As the Circuit Board Burns

Meanwhile, in the HR department........

2005-10-30T11:21:00.000-05:00

Skylor Crenshaw and Triston Nash step into the stark and unfriendly Director of Human Resources' office. The decor is a varying sprectrum of blacks and greys, the only color coming from the bright red lipstick of the woman behind the desk. Skylor quickly scans the room for anything that may be useful to her in the future. Off in the corner she spies what looks to be a safe of some kind.

Our cast of characters:

Lavidia Horatio: The sharp and calculating director of Human Resources. Her most notable characteristic, her cold and impersonal appearance. Hair always in a tight chignon, glasses always resting on the end of her nose.

(Begin Dialogue)

(Lavidia Horatio) Hello Skylor, we've been waiting for your arrival. {Lavidia pulls a small stack of paper out of a desk drawer. Her brow is furrowed into a crease.} Please have a seat, we will be getting your paperwork in order. {Lavidia hands Skylor a pen and the stack of papers.}
(Tristan Nash) Skylor, this is Lavidia Horatio. She is our Director of Human Resources here at Selestica. If you have any questions, please feel free to seek out Lavidia at any time. {Tristan turns to exit the room. He lifts his coffee cup to his lips, but doesn't drink. He stops in mid step, as if in thought, then turns to Lavidia.} Lavidia, please see that I am paged when Skylor is finished getting processed. {Skylor turns her steely gaze on Triston, her mind is questioning the odd behavior.)
(Lavidia Horatio) Yes Triston, I'll be sure to do that. {Lavidia doesn't skip a beat. Her fingers are flying across her keyboard.}
(Triston Nash) Ok then, I'll be seeing you Skylor. {On that note, Triston turns on his heel and quickly exits the room. Skylor stares off at Triston's disappearing figure. Lavidia watches Skylor's behavior undetected by Skylor.}
(Skylor Crenshaw) Well, now, let's say we get this over with. {Skylor starts rifling through the stack of papers and begins filling in information.}

(End Dialogue)

The scene ends with Skylor continuing to process the paperwork before her. Unbeknownst to Skylor, Lavidia has been the task of researching Skylor's history using the information Skylor has provided her.

Monday morning at Selestica

2005-10-15T17:05:00.000-04:00

A confident and dazzling Skylor Crenshaw strides through the front double doors of Selestica Electronics Manufacturing. The foyer is silent with the exception of Skylor's high heels clicking across the shiny granite tile. Skylor rests her steely gaze upon the receptionist and sets her portfolio on the desk before her.

(Begin Dialogue)

* (Receptionist) May I help you young lady? {The receptionist peers at Skylor over the rims of her glasses, visible annoyed by the intrusion.}

* (Skylor Crenshaw) I'm Skylor Crenshaw. Please direct me to the human resources department. {Skylor stares directly into the receptionists eyes unwavering.}

* (Receptionist) One moment please, it is our policy to screen all visitors to Selestica. {The receptionist turns haughtily and picks up the phone. Skylor looks off into space with an air of frustration. The sound of her high heeled toe can be heard tapping throughout the room.}

* (Triston Nash) Well, good morning Skylor! {Both Skylor and the receptionist turn with a start. Triston stares intently into Skylors eyes, a warm smile spreads across his lips.} What seems to be the hold up here? {Triston fixes an evil glare at the receptionist.} We've been anxiously awaiting Skylor's arrival in human resources.

* (Receptionist) We don't seem to have any approval forms for Skylor..... {The receptionist is cut off in mid sentence by Triston.}

* (Triston Nash) Skylor is our newest employee here at Selestica. This situation will not happen again, understood? {Triston is once again warmly smiling at Skylor.}

* (Receptionist) Yes Mr. Nash. (The receptionist turns in disgust. She begins to type furiously on the computer in front of her as Triston and Skylor begin walking down the corridor. Unrealized by Skylor, she has forgotten her portfolio on the receptionists desk.}

(End Dialogue)

The receptionist notices the brown leather portfolio case sitting upon her desk as the 2 walk away. Still angry from the encounter, she does nothing to notify them of the misplaced item. Instead, she tucks it away in the top drawer of her desk.

outside in the smoking hut.........

2005-09-23T12:05:00.000-04:00

Several production managers have assembled in the far corner of the smoking hut. Hushed whispers can be heard as the camera pans in.

(Begin Dialogue)

(Dash Cooper) Do you think Skylor can pull this off? {Dash leans against the wall and inhales extra long from his cigarette.}
(Blaine Buepreper) I know Skylor intimately, I know she can pull this off! {Blane stares off into the darkness, one hand absently smoothing his comb over.}
(Maverick Dushane) I hope your right Blaine, I hope your right. {Maverick continues to pace back and forth across the spanse of the smoking hut.}
(Blaine Buepre) Skylor will be able to pull this off, I am certain of it Maverick. {Dash steps forward from his leaning stance and turns to Maverick.}
(Dash Cooper) Does she have the camera? {Dash is tapping the toe of his cowboy boot, nervous anxiety.}
(Maverick Dushane) Everything is in place. {Maverick stops in mid step angling his head toward the opening. Footsteps are heard passing by.}
(Blaine Buepre) Let's get going before someone gets curious.

(End Dialogue)

The three men depart the smoking hut. Unknown to them, under the guise of darkness, someone stands just out of sight. The camera pans down to the shoes of the unseen individual as the scene comes to a close.

Back in Evan's office.......

2005-09-19T12:41:00.000-04:00

Evan Lancaster is seated in front of the speaker phone as the scene begins. He has Skylor's performance review in his hand, absently staring at it in thought. He pushes his chair back to stand, dropping Skylor's performance review onto his desk.

(Begin Dialogue)

(Evan Lancaster) I don't like the looks of things. Something is up, I have to get to the bottom of what's going on. {Evan steps away from his desk, placing a hand on the wall and leaning forward in submission.}
(Unknown voice on speaker phone) You can not draw suspicion to yourself. Things have got to appear business as usual! Don't let this little minx ruin everything Evan. {papers are heard shuffling on the other end of the phone.}
(Evan Lancaster) I will be careful.......... {Evan turns to face the speaker phone, one eyebrow lifted} but I will find out what is going on.
(Unknown voice on speaker phone) I trust you will. Very well then, our next contact will be Wednesday, 8:00. {dial tone}
(Evan Lancaster) I will find out what is going on.................

(End Dialogue)

Evan turns to stare vacantly out a near by window. He absently runs a hand through his perfectly coiffed hair. Realizing what he has just done, he immediately pats his hair back into place.

The Exchange

2005-09-13T11:58:00.000-04:00

Skylor is startled by the sudden appearance of Evan at her side. Does he know? Did he see? She glances quickly at Blaine, eyes pleading for help.

(Begin Dialogue)

(Blaine Buepre) Evan, so glad you could join us! Have some ice cream cake! {Blaine wraps an arm around Evan and steers him away from a trembling Skylor}
(Evan Lancaster) Well, now, I wouldn't miss Skylor's send off.......{Evan scans the room furiously looking for the now absent Skylor. All conversation between Blaine and Evan drop off at this point.}

(End Dialogue)

Evan stands in the middle of the party, one hand holding a plate full of ice cream cake, the other hand scratching casually at the base of his chin.

(Begin Thought Sequence)

(Evan Lancaster) Hmmmmm........... Now, where has Skylor disappeared to. Could she really be up to something? I hope she doesn't get in the way of the plan........

(End Thought Sequence)

Evan turns on his heel and quickly exits the cafeteria. Thought of Skylor still running through his mind.

Ice Cream Cake

2005-09-11T18:20:00.000-04:00

A crowd of employees have gathered in the cafeteria as the scene begins. Everyone is anxiously awaiting the arrival of Skylor, an ice cream cake sits in the middle of the crowd. The production floor has grown silent, everyone in the cafeteria awaiting Skylor's arrival.

Noticing all of her employees are not at their desks, Skylor immediately sets out to find out where they disappeared to. As she makes her way down the main isle, she begins to realize the production cells have been emptied out as well. The cafeteria door is thrust open by Blaine Buepre and he waves her in. Skylor shifts her steely gaze around the empty production floor before she enters the cafeteria.

(Begin Dialogue)

(Everyone in Room) Surprise!! {Skylor jumps back, shocked and surprised by such an outpouring from from her fellow coworkers. She clasps Blaine's outstretched hand and heads for the ice cream cake.}
(Skylor Crenshaw) Oh, thank you all so much! {Wiping a single tear from her eye. Skylor gazes around the room at all the faces. A puzzled look sweeps her face for just a fleeting moment....... No Blaze Winchester.}
(Blaine Buepre) We're going to miss you Skylor! {Blaine is to busy handing out ice cream cake to notice Skylor isn't listening to a word he is saying.}
(Dash Cooper) So, is everything set for Monday then? {Dash whispers quietly in Skylor's ear. His eyes shift back and forth, darting from person to person in the room, one eyebrow lifted.}
(Skylor Crenshaw) I don't see Blaze. Something is up. {Skylor whispers through a fake smile. She rubs the backs of her arms. }
(Dash Cooper) Let's just get some cake. We can meet about this later. {Dash grabs a piece of cake from Blaine and exits the cafeteria.

(End Dialogue)

Skylor continues to stare in the direction of Dash's departure, eyebrows furrowed with though. Nobody in the room seems to notice the exchange that has just occurred, or, has someone.......

The scene ends as Skylor is approached by Evan Lancaster.

At Selestica

2005-09-09T15:49:00.000-04:00

The scene begins with 3 men standing in an elevator. 2 are carrying brief cases, one has a mug of coffee. The elevator comes to a stop, the man with the coffee mug departs the elevator. As the doors close, the 2 men turn to face each other.

Our cast of characters:

Ace Buchannon - The corporate head of the Selestica electronics manufacturing corporation. His most notable characteristic, 2 giant pinky rings that he is never seen without.

Triston Nash - Ever loyal Vice President to Ace Buchannon. Most notable characteristic, dashing good looks and sex appeal.

(Begin Dialogue)

(Ace Buchannon) I don't know Triston, I just don't trust her. {Ace slams his hand on the red emergency button. The elevator screeches to a halt.}
(Triston Nash) That's exactly why she is perfect Ace. We feed her the bogus information, she brings it back to that nit wit Evan Lancaster, and they will have to beg us to save their corporation. It couldn't be more perfect! {Triston's lips form a thin, calculating smile. He pats his briefcase.}
(Ace Buchannon) I just hope you know what your doing Triston. I've heard she's quite the vixen. {Ace lays a hand on Triston's shoulder, diamonds are sparkling in Ace's pinky ring.} Don't you go and get yourself all tangled up with this one as well. {Ace winks at Triston.}
(Triston Nash) Oh, believe me, I've learned my lesson the hard way with Mercedes. This time, it's strictly business. {Triston sets the elevator back in motion. The two men resume their original side by side positions in the elevator.}
(Ace Buchannon) So, it's settled then Skylor begins work first thing Monday morning. You do have an agenda laid out for her, do you not? {Ace casually glances at his watch. The elevator door opens, both men exit the elevator.}
(Triston Nash) All signed, sealed, and delivered. She has no idea what she has in store for her. {Triston begins walking in the direction of the HR department. Ace continues to stand in the corridor, watching the departing figure of Triston enter HR.
(Ace Buchannon) I hope that boy knows what he's getting himself into.

(End dialogue)

Ace turns to leave and heads down the corridor, in the opposite direction of Triston, as the scene comes to a close.

the plan is underway.........

2005-09-08T17:02:00.000-04:00

The scene begins with Skylor Crenshaw seated before Evan Lancaster in a dimly lit office. Skylor stares listlessly through teary eyes into her steamy coffee. She struggles to hold back the sobs that lie just below the surface. Evan leans forward with an outstretched hand holding a tissue. Skylor's steely gaze slowly lifts up to meet Evan's watery green eyes. Skylor reaches out to take the tissue but Evan drops the tissue and tenderly clasps Skylor's hand.

(Start dialogue)

*(Evan Lancaster)Please reconsider Skylor. Our corporation relies on you, I rely on you....{Evan leans closer to Skylor.}

*(Skylor Crenshaw) I have no choice Evan. Selestica has made me an offer I can't refuse. My resignation is final. {Skylor is no longer able to hold back, her body is racked with sobbing. Evan pulls her disheveled form into the folds of his arms. He gently smoothes her unruly hair back into place.}

*(Evan Lancaster) Your desk will be here waiting for you when you return. {Evan pulls back from Skylor just enough to sip his coffee. He looks longingly into her eyes.} Do what you have to do, but I know you will be back.

*(Skylor Crenshaw) You always will have impeccable judgment. {Evan wipes a tear from Skylor's eye.} I must go now. {Evan loosens his embrace on Skylor as she begins to stand. Skylor smoothes her rumpled slacks and looks one last time into Evan's watery green eyes.}

*(Evan Lancaster) Take care Skylor....{Evan swivels in his chair to stare wantonly out the darkened office window.}

(End dialogue)

The scene comes to a close as Skylor slips out the door. Evan continues to sit for several moments gazing out the window. His brows begin to furrow, and he forcefully slams his fist down, sending his steaming mug of coffee to the floor.

Mysterious footsteps

2005-09-08T07:10:00.000-04:00

The mysterious pair of feet continue down the corridor and come to a rest in front of the still open door to the file room. The camera pans out to focus on the mystery man's shadowed profile on the wall behind him. He lifts his coffee mug to his lips, about to take a drink, then notices something inside the room that stops him in mid sip. It's the slip of paper that Maverick and Skylor had overlooked in their haste.

(The camera view changes to give the illusion that we are looking through the eyes of the mystery man.) A hand reaches down to pick up the slip of paper. It is Skylor's last performance review.

(Start dialogue thought sequence)

* (mystery man) Hmmmmm.......

(End dialogue thought sequence)

(The camera view changes back to a close up shot of the mysterious pair of feet.) The scene ends with the sound of footsteps retreating from the room. Skylor's performance review is missing from the room.

A Secret Meeting........

2005-09-07T14:54:00.000-04:00

The silhouettes of Maverick Dushane and Skylor Crenshaw walking down the corridor start out the scene. As the reach they end of the corridor, Skylor looks behind to make sure they haven't been followed. Satisfied that her steely gaze has seen no one, the two disappear behind a closed door.

Inside the room are several filing cabinets marked "Confidential Information - Authorized Use Only". Maverick pulls out the drawer that contains Skylor's file. (Camera zooms in on the file tab name)

(Dialogue begins)

*(Maverick Dushane) You are the only one who can pull this off Skylor! {Maverick lays a weary hand on Skylor's shoulder.}

*(Skylor Crenshaw) I just don't know if I can pull it off! {Eyes pleading, Skylor's steely gaze penetrates Maverick's rough exterior.}

*(Maverick Dushane) You have to Skylor, you're our only hope. {Maverick pulls his hand from Skylor's shoulder, makes a fist places it against his slightly quivering lower lip.}

*(Skylor Crenshaw) I'll do it, I have to, for all our sakes..... {Skylor looks away, her file falls from her shaking hands.

*(Maverick Dushane) Be strong Skylor, be strong for all of us. {Maverick tenderly embraces Skylor. Skylor sighs deeply into Maverick's broad chest.) Do you hear that??

(Dialogue ends)

A set of footprints can be heard coming down the corridor. Skylor and Maverick freeze in their tracks, eyes wide. Skylor rushes to get the contents of her file back into the drawer before the footsteps reach their destination. Unknown to either Maverick or Skylor, a single slip of paper has been overlooked in the rush. The scene ends with Maverick and Skylor making a hasty exit from the room. The camera zooms in on a pair of shoes headed down the corridor toward the recently exited file room.

Meanwhile.................

2005-09-06T21:30:00.000-04:00

As the scene unfolds, 2 men are staring intently at the speaker phone on the center of the table.

Cast of Characters:

Evan Lancaster - The heartless Director of Operations. Most distinctive characteristic, flame red hair that is always perfectly coiffed.

Blaze Winchester - Side kick to Evan Lancaster, official title is Production Control Manager. Most distinctive characteristic, very small and weasel like in stature.

The scene begins as Evan thrusts his chair back from the table and proceeds to stand.

(Dialogue begins)

(Evan Lancaster) We have 3 million dollars at stake here! I refuse to let that scoundrel Ace Buchannon win, it will be over my dead body! {Evan walks to a near by window, places his hand on the window, and stares intently at the floor.}
(Voice on speaker phone) You may not have a choice Evan. {long pause}
(Blaze Winchester) You need to listen to him Evan, our reputations are at stake here! {Blaze picks up the steaming brew and gingerly sips.}
(Evan Lancaster) Or, do we have a choice................. {Evan trails off in silent thought. Blaze redirects his gaze in the direction of Evan. A sly smile has crept across Evan's pale face.}
(Voice on speaker phone) What do you have in mind?

(Dialogue ends)

The scene comes to a close with Blaze and Evan once again huddled around the speaker phone.

Our Story Begins.......

2005-09-06T11:54:00.000-04:00

Our story begins in the depths of an electronics manufacturing plant. Several managers have assembled around a conference table, tension is thick, nerves are on edge.

Our cast of characters:

Blaine Buepre - Middle aged production cell manager. Most notable characteristic, a comb over that wraps around his entire head.

Skylor Crenshaw - Young and captivating manager of the receiving and receiving inspection departments. Most notable characteristic, her steely gaze.

Maverick Dushane - Bull dog manager of process control. Most notable characteristic, his sheer size. Large in stature, authoritative booming voice.

Dash Cooper - Brazenly daring head of engineering. Most notable characteristic, he always wears cowboy boots.

Maverick opens the scene by slamming his fist on the conference room table. Coffee spills from the overfilled mugs set before the managers. Skylor rests her steely gaze upon Maverick. Blaine nervously smoothes his comb over in place.

(Dialogue Begins)

(Maverick) Something needs to be done to stop them! Selestica has to be stopped! Today it's the 0202 assembly, tomorrow it's the 0189. What's next? Will we even have anything to build before it's all said and done?
(Skylor) We need to come up with a plan to find out what it is that Selestica has over our customers. A company can't just pick up and move a 3 million dollar operation over night. There has got to be more! {Skylor leaves the table to stare forlornly out the window.}
(Dash) We need to get someone in there. A company like Selestica doesn't just appear overnight and monopolize the electronics industry. We need to know what's going on behind the scenes. {Dash picks up coffee mug, stares off into space just above coffee mug.}
(Maverick) The question is, who do we have that can be trusted to do this? {Skylor, Dash, and Blaine stare intently at Maverick with one eyebrow lifted.}

(Dialogue ends)

The scene comes to a close with each of the managers lifting their coffee mug to their lips.