Black screen

SUPER:   

"'IF YOU KNOW THE ENEMY AND KNOW YOURSELF, YOU NEED NOT FEAR THE RESULTS OF A HUNDRED BATTLES.

 

IF YOU KNOW YOURSELF BUT NOT THE ENEMY, FOR EVERY VICTORY GAINED YOU WILL ALSO SUFFER A DEFEAT.

 

IF YOU KNOW NEITHER THE ENEMY NOR YOURSELF, YOU WILL SUCCUMB IN EVERY BATTLE.'

 

SUN TZU, THE ART OF WAR"

Fade in:

ARCHIVE TELEVISION NEWS FOOTAGE

There are a series of actual quotes from presidents and politicians from speeches, interviews and news conferences. JOHN F. KENNEDY gives a speech.

JOHN F. KENNEDY (ON TV)

Let us not seek the Republican answer or the Democratic answer, but the right answer. Let us not seek to fix the blame for the past. Let us accept our own responsibility for the future.

Int. TaMARA'S HOME, KITCHEN – NIGHT

SUPER: 2110 A.D.

TAMARA GREEN, a nerdy but attractive woman in her early thirties, sits at her table drinking coffee from a large cup. A large projection of the broadcast appears on the wall. She stops to watch as the robotic COFFEE POT walks over and fills her empty cup. Two GERMAN SHEPHERDS walk in and watch.

The broadcast shows KIRA WEBER, an attractive reporter with an edge and serious tone to her fashion, voice and words. The news documentary shows footage and images of a variety of famous people.

KIRA (ON TV)

My name's Kira Weber and this is a series of reports on how our political system has brought an end to the United States. Over three hundred years ago, America's two- party system began when Thomas Jefferson and Alexander Hamilton couldn't agree on issues.

The broadcast shows LYNDON JOHNSON at a news conference.

LYNDON JOHNSON (ON TV)

It is important that the United States remain a two-party system. I'm a fellow who likes small parties and the Republican Party can't be too small to suit me.

CoffEE POT

(to Tamara)

Gladiator Robots is on.

TaMARA

Coolness. Change it.

The broadcast changes to two human-sized robots fighting in a ring with people in the stands cheering.

Ext. Buck's home - day

GEORGE "BUCK" BUCHANAN, a longhaired elder man in pajamas who doesn't take life seriously, sits on his balcony overlooking downtown New York City. Buck plays holographic chess against the computer. A metal robot walks over and hands him a margarita.

In the middle of the robot's chest is a screen that shows the broadcast of RONALD REAGAN.

KIRA (on tv)

The two-party system was created to provide checks and balances, opportunities to look at issues in a new prospective, to make America fair and to support freedom of speech.

RONALD REAGAN (ON TV)

Republicans believe every day is the Fourth of July, but the Democrats believe every day is April fifteenth.

EXT. ALLEY, New York – DAY                           

Young teenage members of the Dark Viking gang, dressed in futuristic clothes, walk through a dark alley in a large city. All watch different TV shows projected in front of each of them from a device strapped to their chests. The images float in front of their faces as they walk quietly, watching and looking around.

One of the gang, EIGHT, the youngest and most scared, watches the broadcast of BILL CLINTON. A metal police robot walks by them.

KIRA (on tv)

But we now know the opposite has happened. Both Democrats and Republicans have played a part in removing the "united" in our country's name.

BILL CLINTON (on tv)

I like that about the Republicans; the evidence does not faze them, they are not bothered at all by the facts.

EXT. MILITARY BASE – DAY

In a military exercise, human and metal robot soldiers fire laser guns at moving holographic targets that resemble human soldiers dressed in the same uniforms. One of the soldiers watches the broadcast within his helmet. Pictures of BILL O'REILLY, MIKE GALLAGHER, RUSH LIMBAUGH and AL FRANKEN appear, accompanied by Limbaugh and Franken's voices.

KIRA (on tv)

And the actors just made it worse. These so-called "political commentaries" stir up revulsion with name-calling and unrestrained opinions just for ratings, just to sell their holo-books. Do they care what's best for us or them?

RUSH LIMBAUGH (V.O.)

Trying to understand a Democrat is like trying to understand a murderer or rapist.

AL FRANKEN (V.O.)

Republicans are shameless dicks. No, that's not fair. Republican politicians are shameless dicks.

Int/ext. car – DAY

JEREMY, a portly, middle-aged security guard for Tronobics International, a robot manufacturing company, sits in his car as it drives itself. He watches the broadcast that covers the front windshield and shows ARNOLD SCHWARZENEGGER.

KIRA (on tv)

The two-party system has created an "us versus them" mind set. It has produced hatred, discrimination, favoritism, anger and prejudice.

ARNOLD SCHWARZENEGGER (ON TV)

One of my movies was called "True Lies." It's what the Democrats should have called their convention.

Int. LOUie'S QUICKIE GRILL – day

Customers crowd into this greasy restaurant. A robot waiter serves food. Projected on the wall, the broadcast shows a number of oil platforms in the ocean. All but one is on fire, burning. The last platform suddenly explodes.

KIRA (on tv)

Nothing brings people together more than a common enemy. You would think. But when United Arab Emirates attacked America's offshore oil platforms, crippling our own source of oil, the two parties fought more amongst themselves than with the enemy.

INT. rOBOT SCIENTIFIC LAB, Autonomy Inc - DAY

Scientists stop building their robots and watch the broadcast on the tops of their work tables. A news conference by a past leader, PRESIDENT MCINTOSH, a woman of Irish decent, speaks to an anxious, crowded press. Many secret service agents stand in front of the President.

President MCINTOSH (ON TV)

Effective immediately, America will reciprocate with full force and will therefore need to restore the draft program.

The broadcast shows the room erupt with outcries from the press. People rush forward with secret service agents stopping them. The President quickly leaves.

KIRA (on tv)

The draft and her presidency didn't last long. Unfortunately the war did, each day pushing the two parties farther apart as they argued over how to control this unpopular war.

Int. Auditorium - day

A loud, crowded arena. In the middle of the auditorium, two robots dressed in wild outfits wrestle in a cage. The robots have numbers on them: "1" and "2". A holographic sign floats above the arena.

WORDS read, "WAR OF THE ROBOTS: WINTER BLAST"

A man in the stands watches the match and holds a remote that has two buttons labeled "1" and "2". He pushes the "2" button.

Sitting next to him, another man flips the remote over and watches the broadcast of a woman singing in front of robot judges.

KiRA (on tv)

These days the popular vote instantly decides on performers, TV shows, robot sporting events, but not on current events. The government refuses to accept online voting or public opinion.

INT. COFFEE SHOP – DAY

People sit around a shop decorated as a family room, drinking coffee in fancy mugs and watching holograms projected from the tables. No one talks. Robots serve coffee behind the counter.

One person watches the broadcast that shows a futuristic presidential debate with two candidates at their podiums. The commentator/host is a large computer. The Democratic Candidate pushes over his podium toward the Republican Candidate. People on the set yell. The Republican Candidate pushes the Democratic Candidate to the ground. The Democrat gets up and tackles the Republican as people rush the stage to stop the fight.

KIRA (on tv)

Then there was the presidential debate that ended all presidential debates.

INT. THE OVAL OFFICE OF THE WHITE HOUSE – DAY

HUNTER PETERSON, the President of the United States, watches the broadcast that floats in the middle of the room. His STAFF nervously stand by his side. Two robot secret service agents stand at the door.

The broadcast shows the President at a press conference.

KIRA (on tv)

"We the people" became "We the Party." And now years later, with an evenly split congress, our government has not passed a bill or law in ninety-four days. Regardless of public outcry and media bashing, both sides refuse to support the other. Our own Republican president fueled the fire in an effort to bring peace. Or maybe conquest.

President PETERSON (on tv)

The advancement of America's government has come to a senseless stop. The Democrats have refused to support every Republican bill, putting our great country at risk. Therefore, I propose that we come together under the banner of one party, one system, and one Republican nation. Let's get America back on track.

The staff applauds, congratulating President Peterson, who angrily pumps his fist in the air.

INT. Speaker's office – DAY

RUTH OLSEN, the Speaker of the House, watches from her office with her people. A handsome male aide stands close beside her. The broadcast of herself at a press conference shows on a large screen that covers an entire wall. A robot secret service agent stands by Speaker Olsen.

KIRA (on tv)

The head of the Democratic Party and Speaker of the House of Representatives, Ruth Olsen, has thrown gasoline on this growing blaze instead of trying to reach a compromise.

Speaker OLSEN (on tv)

The President wants a one-party country. He wants to put an end to the Democratic Party. I say yes to one nation with him no longer as President. I call for an immediate impeachment of this power-hungry dictator.

Her staff applauds. The male aide affectionately pats her back. Speaker Olsen smiles and nods.

INT. SENATE CHAMBER – DAY

Senators argue, yell, and physical fights break out. One scared senator cowers at his desk in the middle of the chaos watching the broadcast on a pod that covers his hand like a glove. Robot orderlies try and calm the senators down.

The broadcast shows a fight breaking out between two congressmen (Senator Gomez and Senator Watkins) at a press conference at the steps of the Statue of Responsibility (a future statue that's similar to the Statue of Liberty). Robot police break it up. A bloodied, unconscious Senator Gomez is taken away in an ambulance.

KIRA (on tv)

Anarchy has erupted in all levels of government where indifference has become violent opposition. A fight broke out between two congressmen at a press conference, leaving Senator Gomez the first casualty of this pending civil war.

EXT. THE LOST BAR - DAY

A beat-up, old bar called "The Lost" harbors a poor and destitute clientele. Most of the patrons are physically crippled and older. A one-armed human bartender and a robot bartender serve drinks to the few people there. Outside the bar are the sounds of a traffic jam and car horns blaring.

The broadcast, behind the bar, shows Senator Watkins escorted by police robots from a police station. A group of attorneys follow him to a waiting car. A riot breaks out as angry people try to get to the senator. People throw trash at him.

PROTEST SIGNS read, "Murderer."

KIRA (on tv)

To make matters worse, the Republican president fully pardoned the Republican senator without charging him for murder. Speaker Olsen declared revenge.

Speaker OLSEN (O.S.)

Eye for an eye. Democrats will have justice.

As the senator gets close to his car, an angry woman in the crowd shoots him in the head. The robot police immediately grab the killer and her gun.

INT. Ulric's office – DAY

ULRIC BUCHANAN, the Chief Executive Officer of the robot manufacturing company, Autonomy, dresses meticulously with not a thread sticking out. He emits power, confidence and a strong presence. Adam, a strong metal robot dressed in a business suit, stands behind him. He is Ulric's bodyguard.

From his high-level expensive office, Ulric looks out his window in disbelief at the rioting below in the streets of New York City. Numerous smoke clouds rise from the fires throughout the city.

The broadcast on another window shows soldiers facing each other in a standoff while people riot in New York.

KIRA (on tv)

Fighting erupted throughout America with people choosing sides and the number of deaths grew. Then, like the first civil war, the military was forced to choose sides. Open combat almost erupted in New York City when soldiers nearly fired on each other.

Ulric

(mutters)

My city.

Adam puts a hand on Ulric's shoulder to comfort him.

INT. Mason'S HOME – NIGHT

MASON ERICKSON sits at home watching the broadcast in his family room. His very expensive home has fancy furniture, rich woods and technological gadgets throughout. Mason is the Chief Executive Officer for Tronobics International (also known as T.I.), a top competitor to Autonomy. Mason sometimes forgets to brush his hair and chooses his attire on comfort over style. He sits with KELSI, his pregnant stylish wife and his seventeen-year-old twin sons, BOB and MARK. A robot servant delivers tea to Mason and Kelsi.

All are concerned as they watch the news showing Ruth Olsen at a press conference. Mason looks at his sons, worried about their safety. Kelsi reaches over, grabs his hand and squeezes it. Mason sees her crying and he tears up.

Speaker OLSEN

I offer all Americans a new choice. A new country, controlled by the Democratic Party and our beliefs. Starting today, we will secede and form the United States of Democracy. This new country will be created west of 100 degree longitude, near Colorado. I invite all people to peacefully come and join a more perfect union. Thank you and God bless this America.

INT. Mason'S home, DEN - NIGHT

Mason goes into his den and closes the door. He touches his desk and makes a phone call that projects a holographic image of Ulric.

INT. ulric's OFFICe – DAY

Ulric and Mason work together feverishly on floating holographic charts of different robot parts. The broadcast on the window behind them shows President Peterson and Speaker Olsen meeting at a press conference.

KIRA (on tv)

The line has been drawn. A house divided by political beliefs. The pride of our leaders and the fury of divergence has brought countless deaths and a foreseeable end to America. But, there is one last hope.

President PETERSON (ON TV)

Ms. Olsen and I have had several meetings over the possible division of this country and--

Speaker OLSEN (ON TV)

We have called for a congressional meeting where all of us can meet and try to reach a compromise--

President Peterson (ON TV)

May God bless us all.

INT. SENATE CHAMBER – DAY

A floating camera circles the large room packed with congress, media and military. All argue, some scream; total chaos. A fight breaks out and the robot police quickly put an end to it.

The President and Speaker stand at the podium in a heated argument, both finger-pointing at the other.

The camera stops at Kira standing in the back of the room in front of the closed-door entrance to the chamber.

KIRA

And that brings us to today-- the end of America and the beginning of the second Civil War. Let us remember these words one last time: "We the people of the United States, in order to form a more perfect union, establish justice, insure domestic tranquility--"

The door opens behind her with a loud slam. A wave of hundreds of robots of all kinds (police, military, butlers, firefighters) march in. They fill the aisle all the way to the podium then separate to the sides as Adam the robot leads Mason and Ulric into the room.

Everyone stops to watch silently as they approach the podium. People quickly get out of Adam's way. Kira whispers to the camera.

KIRA

(whispers)

Wait a minute. The Chief Executive Officers of America's two largest companies have just walked in. Ulric Buchanan of Autonomy and his main competitor Mason Erickson of Tronobics International.

Adam, Mason and Ulric reach the podium and stare at the President and Speaker, who eventually step aside. Ulric walks up to the floating microphone and faces a still silent room.

Ulric

You all should be ashamed of yourselves.

Ulric looks across the room and stops at the President and Speaker. He turns again to the crowd and also to Kira's camera. More floating news cameras arrive and position themselves in front of Ulric.

Ulric

You know who we are. Mr. Erickson and I have done what all of you should've done long ago. We've put our differences aside to come up with a plan to save what's left of this country we love.

(beat)

People of America, I give you the Monitor and the Merrimack.

Two large holographic images are projected above the room from a small device Mason holds. The MERRIMACK and the MONITOR are human-sized, metal robots. They look powerful with numerous weapons and are more advanced than any robot ever created. Whispering starts. Mason gets to the microphone next to Ulric.

Mason

We propose that these two robots meet in battle, each representing one of the parties. Whichever robot wins, that party will govern America and the other party will cease to exist. No one gets hurt this way and it puts an end to this senseless violence.