Episode 5: Creatures

DEVISER 

EPISODE FIVE - BIRDS

Original script provided by Harlan. Transcript by Cytosine. Reviewed by K.M. and Liz.

Deviser contains extreme subject matter, graphic descriptions of violence, self-harm, and mature themes throughout. Listener discretion is strongly advised. For a full list of content warnings, head to deviser.ca

(BEGIN Episode 5.)

(Opening theme.)

(Son gasps as he wakes. He struggles to move.)

SON (under his breath): Come on, come on. (He pants and groans with effort.) Come on. 

(A metallic scraping sound.) 

STRANGER: You're awake.

SON: Let me go. (Emphatic.) Let me go!

STRANGER: Relax. Calm down. Calm – calm down.

SON (speaking over him, still struggling to break free): I'm not going to relax until you let me go!

STRANGER: Shh... Shh... I told you I'm not going to kill you.

SON: Why am I strapped to this chair then? (Beat.) Answer me!

(Stranger moves around the room.)

STRANGER: All I wanted was for you to believe me. (He picks up a metallic object.) You're angry at me… for shooting Dog.

SON: Yes. (Stranger coughs.) He's dead now.

STRANGER: I'm sorry.

SON: I killed him.

STRANGER: You?

SON (choking back a sob): To end his suffering.

(Another metallic object rattles.)

STRANGER (excited): You're getting it! You're beginning to understand!

SON: Understand what?

STRANGER: You-You killed it. You took its life because-because it had to be done!

SON (furious): Let me out of this! Let me out of this! (He struggles again to escape.)

STRANGER: No... no, not yet.

SON: Why? What are you doing?

STRANGER: I had planned to come up here, to the living quarters, to… to medical here... I-I wanted to get a knife... this one. (He picks up the knife, gags, and spits.) Beneath Dog’s skin… It's like me, I’m sure of it. And if we took it off – 

SON: What are you doing?

STRANGER: No... no, I realized that wasn't the way. It'll just happen on its own. But then I had another idea.

SON: What?

STRANGER: I was going to come back down and get you... but you came to me.

SON: What is your idea?

STRANGER: Dad said I was wrong. He burned me alive because I was wrong… because I couldn't stay in Reclamation.

SON: What is Reclamation?

STRANGER: It's where they... reuse us. Recycle us for others... like you, having my skin.

SON: Okay. Then take me there, I want to see. Look I understand now, okay. I don't blame you for what you did, I –

STRANGER: We can't get in.

SON: No?

STRANGER: No, I tried. (He moves around the room.) They are the only ones who let people in. Them and Dad are the only ones who control the door to Reclamation, and since you shut Dad down...

SON: Okay, there must be another way, you know, let's not –

STRANGER: That's what I thought too! I think there must be! Because they can still come out, you'll see!

SON: Exactly, exactly! So let’s – let me go and we can –

STRANGER: No, no, I had a better idea! They let me in... when they knew it was time. Dad let me in, they told him! They let me in! (Beat.) I was too scared to die. I wasn't ready to let them take me... and now… (Another beat. He lifts a metallic object.) I don't have to.

SON: You don't have to?

STRANGER: No! I came in here… I was going to get the knife and I saw all these wonderful… tools... all these things... and the walls... look at all these… (He jostles some of the tools.) Look! (Beat.) And I realized... you have my skin.

SON: Listen, I –

STRANGER: No, no, it's okay... I'm not ready to die, I don't want to take it back, but... I can use these tools to make you look like me.

SON: Listen – 

STRANGER: See? See this?

(He buzzes a drill.)

SON: What are you –

STRANGER: This will... cut right through those teeth and then... and then the eyes... and your fingers, we’ll... we’ll improvise...

SON (rising dread): Wait, wait, wait, wait…

STRANGER: But they'll see you and think you're me and they'll see you on the cameras and open the door and –

SON (hurried): Look, look, look, I believe you. I am sorry, I was just scared, okay? I was scared, and I was angry and afraid. I didn't – I couldn't understand… You couldn't either at first, right? (Beat.) Right?

STRANGER: No. (He coughs.)

SON: So, look, look, we can work together, we can find another way into Reclamation and we can take them all down together, all of them. All of them sitting behind their, their-their desks and… watching us, you know, watching us… You-You said it! You did. W-What do they want?

STRANGER: Testing us.

SON: Yes, yes, but what do they want? What do they want you to do? To me?

STRANGER: They want me dead.

SON: Exactly, exactly and this, this will kill me. You’ll be killing me, right? Maybe not right away but... b-but you said. (Stranger coughs.) Reclamation. Where we go to die and if your plan works then… then I'm dead and, and they still want you. D-Do you think they're just going to accept you?

STRANGER: I just need to find a way to the surface. I know it's within Reclamation.

SON: Look, look, we can work together. We should work together. They want us against each other, (stammering.) This was their plan all along. This is what they want. D-Don't do what they want  – f-fight against it! (Beat.) I-I believe you. I believe you, okay? (Stranger coughs and gags.) I believe you. 

STRANGER: They're watching us, they'll see both of us, the cameras and – 

SON (interrupting, demanding): What cameras? There – there are no cameras! There aren’t any! It's just you and me in this ship – this facility, okay? – whatever you want to call it. (Softer.) Do you want to be alone? I hate being alone. Would you kill me and be alone?

STRANGER: I won't be alone. Once you die, the way they wanted me to, then I'll be you and I'll be perfect. The way Dad wanted me.

(An ominous tone. The drill starts up again.)

SON: No! 

(He screams in pain as the stranger drills into his teeth.)

STRANGER (over the screaming): It’s harder while you’re moving. Stay still and I can finish.

(Son’s screams turn into sobs and gags. Blood drips. After a moment, the drill stops.) 

STRANGER: Stop moving. You’re getting blood all over the place.

SON (through broken teeth): Please stop. Stop!

(He moans in agony. The drill starts again briefly, then stops. Son chokes on blood.) 

STRANGER (as Son cries): I remember pleading with Dad as well. I didn't want to do this. But perhaps it's easier if I just pull them out.

(Metal clanks as the stranger picks up a pair of pliers.)

SON (indistinct): No, no –

(He gags as the stranger puts the pliers in his mouth. A ringing tone rises and peaks with the popping sound of the stranger pulling out Son’s tooth. Son screams. Stranger pants.)

STRANGER: There, closer to me already. (He coughs over Son’s sobs. The sound of wheels moving around the room.) You had too many teeth (Sound of drill spinning), too few fingers... You're like this place. A facsimile of me… A wrong version of me. (He coughs again, then moves about the room, with metallic sounds of moving objects. Son gasps very quietly with effort as he reaches for a nearby object.) I know that when I make you right, they'll open the doors. I'll be able to get in. I'll-I’ll find the elevator to the surface.

(As the stranger speaks, Son turns on the drill and uses it on his bindings.) 

STRANGER: And, and they’ll accept me.

SON (yelling to cover the drill): And then what? I'm dead and you're accepted? (He turns off the drill and struggles with his bindings.) So does – so what does it matter?

STRANGER: I passed the test. They welcomed me to the next part of this journey. (He coughs.) And if not... I'll just have to do to them what I'll have done to you.

SON: There's no next part for you.

(He turns on the drill and attacks the stranger. Stranger screams in pain, followed by crashing and clattering sounds of a fight.)

SON: I’ll kill you!

(Banging and crashing continues.) 

STRANGER: No!

(Mechanical whir as the door opens. Stranger runs out of the room.)

SON: You can’t run from me!

(He pursues the stranger. Both are breathing heavily: Son with anger, Stranger with terror.)

SON: No!

(Stranger coughs. The sounds of two sets of running footsteps. The elevator door opens.)

STRANGER: Maintenance!

(The elevator door closes. Son runs up to it and slams against it.) 

SON: No! (Under his breath, vehemently.) Come on, come on. Stop here, you, you… 

(He bangs the door angrily, then pauses.)

SON (thinking out loud): Maintenance… hatch… ladder… 

(Son grunts as he opens a hatch with a banging of metal. He grabs the ladder and begins to shiver audibly as he climbs through the coolant shaft. Metal clatters and he pants.) 

RVA: Sciences.

SON (under his breath): Come on, come on, come on. I’ve got you now.

(The elevator doors open. Stranger charges at him and tackles him to the floor. A gunshot. They fight.)

STRANGER: I wanted to help you!

SON: You monster! You freak! (Pure rage.) I’m going to tear out your eyes!

(Son begins to choke the stranger, who coughs and gags. Then, the sound of a blow, a grunt of pain from Son, and footsteps as the stranger runs away, breathing heavily.) 

SON: No!

(Son fires at the stranger twice as he flees. Stranger’s footsteps fade. Son pants. Sounds of footsteps as he follows the stranger. A mechanical whir of a door opening.) 

RVA: Atrium.

(Metallic noises as the stranger climbs a ladder. Son follows him up.)

SON: You killed my Dog. 

STRANGER: Stay back!

SON: You pulled out my teeth.

STRANGER: I have a hammer!

SON: I'm going to kill you.

STRANGER: I was wrong... I am wrong… please... (He coughs.) Please...

SON: This is all your fault... all of this!

(Stranger, still coughing, stops climbing as he reaches the top of the atrium. A moment later, Son does as well. A soft cracking sound as they stand on glass.)

STRANGER: Don't come any closer or I'll kill us both. (Beat.) Look down! We're on top of the atrium! (Sound of glass cracking grows louder.) If you keep coming… I'll break the glass we're standing on... and we'll fall... both of us... into a sea of broken glass.

SON: You already tried to kill me.

STRANGER: It was the only way! (He wheezes.)

SON: Do it then.

(Metal creaks and groans.)

STRANGER: I… (He coughs.)

SON: Do it. You won't survive the fall.

STRANGER: I… I just want – 

SON (shouting): Do it!

(Footsteps.)

STRANGER: Wait! (Beat. Footsteps stop.) No, I –

SON: Do it.

STRANGER: No, no, I… (He wheezes.) I'm so scared... I woke up not knowing who I was… manipulated by Dad, scared out of my mind. I'm sorry. I'm so sorry. I don't know what I did… What did I do? (Confused.) I-I hurt you? I'm sorry. I-I can't understand. I just need it to end. I just need to wake up… wake up... wake up… (He coughs painfully.) Please... forgive me. I'm sorry. (A beat.) I saw the elevator. In the room with the bodies. All of them… being mashed and melted, gore beyond what you can comprehend. It changes you... it changes you… we can leave... we can find a way in and we can take the elevator to the surface. (He gags.) The surface, Son. Please! I'll do whatever you want. (He coughs and wheezes again.)

SON (with certainty): You're not going to do it.

STRANGER: No, no, I promise. Here.

(A clink as the stranger slides the hammer over to Son.)

STRANGER: I won't do it. 

(Son picks up the hammer. Stranger walks across the Atrium towards him.)

STRANGER: I have nothing. I am sorry. Please for –

(Son hits him with the hammer with a wet, heavy impact. Stranger gasps and whimpers. Son hits him again.)

SON (shrieking, with hammer blows accompanying each word): You…! Killed…!

(His words trail off as he continues to scream and batter the stranger with the hammer. Stranger chokes and goes quiet. An ominous tone rises. Son lets out a few sobs. The hammer clangs as it falls.) 

(The sounds of Son climbing back down the ladder and walking back through the atrium, followed by the sound of a door opening. As Son walks, the ominous tone falls again. Machinery moves and the elevator doors open. Footsteps as Son enters the elevator.)

SON: Maintenance.

(The doors close and the elevator starts to move.)

SON (breathless, to himself): One less… One less monster... in this… But what did you come here for…? What were you... you said Maintenance... Reclamation? Is it…?

(The elevator doors open.)

RVA: Maintenance.

(Footsteps.)

SON (under his breath): Reclamation, Reclamation… (He mutters indistinctly.)

SON: Here. Here.

(Footsteps pick up, then stop. Sounds of effort as Son hits an unmoving object.)

SON (frustrated): No... no no no! (Mechanism rattles, as if a handle to a locked door.) Let me out. (Yelling.) Let me out! (He slams into the door as his tone becomes desperate.) Open! (He strikes a few more blows on the door, then stops, breathing hard and coughing.)

SON (vehement): I'm not turning you back on, Dad. I'll find a way in without you. (Voice breaking.) I'm alone… I’m alone now. I’m alone. (He breathes heavily.) I've... made sure of that… turning off Dad... Ending Dog and killing... killing… (Starting to cry.) Oh god… oh god… what have I done… What have I done?

(Son sobs.)

SON (through tears): What is this place? What is this nightmare? (Sobbing.) Is this... is this hell?

(Sounds of a distant creature. Son gasps in fear. As he does, the sound grows clearer. It’s a bark.) 

SON (overcome): Oh my god… oh my god… (Dog approaches, still barking.) What? How is this…? (Sounds of Dog shaking. Son pats him, elated.) Oh boy, boy… (Realization) Your coat - your coat is different, boy... (Dog whines.) And your paws... wait… (A beat.) Who are you?

(Dog barks.)

SON: You're not - you’re not Dog… but you’re like him… (Dog pants.) Not exactly. (Dog shakes.) You're wet boy. (Wondering.) Where did you... get wet? Where did you…? It’s okay. Come here. Let’s go.

(Footsteps as Dog starts to move.) 

SON: Where did you…?

(Dog barks again.)

SON (realization): Coolant.

(Hisses and groans of metal as Son follows Dog into the coolant room.)

SON (thinking aloud): These regulate the temperature of everything... myself, Dad… Nothing can survive extreme heat… (Beat, then realization.) Well, what's this one though? (To Dog.) Hey, what’s this one? (Dog pants. Sounds of splashing coolant fluid.) Hey, Dog. (Dog barks.) Isn’t coolant supposed to be cold? (Beat.) Why is this one warm? (Dog whines.) Well? Okay. That’s good enough for me.

(Splashing as Son enters the water. He groans. Dog continues to whine.)

SON: Oh. It's dark in here... But if you did it... I can too. You stay here. (Dog barks. Son psychs himself up.) Okay, okay, I’ll be right back. Okay. Okay.

(Son holds his breath and dives. Sounds of water swishing, Son gurgling, engines thrumming and fans whirring. At last, Son emerges gasping for air and dripping wet. In the background is a rhythmic sound, like a mechanical breath.)

SON: What... What is this place?

DAD: Reclamation, Son. (A beat.) I'm glad you made it.

(Music plays: ‘And Then I Laughed’ by Cal Stewart.) 

(END Episode 5.)

DEVISER was written, performed, edited, mixed and mastered by Harlan Guthrie. All themes were written, recorded, and performed by Harlan Guthrie. If you enjoyed this episode, please share this podcast with a friend or family member, and leave a review at Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or anywhere else you might listen. If you enjoy creations like this, please consider supporting us through the INVICTUS Stream Patreon at patreon.com/theINVICTUSStream. For more shows like this check out Malevolent.ca. Thank you for listening.