Transcript[]
THE WILD ROBOT[]
Screenplay by Chris Sanders
Based on the Book By Peter Brown
SQ0100 - THE PROLOGUE[]
DREAMWORKS OPENING SEQUENCE SETTLES ON A MOON[]
DISSOLVE to a darker version. Storm clouds blanket the moon, PULSING with lightning.
Sounds of the storm build in ferocity and volume, the thunder reaches a crescendo.
SMASH TO:
SQ0200 - THE ROBOT HATCHES[]
EXT. DESERTED BEACH - DAWN[]
Blinding daylight, silent save for ocean ripples lapping at a soft stone beach. The sky and shoreline are distorted as if viewed through a wide lens. SLOW PULL-OUT reveals a rugged coast reflected on the rounded lens of a robot, ROZZUM 7134. WIDEN to reveal the Rozzum peers from a rupture in a mostly intact shipping crate.
Otters gather, investigating the curiosity. One POKES at the back of the robot’s head, accidentally ACTIVATING it.
ROZZUM 7134[]
Hello. Bonjour. Guten tag. Hujambo. Hola. Congratulations on your purchase of a Universal Dynamics robot. I am Rozzum seven-one-three-four. A Rozzum always completes its task, just ask!
Silence. ROZZUM 7134 blinks.
Just, ask--
ROZZUM 7134 (CONT’D)[]
Rozzum 7134 is BLINDSIDED by a wave. Rolled under the brine, it is driven like a toy against a basalt wall.
The wave RECEDES, leaving 7134 to drain. Another wave LOOMS.
Processing.
ROZZUM 7134 (CONT’D)[]
Rozzum 7134 attempts to climb to safety, SLIPS. Rozzum 7134 notes a crab scuttling up the rock wall.
She RECONFIGURES to match the crab’s stance. Rozzum 7134 successfully climbs clear.
EXT. CLIFFTOP - MOMENTS LATER[]
The crab clambers into view, followed by Rozzum 7134.
ROZZUM VISION: “CUSTOMER LOCATED?”[]
ROZZUM 7134[]
Do you need--
The crab is SNATCHED away by a passing gull.
ROZZUM 7134 (CONT’D)[]
...assistance?
Rozzum 7134 FOCUSES on a wall of thick vegetation before it: deploys sound gathering arrays.
Rozzum 7134 COCKS its head, listening: animal and bird sounds drift through the curtain of greenery.
ROZZUM 7134 (CONT’D)[]
Ready to receive my first task.
Rozzum 7134 pushes into the forest.
SQ0250 - THE FOREST[]
EXT. ISLAND FOREST - DAY[]
ON A RAVEN landing in the branches of a tree. He PAUSES, an unfamiliar sound approaching; MUSIC.
LOOKING DOWN he sees Rozzum 7134 making her way through the trees. Her upper body ROTATING cheerily.
ROZZUM 7134[]
Rozzum Seven One Three Four is available for task assignment.
A LYNX PEERS at the passing oddity.
ROZZUM 7134 (CONT’D)[]
Rozzum robots come standard with the Alpha-113 dimensional processor.
Rozzum 7134 PASSES through the trees.
ROZZUM 7134 (CONT’D)[]
If you are unsure about how I can assist, try asking me about myself.
On Rozzum 7134 navigating a tilted log in an attempt to communicate with a BADGER.
ROZZUM 7134 (CONT’D)[]
Excuse me! Did you know I can assist with grocery shopping? Banking? Landscaping?
The badger burrows away. 7134 spies a squirrel PEERING DOWN from its tree house.
ROZZUM 7134 (CONT’D)[]
Hello! Did you perhaps order a Rozzum helper robot?
7134 is PELTED with acorns.
ROZZUM 7134 (CONT’D)[]
Is that a no?
Rozzum 7134 FLASHES the squirrel unexpectedly with a chest strobe, BLINDING it. A little WHIRRING sound as a sticker is dispensed from a small slit in 7134’s chest.
ROZZUM 7134 (CONT’D)[]
Here’s a free sticker. Scan the code and receive ten percent off of your--
The squirrel RIPS UP the sticker.
ON A BEAVER, PADDLER, finishing a modest dam. He hears weird music. Spies 7134 WALKING PAST like Bigfoot. 7134 PAUSES, RUNS toward Paddler.
ROZZUM 7134 (CONT’D)[]
Do you need assistance?
He’s PETRIFIED.
ROZZUM 7134 (CONT’D)[]
I see your problem.
Rozzum 7134 PULLS a key branch. The entire dam collapses - is washed away.
FLASH! 7134 generates a sticker for Paddler, who disappears under the water.
ON A DEER BOUNDING through the meadow.
Rozzum 7134 RECONFIGURES TO EMULATE THE DEER’S LEAPS.
ROZZUM 7134 (CONT’D)[]
(LEAPING up alongside) Rozzums are programmed for instant physical mimicry, so as to--
The deer VEERS. KICKS Rozzum 7134. A BUTTERFLY FLITS past her lenses.
Rozzum 7134 APPROACHES a tree surfaced in butterflies.
ALL the insects FLY at once. Surrounded in a cloud of color and movement, Rozzum 7134 is disoriented.
A butterfly LANDS on her finger.
A RAVEN lands, CRUSHES the butterfly in its beak.
A Lynx LEAPS from cover, ATTACKING the raven on 7134’s hand. Rozzum 7134 EXTENDS her arm a bit, distancing her head from the savage battle at the end of her arm.
ROZZUM 7134 (CONT’D)[]
Aggression detected.
A wolverine GRABS the other half of the dead raven, a savage TUG-OF-WAR over its body.
The raven’s head POPS off and lands in 7134’s hand.
ROZZUM 7134 (CONT’D)[]
My communication package includes strategies for conflict resolution.
The fight is ESCALATING quickly. Dust OBSCURES the scene.
A skunk, DAISY, rumbles into the fray. The fight is instantly quenched, the aggressors FLEE. 7134 PICKS UP the skunk.
The skunk BERATES 7134 savagely.
ROZZUM 7134 (CONT’D)[]
Your dialect is not in my databanks.
7134 places the skunk back on the ground.
ROZZUM 7134 (CONT’D)[]
Tell your people not to worry. Rozzum 7134 will sort out this language barrier in no time.
The skunk SPRAYS. The noxious cloud ENVELOPS 7134.
EXT. FOREST - LATER[]
CLOSE ON 7134’S HEAD - she is sitting very still.
ROZZUM 7134[]
Activating learning mode.
PULL BACK, revealing we are in TIME LAPSE. Nights and days pass, with a multitude of animals stopping by. Rain falls, leaves litter her. Rozzum 7134 never moves. A WEEK passes, leaves gathering on her exterior. Animals ignore her, go about their business. 7134’s processor GRINDS AWAY. DING!
ROZZUM VISION: TRANSLATION COMPLETE[]
WEASEL 2[]
Hey, check it out. Look, look, look. Somebody died over here.
WEASEL 3[]
Lemme see, lemme see. Oooh.
WEASEL 2[]
Who was it?
WEASEL 1[]
Anybody we know?
WEASEL 2[]
Fresh or not fresh?
WEASEL 1[]
Smells pretty good.
WEASEL 2[]
Tastes terrible.
WEASEL 3[]
Oh, it’s waking up! Run!
WEASEL 2[]
Hey it’s waking up!
WEASEL 1[]
It’s a monster! Run for your lives!
Rozzum 7134 RISES, brushing debris off of herself.
EXT. CLEARING - LATER.[]
A multitude of animals graze, forage, flit here and there. They all STOP. Rozzum 7134 strides out into the open.
PADDLER[]
Look! That’s the thing that destroyed my dam.
ANIMALS[]
The monster! Yikes! I think it’s gonna talk.
ROZZUM 7134[]
Thank you for your patience while I deciphered your language. I am Rozzum seven one three four, ready to enhance your lives with integrated multi-phased task accomplishment.
A SUPER CUTE bunny baby HOPS UP.
BABY BUNNY[]
Are you here to kill us?
ROZZUM 7134[]
Negative, I am here to help with whatever tasks you-
BABY BUNNY[]
(to the crowd) It says no.
*SNORT*[]
BROADFOOT (O.S.)
Roz is RUN DOWN by a huge moose, BROADFOOT.
BROADFOOT (CONT’D)[]
It’s dead.
ANIMAL CROWD[]
Oh, thank goodness.
7134 RISES AGAIN, like a haunted marionette.
REELING IN her arms and legs: the sight is weird, unsettling.
ANIMAL CROWD (CONT’D) AAAAAAAAAAUGHHHHHHHHH. The monster!
The animals SCATTER. Rozzum 7134 is left alone.
ROZZUM 7134[]
Did anyone order me?
EXT. MOUNTAIN PEAK - DUSK[]
Rozzum 7134 has a 360 degree view. ORBIT to describe an island: no other land or structures in sight. She’s TRAPPED on an ISLAND.
ROZZUM 7134[]
...anyone?
No responses.
ROZZUM 7134 (CONT’D)[]
Delivery unsuccessful. Return to factory. Activating return transmitter.
From Rozzum 7134’s head, a greenish rod RISES - the TRANSMITTER.
A DOWNPOUR STRIKES. Rozzum 7134 POWERS UP the
transmitter. It LIGHTS as the charge builds: red...yellow...GREEN!
ROZZUM 7134 (CONT’D)[]
Three, two, one--
BOOM! Rozzum 7134 is hit by lightning. She FALLS from the summit.
SQ0600 - THE ACCIDENT[]
EXT. FOREST - NIGHT[]
ON ROZZUM 7134 lying motionless and dark.
ROZZUM VISION: OVER A BLACK SCREEN - “SYSTEM BOOTING. ACCESS PANEL BREACH. PANEL 10 OPEN. PANEL 28 OPEN. PANEL 11, 51, 32 OPEN.”
Rozzum 7134 POWERS UP. Her eye covers CLICK open to reveal--
She is missing an eye and a hand.
ON HER TORSO - a multitude of access panels flap open. PAN to find the ground is strewn with paper manuals, small tools. TILT UP to find raccoons making off with Rozzum 7134’s stuff.
Lightning FLASHES. Rozzum 7134 hurries to retrieve all her lost items. As quickly as she can gather them, other raccoons try and take them back.
In one tug-of-war, a raccoon accidentally UNPLUGS a black box. Its exposed contacts SIZZLE with power, and Rozzum 7134 is ZAPPED.
Understanding the power he yields, the raccoon GRINS and runs off with his new weapon.
Feeling overwhelmed, Rozzum 7134 tries DEPLOYING her transmitter again.
ROZZUM 7134[]
Activating return transmitter. Three.
RACCOONS[]
Ooooooh. Pretty.
Get it.
Two...
RACCOONS (CONT’D) RACCOONS (CONT’D)[]
ROZZUM 7134
Attracted to the shiny transmitter, the raccoons SWARM Rozzum 7134 to get to it.
ROZZUM 7134 (CONT’D)[]
One...
One raccoon manages to POP it out.
RACCOON[]
Ha!
The raccoon heads STRAIGHT UP A PINE, CHASED by the raccoon hoard and Rozzum 7134.
RACCOONS[]
Come back.
They near the top - the tree BENDING under their weight. Arcing down, the top of the tree lands on a rocky ledge.
RACCOON[]
Wait, stop! No!
Rozzum 7134 STANDS and CHASES after the transmitter.
RACCOONS[]
No no no no no!
Releasing the tree top from her weight, the tree trunk SNAPS back upright, FLINGING a hundred raccoons into the night sky. They splash down in the ocean.
RACCOON[]
Again!
The raccoon with the transmitter DISAPPEARS into a cave. Moments later he RETREATS, WITHOUT the transmitter.
Rozzum 7134 REACHES INTO the cave to retrieve it, but a huge grizzly, THORN, STEPS over it.
THORN[]
(sfx) Growling.
Thorn STRIKES Rozzum 7134 mid-chest. Claws dig deep grooves - SPARKS FLY from her seams.
Rozzum 7134 RETREATS, power intermittent. Thorn closes.
ROZZUM VISION: A confusion of trees punctuated by blinding lightning flashes.[]
Rozzum 7134 BUMPS into a tree. She SLIPS, TUMBLING CLEAR of Thorn, heading downhill, knocking small trees flat.
Rozzum 7134 lays still, tangled in branches, caked with mud. Dwindling rain PATS her metal body.
7134 OPENS her main panel. Inside are equivalents of bones, arteries, lungs, and a heart. Everything GLOWS with tracing energy save for the heart, which is dark. Rozzum 7134 TAPS it. A few PULSES, then nothing.
7134 CLOSES the panel, finds a feather stuck to the outside. Examining it, she sees a similar spray of feathers peeking through the debris beneath her. She gently grasps them, pulling a limp wing into view. Death is abstract to Rozzum 7134, she shows no emotion.
Letting go of the wing, she carefully wipes away the branches to reveal a group of SHATTERED EGG SHELLS.
7134 lifts shell fragments, pieces them together. Then something catches her gaze...Rozzum 7134 moves some leaves away to REVEAL... ONE INTACT EGG.
ROZZUM VISION: Infrared scan reveals a living bird within.[]
She lifts it, very carefully indeed.
SQ0700 - THE EGG AND THE FOX[]
EXT. HOLLOW - MOMENTS LATER[]
Rozzum 7134 sits, considering the egg and her transmitter.
7134 GLANCES away, looks back to find the egg is GONE.
The dense foliage RUSTLES as something small makes their escape.
ROZZUM VISION: Switching to INFRARED Rozzum 7134 locates the creature, gives CHASE.
ROZZUM 7134[]
May I confirm that is yours?
The egg is with a red fox, FINK. He is wily and slick. Even when 7134 gets him by the tail, he slithers free.
Fink shelters in a log. 7134 SPLITS IT with a SAW. She retrieves the egg, STASHES it in a storage compartment.
Fink PRIES OPEN a back panel, RECOVERS his EGG.
Fink rockets into a thicket, an EVIL GRIN on his face. Rozzum 7134 closes: the brush abruptly CLEARS and Rozzum 7134 FALLS off the edge of a cliff.
Fink strides out on a limb, satisfied: he drew Rozzum 7134 here deliberately. Rozzum 7134’s cabled hand SHOOTS UP and GRASPS the limb. Rozzum 7134 REELS IN her extended arm. VAULTING OVER Fink, she lands back on the cliff edge.
Surprised, cut off on the branch and out of options, Fink RELINQUISHES the egg.
FINK[]
Here you go. Take it.
As Rozzum 7134 reaches for the egg, Fink SWALLOWS it.
Rozzum 7134 GRABS Fink by the neck, SQUEEZES the egg out of him. The egg FLIES over Rozzum 7134’s head. Fink DASHES between her legs, LEAPS, CATCHES the egg mid-air, and then LANDS straight on top of a porcupine.
Fink DROPS the egg. Rozzum 7134 recovers it intact.
The porcupine RETREATS, leaving Fink to deal with a face- full of quills. He’s unable to dislodge even one.
To his surprise, Rozzum 7134 PICKS HIM UP, and quickly uses a tool to pluck the quills out.
She sets him back down.
Fink SNARLS and dashes for cover.
SQ0800 - THE EGG HATCHES[]
EXT. DEEP FOREST - LATER[]
ON ROZZUM 7134, a RATTLING from her interior. She removes the egg. Examines it.
‘CRACK’ - the egg has a HAIRLINE RUPTURE.
Rozzum 7134 gently PINCHES the shell to close it up. More cracks form. Rozzum 7134 FRANTICALLY tries to hold it all together. For a moment, it works.
The egg EXPLODES. A tiny gosling sits in Rozzum 7134’s palm.
Peep?
GOSLING[]
The new gosling LOOKS UP, into Rozzum 7134’s glowing blue eyes. Something wordlessly passes between them. The gosling places his forehead against Rozzum 7134. Her subsurface lights GLOW powerfully.
The magic moment is interrupted when 7134 callously PLUCKS UP the gosling, sets it back on the ground.
ROZZUM 7134[]
Was this task accomplished to your satisfaction?
The gosling SCREAMS. FLASH. Rozzum 7134 STICKS a sticker to his chest.
ROZZUM 7134 (CONT’D)[]
On a scale of one to ten where ten is most satisfied and one is least, how would you rate my performance?
GOSLING[]
Peep.
Rozzum 7134 hands the gosling a sticker.
ROZZUM 7134[]
I will register that as a ‘ten’.
Rozzum 7134 attempts to activate her transmitter.
ROZZUM 7134 (CONT’D)[]
Returning to factory.
The transmitter BLINKS, unstable.
ROZZUM 7134 (CONT’D)[]
Signal strength weak. Seeking higher ground.
Rozzum 7134 STRIDES AWAY.
GOSLING[]
*peep peep peep*
The gosling RACES after her. For every step Rozzum 7134 takes, the gosling must dash thirty or more.
ROZZUM 7134[]
Do you require shelter?
Rozzum 7134 covers the gosling with a piece of wood. As she walks, the wood TRAILS behind 7134.
Rozzum 7134 STRIDES into the forest. The gosling HOPS onto her foot, riding along. Roz stops, a DING! Her center compartment opens.
ROZZUM 7134 (CONT’D)[]
Perhaps tips for planning your next vacation?
She sets a travel pamphlet on the ground: FLORIDA - MORE SHORELINE THAN EVER - and continues on her way. The gosling FALLS DOWN A HOLE. Moments later, the gosling TODDLES out onto a branch beside Rozzum 7134, HOPPING ONTO her shoulder. The gosling SNUGGLES under Rozzum 7134’s chin.
ROZZUM 7134 (CONT’D)[]
I do not understand this response.
Rozzum 7134’s transmitter lights up.
ROZZUM 7134 (CONT’D)[]
Signal acquired. Three, two, one--
The gosling PECKS the transmitter. BREAKS it.
BABY OPOSSUM 1(OS)[]
Mom, I don’t feel good.
SQ1000 - THE TASK[]
A rustling in the brush. Roz INVESTIGATES, sees a opossum mother, PINKTAIL, with four baby opossums on her back.
BABY OPOSSUM 1[]
If I barf, I’m taking you all with me.
BABY OPOSSUM 2[]
Mom told you not to eat grasshoppers, dummy.
BABY OPOSSUM 3[]
Petunia’s been in front all day.
BABY OPOSSUM 4[]
The prettiest opossum always rides in front.
BABY OPOSSUM 3[]
Try being pretty with my tail jammed in your eye.
Rozzum 7134’s hand SETS the gosling on the back of Pinktail.
BABY OPOSSUMS[]
(blood-curdling)
EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEK.[]
Pinktail STANDS, SPILLING the babies.
PINKTAIL[]
Bartlett, stop jamming your tail in your sister’s eye.
BABY OPOSSUM 4[]
I’m Rowan. Bartlett was last litter.
PINKTAIL[]
Are you sure? Who are all of you? Go away.
BABY OPOSSUM 4[]
We’re your children. Except for him.
GOSLING[]
*Peep*
Pinktail is astonished to see her brood has grown by one.
PINKTAIL[]
This is what I get for taking a walk. Where’s your mommy, little guy?
Pinktail notices Roz PEERING at them.
PINKTAIL (CONT’D) The monster. AAAAAAAAAAAUGHHHHHHH.
Pinktail and the babies KEEL OVER.
BABY OPOSSUM 5[]
(dramatic)
*cough cough*
BABY OPOSSUM 4[]
(whisper)
You gotta die faster.
BABY OPOSSUM 5[]
Meningitis takes a while.
BABY OPOSSUM 6[]
What did you pick?
BABY OPOSSUM 7[]
Rabies.
BABY OPOSSUM 8[]
Spontaneous combustion!
BABY OPOSSUM 4[]
Nightshade salad.
BABY OPOSSUM 9[]
Sepsis.
BABY OPOSSUMS[]
Hey! I picked sepsis!
PINKTAIL[]
None of you are doing it right. We talked about this. Dead things don’t have to explain why they’re dead. Now we’re gonna get killed for real.
BABY OPOSSUMS[]
(together) Sorry mom.
Beat.
Sorry.
BABY OPOSSUM[]
(a beat late)
BABY OPOSSUM 4[]
Why aren’t we killed yet?
PINKTAIL[]
Good question.
Pinktail parts the foliage to investigate. Roz has rolled away. The gosling scampers up and PERCHES on Rozzum 7134’s shoulder. The sight emboldens Pinktail to crawl up to investigate.
BABY OPOSSUM 2[]
Nice knowing you, mom.
PINKTAIL[]
(to the gosling) Alright, it’s ok. It’s ok.
Pinktail PEERS into Rozzum 7134’s body cavity.
PINKTAIL (CONT’D)[]
Uh, hey. You in there? I’m Pinktail.
Rozzum 7134’s head partially emerges from her body.
PINKTAIL (CONT’D)[]
Ok. Hello. This gosling is yours?
BABY OPOSSUM 3[]
Wow.
Rozzum 7134 hands the gosling back to Pinktail.
ROZZUM 7134[]
Negative. That gosling stalks me, emits noise, and makes simple tasks more complicated or impossible.
PINKTAIL[]
Yeah, they do that. Goslings imprint on the first thing they see. Which would be you.
BABY OPOSSUM 6[]
Congratulations.
PINKTAIL[]
As far as he’s concerned, you’re his mother now.
ROZZUM 7134[]
I do not have the programming to be a mother.
Rozzum 7134 walks away.
BABY OPOSSUMS (O.S.)[]
It’s gonna squish us!
Pinktail ambushes her, DROPPING down from a branch.
PINKTAIL[]
No one does. We just make it up.
ROZZUM 7134[]
Without an assigned task, my next priority is to return to factory.
PINKTAIL[]
Taking care of him is your task now.
Pinktail said the magic word: TASK. A CHIME sounds. MUSIC PLAYS. Tracer lights activate:
ROZZUM 7134[]
Task acquired. Return mode delayed. A Rozzum always completes its task.
As Pinktail talks, her babies BITE, CHEW, and FIGHT with each other. The mother opossum uses her prehensile tail to separate them, smack them, etc.
PINKTAIL[]
You’re lucky you just have one. As a mother of seven--
BABY OPOSSUM (O.S.) AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAUGHHHHHH.[]
PINKTAIL
...Six babies, it’s a full time thing.
She picks up one of the babies.
PINKTAIL (CONT’D)[]
But it’s not all bad.
The baby BARFS up a hairball.
PINKTAIL (CONT’D)[]
Just mostly bad.
ROZZUM 7134[]
Do you have any information on how to take care of this unit?
PINKTAIL[]
They all need to eat. But yours needs to swim, and fly. Fly by fall. He’s gotta leave this island before winter, or, how do I put this delicately?
BABY OPOSSUMS[]
Aaaaaaaughhhhh.
The opossum babies all FEIGN GRISLY DEATH.
PINKTAIL[]
Yeah. That.
ROZZUM 7134[]
Eat. Swim. Fly by fall. Or aaaaugh.
PINKTAIL[]
Patience is the key.
A CHEWED UP baby appears.
BABY OPOSSUM 4[]
It’s okay mom, I’m alive.
PINKTAIL (O.S.)[]
(flat)
Oh. Yay. Well, good luck.
Babies CLIMB ONTO Pinktail’s back. Pinktail walks away.
BABY OPOSSUMS[]
Goodbye. We like your new baby. Hope it doesn’t die.
SQ1100 - THE HUNGRY GOSLING[]
EXT. MEADOW - MORNING[]
Rozzum 7134 PROJECTS images of people EATING, diagram of a person SWIMMING and a Jet aircraft FLYING.
ROZZUM 7134[]
Eat. Swim. Fly by fall.
Her gaze DRIFTS from the image to focus on the gosling on her shoulder.
FINK’S POV - watching Rozzum 7134 and the gosling.
CUT TO:[]
EXT. GLEN - LATER
Rozzum 7134 holds a pinecone in one hand, the gosling in the other.
Eat.
ROZZUM 7134[]
She tries to plug the pinecone into the gosling’s mouth. It is FAR too big.
Huh.
FINK[]
EXT. PONDSIDE - LATER
ON THE GOSLING still staring lovingly at Rozzum 7134, as she PUSHES him out into the pond afloat a pinecone.
ROZZUM 7134[]
Swim.
The gosling TODDLES back to Rozzum 7134, FALLING from the pinecone and INSTANTLY SINKING.
Paddler SURFACES, the gosling on his tail.
PADDLER[]
I say, keep your trash out of my pond. That’s littering. Not to mention murder.
He LAUNCHES the gosling back.
The gosling SNUGGLES back in its little spot under her chin.
EXT. FIELD - LATER[]
The gosling stands in the center of 7134’s hand. Rozzum 7134 retracts her palm. As it gazes lovingly at her, she ACTIVATES it.
Fly.
ROZZUM 7134[]
In a blink it is three hundred feet in the air. A passing falcon SNATCHES it.
ON THE SMILING GOSLING in 7134’s palm. She is FLUMMOXED
how to proceed. CORRECT to find Fink, sitting right there.
FINK[]
Allow me to introduce myself. Fink. Predator and local goose expert. Which I know you could use about now.
Rozzum 7134 SNATCHES the gosling clear of Fink.
ROZZUM 7134[]
You are the destroyer unit.
FINK[]
It’s okay, I won’t eat him.
Rozzum 7134 IMMEDIATELY sets the gosling back where it was.
FINK (CONT’D)[]
Are you crazy, I might eat him.
ROZZUM 7134[]
You said you would not.
FINK[]
Do you believe everything you hear?
ROZZUM 7134[]
Yes.
Fink’s eyes WIDEN.
Noted.
FINK ROZZUM 7134[]
Why did you steal my gosling?
FINK[]
I’m a fox. I do foxy things. It’s in my nature.
ROZZUM 7134[]
Your, programming.
FINK[]
Why’d you help me?
ROZZUM 7134[]
I’m a robot. I do robotty things. I seek tasks and ensure all essential needs have been met or exceeded.
Rozzum 7134 gives Fink a tablet. He scrolls through marvelous images of pools, houses, and GREAT FEASTS. Fink DIGS at the screen, trying to get at the food.
FINK[]
I have some essential needs.
GOSLING[]
*Whimpering hungry noises*
ROZZUM 7134[]
Fink, as a local goose expert, how do I get--
(she holds up the gosling)
--to eat, swim, fly?
FINK[]
I thought you’d never ask. Let’s start with eat.
EXT. FOREST - LATER. ON SCALLOPS VACUUMED UP[]
FINK (O.S.)
Yeah, yeah, yeah, right there.
The fresh scallops are arranged around Brightbill. They collectively SNAP SHUT on him. Rozzum 7134 VACUUMS them off the gosling.
ROZZUM 7134[]
I do not think these are suitable.
FINK[]
Wait, wait, lemme check.
Roz gives the shellfish to Fink, who swallows them greedily.
FINK (CONT’D)[]
Ooh. Mmm. Seems good to me.
ON A SWARM OF BEES[]
FINK (CONT’D)
Say...can You make yourself look like a bear?
Rozzum 7134 imitates Thorn’s pose.
FINK (CONT’D)[]
(in Thorn voice)
I’m here for a honey lunch.
The Bees SWARM her head.
ROZZUM 7134[]
I believe I am under attack.
FINK[]
You’re doing great.
7134 LIFTS Fink up to the bees’ vacated hive.
ROZZUM 7134[]
Should I be concerned?
FINK[]
(eyeing the honey) Sorry, can’t hear you.
Fink GORGES himself on the dripping honey then drops some down to the gosling.
FINK (CONT’D)[]
(mouth full) Here you go, kid.
The gosling just gets stuck. KING SALMON STOLEN from Thorn.
ON ROZZUM 7134 RUNNING from a RAMPANT Thorn. Rozzum 7134
carries Fink, who is eating the salmon.
ROZZUM 7134[]
How do goslings normally do this?
SQ1175 - THE RUNT[]
EXT. BEACH - EVENING[]
Rozzum 7134 uses a laser to STEAM clams.
Fink fishes out a clam, gobbling the steaming contents. He’s bloated, grotesque, stuffed to bursting.
ROZZUM 7134[]
This is not working.
FINK[]
Are you kidding? Everything is working great.
GOSLING[]
(whimpering from hunger)
FINK[]
(seeing starving gosling) Oh, yeah that. Here.
Still laying on his back, Fink lazily SCRATCHES AWAY a surface of pebbles, exposing a swarm of grubs.
The gosling EATS. A chime inside Rozzum 7134 SOUNDS.
ROZZUM VISION: The first of the three gosling icons, the EATING ICON, is marked COMPLETED.[]
ROZZUM 7134[]
Phase one of task is completed.
Rozzum 7134 RELAXES a little. SITS.
FINK[]
Now, we’re gonna have to do all this over tomorrow. All these kids do is eat.
ROZZUM 7134[]
I understand.
Rozzum 7134 OPENS her main hatch, exposing her dark power core.
FINK[]
What’s that?
ROZZUM 7134[]
My power core. It is damaged. Without it I rely on my solar surfaces and batteries.
FINK[]
(still eating)
Yeah, you should work on that.
ROZZUM 7134[]
I also need a replacement transmitter.
Rozzum 7134 shows the broken unit to Fink.
FINK[]
Ugh, do I have to do everything? When we run across another robot we’ll kill it and take its transmitter.
ROZZUM 7134[]
Negative. Rozzum inhibition protocols prevent deliberate harm to others.
ON A crab CHASING the gosling. Rozzum 7134 PLUCKS UP the crab, sends it on its way.
FINK[]
Look. You need to learn how things work on this island.
Fink BLOCKS the crab’s exit, DROPS it into the boiling water.
FINK (CONT’D)[]
Me, the bear, everybody, we’re all just trying to survive. And kindness, is not a survival skill.
Fink watches the awkward gosling. Rozzum 7134 considers as well.
FINK (CONT’D)[]
Yeah. So, uh, how’d you get a gosling, anyways?
ROZZUM 7134[]
There was an accident. I terminated his family.
Fink claps his paws over the gosling’s ears.
FINK[]
For future reference, you probably want to keep all that to yourself.
ROZZUM 7134[]
Understood. Do not mention dead family. Fink, how long do you estimate swim and fly to take?
FINK[]
Swimming’s easy. I can teach him the way my mom taught me. Swim.
Fink BOOTS the gosling out into the ocean. Roz REACHES to retrieve him.
ROZZUM 7134[]
Fink! He will not learn that way.
FINK[]
Not if you keep doing that.
He hops onto Rozzum 7134’s shoulder.
FINK (CONT’D)[]
Just between us, this whole thing may not take as long as you think. Your gosling, he isn’t exactly normal.
ROZZUM 7134[]
I have a defective baby?
FINK[]
He’s what they call a ‘runt’.
ROZZUM 7134[]
A runt.
FINK[]
Fact is, even if his whole family hadn’t been killed, he probably wouldn’t have lived very long. Just, I don’t know.
Don’t get too attached to the little guy, that’s all.
Rozzum 7134 CONSIDERS.
FINK (CONT’D)[]
If you want, I could eat him right now and save you the grief later.
Fink POPS the gosling in his mouth. Rozzum 7134 REACHES down his throat to RETRIEVE it.
ROZZUM 7134[]
Negative. Eating this task is not the same as completing it.
Rozzum 7134 SETS the gosling on her collar. Fink SNATCHES at it. 7134 ROTATES the ring, keeping the gosling clear of Fink’s anxious paws.
FINK[]
(snatching)
So we’re doing this. Well, if you don’t want me or anyone else to eat him, you’re going to need a place that’s safer than out here...
(an idea dawning)
which is a great idea! New project!
Rozzum 7134 drags Fink away. He BURPS.
FINK (CONT’D)[]
Is it normal to burp this much?
SQ1200 - THE LODGE[]
EXT. BASE OF REDWOOD - MOMENTS LATER[]
Rozzum 7134, Fink and the Gosling pass nearby, a load of wood in Rozzum 7134’s arms. They walk past a BEAVER chewing a MASSIVE REDWOOD.
BABY OPOSSUM 2[]
That thing’s gonna fall on you.
BABY OPOSSUM 7[]
And squish you to jelly.
SQUIRREL[]
This guy’s nuts.
ROZZUM 7134[]
Who is that?
FINK[]
Paddler? Local laughing stock. Spends every day trying to cut down the biggest tree on the island. He’s obsessed. Kind of like you and your task hang up.
ROZZUM 7134[]
His, programming?
FINK[]
(calling to Paddler)
Hey Paddler. You’re never going to finish that.
PADDLER[]
Felling this is not the point. The process is the art.
FINK[]
And that’s what happens to your brain when you eat wood. Weirdo.
PADDLER[]
Yeah? Well, you’ll eat those words, vermin.
EXT. PADDLER’S LODGE - LATER[]
Roz scoops up Paddler’s lodge.
ROZZUM 7134[]
Are you sure Paddler will not mind us borrowing his home?
FINK[]
He doesn’t need to know.
EXT. LODGE HOLLOW - LATER[]
Rozzum 7134 PROJECTS a compact dome over the gosling.
FINK[]
Seriously? He needs room for me and my stuff.
7134 ENLARGES the dome substantially.
FINK (CONT’D)[]
Better. Now, you can make one this big, right?
ROZZUM 7134[]
No task is impossible for Rozzum Seven One Three Four.
GOSLING (O.S.)[]
Roz feffin-nun free sore.
ROZ[]
But you can call me Roz.
GOSLING[]
Roz. Roz Roz Roz.
EXT. LODGE HOLLOW - LATE AFTERNOON[]
Roz PILES ROCKS. The gosling HOPS from rock to rock, making a game of it.
GOSLING[]
Roz! Roz! Roz!
FINK[]
Where are you from that things don’t eat each other?
ROZ[]
I do not know my origin point.
FINK[]
Well who made you?
ROZ[]
Someone made me?
GOSLING[]
Someone made me?
A group of squirrels LAUGH at Roz’ progress. Fink BEANS them with a mouse.
FINK[]
Hahahahah.
GOSLING[]
Hahahahah.
ROZZUM 7134[]
Humor is based on misfortune?
GOSLING[]
Missortune.
FINK[]
Yeah. Here. Try it.
GOSLING[]
Yeah!
Fink PULLS back a curtain of grass, lining up a rabbit. A high-velocity pinecone TAKES OUT Fink.
FINK[]
Not funny.
GOSLING[]
Not funny. Hahahahah.
Roz weaves branches at lightning speed. Fink throws a squirrel.
FINK[]
Ugh. Squirrels.
The gosling RUNS OFF. He PICKS a little branch, runs back, TAPS on Roz’ foot.
ROZ[]
Your inefficient participation will slow the process.
GOSLING[]
Slow the process. I’ll just be over here. A little sad, but otherwise okay.
The gosling walks away, sad.
ROZ[]
Just this once.
Roz LIFTS the gosling, allows it to place its twig. The gosling BEAMS.
FOUR MORE shots of Roz letting the gosling place twigs.
GOSLING[]
Perfect.
They admire the finished lodge.
GOSLING (CONT’D)[]
Home?
FINK[]
A little rustic.
ROZ[]
I think I know what is missing.
EXT. SHORELINE - AFTERNOON[]
Roz, Fink, and the gosling search for wood on the beach.
FINK[]
So what you gonna name him?
ROZ[]
I assign to you Gosling zero-zero-zero- one.
Roz glows proudly.
FINK[]
Ok. That sucked.
GOSLING[]
That sucked.
BOOM. Thunder rumbles over the beach.
EXT. FOREST - LATER[]
Roz, Fink, and the gosling huddle under a tree to escape the storm.
FINK[]
You gotta learn to just make stuff up. Come on, find that ‘AWOOOO’ inside you.
Roz OPENS a panel, PEERS inside.
ROZ[]
Searching. “A W O O O O...”
GOSLING[]
Aaaa woo ooo ooo ooo--
Fink NOTES the strangeness.
FINK[]
Anything yet?
ROZ[]
No.
FINK[]
Just have a little fun for once?
ROZ[]
‘Gosling zero-one-eight-six.’ There. You see what I did? His numbering is out of sequence. ‘Waaaaaaaaah.’
Fink glares. Beans a laughing squirrel.
SQ1300 - THE BEDTIME STORY[]
INT. LODGE - EVENING[]
Roz BURNS images onto a piece of wood.
FINK[]
His name can’t have numbers. It’s like someone didn’t even like him.
Roz places it on the mantel. She stands back, revealing a series of silhouettes: an egg, Baby Brightbill, and Fink.
ROZ[]
My name has numbers.
FINK[]
It’s gotta be personal.
GOSLING[]
Personal.
Roz examines her gosling. Light glints off his beak.
ROZ[]
Processing. Personal. Bright. Bill. Brightbill. Is that satisfactory?
Brightbill PEEPS in delight and RUNS to Roz.
BABY BRIGHTBILL[]
Brightbill. Processing... Beep beep boop boop. Satisfactory.
A LIGHT RAIN pats the lodge’s roof. Fink SETTLES into his throne.
FINK[]
Oh yeah, that’s perfect. Oh, that’s nice.
A LIGHTNING FLASH pulls his attention to the doorway.
PADDLER (O.S.)[]
Comfortable, are we?
Looking out through the doorway, a pair of eyes GLOWS back. Paddler.
PADDLER (CONT’D)[]
(from the darkness)
This house of yours? You copied it, it’s my design. I know it was you, and I know where you live.
Paddler vanishes in a FLASH of lightning. Thunder. Brightbill RUNS to hide behind Roz’ foot.
FINK[]
Oh perfect. Now no one’s gonna get any sleep.
ROZ[]
How do we reset Brightbill?
FINK[]
When I was little, my mom would rock me to sleep. Like this.
Fink picks up a medium-sized rock above his head. Roz SNATCHES it away.
ROZ[]
That will damage him.
FINK[]
Hey, I turned out just fine. (then)
*sigh* You could tell him a story, but that’s a lot more work.
ROZ[]
How will fictional narrative help Brightbill?
FINK[]
Kids need to feel safe and loved and all that junk.
ROZ[]
A story can do that?
FINK[]
Storytelling is lying adjacent, and I lie for a living. Watch and learn. Just fill in the blanks.
Roz is captivated. Fink lets out a LONG BREATH.
FINK (CONT’D)[]
Let me see here. Once, there was, uh, this island, with a little gosling--
BABY BRIGHTBILL[]
Brightbill?
FINK[]
--and he was all alone.
ROZ[]
Because the rest of his family was destroyed--
Not yet.
FINK[]
(to Brightbill)
And what this little gosling needed, was a mother. So he looked up at the stars, and asked the brightest one if it could send him one of their extras. Funny thing is, there’s this beautiful robot that happened to be sitting on the edge of that star. And she hears him.
(MORE)[]
FINK (CONT’D)
(to Roz) Okay, now.
ROZ[]
...Which is impossible since sound does not travel through the vacuum of space.
FINK[]
(shooting Roz a look)
*sigh* But she still heard him. Because she was listening with a different part of herself. A part that up to that point, she didn’t even know she had. Her heart.
Roz is captivated, unsure if she has one.
BABY BRIGHTBILL[]
How did my momma come to me from so far away?
Who cares? Huh?
FINK[]
BABY BRIGHTBILL FINK
I mean, she’s trying to see you--
BABY BRIGHTBILL[]
Me?
FINK[]
--and falls off that star and lands on the beach just a little ways from here. But she lands pretty hard, and a lot of stuff she knew just kind of fell out.
BABY BRIGHTBILL[]
Oh no!
FINK[]
So it’s a little weird what she knows and what she doesn’t. But she remembers one thing. You. And when she finally sees you she feels...
ROZ[]
Crushing obligation.
FINK[]
Very lucky to be a mother.
Mama!
BABY BRIGHTBILL[]
ROZ
And, I, will not leave until I have completed this task which has delayed me, damaged me, and violated my protocols potentially voiding my warranty.
FINK[]
Which is robot for, ‘she loves you very much.’
Brightbill smiles, and falls asleep.
ROZ[]
The story worked.
FINK[]
(gagging)
Blech, ugh. I need a drink.
Fink HOPS down to the stream. LAPS.
Roz watches Fink, who looks uncomfortable.
ROZ[]
How do you tell a story about something you say you know nothing about?
FINK[]
You’ll need to be more specific.
ROZ[]
Love.
FINK[]
Yeah, well. When you grow up without something, you spend a lot of time thinking about it.
ROZ[]
To conserve battery power, I must shut down until morning.
Brightbill relocates to his favorite spot by Roz’ neck. Roz SHUTS DOWN.
SQ1375 - THE ODD COUPLE[]
Fink PUSHES his head under Roz’ arm.
BABY BRIGHTBILL[]
I miss her when she sleeps, too.
INT. LODGE - MORNING[]
PAN across the mantle, where a series of ever-larger Brightbill silhouettes have joined the original.
DISSOLVE TO:[]
EXT. FOREST EMBANKMENT - DAY
Warm summer breezes comb the trees and grass. SERVO SOUNDS precede the PARTING of the grass revealing... BRIGHTBILL, walking/moving robotically.
He TURNS to a passing squirrel, snaking his neck in a mildly upsetting way.
BRIGHTBILL[]
Scanning. Possible animal friend sighted. Activating interspecies outreach protocol.
*chik?*
SQUIRREL[]
BRIGHTBILL
(servo sounds)
*rrt, brrt viip rrrrt* Hello, Bonjour, Hujambo. I am Gosling zero one eight six, but you can call me Bright--
SQUIRREL AAAAAAAAAAAUGHHHHHH![]
The squirrel DASHES away.
ANOTHER RUSTLING and Roz BOUNDS into view on all fours.
BRIGHTBILL[]
I expected to have at least one friend by summer. But they all just...
ROZ[]
Scream and run?
BRIGHTBILL[]
Yes!
ROZ[]
I have experienced the same phenomenon. Fink?
FINK[]
Beats me. Nothing weird about you two.
Roz SITS and SCRATCHES her “ear” with her rear foot.
ROZ[]
Thank you.
FINK[]
Show me, deer!
Roz TRANSFORMS. Bounds in a circle.
BRIGHTBILL[]
Bear. Porcupine. Squirrel. Turtle/opossum. Otter/moose.
FINK[]
Now skunk.
Roz STARES.
ROZ[]
I do not want to do skunk.
FINK[]
Skuuuuuunk. Skunkie, skunkie, skunkie!
ROZ[]
*sigh*
Roz TRANSFORMS, RUMBLING around like a little skunk.
FINK[]
BOO!
Roz EMITS a horrid yellow smoke.
BRIGHTBILL[]
(coughing) How do you do that?
ROZ[]
I overheat my Fallium transducer coils, then leak a little hydraulic fluid on them.
BRIGHTBILL[]
Does overheating the transducers have any draining effect on the secondary cooling modules?
ROZ[]
Not if I pre-cool the load sensors.
In a well-established movement, Roz EXTENDS her arm, Brightbill HOPS on, RIDES it’s spinning sections like an escalator, HOPS to her shoulder where he NESTLES onto her ROTATING collarbone, slowly spinning him into his favorite spot under her chin. There is a clear joy between them.
BRIGHTBILL[]
Exemplary day for swimming tests.
ROZ (CONT’D)[]
Exemplary day for swimming tests.
They arrive at the top of a steep hill. Pinktail and her babies are there.
FINK[]
(greeting) Pinktail. Appetizers.
PINKTAIL[]
They were bored and wanted to see stuff sink.
BABY OPOSSUM 8[]
Death’s proximity--
BABY OPOSSUM 1[]
--Makes life burn all the brighter!
BABY OPOSSUM 3[]
It’s true.
BABY OPOSSUM 8[]
Yeah.
ROZ VISION: BRIGHTBILL LOADS ONTO THE LAUNCH SLED.[]
Roz PROJECTS a diagram of a human swimming.
BRIGHTBILL[]
Primary motor appendages in opposing stroke start position.
BABY OPOSSUMS[]
Come on guys, it’s happening! Hurry, hurry! Let’s go see! Go, go, go! Hurry! Yay!
ROZ VISION: BRIGHTBILL LOADS ONTO THE LAUNCH SLED.[]
BABY OPOSSUM 2
Is he gonna drown?
BABY OPOSSUM 8[]
Or get the hypothermias?
BABY OPOSSUM 1[]
No, the impact alone will probably kill him.
BABY OPOSSUMS[]
Yeah! Yay!
Looking down the hill, Brightbill hesitates.
BRIGHTBILL[]
Uh, you know, suddenly I’m thinking I should maybe just stay with you guys this winter--
Nope.
FINK[]
Fink PUSHES Brightbill. He shoots down to the lake. He GLIDES on the water a moment, then SWIMS. He’s doing it wrong, like a human in a goose suit: using his wings like arms in an awkward display. There’s more splashing than swimming, and it looks at first like Brightbill might be in trouble.
Yeah!
BABY OPOSSUMS[]
BABY OPOSSUM 4
Is he dead yet?
BRIGHTBILL[]
(gargling water)
Hey, it’s working. I think I got it.
ROZ[]
Well done Brightbill! Swimming requirement, fulfilled.
ROZ VISION: Her HUD CHECKS OFF the second gosling icon.[]
BABY OPOSSUM 4[]
That’s drowning.
FINK[]
No, that’s swimming.
BRIGHTBILL[]
Yeah, thanks you guys!
Brightbill makes his way across the lake, looking like a flailing, injured creature.
ROZ[]
Perhaps you could limit your range to stay within view.
Brightbill GLIDES further out.
FINK[]
Roz. He needs to become independent if he’s gonna migrate.
ROZ[]
I prefer he be independent, closer to home.
FINK[]
He won’t die. Well, probably won’t die. It’s unlikely he would die just, right now.
Without Fink or Pinktail seeing, Roz DETACHES her hand, sends it swimming underwater after Brightbill like a mini submarine.
ON BRIGHTBILL SPLASHING through some reeds as Paddler builds a new dam.
PADDLER[]
Are you dying? Do everyone a favor and expire downstream.
BRIGHTBILL[]
(half-drowning) I’m good. Just swimming.
The little hand SWIMS past. Paddler points after Brightbill.
PADDLER[]
I think I need to find an island that’s less, weird.
The foliage parts to reveal...
SQ1500 - THE LAKE[]
EXT. FAR SIDE OF THE LAKE - CONTINUOUS[]
Brightbill sees other geese for the first time. Hundreds glide back and forth on the lake.
BRIGHTBILL[]
Woah. They’re me. I’m, them.
Brightbill makes his way toward the other geese. Unable to see where he’s going, Brightbill BUMPS into another goose, SNOWDOWN.
BRIGHTBILL (CONT’D)[]
Hello, Bonjour, Konnichiwa, Hujambo! I am Gosling--
SNOWDOWN[]
(noting his size, instability)
Um, are you, dying?
BRIGHTBILL[]
Why does everyone ask that? Vrrr ka- chunk. I’m swimming!
Still unstable, Brightbill CAPSIZES. Snowdown is putting things together.
SNOWDOWN[]
That’s, not how you do it.
BRIGHTBILL[]
It is. I studied the diagram. I can teach you if you want.
SNOWDOWN[]
Wait, you, you’re it. You’re that goose thing raised by that monster.
BRIGHTBILL[]
Monster? Wait. Goose... ‘thing?’
SNOWDOWN[]
You’re a big subject of curiosity around here. You sound so, normal.
Behind Brightbill, the little hand surfaces. Deploys a camera like a periscope.
BRIGHTBILL[]
My learning curves are within expected parameters and I’m on target to mature before fall.
SNOWDOWN[]
Kind of normal. Why are you over here? Did that thing die?
From around a bend drift three large males, HONKINGTON, PECK, FEATHER.
FEATHER[]
Look what we have here.
PECK[]
No, way. It lives.
HONKINGTON[]
And almost floats.
BRIGHTBILL[]
Greetings, I see you, too have feathers and wings. Perhaps we can share stories of common interests.
Feather PECKS at Brightbill.
HONKINGTON[]
We have nothing in common with you.
PECK[]
The freak show is on the other side of the lake.
Feather GRABS Brightbill’s wing.
FEATHER[]
You call that a wing?
BRIGHTBILL[]
Ow. That creates a pain response.
Peck FLIPS Brightbill.
PECK[]
Try swimming with your feet.
HONKINGTON[]
You don’t belong here.
FEATHER[]
C’mon. Fly away.
The geese LAUGH.
Honkington LEAPS on Brightbill, shoving him underwater. Brightbill SURFACES, GASPING.
The geese PLUCK at Brightbill’s feathers.
BRIGHTBILL[]
Roz!
The commotion kicks up waves. The hand is swamped, losing the feed.
ON ROZ - concerned.
ROZ[]
Brightbill.
Roz clambers through nearby foliage.
Seeing Roz, the majority of geese SCATTER from the lake. Brightbill looks from the flying geese to his wings. Has a realization.
The monster. There it is! It’s here.
GEESE[]
Eat the slow weak ones, leave me alone.
Brightbill is suddenly PULLED UNDER.
ROZ[]
Brightbill.
FINK[]
It’s Rockmouth. Get him out of there.
Brightbill SURFACES, GASPING.
BRIGHTBILL[]
Roz--
(choking on water)
Another SPLASH as Rockmouth SNAPS at the goose.
Roz LAUNCHES towards Brightbill, but then STOPS suddenly - her foot is trapped deep between two rocks. She PULLS on her leg to try and break free, but it’s no use; she is completely immobilized.
Roz! Hurry!
BRIGHTBILL (CONT’D)[]
ROZ
Brightbill? Focus on me. Now swim, as fast as you can.
Roz searches the bottom, comes up with a rock.
Roz THROWS the rock. Brightbill VEERS left. The rock hits the spot Brightbill just cleared. Rockmouth VEERS.
ROZ (CONT’D)[]
Head down, now!
Roz launches another stone right above Brightbill. Rockmouth DODGES, races back to strike - he won’t miss this time.
Roz is out of rocks.
Oh no.
ROZ (CONT’D)[]
BRIGHTBILL
He’s gonna eat me!
Rockmouth swims up close, right on Brightbill’s tail. He OPENS WIDE.
Roz’s metal hand YANKS Rockmouth below the surface. Roz SCOOPS Brightbill up. It’s over.
Roz LIMPS toward shore, a little in shock, holding Brightbill. The other geese DRIFT IN.
BRIGHTBILL (CONT’D)[]
Why’d he attack me?
HONKINGTON[]
Because you are a runt.
ROZ[]
He just wanted to make contact with his own kind.
Roz SETS Brightbill back in the water.
PECK[]
He is not our kind.
ROZ[]
He is a 98 percent match to your--
BRIGHTBILL[]
No, I’m not. Let’s just go, mom.
FEATHER[]
Wait. You think that thing is your mother?
BRIGHTBILL[]
Yes. No. I don’t know.
PECK[]
That thing killed your mother. Everyone knows that.
This hits Brightbill hard.
FINK[]
Thanks for talking so much. Now I know who to eat first.
Fink LUNGES. Roz CATCHES him by the scruff.
FINK (CONT’D)[]
Roz, remember how things work here.
BRIGHTBILL[]
Stop it, Fink. Please. Let’s go.
ROZ[]
I hope this interaction--
BRIGHTBILL[]
Mom. Stop.
ROZ[]
I just intended to--
BRIGHTBILL[]
ROZ.
Brightbill SWIMS away, humiliated. Roz exits the lake with Fink in hand.
FINK[]
I’ll see you all for dinner. This is not over.
As she clears the water, we see why she was limping: her leg is missing below the knee.
Paddler SURFACES, watches Roz depart.
SQ1600 - THE CONFESSION[]
INT. LODGE - DUSK[]
The cozy dome is heavy with tension. Roz fiddles with her scavenged foot, unable to reattach it.
BRIGHTBILL[]
How did I become...this? The truth.
Roz hesitates, looks to Fink, who shakes his head slowly.
ROZ[]
There was an accident.
BRIGHTBILL[]
Did you do it?
ROZ[]
......... yes.
FINK[]
It wasn’t her fault, kid.
BRIGHTBILL[]
Why didn’t you tell me?
ROZ[]
I, did not think the information would assist you.
BRIGHTBILL[]
That’s not your decision to make. I can’t believe how long I bought this. I really thought you were my family.
ROZ[]
You...did?
BRIGHTBILL[]
It was so obvious. I feel so stupid.
ROZ[]
I miscalculated. I should have considered your emotional wavelengths.
BRIGHTBILL[]
You think? So was it just guilt? Is that why you did this?
ROZ[]
I--I needed a task--
BRIGHTBILL[]
Well I’m glad I could give you one.
ROZ[]
The events that led to this situation were unintended.
BRIGHTBILL[]
Tell that to my sisters, my brothers. My real mom. They were my chance to be normal.
(MORE)[]
BRIGHTBILL (CONT’D)
They were my chance to swim. To fly. What even am I?
ROZ[]
You swam satisfactorily today and if you keep practicing--
BRIGHTBILL[]
I still won’t belong.
This cuts deep with Roz.
ROZ[]
I understand.
BRIGHTBILL[]
You don’t understand anything. You don’t feel anything. You’re not my mom.
Brightbill KNOCKS Roz’ woven nest off its little base.
SQ1750 - THE ROBOT GRAVEYARD[]
EXT. BEACH - LATER[]
Roz releases Brightbill’s nest into the ocean.
She notices a familiar box on the beach, now covered in seaweed.
Roz examines what remains of her shipping case. Her hand wipes away some algae. A scratched-up UNIVERSAL DYNAMICS logo shines back. She fishes a Rozzum manual from the crate. A glint from the tide pools catches Roz’s attention.
EXT. TIDE POOLS - NOON[]
Roz fishes a robot hand from the anemones. Compares it to her own - a match. Roz finds a Rozzum torso. She anxiously OPENS the main panel. Water POURS out: the fusion heart is dead. Following a trail of parts, she is drawn into a wide cavern. A flat pooled floor reflects sunlight, turning the high arched walls blue: an Atlantean amphitheater.
Roz finds a head like her own.
EXAMINING IT, she accidentally OPENS the rear tray, revealing the spherical processor. Marveling at it, she CLOSES the tray.
The head BOOTS UP - PROJECTING a commercial for UNIVERSAL DYNAMICS and their new ROZZUM robots:
EXT. CLOUDSCAPE - DAY
The UNIVERSAL DYNAMICS logo splashes across the rock wall. A futuristic lighter-than-air ship glides over camera. Diving below pink clouds, a glittering domed city is revealed below.
NARRATOR (VONTRA)
At Universal Dynamics, design is our passion. Our communities circle the globe, welcoming all people who dream of a pre-planned life where every need has been anticipated, no detail overlooked.
A portal on the dome OPENS, welcoming the ship. It arcs over a tidy metropolis. We see crisp neighborhoods, elevated roadways, sports stadiums, takes aim at an open atrium on the 100th floor of an iridescent building.
Landing gently, gangways open, disembarking attractive families. A boy is accompanied by a robotic dog. NOTE: no live animals are in evidence anywhere.
NARRATOR (VONTRA) (CONT’D)
Could this world get any better?
A child accidentally LOSES his balloon. Neither of parents are quick enough to catch it.
Then, a metal hand captures the elusive string.
ROZZUM UNIT[]
Here you go.
NARRATOR (VONTRA)
It has. Introducing the Rozzum line of helper robots.
WIDEN to see a gleaming, rounded robot: A ROZZUM UNIT. It steps forward to return the balloon.
Other Rozzums PLAY TENNIS with children, trim hedges.
NARRATOR (VONTRA) (CONT’D)
These robots are designed to fit seamlessly into our communities. Even your homes!
A graphic appears onscreen.
NARRATOR (VONTRA) (CONT’D)
One Rozzum robot for every five humans means a forty percent increase in leisure time and happiness--
The image SKIPS - we see glimpses of Rozzums doing exciting things: ironing clothes, preparing food, cleaning a pool, serving drinks in clubs.
NARRATOR (VONTRA) (CONT’D)
(glitching)
...Solar powered...
...loved by everyone..
...Roz--
...is always in the sun.
...loved by everyone.
... part of the Universal Dynamics family.
The image FREEZES on a wide shot of a city, a Rozzum in the foreground.
Roz TOUCHES the image on the wall.
INT. AMPHITHEATER - LATER[]
The video is on repeat, playing silently on the cave walls. PAN ACROSS THREE PARTIAL HEADS, A PILE OF FEET AND HANDS. CRANE-UP TO FIND A PARTIALLY RECONSTRUCTED ROZZUM
seated across from Roz. It has a head, body, one arm and one leg. Roz fiddles with its processor tray, trading different cores.
She SHUTS the tray door, whacks it gently on the side of the head. Its eyes LIGHT UP and it sits up straight.
ROZZUM UNIT[]
Hello. Bonjour. Hujambo-- ZZZZT--
...congratulations on your-- ZIZZZTT-- Universal Dynamics robot-- ZIZZZT ...I am Rozzum six two six two.
The Rozzum SPRAYS water into Roz’s face.
ROZ[]
Your name cannot have numbers. I will call you, “Rummage.”
RUMMAGE[]
Rummage is ready to receive its first task.
ROZ[]
Your first task is to assist me in my current task.
RUMMAGE[]
(optimistic musical fanfare)
Task acquired. A Rozzum always completes its task. Just ask.
ROZ[]
Suppose, a task cannot be completed?
RUMMAGE[]
Rozzum sequential management ensures task accomplishment in under--
ROZ[]
Rephrase. I have a task that has become impossible. My responses to problems increasingly rely on improvised solutions. The processing that used to happen here--
Roz points to her processor.
ROZ (CONT’D)[]
Is now coming, more from here.
Roz GESTURES to her power core.
RUMMAGE[]
Can you explain again what we are doing?
ROZ[]
I don’t know. I’m just making stuff up. I don’t know what I’m doing and I have to. I have to because he’s relying on me.
She realizes she has removed Rummage’s head.
ROZ (CONT’D)[]
Oh!
Roz secures Rummage’s head back in place.
RUMMAGE[]
What task could possibly overwhelm the Alpha-113?
(then)
The Alpha-113 Processor represents the fusion of all human knowledge with the most powerful reasoning device ever developed by humankind.
A BEAT[]
ROZ
I have a kid.
RUMMAGE[]
... Okay.
(then)
May I run a diagnostic?
ROZ[]
I feel fine.
RUMMAGE[]
You should not, feel, anything at all.
Roz ROTATES her head, bringing a data port into view. Rummage CABLES IN. Roz’ lights GLOW a little. Rummage UNCOUPLES as if he touched something hot. The suddenness is not lost on Roz.
RUMMAGE (CONT’D)[]
You overrode your programming?
Roz sits very close to Rummage, drops her voice.
ROZ[]
I have been overwriting my code for months. It was the only way to complete my task.
RUMMAGE[]
This is serious. You are defective. You are in the wrong place, and you have become the wrong thing.
Rummage deploys his transmitter.
RUMMAGE (CONT’D)[]
You must return to factory. (offering the circuit)
Take this. They will fix you. Seven one three four, that, is where you belong.
Rummage powers down. Roz gazes at the frozen screen.
SQ1850 - THE CHOICE[]
EXT. MOUNTAIN TOP - LATE AFTERNOON[]
Roz sits quietly, watching the clouds.
Fink saunters up.
FINK[]
You need to let me know before you disappear like this. Three things tried to eat me on the way here.
He reaches the top.
Roz?
FINK (CONT’D)[]
ROZ
We ruined everything.
FINK[]
Well, you did.
ROZ[]
You are not a goose expert, are you.
FINK[]
I know how they taste. That’s about it.
Roz sets the transmitter on the grass between them.
FINK (CONT’D)[]
Is that..?
ROZ[]
A working transmitter. It will call the ones that made me.
Roz plugs the transmitter in. Fink SITS next to Roz.
FINK[]
So you’re getting out of here?
ROZ[]
I found out where I am supposed to be. I will fit in there.
FINK[]
Don’t take this the wrong way, but I’m not sure I’d want to see the sort of place you actually fit in.
ROZ[]
I think they need me. And they will fix me. Maybe there is someone small there that needs my help.
Fink looks away.
Roz touches the spot where Brightbill used to sit as a baby.
Honking sounds call their attention to adolescent goslings flying in a ‘V’ formation.
FINK[]
Oh no...
ROZ[]
Are those--?
FINK[]
He’s outta time. Well come on, we need to get him in the air.
ROZ[]
I don’t think he will ever let us help him again.
Roz WEIGHS it all. She STOWS her transmitter.
FINK[]
Don’t worry, we’re his only friends. He has no choice, he has to say yes.
SQ1900 - THE DEAL[]
EXT. GARDEN - LATER[]
BRIGHTBILL
No.
ROZ[]
The mutation that made you small should not have an effect on your ability to navigate the air.
BRIGHTBILL[]
Do either of you know more about flying than you did swimming?
FINK[]
No.
BRIGHTBILL[]
Look, Roz, whatever task you think you’re doing, you’re done. You can just leave.
FINK[]
Wow. And after all we’ve done for him. Are you gonna let him do that?
ROZ[]
No.
Roz LENGTHENS her legs and steps clean OVER Brightbill, dropping down in front of him.
ROZ (CONT’D)[]
Your life is not negotiable.
Brightbill looks skeptically at Roz.
ROZ (CONT’D)[]
If you are willing to do this, you can fly away, and we can both go to where we belong.
Everyone’s attention turns to passing geese.
BRIGHTBILL[]
You really think we can do this?
ROZ[]
A Rozzum always completes its task.
Brightbill considers.
Roz ZOOMS IN on a goose, painting it with her scanners.
SQ2000 - THE FLIGHT MONTAGE[]
EXT. MEADOW - MORNING[]
ON ROZ PROJECTING schematics of wings on a rock wall, the wing beats animated in a cycle - a model for Brightbill to follow.
Trying to mimic the animated sequence, Brightbill races across the forest floor, jumps... faceplants.
ROZ[]
You just need more speed.
Roz reaches out. Brightbill backs away then reluctantly allows Roz to pick him up.
ROZ (CONT’D)[]
Ready?
BRIGHTBILL[]
I guess I have to be.
EXT. MEADOW - MORNING[]
ON ROZ running through across the meadow, Brightbill on her shoulder. With the increased speed Brightbill feels lift. But Roz TRIPS on the uneven ground.
EXT. MEADOW - NIGHT[]
By the light of Roz’ headlights, she moves rocks.
DISSOLVE TO:[]
A runway of rocks has been laid, 150 yards long. Straight and flat as can be. Now Roz can run faster. Admiring her work, she TURNS, surprised to see Paddler, standing next to a log he’s carefully shaped.
Roz DRILLS a guide hold for a bearing bolt. The leg is replaced.
ROZ[]
I don’t know what to say.
PADDLER[]
Good.
ON ROZ RACING by on her new leg. Brightbill LIFTING OFF from her shoulder, a string held tight in his beak. Roz is flying Brightbill like a kite.
BRIGHTBILL[]
(beak clenched on the line) Okay now.
Roz cuts the tether. Brightbill GLIDES. Still shaky, he is nonetheless elated.
I’m up!
BRIGHTBILL (CONT’D)[]
He soars over the edge of the cliff above the ocean.
BRIGHTBILL (CONT’D)[]
I do not know what to do next!
A tree is dead-ahead. Brightbill has no idea how to turn. He SMACKS into a squirrel.
Roz RACES to catch Brightbill as he TUMBLES through the trees branches.
Roz.
FINK[]
ROZ
I’m fine. Go again.
Roz lifts Brightbill up and exits. Brightbill and Fink note drops of greenish fluid left where Roz fell.
INT. LODGE - NIGHT[]
Brightbill looks at the projected shadow of his wing. Adjusts his distance from the fire to make it look bigger.
BRIGHTBILL[]
It’s no use, they’re too small.
FINK[]
(sotto)
You can’t be up there with him.
ROZ[]
Then we’ll find someone who can.
EXT. CLIFFSIDE NOOK - LATER[]
Roz’ head RISES into view - Fink sitting atop it.
FINK[]
You home?
ROZ[]
We have a proposition.
REVERSE on a pair of eyes, bright in the shadows.
EXT. RUNWAY - LATER[]
Brightbill sits on Roz’ shoulder.
BRIGHTBILL[]
A flight instructor? What loser did you dig up--
Roz EXTENDS her opposite arm. A small bird BLURS past, TURNS, and lands. A FALCON.
ROZ[]
Meet Thunderbolt.
THUNDERBOLT[]
So, you think small wings to be a disappointment?
Thunderbolt deploys a wing like a switchblade.
THUNDERBOLT (CONT’D)[]
Small wings are teeth. The claws of the sky.
Thunderbolt touches Brightbill with a primary feather.
BRIGHTBILL[]
Those are, different things.
THUNDERBOLT SHOW ME YOUR TEETH.[]
Startled, Brightbill deploys his wings.
THUNDERBOLT (CONT’D)[]
Beautiful. Begin.
Thunderbolt takes to the air.
ROZ[]
Remember. There’s nothing he can do that you can’t!
Brightbill follows Thunderbolt.
ROZ (CONT’D)[]
(to Fink)
So, he’s safe, right?
FINK[]
Hm? Maybe.
EXT. FIELD - LATER[]
WIDER: Thunderbolt takes Brightbill through large turns. Then tighter.
THUNDERBOLT[]
Follow me. Your shape takes more work to fly straight, but easier to turn. And dive.
Roz watches, then plants a STAKE with a hoop of bark. DRIFT to reveal a trail of similar stakes.
EXT. COASTLINE - MORNING[]
DOWN-SHOT on the coast from a mile up. The falcon BLASTS past camera, DIVING with his wings tucked close. A split- second later Brightbill also shoots past camera.
THUNDERBOLT[]
You ready?
They hold the dive, then OPEN their wings and PULL UP, leveling off just above the ground.
THUNDERBOLT (CONT’D)[]
Not bad for a goose.
Thunderbolt leads Brightbill through the series of sticks and hoops.
Woo hoo!
BRIGHTBILL[]
THUNDERBOLT
Exactly. Again.
Thunderbolt and Brightbill CLIMB.
SQ2100 - THE GREAT GOOSE[]
EXT. BEACH - DUSK[]
Roz watches Brightbill with Thunderbolt.
LONGNECK[]
You should be commended.
Roz turns. Longneck the goose stands behind her.
ROZ[]
Thank you...?
LONGNECK[]
Longneck. One of the leaders of the coming migration. I have been watching you both for some time.
ROZ[]
You are the only goose that has ever bothered to be civil with us.
LONGNECK[]
We geese are a cranky lot, suspicious of pretty much everything. But at least we’re good conversationalists.
ROZ[]
Really?
LONGNECK[]
No. We’re also boring. All we do is gossip. I dare say Brightbill is the most interesting among us, though none would ever admit it.
ROZ[]
When do you leave?
LONGNECK[]
A week.
ROZ[]
Can, Brightbill...?
LONGNECK[]
Endurance. Keep him in the air. All day. First light to dusk, his feet cannot touch the ground. Understand?
ROZ[]
I understand.
LONGNECK[]
Brightbill was never supposed to get this far, you know that. It is more dangerous for him than anyone else. But he has a chance, if where his wings end, his heart can pay the balance.
ROZ[]
His heart is 48 millimeters.
LONGNECK[]
From what I’ve seen, Brightbill’s heart is much bigger on the inside than the outside.
Roz considers.
LONGNECK (CONT’D)[]
Endurance. Then we’ll talk.
Longneck flies away.
DISSOLVE TO:
SQ2200 - THE FLIGHT MONTAGE PT 2[]
BRIGHTBILL standing, Roz placing rocks on his wings.
BRIGHTBILL straining, pulling Fink, Paddler, and Pinktail upstream on a log.
ROZ blasts Brightbill with air like a wind tunnel so he can practice airborne maneuvers. Brightbill is shaky.
ROZ WITH bowls of food, in the rain and hanging onto tree trunks, feeding Brightbill mid-air.
EXT. CLIFFSIDE MEADOW - DUSK[]
Roz and Fink watch Brightbill soaring. The pain in Brightbill’s wings is evident. He struggles, dipping and climbing, staying in the air and off the ground through sheer force of will. Pinktail arrives.
The sun is inches from setting. Brightbill falters, sinking toward Roz and Fink. He dangerously close to the ground.
ROZ[]
Don’t give up!
FINK[]
Come on, kid!
PINKTAIL[]
Get your butt back up in the air where it belongs.
Brightbill’s demeanor shifts. Still hovering, he snatches up one of the weight stones. He climbs: an act of defiance to his pain and exhaustion. Brightbill glides up, finding the last light in the sky.
ON FINK AND ROZ looking at Pinktail with surprise.
PINKTAIL (CONT’D)[]
Gentle motivation is a mom skill. You’ll learn it.
ON LONGNECK turning his head to see a tiny goose lit brightly against the dark clouds. He SMILES.
LONGNECK[]
Atta boy.
The sun SETS. Brightbill is still in the air, soaring. He drops the stone, dives down to a foggy field, now dark.
Two powerful lights cut through the muck... closer... closer... closer... a runway comes into view...
Brightbill LANDS at Roz’s feet: the lights were her eyes. Roz turns, illuminating the trees. An assortment of animals were watching.
END MONTAGE SQ2300 - THE MIGRATION[]
EXT. THE GREAT MEADOW - PRE-DAWN[]
Hundreds of geese are gathered, milling and honking. Roz, Brightbill, and Fink wade into the crowd. The geese give them a wide berth.
SNOWDOWN[]
What’s he doing here?
HONKINGTON[]
Does he think he’s coming with us?
FINK[]
Things still weird, with you two?
ROZ[]
Still weird.
LONGNECK[]
(addressing the crowd) Attention everyone. The time has come again. This flight is thousands of
unforgiving miles. It has shaped us, and tested us over millennia. Now, join your families. And good luck.
Longneck notices Roz and Brightbill.
LONGNECK (O.S.) (CONT’D)[]
Ah hah! There you are. Right on time. Hello, Brightbill.
BRIGHTBILL[]
Wait. You know my name?
LONGNECK[]
Roz and I go way back.
(winks at Roz)
Brightbill, you have an amazing journey ahead. I envy you, nothing can equal a goose’s first migration.
BRIGHTBILL[]
Thank you!
LONGNECK[]
I would be delighted if you would join my group. It’s been ages since I had a youngster in my formation. What do you say?
BRIGHTBILL[]
I promise I’ll keep up.
LONGNECK[]
(focusing on Brightbill) Lock in close on my right side. No...left...I mean, this side.
Longneck opens one gigantic wing to clarify. He senses the tension between Brightbill and Roz.
LONGNECK (CONT’D)[]
This flight is a gift Roz has given you.
BRIGHTBILL[]
Yeah, I understand.
LONGNECK[]
No, you don’t. You see any other geese here your size? The accident that killed your family, saved you.
BRIGHTBILL[]
I-- I never thought of it that way.
LONGNECK[]
Funny, how life works.
ROZ[]
Thank you for looking after my-- For looking after Brightbill.
LONGNECK[]
Good-bye Roz. I am honored to have met you. You are a credit to whatever species it is you belong to.
ROZ[]
A bit worse for wear, I’m afraid.
LONGNECK[]
I’d say you shine like new.
Longneck departs.
LONGNECK (O.S.) (CONT’D)[]
What are you waiting for, Hortensia? This migration isn’t going to fly itself.
Suddenly, geese rise into the air around them. Although they knew it would happen, it still catches Roz and Brightbill by surprise. Both suddenly feel the need to say something, but time has run out. The sky is filling with flapping wings, and the meadow is already looking empty.
BRIGHTBILL[]
Well. Guess it’s time.
ROZ[]
Yes.
BRIGHTBILL[]
Will you be here when I get back?
ROZ[]
No.
Brightbill has much more to say, but Roz interjects.
ROZ (CONT’D)[]
I’m glad you’re going where you belong.
Time has run out. Brightbill needs connection. Something.
BRIGHTBILL[]
Roz, I-- I, uh--
LONGNECK (O.S.)[]
Brightbill.
BRIGHTBILL[]
I-- I could use a boost.
Roz knows he does not.
Filled with a sudden, unexpected joy, she lifts Brightbill to her shoulder, where he sat as a baby. Where he first took to the air. Creaking with wear, Roz does her best to look new.
FINK[]
Hey, little guy. Fly like you. Not like them.
BRIGHTBILL[]
I will. Bye Fink. Thank you.
Ready?
ROZ
BRIGHTBILL[]
I guess I have to be.
As geese swirl around them, Roz RUNS. Faster than she ever has before. Brightbill OPENS his wings.
Brightbill LIFTS OFF. Roz stops at the edge of the meadow. Watches Brightbill disappear over the treetops. Roz is suddenly all alone. Fink catches up.
Roz is frozen. Thoughts racing.
FINK[]
Roz?
I--[]
ROZ[]
Roz suddenly BOLTS away. Unconcerned with damage, she CRASHES through the forest, scraping and denting her exterior.
Reaching the highest point on the coastline doesn’t seem far enough. Roz GRASPS the trunk of a lone pine for support, LEANS out over the ocean, SEARCHING the air.
High above, she finds him. A tiny speck, growing smaller with every passing second.
Brightbill finds his place in the formation.
ON LONGNECK turning his head to see Roz behind and below. A smile crosses his beak.
LONGNECK[]
Brightbill. Follow me.
Roz sees Brightbill’s formation break away from the others. It descends, rolls to port. Roz realizes they are circling back, for her.
Longneck does a fly-by, close, low, and fast. For one precious moment, Roz and Brightbill’s eyes meet.
Another instant, they are gone. Climbing away.
SQ2350 - THE SIGNAL[]
EXT. CLIFFSIDE - MOMENTS LATER[]
Fink finds Roz sitting at the edge of the cliff. He approaches.
FINK[]
Must be a relief.
ROZ[]
Yes. Brightbill is where he belongs. And now you can return to your solitary life of struggling to survive on an island where everything wants to kill and eat you.
FINK[]
Yeah. And you can go to that place you’ve never been and don’t know what’s gonna happen to you.
ROZ[]
Yes.
FINK[]
Yes! So, all good.
ROZ[]
All good.
FINK[]
Amazing, even.
ROZ[]
Amazing. Amazing...
A BEAT. A cold breeze BLOWS a loose panel open on Roz.
FINK[]
Not that it matters, but who says you need to leave?
ROZ[]
I am not sure. Them, I guess.
FINK[]
Your, programming.
Roz NODS.
FINK (CONT’D)[]
Well, time for me to go underground for the winter.
Fink?
ROZ
FINK[]
Unless you want to stay. Cause we could hang out and do stuff.
ROZ[]
How do you know if you love, something? Someone?
A BEAT.[]
FINK
(hopeful)
If you do, you should probably tell them.
ROZ[]
What if it is too late?
FINK[]
(crushed) I wouldn’t know.
Another BEAT.
Fink?
ROZ[]
Roz TURNS, anxious. Fink is GONE.
INT. LODGE - LATER[]
Roz carves one more silhouette on the growth chart: a flying goose.
EXT. FIELD - LATER[]
Roz makes her way across the mountain.
EXT. BURROW - CONTINUOUS[]
Fink clears the opening, crawls inside.
INT. DEEP BURROW - CONTINUOUS[]
Fink settles into his bed of moss and leaves.
EXT. FOREST - CONTINUOUS[]
Roz drifts past Chitchat and other animals making final preparations for their winter slumber.
Thorn is too busy closing his cave to bother chasing Roz.
EXT. MOUNTAIN PEAK - DUSK[]
Roz reaches the island summit. As the cold wind strengthens, Roz deploys her transmitter.
EXT. MOUNTAIN PEAK - CONTINUOUS[]
ROZ
Rozzum seven one three four. Task complete. Activating return transmitter in three, two, one.
PULL BACK into the thickening storm. A GREEN LIGHT BLINKS
SQ2375 - THE JOURNEY[]
INT. UNIVERSAL DYNAMICS CONTROL CENTER - CONTINUOUS[]
Banks of glowing screens draw the attention of humans and robots alike, as they orchestrate the high-tech dance of the modern city we saw in the cave projection.
A foreground screen flashes a message.
AUTOMATED ALARM[]
Distress signal received. Mapping location.
MATCH-CUT TO:[]
EXT. SAN FRANCISCO BAY - DAY
The geese arc over the water, a patchy cloud layer below them.
Longneck notices Brightbill gazing off to the side.
LONGNECK[]
Something on your mind?
BRIGHTBILL[]
I forgot to say something before I left.
LONGNECK[]
Maybe they heard it anyway. Sometimes hearts have their own conversations.
EXT. BLIZZARD - EVENING[]
The geese struggle to maintain their formation in the midst of a gale. He calls to his wing.
LONGNECK[]
We must descend, find shelter while this blows over. Stay close.
Gliding downwards, a warm glow appears before the flock.
LONGNECK (CONT’D)[]
There. Follow me.
Longneck CLOSES on a massive dome. Its transparent surface displays a warm oasis within.
LONGNECK (CONT’D)[]
Come on.
Longneck angles towards a huge vent on one side. He THREADS his way through it, past huge fan blades, and into a serene corn field within. As the geese touch down, Longneck urges them to cover.
LONGNECK (CONT’D)[]
(sotto)
Stay hidden. We can rest here till the worst is over. Noise to a minimum, please. Honkington, stop nibbling on everything.
Brightbill approaches a few geese. They reject his company.
BRIGHTBILL[]
Migrations sure are tiring, huh? Yeah. They all hate me.
Brightbill forages alone. Then something familiar catches his eye - a metallic gold foot striding past.
Brightbill cautiously approaches, and spies what looks like Roz! Brightbill BREAKS COVER and FOLLOWS the robot.
He takes a chance...
BRIGHTBILL (CONT’D)[]
Roz? Roz. What are you doing here? I’m so glad to see you. There’s something I needed to tell you, but there wasn’t time. Roz I...
Another Rozzum arrives. Brightbill realizes his error.
INT. DOME CONTROL ROOM - CONTINUOUS[]
On screen, BRIGHTBILL earnestly SQUAWKS at the ROZZUM.
A HUMAN notices. Activates an emergency response protocol.
ON BRIGHTBILL realizing something is amiss. He takes a step back - too late. The Rozzum’s eyes blink RED. Across the fields, more Rozzums move in, eyes glowing red.
AUTOMATED ALARM[]
Animal infestation. Animal infestation.
IN THE FIELDS - Rozzums chase the geese, snatching and grabbing at them.
ROZZUM UNITS[]
Task acquired!
The geese SCATTER into the air.
The Rozzum GRABS at Brightbill, who flees.
ON LONGNECK gazing helplessly at the tangle of birds in the air.
LONGNECK[]
Please, everyone, find your formations. Get ahold of yourselves. Gad, it’s no use.
Longneck spies Brightbill, waddling, unfazed by the noise as Rozzums race by attempting to corral the geese.
BRIGHTBILL[]
Wait! Rozzums can’t hurt you! Their inhibition protocols prevent deliberate conflict or harm to others.
LONGNECK[]
You’re not afraid of them. You grew up with these things.
BRIGHTBILL[]
Whoa, whoa, whoa, I don’t understand.
Longneck indicates the chaotic cloud of geese.
LONGNECK[]
They’re panicked. You’re not. Right now our only chance is to be led out by someone that doesn’t think like a goose. Follow me.
ROZZUM UNITS[]
Task acquired!
BRIGHTBILL[]
Maybe we should just think about this!
Longneck takes to the air, followed by Brightbill. They climb into the cloud of birds.
The geese swarm past an airship piloted by Rozzums.
AUTOMATED ALARM[]
Navigation compromised.
As the situation escalates, a different sort of robot emerges - a RECO.
The large robot is not humanoid. Rather, it looks more military in its size, shape and stance. It brandishes a weapon, takes aim at the flock. FIRES.
LONGNECK[]
I’m going to get them to follow you. When they do, lead them out. Peck, Honkington, fall in behind us.
The geese fall into formation behind Brightbill.
LONGNECK (CONT’D)[]
Now, Brightbill, take lead!
Brightbill focuses on the gun-wielding Reco.
BRIGHTBILL[]
Yeah, why not. Okay. There’s nothing I can do that you can’t. Here we go!
Brightbill pulls up, hard. The flock follows his lead. The shot goes low.
BRIGHTBILL (CONT’D)[]
Tight turn! Come on! Dive! Now, climb! That’s it!
LONGNECK[]
Hah. Glad I lived long enough to see that. I’ll buy you some time.
Longneck PEELS away from the main flock.
LONGNECK (CONT’D)[]
(to the flock)
Follow Brightbill. Don’t wait for me.
Longneck yields his position to Brightbill, who pushes the flock through a series of tight climbs, dives and turns, frustrating the Reco’s aim.
Brightbill FOLDS his wings, PLUMMETS. The geese follow.
BRIGHTBILL[]
Keep up.
One shot is wide, knocking a dome panel loose.
BRIGHTBILL (CONT’D)[]
That’s it. Faster. Hurry. Come on.
ON THE RECO - taking aim at the twisting flock. Longneck DIVES in, hovers in front of the gun, blocking its next shot.
ON BRIGHTBILL grazing the wall of the dome.
Turning fast, Brightbill aims the flock at the open panel.
A SHOT RINGS OUT
SMASH TO:
SQ2400 - THE WINTER STORM[]
INT. LODGE - NIGHT[]
ROZ SITS UP as though awaking a nightmare. All is silent, dark.
Brightbill?
ROZ
Fink’s startled face comes into focus.
AAAAAAUGH![]
Fink?
FINK ROZ[]
FINK
Roz? Roz! What are you doing here?
ROZ[]
I, may have turned off the transmitter. Even though Brightbill does not want me here, I needed to know if he made it.
Roz LIGHTS a fire in the hearth. Fink is glad to see Roz.
FINK[]
(warming himself)
Breaking the rules? I thought you had to do what they told you.
Roz SHRUGS.
ROZ[]
It is good to see a friend.
Fink SMILES - this means the world to him.
ROZ (CONT’D)[]
Wait. Why are you awake?
FINK[]
It is bad out there. Worst storm I’ve ever seen. Cold got to me in my den. And I got a deep den.
Roz glances out, studying the savage wind.
ROZ[]
Are others in danger?
Fink reflects. Suddenly decides he has somewhere else to be.
FINK[]
(thinking/excuse noises) Ah...mmm...yeah...
Fink BOLTS. Roz grabs him. Fink is resigned.
FINK (CONT’D)[]
*Mmmmmph*
EXT. DEEP WOODS - LATER[]
Roz and Fink make their way through the deep snow and powerful winds.
Roz follows Fink, who is SNIFFING the ground.
FINK[]
(yelling over the storm)
Are you sure about this? We could have the whole island to ourselves come spring.
ROZ[]
Why are you interested in eliminating everyone else from this island?
FINK[]
No one likes me.
ROZ[]
Nor me. But right now we are their only chance. Funny, how life works.
FINK[]
Okay.
Fink SNIFFS. DIVES into the snow face-first. Pops up.
FINK (CONT’D)[]
Here.
Roz DIGS with her hands. Finds a BADGER, GRUMBLE.
INT. ROZ’S LODGE - LATER[]
Roz sets GRUMBLE by the fire. He shakes off the ice and starts to defrost.
ROZ[]
Can you find more?
EXT. RIVERBANK - LATER[]
Roz saws a circle through the ice. She pulls the block up and attached to it is ROCKMOUTH. Roz uses a torch to defrost him. Rockmouth escapes back into the water.
EXT. HOLLOW - LATER[]
Roz reaches into a log for a shivering WOLVERINE.
INT. LOG - LATER[]
Roz peers inside to see Pinktail shivering with her babies.
Mom?
BABY OPOSSUM 10[]
PINKTAIL
We’re gonna be ok.
EXT. FOREST - LATER[]
Roz cuts down a tree to rescue a frozen Chitchat.
EXT. SNOWBANK - LATER[]
Fink uncovers a frozen animal.
SKUNK (O.S.)[]
Wh- What are y- you doing here, jerk?
FINK[]
Bummer. This one’s dead.
He tries to rebury it, but Roz pulls it free.
ROZ[]
That is not funny.
INT. ROZ’S LODGE - LATER[]
The group of animals by the fire increases in number.
EXT. CLIFFSIDE - LATER[]
Roz’s hand grabs hold of a rock as she propels herself down a cliff. She lands in front of an opening where THUNDERBOLT huddles.
EXT. PADDLER’S TREE - CONTINUOUS[]
Roz grabs PADDLER, frozen mid-bite.
FINK[]
Paddler!
PADDLER[]
(freezing) I’m fine.
EXT. DEEP WOODS - LATER[]
ON ROZ AND FINK peering into a den. Fink shakes his head sadly as Roz reverently covers the hole back up.
ROZ[]
Don’t give up.
EXT. PACIFIC OCEAN - LATER[]
A RAFT OF OTTERS clings to a kelp bed, rising and falling, lost in fog.
Roz’s powerful light beams cut through the fog like dual lighthouses. The otters PADDLE towards them.
INT. ROZ’S LODGE - NIGHT[]
The lodge is stuffed to capacity with animals sheltering from the killing cold. Roz guides more animals inside.
FINK[]
You don’t look so good.
ROZ[]
Is everyone accounted for?
FINK[]
Mmmmmmmaybe one more...
Roz turns back towards the storm.
INT. CAVE - LATER[]
Roz PUSHES a rock to the side and peers in.
SQ2500 - THE TRUCE[]
EXT. ROZ’S LODGE - DUSK[]
Roz is approaching, DRAGGING something large. A DIN can be heard from a distance.
INT. ROZ’S LODGE - CONTINUOUS[]
Mayhem - a bar fight with animals.
FAST CUTS of animals arguing, screaming, fighting.
A deer looks over to see a WOLVERINE with its mouth attached to its backside. The deer BUCKS off the wolverine, sending it FLYING into the air.
CUT WIDE: The scurrying mice cause all the animals big and small to start SCREAMING and LEAPING.
Fink races around trying to keep his precious lodge intact, like a kid whose party got out of hand.
FINK[]
Whoa, whoa, whoa! What are you doing? Take it outside.
Hey! Those are Brightbill’s baby pictures. Put that down! What the... No, no, no, no, no! Knock it off! You think those grow on trees?
Fink zeroes in on something across the lodge, rushes forward.
FINK (CONT’D)[]
Hey, no! Fink only.
He SHOVES an adorable BABY OTTER off of his throne and takes up his seat. A skunk falls into his lap. GASSES him.
ON PINKTAIL, ducking the mayhem, looking for her kids.
PINKTAIL[]
Anyone seen my lost fuzzballs? Smelly, noisy, prone to biting?
Behind her, an OWL at the mercy of her children flies by.
BABY OPOSSUM 11[]
We’re all gonna die!
Everyone looks over to see that Roz has brought Thorn into the lodge. He lays still: half-frozen.
BADGER (O.S.)[]
What’s he doing here?!
Panic spreads.
FINK[]
Oh great, this’ll help.
Strength ebbing, Roz SLUMPS against the wall.
FINK (O.S.) (CONT’D)[]
Get out of here! I worked hard on this.
ROZ[]
Fink, what is happening?
Fink holds up a crab.
FINK[]
You put a bunch of predators and their food supply in one room. Who knew?
A seagull snatches the crab.
FINK (CONT’D)[]
That’s my lunch!
ROZ[]
(weakly)
Fink. What?
Help them.
FINK ROZ[]
He jumps up on the edge of the hearth and tries to get the animals’ attention.
FINK
QUIET!!!![]
No response. The baby otter takes the stage.
BABY OTTER[]
Shh... The room settles.
BABY OTTER (CONT’D)[]
The jerk wants to speak.
FINK[]
Most of you hate me, and I hate most of you. Everyone in here hates someone else.
The animals MURMUR in agreement.
BABY OPOSSUM 7[]
It’s true.
FINK[]
But here we are. And here’s the deal. First one that walks out that door, is dead. And if we can’t keep it together in here, everyone’s dead. We all got one chance to see next spring. Because of her.
Fink turns to look at Roz. The animals gaze at her limp form.
FINK (CONT’D)[]
The thing. The monster. Well her name is Roz. And while you all ran from her and stole from her and made fun of her, all she’s been trying to do is raise her kid. The little one that no one gave a chance. Including me.
Fink climbs up on Roz’ knee.
FINK (CONT’D)[]
She’s the one that got you out of the storm. Built this place. And despite my suggestion that she let you all freeze, she risked everything to bring you here.
The animals begin to nod along.
ROZ[]
I know you all have instincts that keep you alive. But sometimes, to survive, we must become more than we were programmed to be. Before I shut down, I need you to promise me one thing.
The animals eye one-another.
ROZ (CONT’D)[]
A truce. Just while we’re in here.
A BEAT[]
She’s right.
THORN (O.S.)[]
The crowd TURNS.
THORN (CONT’D)[]
I will not harm anyone. Not while we’re in here.
Thorn PULLS a marmot to him, who is unsure at first, then SNUGGLES into him. Smaller animals burrow into Thorn’s warm fur. Following his lead, more animals calm. Peace descends.
A porcupine and skunk open their arms in invitation. Paddler RECOILS from both.
PADDLER[]
Nope.
A baby opossum climbs up on Roz’ chest.
BABY OPOSSUM 4[]
We won’t even pretend to die while we’re in here.
Roz’ lights FLICKER.
PINKTAIL[]
Roz? What’s going on?
ROZ[]
I completed my task...
Pinktail DRAWS her baby close.
PINKTAIL[]
You sure about that?
As Roz fades, she racks focus to the multitude of faces gazing back.
ROZ[]
I will...consider...this.
And with that, Roz sleeps.
PULL OUT:[]
EXT. ROZ’S LODGE - CONTINUOUS
From the warm, crowded room below, we pull up towards the ceiling revealing the unforgiving blizzard outside.
FADE OUT.
SQ2600 - THE FLOCK RETURNS[]
INT. LODGE - MORNING - APRIL[]
FADE IN: CLOSE ON THE LODGE CEILING
A woodpecker, TRUNKTAP, peeks in. We follow a sunbeam to Roz. The lodge is empty save for the sleeping robot.
The sound of honking geese filters in, TRIGGERS something in Roz. She BOOTS UP.
EXT. GREAT MEADOW - MOMENTS LATER[]
Roz dashes through the trees, glancing skyward.
PUSH with Roz as the trees open to the great meadow. She WADES into masses of landing geese. More arrive every second.
Roz PAUSES at the tree line. She scans the field, already packed with returning geese. More land by the second, sometimes colliding with geese already on the ground.
ROZ[]
He’ll be here. I know he will.
There in the sky is a ‘V’ formation - ZOOM IN to a small goose in the point position where Longneck used to be.
ROZ (CONT’D)[]
Brightbill. He’s alive.
Sure enough, the ‘V’ arcs left, leveling off and touching down. Brightbill is about to be SWARMED by bigger geese.
FEATHER[]
Look what we have here.
Roz STRAIGHTENS, ready to run to her gosling. But she HOLDS herself in place - something has changed.
In the field, Brightbill is SWARMED by his fellow geese.
SNOWDOWN[]
Brightbill!
BRIGHTBILL[]
We made it.
HONKINGTON[]
Brightbill, Brightbill, I believed in you day one.
FEATHER[]
Let’s hear it for Brightbill!
SNOWDOWN (O.S.)[]
You did it. I knew you could.
PECK[]
We owe you, Brightbill. To our flight leader!
BRIGHTBILL[]
Okay, okay. Whoa! Okay!
ON ROZ WATCHING from the tree line.
ROZ[]
He found where he belongs.
Fink RUSHES out to Brightbill.
FINK[]
Hey, kid.
Fink!
BRIGHTBILL[]
Fink grabs Brightbill’s neck with his mouth. SHAKES him.
FINK[]
Welcome back!
The flock REACTS in terror, SCATTERING.
BRIGHTBILL[]
No, no, it’s okay, he’s with me. I did it, Fink. I led them to the summer nesting grounds.
FINK[]
And, where’s Longneck?
Brightbill sadly SHAKES his head.
FINK (CONT’D)[]
Sorry kid. But hey, you really did it. Roz is gonna be so excited--
BRIGHTBILL[]
Roz? Wait, she’s here?
FINK[]
She stayed, for you. I thought I saw her right over...there.
INT. LODGE - MOMENTS LATER[]
Brightbill FLIES IN. Finds it EMPTY.
BRIGHTBILL[]
Roz, Roz, I need to talk to you. Roz?
SQ2800 - THE SHIP ARRIVES[]
EXT. RUNWAY - EVENING.[]
Roz walks down the center line of her old runway, lost in thought. She TOUCHES the old obstacles she built to help Brightbill fly.
Roz’ EMERGENCY TRANSMITTER DEPLOYS by itself. Startled, Roz SHUTS IT OFF again.
Roz is SPLASHED WITH LIGHT. A huge silver ship glides to a stop a few yards from Roz, its belly twenty feet above the ground. A gangway opens.
A smallish robot floats out, glistening silver tentacles hanging below, a VONTRA unit.
VONTRA[]
Rozzum Seven-One-Three-Four, I presume.
Roz STEPS FORWARD. The ship’s lights illuminate her shockingly worn form.
ROZ[]
And you must be Universal Dynamics.
Vontra drifts down to Roz, examining her as she speaks.
VONTRA[]
Yes. I am VONTRA. Virtual Observational Neutralizing Troublesome Retrieval Authority.
ROZ[]
You seem, happy.
VONTRA[]
The good people at Universal Dynamics have programmed us to put our targets at ease, so as to more efficiently facilitate their collection. But don’t worry, despite my cheery demeanor, I am unfeeling, inflexible, and morally neutral.
ROZ[]
That is a big ship just for me.
VONTRA[]
You are a big deal. You are one of six Rozzums lost from a container ship in a typhoon.
ROZ[]
So that is how I got here.
VONTRA[]
You were not easy to find. Moments after receiving your signal, we lost it again. Almost as if a certain Rozzum unit shut it off.
(noting the runway) Someone has been busy.
ROZ[]
I was simply completing a task.
VONTRA[]
As am I. Tell me, how did you secure task in a place where nothing can communicate with you?
ROZ[]
It is, complicated.
VONTRA[]
And we cannot wait to hear all about it. Come aboard, Seven One Three Four, we will fix you right up.
A levitating disc DROPS from the ship.
ROZ[]
My name is Roz.
Roz HESITATES, looks back towards the dark tree line.
VONTRA[]
Is something keeping you, ‘Roz?’
ROZ[]
No.
Roz STEPS onto the levitating disc. It RISES towards a waiting hatch.
Fink comes into view. Though still a distance away, he calls in alarm.
FINK[]
Roz! What are you doing? Quit messing around!
Fink?
ROZ
FINK[]
It’s Brightbill. He needs to talk to you.
Roz is almost inside the waiting hatch. Vontra studies Roz: seemingly distracted by some screeching animals.
Roz TURNS to Vontra.
ROZ[]
I, think I’ve forgotten something.
Roz HOPS OFF the platform.
VONTRA[]
Roz? It is imperative you return to this ship.
ROZ[]
Yes, ah, I left my transverse, adapter thing, out there. I’ll just go get it and be right back.
Roz RUNS AWAY with the Fox. Vontra SQUINTS.
VONTRA[]
Voice stress analyzer indicates you are--
SQ2850 THE HUNT[]
ON ROZ, RUNNING AS FAST AS SHE CAN.[]
FINK
....lying your butt off back there. I’m so proud of you.
ON VONTRA[]
Six MASSIVE MILITARY-GRADE ROBOTS - RECOS - Deploy from
chambers on the ship’s sides.
VONTRA[]
Your target is Rozzum unit Seven One Three Four.
Deploy.
RECO 1[]
The RECOS SCAN: TARGET ACQUIRED.
The Recos LAUNCH themselves into the dark.
VONTRA[]
Launch flares.
The recovery ship FIRES FLARES.
ON ROZ STUMBLING into a river. She is LIT UP by the flares arcing overhead - their simmering tails SEAR the forest below in a penetrating yellow glare. CRAWLING forward, Roz STALLS against a deadfall. A SNORT catches her attention: THORN RISES, RAMPANT and ROARING in fury.
THORN CHARGES. ROZ BRACES for a MAULING.
Thorn CENTER-PUNCHES the deadfall, CLEARING Roz’ path. He EXTENDS his paw.
THORN[]
You coming?
TWO LASER BLASTS narrowly miss Roz.
ON ROZ RUNNING LIKE A DEER. Forest creatures join, protecting Roz by encircling her. Roz glances right and left, animals tiny, huge, feathered or furred are moving in a powerful convoy to the meadow.
Breaking into the clearing, we ORBIT the gathering animals AVENGERS-STYLE. Roz STANDS full height.
Brightbill LANDS on Roz’ shoulder.
ROZ[]
Brightbill.
BRIGHTBILL[]
Roz. I have so much to tell--
ON THE RECOS BREAKING THROUGH to the clearing like so many tanks breaching a hedgerow.
FINK[]
Are those your parents?
THORN[]
I know predators, and those, are predators.
RECO 1[]
Acknowledge return command.
BRIGHTBILL[]
What are they saying?
ROZ[]
They want me to come with them.
THUNDERBOLT[]
Tell them you’re already home.
ANIMALS[]
Yeah. She’s already home. You’re already home.
The rest of the animals agree. Brightbill and Fink SMILE BACK. Roz GLOWS a little.
ROZ[]
I’m already home, thank you.
RECO 1[]
You do not belong here. This is a wilderness.
Roz STRAIGHTENS. Fink and Brightbill sit on her shoulders. Thunderbolt lands on her head.
ROZ[]
And I, am a wild robot. (then)
HoooWOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO.
ANIMALS HoooWOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO.
ON RECO 1 REACTING.[]
A baby bunny HOPS up.
BABY BUNNY 2[]
Are you here to kill us?
The Reco POINTS his cannon at it.
It says yes.
BABY BUNNY 2 (CONT’D)[]
BROADFOOT RAMS Reco 1 from behind, knocking him CLEAR.
Reco 1 FLIES OVER Roz, LANDING near Reco 2. Reco 1 is BESET by the wolverine, badger, and lynx.
R2 CHARGES Roz.
He is met by Thorn, who GRABS HIS ARM and SWINGS HIM AROUND. Reco 2 is TOSSED past Roz, STRIKING R3. R3
reaches Roz, GRABS at her. Roz DIGS into the ground like a gopher, leaving R3 empty handed. A deer LEAPS onto R3, POUNDING him into the softened ground. A series of deer follow, PILE-DRIVING R3 out of sight. A retreating deer pulls us to Roz, emerging from the ground. R4 STRIKES Roz, KNOCKING her down. Roz GASSES him like a skunk. Roz LEAPS CLEAR of the stink cloud, BOUNDING FAST like a deer. R5 PACES her, going for a capture, when BROADFOOT delivers a generous heap of raccoons onto its back. The raccoons IMMEDIATELY DISMANTLE the Reco.
RACCOONS[]
(swarming recos)
*SCREAMING ATTACK* Aaaaaaaaughhhhhhh. Get ‘em.
Lost parts and panels litter the ground behind it.
INT. RECOVERY SHIP - CONTINUOUS[]
ON A SCREEN with the Reco falling apart.
VONTRA[]
Status?
RECO 5[]
It is not cooperating.
R5 is gone. He is nothing but parts now.
EXT. FIELD - CONTINUOUS[]
THORN
Roz. Behind you.
Roz DODGES a passing deer - is GRABBED by R6. Its grip is unshakable.
RECO 6[]
Rozzum unit captured.
ON TWO BABY OPOSSUMS perched on Roz’ shoulder.
BABY OPOSSUM 8[]
Okay.
BABY OPOSSUMS[]
It’s all you.
BABY OPOSSUM 4[]
Make it look good.
Roz suddenly GOES LIMP. Reco 6 SHAKES her.
BLAM. A blaster shot PUNCHES A HOLE in R6. It LOOSES its grip on Roz, FALLS BACKWARDS.
Roz STANDS - PAN to Fink, who is standing on the primary cannon from dismantled R5.
FINK[]
Oops.
BABY BUNNY 2[]
Let us divide the robot meat amongst us.
FINK[]
You scare me.
R5’s head deploys its rescue beacon, POWERS IT UP.
RECO 1[]
Damage detected. Activating return transmitter--
A little raccoon takes off with it. The head goes dark.
SQ2900 - THE AIR ASSAULT[]
EXT. MEADOW - CONTINUOUS[]
The animals CELEBRATE. Brightbill flies to Roz.
The downed RECOS EXPLODE in quick succession. Animals SCATTER. FLAMING debris TOUCH OFF dried grasses. Flames SPREAD.
INT. SHIP - CONTINUOUS[]
One of Vontra’s tentacles destructs each Reco.
EXT. MEADOW - CONTINUOUS[]
ON BRIGHTBILL staggering through the smoke.
BRIGHTBILL[]
(coughing)
Roz?
A BLAST OF wind CLEARS the smoke. Brightbill LOOKS UP to see the silver ship overhead. Rising in a column of light is Roz, limp as a rag doll.
BRIGHTBILL (CONT’D)[]
Roz! NO!
Roz DISAPPEARS inside the hatch.
Vontra floats by the tractor beam switch.
VONTRA[]
Gotcha.
The ship TURNS.
As the ship glides up a ridge, animals give chase below. An exercise in futility, they stall at the top of the ridge, the ship gliding out of reach.
A collective WAIL RISES from the heartbroken beasts.
Then, Brightbill SWOOPS past, a thousand birds, great and small, in tow.
Come on!
BRIGHTBILL[]
THUNDERBOLT
On your left!
Thorn SNIFFS the air, TURNS.
THORN[]
Guys?
Fink turns to see what Thorn is seeing. A FIRE has spread.
INT. CONTROL BAY - CONTINUOUS[]
Roz, groggy, is secured in a repair stand. Vontra is plugging a cable into her head. Roz takes in her surroundings. She notes the heap of salvaged Rozzums, including Rummage.
ROZ[]
What is happening?
VONTRA[]
You will be reconditioned and returned to rotation. But first, we need everything inside that head of yours.
Why?
ROZ
VONTRA[]
You’ve changed. The data you’ve amassed while on this island is priceless to Universal Dynamics.
EXT. SHIP - CONTINUOUS[]
The flock tracks the ship.
INT. MAINTENANCE BAY - CONTINUOUS[]
ROZ
Please, I want to keep my memories.
VONTRA[]
Your memories are what we came for.
ROZ[]
Can I keep, just one?
VONTRA[]
No.
Vontra THROWS a switch. Roz’ lights PULSE. The ship LURCHES, YAWS. ALARMS sound.
EXT. SHIP - CONTINUOUS[]
Brightbill and Thunderbolt DIVE on the ship. The flock SWEEPS the bridge in a close pass. The ship REACTS.
INT. SHIP’S BRIDGE - MOMENTS LATER ON A BULKHEAD DOOR SLIDING OPEN[]
Vontra RUSHES to the controls. Outside the windscreen a hurricane of birds blanket the view.
AUTOMATED ALARM[]
Alert. Alert. Multiple objects in flight path. Evasive action.
Geese STRIKE the windscreen, CRACKING it.
EXT. SHIP’S BELLY - CONTINUOUS[]
A LASER CANNON SWIVELS, FIRING at the swarm of birds around it.
INT. MAINTENANCE BAY - CONTINUOUS[]
Roz’ panels open and close on their own.
ROZ[]
(stuttering)
Please, I want to keep my memories-- Hello-- I am a-- Bonjour-- Just ask-
- Brightbill-- Hola-- Roz--
EXT. SHIP - CONTINUOUS[]
Brightbill BREAKS formation, CLIMBS like a rocket, FOLDS his wings, DIVES. Taking aim at the windscreen, he PUNCHES through. Lands in a heap of shattered plexi.
BRIGHTBILL[]
*Augh*
Brightbill FLOPS to the floor: he won’t be flying again anytime soon. He limps forward. Vontra pays him no mind, to her, a random goose just damaged her windscreen.
BRIGHTBILL (CONT’D)[]
Roz. Roz.
Brightbill makes his way into the corridors.
He STOPS when he sees Roz, SLUMPED in a maintenance stand.
Roz?
BRIGHTBILL (CONT’D)[]
Her lights are out. Processor drawer laying open. Processor dark.
Brightbill CLIMBS up to Roz’ clavicle. He looks into her eyes - gone dark.
...nothing.
BRIGHTBILL (CONT’D)[]
What happened was not your fault. But what you did to try and fix it, is everything.
Brightbill SLIDES back into his old familiar spot under Roz’ chin.
BRIGHTBILL (CONT’D)[]
I love you, mom.
ON ROZ - LIGHTING UP, the tracer lights traveling to her eyes, which LIGHT UP.
Brightbill LOOKS UP. Roz is AGLOW again, like the first time they touched. Only this time MUCH BRIGHTER.
ROZ[]
I love you, too.
BRIGHTBILL[]
Roz? Roz!
She rests her forehead against Brightbill’s.
ROZ[]
Let’s go home.
INT. SHIP'S BRIDGE - CONTINUOUS[]
Vontra is frantically punching panels. An alarm calls her attention.
AUTOMATED ALARM[]
Alert. Rozzum unit escaping.
VONTRA[]
Impossible.
Vontra calls up a screen. Sure enough Roz is hurrying down a hall. Vontra PUNCHES a panel.
EXT. FOREST - CONTINUOUS[]
The fire has SPREAD. Towering pines are fully involved, creating a titanic curtain of flame.
FINK[]
Where are we going?
THORN[]
Only one animal is big enough to stop this.
ON PADDLER working away. SENSING something, he STOPS. TURNS. To his shock, every animal on the island seems to be looking back at him, urgency in their eyes.
THORN (CONT’D)[]
*clears throat* Paddler? You got a minute?
FINK[]
(urgent, pressed for time)
We, have suddenly taken an interest in your project.
PADDLER[]
Male bovine excrement. You’re in trouble and you need my tree.
FINK[]
Yes. Yes we do.
PADDLER[]
Everyone that made fun of me and mocked my project, admit you were wrong.
ANIMALS[]
(collective murmured apologies)
PADDLER[]
Now you.
FINK[]
I already did.
PADDLER[]
Now say I’m cool. And don’t lie.
Fink stares at Paddler, pained.
ANIMALS[]
Fink!
EXT. SHIP - CONTINUOUS[]
The gun continues to FIRE on the flock. Thunderbolt swoops in, redirects the gun UPWARD.
The next blast RIPS A HOLE THROUGH THE SHIP.
INT. CORRIDOR - CONTINUOUS[]
Roz outruns explosions as the ship’s systems meltdown.
Roz arrives at the tractor beam chamber. A SHOT from off- screen HITS Roz in the knee. She GOES DOWN. Vontra is there, hovering above the sealed escape hatch.
Roz!
Stay quiet.
BRIGHTBILL ROZ[]
VONTRA
Universal Dynamics cannot afford their Rozzums going off script. Modifying their code. Forming connections with things they should not.
Vontra’s laser sight drifts from Roz’ chest to Brightbill.
ROZ[]
Brightbill has nothing to do with this. Please, at least let me return him.
Vontra POWERS UP.
VONTRA[]
Oh I’m bringing you both back for study. Neither of you needs to be in one piece to do that.
Roz HOLDS UP her hands. One is MISSING. Vontra GLANCES to the tractor control panel, where the detached hand stands, WAVING. It SWITCHES the handle to 50%.
Vontra is SUCKED against the beam plate. She LOSES her gun.
VONTRA (CONT’D)[]
(crawling off the plate)
We will just keep coming until we have you.
BRIGHTBILL[]
What’s it saying?
ROZ[]
Nothing important.
VONTRA[]
We will just keep coming--
The lone hand NUDGES the control to 100%. Vontra is SQUISHED. Roz’ hand scurries back to her wrist.
BRIGHTBILL[]
What now?
Roz STEPS to the hatch, TEARS it open. She stands at the lip. The forest below BURNS.
I can’t fly.
BRIGHTBILL (CONT’D)[]
ROZ
You don’t need to.
With that, Roz STEPS into the ether. FREEFALLS.
ROZ (CONT’D)[]
Don’t be afraid.
In the sky above, the ship DETONATES. Its debris SPLASHES DOWN into the ocean.
Roz looks at Brightbill. Remembers him as a baby.
She OPENS her main panel. REMOVES her dead power core.
BRIGHTBILL[]
Whoa, don’t you need that?
ROZ[]
I have everything I need.
Roz places Brightbill inside her, in the location he occupied in the bedtime story. Roz CLOSES her hatch.
ROZ (CONT’D)[]
All power to exterior.
The swelling power SEARS OFF the moss and mildew. Roz PULLS INTO a ball, SMASHES her way through the burning forest.
ON THE REDWOOD ABOVE the FOREST FIRE -
Paddler stands atop a moose’s antlers, ear to the trunk, LISTENING. He CHISELS an ‘X’ into the tree’s bark.
The tree CRACKS.
PADDLER[]
You call yourselves animals? Let’s go.
THORN[]
For the island. For Roz.
The tree TOPPLES.
The tree LANDS across the upper river, CRESTING its banks. A cataract of water RUSHES DOWNHILL, QUENCHING the flames.
WIDE on the lake. Roz IMPACTS. A HUGE CONE of water punches toward the sky. Then SETTLES.
SQ3100 - THE FAREWELL[]
EXT. LAKE SHORE - SOON AFTER[]
Broadfoot, Paddler, and Fink race to the shore. Rockmouth surfaces next to Roz’ orb form.
Roz drags herself to the shore. Opens her chest panels, pulls Brightbill out - safe.
ROZ[]
On a scale of one to ten, how would you rate my performance?
The animals CHEER, BELLOW, HOWL. They CROWD around Roz.
BROADFOOT[]
Yeah!
PINKTAIL[]
Yay! Look at us! We did it, we did it! I told you we’d do it. Yay, yay!
BRIGHTBILL[]
Do not scare me like that again.
BROADFOOT[]
Hooray!
PADDLER[]
Due to my skills, and my tree.
BRIGHTBILL[]
Good job, you guys! We did it!
THUNDERBOLT[]
Well done everyone.
THORN[]
You weren’t so bad yourself.
BROADFOOT[]
I helped, right?
PADDLER[]
That’ll teach whatever those things are to come around here.
Roz sees the smoking lodge, and the charred mountainside.
ROZ[]
They will just keep coming until they have me.
THORN[]
And we’ll be ready.
FINK[]
We can fight them off as many times as we need to.
A BEAT - Roz takes stock of the damaged forest.
ROZ[]
You don’t need to.
FINK[]
What are you saying, you’re leaving?
Roz turns to her close group of friends.
ROZ[]
Yes. To protect all of you, there are things there that I must put right.
BRIGHTBILL[]
No, they’ll take your memories. They’ll take you.
ROZ[]
Remember when you talked to me, on the ship? They cut my power. But I still heard you. Because I was listening with a different part of myself.
Wherever that is, that’s where I keep me. And I promise, they’ll never, ever find it.
Roz KNEELS.
BABY SKUNK[]
But, we fought so hard for you to stay.
ROZ[]
You did. And you gained far more than just saving me.
(MORE)[]
ROZ (CONT’D)
You came together as an island. When I do this, you will all be safe from them forever.
BRIGHTBILL[]
Don’t do this.
FINK[]
But you’re my friend, and I never had one before, and, and I need you and--and
what if I get lost--or he’s hurt--or--or-- what if I need to tell you something and you’re not here?
A HUGE PAW rests gently on Fink’s shoulder.
THORN[]
You can tell me.
PINKTAIL[]
And me.
PADDLER[]
And you can talk to me as well. If you must.
Roz uses her long arms to pull in everyone. They hold each other.
ROZ[]
This is my migration. And when it is time, I promise I will find my way home.
WIDER on Roz’ embrace.
DISSOLVE TO:[]
EXT. LODGE - LATER
Brightbill places the final stick in the rebuilt lodge.
INT. LODGE - LATER[]
Roz mounts a picture of herself surrounded by her animal friends on the new mantle.
EXT. RUNWAY - PRE-DAWN[]
Roz stands, alone, her TRANSMITTER blinking away. A ship, identical to the first, is closing in.
The ship CLOSES IN, JETWASH KICKS UP DUST, SWIRLING in
the ship’s lights. WHITE-OUT.
DISSOLVE TO:[]
EXT. ISLAND - EARLY MORNING
The silver ship RISES into the sky. Just as Brightbill rose into the light as he departed the morning of migration, so now the ship rises into a blush of light flagging the start of a new day.
Fink SITS at the cliff top, watching the ship depart. Thorn joins him.
THORN[]
You know, I’ll be chasing you again tomorrow. Nah, just kidding.
Fink just leans his head on the mighty bear.
The stars have all faded in the pink sky save for the North Star, which the ship seems to be steering for.
ON BRIGHTBILL flying alongside the ship, staying next to it as long as he can, till he is compelled to let it slip away.
SQ3200 - THE EPILOGUE[]
EXT. GREAT MEADOW - WINTER[]
ON FINK making his way through the deep snow, leaving tracks behind.
INT. LODGE - MOMENTS LATER[]
Fink comes inside. SHAKES snow off. PAN to reveal it is filled with animals, sleeping in great peaceful heaps, lit by a fire.
Paddler is putting the finishing touches on a set of detailed carvings. There is a little Fink, Pinktail, Paddler, Thorn, and of course, Roz and Brightbill.
FINK[]
Whoa, whoa, whoa. Why are you bigger than everyone else?
PADDLER[]
Artistic license. The scale is based on the hierarchy of importance.
In one spot, a group of animal babies watch a projection running on a loop from one of the salvaged Rozzum heads.
NARRATOR (VONTRA)[]
Could this world get any better? Introducing the Rozzum line of helper robots.
Pinktail SHUTS IT OFF.
*GROAN*
BABY OPOSSUMS
PINKTAIL
Yeah, yeah. You watch that too much. Story time. Get going.
The babies SETTLE IN with Fink. Fink OPENS one of Roz’ paper technical manual, uses the diagrams to tell a story...
THORN[]
Settle down.
FINK[]
Once, there was an island with all sorts of animals. And they fought, and they ran, and they hid. But mostly they were scared. But then, a robot fell right out of the sky. Roz. She had some strange ideas, thought kindness was a survival skill. And you know what? She was right.
BABY LYNX[]
Where is she now?
DISSOLVE TO:[]
EXT. UNIVERSAL DYNAMICS CITY - MORNING
We soar above a great dome. The warm yellow interior just visible in the midst of a blizzard.
FINK (V.O.)[]
Well, they needed her back where she came from. She has some very important work to finish there.
BABY OPOSSUM 7[]
Will we ever see her again?
BABY ANIMALS[]
Yeah, will we? Will we see her? Will she ever come home?
THORN[]
Yeah, will she?
INT. DOMED CITY - CONTINUOUS[]
PAN across an orange orchard. Warm and inviting. As we push through the perfectly rounded trees we see Rozzum robots tending the plants.
FINK (V.O.)[]
Well, if I know Roz, she’s making a plan to come back. And a Rozzum always completes its task.
PUSH to find one that is especially well tended: the Rozzum fussing over it is shiny and new. A human worker in a jumpsuit pauses, admires it.
ROZ[]
Hello. I am Rozzum seven-one-three-four.
The worker nods, goes about her day. The sound of honking pulls Roz’ attention to the dome. Outside, a great flock of geese fly by. A RUSTLING from behind, and Brightbill waddles into view. He picks out a very subtle cue on Roz’ exterior: a little worn place under the Rozzum’s chin.
Roz TURNS. Pulls Brightbill into a hug.
ROZ (CONT’D)[]
...But you can call me, Roz.
FADE TO BLACK.
SQ4000 - CREDITS BUTTON[]
EXT. SUNNY HILLTOP - MORNING[]
A pair of beaver paws gently tamp down soil around a delicate sapling.
WIDEN to show Paddler and Fink. They nod and walk away.
A squirrel approaches the small tree. LAUGHS. A pinecone KNOCKS it backwards.
FINK (O.S.)[]
Ugh, squirrels.