ReBoot

Okay. Here goes. The Professor said we could try both so I did. I have to confess that I had more trouble making three pages then doing one page. I actually had to fill the end with a bounce off the existing script to finish it.

INT:  REBEL BUNKER – KITTS SECTOR

The garage is busy with secret forces planning to liberate Mainframe yet again. As troops scramble to prepare arms, Matrix and AndrAIa walk through the craziness, towards Dot's Office.

MATRIX

Didn’t we just go through all this before?

ANDRAIA

We all feel betrayed Sparky. We really thought Gnosis would fix everything. Not make it worse.

Matrix glances at Lens and Ether standing outside the Nullfire. He flashes them a look which Ether returns in kind.

MATRIX

We never should have trusted Codemasters.

ANDRAIA

It wasn’t our decision Matrix. It was Turbo and the guardians.

MATRIX

Yeah. And look at what it got them.

INT:  DOT’S OFFICE

Bob and Dot are waiting as Matrix and AndrAIa enter. Bob looks as if he is in a daze. It’s obvious that he is deeply shaken by Turbo’s death.

MATRIX

Bob? You wanted to see us?

Dot touches Bob's arm to snap him out of his shock.

ANDRAIA

Are you all right Bob?

BOB (speaking to Glitch)

Glitch. Prepare playback.

Bob looks up at Matrix and AndrAIa.

BOB

I received a last holo vid of instructions from Turbo. It's his last requests. The email attachment asked for you to be here.

ANDRAIA

Bob... we're sorry about what happened.

MATRIX (angry)

You should have taken me with you! We could have-!

BOB (equal anger)

Not now Matrix!

There is an awkward moments break in the conversation. Bob clears his throat.

BOB

Glitch. Playback.

Glitch projects a small holographic image of Turbo onto the table. Turbo speaks directly to Bob.

TURBO

Bob. If you've received this message you know what's happened. I've been deleted in the line of duty.

 As you know the Guardian Council is in charge of picking a successor by vote. But in the chance that the Council has been deleted as well, this holo vid would be automatically sent to a Guardian I have personally selected as my replacement. Obviously that guardian is you.

The three other sprites look at Bob in surprise.

TURBO

I know you're thinking I must be completely random considering how much we've clashed over policy in the past.  It's why I had you bring Matrix here. In light of the situation regarding the Hunt, I granted him the rank of full Guardian and gave him Special Ops status as an enforcer.

Now everyone stares at Matrix in disbelief.

MATRIX

Oh boy.

TURBO

Bob. I hope you'll forgive me for not telling you this. Over the hours you've shown me what a guardian can be made of. Your faith in what you belief has been unshakeable. And I'm sure you'll have as many clashes over the decisions you'll have to make as we have. This is a big responsibility I am laying on your shoulders, but I know with friends like you have, you've got the best back up in the Net. It's all up to you now Prime Guardian Bob. Don't worrying about letting me down anymore. Don't let the Net down. We're counting on you.

The transmission terminates. There is a long awkward staring match between Bob and Matrix. Matrix finally breaks the silence.

MATRIX

I didn't tell anyone Bob. Not Dot. Not even AndrAIa. Turbo wanted to keep it classified.

(pause)

It doesn't mean Turbo didn't trust you. It was his decision. How could I say no to this chance. I wanted to -."

BOB (interrupting)

Guardian Matrix.

Matrix draws himself into a more attentive expression.

MATRIX

Yes sir.

BOB

First thing. Don't call me sir. I'm always going to be Bob to you.

(pause)

Second, you know the situation as it stands. We need the User back. I need you to assemble a team, get to the Web and beat that game. Dot will do everything we can to free Mainframe and figure out how to stop Gnosis.

MATRIX

Yes S-. I mean Bob.

BOB

And Matrix? Be careful.

Bob reaches out his hand towards Matrix. Matrix shakes Bob's hand.

BOB

And congratulations on the promotion. Guardian Matrix.

MATRIX

Thanks Bob.

Bob quickly turns and exits the room with saying another word.

MATRIX

We're going a ship. I'd better talk to Ether. Or at least try to talk to Ether.

Matrix exits the room as well. AndrAIa and Dot look at each other for support.

ANDRAIA

Are you okay?

DOT

I was going to ask you the same thing.

ANDRAIA

Bob is in shock. You handle your end and I'll handle mine, right?

DOT

AndrAIa? Good luck.

ANDRAIA

You too.

AndrAIa leaves to find Matrix. Dot exits through the same door Bob has used.

EXT: WATCH TOWER - NIGHT

Dot enters the look out post to see Bob standing at the rail looking out over at the Principal Office. The spire of the Microprocessor installed by the Avatars pulses with an unnatural red, casting a menacing that reverberates outward. The top of the spire holds the Principal Office sub sphere like the claw of a monstrous hand. Dot walks over to him and puts her arm around his waist.

DOT

Bob?

The guardian looks at her a moment. Even in the pale light Dot can make out the tract of a tear that has run down his face. Dot puts her arms around him and lets him hug her.