Fear Inc. (chapter 1)

(Original screenplay)

INT. DREAMLAND CORPORATION. THE HEAD'S OFFICE - EVENING

The office is illuminated by the light of the setting June Sun from the wide open windows. Spacious but cozy office: expensive wooden furniture, wall-length bookshelves, a lot of antique wooden things. ALEXANDER ANDREEVICH (68) - an imperious man in an expensive suit bends over a table in the middle of the room, Sun light barely reaches him.

The table is literally littered with profiles of candidates for internships at the Dreamland Corporation, similar to resumes for work - with a photo on the title page and brief information about the person. Alexander Andreevich skims each profile and throws those he doesn't like on the floor. A small hill of undesirable candidates has already formed around him.

MARK (32) comes into the office - he looks too young for his age, but can already afford an expensive suit, like Alexander Andreevich. In his hands he carries a stack of new candidates and a folder filled with papers. Mark steps on the forms lying on the floor without any regret. Obviously, this is not the first time he has done this.

MARK

These are the last ones.

Mark places the profiles in a chaotic manner on top of profiles already lying on the table. He moves away from the table, holds his folder to his chest and watches Alexander Andreevich. He doesn't seem to notice Mark's presence - he is too puzzled by the search for one specific profile.

Alexander Andreevich finds what he was looking for. He freezes with the profile in his hands. This is the first profile that he reads beyond the title page. Although it is compiled on only 3 sheets, which is slightly less than other candidates have. He reads them all twice. He puts the profile on a separate table next to his lounge chair by the open window. There are 4 selected profiles lying on the table.

Mark looks at the position of this "special" profile in the stack. Alexander Andreevich turns to Mark, his face is calm. Finally the plan comes to fruition.

ALEXANDER ANDREEVICH

She's so smart. Public school? It even sounds scary, but she survived it. She wants to study the social presuppositions of wars here. Rebellious soul. Of course it is. She always was surrounded by these parrots who repeat "Everything is fine", "Everything is fine". While my Corporation exists, everything is fine. They didn't think about it when they sent her to Public school.

MARK(jealously)

Don't wars start over desire to improve your life? Isn't it obvious?

ALEXANDER ANDREEVICH

I managed to refute this. It is enough to pull the right strings and any conflict will be resolved by an ordinary contract. No one wants to improve their lives. Everyone wants comfort here and now.

MARK

Then her research will be a copy of yours. Aren't we selecting candidates for unique research?

ALEXANDER ANDREEVICH

She can explore whatever she wants. The main thing is her presence here.

MARK

As you wish. Who will be her colleagues? Maybe this?

Mark takes the nearest profile from the table and hands it to Alexander Andreevich. Alexander Andreevich discards another undesirable profile and takes Mark's one. He examines the photo and immediately throws it on the floor.

ALEXANDER ANDREEVICH

Vetkin? With this face? Here? No!

Mark chooses the next candidate more carefully. Alexander Andreevich eliminates two more candidates with a practiced eye. Mark hands him another profile.

MARK

What will happen after the internship? Will you close the program and twelve years of preparation… That is strange.

Alexander Andreevich is pleased with Mark's choice. He puts this profile on a separate table by the window.

ALEXANDER ANDREEVICH

Don't worry. You have a job for the next six months. And then everything will be as she says. I plan to stay here as her mentor. And you are my right-hand man as before.

MARK

But she will also need a right-hand man. Is there anything you can do about it?

ALEXANDER ANDREEVICH

You're a good assistant. I'll recommend you, of course. But she will have the last word. Show your best.

Alexander Andreevich calmed down with the search for his only candidate. He selects the last 2 profiles using the poke method - he takes the closest ones and puts them in the stack with selected candidates. He picks up the stack from the table and hands it to Mark.

ALEXANDER ANDREEVICH (CONT'D)

That's all. These are the guys I'd really like to see here.

Mark silently picks up the stack. He puts it on the folder he's been standing with all this time. Tired Alexander Andreevich plops into his armchair by the window.

It's getting darker in the office, but no one is in a hurry to turn on the lights. The corridors of the Corporation are also dark. Mark leaves the office and disappears into the darkness.

INT. DREAMLAND CORPORATION. CORRIDORS - EVENING

Mark walks along the endless dark corridors with a stack. He stops at one of the windows, puts a stack of profiles on the windowsill, and holds a folder with papers in his hands.

From the folder, he takes out a profile like the ones that were selected in Alexander Andreevich's office. Mark takes out the topmost profile from the stack and replaces it with the one he pulled out of his folder. Mark hides the replaced profile in a folder.

By the paper clips with which he himself fastened the questionnaires, he counts 5 from the bottom - a profile that Alexander Andreevich particularly appreciated during the selection.

Mark makes a stack from his folder, a stack of profiles and a special profile from Alexander Andreevich. Mark walks down the hallway. He tries to see profile's photo more closely, but there is not enough lighting.

INT. DASHA'S APARTMENT. KITCHEN - MORNING

The spacious modern kitchen is decorated in cool white and grey tones. The table and work panel are made of expensive stone, the chairs are made of wood, everything is like the cover of a magazine, as is the purpose of this kitchen - not for cooking, but for the envy of others.

DASHA (17) is a skinny brunette with big but empty eyes, sitting alone at the head of a long table for 8 people. She is sitting with her back to the window, feeling the draft on this hot July morning.

On the table in front of Dasha is an open paper letter from the Dreamland Corporation, in which she is invited to an internship. Dasha glances at the seat next to her at the table, as if waiting for someone to come up to her, to whom she can tell about the letter.

She only watches her mother, RITA (38), with a hairdo, but in a housecoat on ropes. Rita enters the kitchen, turns on the coffee machine, and leaves the kitchen. She comes in again, puts an empty kettle on the stove, puts a saucepan for boiling eggs, but without eggs, and leaves the kitchen again. From the room, Rita commands the voice assistant to turn on the music and switch the TV channel. Dasha sees the channel of the kitchen TV has switched to another bright but meaningless advertisement.

Rita comes back into the kitchen. She is wearing a light sundress, and she has a purse in her hand. She puts the keys to her house, office, car, and work office in the purse, softly pronouncing the name of each key. Rita leaves. Dasha hears the sound of a slamming door.

Dasha gets up from her seat and on an explicit path walks along the stove, turning off the empty kettle and the saucepan, the coffee machine and TV. She goes into the room, where she turns off the music and the voice assistant from the wall outlet. She returns to the kitchen and, going around the table to the other side, sits back down in her seat. Dasha reads the letter. It says "We are glad to see you".

Dasha gets up from her seat. She goes to the stove and puts the letter back in the envelope. She lights the stove and sets the letter on fire. The paper completely burns.

Dasha leaves the kitchen

NAT. DREAMLAND CORPORATION. PORCH - DAY

The last day of June is too hot. The streets are empty. No cars pass by the Corporation, but the building itself provides a pleasant shade. You might think ANYA (26), a pretty girl in a short skirt, and SASHA (20), a brutal guy with a more brutal gait are walking too fast into this shadow.

Sasha walks more slowly, but Anya pulls him by the hand. She looks around. She doesn't want them to be seen together in a place like this. Sasha is cheerful, as if it is just another walk with his beloved wife.

Anya and Sasha enter the territory of the Corporation. They stop at the porch. Sasha wants to kiss Anya, but Anya breaks away from the embrace. She looks hopefully at the door, expecting that the solution to all her problems is about to come out of it.

SASHA

Just one. I'll be locked up here for six months, on your initiative.

ANYA

I need you to get a proper job to pay the mortgage. No hugs until you close the debts.

Sasha stops bothering Anya, pretends to be offended and pouts.

SASHA

For good luck?

Anya laughs at Sasha and his feigned resentment. She reaches out to kiss him on the cheek. The door of the Corporation opens, and Mark comes out onto the porch with a folder of papers. Mark looks down at Anya and Sasha. Although the steps are not that high, the gap between them is huge.

Anya forgets about Sasha and the kiss when she sees Mark. She goes to the porch steps, bus stops at the first step, not daring to step further. Mark comes closer to the steps, but does not intend to go down.

ANYA

Good morning… It's already day. We're on an internship.

MARK

Are you on the list, dear?

ANYA(flirtatious)

No, your "Hateful Eight" is without me this time.

MARK

What a shame, we would have found a personal activity for you.

Mark winks at Anya. Anya giggles, but covers her mouth with her hand. Sasha watches with jealousy. He decides to step in. He brutally approaches Anya, hugs her waist and kisses her on the cheek.

SASHA

This is my wife. And who are you?

Mark is annoyed by Sasha's appearance. He pretends to be busy with the papers in his folder, sorting through the sheets in it.

MARK

Wait until everyone arrives, and we'll start introducing ourselves.

SASHA

I remember you. If I see this shit again…

Anya forcibly takes Sasha away from the porch. Mark is shocked by the level of culture, but he saves his face.

ANYA

Don't embarrass me, or I'll leave you before the internship ends.

SASHA

Wha? What do you mean?

Sasha is getting angrier. He's coming for Anya. His gait is no longer brutal, but aggressive. Anya does not move from her place, only looks around in search of salvation. By her surprised glance to the other side Sasha understands they are not alone here.

ARTHUR (18) walks into the Corporation's territory. He is wearing an age-inappropriate raincoat, sunglasses and has a leather bag in his hands, as if he was going to a private jet. Sasha stands next to Anya, showing Arthur "This is my woman." Arthur prefers to stay away from both of them.

Sasha pesters Anya with kisses again. Arthur shows his disgust at what is happening between Anya and Sasha.

The tense situation is diluted by SVETA (20), a smiling and active, but at the same time tired of life girl. She enters the territory with a notebook size handbag.

Sveta stops between couple Sasha-Anya and Arthur, waving affably to both sides. She looks at Mark, who is pacing up and down the porch. She waits for him to turn around, but he deliberately doesn't. Sveta takes a notebook out of her bag and writes something down in it.

Dasha comes for Sveta. She, like Sveta, came with a small purse. Dasha stops at the entrance gate and examines the people and Mark. No one sees her yet, so there's time to assess the situation. Sveta accidentally turns to her while describing the territory in a notebook.

SVETA

Are you on an internship? Come on in.

Dasha, like a frightened animal, not expecting to be discovered, stands for a few more seconds, holding onto the fence. But when he sees Sveta's smile, she gives in and goes into the territory, standing next to her. Dasha looks down at her feet in embarrassment.

The sound of engines is heard behind the crowd. For the first time, a car drove up near the Corporation's territory. LENA (18) comes out of it, a stylish and well-groomed girl who does not know the word "no". A porter gets out of the car with her while the driver sits at the steering wheel.

Lena and her porter with suitcases enter the territory of the Corporation. Mark sees all the mayhem and can no longer pretend to be calm. He walks down the steps to the crowd.

MARK(to Lena)

Did you carefully read the internship terms?

LENA

He's just going to help me carry my suitcase to my room.

But Mark doesn't know what will happen next. A huge acid-yellow hiking backpack appeared behind the fence. The backpack is so big and bright that it literally devours all the sunlight hitting on it. LENYA (17) enters the territory - a short, thin, but not weak guy, courageous enough for his age.

MARK(to himself)

Are you kidding me?

Mark unconsciously takes a few steps forward towards Lenya, leaving Lena behind. He is pretending to count the people to maintain his image of a strict person. Mark goes to the steps to see the crowd. Mark checks his lists, but nothing adds up.

KIRUSHA (17) enters the territory - in a word, "cute guy", with a little extra weight and eyes full of hope. Despite the heat, he's wearing a light jacket with lots of pockets, which obviously contain something. He looks around and sees Lenya with a backpack, Arthur with a bag, and Lena with her own porter.

KIRUSHA(loudly)

Ah! I thought it should be only necessary things.

MARK

Finally, the first sensible thought.

Mark jumped to conclusions. He looks at Kirusha and his ridiculous appearance. Mark turns away to papers again, pretending he didn't see anything. He struggles with an inner desire to kill everyone for not following the rules.

Arthur looks askance at Kirusha, who has been complimented. He's angry that no one noticed his sophisticated appearance; he spent the whole week planning his appearance for a better first impression.

Mark counts the crowd again and again nothing adds up.

MARK (CONT'D)

Everyone who is not an intern says goodbye and leaves the territory. Only eight people will come in.

Anya hopes to catch Mark's eye again before she leaves. Sasha roughly takes her by the shoulders and kisses her. Anya does not look happy, but not from goodbye, but from realizing what she is doing. Anya waves to Sasha one last time, goes outside the territory and quickly walks away.

Lena keeps a small backpack in the form of an unknown stuffed animal, and the porter takes the rest of the suitcases back to the car.

MARK (CONT'D)(to Lena)

Wasn't that supposed to be that way?

LENA(flirtatious)

One call and he will bring me everything.

Mark rolls his eyes, staring, "Why do I deserve this?".

MARK

Calls are scheduled for you every two months. This was indicated in the living conditions on the territory.

LENA

What kind of internship is this?

MARK

Internship at a corporation that values confidentiality and reputation.

LENYA

Is it true that you're torturing people here?

MARK

Why would we torture someone?

LENYA

Well, never know.

MARK

We eliminate them silently. Why the fuss.

Mark winks at Sasha, who glares at him.

All the "non-interns" left, Lena's car drove away. Mark checks the list again.

MARK (CONT'D)

There are seven of you. Where's the last one?

The interns look at each other.

IGOR (19), tall, skinny, wearing warm trousers, a black hoodie, and women's wedge sneakers, appears behind the fence. He does not look at others, enters the territory and stands apart from everyone.

Mark tries not to laugh at what he sees, but he can't.

MARK (CONT'D)

And here's our eighty guy.

Mark checks his papers again. Everything adds up.

MARK (CONT'D)

I'll say it once before we go inside.

All the interns are looking at Mark. Mark went up a few steps to feel more comfortable and somewhat safe.

He speaks in an unnatural voice, imitating the military when meeting recruits.

MARK (CONT'D)

My name is Mark. I am the assistant to the head of the Corporation. Only the necessary things can be brought here. Only if it is a matter of life and death and if it does not violate the confidentiality and reputation of the Corporation.

Mark glares at Lenya and his disgusting yellow backpack. But Lenya is already basking in the sun and he doesn't care.

MARK (CONT'D)

The internship will last six months. During this time, you are working on your research and implementing it into our system. The more successful your research is, the more likely you are to find further employment.

Igor is dressed warmly for such a hot day, but he is shaking. He's shaking with impatience to go inside.

Sveta takes note, Dasha looks at Mark like he's an idiot. Lena flirts with Sasha with winks.

MARK (CONT'D)

It is strictly forbidden to leave the territory.

Lena raises her hand, but doesn't wait for permission to answer.

LENA

What if I really need to get out?

MARK

For unauthorized exit from the territory you will be shot on the spot. There is everything you need here. If these conditions are not suitable for you, then now is the last opportunity to leave alive.

The interns look at each other. Only Arthur stands there with the most serious expression on his face, showing how cool he is. Mark notices Arthur, but he definitely won't let anyone be cooler than him.

MARK (CONT'D)

Joke. You have entered the territory, you will not leave alive.

It is expected that there will be no laughter from such a joke. Was it a joke at all?

Dasha exhales wearily. Sveta gets tense, even stops writing in her notebook. Kirusha is completely scared of what awaits him, he is ready to cry, but perhaps it is sweat.

MARK (CONT'D)

If there are no questions then welcome to Dreamland Corporation.

Mark turns to the entrance of the Corporation and goes up the steps. The interns follow him obediently. One by one, they enter the building, holding the door open for each other.

INT. DREAMLAND CORPORATION. HALL - DAY

A cool room and it is not about air temperature.

The atmosphere is cool - high ceilings, cold white walls with a bluish tinge, a floor of small black and white mosaics, ornate stairs leading to the second floor in 2 different directions, and huge windows under the ceiling. An unusual building, as if it was built not according to the rules of architecture, but by order of a specific rich man with his own wishes.

In the center of the room there is a turnstile with a metal detector frame and a GUARD booth (50) - a plump man in a gray uniform who does not look like a guard. He is sleeping, but Mark wakes him up with his scream, which echoes throughout the room.

MARK(screaming)

No need to go beyond.

Mark stops next to the turnstile.

MARK (CONT'D)

Repeat after me.

Yes, Mark is definitely sick of the interns, and this is only the first day. He goes through the turnstile and looks into the Guard booth. The metal detector frame beeps. The guard looks at Mark.

MARK (CONT'D)

Don't look at me. It was squeaking before.

GUARD

How long have you been outside? I forgot to put it in the log.

The guard is rummaging through the papers on the table, looking for a last visit log. Meanwhile, the magazine is hanging on a nail on the wall behind him, so that everyone entering and exiting can write a name.

MARK(to Guard)

Check the interns.

Mark gestures for someone to go through the turnstile first.

Sveta comes first. The metal detector frame beeps.

MARK (CONT'D)

Hey, what do we have there?

Sveta holds a pen and a notebook in her hands. She puts them on the table next to the frame, takes out a large bunch of keys from the pocket of her shorts and puts them on a notebook.

MARK (CONT'D)

Why so many keys? Are you a prison guard?

Sveta passes through the frame. The frame is silent. Sveta takes her things.

SVETA(enthusiastic and fast)

I have several anti-alcohol groups. Everyone who is cured gives me the key to their locker so they won't come back. It's a tradition.

MARK(sarcastic)

How sweet.

(normal)

Next!

Sasha is next. He glares at Mark with a jealous look. The frame is silent. Sasha, squaring his shoulders, walks very close to Mark, showing who is the "alpha" here.

Lena walks through the frame with her plush bag, also quietly.

Lena is followed by Lenya with a backpack. He sees how small a frame is for him and his backpack. He takes it off. Lenya tries to drag the backpack through the frame.

MARK (CONT'D)

Are you kidding? Just the essentials.

LENYA

Only the essentials are here. A tent, a couple of pots, a flint…

MARK

You're in an institution. You're entitled to a place to live and a salary. Have you even read the rules?

Lenya takes a crumpled envelope out of her jeans pocket.

LENYA

I dropped the letter in a puddle when I was walking out of the woods. I saw you had signed me and I calmed down.

MARK

Leave it here. I'll ask for it to be moved somewhere.

Lenya is glad that he wasn't scolded, but at the moment he and his backpack are blocking the only entrance through the turnstile. Lenya puts it back on his shoulders. He is tired and can't lift it. Lenya pushes him away from the metal detector frame.

LENYA

It's heavy. Maybe I'll take it myself?

MARK

Don't worry. There is a body pickup at that time.

Mark expects at least the Guard to laugh, but he's already half asleep.

Lenya walks through the frame, leaving a backpack near the Guard booth. Everything is quiet

Dasha passes through the turnstile. The frame beeps. Dasha takes out of her small purse a notebook, a pen, a set of keys and a small night light in the shape of a star.

MARK (CONT'D)

Are you an alcoholic too? What is this?

DASHA

I was the last one to leave the house. I don't need them.

MARK

Not the keys. This.

Mark points at the night light.

DASHA

I won't give you the night light. I'm afraid of the dark.

MARK

Alcoholism would be better, right?

Dasha walks past Mark, lowering her head so as not to look into his eyes. She stops next to Sveta, who examines her notebook with various funny stickers in the form of stars.

SVETA

Cool notebook.

Sveta shows her notebook. Dasha glances at it briefly. There are a lot of stickers with smiling suns, rainbows, clouds, and sparkles. Dasha looks at the floor.

Arthur walks through the frame. Everything is quiet.

Kirusha comes next. The frame beeps.

Mark rolls his eyes.

MARK(loudly)

Take everything out and go. I won't listen to excuses.

Kirusha takes out various screwdrivers, a centimeter tape, several gnawed pencils, and a small notebook from his pockets.

Mark sees the process may take a long time. HE nervously gestures for Kirusha to just move on.

MARK (CONT'D)

No explanations. Leave it here.

Kirusha quickly runs through the frame to the other interns.

It's Igor's turn. His enthusiasm disappeared when he went inside. But Mark is interested in his appearance and strange look at him, the Guard and other interns.

Mark rips the visit log off the wall nail and noisily throws it on the floor.

MARK (CONT'D)(to Guard)

Were you looking for this log?

The guard bends over with difficulty to get the visit log off the floor. Mark presses the dashboard button that disables the metal detector frame.

Igor walks through the frame - everything is quiet.

MARK (CONT'D)

Well done. And now it is an excursion time.

Arthur looks at Igor with displeasure. Mark is praising someone else again, but still not him.

Mark runs ahead of all the interns to show the direction. The interns obediently follow him.

The guard rises above the table, opens a log. There is not a single note. He searches for a pen on the table among the many papers. He notices the metal detector button is off. He looks around - there is no one who saw what happened. So everything is fine. The guard calmly leans back in his chair and falls asleep.

INT. DREAMLAND CORPORATION. CORRIDORS - DAY

Mark leads a group of interns through endless empty corridors. There were no photos or paintings on the walls, just large windows and a couple of cameras at the beginning and end of the corridor.

There are no numbers or markings on the doors to the premises. On the one hand, it's thoughtful, since no one knows what's going on there, but on the other hand, it depersonalizes both people and the research itself.

The unusual building of the Corporation consists of an external and an internal level, where the external level consists of corridors and rooms with windows on the facade of the building, and the internal level consists of corridors and rooms with windows on a courtyard with several trees, a table and a couple of benches.

There is no one in the courtyard, and the Corporation itself seems completely empty. The interns don't see a single employee during their excursion in corridors.

INT. DREAMLAND CORPORATION. CAFETERIA - DAY

A large room with high ceilings. One less mystery - the staff is having lunch. People wear gray uniform, sitting at identical tables for 8 people. Everyone is looking in front of them; no one is talking to anyone. Even when the interns enter the cafeteria, no one pays any attention to them.

The entire room is illuminated by light from large windows overlooking the courtyard. But no one cares about the view.

Mark escorts the interns to a free-standing table by the window, fenced off from prying eyes by a screen. There is the same table for 8 persons. It seems that the number of interns was chosen based on the number of seats at the table.

MARK

This is yours. The cash register is there.

Mark points to the counters that are close enough to their table.

MARK (CONT'D)

You know the principle: take food, pay for it with a personal card. Your salary includes daily meals and the purchase of necessary.

Mark gives everyone a name card, an ordinary gray one that looks like a bank card.

INT. DREAMLAND CORPORATION. SITTING ROOM - DAY

A spacious two-level room with high shelves. The upper shelves of which can only be reached by a stepladder. There are elegant chandeliers on the ceiling, but the room itself is illuminated by light from the windows. All the furniture and book covers are covered with a thick layer of dust. The absence of plants and people is a reminder that knowledge is no longer worth anything in this world.

Mark goes in first, and the interns follow him.

MARK

There's a common room, a break room, a meeting room, whatever you want. It is everything that is not a "workplace" or a "cafeteria". What is there?

Mark goes further into the room. Apparently, he is not a frequent guest to this place.

LENA

We have something similar at home, but we call it a library.

MARK(sarcastic)

Wow, how lucky you are.

Mark walks around the room. He looks at the dust everywhere with disdain. He turns away from the shelves and walks to the exit of the room. The interns can barely keep up with him.

Sveta almost strayed from the group, but Kirusha noticed her and distracted her from the notes to move on.

INT. DREAMLAND CORPORATION. CORRIDORS - DAY

8 interns stand in a line, along which Mark walks, buried in papers. In front of the interns are the doors to their rooms. Although the corridor looks like all the others, there are numbers on the doors.

MARK

Now I say your name and the number of your room.

The trainees prepared to listen carefully.

MARK (CONT'D)

Daria, room 405.

Dasha raises her hand to show "I'm here," but Mark continues to read. Dasha looks around to see if anyone has noticed her inappropriate gesture.

MARK (CONT'D)

Elena, room 406.

Lena turns her head left and right, trying to figure out who her neighbor Daria is.

MARK (CONT'D)

Alexander, room 407.

Lena turns her head more actively to find out who her neighbor Alexander is.

LENA

I'm sorry, but which one of us is Daria, and which one is Alexander?

MARK

I'm just assigning you to rooms. Then do whatever you want.

SASHA

Could it be more polite?

MARK

Oh, sorry, I forgot to ask you.

Lena is the only one who is stressed by what is happening. The other interns don't care:

Arthur considers he is too cool for this, Kirusha cowardly stands aside, Sveta takes notes in a notebook, Dasha, as if she has already seen enough of such a fight and tiredly looks away, Igor does not take his eyes off the door in front of him, and Lenya stays in his own world.

LENA(Flirtatious)

Boys, don't fight. I was just wondering who my neighbor prince is.

Sasha and Mark cool down.

MARK(to Sasha)

Can I continue?

Sasha nods, saying, "Please continue".

MARK (CONT'D)

Svetlana, room 408. Igor, room 409. Kirill, room 410. Arthur, room 411. Leonid, room 412. That's all for today. There's a meeting in the sitting room at the tomorrow morning. I'll take you to your workplace.

Mark moves away from the interns. They look at each other, embarrassed to go to their rooms. Nervous Igor is the first to want to see what awaits him behind the door. Everyone follows his example and stands in front of their own door.

ARTHUR(loudly)

Wait!

Everyone stops. Even Mark, he is almost out of the corridor. Arthur looks around at the interns with a forced, friendly smile, but he's actually looking for Mark.

ARTHUR (CONT'D)(loudly)

I'm Arthur, room 411. Pleased to meet you.

MARK(also loudly)

Do I have to keep an eye on this?

SASHA(quietly)

Oh, get the fuck out of here.

Sasha goes into his room and slams the door loudly. The other interns go to their rooms.

INT. DREAMLAND CORPORATION. DASHA'S ROOM - DAY

A small room, doesn't lock from the inside. Now it is clear why "only necessary things". Just a disclaimer.

It is dark in the room. At the entrance there is a cabinet, behind which Dasha gropes for the light switch. Dim light illuminates the room. The only furniture is a bed and a half, a desk, a chair and a wardrobe. The room has another door that leads to a private bathroom that can be closed from the inside.

Dasha opens the curtains. There is only an entire window sticker with a view of the mountains. Some of the light from the window comes from nowhere, but it's still not enough for natural light. It is a strange room, as if it had never been intended for habitation, but someone wanted to imitate at least its appearance.

Dasha sits down on the bed. She tries it on the softness - tough, lucky. Judging by the fake windows, the bed could be made of cardboard.

There is an outlet next to the bed. Dasha sticks her night light there. Everything is working. Dasha is seized by the spirit of a researcher; she examines the desk drawers and the cabinet. Desk drawers are empty, but the cabinet contains several oversized gray items, such as those worn by the Guard and staff from the cafeteria.

The standard set of items includes: cotton trousers with elastic bands, a T-shirt, a hoodie with elastic bands, and a pair of black sneakers. There are 2 additional towels and a set of bed linen in the closet. The provision of living conditions was not a joke.

Dasha takes a toothbrush out of her purse. She carries it to the bathroom. Dasha stops at the entrance and does not understand why this room seems strange to her. Yes, it's small - just a toilet, sink and shower, but something's wrong. Realizing that there are no mirrors or shelves in the entire room, Dasha calms down and leaves the bathroom. She puts the brush in one of the desk drawers.

Dasha plops down on the bed. No creaking, no noise, just silence. Dasha falls asleep.

INT. DREAMLAND CORPORATION. LENYA'S ROOM - DAY

It's exactly the same room as Dasha's. There's only a forest sticker on the window. Lenya looks around. He doesn't like the arrangement of the furniture and the non-closing doors.

He moves all the furniture in a chaotic manner to close the door with it, but be able to enter the room.

As a result, the bed stands in the middle of the room, preventing direct access to the bathroom. The cabinet cannot be opened, and it is impossible to sit at the desk.

Lenya moves the cabinet, trying to make it an extension of the bed. The cabinet falls with a loud sound.

INT. DREAMLAND CORPORATION. DASHA'S ROOM - DAY

Dasha wake up from the fall of the cabinet. She sits up on the bed. She looks around for the clock, which is nowhere to be found. How to find out the time? Or it's a hint you have rooms only for night sleep? How to wake up on time?

Dasha changes into gray clothes. It is too big for her. Logically. For any shape and any form. There are no mirrors, so you have to trust your inner feeling - everything is bad, but it's never been good either.

Dasha leaves the room.

INT. DREAMLAND CORPORATION. CORRIDORS - DAY

Once in the hallway and without a map, Dasha walks from memory. She remembered the dining room had a view of the courtyard, but from a different angle. So, she needs to go around the building from the inside.

After several corridors, Dasha finds herself on a staircase between the inner and outer levels, which leads her either down to the 1st floor with unknown rooms, or up to the 3rd, where there was a cafeteria. It's a strange building. It has 4 floors in height and 2 floors in terms of rooms.

Dasha climbs the stairs, passes through another corridor and finds herself in the cafeteria.

INT. DREAMLAND CORPORATION. CAFETERIA - DAY

Amount of people has reduced but the silence remains.

Arthur and Sasha are sitting at a fenced-off table of interns. Sasha is actively talking and waving his hands, Arthur smiles and nods out of politeness, but his face looks unnatural.

Dasha lingers at the entrance. It needs to enter, make new acquaintances, be normal, but… what if they will create the appearance of friendship so as not to look like moral freaks in their own eyes. Again.

Sveta puts her arm around Dasha's shoulder. Obviously, she didn't want to scare, but Dasha falls into a stupor, preparing to accept everything that follows next.

SVETA

I wanted to ask you about the stickers. Why the stars? Are these references to the Egyptian symbol of rebirth? Or the ancient Roman symbol of the god of war? Or is it a reminder that the stars can only shine in the dark?

Sveta leads Dasha, holding her shoulder, to the interns' table. Dasha obeys and listens to Sveta's questions. Is she too active, or is she bullying, or is she curious, or is she who she is?

SVETA (CONT'D)(to Sasha and Arthur)

Hi, I'm Sveta. This is Dasha.

(to Arthur)

You're Arthur.

(to Sasha)

Sorry, I didn't remember. What's your name?

Sveta looks at Sasha, waiting for an answer. If Arthur smiles at least out of politeness, Sasha pretends Sveta is not here at all. He eats with his back to her.

SVETA (CONT'D)(optimistic)

Okay. We'll try again later.

Sveta leads Dasha by the shoulder to the showcases with ready meals. Dasha walks beside in silence.

SVETA (CONT'D)(to herself)

I reread the notes. How could I forget?

(to Dasha)

I write down people and associations with them to make it easier to remember. You know, several groups of twenty people, personal consultations, lectures at schools, volunteer work… a lot of people and everyone needs a personal approach. I believe that, and you can't change my mind.

Sveta and Dasha stop in front of the first showcase with main dishes. Sveta reads the names of the dishes, but passes by each one. Dasha stops next to the first soup tray. She takes a clean plate for herself and pours the soup with noodles in golden chicken broth into it. Dasha smiles imperceptibly, perhaps for the first time in a long time.

Sveta has reached the desert showcase, while Dasha finishes with the soup and chooses the second course. A good assortment: potatoes in their skins, mashed potatoes, French fries, pasta, rice. Dasha chooses rice and baked vegetables. There is a happy smile again.

SVETA (CONT'D)

Nothing to get me hooked. Mmm, it looks delicious. I don't think I'm hungry enough. Or it's because of a change of scenery. It'll be over by dinner, don't worry.

Dasha goes to the dessert showcase. But she doesn't find anything for herself.

SVETA (CONT'D)

Say no to dessert?

DASHA

I love chocolate. Any form. But today is the day of jelly desserts with coconut thing. I hate it.

SVETA

Coconut thing?

Dasha guiltily lowers her head, expecting public ridicule.

SVETA (CONT'D)(laughing)

I don't like this thing either. It's only a dye, it gets stuck in your teeth, tastes like sawdust. Are you going to take anything else?

Sveta takes Dasha by the shoulder and moves her to the cash register. There is an electronic board, like in self-service cash registers. Dasha looks at the screen for a couple of seconds, comprehending the principle of operation, and enters the dishes into the receipt.

SVETA (CONT'D)

Did you figure it out so quickly? Cool. I'm not friends with technology. I even take notes by hand. Maybe after working here, I'll switch to electronic notes.

DASHA

It's easier for me to negotiate with the machine. I believe it was made by a man who wanted everything to be simple and understandable.

SVETA

I don't even know how to use a phone. I have it for calls and messages.

DASHA

I don't use my phone because no one calls or texts me.

SVETA

I promise to call you when we get out of here.

Dasha finishes the payment. She and Sveta go back to the table.

Arthur is sitting at the head of the table, with his back to the window, and Sasha is next to him. Dasha feels responsible for Sveta and sits on the opposite side of the table. Sveta sits down next to her, turning away from the guys.

Dasha is embarrassed that she has a full tray, and Sveta refuses lunch. She doesn't start eating, but examines the tray.

SVETA (CONT'D)

Eat, don't be shy. It's okay. I'm really not hungry.

Sveta is visibly nervous. She looks around, waiting for someone else.

SVETA (CONT'D)

I'm against alcohol, but in such a cool atmosphere, I wouldn't mind something hot.

Dasha is eating. Sveta entertains her with conversations that jump from one topic to another.

SVETA (CONT'D)

I'm kidding. No alcohol. It's a lifestyle. I don't want to end up like my parents. It's not as rosy as in the movies. Just endless drab existence. I don't recommend it to anyone. Although our movies and literature are based on this. So there's a silver lining.

A pale Kirusha approaches the table. He sees that the company has split into two. But, as in any group, shy boys choose to see stronger men next to them.

SASHA

Great choice, come join us.

This phrase makes Sveta angry. She obviously wants to talk about how unpleasant men are, but she has to show only her kind and understanding nature. Dasha has already eaten the soup and it has had a relaxing effect on her.

DASHA

Asshole, right?

Sveta looks at Dasha as the voice of truth. She wants to support this topic, but it's wrong.

SVETA

I can't judge him. He is what he is.

DASHA

Yes. Asshole!

Sveta hisses at Dasha to stop talking like that. But her soft laugh says otherwise.

Lenya comes up to the table with a glass of cherry compote. He doesn't hesitate to sit down between Kirusha and Sveta, because otherwise he would have to go around the whole table, and he is clearly one of those who follow the path of least resistance.

SASHA

Cool backpack, bro.

Lenya doesn't answer him. He raises his glass as "cheers" and sips.

Everyone at the table fell silent. Now it's clear why it's always so quiet in the cafeteria - no one knows how to start a conversation without fear of being ridiculed and starting some kind of conflict over their love of cherry compote rather than apple compote.

Lena comes into the cafeteria. She's in her clothes, while everyone at the table has already changed into gray uniforms. Lena is unhappy. Her quick gait to the table gives away all the secrets.

LENA

This is unacceptable. Why should I wear a shabby gray color? I am a person. I won't be trampled. I won't wear clothes that don't match the archetype of my face. You might think that gray suits me, but my brown eyes don't.

Lena is consumed by her hatred of gray. She refuses to see that most of the people at the table have brown eyes.

Dasha, as the owner of brown eyes, thinks that the absence of mirrors no longer seems such a bad idea - less worry about appearance. Lenya seemed to hear her thoughts.

LENYA

That's awesome. No need to worry about what to wear. Gray, well, that's fine. It's a good color. Think of it as the color of the sky on a rainy day. And after a rainy day, sooner or later, it will be sunny. Is that better?

Lena thinks about it. This formulation suits her. She sits down at the table next to Sasha, whom she playfully nudges with her shoulder. Not seeing the expected response in the form of adoration and worship, she turns her attention to Lenya, who is sitting opposite her.

Lenya is glad that he doesn't have to listen to a lot of incomprehensible words and complaints. But he clearly doesn't expect Lena to try to seduce him by stroking her legs under the table. Lenya chokes on her compote in surprise.

There's an empty seat at the table, next to Dasha. Dasha glances at it in the hope that it will remain empty. But the law of meanness comes into play and Igor comes into the cafeteria. In his clothes: in women's shoes, shaking either from the cold or from withdrawal. Igor takes an empty seat next to Dasha. It does not please her.

There's silence at the table again. Everyone looks in front of them. Unless Lena is ready to conquer Lenya by any means available in this situation.

Mark comes into the cafeteria. He doesn't notice the interns, but Arthur, sitting in front of the entrance, sees him and perks up. He becomes the most benevolent person, ready to lead the crowd.

Mark, meanwhile, walks along the showcases. He takes a glass of apple compote and walks on. Without paying.

ARTHUR(loudly)

Why don't we get to know each other? My name is Arthur, and I'm eighteen. I'm here to explore how to improve people's lives.

Mark comes to the table hearing Arthur's speech. He doesn't look interested. He looks like a man who is plotting meanness, but it is not clear to whom this meanness will be directed.

Arthur nudges Sasha to continue his idea. Sasha shakes off non-existent crumbs from his hands, showing Mark their power with loud claps.

SASHA

I'm Sasha, I'm twenty. I'm married. I'm here to find a proper job.

Mark continues to watch. His target is not Sasha.

Arthur looks at Lena, waiting for her to continue the chain. For Lena, any sign of attention is equivalent to flirting, she winks at Arthur.

LENA

My name is Lena. I am eighteen years old. I am researching the probability of an unhappy marriage depending on the age and wealth of the spouses.

Igor is sitting next to Lena, twitching, and Lena doesn't want to touch or look at him. He is sitting in a hood, from which dirty hair is slightly escaping. Lena pokes Igor lightly in the shoulder with her finger.

Igor stops shaking. He raises his head and looks around the table.

Dasha tries to imperceptibly turn her head away from Igor, not wanting to know what face is hiding in the black hood. She looks at Sveta, Lenya, Kirusha and Mark standing next to him. It seems Mark has found his victim. He smiles too visibly; he wants to find out what kind of face is hidden in the hood. He should have sat in Dasha's seat.

IGOR

I'm Igor. Nineteen years old. I want to tell the world the truth.

He looks at Mark. It can be assumed that they are looking into each other's eyes, it makes Mark smile, but you can't see it behind the hood, and let it stay between them.

Mark noisily puts a glass of half-finished compote next to Arthur and leaves. Igor looks in front of him again and shakes. Dasha gathers her thoughts to talk about herself.

Arthur doesn't like his idea anymore, because there's no one to show it to. He tries out different poses for a comfortable seat on a chair. The metallic creak of a chair on the floor tiles makes Dasha nervous.

Sveta touches Dasha's shoulder to support her.

DASHA

I'm Dasha, I'm seventeen. I am studying the social presuppositions of wars.

(with chuckle)

I want to understand whether the advent of cinema influenced the uprising and wars of the twentieth century.

No one at the table appreciated the joke. But Dasha said it more to calm herself down, and not to create some kind of image in the eyes of other interns.

Sveta immediately takes the floor. She gets up to be seen.

SVETA

Good afternoon, my name is Svetlana. I am twenty years old and I represent the campaign against alcohol. I have several groups for people who are in a difficult situation. I actively participate in activities against alcohol and other addictions. I'm here to investigate the likelihood of alcohol addiction in people whose parents were addicted.

Sveta sits down in her seat with a sense of accomplishment.

Lenya stays in his seat. Blushing, staring at one point in front of him, he is afraid to move. Lena seems to have achieved her goal. Lenya is sweating, it could be attributed to the heat, but it was cool enough in the room.

LENYA

Leonid.

(accents for Lena)

Seventeen years old! To be honest, I'm here because they guarantee six months of accommodation. But in the profile, I wrote I investigate the implicit signs of domestic violence against children. I've come across this myself, but…

(pause for a deep breath)

But who would believe me? I'm just a kid.

Lena looks at Lenya with sadness. She is no longer actively trying to seduce Lenya, who is upset by the memories. Lenya looks at her guiltily. He knows that he has nothing to offer a woman who has a personal porter. Lena winks at Lenya.

Kirusha is next and last in line. He looks around for support, he's shy.

Sasha, lazily sitting in an armchair, got tired of waiting for him.

SASHA

Don't be shy.

(points at the girls)

You will not have an affair with them. So relax.

Dasha, Sveta and Lena independently thought about Sasha: "What an asshole?".

KIRUSHA

I'm Kirill, but more often my name is Kirusha. I'm seventeen too. I'm not investigating anything. I need work experience to start my own business. I want to open an equipment repair shop with my brother.

Kirusha lowers his head in embarrassment.

SASHA

Why are you all talking about investigations? It's some kind of nerdy club.

SVETA

We are at the Institute of Human Relations. It is obvious they make investigations here.

SASHA

In my neighborhood it's called "Fear Inc", and there are a lot of rumors around this place.

IGOR

There were supposed to be torture labs in the basements of this building. Brainwashing equipment. Entire facilities for making drugs suppress will and humanity.

SASHA

He knows what he's talking about.

Igor, succumbing to his inner calls to the truth, jumps up from his chair and runs out of the cafeteria.

Dasha really wants to roll her eyes, but restrains herself. The others are shocked by what is happening, watching him go.

Except for Dasha, she sits with her back to the entrance.

SASHA (CONT'D)

I hope he's looking for proof.

SVETA(to Sasha)

Didn't you fill out your profile?

SASHA

My wife signed me up here. I have no idea what I'm doing here.

SVETA

So you've taken the place of someone who really wants to and could help.

SASHA

But I was chosen. This means that the profile was filled out correctly. I'll ask for a topic tomorrow.

SVETA

Do you know how to do research?

SASHA

Nobody knows anything. We do everything we can for the sake of our loved ones. And whether it's right or wrong, it's none of my business anymore.

SVETA

You don't want to be in the place of someone who is influenced by the wrong actions of another.

Dasha feels the understatement in Sveta's words. There is something wrong with her attempts to help everyone while completely neglecting herself.

Lena doesn't want to escalate the conflict and diverts the conversation to another topic.

LENA

Should we run outside? Work will start tomorrow, and today the weather is so good.

Everyone at the table is silent again. No one wants to go outside, but they are also afraid to refuse.

LENYA

I'll go with you.

LENA(flirtatious)

Aren't you afraid?

LENYA

Intrigued.

Lena and Lenya have twinkles in their eyes. They don't stop looking at each other while they get up from their seats. They don't notice that others are sitting at the table, watching them with interest. Everyone understands where this is going, but everyone is too old to focus on it.

Lena stops to wait for Lenya, who takes his glass to the kitchen. He offers Lena to take his arm, like in a silent movie. Lena and Lenya leave the cafeteria. At the exit, Lenya lets Lena go ahead, like a well-mannered boy.

SASHA

She'll eat him and not choke.

SVETA

Where do these conclusions come from?

SASHA

It's obvious. All women are like that.

SVETA

Even your wife?

SASHA(aggressively)

You don't dare talk about my wife. You don't know her to talk about her like that.

Sveta, like Dasha, wants to roll her eyes, but this may cause an escalation of the conflict.

DASHA(Quiet to Sveta)

I'm tired. I'm going to my room. I just can't stand another contradiction.

Sveta giggles at Dasha's words. Sasha looks suspiciously at both of them, expecting them to talk about him. Dasha leaves, taking the tray with her. She takes it to the same place where Lenya took the glass. Perhaps Dasha deliberately sat for so long, waiting for someone to do it first, so as not to look stupid, not knowing where to take the tray.

Sasha glares hatefully at the Sveta. Sveta is not afraid of him, according to Dasha's words.

SVETA

No offense, but you have too many contradictions.

SASHA

That's what others love about me.

SVETA

No, that's not.

Sveta gets up from the table and leaves the dining room. Kirusha looks after her. He really wants to go after her. He turns to the door several times when Sveta has already left. Sasha looks at Kirusha with some anger, suspecting betrayal of his priorities.

SASHA

Go after her, you traitor. We won't be upset.

Kirusha looks at Sasha like Sveta with the thought: "Asshole!". Kirusha leaves the cafeteria.

Arthur is lost in thought. He doesn't notice how everyone has left. But it's even better for him. No one is interfering. But then Sasha starts talking to him, forcing him to return to reality.

SASHA (CONT'D)

He dumped us for a woman. She will eat him.

Arthur gets up from the table without looking at Sasha. He picks up his tray with empty plates. He puts the half-empty glass left over from Mark on it. Silently he goes to the kitchen and leaves the cafeteria.

Sasha immediately picks up his tray and runs after Arthur, not wanting to stop the conversation.

INT. DREAMLAND CORPORATION. CORRIDORS - DAY

Igor wanders through the corridors of the Corporation. He looks around every corner, checks every dead end. Mark finds him around one of the corners. He as usual holds a folder of papers in his hand.

Igor falls into a stupor of surprise for a second, but prefers to remain motionless. He hopes Mark will not notice him standing right in front of Mark.

MARK

Are you looking for something specific?

IGOR

I was on my way to my room, but I got lost.

MARK

I believe it.

Mark puts his free hand on Igor's shoulder, turning him around, and forces Igor to walk next to him.

MARK (CONT'D)

You don't trust me. I understand. A corrupt man in an expensive suit. What if I tell you I'm also looking for the truth here?

IGOR

I don't need help. You misunderstood me.

Mark stops Igor in one of the corridor dead ends. He looks sadly at the folder in his hand.

MARK

That is sad. I thought you might be interested in reading about the brainwashing experiments conducted here in the eighties. I'm sure you know about the mass disappearance of people in those days.

Igor looks with fear and interest at Mark and at the folder, again at Mark and again at the folder.

IGOR

Could you tell me more about this?

Igor takes a step towards Mark. He's standing right next to him and the folder, but he's not ready to pick it up.

Mark takes a step back, looks Igor up and down. He laughs.

MARK

Why? You can read it.

Mark hands Igor the folder, forcing him to take them, but Igor is adamant.

IGOR

No one will believe my words.

Mark laughs again, waving the folder in front of Igor's face.

MARK(louder)

How will you talk about it if you don't read it?

IGOR

What's the catch?

MARK

The catch is that I'm going to leave now, and all the glory will go to me.

IGOR

And you just share your glory with me?

MARK

I can't leave the Corporation yet. Privacy and all that things. But your internship hasn't started yet, and you're a free man. I give you that folder. You go with it wherever you can. Journalists and police will come here. Bam, we are all free. You are the discoverer of truth. Can I trust you?

Igor stretches his hand towards the folder. Mark smiles meanly.

IGOR

I won't let you down. The world will know the truth.

Igor takes the folder from Mark. He looks at him with gratitude for the chance.

Igor is examining himself. He doesn't know where to hide the folder. Mark sees Igor's confusion. With a nod of his head, he hints at a hoodie that no one would want to look under. There will be speculation, but there is definitely no desire to look under it.

Igor hides the folder under his hoodie. Mark puts his arm around Igor's shoulder and forcibly leads him through the corridors again.

MARK

Tonight, after dinner, when everyone's gone. I'll meet you here. I'll help you out of the building.

IGOR

But I can leave before the internship starts.

MARK

You will be inspected. Much more thoroughly. Do you want to go straight to the wall, or is the heroic glory closer to you?

IGOR

Second.

MARK

Then behave naturally. Good luck.

Mark turns to Igor, puts both arms around his shoulders, and smiles his most natural smile, which is not very natural. He walks off in the other direction, examining his hands with a strong desire to wash them.

Igor waits for Mark to move away. When the sounds of his footsteps finally subside, Igor runs along the corridors to his room.

INT. DREAMLAND CORPORATION. IGOR'S ROOM - DAY

It's the same small room with a fake window. Igor runs into it. He gets under the desk and closes himself with a chair. It's a good safety measure, but there's a bathroom nearby that can be locked from the inside.

Igor takes off his shoes. From there, he takes out a small flashlight. An old-model MP3 player with a voice recorder falls out of the shoe. The headphones are unwound, and Igor compactly twists them. He turns on the flashlight, holds it between his teeth, shining it in front of him. He pulls folder out from under his hoodie.

Igor's eyes fill with horror and tears from what he sees. He quickly flips through the pages, sorting through the sheets, examining photographs.

He closes the folder. He taps himself on the head with it harder and harder.

Igor gets out from under the table, throws the flashlight under the table and puts on his shoes. Without hiding the papers under his hoodie, he runs out of the room.

INT. DREAMLAND CORPORATION. CORRIDORS - EVENING

Igor gets confused in the corridors. It seems that he has already run through the same corridor several times, but they are all the same.

Igor stops. He takes out several photos from the folder and shows them to each camera at the beginning and end of the corridor. It's more useful than aimlessly running around looking for someone. Especially when all the staff has left for dinner.

In the next corridor, Igor shows the camera the photos from the folder. Mark finds him, he slowly and quietly crept up on him from behind.

MARK

They don't work.

Igor gets scared. He falls into a stupor again. He makes a sound similar to a scream, but with his mouth closed.

Mark is in a different suit. He reaches out to Igor to take him by the shoulders, but doesn't even want to touch the air he breathes.

MARK (CONT'D)

We agreed to meet after dinner. What are you doing here now?

IGOR

This place. It should burn out. If there is still something that is written in the reports… No one should see this. This has no place in the world.

Igor is shaking again, he is crying. Mark looks down on him like on a squashed insect, but the role needs to be played out. Even at the cost of another suit.

Mark puts his arm around Igor's shoulders.

MARK

Only you can do it.

IGOR

I don't need that kind of fame. I can't live with knowing that there is such a thing. And it's happening here.

MARK

Only you can save us all.

Mark speaks convincingly. Igor believes him and calms down. Mark continues to hug Igor by the shoulders. He leads him through the corridors in an unknown direction. They stop at a dead end.

MARK (CONT'D)

Wait here. We'll start after dinner.

Mark moves away. He sees that Igor is holding a folder in his hand. He hints with his eyes that Igor should hide it back under his hoodie.

Igor hides a folder with papers. He sits on the floor with his back to the wall. He's getting ready. He gathers his thoughts.

INT. DREAMLAND CORPORATION. HALL - EVENING

Mark is inspired by what is happening. He goes to the empty guard booth. Mark uses an old wall phone with 4 buttons with unknown abbreviations. Mark presses one of the buttons and waits for a response.

MARK

Good evening, we have a brawler who stole important documents and is threatening to make them public. I beg you to come as soon as possible.

Mark puts down the phone. He runs out of the hall.

INT. DREAMLAND CORPORATION. CAFETERIA - EVENING

Mark looks into the cafeteria. 7 interns are sitting in the same seats they were sitting in during lunch.

Sveta and Dasha are whispering about something, Lena and Lenya are flirting with each other with their feet under the table. Sasha teaches Kirusha, who is sitting across from him with a guilty look, and Arthur's eye twitches from what is happening.

Mark leaves.

INT. DREAMLAND CORPORATION. CORRIDORS - EVENING

Igor is sitting on the floor, with his back to the corner. He is aware of what he has seen. From the outside, it looks like a depressed teenager looking to a wall.

Mark approaches him calmly. He stops a little way from Igor. Mark smiles maliciously at him. Igor does not turn in his direction. Mark approaches Igor and sits down next to him on the floor.

MARK(points at Igor's shoes)

Aren't they feminine?

IGOR

If there were men's shoes with heels, I would wear them.

MARK

It's okay, what time we live in. But this wedge has been bothering me since morning. I get it, you're carrying something. Ingenious.

Igor is embarrassed by the praise.

MARK (CONT'D)

Any corporation works only at the entrance. That's why we give full access to our data.

Igor doesn't understand what Mark is talking about. He turns to him. And Mark turns to Igor.

MARK (CONT'D)

You'll never get out of here. No one will get out. You've all signed the contract.

Igor is abruptly blown up from his seat. He gets tangled in his own feet and loses one shoe. Igor runs wherever his eyes look.

Mark takes the remaining shoe, takes out the insole with his fingertips, under which lies a MP3 player wrapped in headphones.

Two men in full gear and masks approach Mark. Mark shows them the direction Igor ran in. The men in the gear run off in the indicated direction.

Mark takes all the evidence, gets up from the floor, stretches his back and walks in the direction of Igor's escape.

Igor gets confused in the same corridors. The sun has already set, and the corridors have become darker. Igor screams in fear.

He hears the approaching sounds of running in heavy boots, which forces him to run faster and faster, not understanding the path. Igor runs into a dead end, leans his back against the wall. He hides his face in his knees so he does not see what is happening.

The men find Igor crying in a corner. One of the men takes out a bag from his pocket, which he puts on Igor's head. Igor does not resist. He doesn't move. His gaze is frozen in one place.

Two men lift Igor off the floor. Mark approaches them. He gropes Igor's body, starting with his feet. At the stomach, Mark picks up Igor's hoodie and takes the folder with papers hidden there.

He also sees the cord from the MP3 player and pulls on it so that the entire bundle of the recorder and the wire ends up in his hand.

Mark shows the men a sign for them to take Igor away, and follows them.

INT. DREAMLAND CORPORATION. CAFETERIA - EVENING

The cafeteria is empty, but the interns are still sitting. The large windows let in enough light for the interns to see each other in a room without additional lighting.

Lena and Lenya, as expected for everyone, leave first. It does not attract any attention.

Sveta tells Dasha about herself, covering her mouth with her hand. Dasha listens, and not out of politeness, but out of a desire to learn something about another person. In silence, you can hear a clear phrase.

SVETA

I'll be glad to see you there.

Dasha smiles sincerely at Sveta. She nods at her, accepting the offer to come anywhere.

Sasha bangs his fist on the table like the head of a family when he proves his point of view without arguments. Arthur relaxed in his chair. Kirusha is no longer afraid of Sasha's attacks, he looks tired.

INT. DREAMLAND CORPORATION. CORRIDORS - EVENING

Lena and Lenya, hugging, go to Lenya's room.

LENA

I can't go to a man's room on the first date.

LENYA

First of all, we spent the whole day together. Secondly, we have the same rooms. You can make yourself at home.

LENA

I definitely won't feel at home in this dump. At least I have locked doors in my house.

LENYA

That's great. I've just rearranged my room.

The door barely opens inwards. More precisely, I dropped the cabinet and now I can't move the bed, but I like it.

LENA

I like it too.

Lena and Lenya do not reach Lenya's room. The passion came a little earlier, engulfing them both. Lenya is more timid than Lena. She takes the initiative, helping to Lenya with hands position and body movements. Lenya is afraid of being caught doing such a thing. He pulls away.

LENYA

Wait. First I need to open the door.

Lenya tries with some effort to open the door as far as possible so that Lena can enter. Realizing that the door won't open anymore, he gestures for Lena to come in. They enter the room, where Lenya moves the bed again so that no one can enter the room.

INT. DREAMLAND CORPORATION. SITTING ROOM - MORNING

The first of July is a great day to start an internship in the strangest place. The interns are waiting for Mark.

Lena and Lenya are secluded by the window, not paying attention to anyone.

Sveta finds a place at one of the tables, like the ones in the cafeteria. She blows the dust off the table and chair. She puts a notebook on the table and writes.

Kirusha sits down at the same table. He is located at a distance from the Sveta. He wants to start a conversation, so he sits down more comfortably on a chair. But the creaking and fidgeting in his chair irritate Sveta.

Sasha is sitting at another table with his feet on it. He brought a mug with him, which is still steaming.

Arthur is sitting next to Sasha. He is annoyed by Sasha's behavior. But he needs to show himself as the leader of the group in front of Mark.

Dasha comes in, examines the room, the shelves, and blows the dust off the spine of books, reading the titles. Psychology, economics, engineering, physics, biology, quantum mechanics, philosophy, legends and myths. It's great when there's plenty of space to arrange books related to different areas. But why are these books here? Maybe they have something in common?

Mark comes into the room, always with a folder of papers. He's counting the crowd. That's right-seven.

MARK

I'm glad you survived the night. I hope you appreciated the notification system. We do not provide personal watches, but we also do not tolerate delays. Daria, Kirill and Arthur are coming with me. The rest works here.

Arthur is hearing his name. He jumps up from his seat and runs to Mark. He stands behind him, ready to go anywhere.

MARK (CONT'D)

There is all the necessary literature here. On the second floor is the Corporation's research. Don't be shy. When you're done, we'll download your work into the algorithm and upload it to the server. If everything goes well, then you are guaranteed a place in the team.

LENYA

What if the study fails?

MARK

You will sign a paper that obliges you to remain silent about what you were doing here for the rest of your life. The pledge will be your family and everyone who is really close to you.

LENYA

Is it a joke?

MARK

It is. Just your family. Moms, dads, maybe brothers, sisters.

Lena doesn't like Mark's humor anymore. And Mark doesn't look like a stand-up comedian - there's no microphone.

Sasha does not get out of character, continues to sit with his feet on the table.

SASHA

Would you remind me of my research topic?

Mark is angry with Sasha's arrogance, but surprisingly, he is ready to help him. He opens the folder, shuffles through the sheets.

MARK

The topic of your research is "the reasons for divorce in the early years of marriage".

Everyone is laughing at Sasha. Mark looks at him with his usual sneaky smile. It seems that Mark finally made a good joke.

Sasha takes his feet off the table. He turns to Mark.

SASHA

Really?

MARK

Isn't that what it says in your profile you filled out and sent yourself?

Sasha slaps his forehead. He puts his feet back on the table and leans back in his chair.

SASHA

Of course, how could I forget?

MARK

Who I called, follow me.

Mark turns around and bumps into Arthur. Mark finds himself a new pastime. He sees Arthur's eagerness to work here, to carry out tasks and assignments. Arthur jumps aside when he realizes that he is preventing Mark from passing.

Mark comes out of the sitting room, followed by Arthur. Dasha reluctantly follows them. Kirusha wants to say goodbye to Sveta with words, but she turns back to her notebook. Kirusha leaves disappointed in himself.

Sasha checks to see if Mark has left. He examines the remaining interns: Sveta writes, Lena and Lenya take the first book they find and leave the sitting room.

Sasha looks at the big broken clock. He gets up from his seat, walks between the shelves. He is not interested in books by name. He would be more attracted to a book with a bright or unusual cover. It is a pity that the Corporation has exceptionally boring books in monochrome covers.

Sasha goes up the stairs to the second floor. He doesn't go beyond the last step when he makes sure that everything is the same as on the 1st floor.

He descends the railing, making a sound of acceleration.

Sveta is distracted by him. Maybe that's what Sasha wanted -to win someone over to his side so that it wouldn't be boring.

Sasha sees that Sveta has already been distracted from her notes.

He needed to recruit her before she focused on her notes again.

SASHA

What are you doing?

SVETA

Doing my research?

SASHA

All the time?

SVETA

What makes you think that?

SASHA

You write in your notebook all the time.

SVETA

I'm afraid to miss something obvious. Someone is suffering every minute, and not of their own volition. Any little thing or words are important.

SASHA

Isn't that how people go crazy?

SVETA

I'd rather go crazy trying to help than intentionally self-destruct.

Sasha doesn't let Sveta focus. Sveta is too polite to refuse, and Sasha pretends to be blind, not catching Sveta's non-verbal hints.

SASHA

My wife is the same. She participates everywhere all the time, slips questionnaires to me and our friends. She says she's worried about us. So I understand you.

SVETA

I'm not sure we're doing the same things. My goal is to change a person's point of view, but in a way that is their conscious choice. If he likes killing himself every day, then it is his choice.

SASHA

I'm telling you, my wife does the same. She also goes to all kinds of meetings and writes everything down. She talks to people, gives them advice. She helps them in short.

SVETA

What does she do for a living?

SASHA

Nothing. I provide for everything in our family. I'm a man. And she, like a decent wife, stays at home.

SVETA

How does she get to meetings to help others?

SASHA

I'm always with her. We are never apart. After work, I go home, and we go where she needs to go. I have to be there just in case.

SVETA

What do you do for a living?

SASHA

A leading expert in strategic management and optimization of customer interactions in the provision and sale of goods and services in a dynamically developing market.

Sveta really wants to say as many synonyms for the word "fool", but they will all turn out to be rude. Now she is really distracted from the notes. She looks at Sasha, trying to figure out "is he serious or is this a joke like the ones Mark tells?".

SASHA (CONT'D)

I'm a cool specialist. But Anya says I need a normal job with tons of money. I liked my job anyway. There was enough money. She always needs a new phone, new clothes, or a bag. But I'm a man, I have to provide it.

SVETA

How long are you two together?

SASHA

Two years. We got married six months after we met. We were waiting for me to turn eighteen. Don't think it was hasty. I was already living separately, earning my own money. Yes, it's illegal, but what difference does it make when there's enough to live on? I've been trying for her for a long time. We even kissed on our sixth date. But then everything quickly turned around.

SVETA

You said you were waiting for you to turn eighteen. So she's older?

SASHA(counting in his mind)

If I'm twenty, then she's…

(pause)

She's twenty-six now.

Sveta can't wait to tell this gossip to someone. Maybe Dasha would be interested in it? She needs to try it.

SVETA

Then why are you investigating the reasons for the divorce?

SASHA

I told you, my wife filled out the profile for me. She probably wants me to know what mistakes I might make and not make them in the future.

SVETA

So go ahead.

Sasha comes close to Sveta. She is tensing up. Sasha was almost close to her ear.

SASHA(whispering)

I don't know how to do that.

Sveta does her best to look surprised and not laugh.

SVETA

Really? That's not what you said yesterday.

SASHA

Well, I'm sorry. I thought it would be like a school report, until Mark said that thing about algorithms.

SVETA

It's kind of like a report. But more like an essay. You study the literature, look for patterns, write your assumptions, and attach arguments. Then your notes are converted into a numerical formula, and this formula uploads to a large computer. If the formula is confirmed by computer data and gives some kind of approximate result, then everything is cool.

SASHA

You explain it so clearly.

SVETA

Mark told us the same thing a few minutes ago. Where have you been?

SASHA

I'm not listening to him. I don't like him.

SVETA

He jokes strangely, doesn't care about anybody except himself, obsessed with his work and control, so yes, you may not like him.

SASHA

No, I don't like him any other way.

SVETA

What's the other way?

SASHA

He talks like he knows more about us than we do.

SVETA

If you had filled out the profile yourself, then this feeling would not exist. Relax, in six months you won't even remember about him.

Sasha gets tense when the conversation is about Mark. Perhaps this is jealousy, or perhaps Sasha is not so stupid. Or maybe he's stupid, but only because he can't put into words how he feels about Mark.

INT. DREAMLAND CORPORATION. CORRIDORS - MORNING

Mark does his first stop near the high doors of the server room. From a folder with papers, he takes out a pass - a gray plastic card, he gives it to Kirusha.

MARK

Your task is to monitor the proper operation of the servers. You'll give it back in six months.

Mark leaves, leaving Kirusha with a card in his hand. Arthur and Dasha go after Mark.

The next stop is a small room, about the size of a bathroom in an intern's room. There's an old computer with an old monitor on the desk.

MARK (CONT'D)(to Arthur)

I have a special task for you. I understand you want to change the world, but can I ask you a favor? I'm sure that no one else can help me.

Mark pretends to fawn over Arthur. Dasha watches with interest, "will Arthur take the obvious bait?".

MARK (CONT'D)

There is a lot of mess with data on the computer. It will be nice, if you make a system for them. There was a very irresponsible guy sitting here before you. He disappeared in the middle of work. You're not like that, are you? Can I trust you?

ARTHUR

Of course, I won't let you down. Everything will be ready and fast.

MARK

Do not rush.

Mark leaves Arthur to work in a small room. Arthur is beaming with happiness as he watches Mark leave.

Mark treats Dasha more gently. He touches her shoulder lightly, indicating the direction of the path.

Mark stops in front of the archive doors. He flips through the folder of papers again. He takes out the key. He gives the key to Dasha.

DASHA

Don't you need it?

MARK

It's not mine. I'm an assistant to the head of the Corporation, nothing more.

Dasha opens the door with a key.

INT. DREAMLAND CORPORATION. ARCHIVE - MORNING

There is a dusty room with no windows. There are shelves with drawers along 3 walls, a huge layer of dust has accumulated on an old wooden table, and a dried spider web has formed on a chair.

Dasha indifferently goes inside. Mark watches her and her reaction. It's tempting to close the door and leave her here forever, but she holds the key tightly in her hand.

Mark is here for the first time too. He looks around for a light switch. And he finds it in the most convenient place - at hip level, to his left, so as not to occupy his already occupied right arm.

Dasha turns to Mark and sees where he found the light switch. She also appreciates the convenience of light switch location.

Mark wants to stay to rummage through the dusty drawers, see where the Corporation started, spend time with Dasha and win her over, but it's too early.

MARK

This is your workplace. It's better not to take anything out of here. Everything should stay in its place. At the end of the internship, give me the key.

Mark leaves the archive. He closes the door behind him, leaving Dasha alone. The wind from closing the door raises dust, which immediately makes Dasha sneeze.

She looks around her. He opens drawers with papers and stationery, but finds nothing she needs. Dasha sweeps a pile of dust off the table with her hand. Having already gotten dirty enough, she doesn't hesitate to accidentally touch another dirty drawer or folder with research.

After a few sneezes and a final loss of enthusiasm, Dasha opens the door to let in some air. Dasha takes a few deep breaths and comes back in. She examines each drawer - opens it, goes through the data that it contains in the hope of finding something interesting. So far, without success.

Almost every year, someone appears and decides « what is the best way for people to live». Boring and stupid.

Dasha opens another drawer. Too much dust. She sneezes again.

ALEXANDER ANDREEVICH

Bless you.

Dasha is unhappy with the brazen invasion of her new territory. She doesn't look back at the newcomer.

DASHA

Thank you.

ALEXANDER ANDREEVICH

I am the head of Dreamland Corporation, Alexander Andreevich. I came to see someone who wanted to look at our archives for the first time in seventeen years.

DASHA

I am Vyshina Daria. I wanted to work alone and away from everyone. I love the silence and the absence of someone.

ALEXANDER ANDREEVICH

When you need something, you can come to me for help.

DASHA

Through your moody assistant? No, thank you. I'll lock myself in here until I finish my work.

ALEXANDER ANDREEVICH

Do you like it here?

DASHA

I don't care. I'll finish my work and leave.

ALEXANDER ANDREEVICH

The wiring is weak here, and the premises are out of service. Aren't you afraid there won't be enough time to get you out?

DASHA

I'm not afraid. No one is coming for me. Don't worry, your reputation won't suffer.

ALEXANDER ANDREEVICH

Is there anything I can do for you?

Dasha gets annoyed by the presence of an outsider who asks too many questions. Dasha turns to him. She makes the most natural sympathetic smile.

DASHA

Yes. I can see you are uncomfortable here. Dust, dim light, darkness. You'll make me happy if you don't want to come here anymore.

Dasha touches his shoulder lightly, like Mark's gesture. She leads him out to exit. Alexander Andreevich goes obediently.

ALEXANDER ANDREEVICH

I'm worried about you. You're so young. This place is not for you.

DASHA

Leave it to me to decide. Goodbye.

Dasha rolls her eyes. Another outsider decides for her who she should be and what to do. Dasha slams the door behind him. Maybe Mark is right about something when he behaves the way he usually does.

Dasha tries to lock herself from the inside with a key, and it works. Dasha tries the door, making sure that no one will enter it for sure.

INT. DREAMLAND CORPORATION. THE HEAD'S OFFICE - DAY

Alexander Andreevich is sitting in his lounge chair. He's thinking about his first meeting with Dasha.

Mark stands in front of him, waiting for requests. But it's been too long.

MARK

If there are no orders, then will I go?

ALEXANDER ANDREEVICH

I don't understand why she's like this. She kicked me out. I told you who I am. I don't understand.

MARK

What exactly did you tell her?

ALEXANDER ANDREEVICH

That I'm the most important person here.

MARK

Did you tell the rebellious teenager you are more important than her?

ALEXANDER ANDREEVICH

What should I have said?

MARK

I can keep watching her. Let's see who in the group she makes friends with, and we'll do the same.

ALEXANDER ANDREEVICH

I was expecting someone more mature. And she behaves like…

(pause)

No words.

MARK

She's acting like any teenager at seventeen. It is ok.

ALEXANDER ANDREEVICH

How do you know their behave?

MARK

I've been doing the internship program for twelve years. For three of them, I work directly with candidates. Their average age is eighteen years.

ALEXANDER ANDREEVICH

Do you think we need to raise the age for candidates?

MARK

Why? She's already here.

ALEXANDER ANDREEVICH

I'm worried. Twelve years of waiting. And she didn't live up to them.

MARK

Today is only the first day, give her time. Do you have any requests for me?

ALEXANDER ANDREEVICH

Yes, keep an eye on her. If you find anything, come to me.

MARK

It will be done.

Mark leaves the head's office. He is glad that he was given the task that he was already ready to do.

INT. DREAMLAND CORPORATION. CAFETERIA - DAY

Lunch time. Interns gather around a table to discuss their first impressions of the internship. Although there are contradictions between them, they all came to lunch at the call of the notification system.

Dasha takes the first and second courses again, but skips dessert because her favorite is not there. Sveta takes a vegetable salad. Lena pleases herself with compote and dessert. Lenya can't eat enough and takes everything for himself and in double size.

Kirusha takes a vegetable salad, as does Sveta, trying to attract her attention. Sasha follows the rules of a traditional lunch, taking the first and second course, compote and dessert. Arthur refuses a lot of food in order not to lose productivity. His lunch is buns with poppy seeds and compote.

Everyone takes their place at the table. Everyone eats in silence. Not because no one knows how to start a conversation, but because they know what they're going to talk about, and they have time for it. It's amazing how in just 1 day in such a secluded place from the rest of the world, any reason to rush and rush things disappeared.

Mark stands at the entrance and watches the interns. He looks at Dasha while she is sitting with her back to him.

Arthur notices Mark and his observations of them. He feels guilty for not living up to his expectations as a good employee. He eats faster.

Dasha and Sveta are whispering and laughing about something. Mark sees that they communicate only with each other, as well as Lena and Lenya focus only on each other.

Sasha, on the other hand, tries to impress Arthur by telling him stories in which he behaved like the most courageous man. Kirusha is sitting with everyone at the same table, but apart from everyone.

INT. DREAMLAND CORPORATION. SITTING ROOM - DAY

Dasha and Sveta are searching the shelves for suitable literature for research. Dasha is looking in the 20th century history section on the 1st floor. Sveta is interested in the Corporation's research on the 2nd floor.

Mark is watching them, but he's not alone. Kirusha is watching Sveta. He notices Mark's strange behavior.

Would he guess what is going on?

Mark leaves the sitting room, pretending he has important things to do.

On leaving the common room, he runs into Lena and Lena kissing. Embarrassed, he walks into the corridors.

INT. DREAMLAND CORPORATION. CORRIDORS - DAY

Mark walks past the small room where Arthur is hard at work. Arthur notices him. He came out of the closet to talk to him, but Mark had already moved on towards the archive.

Mark leans against the door to hear what is happening inside. But all he hears is the opening of a drawer, the shuffling of papers, movements of a chair across the floor, and Dasha's sneezing.

Another loud sneeze. Mark hears Dasha's footsteps towards the exit. He only has a few seconds before Dasha reaches the door and opens it. Mark runs away.

Arthur looks at Mark with a puzzled expression as he runs past him. He comes out of his small room again to see what he's running from. Arthur walks in that direction, but sees only Dasha comes out of the archive to get some fresh air.

She doesn't notice Arthur, but Arthur already hates her for the fact that someone attracts Mark's attention more than him and his work in a terribly narrow and stuffy room.