Fear Inc. (chapter 2)
INT. DREAMLAND CORPORATION. THE HEAD'S OFFICE - EVENING
Alexander Andreevich is sitting in his armchair by the window. The day began to wane more noticeably and the August evenings began to arrive earlier. Melancholy comes over him.
ALEXANDER ANDREEVICH
I can't find an approach to it. I am almost seventy years old, and I have experience in parenting.
Mark himself is no longer happy to follow someone who wants peace and hides from everyone.
MARK
I'm sorry for the personal question, but did you get along with your son?
ALEXANDER ANDREEVICH
What do you mean?
MARK
In fact, yes, you are a father, but participating in conception is not enough. Were you close to him? Did you have any hobbies in common? Fishing? Cars?
ALEXANDER ANDREEVICH
I took him to the most closed sites in the world. I gave him everything I could. Was I close to him? What are you talking about?
MARK
That's great, but is it possible that your son asked for a video game or ice skates for his birthday, and you gave him an engraved watch and a business trip where his dad was busy all the time?
ALEXANDER ANDREEVICH
Yes, it happened. But watches are clearly more useful than skates. And a business trip in order for him to learn how to conduct business contacts.
MARK
As rude as it may sound, your son ended up having neither a childhood with childish pursuits nor growing up with adult pursuits. After all, at the age of twenty, he found out that you wanted to appoint him to your post.
ALEXANDER ANDREEVICH
He was twenty-one years old when he found out. If you're so smart, what kind of relationship did you have with your father?
MARK
He left us. He took everything and left. And then he disappeared, but no one cared anymore. Mom was very ill and didn't even come to identify the body when it was found.
ALEXANDER ANDREEVICH
Were you involved in this?
MARK
I was nineteen when the traces of his death suddenly came to me. That's why I hid where outsiders are not allowed to enter.
ALEXANDER ANDREEVICH
I remember when I brought you here. But now is not the time to reminisce. What should I do now?
MARK
Now she is friends with Svetlana. She explores the causes of alcoholism. Too active. One day it will kill her, but she has the desire to help others with her last strength.
ALEXANDER ANDREEVICH
And what does she have? What should I do to take her place?
MARK
Should I call the cleanup team?
ALEXANDER ANDREEVICH
What? No. Sometimes you go too far with the extermination of potential enemies.
MARK
Not true. No one has complained.
ALEXANDER ANDREEVICH
I have less than five months to make up for seventeen years of absence. I can't give her a car or take her fishing.
MARK
She's about to turn eighteen. What did you give your son for coming of age?
ALEXANDER ANDREEVICH
The car. He was so happy. He's been begging for it since he was fifteen, when the hormones hit his head.
MARK
What do you think she wants?
ALEXANDER ANDREEVICH
You're watching her.
MARK
You've seen and talked to her too.
ALEXANDER ANDREEVICH
According to my observations, she wants everyone to leave her alone. I thought she was an arrogant bitch like her mother, but she's just tired of being an arrogant bitch like her mother.
MARK
So become someone she can trust. She became friends with someone who helps those from whom everyone has literally turned away. Aren't you the same? You're her family after all.
ALEXANDER ANDREEVICH
She doesn't know about it.
MARK
So tell her.
ALEXANDER ANDREEVICH
That's not true.
MARK
Would you like that to be true? You've been preparing for so many years.
ALEXANDER ANDREEVICH
Yes, I've gone soft. Who knew that raising children is so difficult?
MARK
She'll follow anyone who pays any attention to her. It's vile and despicable, but it's a work plan right now.
ALEXANDER ANDREEVICH
Do you think she needs help with her research?
MARK
Ask her about it. You two will be there together. No distractions.
ALEXANDER ANDREEVICH
Is it easier to give her a car?
MARK
Stop buying love. There are things that are not measured in money. In her case, it's trust. Be honest with her.
Alexander Andreevich thinks about Mark's words.
Mark is surprised that he helps and wants this for Alexander Andreevich. Exactly for him? Maybe it's more profitable for Dasha to take his place. It is easier to eliminate her. She's right, nobody won't be looking for her.
INT. DREAMLAND CORPORATION. ARCHIVE - DAY
Dasha is tired of sneezing in a dusty room. She decides to dust off every drawer so she can work without sneezing. She takes out the boxes, one at a time, so as not to disrupt the order, dusts it off with her hands, and brings a clean box back.
Alexander Andreevich finds her taking out another box. Dasha sees him, but pretends not to notice. She goes to the archive, but does not hurry to take out the next box. She could have closed from the inside, but she had already been seen.
ALEXANDER ANDREEVICH
Is it a cleaning day today?
DASHA
Stuck with the research. I'm changing my occupation to clear my head.
ALEXANDER ANDREEVICH
Try to choose any year and gradually unwind the chain of events exclusively from it. Wars and conflicts arise every day. Some fade out after a minute, and some become noticeable only after twenty years. It is necessary to understand on which day it all started. What is your favorite year?
DASHA
There is no favorite year. But I would choose the year of my birth. If I had been offered to use a time machine, I would not have allowed myself to be born.
ALEXANDER ANDREEVICH
You can start with it. Why not? It was a good year.
DASHA
I didn't name it.
ALEXANDER ANDREEVICH
It's still a good year.
A strange silence. Dasha's awkward conversations did not force Alexander Andreevich to leave.
ALEXANDER ANDREEVICH (CONT'D)
Let me help you with the cleaning. I also have difficulties with work and I also want to clear my head. Come back soon.
Alexander Andreevich leaves the archive. Dasha looks suspiciously at the box marked "September 99". She's thinking about coming over or not coming over. Do I really want him to be right? What if he's right? I'm not losing anything, am I? At least he can't see it.
Dasha takes out the "September 99" box. Something falls behind it. Dasha puts the box on the floor and looks at what fell behind the box. It's another folder of papers that Mark always holds in his hand. Too much dust.
Dasha runs her hand over the folder to brush away the dust. There's something volumetric inside. Dasha opens the folder - a flashlight keychain is taped to the inside of the folder. Why would anyone stick a flashlight here? Yes, the lighting here is bad, but a flashlight won't save you either. In the folder, the first sheet contains a photo of a 5-6-year-old girl.
Dasha doesn't look closely at the photo. Footsteps sounded outside. Dasha puts the flashlight in her pants pocket, hides the folder with photos behind the next "September 98" drawer, and puts the "September 99" drawer back in its place.
Dasha looks around to see if everything is put in its place. Everything is fine.
Alexander Andreevich enters the archive with 2 rags and a bucket of water.
ALEXANDER ANDREEVICH (CONT'D)
I haven't found a mop, but I'm still flexible.
DASHA
Where did you find this?
ALEXANDER ANDREEVICH
I created a Corporation from scratch. I even had a hand in the design of the building.
DASHA
I thought you were just another heir who didn't have to do anything. I am sorry.
Dasha is ashamed of jumping to conclusions. But it's better to admit it right away than to pretend and fake surprise.
ALEXANDER ANDREEVICH
Everything is fine. Cleaning the archive is an honor. Consider that you and I are now equal.
DASHA
We may be equal in rank, but a fifty-year age difference is already a chasm.
Alexander Andreevich dips a rag into a bucket of water and cleans the table.
DASHA (CONT'D)
How did you organize everything? You need money, connections or a name.
ALEXANDER ANDREEVICH
I don't hide it. I came from a rich family. Being born poor is akin to a death sentence. I'd go crazy.
DASHA
Oh, you said you started from scratch?
ALEXANDER ANDREEVICH
I created the Corporation from scratch. Do you know people who have gone from a poor to a rich man in one lifetime? Even the first Rothschild did not start from scratch. It's a dynasty. Each generation invested something in their descendants: education, skills, marriages of convenience, but all savings are stored within one family.
DASHA(sarcastically)
Hurrah, family.
Dasha loudly tidying up: loudly moving a chair, loudly rinsing a cloth in a bucket, loudly taking out drawers to wipe them.
Alexander Andreevich understands he has stepped on a problematic topic. But he has already started. It needs to be turned in a different direction to interest and calm Dasha.
ALEXANDER ANDREEVICH
I was into science fiction. I wanted to build a machine that knows everything. More precisely, it knows how to calculate everything. But how to do it? And I started to unwind this chain: a person can program any machine, but is it possible to program a person in the same way? If you understand what program is embedded in a person, then his actions will be easy to predict. But there are so many distractions around. So I started with a small research group. A standard experiment with two or three people. The results were recorded in the protocol, then we looked at the work of their brains, and the results were recorded again. The pattern has been established and confirmed in practice. But how to transfer this to a group of hundred, thousand, million, billion? At that time, I rented an office in the building opposite this one, bought ten computers, hired the best programmers and assigned them to write algorithms. Million years of evolution in binary code on my computer.
Dasha listens to Alexander Andreevich with interest. She washed the only chair in the room and sat down on it.
ALEXANDER ANDREEVICH (CONT'D)
Twenty years of life passed unnoticed. I thought I needed a separate building, closed off from prying eyes. My research was funded first by me and then by our reliable clients. I didn't want anyone to bother me. The building is built in two layers - the exterior facade, which is visible to everyone and which is not related to the affairs of the Corporation, and the interior, where all important infrastructure such as a server room, archive, laboratories and living quarters for employees are located. I made a mistake by placing the living quarters in the inner layer. They have a single power grid, and if the server gets damaged, the fuses will turn off the electricity in the entire layer, leaving you without light. But on the other hand, it will force me to fix everything faster.
Dasha gets into Alexander Andreevich. Yes, she is against those who force people to work for themselves, but Alexander Andreevich does not force anyone. He takes care of those he hires. He lets them in on what he knows himself. Maybe he deserves a little trust and a good attitude?
ALEXANDER ANDREEVICH (CONT'D)
I like this building. But I wouldn't have built it if I didn't have the money. I'm glad I was lucky enough to save a lifetime on their earnings. That's what I was trying to show my son. But he wouldn't listen to me.
Dasha feels strange, she sympathizes with Alexander Andreevich. She sees he needs support, but she has never been in such situations. How do people show support? How is empathy shown?
Dasha doesn't move. She looks through Alexander Andreevich at a single point in the wall.
Alexander Andreevich worries he has tired Dasha with boring stories about life.
ALEXANDER ANDREEVICH (CONT'D)
Maybe you need help with your research? If it's the twentieth century, then I've seen most of it.
DASHA
I would be glad if you would accompany me.
Dasha finds the right words. As in the invitation to the internship, as in the invitation of Sveta to accompany her in the research. It's always the same words that sound sincere, because it's very difficult to say them intentionally.
INT. DREAMLAND CORPORATION. CAFETERIA - EVENING
The traditional daily gathering of interns at dinner. Arthur is not at the table. His seat is empty, but the conversation can keep going without him.
Sasha became less active in expressing his emotions. He and Sveta have a calm conversation without conflict.
Lena and Lenya also calmed down in the showing of passion. Their love is manifested by the exchange of desserts, which are bought very quickly in the evenings. Lenya always hides a delicious bun for Lena, and Lena uses Igor's empty chair to keep a dish hide. Dasha is sitting next to this dish. She often sees what is going on.
Dasha wants to be happy for them, but she doesn't understand what it is. It's a strange feeling inside: it's not jealousy or envy, but it's not joy for them, and it's not a desire to have the same thing.
Sveta less often whispers to Dasha, telling her gossip about Sasha. More often, Sasha tells stories about him and crazy things like car theft, extortion, forgery of documents, not without a riotous lifestyle. Sveta talks about this with the message "You shouldn't behave like that, you're better than that," but Dasha gets a feeling of affection for Sasha and his lifestyle.
Dasha especially likes it when Sasha once again tells some story "from his youth", when they fooled some newcomer in their dark affairs. Maybe Dasha needs it? Emotions, adrenaline, drive, not desserts under the table.
Kirusha continues to silently observe Sveta. They don't overlap in any way at work, as he is an ordinary workforce and has nothing to do with mental work. He has little understanding of what is being talked about at the table, discussing the results of the work. He feels like an outsider, but he still comes to the cafeteria to sit in the company of other interns.
SVETA(to Lenya)
We have overlapping research topics. How will you understand there is… You know. From my point of view, I can say that alcohol can make people aggressive, but sometimes people drink to switch off, feel better, more relaxed. There is no purpose to harm, and even more so children.
Lena looks at Lenya in fright. This is a painful topic for him and he will obviously get upset talking about it. And even a dessert hidden on the next chair won't save the situation.
Lenya is thinking, not upset. Working on the research has made him more resistant to this topic.
LENYA
I stopped associating addictions, including alcoholism, with violence. You're right about that, they're not equal concepts. Raising children is difficult, no doubt. Let the parents get too drunk on vodka. But what if there are no addicts in the family, and the child looks unhappy and tortured? Then we look at the purchases of parents: cereals, vegetables, household goods. Do you know what little thing betrayed them?
Everyone is mesmerized by a story. Lenya is the first of all who has really identified a specific relationship.
LENYA (CONT'D)
There's nothing there for the kid.
Now everyone is looking at Lenya with bewilderment.
SASHA
But parents may simply not have the money. Mine didn't.
Lenya takes out a bun hidden on his lap for Lena. Lenya put a small flower on it, which he found in the courtyard. Lena smiles, she immediately takes out the dessert for Lenya. Lena admires the flower. She sniffs it and inserts it behind ear.
LENYA
A lucky coincidence.
(to Lena)
Like it?
Lena reaches across the table to kiss Lenya. Lenya does the same thing.
LENYA (CONT'D)(to Lena)
You were more excited about the flower, weren't you?
(to everyone)
The corporation only pays for food and necessities, but I will give up my dessert to please someone who is dear to me. It's not a question of money.
(to Sasha)
You're a salesman. Isn't that how you endear yourself to your clients? It's easier for you to buy the love of your clients so they turn to you rather than a competitor. Sometimes you like a client and want to give them a good product. So it is with children. If he initially does not represent any value for parents, then he will be treated accordingly. It's hard to admit, but not all parents love their children.
Dasha became especially quiet, listening to Lenya's reasoning.
SVETA
It makes sense. Violence is often associated with shouting and fighting. I don't even know what is worse: an obvious manifestation or a slow torture by ignoring a person, especially a small one.
LENYA
Honestly, I've seen only the first option. I don't even know what it's like when…
(pause)
What you said.
Dasha tensed up. A lump rose in her throat. Tears welled up in her eyes. What's it? Memories decided to remind themselves. Where were they before? Dasha tries to look natural. It's good that it gets dark earlier, and no one will notice the reddened eyes.
But it is impossible to lie to Sveta. She's sitting close to Dasha. She heard Dash's attempts to breathe deeper to calm down.
SVETA(quiet to Dasha)
Are you okay? You're paler than usual. Do you want to go for a walk together?
Dasha is ready to cry from showing concern. She abruptly gets up from her seat and runs out of the dining room, leaving the tray on the table.
Everyone at the table looks questioningly after her, and then to Sveta.
LENYA
Sometimes her oddities look strange even to her.
SASHA
My wife does that sometimes too. She sits quietly. Bam and she is gone.
LENA
Listen, anything can happen. Even the oddities have a logical explanation.
LENYA
No, there's definitely no reason for her oddities.
SVETA
Stop it. She sits alone in the archive all day. There are no windows and the dust has not been wiped since the building was built.
LENYA
Then she should rest. What's keeping her there anyway?
SVETA
Ask her about it next time.
LENYA
No, thanks, I want to keep my rationality.
Sveta is angry. At the same time, she wants not to condemn Lenya for his words, but on the other hand, she wants to punch him in the eye for insulting her friend. But Lenya is really the most rational. He won't torture himself to prove something to someone.
Sveta looks at Dasha's empty seat and her tray. She has a strange habit of stacking dirty plates in a pyramid so that the plates take up as little space as possible.
INT. DREAMLAND CORPORATION. ARCHIVE - DAY
Dasha is nervous. She sits alone in the archive, in front of her are many different documents, newspaper clippings, someone's dossiers, but she sits hunched over, looks at one point and very quickly taps her heel on the floor.
There is another chair next to Dasha. It's empty. The door to the archive is open. Is it nervousness from waiting for what's about to happen or from realizing what's always been in her life?
Alexander Andreevich enters the archive. Dasha doesn't note him. Alexander Andreevich tries to look like he doesn't see anything unusual. Yes, she really doesn't meet his expectations of an ideal heir. Maybe if he says that she is the heir to the Corporation, the situation will change?
Alexander Andreevich takes a key from the table and closes the archive from the inside. Dasha doesn't react.
Alexander Andreevich sits down on his chair. Dasha only now notices that she is not alone. She straightens her back, turns to him, even smiles, showing that she is glad to see him.
DASHA
Did you close the door?
ALEXANDER ANDREEVICH
Of course.
DASHA
With a key?
ALEXANDER ANDREEVICH
Yes. Here it is.
Dasha lifts her head to check the key in the lock.
Alexander Andreevich examines the materials collected for the research on the table.
ALEXANDER ANDREEVICH (CONT'D)
It's funny to admit, but I'm glad to remember the time I was young, when I didn't have an assistant, and figured everything out on my own.
DASHA
It seemed to me that after so many years of observing people, you were disappointed in them. But you're close to Mark, and you work with me personally. Does that mean that something inside of you still believes in people?
ALEXANDER ANDREEVICH
I lost my whole family.
Dasha is embarrassed. She didn't expect to be told so directly. Usually, only she does this, since she does not know how to disguise a phrase for ease of perception.
DASHA
I'm sorry, I didn't mean to be rude.
ALEXANDER ANDREEVICH
It's okay, we can talk about it.
But Dasha doesn't want to discuss it. She looks away. She takes a pencil in hand to write something down, looks through the notes.
DASHA
I can't understand your feelings. I can't discuss something that didn't happen to me. Although, I can't lose what I don't have either.
ALEXANDER ANDREEVICH
You see, you were disappointed too, but you came here and now you're talking to me. So you have something in you that believe in people.
DASHA
That's probably true.
ALEXANDER ANDREEVICH
For example, I believe that I can pass on my Corporation by inheritance. I built it from scratch and won't entrust it to anyone else.
DASHA
Yes, I know, I'm often reminded of a place I'll never occupy.
ALEXANDER ANDREEVICH
Your mother is the Minister of Finance, just like your grandmother. Aren't you next?
DASHA
They have their own tricks. If they like to think I am a threat, then I won't change it.
ALEXANDER ANDREEVICH
Would you like to believe that it's not true?
DASHA
I don't care. I understand all the inheritance stuff. This is a guarantee that the Corporations, for example, will exist. All rich people are families and in dozens of generations, where each subsequent one is richer than the previous one. But I've never been a part of anything at all. Not even my family. And I'm fine. Nothing lasts forever. Someone will become the last in their bloodline, or someone will decide to take the entire legacy for themselves. By the way, this can be written as a prerequisite for the war.
Dasha writes down her thoughts in a notebook. She pales again and tries to look natural, hiding the tears and a lump in her throat.
ALEXANDER ANDREEVICH
What if someone tells you that you're an heiress…
(Thoughtfully)
Corporations, for example. There are always two parents, and you only know about one side.
DASHA
No one will tell me that. After all, it needs to find me first. And this is definitely not needed by anyone.
ALEXANDER ANDREEVICH
Maybe someone made you come to him on your own? Have you visited any strange places lately?
Dasha, who a second ago was writing down her delusional thoughts to look natural, fails miserably in her actions. The meaning of what is happening reaches her. She pales and trembles inside. Dasha, take a deep breath to calm down.
ALEXANDER ANDREEVICH (CONT'D)
Are you okay?
Dasha jumps up from her seat. She has no control over movement, crashes into cupboards and a table as she is the largest object in the room. Unable to see anything in front of her, she tries to make her way to the exit.
Alexander Andreevich does not have time to react, he only watches.
Dasha comes to the door. Tears make it difficult to see clearly. She gropes for the key in the keyhole, but finds a light switch instead and turns off the light.
Total darkness. Even the light is barely visible in the narrow crack under the door. Dasha leans her back to the door, hoping to get through it.
Alexander Andreevich groans, trying to get up from his chair and not drop something. Dasha hears him starting to move.
DASHA(screaming)
I'll beat you with my bare hands and I don't care what happens next.
Alexander Andreevich stops moving. He is surprised with no fear. If Dasha hadn't turned off the light, she would have seen how wide his eyes were in surprise. He sits back down.
ALEXANDER ANDREEVICH(calmly)
I just said you are my granddaughter. Why would I do anything to you if you take my place?
Dasha calms down for a few more seconds and regains her breath. Despite the darkness, even the crack under the door was not such a bad light source. Yes, it won't light up the whole room, but it gives her a sense of safety.
DASHA
Sorry.
Dasha squats down. Alexander Andreevich retains his composure. He wants to teach Dasha the same thing.
ALEXANDER ANDREEVICH
We can sit here for the rest of our lives, or we can try to get us out of here. You're closer to the switch and the exit, so the cards are in your hands.
Dasha sits, thinking over his words. He's waiting for her to act, but he's not rushing her either. Dasha stands up to her full height.
DASHA
I have a flashlight in my pocket.
Dasha taps her pockets, remembering where she put it when she found it.
ALEXANDER ANDREEVICH
Why do you need a flashlight?
DASHA
I also have a night light. I'm afraid of the dark. It's not too scary right now, though.
Dasha turns the flashlight on and off several times. Nothing.
DASHA (CONT'D)
It doesn't work.
Alexander Alexandrovich is breathing heavily.
ALEXANDER ANDREEVICH
Switch. On the wall. Next to you.
DASHA
Right.
Dasha remembers the switch was at a comfortable hip level. The harsh light hits Alexander Andreevich too hard in the eyes. He immediately covers them with his hand.
Dasha turns on and off the keychain flashlight a few more times, waiting for some kind of response, and puts it in her pocket. She opens the door with a key, opens it wide to create an influx of fresh air. She goes up to Alexander Andreevich to see what's wrong with him.
Dasha helps Alexander Andreevich to get up. She almost carries him out of the archive. Perhaps she was motivated by a desire to protect someone important at all costs. Dasha leads Alexander Andreevich away from the archive.
INT. DREAMLAND CORPORATION. CORRIDORS - DAY
Dasha and Alexander Andreevich pass by Arthur's small room, but he does not pay attention to them. He's busy sorting data that's too important for Mark.
Approaching the large doors of the server room, Alexander Andreevich feels better and walks by himself. Dasha holds his arm just in case.
Alexander Andreevich stops at the first window he sees. He leans on the windowsill and looks out at the courtyard. Dasha hesitantly starts a conversation with him.
DASHA
You know, it's a generous offer, but I can't accept it.
ALEXANDER ANDREEVICH
It is not an offer. You don't have a choice. You're the first and only one in line.
DASHA
It doesn't happen that way. I left home to get away from it all. But in the end, I didn't budge. I'm being asked to be something I'm not again.
ALEXANDER ANDREEVICH
That's not going to happen. More precisely, you will have to go out in public sometimes, show that everything is alright, create the appearance of hard work, but otherwise you are a free person.
DASHA
My lack of involvement in anything gives me a lot of freedom. I'd rather stay in the shadows. You can be nobody and everything at the same time. Blend in with the crowd and not be a part of it. That's freedom.
ALEXANDER ANDREEVICH
We don't do that. We stick together as families. This gives at least some guarantee that something will survive over the years. I have no one else to ask.
DASHA
What about Mark? He's experienced. He can take your place.
ALEXANDER ANDREEVICH
Yes, he wants to take my place. But he's a cruel man. I killed for the sake of knowledge, but he will kill because he can do it.
DASHA
Why don't you kick him out if you know about it?
ALEXANDER ANDREEVICH
He's a great employee. We've been together for almost fifteen years, and I'm still alive. It means that he has principles that he is willing to put up with.
DASHA
Or it's the fear that he will be the first, if not the only, suspect in your death.
ALEXANDER ANDREEVICH
Perhaps he sees protection in this place. You knew what rumors were going around this place, you knew what conditions you would have to accept, but even this is safer than your homes and loving families. Tell me I'm wrong.
DASHA
That is true. Lena ran away from a marriage of convenience, Lenya from an abusive father, Kirusha from foster parents, Sveta from responsibility for everyone, Arthur from himself, Sasha…
(pause)
I'm not sure what he's running from. He is so afraid that his wife will leave him. It was as if she had written a profile for him to take a break from him.
ALEXANDER ANDREEVICH
Wouldn't you like to be in charge of a place that would be a protective fortress for everyone? You will protect them, this place, improve it. Give the memorization of speeches to Mark and deal only with the Corporation. Only your choice and your actions.
DASHA
I don't look like the head of the Corporation? I don't even have any friends. I've always been alone.
ALEXANDER ANDREEVICH
Train with other interns. Get in touch with them, ask for help and accept it. I'll help you too, until you get used to it. Do you agree?
DASHA
It sounds good. I could try.
ALEXANDER ANDREEVICH
It's not serious. You're an adult now. You need to be sure. Do you agree?
DASHA
Yes.
ALEXANDER ANDREEVICH
Yes, what?
DASHA
Yes, I agree to become the head of the Corporation.
Alexander Andreevich visibly perks up. He walks quickly down the corridor, forcing Dasha to follow him at his accelerated pace.
ALEXANDER ANDREEVICH
You'll like it. By the way, about that boy whose wife is leaving. You're going to inherit the place, too. Take a closer look at him, since he will be free soon.
DASHA
It seems he is not sure about his desires.
ALEXANDER ANDREEVICH
Then give him a push. Who would turn down a girl like you?
Dasha laughs at Alexander Andreevich's suggestion. They go into the corridors.
INT. DREAMLAND CORPORATION. CAFETERIA - EVENING
Arthur did not join the other interns again. Dasha moved to his place closer to Sasha. Sveta watches them warily.
Lenya, noticing that Dasha had moved, was surprised at first, then without hesitation took Igor's place. He almost sat down to the dessert Lena had prepared for him.
Sveta sits down with Kirusha, closer to Dasha and Sasha, it makes Kirusha happy. The distance between him and Sveta decreased. There is a chance for hum to attract her attention.
Sveta didn't have to change seats. Dasha and Sasha are both talking very loudly, emotionally, and waving their arms.
Either Dasha had adapted to him, or she had always been like this, but she hadn't let herself go before.
SASHA
In short, I'm out of this shitty car and ran away. That's all they saw of me.
DASHA(laughs)
Just ran away? And no one tried to stop you? How did you get home?
SASHA
I do not remember. Back then, the boys and I were protecting a poor guy who was hacking profiles. It's not my idea. I still didn't understand why we were doing this.
DASHA
Extortion. Boring. I don't want boring stuff. I want something fun. Tell me something funny.
SASHA(thoughtfully)
No problem. I tried mushrooms for the first time. That was an experience. It's hard to tell where reality ended. I spent a few more days looking around to see if the furniture was watching me. I'm telling you the truth, there was a stool following me. You know, like a dog, on all fours. The legs even bent like paws. It's lucky that the sofa has small ones.
Dasha listens to the stories with fascination. Sveta is watching her. So far, it looks like a "good girl falls in love with a bad boy" plot. It needs to get the bad boy away. Or maybe it's just jealousy.
SVETA(to Sasha)
How is your research progressing? Don't you want to consider your lifestyle as a good example of the reasons to end a marriage?
SASHA
That was before Anya. At that time, I was already switching to legal earnings. Taxes, insurance, everything.
SVETA
Aren't you afraid that your activities will get out?
SASHA
I wasn't eighteen yet, and it had been many years. Don't panic, kitty.
Dasha smiles at Sasha's joke, but unnoticeably, so that Sveta does not take offense.
Kirusha tensed up. He can't allow his chosen one to be insulted like that. But he continues to sit, clenching his fists under the table.
Sveta feels strange: it seems like a shame, but she has known Sasha for a long time and there is no malicious intent in him, he just isn't smart enough.
SVETA
You're a bumpkin.
Sveta and Sasha look at each other in silence.
A second later, they're both laughing at what's happening. Dasha joins them. She lightly touches Sasha's shoulder, supporting his "witty remark".
Kirusha doesn't understand what's going on. He doesn't want to get out of the general mood of the group and chuckles softly.
Lena and Lenya don't react to others in any way. They sit with serious faces, saying "we are above this," but Lena smiles slightly when Sveta and Sasha are already laughing hysterically, repeating their lines.
SASHA(laughing)
It was unexpected.
(pause for laugh)
A bumpkin?
(pause for laugh)
I don't even know what that means.
Sveta laughs even harder.
SVETA
You're good too. What kind of kitty am I to you?
(pause for laugh)
Maybe I have a boyfriend. I'll complain to him, and you'll run away from him.
SASHA
You don't have a boyfriend. It's obvious.
Sveta abruptly becomes serious. It seems that the topic of relationships is painful for both of them.
SVETA
And your wife is using you.
SASHA
That's why she's a wife, to use me. I let her do it.
SVETA
Then you're really dumb.
SASHA
I love my wife. And I'm not as educated as you are. But that doesn't make me dumb.
SVETA
You're letting her interfere in your life, lives of your friends. I would be more careful taking advice from someone who marries a boy with a dubious past, only to push him into that past later.
SASHA
And how does she push me into it?
SVETA
So you agree with everything else?
SASHA
She's doing this to help. Isn't that the essence of your job?
SVETA
I'm not forcing anyone.
SASHA
And so is she.
SVETA
Then why are you here? Everyone has already made progress in their work in two months.
(to Kirusha)
No offense, your work is important too. We will be uploading the research to the server soon.
Kirusha was tense from the unfolding conflict a second ago, but now he's already limp. He is happy that Sveta remembers him and what he does.
SASHA
She wants me to have a stable job.
SVETA
Can you hear yourself? You don't need this kind of job. Admit that you just have an unhealthy attachment to your wife, which she is also tired of. I wouldn't be surprised if she dumped you here so she could leave in peace.
Everyone is looking at Sveta, at Sasha, at Sveta, at Sasha. But not with the horror of "how could she offend him", but with "someone should said that".
Sasha gets up without a word, takes the tray and leaves the cafeteria.
Dasha watches after him, feeling sorry for him. She lowers her head guiltily.
Kirusha wants to support Sveta for her honest statement. He awkwardly reaches for her forearm. It turns out strangely. If he's afraid that Sveta's wrath will fall on him now.
Lena and Lenya leave the table without further ado, feeling that the atmosphere has stopped being friendly.
SVETA (CONT'D)(to Dasha)
Tell me that I'm wrong.
Dasha shakes her head, answering her question with "No".
Sveta, like Lena and Lenya, gets up and leaves without further ado.
Kirusha, not wanting to be left alone with Dasha, also leaves.
Dasha is left alone. She still lowers her head guiltily, knowing that there is no one else and there is no need to hide her eyes from anyone.
It is already dark outside. The cafeteria is empty and quiet. Dasha looks around with her peripheral vision. She's not moving. As if she didn't want anyone to know her next move. Dasha leaves the cafeteria quickly, without looking up.
INT. DREAMLAND CORPORATION. DASHA'S ROOM - EVENING
Dasha quickly enters the room, turns on the light, closes her eyes and lets herself catch her breath. She sits down on her haunches, but the pain in her legs from running down the corridor makes her fall on her side.
Fatigue makes itself felt. Even mental work can be as exhausting as physical exercise. Or is it from the oppressive feeling of shame that has suddenly returned to her life.
Dasha changes into the T-shirt she was wearing when she first stepped the Corporation. The last thing left of her memories of home.
Dasha inspects the gray uniform - there is too much dust. Wearing underwear and T-shirt, Dasha opens the door of the room, looks around, and shakes her pants out into the corridor. A keychain flashlight falls out of its pocket and falls at Dasha's feet.
Dasha picks it up, looks around once more and closes the door of the room. She puts her things in the cabinet.
Holding a flashlight in her hand, Dasha sits down on the bed. She examines it in her hands. She points it towards a dimly glowing light bulb to get a better look.
She turns on the night light, which has increased the light only in a small area around.
Dasha turns on the flashlight. The familiar tinnitus, like at home when too many electrical appliances are on. It's a strange feeling. The pain in muscles gets worse, but it is pleasant. Dasha bends and unbends her legs. There are sensations, but it's not pain.
Dasha lifts her legs, holds them in the air to feel the pain in her muscles. But it doesn't come. She can see that the muscles are shaking, but it's not painful. Dasha touches her legs. Touching makes it even more enjoyable. What if touching it a little higher? The arm moves higher, along the inside of the thigh…
Dasha turns off the flashlight. The tinnitus stops. She's catching her breath. Her whole body is covered in goosebumps. Her thoughts are in complete disarray. Fatigue no longer weighs you down to the floor, but inspires you.
What was that? Is it a flashlight? Should I tell anyone about this? Sveta? But can I trust her? It's not about trust. Should I learn to trust? Is Sasha better for this role? No, he can't figure himself out…
Dasha falls asleep with a cycle of thoughts in her head, holding a flashlight in her hand.
INT. DREAMLAND CORPORATION. CAFETERIA - MORNING
At breakfast, Dasha, Sasha, Sveta and Kirusha are at the table. Lena and Lenya prefer to sleep at such an early hour, wake up at the beginning of the internship, and have breakfast at lunch.
Dasha is sitting in her place at the head of the table. She eats in silence, reflecting on yesterday's experience before going to bed.
Sveta is sitting next to her. She worries that Dasha is silent because of yesterday, but does not know how to start a conversation with such a "special" person. In fact, she had undermined her trust yesterday.
Sasha also eats in silence. His body is turned towards the window, welcoming the first autumn day. The sky is grey and cloudy, as if it also feels the mood at the table.
Kirusha is silent because this is his usual state. Love to Sveta, jealousy of Sasha, indifference to Dasha.
A joyful Mark approaches them. He seems to be amused when everyone around him feels bad. In his hands a folder.
MARK
The first of September. As expected, call your families, every two months. There are three calls for a maximum of ten minutes each.
No one answers him. But Mark won't just leave either. He looks into everyone's face, looking for a reason to find fault. But who will move first?
Sasha doesn't try to look at Mark's eye, but Mark was playing another game with him, which Sasha automatically lost when he turned to the table.
MARK (CONT'D)
Do you want me to call your wife and tell her you're busy?
Sasha retains his composure, does not move, does not look at Mark, does not breathe.
MARK (CONT'D)
Okay, I'll personally stop by and tell her everything.
Sasha gives up.
SASHA
Aren't you tired?
MARK
I can do it for a long time. If you get through, you'll ask.
Mark looks at everyone at the table again. No one reacts to him the way he would like - fear. Mark is noticeably becoming less active, and his mood has clearly worsened. Which is worse: Mark is in a good mood or in a bad mood.
MARK (CONT'D)
Where are the two lovers?
SVETA
Lena and Lenya don't have breakfast. They'll be in the sitting room by ten.
MARK
I don't need them in the sitting room. I'll take you to a place where you can talk on the phone.
SASHA
In twenty-first century. Maybe we'll write a paper letter.
MARK
You agreed to the terms. In fifteen minutes, in the sitting room. Warn Arthur.
Mark hurries out of the cafeteria.
Sveta sees the situation as a reason to strike up a conversation.
SVETA
Who will go to Arthur? Sasha, can you? You know where he works.
SASHA
Okay.
Sasha leaves the dining room. No unusual actions or non-verbal signals of willingness to make up.
SVETA(to Dasha)
Three calls of ten minutes each. Is there anything to discuss during this time? Who are you going to call?
DASHA
I have no one to call. I'll be at the archive. I'm not coming to lunch.
Dasha follows Sasha's example and leaves, without any special gestures that would hint to Sveta about what is happening.
SVETA(to Kirusha)
Do you have someone to call?
Kirusha is taken aback by surprise. The one he's been dreaming about for the last 2 months is talking to him.
KIRUSHA
Brother. Stepbrother. He and I will open a workshop when I earn money.
Sveta doesn't want to keep up the conversation about repairs. Her wealth allows her to change broken equipment. Sveta just nods her head, saying, "Yes, I heard you".
Kirusha is glad that he talked to Sveta. It gave him confidence. He's ready to go all the way.
KIRUSHA (CONT'D)
Who are you going to call?
SVETA
Since I only have three calls, I'll call each of my groups. I'll ask them how they are.
KIRUSHA
Do you want to discuss it later? Let's sit in the courtyard.
Sveta regrets that she started talking to him. What was he going to discuss? In courtyard? Sveta nods head in agreement.
Kirusha is beaming with happiness. He gets up from his seat. He comes closer to Sveta. He holds out his hand, inviting her to go into the sitting room with him.
Sveta reluctantly holds out her hand in response, gives him a forced smile, but walks arm-in-arm with him to the exit from the cafeteria.
INT. DREAMLAND CORPORATION. CORRIDORS - MORNING
Sasha is standing next to Arthur's small room. He leans against the wall next to the door.
Arthur is working. There are several empty glasses and plates around him. He brought them to the room, but did not give back.
SASHA
She can't cheat on me. She loves me. I love her. It's envy. He cannot understand our love.
Arthur is not distracted from his work. He doesn't care about Sasha and his worries. Is she cheating? It was obvious at a glance. There's nothing to waste time on.
SASHA (CONT'D)
Do you think I should call her? Or let him suffer. She obviously knows more about the rules of this place. She's sitting there waiting for me to call her. But I won't call. Let her worry. What if she's with someone else now? He'll answer the phone, and I'll be there.
Sasha is too busy worrying about himself. He leaves quickly, forgetting why he was sent to Arthur.
INT. DREAMLAND CORPORATION. SITTING ROOM - MORNING
Lena and Lenya set aside a table by the window, where they placed all the necessary literature. They have completely different topics, but they use the same books on family relations.
Sveta and Kirusha come together, holding hands.
Lena notices Sveta's shame from afar. She could have nudged Lenya to make him look, but Sveta's sad look, with which she looked at Lena and Lenya's happy relationship, stops her.
Sasha enters the room with a brutal gait. He seemed to be trying to scare Mark, but he hadn't come up yet. Sasha looks ridiculous.
Mark enters the room, he counts interns.
MARK
Where are the others? I remind you that there will be no calls until November.
LENYA
What calls?
MARK(to Sveta)
Why didn't you explain it to them?
SASHA
Isn't that your job?
MARK
Oh, I'm sorry I have a real job.
Sveta intervenes in the conversation. Otherwise it will turn into another quarrel.
SVETA
Dasha won't call anyone. She will be in the archive. And Arthur…
Sveta looks at Sasha. She hints with her eyes to tell her, or at least give her another hint, where Arthur is. Sasha realizes that he forgot to ask Arthur, the only thing he was asked for.
Lena and Lenya take advantage of the moment and whisper to each other.
LENYA(to Mark)
We won't call anyone either. If it's a day off, we'll be in the courtyard.
Mark nods at him, indicating that he has heard him.
SASHA
Do you mind if I run to Arthur and warn him?
Mark was waiting for an excuse to insult Sasha for another fail. He smiles visibly, thinking of what offensive words he can say to him right now, when Sasha gives him a reason. But it's already 10 o'clock and the interns need to be at the place.
MARK
You don't notice so many things around. It's amazing how you're alive. Run to him when you're done. I'm sure it will be a quick call.
Mark waves his hand with a "follow me" gesture. Sasha guiltily follows him. Sveta is angry at Sasha, but at the same time forgives him everything, remembering last night. Kirusha wants to walk hand in hand with Sveta again, but she deliberately went ahead.
Lena and Lenya are happy that they have a free day today - they dance, walking towards each other. Both take one book from the table. Hugging, they leave the room.
INT. DREAMLAND CORPORATION. HALL - MORNING
Mark leads interns to the guard booth. There is no guard. Sveta, Sasha and Kirusha do not understand why they are here. They look at each other while Mark searches for something on the guard's desk.
Mark takes out a landline phone from a mountain of papers.
SASHA
Is this a joke?
MARK
I thought the same first time I saw you.
SASHA
What if I do not know the number?
Mark opens the folder with papers he always carries, rummages through it, takes out Sasha's profile and gives it to him. Sasha studies it.
SASHA (CONT'D)
And what is it?
MARK
Your profile with the phone number of you and your trusted person, in case something happens to you. Call first.
SASHA
I'm shy in front of everyone. Could you step back?
MARK
You'll do phone sex at home. A little bit of a hurry. Your time has started.
Sasha goes to the phone. He dials a number from a sheet. Waiting for a response. Nothing. He hangs up the phone. He picks up the phone again, dials the number again, waits for an answer again, and again nothing.
MARK (CONT'D)
Try to dial your number.
Sasha is worried. He listens to Mark's advice. He picks up the phone again, dials his number from the sheet, and waits for an answer. Silence. Not even the beeps. Silence.
Sasha hangs up the phone. He picks up the phone again. Mark runs up to him and snatches the phone out of his hands.
MARK (CONT'D)
You've used your three calls. Now it's the others' turn.
Sasha pushes Mark, Mark pushes Sasha back. Sveta steps forward, ready to break up the fight. Kirusha hides behind her.
Sasha nudges Mark with his shoulder and leaves.
MARK (CONT'D)(shouts at Sasha)
Return the profile.
Sasha does not change the speed and direction of movement, throws the profile over his shoulder. The profile falls to the floor. Sveta goes to pick it up.
She gives the profile to Mark. Mark hands her the phone.
MARK (CONT'D)(quiet to Sveta)
Keep an eye on everything here.
Sveta nods at him. Mark leaves.
Sveta remembers the number. She dials it uncertainly. She puts the phone to ear. She hopes she wasn't mistaken. A familiar voice came on the line. Her face brightened, and tears appeared in her eyes.
Kirusha rejoices with her. He smiles sincerely, as Sveta does.
INT. DREAMLAND CORPORATION. ARCHIVE - DAY
Dasha gets into the archive. Today she is determined to work alone. Perhaps Alexander Andreevich is sure that Dasha will call home and will not come to the archive.
Dasha takes a moment to explore the folder she found along with the keychain flashlight. Dasha takes out the "September 99" drawer, remembers that she moved the folder to the next drawer. She's too lazy to mess with the drawers, so she puts her hand much further in to get the folder.
She sits down at the table where her research notes are spread out. Dasha switches to them. So many unnecessary deaths just because people couldn't sit down and talk.
Dasha rereads her notes, goes through the found excerpts from articles and books. But how can this be described by a formula?
Dasha turns the notebook sheet over to a completely blank one.
She draws a flowchart of a universal conflict with simple lines and circles.
Inspired by the work she has done and how easily and quickly any of the historical conflicts on her desk can be resolved, Dasha puts the mysterious folder back behind the "September 98" drawer and leaves, leaving the flowchart in the most visible place.
INT. DREAMLAND CORPORATION. HALL - DAY
Sveta has become noticeably gloomy since the beginning of the phone conversation. Kirusha is just as sad as his beloved. He's sitting on the steps with his head in his lap.
SVETA
I'll come back and we'll do it. Don't worry.
(pause)
I'll do everything. You'll be thrilled.
(pause)
I have to go. I'll call you.
Sveta quickly puts down the phone without waiting for an answer. She lied to end the conversation as quickly as possible. It was the third call. Sveta tries her best not to cry in front of Kirusha.
Sveta beckons Kirusha to her with an imperative gesture. He goes to her. Sveta gives him the phone, and she sits down on his place on the steps, hiding her head in her lap.
Kirusha dials the number more confidently. Beeps. His brother's familiar voice is heard on the phone, which pleased Kirusha. But he does not show his excessive joy in front of sad Sveta.
INT. DREAMLAND CORPORATION. CORRIDORS - DAY
Dasha walks past Arthur's small room. She waves her hand at him, trying to get his attention.
ARTHUR
I'm busy. I can't help you.
DASHA
Today is family call day. Sasha probably told you. You might want to talk to them. Sometimes it's better to talk, especially with your family.
ARTHUR
You've been here since morning. Why should I listen to your advice if you don't follow it yourself?
DASHA
Okay, no pressure.
Dasha turns to leave, but Arthur stops her.
ARTHUR
Sasha was here this morning, whining about his wife again. Where can I call?
DASHA
I don't know. Ask Sveta or Kirusha.
Dasha leaves.
Arthur watches after her angrily. The universal flowchart of conflict outside - unintentional understatement leads to bad consequences.
INT. DREAMLAND CORPORATION. HALL - DAY
Kirusha is on the phone with his brother. His mood had also changed for the worse during the short conversation.
KIRUSHA
Okay. Bye.
Kirusha hangs up the phone. He's barely holding back tears.
Sveta has heard Kirusha's answers and already guesses what his feelings are about. Sveta gets up from the steps and walks towards Kirusha, opening her arms for a hug.
Kirusha cries loudly, Sveta hugs him, strokes his hair.
SVETA
Everything is fine. You have enough time to think.
KIRUSHA
He didn't even try to protect me.
Kirusha cries harder. Sveta hugs him tighter.
SVETA
Everything is fine.
KIRUSHA
How can it be fine? They threw me out of the house. Just like all my stuff. My stash was there.
Kirusha pulls away from Sveta. Her words don't help. Kirusha wants to leave the Corporation. He goes to the turnstile. Examines it. Preparing to jump over.
SVETA
Stop! It's just stuff. You're only seventeen. You have your whole life to earn new ones.
KIRUSHA
They don't hire me without experience. Even for a part-time job. Fuck them with their system. Shoot at me, I don't care.
Kirusha sits on his knees. He wants to crawl under the turnstile. Sveta rushes to him. She pulls him by the legs out from under the turnstile.
Sveta pulls him back. She holds his legs tightly, while Kirusha tries to move towards the exit. In the end, he calms down and gives up trying.
Kirusha feels ashamed that he behaved the way he did in front of Sveta. He looks at her guiltily.
Sveta lets go of his legs. She gets up from the floor and extends a helping hand to Kirusha. He accepts the help. Sveta puts her arm around Kirusha's shoulder. They walk up the stairs with their arms around each other.
INT. DREAMLAND CORPORATION. CAFETERIA - DAY
Dasha runs into the cafeteria. By lunchtime, employees of the Corporation had already begun to appear in it, but there was no one at the interns' table.
Dasha goes to the window to check the courtyard.
It is raining outside. Lena and Lenya are hiding under a tree. Sasha stands on the opposite side of the courtyard and watches them, letting himself get wet. The rain gets heavier, and Sasha goes into the building. Dasha runs out of the cafeteria to meet him.
INT. DREAMLAND CORPORATION. CORRIDORS - DAY
Dasha bumps into Sasha, soaked in the rain. Sasha could have walked past her if she hadn't stopped him.
DASHA
I'm sorry about yesterday.
SASHA
It's not your fault.
DASHA
No. I mean yes. I…
(pause)
I should have stood up for you. You haven't done anything wrong to be talked to like that.
SASHA
Thank you. Don't blame yourself. I can handle it.
Dasha and Sasha are standing opposite each other. Dasha hesitantly reaches out to Sasha to hug him. Sasha is amused. He takes a step towards Dasha. He bends down so that Dasha doesn't get in the way of the height difference.
When Sasha bends over to Dasha, she changes her mind, as she does not want to get wet from touching wet clothes. She stands on tiptoe and kisses Sasha on the cheek.
Kirusha and Sveta enter the corridor, embracing. Sveta sees what is happening. Sveta cannot allow Dasha to make a mistake by contacting Sasha.
SVETA
Get away from him.
Dasha stands next to Sasha. Sasha pushes her back behind him when Sveta approaches him.
SVETA (CONT'D)
I won't let you.
Sasha grins. He walks past Sveta, lightly touching her shoulder. Dasha remains in place, she watches after Sasha. Sveta glares at Dasha.
Sasha slows down his pace, turns to Dasha, calling for her to follow him. Dasha obeys.
Dasha and Sasha meet Arthur, who is obviously looking for Kirusha and Sveta. He waves his hand at them, drawing attention to himself.
ARTHUR
I was told to call home today. Where?
INT. DREAMLAND CORPORATION. HALL - DAY
Sveta leads Arthur to the guard booth. She gives him the phone. Kirusha is waiting for Sveta on the steps.
SVETA
Three calls, ten minutes.
ARTHUR
What if I need more?
SVETA
Talk it over with Mark.
Sveta is obviously tired. All these conversations brought her back to the endless running around trying to please everyone. Sveta leaves, Kirusha follows her.
Arthur sees the disrespect again. He sees that the, but does not know the phone number he wants to call. He's angry. He doesn't deserve to be treated like this. He aggressively leaves the hall, taking the stairs 3 at a time.
INT. DREAMLAND CORPORATION. CAFETERIA - EVENING
The day is noticeably waning. The employees of the Corporation began to leave much earlier during dinner, but they also arrived earlier.
Interns gather at the same time. Their dinners are held in complete silence, just like the Corporation's employees.
Lena and Lenya leave as soon as they finish dinner. No desserts. They used to wait for each other, as Lena eats longer and Lenya eats a lot, but now Lena eats faster and Lenya eats less.
Kirusha watches Sveta's every move. He takes the same food as her. Sveta notices this, but is afraid to offend Kirusha by telling the truth.
Sasha stopped eating with everyone. He comes to pick up the food and go to Arthur. He also brings Arthur's dishes back. Sasha is an right hand man for Arthur.
Dasha still adheres to the traditional position at the head of the table next to Sveta. But she always looks through everyone and everything. It's like she's not at the table or with them, she is in some kind of reality that only she sees.
INT. DREAMLAND CORPORATION. DASHA'S ROOM - EVENING
Dasha's evenings are spent with a flashlight and a night light. Now she turns them on together for a longer time, prolonging the pleasure.
Dasha is amused by these experiments. Especially when it takes her breath away from the overwhelming feelings. She goes to the end in her experiments, but she doesn't have enough time to comprehend them - Dasha falls asleep as soon as the flashlight turns off.
All she can remember about what was happening is the fact that it was unbearably good. And if something is good, then it must be repeated. And who cares about the consequences.
INT. DREAMLAND CORPORATION. ARCHIVE - DAY
Another day of collaboration between Alexander Andreevich and Dasha. He liked the universal flowchart of conflicts and, as a person with extensive life experience and memories.
He searches the boxes for information about conflicts that would develop according to this scheme. To his surprise, most of the conflicts corresponded to it. It has more sense to look for conflicts that did not correspond to flowchart.
Alexander Andreevich scrolls through the list of conflicts, wars, uprisings and coups, arranged in chronological order. He is noticeably tired of working in the archive, after so many years of not being involved in research activities. The dim light in the room hurts his eyes, which it is better not to wipe with dusty hands.
Dasha doesn't notice the inconvenience. She is active, persevering, and less stressed. Her movements are less abrupt, and her attention to detail unlimited.
ALEXANDER ANDREEVICH
Don't you notice it's getting lighter here?
DASHA
As usual.
ALEXANDER ANDREEVICH
Are you okay with that married guy?
DASHA
We are friends, as you advised. It's nothing serious.
ALEXANDER ANDREEVICH
You are lighting like something serious is coming up.
DASHA
It's just a kiss on the cheek. In my eighteen years, this is the closest contact I've had with a man.
ALEXANDER ANDREEVICH
Really?
DASHA
I grew up without a father, and both grandfathers were reluctant to contact me. So, really.
ALEXANDER ANDREEVICH
Your father died due to unknown circumstances, don't blame him. And you can swear at grandfathers, I deserve it.
DASHA
Don't want. Your guilt hurts more than my swearing.
ALEXANDER ANDREEVICH(laughing)
You are a villain.
DASHA
They didn't tell me how he died. Until I was ten years old, I believed that fathers should have other families, and they take turns visiting each one. I thought my grandfather was a loser because he couldn't have more than one family. He has a nasty temper. They looked at me like I was a fool, while I looked at them like they were fools.
ALEXANDER ANDREEVICH
Your father's death was a strange event. Seventeen bodies. It looks like a brawl. His body was examined. Just a couple of bruises.
(pause)
The same time everyone started suffocating and then went into cardiac arrest. But no one was strangling them, and they couldn't do it themselves. He couldn't be more precise. I can only speak for my son. Yes, he didn't like this place. He hated me. But he would never kill himself to prove something.
DASHA
Where did this happen?
ALEXANDER ANDREEVICH
Outside the territory. Cars don't drive there. So there are no witnesses either.
It is difficult for Alexander Andreevich to talk about this. There is a lump in his throat and tears coming, but he wants to preserve his masculinity in front of Dasha and coughs "courageously".
ALEXANDER ANDREEVICH (CONT'D)
This dust is everywhere.
Alexander Andreevich dusts off the blank book in front of him, which he brought from his office in the morning.
DASHA
What killed them?
ALEXANDER ANDREEVICH
I'm interested too. From a scientific point of view. After all, the owner of such a silent weapon can safely kill and remain unnoticed.
DASHA
Weren't they all dead?
ALEXANDER ANDREEVICH
Is the killer still out there?
DASHA
So there was an eighteenth person there? Do you know who this is?
ALEXANDER ANDREEVICH
Yes, but I haven't seen him since that day.
DASHA
Why didn't you betray him?
ALEXANDER ANDREEVICH
All the same, he was a great employee. He worked here in the archive, and then did his first research with algorithms. I couldn't let him end up in prison.
DASHA
But he's a murderer. He killed these people. Your son.
ALEXANDER ANDREEVICH
He did, but he's not a murderer. I've been researching human relationships for fifty years, maybe he wanted to protect himself or protect someone.
He doesn't turn to Dasha, but looks at her out of the corner of his eye, checking her reaction. Dasha, as he noted earlier, has become active, she is thinking about what to do next and how to help in this situation.
ALEXANDER ANDREEVICH (CONT'D)
The only thing I'm interested in is the weapons they were killed with.
DASHA
Can you describe how it might work?
Alexander Andreevich is curious about Dasha's interest. Could she know something? Maybe she knows something, but she's not sure?
ALEXANDER ANDREEVICH
Judging by the positions they died, someone held a head, someone held a neck. Some had nosebleeds, some had blood from eyes. I can give you reports with photos of the faces. There's nothing but fear in their eyes.
Dasha frowns in disgust, as if one of these photos is placed on the table in front of her.
DASHA
No, I believe you.
ALEXANDER ANDREEVICH
More details?
DASHA
No need.
(pause)
But still, speaking of weapons, is it something big, like a machine gun, or something small, like a keychain?
ALEXANDER ANDREEVICH
I don't know. How can this be understood?
DASHA
If it's something big, it was transported by car, so there should be tire tracks. If cars don't just drive in that place, then the presence of a car suggests that something big was being transported.
ALEXANDER ANDREEVICH
There were cars of those who died there. They drove them.
DASHA
Is there no information in the archive?
ALEXANDER ANDREEVICH
You can try the box "September 99".
Dasha gets tense. What is the probability that Alexander Andreevich knows about that strange flashlight? He's been luring people here for years in search of someone to inherit his corporation. You never know what else he can do. It's dangerous to stay with him.
Dasha gets up from her seat. She takes a notebook and some notes from the table.
DASHA
I can't watch the murders. All these conversations, they don't make me feel good.
Alexander Andreevich watches Dasha's movements towards the exit. There was a twitch in them again. She is trying to look natural. But the imitation is noticeable. What does she know?
ALEXANDER ANDREEVICH
We can finish for today. Can we talk about your future job?
Dasha turns the key in the door.
DASHA
Yes, we can. But it's lunch time, and I'd like to…
Dasha opens the door. She smiles sheepishly and looks away. She looks natural and is shy talking about her first love crush. Maybe that's how it should be? But not at the age of eighteen.
ALEXANDER ANDREEVICH
Run to your Romeo. There will always be work, but love comes very rarely.
DASHA
I'll be back, don't clean up.
ALEXANDER ANDREEVICH(laughing)
Run.
Dasha runs away happily.
Alexander Andreevich does not look happy. It was strange, even for her. Why did she take her notes if she come back? Why would she run to a married man if they were friends? It's very strange.
INT. DREAMLAND CORPORATION. CAFETERIA - DAY
Only Sveta and Kirusha are sitting at the dinner table. Sveta is looking for Dasha. Kirusha is watching Sveta.
Dasha walks into the dining room, ignoring them. She walks along the showcases. She takes the standard first and second course, passes by the dessert, to the cashier, and goes to the table.
Sveta really wants to talk to her, but doesn't know how to start.
Dasha sits down at the table, she is tense. Maybe today is not the right day to rebuild a relationship.
SVETA
Dasha, can we talk right now?
Dasha hasn't started eating yet. First, she puts all the plates on the tray so that they don't touch. She doesn't express any emotions, doing what she thinks is normal.
DASHA
Maybe later?
Sveta restrains herself so as not to start proving to Dasha that she was right when she spoke out against communicating with Sasha. Now Sveta is tense too. Kirusha strokes Sveta's forearm and down to her knee.
Sveta is unpleasant. But from the outside, the situation looks more hopeless: on the left is Dasha, the only person to talk to, and on the right is Kirusha, for whom Sveta is the only one he can and really wants to talk to.
Kirusha is sitting facing the entrance to the dining room, he sees Sasha coming into the dining room.
Sasha takes the plates to the kitchen for himself for Arthur. He stands at the showcases and chooses.
Kirusha sees Sasha as a threat: Light likes Dasha. But Dasha likes Sasha, who Sveta doesn't like. Dasha and Sveta were close from the first day. Sveta is jealous when Dasha has become closer to Sasha. This upsets Sveta. And when Sveta is upset, she doesn't notice Kirusha, as she tries to fix everything and bring Dasha back. So, it needs to eliminate Sasha and kill two birds with one stone.
Sasha pays for lunch and leaves, carefully carrying out the tray.