findings.
MEGAN
(Getting slightly cross) That’s ridiculous we are talking about a dead tourist not one of Charlie’s sheep.
DR JON
(Arrogantly) I think you are forgetting who is the boss here and who is the paid help. You stay put while I bring the jeep over.
(FX: DOOR SLAMS, ENGINE STARTS, PARKS WITH THE ENGINE RUNNING, SOUNDS OF MOVING THE BODY, DOORS SLAM AND THE VECHICLE BEGINS TO DRIVE AWAY)
MEGAN
You give me no choice, but once we have dropped the body off, I’m going to take his ID to Paul so he can contact the mainland.
Fade Out
Scene 2: The Coast Guard
Fade in
(FX: POLICE RADIO CHATTER IN THE BACKGROUND)
PAUL DANUBE
Hi Megan, I got your message thanks for coming in.
MEGAN
It’s the least I could do.
PAUL
Is that the ID?
MEGAN
Yeah, any news on the other tourist?
PAUL
Patrick Hartnell and his friend, Peter Megan didn’t return to their hotel rooms last night. Sarah at the hostel thought it was unusual, as they had been looking forward to the evening lobster special.
MEGAN
Sarah’s lobster is something else!
PAUL
Absolutely, I wouldn’t miss it for anything. Still they are guests and Sarah put their absence down the local beer.
MEGAN
We didn’t see a sign of another body in the Dandelion field but we found the body up near the cliff edge.
PAUL
(Attentive) That makes sense… we have searched all the general footpaths but even on a small island like this, you can’t search everywhere. What were the silly fools doing trespassing up there?
MEGAN
I’m sorry Paul I’ve no idea.
PAUL
Oh hell, I’m going to have to call the coastguard and with Donna coming they’re not going to like it!
(FX: CLICKS AND HUMS AND RADIO STATIC)
Whisky, Alpha, Foxtrot, Blue Point, calling COMMSTA, Johnston Station Over.
COAST GUARD
COMMSTA, Johnston Station receiving you Whisky, Alpha Foxtrot, Blue Point, how’s the weather there Paul?
PAUL
Hi Mike, at the moment it is clear but Hurricane Donna is on her way and the winds are increasing.
COAST GUARD
How can we help you?
PAUL
The Research Centre found one of our missing tourists dead in their Dandelion field just off the north cliff. There is a possibility that the other might have fallen off the path and could be still alive, we are requesting search and rescue.
COAST GUARD
You are kidding…
PAUL
Mike I wish I was, but we have searched all the places we can get to and our lifeboat can’t close enough to the cliff face to check. Sorry but we need you to have a look from the air.
COAST GUARD
Blue Point, you know you are near our Bingo… I’ll be honest Paul I’m not sure in this weather that we can risk it… Give me a moment while I check the met office and see if the weather forecast will permit us enough flying time to take a look.
MEGAN
Bingo?
PAUL
We are so remote from the mainland that a search and rescue of this type, combined with the fuel needed for return trip means, at the best of times, they have very little flying time over the island.
MEGAN
Why can’t the helicopter land and refuel here?
PAUL
In good weather, it can and has, but we have no aircraft hanger here and the expected hurricane winds would destroy the helicopter if it was left out in the open.
COAST GUARD
The Met Office have given us a tentative clear, so our commander has authorised the search but if the weather begins to worsen then we will have to abort.
PAUL
Understood… thanks Mike, I owe you one.
COAST GUARD
No need Paul it’s our job and we know you would not ask if there was any other way. Coast Guard out.
(FX: CLICKS AND HUMS AND RADIO STATIC STOP)
Fade Out
Scene 3: Lucy
Fade in
(FX: BIRD NOISE, SLIGHT WIND, WAVES IN THE DISTANCE AND CAR GOES BY)
LUCY SMITH
(Scream of pain)
MEGAN
Who’s there?
LUCY
(Tears)
(FX: RUNNING FOOSTEPS)
MEGAN
Lucy… Lucy is that you? What’s happened?
LUCY
Oh Megan, thank God, something is stinging my arm and I’m in agony.
MEGAN
Let me have a look, (deep breath) that looks terrible… I have a medical kit in my car; do you think you can walk that far?
LUCY
Uh hmmmm, sure, sorry to be a baby but it hurts so much.
MEGAN
You are not being a baby, it looks like something has burned your arm.
LUCY
(Through tears of pain) Thank you.
(FX: FOOTSTEPS, CAR DOOR OPENING, ZIP)
MEGAN
Even with my glasses on I can’t see what has caused this, but it doesn’t look like it is an actual burn… more a very nasty sting, I’m going to put on some antihistamine cream on it and give you a couple of painkillers. Here drink this…
(FX: SCREW TOP OPENING ON A WATER BOTTLE AND SWALLING SOUNDS. CAR DOORS SHUT)
I need to get you to your Uncle Jon but we will stop at the medical centre at my lab first where I can have a proper look at whatever has stung you.
LUCY
Is it bad?
MEGAN
I have no idea but it doesn’t look good… Let me help you with your seatbelt.
(FX: CLUNK OF SEATBELT, ENGINE STARTS AND CONTINUES. CLUNK AS THEY HIT A BUMP IN THE ROAD)
LUCY
Ahhhh…
MEGAN
I’m so sorry, I will try to dodge the potholes… Have the antihistamine cream and the pain killers helped?
LUCY
It hurts like hell but I’m managing, so maybe… yes a little.
MEGAN
Have you any idea what sort of insect stung you?
LUCY
No not really, I was flicking a dandelion seed off my shoulder when a hornet flew past me. I hate hornets; they are as nasty as wasps and three times bigger.
MEGAN
But it didn’t sting you.
LUCY
No, I panicked and spun away from it, actually, if anybody had been watching I would have looked pretty stupid. But as soon as I stood up my arm suddenly hurt so badly I screamed and you ran around the corner.
MEGAN
(Almost to herself) There was no sting that I could see…
LUCY
Can I ask you a question?
MEGAN
Sure, anything if it will take your mind off the pain.
LUCY
How did you end up working for my uncle Jon?
MEGAN
You sound surprised.
LUCY
I am, don’t get me wrong, I love my uncle, but I’ve noticed he’s is not an easy man to work with.
MEGAN
(Guardedly) He has his moments…
LUCY
Seriously, how did you end up working for him?
MEGAN
As a child, I had a dream of saving the planet… No don’t laugh, I did, but when I was at university I fell in love with dandelions because they are so versatile, they are full of goodness and…
LUCY
Carry on I’m listening.
MEGAN
Stop me if I am boring you.
LUCY
Don’t worry I will… no honestly, my arm is hurting so much that listening to your voice is so soothing.
MEGAN
Hmmm, that’s another way of saying boring.
LUCY
I love dandelions too, you had the most enormous one with a magnificent clock in your lab that I took it outside and blew it. The seeds fly so beautifully.
MEGAN
(Laughing) I wondered where that had gone, yes it was the most beautiful of specimens. Dandelions are so under rated, most people see them as weeds but birds, especially pigeons love them and rabbits adore them. They are full of nectar and are a food source for many species but best of all they release ethylene, a chemical that benefits the soil and encourages other plants to flourish. After I completed my PhD, your uncle gave me the opportunity to work with him and genetically modify dandelions to be even more beneficial. Can you imagine a plant, which spreads like a weed, but wherever it lands, it improves the soil and feeds the crops around it?
LUCY
That would be amazing and think of all the wishes.
MEGAN
Wishes?
LUCY
Every time anyone blows a dandelion clock, they can make a wish and save the planet.
MEGAN
What did you wish for?
LUCY
(Quietly) To get off this island, go home and see my friends again.
Fade Out
Scene 4: The Medical Unit
Fade in
(FX: EXTRACTOR FANS, COMPUTER BLEEPS)
MEGAN
Okay let’s have a proper look at this wound, can you hold your arm steady while I clean the wound.
LUCY
(Cries out in pain)
MEGAN
Obviously not, I am going to have to use a local anaesthetic. Hold still… there that will be numb in a moment. While we wait I am going to look at the wound under this magnifying glass.
(FX: MOVING OF OBJECTS, TWEEZERS IN A GLASS JAR ETC)
That’s interesting, did you say that you flicked a dandelion seed off your shoulder?
LUCY
Yes.
MEGAN
Because that is what is hidden underneath this puss and gore… I am going to try and remove it. Got it… just stay there a moment while I put this on a slide and then I will clean your arm up.
LUCY
What’s wrong?
MEGAN
There’s something odd about this seed, it has a slightly different shape than usual.
LUCY
Is that important?
MEGAN
I don’t know but I am going to find out. Now hold your arm still.
(FX: WIPING, CLEANING, SPRAYING)
Right that’s the best I can do for now. I want to look at it again later and see if it needs cleaning up again. I am afraid the wound is very deep and it is going to leave a scar. You might get your wish to go home sooner, rather than later, as I think this might need a skin graft.
LUCY
I don’t like the sound of that.
MEGAN
Neither do I, I think it is time I had a look at that seed.
Fade Out
Scene 5: Dr Jon and Walter
Fade in
MEGAN
Son of a bitch… Sorry Lucy, I forgot you were there.
LUCY
What have you found?
MEGAN
Somebody, and I think I know who, has modified my research and substantially altered my dandelions.
LUCY
I don’t understand.
MEGAN
Of course you don’t and I’m not exactly sure myself, but if this seed is anything to go by, my dandelion seeds killed all the sheep and the tourist.
LUCY
No way…
MEGAN
The Dandelion crop in the higher field are a new strain and someone has infused them with pesticide and a rare venom. When the sheep ate them the plants destroyed them from the inside out.
LUCY
But that doesn’t explain the dead tourist.
MEGAN
I’m afraid it does and the wound on your arm. The seeds burn on contact, the tourist, and probably his friend too, were caught in a cloud of them… they would not have stood a chance.
LUCY
How did I get stung? I have never been up to the top of Blue Point my uncle doesn’t allow me near the dandelion fields.
MEGAN
In this wind they could land anywhere on this island.
LUCY
Today is the first day out, I’ve had in ages and no one else in town was hurt.
MEGAN
When you took the dandelion and blew the clock, where exactly did you get it from?
LUCY
I took two, one from your lab and one from my uncle’s.
MEGAN
Where were you when you blew them?
LUCY
I blew the one from your lab in the courtyard outside it.
MEGAN
And the other?
LUCY
By the main gate before I walked down into the village.
MEGAN
Then it appears that one of those two dandelion clocks you blew was toxic and I am hundred percent certain that mine was benign.
LUCY
Then what on earth is my uncle up to?
MEGAN
I don’t know but I am going to find out! Come on…
(FX: FOOTSTEPS, DOORS OPENING AND CLOSING)
LUCY
What are you going to say to my uncle?
MEGAN
I don’t know yet, but I am so cross. The plants I designed were engineered to be benign but because of your uncle’s reckless methods the plants are now unstable.
LUCY
Not to mention deadly.
MEGAN
Indeed.
(FX: FOOTSTEPS, DOORS OPENING AND CLOSING)
WALTER BATES
Can I help you Megan?
MEGAN
I need to see Dr Jon now.
WALTER
I’m afraid he is rather busy at the moment, but I’m sure if you came back later he will see you.
MEGAN
Come on Lucy I am not waiting.
WALTER
Here you can’t just barge in there!
MEGAN
Watch me…
(FX: DOOR CRASHING OPEN)
DR JON
Megan… Lucy, how lovely of you to pop in.
WALTER
I am sorry Dr Jon they just burst in.
DR JON
No problem Walter, but please pop back in when they have gone.
WALTER
Yes sir.
(FX: DOOR SHUTS)
DR JON
Please sit down. Now what seems to be the problem?
MEGAN
Someone has been playing modifying my dandelions.
DR JON
Firstly, no one has been modifying your dandelions, because they are mine. I paid for them, I pay for this research centre and I pay you.
MEGAN
Are you aware that if just one seed touches a person’s skin then it will seriously burn?
DR JON
Yes of course I am, I have read the results from the post mortem of the tourist.
MEGAN
You knew!
DR JON
Of course, I knew, I inserted pesticide into them, to provide coverage for symbiotic crops. Unfortunately, that pesticide has become toxic to livestock.
MEGAN
It’s killed people.
DR JON
An unfortunate but acceptable price for progress.
LUCY
I don’t understand uncle, how could this happen?
DR JON
I am trying to feed the world, I hoped that by inserting an element of pesticide I would create a weed that would encourage the growth of more valuable plants.
MEGAN
For goodness sake, Jon, as admirable as your aims are, gene splicing isn't like clicking a building block into place, it's more like manipulating play dough.
DR JON
Of course I knew of the risks, I was well aware that I could just as easily allow a successful pathogen into those plants instead of a pesticide, there is no change without loss, no loss without pain, but the pain is worth it.
LUCY
Tell that to the tourist who died in the dandelion field!
DR JON
It appears that one of the genes I inserted has disrupted its neighbours and the toxic properties of the dandelion come about de novo.
LUCY
De novo?
MEGAN
Newly created by accident.
DR JON
Indeed it has become a happy accident.
MEGAN
Happy accident? There is no scientific gain in this, you have taken my research and altered without my knowledge and killed people. You have to do something about it.
DR JON
I have no intention of doing anything.
MEGAN
If you do not do the correct thing I will inform the authorities.
DR JON
(Tiredly) Yes you are right, I must report this immediately. I had hoped to play this down and let the dust settle. However, that is not really option. Thank you Megan, sometimes I get so excited with our discoveries that I ignore the consequences. Where would I be without you? I will instruct Walter to gather the information and pass it on to the authorities.
MEGAN
Thank you.
DR JON
Lucy as you leave will you ask Walter pop in?
LUCY
Certainly uncle.
DR JON
I think you might need to have another look at Lucy’s arm as we do not want the infection to spread.
(FX: DOOR OPENS AND CLOSES, FOOTSTEPS)
DR JON
Walter I am afraid Megan is getting a little awkward, would you be so kind as to deal with her quietly.
WALTER
My pleasure.
DR JON
And Walter keep my niece out of it.
Fade Out
Fade in
(FX: CAR DOOR SLAMS, WIND NOISE AND SEA BIRDS)
MEGAN
Hi Walter, what was it that was so urgent?
WALTER
I had a phone call from the police sergeant and he asked us to meet him up here, he mentioned something about how it might explain where the missing tourist is and why they died.
MEGAN
We know how and why they died Walter.
WALTER
Indeed, we do but that’s not why we are here.
MEGAN
Then why are we here?
WALTER
Dr Jon wanted me to have a word with you and I thought that up here would be a little more private.
MEGAN
Get your hands of me Walter we are too close to the edge for playing games.
WALTER
I can assure this is no game Megan. I have been tasked with dealing with you and ensuring your complete silence.
MEGAN
By pushing me off the cliff? (Shouts) Back off Walter!
• Music to fade
Fade out
Scene 1: The Dandelion Field
Fade in
(FX: INTRO MUSIC THEN STRONG WIND NOISE AND VEHICLE NOISES, WHEELS, ENGINE, BUMPS IN THE ROAD)
MEGAN WOODS
(Loudly) According to the police report, it’s just in the next field.
DR JON MYLES
(Loudly) It better had be Megan I haven’t got time for this nonsense and I really don’t like the look of the weather.
MEGAN
I checked with the meteorological station before we left, Hurricane Donna will not hit us for another seven hours.
DR JON
There will be hell to pay if this is another of Charlie Swindon’s alien conspiracies.
MEGAN
According to Paul…
DR JON
I hadn’t realised that the police sergeant was back from the mainland.
MEGAN
He got back this morning and picked up Charlie’s call as he walked through the door.
DR JON
For crying out aloud, the man’s a menace, he’s a conspiracy nut he sees alien abductions and experimentation in everything.
MEGAN
Not this time, he told Paul that something has killed all his sheep and that he blames us.
DR JON
Why us?
MEGAN
They were in the ‘Dandelion Field.’
DR JON
You mean he was letting his sheep graze on our test crop?
MEGAN
Yes I know he was trespassing, but that’s not the point, the dandelions are supposed to be harmless.
(FX: VEHICLE STOPS, DOORS OPEN AND THEY GO OUTSIDE INTO THE WIND, FOOTSTEPS ON GRAVEL, GATE OPENING AND MORE FOOTSTEPS)
DR JON
Bugger!
MEGAN
Charlie was correct… they are all dead.
DR JON
Why would he graze his sheep here, he knows this field is restricted.
MEGAN
He likes his sheep to graze on dandelions; he reckons that they are high in calcium, nitrogen, copper and iron.
DR JON
And that they cost him nothing to grow…
MEGAN
That as well!
DR JON
(Deep sighs of frustration) As we are here, we need to pick one up and take it back to the lab for an autopsy. Maybe we can salvage some good out of this.
(FX: FOOTSTEPS AND INSECT NOISE)
MEGAN
I don’t like the look of that.
DR JON
Hmmm!
MEGAN
Why are the flies swarming over by the cliff edge?
(FX: CONTINUING WIND, FOOTSTEPS ON GRAVEL)
DR JON
I’d stay Megan there if I were you.
MEGAN
What is it? (Indignant) I’m not a squeamish newbie I’ve seen death before. Oh… (long pause) is he?
DR JON
Quite dead, I’m afraid, and look at those burns.
MEGAN
The poor man, he must have died in absolute agony.
(FX: THE SNAP OF RUBBER GLOVES AND RUSSLE OF CLOTHING)
DR JON
What are you doing?
MEGAN
I’m checking for his ID… Patrick Hartnell, Dam it, he’s a tourist from the mainland. We need to get him back to the police station before the Hurricane arrives… (takes a deep breath) and we can examine his body there.
DR JON
We will take him back with us to the Research Centre, our facilities are better than the local coroner’s.
MEGAN
If we do that we risk being accused of taking part in a cover-up, I disagree, we should take him to the station.
DR JON
I’m afraid I must insist… should it be necessary we will invite the coroner over to check our findings.
MEGAN
(Getting slightly cross) That’s ridiculous we are talking about a dead tourist not one of Charlie’s sheep.
DR JON
(Arrogantly) I think you are forgetting who is the boss here and who is the paid help. You stay put while I bring the jeep over.
(FX: DOOR SLAMS, ENGINE STARTS, PARKS WITH THE ENGINE RUNNING, SOUNDS OF MOVING THE BODY, DOORS SLAM AND THE VECHICLE BEGINS TO DRIVE AWAY)
MEGAN
You give me no choice, but once we have dropped the body off, I’m going to take his ID to Paul so he can contact the mainland.
Fade Out
Scene 2: The Coast Guard
Fade in
(FX: POLICE RADIO CHATTER IN THE BACKGROUND)
PAUL DANUBE
Hi Megan, I got your message thanks for coming in.
MEGAN
It’s the least I could do.
PAUL
Is that the ID?
MEGAN
Yeah, any news on the other tourist?
PAUL
Patrick Hartnell and his friend, Peter Megan didn’t return to their hotel rooms last night. Sarah at the hostel thought it was unusual, as they had been looking forward to the evening lobster special.
MEGAN
Sarah’s lobster is something else!
PAUL
Absolutely, I wouldn’t miss it for anything. Still they are guests and Sarah put their absence down the local beer.
MEGAN
We didn’t see a sign of another body in the Dandelion field but we found the body up near the cliff edge.
PAUL
(Attentive) That makes sense… we have searched all the general footpaths but even on a small island like this, you can’t search everywhere. What were the silly fools doing trespassing up there?
MEGAN
I’m sorry Paul I’ve no idea.
PAUL
Oh hell, I’m going to have to call the coastguard and with Donna coming they’re not going to like it!
(FX: CLICKS AND HUMS AND RADIO STATIC)
Whisky, Alpha, Foxtrot, Blue Point, calling COMMSTA, Johnston Station Over.
COAST GUARD
COMMSTA, Johnston Station receiving you Whisky, Alpha Foxtrot, Blue Point, how’s the weather there Paul?
PAUL
Hi Mike, at the moment it is clear but Hurricane Donna is on her way and the winds are increasing.
COAST GUARD
How can we help you?
PAUL
The Research Centre found one of our missing tourists dead in their Dandelion field just off the north cliff. There is a possibility that the other might have fallen off the path and could be still alive, we are requesting search and rescue.
COAST GUARD
You are kidding…
PAUL
Mike I wish I was, but we have searched all the places we can get to and our lifeboat can’t close enough to the cliff face to check. Sorry but we need you to have a look from the air.
COAST GUARD
Blue Point, you know you are near our Bingo… I’ll be honest Paul I’m not sure in this weather that we can risk it… Give me a moment while I check the met office and see if the weather forecast will permit us enough flying time to take a look.
MEGAN
Bingo?
PAUL
We are so remote from the mainland that a search and rescue of this type, combined with the fuel needed for return trip means, at the best of times, they have very little flying time over the island.
MEGAN
Why can’t the helicopter land and refuel here?
PAUL
In good weather, it can and has, but we have no aircraft hanger here and the expected hurricane winds would destroy the helicopter if it was left out in the open.
COAST GUARD
The Met Office have given us a tentative clear, so our commander has authorised the search but if the weather begins to worsen then we will have to abort.
PAUL
Understood… thanks Mike, I owe you one.
COAST GUARD
No need Paul it’s our job and we know you would not ask if there was any other way. Coast Guard out.
(FX: CLICKS AND HUMS AND RADIO STATIC STOP)
Fade Out
Scene 3: Lucy
Fade in
(FX: BIRD NOISE, SLIGHT WIND, WAVES IN THE DISTANCE AND CAR GOES BY)
LUCY SMITH
(Scream of pain)
MEGAN
Who’s there?
LUCY
(Tears)
(FX: RUNNING FOOSTEPS)
MEGAN
Lucy… Lucy is that you? What’s happened?
LUCY
Oh Megan, thank God, something is stinging my arm and I’m in agony.
MEGAN
Let me have a look, (deep breath) that looks terrible… I have a medical kit in my car; do you think you can walk that far?
LUCY
Uh hmmmm, sure, sorry to be a baby but it hurts so much.
MEGAN
You are not being a baby, it looks like something has burned your arm.
LUCY
(Through tears of pain) Thank you.
(FX: FOOTSTEPS, CAR DOOR OPENING, ZIP)
MEGAN
Even with my glasses on I can’t see what has caused this, but it doesn’t look like it is an actual burn… more a very nasty sting, I’m going to put on some antihistamine cream on it and give you a couple of painkillers. Here drink this…
(FX: SCREW TOP OPENING ON A WATER BOTTLE AND SWALLING SOUNDS. CAR DOORS SHUT)
I need to get you to your Uncle Jon but we will stop at the medical centre at my lab first where I can have a proper look at whatever has stung you.
LUCY
Is it bad?
MEGAN
I have no idea but it doesn’t look good… Let me help you with your seatbelt.
(FX: CLUNK OF SEATBELT, ENGINE STARTS AND CONTINUES. CLUNK AS THEY HIT A BUMP IN THE ROAD)
LUCY
Ahhhh…
MEGAN
I’m so sorry, I will try to dodge the potholes… Have the antihistamine cream and the pain killers helped?
LUCY
It hurts like hell but I’m managing, so maybe… yes a little.
MEGAN
Have you any idea what sort of insect stung you?
LUCY
No not really, I was flicking a dandelion seed off my shoulder when a hornet flew past me. I hate hornets; they are as nasty as wasps and three times bigger.
MEGAN
But it didn’t sting you.
LUCY
No, I panicked and spun away from it, actually, if anybody had been watching I would have looked pretty stupid. But as soon as I stood up my arm suddenly hurt so badly I screamed and you ran around the corner.
MEGAN
(Almost to herself) There was no sting that I could see…
LUCY
Can I ask you a question?
MEGAN
Sure, anything if it will take your mind off the pain.
LUCY
How did you end up working for my uncle Jon?
MEGAN
You sound surprised.
LUCY
I am, don’t get me wrong, I love my uncle, but I’ve noticed he’s is not an easy man to work with.
MEGAN
(Guardedly) He has his moments…
LUCY
Seriously, how did you end up working for him?
MEGAN
As a child, I had a dream of saving the planet… No don’t laugh, I did, but when I was at university I fell in love with dandelions because they are so versatile, they are full of goodness and…
LUCY
Carry on I’m listening.
MEGAN
Stop me if I am boring you.
LUCY
Don’t worry I will… no honestly, my arm is hurting so much that listening to your voice is so soothing.
MEGAN
Hmmm, that’s another way of saying boring.
LUCY
I love dandelions too, you had the most enormous one with a magnificent clock in your lab that I took it outside and blew it. The seeds fly so beautifully.
MEGAN
(Laughing) I wondered where that had gone, yes it was the most beautiful of specimens. Dandelions are so under rated, most people see them as weeds but birds, especially pigeons love them and rabbits adore them. They are full of nectar and are a food source for many species but best of all they release ethylene, a chemical that benefits the soil and encourages other plants to flourish. After I completed my PhD, your uncle gave me the opportunity to work with him and genetically modify dandelions to be even more beneficial. Can you imagine a plant, which spreads like a weed, but wherever it lands, it improves the soil and feeds the crops around it?
LUCY
That would be amazing and think of all the wishes.
MEGAN
Wishes?
LUCY
Every time anyone blows a dandelion clock, they can make a wish and save the planet.
MEGAN
What did you wish for?
LUCY
(Quietly) To get off this island, go home and see my friends again.
Fade Out
Scene 4: The Medical Unit
Fade in
(FX: EXTRACTOR FANS, COMPUTER BLEEPS)
MEGAN
Okay let’s have a proper look at this wound, can you hold your arm steady while I clean the wound.
LUCY
(Cries out in pain)
MEGAN
Obviously not, I am going to have to use a local anaesthetic. Hold still… there that will be numb in a moment. While we wait I am going to look at the wound under this magnifying glass.
(FX: MOVING OF OBJECTS, TWEEZERS IN A GLASS JAR ETC)
That’s interesting, did you say that you flicked a dandelion seed off your shoulder?
LUCY
Yes.
MEGAN
Because that is what is hidden underneath this puss and gore… I am going to try and remove it. Got it… just stay there a moment while I put this on a slide and then I will clean your arm up.
LUCY
What’s wrong?
MEGAN
There’s something odd about this seed, it has a slightly different shape than usual.
LUCY
Is that important?
MEGAN
I don’t know but I am going to find out. Now hold your arm still.
(FX: WIPING, CLEANING, SPRAYING)
Right that’s the best I can do for now. I want to look at it again later and see if it needs cleaning up again. I am afraid the wound is very deep and it is going to leave a scar. You might get your wish to go home sooner, rather than later, as I think this might need a skin graft.
LUCY
I don’t like the sound of that.
MEGAN
Neither do I, I think it is time I had a look at that seed.
Fade Out
Scene 5: Dr Jon and Walter
Fade in
MEGAN
Son of a bitch… Sorry Lucy, I forgot you were there.
LUCY
What have you found?
MEGAN
Somebody, and I think I know who, has modified my research and substantially altered my dandelions.
LUCY
I don’t understand.
MEGAN
Of course you don’t and I’m not exactly sure myself, but if this seed is anything to go by, my dandelion seeds killed all the sheep and the tourist.
LUCY
No way…
MEGAN
The Dandelion crop in the higher field are a new strain and someone has infused them with pesticide and a rare venom. When the sheep ate them the plants destroyed them from the inside out.
LUCY
But that doesn’t explain the dead tourist.
MEGAN
I’m afraid it does and the wound on your arm. The seeds burn on contact, the tourist, and probably his friend too, were caught in a cloud of them… they would not have stood a chance.
LUCY
How did I get stung? I have never been up to the top of Blue Point my uncle doesn’t allow me near the dandelion fields.
MEGAN
In this wind they could land anywhere on this island.
LUCY
Today is the first day out, I’ve had in ages and no one else in town was hurt.
MEGAN
When you took the dandelion and blew the clock, where exactly did you get it from?
LUCY
I took two, one from your lab and one from my uncle’s.
MEGAN
Where were you when you blew them?
LUCY
I blew the one from your lab in the courtyard outside it.
MEGAN
And the other?
LUCY
By the main gate before I walked down into the village.
MEGAN
Then it appears that one of those two dandelion clocks you blew was toxic and I am hundred percent certain that mine was benign.
LUCY
Then what on earth is my uncle up to?
MEGAN
I don’t know but I am going to find out! Come on…
(FX: FOOTSTEPS, DOORS OPENING AND CLOSING)
LUCY
What are you going to say to my uncle?
MEGAN
I don’t know yet, but I am so cross. The plants I designed were engineered to be benign but because of your uncle’s reckless methods the plants are now unstable.
LUCY
Not to mention deadly.
MEGAN
Indeed.
(FX: FOOTSTEPS, DOORS OPENING AND CLOSING)
WALTER BATES
Can I help you Megan?
MEGAN
I need to see Dr Jon now.
WALTER
I’m afraid he is rather busy at the moment, but I’m sure if you came back later he will see you.
MEGAN
Come on Lucy I am not waiting.
WALTER
Here you can’t just barge in there!
MEGAN
Watch me…
(FX: DOOR CRASHING OPEN)
DR JON
Megan… Lucy, how lovely of you to pop in.
WALTER
I am sorry Dr Jon they just burst in.
DR JON
No problem Walter, but please pop back in when they have gone.
WALTER
Yes sir.
(FX: DOOR SHUTS)
DR JON
Please sit down. Now what seems to be the problem?
MEGAN
Someone has been playing modifying my dandelions.
DR JON
Firstly, no one has been modifying your dandelions, because they are mine. I paid for them, I pay for this research centre and I pay you.
MEGAN
Are you aware that if just one seed touches a person’s skin then it will seriously burn?
DR JON
Yes of course I am, I have read the results from the post mortem of the tourist.
MEGAN
You knew!
DR JON
Of course, I knew, I inserted pesticide into them, to provide coverage for symbiotic crops. Unfortunately, that pesticide has become toxic to livestock.
MEGAN
It’s killed people.
DR JON
An unfortunate but acceptable price for progress.
LUCY
I don’t understand uncle, how could this happen?
DR JON
I am trying to feed the world, I hoped that by inserting an element of pesticide I would create a weed that would encourage the growth of more valuable plants.
MEGAN
For goodness sake, Jon, as admirable as your aims are, gene splicing isn't like clicking a building block into place, it's more like manipulating play dough.
DR JON
Of course I knew of the risks, I was well aware that I could just as easily allow a successful pathogen into those plants instead of a pesticide, there is no change without loss, no loss without pain, but the pain is worth it.
LUCY
Tell that to the tourist who died in the dandelion field!
DR JON
It appears that one of the genes I inserted has disrupted its neighbours and the toxic properties of the dandelion come about de novo.
LUCY
De novo?
MEGAN
Newly created by accident.
DR JON
Indeed it has become a happy accident.
MEGAN
Happy accident? There is no scientific gain in this, you have taken my research and altered without my knowledge and killed people. You have to do something about it.
DR JON
I have no intention of doing anything.
MEGAN
If you do not do the correct thing I will inform the authorities.
DR JON
(Tiredly) Yes you are right, I must report this immediately. I had hoped to play this down and let the dust settle. However, that is not really option. Thank you Megan, sometimes I get so excited with our discoveries that I ignore the consequences. Where would I be without you? I will instruct Walter to gather the information and pass it on to the authorities.
MEGAN
Thank you.
DR JON
Lucy as you leave will you ask Walter pop in?
LUCY
Certainly uncle.
DR JON
I think you might need to have another look at Lucy’s arm as we do not want the infection to spread.
(FX: DOOR OPENS AND CLOSES, FOOTSTEPS)
DR JON
Walter I am afraid Megan is getting a little awkward, would you be so kind as to deal with her quietly.
WALTER
My pleasure.
DR JON
And Walter keep my niece out of it.
Fade Out
Fade in
(FX: CAR DOOR SLAMS, WIND NOISE AND SEA BIRDS)
MEGAN
Hi Walter, what was it that was so urgent?
WALTER
I had a phone call from the police sergeant and he asked us to meet him up here, he mentioned something about how it might explain where the missing tourist is and why they died.
MEGAN
We know how and why they died Walter.
WALTER
Indeed, we do but that’s not why we are here.
MEGAN
Then why are we here?
WALTER
Dr Jon wanted me to have a word with you and I thought that up here would be a little more private.
MEGAN
Get your hands of me Walter we are too close to the edge for playing games.
WALTER
I can assure this is no game Megan. I have been tasked with dealing with you and ensuring your complete silence.
MEGAN
By pushing me off the cliff? (Shouts) Back off Walter!
• Music to fade
Fade out
