ACT TWO
FADE IN:
14 EXT. METROPOLIS STREET - MID MORNING
Jimmy, Tracy, Lois, and Clark are walking down a downtown street on
their way to the coffee shop (they start near the Daily Planet and end up
at PJ's Coffee Shoppe). Jimmy has recovered somewhat from his earlier
stunned state.
JIMMY
So, you work as a waitress?
TRACY
Yep. Well, it's not a career, but it's something
to do until I get my big break; I'm going to be a
model.
Jimmy's eyes glaze over again.
CLARK
That's interesting. It can be a pretty wild
lifestyle, though - what did you do last night?
Lois frowns at this question. Tracy looks confused, trying to remember.
TRACY
Well, ah, not much really... I guess... I worked
the afternoon shift, and then I guess I went
home.
CLARK
Have you ever met Superman?
Tracy looks very confused now, and Lois is very puzzled.
TRACY
No, why?
Clark just smiles and shrugs.
JIMMY
I've met him - he's a friend of mine.
TRACY
Really? So what's he like?
Tracy is now very interested in Jimmy and ignores Clark. Lois grabs hold
of Clark's arm and pulls him back behind the other two.
LOIS
What exactly are you up to??
CLARK
Remember I told you about the girl who
jumped from a bridge last night?
LOIS
That's her?
CLARK
Yeah, but I don't think she remembers it.
They approach the coffee shop and enter.
CUT TO:
15 INT - COFFEE SHOP - MORNING
This is a trendy little shop with hundreds of varieties of coffee, tea, and
juice. Tracy shows them around, clearly proud of the shop.
TRACY
Here we are. It's a great place, isn't it? Tons
of things to choose from. I haven't tried half of
them yet. I want to try them all, but you can't
taste them all at once, you know?
JIMMY
You have to experience each one on its own?
TRACY
Exactly. It's nice that you understand that...
They smile at each other for a moment, finally starting to connect. In the
background, we see Stuart come in, and the focus shifts to his face - he's
scowling. He starts toward them.
STUART
What are you doing here, Trace, I thought I
told you to go kill yourself.
Tracy rolls her eyes and Jimmy bristles. Lois looks suspicious - pieces
are coming together.
TRACY
You should know by now that no one ever
listens to you, Stuart. Now get out of here so
my friends don't have to breathe the same air
as you.
She turns back to Jimmy and ignores Stuart, who skulks away scowling.
TRACY
(continued)
So, what do you guys want to try today?
CUT TO:
16 INT - BRIAN'S LAB
Analisa is pacing the laboratory, trying to understand everything Brian's
been telling her.
ANALISA
Are you dosing all the coffee?
BRIAN
No, no, not all of it, that would be much too
obvious. Only some of the more exotic flavors
- it's got an element of random choice that I
enjoy - I don't have to pick test subjects,
because they select themselves.
ANALISA
And they can't taste it at all?
BRIAN
It's almost completely tasteless by itself, but
we're also only adding it to things with strong
flavors already, like iced raspberry tea, or --
CUT TO:
17 INT - COFFEE SHOP
Clark is at the counter placing his order, and his words sound like the
continuation of Brian's sentence.
CLARK
--Burmese mountain blend.
TRACY
Are you sure about that, Clark? It's a very
strong brew - I tried it yesterday, and boy was
it bitter!
LOIS
Oh, don't worry, Tracy, he's got an iron
stomach.
CLARK
Steel, actually.
Lois and Clark share a private smile as Tracy shrugs. Their drinks arrive
(Jimmy carries Tracy's cup for her) and they find a table. Clark takes a
big sip and smiles.
CLARK
(continued)
Oh yeah. I haven't had that for years - boy it
brings back memories. I learned to drink it
when I was in Burma, it's a fascinating country.
There are these Buddhist monks, way up in the
mountains, and they--
LOIS
Oh, boy, look at the time! Clark, you and I
have got to get over to S.T.A.R. Labs... maybe
we could save the travelogue for later?
CLARK
(looking at his watch)
Uh, sure...
JIMMY
Yeah, we'd hate to miss that...
Tracy grins at Jimmy's tone of voice and they seem to be connecting
again, while Lois and Clark get up.
CLARK
Well, Jimmy, we'll see you back at the office in
a bit.
LOIS
It was nice to meet you, Tracy.
Lois and Clark walk out. Focus on Clark's half-empty coffee cup as we
CUT TO:
18 EXT - S.T.A.R. LABS - ESTABLISHING - LATE MORNING
Just another day at the lab.
19 INT - S.T.A.R. LABS - DR. KLEIN'S LAB - LATE MORNING
DR. KLEIN is puttering about his lab, looking into microscopes and other
scientific apparatus. Lois and Clark are standing behind him, looking at
all the weird stuff.
DR. KLEIN
I got the robber's blood sample from the police
this morning. It's been a while since I last did
any regular blood work. In fact, I think the last
time was when I was doing post-graduate
work, with a woman named Marta - did she
know how to shake a sample!
He sighs and seems lost in a happy memory.
CLARK
Dr. Klein?
DR. KLEIN
Oh, yes, anyway... The blood sample showed
definite traces of psychotropic and sedative
drugs - a very bad mixture.
LOIS
Psychotropic?
DR. KLEIN
That's a generic term for a whole class of
mood-altering drugs; they're used to treat
mental illnesses. Based on what I've heard of
the effects, this one is a doozy. It renders the
subject completely suggestible - until it wears
off, that is.
CLARK
And the sedative?
DR. KLEIN
I can't be sure, but I'd guess that it suppresses
a person's resistance to the other drug, by
reducing their awareness.
LOIS
So we're looking at people who will do
anything they're told, and not even remember it
afterwards?
DR. KLEIN
Basically, yes. They won't really be aware of
what they're doing, you see, so they've got no
chance to fight it, or remember it later.
Lois and Clark exchange a look. This is scary.
CLARK
Can you make an antidote?
DR. KLEIN
Not just from this, no. If I had a sample of the
pure drug, then maybe...
LOIS
Well, thanks, Dr. Klein. I think we've got
enough to go on for now.
DR. KLEIN
Okay. Oh, and if you see Superman? Tell him
that we're ready to start another series of tests
on that vaccine for Kryptonite.
CLARK
We'll give him the message, thanks.
They smile and walk out, leaving Dr. Klein puttering with his apparatus.
CUT TO:
20 INT. - BRIAN'S LAB - LATE MORNING
Brian has left his workbench and is sitting at his desk, talking animatedly
with Analisa, who's also looking excited.
ANALISA
Okay, I forgive you. This is much better than
vitamins. There are so many uses for this kind
of drug! What were you planning to do with it?
BRIAN
I hadn't really thought that far ahead - and it's
not ready for use yet, you know, it still needs
tested.
ANALISA
Don't be silly. It's fine as it is - think of it. You
want to steal something, you find an
upstanding citizen somewhere and drug them.
They do all the work, hand you the loot, and
forget all about it! And the police have their
fingerprints, not yours...
BRIAN
(warming to the idea)
Yeah, I like it... you know, I'll bet Intergang
would pay a fortune for this...
As they kiss in celebration of their good fortune, we
CUT TO:
21 INT. DAILY PLANET - CONFERENCE ROOM - MIDDAY
Lois and Clark have told Perry and Jimmy what they've got so far. Jimmy
is visibly upset. All through the conversation, Clark is starting to feel the
effects of the drug. His mind is getting a little cloudy; thinking is an effort.
JIMMY
I can't believe this, you guys! Someone
drugged Tracy? Who would do that?
PERRY
Someone dangerous, Jimmy. Lois, Clark, you
two have any leads?
LOIS
Maybe. I think we need to check out Stuart,
the guy at the coffee shop.
CLARK
What? Why him?
LOIS
I think the coffee shop might be the distribution
point. Tracy works there, and she was a
victim. And Kevin told the police that he'd
stopped for coffee this morning. He doesn't
remember exactly where he stopped, but I bet
it was PJ's, it's popular.
CLARK
But how does that involve Stuart?
Lois squirms a little, this is where her logic starts to break down.
LOIS
Well, it doesn't, exactly, except for what he
said to Tracy. I think he knew she was
drugged and told her to jump off a bridge. He
seemed surprised to see her today.
Jimmy is getting furious. Lois shrugs.
LOIS
(continued)
He's worth looking into.
JIMMY
(determined)
I'm on it, Lois. What else can I do?
PERRY
Well, after you dig up everything you can, I
think you ought to get back to the coffee shop.
Keep an eye on your girl.
Lois looks surprised by this order, glancing at Clark to catch his reaction.
He's not really paying attention.
JIMMY
(surprised)
Thanks, Chief. I will.
Jimmy nods decisively and leaves.
LOIS
Perry, just this morning, weren't you all worried
about Tracy being wrong for him?
PERRY
Well... she probably is, but he'll need the
chance to find out for himself. Superman can't
save everyone, you know. Now, get back to
your desks, get to work!
Clark gets up promptly and heads back to his desk. Lois follows more
slowly.
CUT TO:
22 INT. - DAILY PLANET - PIT - MIDDAY
Lois and Clark are back at their desks. Lois is doing a computer search;
Clark is staring off into space. Lois looks up to meet his vacant gaze and
squirms a little, defensively.
LOIS
What? You think I'm going off the deep end
here, don't you? It's tenuous, I grant you...
He sort of nods, uncomfortably.
CLARK
Well, yeah...
LOIS
I know, but it's that gut instinct that's gotten us
where we are today - so trust me, okay?
Clark relaxes and smiles happily. This, he can do. She smiles in
response.
LOIS
(continued)
Good. So we've got some work to do. Boy, I
could use some coffee...
Clark leaps up and fixes her a cup, bringing it to her desk. He remains
standing there, as if waiting for further instructions.
LOIS
(continued)
Thanks. Why are you being so solicitous?
He half-shrugs, unable to explain it.
LOIS
(continued)
Not that I mind... You're not worried that I'm
mad over you chasing Tracy this morning?
She looks back at her screen, more involved in her computer search than
in a serious discussion. As she talks, Clark hears an offstage voice
yelling "help, Superman" and starts getting agitated. He needs to go
answer the call, he needs to stay there and listen to Lois - the tension
between the two needs makes him start to sway back and forth, between
leaving and staying.
LOIS
(continued)
Because that's one thing I know I never have
to worry about, you chasing other women.
Other women chasing you, sure, that's
happened, and you've had a annoying
tendency to actually let them kiss you, but as
far as I know you've never kissed back, and
anyway, that was mostly before we were even
going out, so...
She finally looks up and notices his agitation.
LOIS
(continued)
What is it?
CLARK
Somebody wants Superman.
LOIS
(low-voiced)
Well, if you need to go be Superman, then go--
She's cut off by his abrupt exit; as soon as she said "go" he was gone,
like an arrow shot from a bow. She blinks at where he was, shrugs, and
turns back to her desk.
After a second, Jimmy walks over to her desk, holding a file folder.
JIMMY
Hey, Lois, I've got all I could on that kid Stuart
- do you need me for anything else? I, ah,
really want to go check up on Tracy...
Lois takes the folder from him, seeing how thin it is.
LOIS
No, Jimmy, this should do it. Take care of
yourself, now, okay?
JIMMY
You bet.
He waves, and he's gone, too, leaving Lois with all the work.
CUT TO:
23 INT. - COFFEE SHOP - MIDDAY
Jimmy's got Tracy at a corner table; she's still in her uniform, and looking
a little nervous about sitting down on the job.
TRACY
You think something strange is going on with
Stuart? Why?
JIMMY
Well, it's just a theory, we could be completely
wrong... but Superman says you jumped off a
bridge last night.
TRACY
I do *not* remember that.
JIMMY
Yeah, but do you remember doing anything
else last night?
TRACY
(reluctantly)
No.
JIMMY
So it could have happened, and Stuart could
be involved, and we should be careful, okay?
TRACY
Okay... hey, tell you what, my break's coming
up pretty soon - want to go for a walk?
JIMMY
Sure!
She gets up and goes back to work; Jimmy sits back and settles in for a
wait with a big silly grin on his face.
CUT TO:
24 EXT - METROPOLIS STREET - MIDDAY
Superman is wandering around, staggering a little, shaking his head.
SUPERMAN
(mumbling)
Superman can't save everyone, you know...
As he approaches an intersection, there's an offstage shout of "Stop,
thief". A purse-snatcher runs into the shot and nearly runs into Superman
as he emerges from the cross-street. The thief yells in surprise, and
stops dead, dropping the stolen purse. When Superman winces away
from the yell instead of grabbing him, the thief pulls himself together and
runs around him, then ducks into an alley. Superman frowns, but doesn't
pursue him. Sergeant Atkins runs up.
SGT. ATKINS
Superman? Why didn't you catch that guy?
SUPERMAN
(sulking)
I didn't want to. He didn't like me, and he
*yelled*.
The policeman looks really concerned now, and tries to approach
Superman.
SGT. ATKINS
Are you okay? Maybe you'd better sit down or
something...
SUPERMAN
No, I don't want to, leave me alone!
He pushes at the policeman, who falls over, and then wanders off down
the street once more. The shot swings down to the policeman, lying on
the sidewalk and looking worried. He pulls out his radio.
SGT. ATKINS
Headquarters? We've got a problem...
CUT TO:
25 EXT - METROPOLIS STREET - EARLY AFTERNOON
Jimmy and Tracy are taking their walk, and starting to get more
comfortable with each other.
JIMMY
So then, the second time the Snake Heads
came to town for a concert, I was *so*
prepared, you know? Bought my ticket the
very first day, made sure I had that afternoon
off from work, I was ready months in advance...
TRACY
And then they go and fall apart before they can
do the concert, I know! Oh, and good luck
getting your money back.
JIMMY
You had tickets to that show, too?
TRACY
Sure, for all the good it did me... Small world,
huh?
They laugh at the shared experience.
TRACY
(continued)
So, you haven't told me much about your job...
what do you do, are you a reporter?
JIMMY
(slightly embarrassed)
Um, not really - I do some photography, but
mostly I do research, or whatever the Chief
Editor needs...
TRACY
(eagerly)
Hey, look, isn't that Superman?
She points, and the camera turns to reveal Superman walking on the
other side of the street.
TRACY
(continued)
Didn't you say you know him? Could you
introduce me?
JIMMY
Yeah, sure!
They cross the street, coming up on Superman from behind.
JIMMY
(continued)
Superman! Hey, dude, what's up?
Superman swings around, startled and alarmed by the shout.
SUPERMAN
(petulant)
Don't shout!
Jimmy puts his hands up, disclaiming any harmful intent.
JIMMY
You got it, big guy... so, anyway, I wanted to
intro--
SUPERMAN
(threatening)
I don't like it when people shout.
Superman scowls and starts stalking toward Jimmy. Jimmy goes white,
but pushes Tracy behind him and puts up his fists. Hold on Jimmy's
frightened face and
FADE OUT
END OF ACT TWO
Teaser
- Act I - Act II - Act III - Act IV