Episode 3 – "Turnover"

Episode 3 – "Turnover"

EPISODE CONTEXT

Episode Title: "Turnover" (also referred to as "Cut Day")

Episode Overview:
Episode 3 focuses on the consequences of Blonde Blazer's decision to cut one member from the Z-Team. The episode begins with Royd helping Robert move the Mecha Man suit for repairs, revealing new information about the Astral Pulse and Robert's father. Meanwhile, the Z-Team members sabotage each other to avoid being last on the leaderboard, culminating in Robert's speech about the phoenix and a difficult choice: cut either Sonar or Coupé from the team.

Key Themes:
- Redemption vs. Predestination: The episode explores the Phoenix Program's redemption philosophy through Robert's speech, contrasting it with Invisigal's belief that her powers doom her to villainy.
- Team Sabotage and Consequences: The threat of being cut creates a tense dynamic where team members sabotage each other to survive. This has long-term consequences for the entire season.

Major Plot Points:
1. Royd discovers the Astral Pulse may not be as simple as Robert thought, revealing the Stellar Core inside it.
2. Royd shares a story about meeting Robert's father at Radio Shack before being sent to jail, leading to his placement in the Phoenix Program.
3. Robert brings his dog Beef to the office; Chase agrees to watch him.
4. Blonde Blazer announces she and Phenomaman have broken up, then reveals she's cutting someone from the Z-Team.
5. The Z-Team members sabotage each other while Robert tries to keep order.
6. Robert gives a speech about the phoenix and redemption.
7. Invisigal almost quits but Robert convinces her to go after Lightningstruck one more time.
8. With Robert's help, Invisigal finally catches Lightningstruck.
9. The leaderboard updates; Invisigal moves up, tying Sonar and Coupé for last place.
10. Robert must choose to cut either Sonar or Coupé.

Long-Term Consequences:
- The chosen hero is cut from the Z-Team, swears revenge, and becomes a villain in Episode 8.
- Future scenarios become available or locked based on who was cut.
- Certain synergy pairs become permanently unavailable.
- The chosen hero will remember Robert's decision.

Story Notifications:
- Blonde Blazer will remember that.
- Coupe will remember that.
- Golem will remember that.
- Invisigal will remember that.
- Sonar will remember that.
- The Z-Team will remember that.

===== SCENE 1: ROBERT'S APARTMENT – MORNING =====

[SOUND: Ambient city sounds, birds chirping, distant traffic.]

[A moving truck is parked outside an apartment building. The shot zooms in on various Mecha Man memorabilia items - a newspaper, boxes, and other collectibles - being loaded into the truck.]

[SOUND: Heavy metallic clanking.]

[A large piece of the Mecha Man suit, a leg component, is thrown into the back of the truck.]

[ROBERT and ROYD are moving suit parts from the apartment to the truck.]

Royd: Faka.

Robert: Whoa, whoa, whoa, woah -- hey what are you doing?

Royd: Bruddah, your warranty... already... void.

Robert: How can you just toss it around like that?

Royd: No worries. I pretty strong.

Robert: That's not what I'm saying.

Royd: How you got dis ting inside your apartment anyways? Supah heavy da buggah.

Robert: I disassembled it and took it in little pieces. Which is what I thought you'd be doing.

Royd: And how long dat take you?

Robert: Three or, no it was four days.

Royd: I get twenty minutes.

Robert: It just feels like you could be a little gentler with it. It is, you know, my whole fucking life.

Royd: Evy time I walk in dis place, I get sad. That not happen to you?

Royd: No one ever tell you that? Or no one never come ovah to tell you that.

---

===== SCENE 1A: INTERIOR – ROBERT'S APARTMENT – CONTINUOUS =====

[Robert and Royd walk back into Robert's sparsely furnished apartment to retrieve the remaining suit pieces.]

[SOUND: Footsteps on hardwood floor, then on carpet.]

**Robert's explanation choices (determinant):**

> **Option 1 - "It's minimalism."**
> Robert: It's called minimalism. It's a lifestyle.
> Royd: Bruddah, it is your life, but it's no kinda style.

> **Option 2 - "I'm poor."**
> Robert: I'm poor, Royd. Is that what you want to hear? Does that make you feel good?
> Royd: Brah, you not poor if you can keep this suit going. Like, where you sleep?
> Robert: Uh, we're figuring that out.
> Royd: Oh you figuring that out huh? Shoot even the Beef got a bed.

> **Option 3 - "I've been focused on my work."**
> Robert: Yeah, um, well I've been focused on being Mecha Man. It was kind of a full time thing.
> Royd: Right. And you only got time for buy that bubblegum chair.

Royd: This da type apartment you see, when da detective kick da door in, you know? Shine da flashlight? Serial killah shit.
Robert: Alright, I get it. Can we focus on--
Royd: Where da Astral Pulse at?
Robert: Lost it in the blast while I was flying. No clue where it landed. I spent a couple weeks after it happened trying to track it down.
Royd: It power da whole suit.
Robert: Yeah, it's the only piece of the suit my dad didn't have schematics for. That gonna be a problem?
Royd: Eh, minor. We figure em out.

---

===== SCENE 2: INTERIOR – SDN WORKSHOP – LATER =====

[Robert and Royd have arrived at SDN. They move the suit parts into the workshop.]

[SOUND: Workshop ambient sounds, machinery humming, metallic clanking.]

Robert: How'd you know about the Astral Pulse?

Royd: Hooo, bruddah everybody know about da pulse. It actually two wicked pieces a tech, yeah? First you get da Astral Pulse, dis genius design energy cell, but inside 'em, you get da Stellar Core.

Robert: Can I help?

Royd: No, bruddah, you good.

Royd: Wus crazy, is when you mix da control fusion reactions wit da plasma containment? Hooo, brudda, you gotta core one supah crazy energized plasma state.

Royd: Unreal stuffs. Like you caught one small star an trap em in a bottle. Genius.

**Robert's responses (determinant):**

> **Option 1 - "Sounds pretty important."**
> Robert: So, that sounds pretty fuckin' important, Royd. You said we're good.

> **Option 2 - "Can you recreate it?"**
> Robert: So, you can just make me a new one, right? Which is why it's not a problem.

> **Option 3 - "I didn't get any of that."**
> Robert: There are so many reasons why I didn't understand any of that.

Royd: Da Astral Pulse supah awesome, but uh we'll be alright.

---

===== SCENE 3: INTERIOR – SDN WORKSHOP – LATER =====

[Royd gestures to a holographic display, showing a schematic of the new Mecha Man suit.]

Royd: Phew. Damn. Maybe we go for lightah metals dis time, eh? You know, I actually met your dad one time, long time ago. First time I come mainland, he wen catch me tryin' fo' steal stuff from Radio Shack. Den we talk tech stuff fo' like one whole hour. Den he wen take me jail. That's how I ended up in the Phoenix program.
Robert: That's longer than any conversation I ever had with him.
Royd: Bummahs.
Royd: [laughs]
Robert: [laughs]
Robert: Guess when you're building Astral Pulses there's not much time for talking to your son.
Royd: Mmmm... not so sure bout dat.
Robert: I don't understand.
Royd: You see there's gearheads, then there's science nerds. One kind garage, the other kind lab, you know? Yo faddah a good gearhead but I just can't see how he make someting like da Pulse. He no science nerd.
Robert: How would you know this from talking to him once?
Royd: Cause I'm both.
Royd: I'm da one gon fix yo suit.
Royd: That one ovah der. That your faddah suit. We gonna make dis one da Robert suit.
Robert: This is incredible, Royd.
Royd: I hope you like it bruddah.
Robert: Royd, I don't know what to say... thank you. Thank you is what I need to say. This... This is unreal.
Royd: We make da man mecha again.

[Robert and Royd fist bump.]

[The title card appears in the form of an elevator door opening.]

---

===== SCENE 4: INTERIOR – SDN OFFICE HALLWAY – LATER =====

[Robert walks through the hallway, carrying his dog Beef in his arms. GOLEM bumps into him, causing Robert to drop his phone into a wastebin.]

Golem: Kobe.

**Robert's response options (determinant):**

> **Option 1 - "Watch where you're going."**
> Robert: Hey! Watch where you're going.
> [NOTE: Selecting this option triggers "Golem will remember that" notification.]

> **Option 2 - "[Let It Go]"**
> [Robert simply looks at Golem as he walks away. No relationship impact.]

Robert: Think he did that on purpose?
Robert: Hey, Chase. I need a favor.

[Robert walks over to CHASE, who is sitting at his desk. Chase initially looks annoyed.]

Chase: Favor. It's not enough of a favor gettin' you this job workin' with those stupid ass pieces of oohhhh!

[Chase's expression softens as he sees Beef.]

Chase: Who's this, huh? Who's this little guy?
Robert: His name's Beef and he's the favor. You mind keeping an eye out? I feel bad leaving him at home but I don't want anything happening to him--
Chase: Robert, I would let literally everyone here melt in eternal hell, including you, before anything happens to this dog.

[BLONDE BLAZER approaches, curious about the dog.]

Blonde Blazer: What's your name little guy?
Robert: [in a strange, high-pitched muppet-like voice] My name's Beef and I'm naked.
Blonde Blazer: Oh no, I refuse to believe that's what he sounds like. Robert, you got a sec?
Robert: Sure, yeah.

---

===== SCENE 5: INTERIOR – BLONDE BLAZER'S OFFICE – LATER =====

[Robert sits across from Blonde Blazer at her desk. She looks slightly uncomfortable.]

Robert: What's up?

Blonde Blazer: About the other day... with Phenomaman.

Robert: Oh yeah, how was dinner?

Blonde Blazer: Oh, it was awkward. It's why I didn't want you to come. Phenomaman and I broke up.

Robert: Over Tokyo dream sushi?

Blonde Blazer: Yeah, it's just... the timing felt right. I don't know, sometimes you just gotta shake shit up.

Blonde Blazer: It felt a little impulsive, but maybe it was a long time coming. It's hard to say.

**Robert's responses (determinant):**

> **Option 1 - "Hope I didn't contribute."**
> Robert: I hope I didn't contribute to anything.
> Blonde Blazer: Why would you have contributed to it?
> Robert: Guess that means I didn't. Which is what I was hoping for.

> **Option 2 - "Are you happy?"**
> Robert: Well. Are you... happy?
> Blonde Blazer: Uh, I don't know. I don't think I know yet.
> [SOUND: Blonde Blazer shrugs, her clothing rustling slightly.]

> **Option 3 - "I'm sorry, Blazer."**
> Robert: Hey... I'm really sorry to hear that.
> [Blonde Blazer smiles weakly.]

Blonde Blazer: It is what it is. But that's actually not what I wanted to talk to you about. I was thinking about it over the weekend and... I'm going to cut someone from the Z-Team. Or, you are, rather.

Blonde Blazer: Maybe I'm just looking to shake things up all over the place. Create a sense of urgency.

**Robert's responses (determinant):**

> **Option 1 - "I like it."**
> Robert: Great. Awesome. Yeah. Let's do it.
> Blonde Blazer: Oh, really? I'm glad you agree. I was toiling over it a bit.

> **Option 2 - "You sure about that?"**
> Robert: You sure about that?
> Blonde Blazer: Well, less sure now. You think it's a bad idea?
> Robert: I'm just not sure how it'll play out.

> **Option 3 - "It'll scare them."**
> Robert: Well I think it'll scare them.
> Blonde Blazer: Is that a bad thing?
> Robert: Maybe. Maybe not. Tough to say, I don't know them yet.

Blonde Blazer: The reality is cutting someone towards the bottom of the leaderboards will show everyone we're serious.
Robert: I'll let the team know.
Blonde Blazer: Oh. I already did.
Robert: I suppose... it'll be an interesting shift.

---

===== SCENE 6: INTERIOR – SDN DISPATCH FLOOR – LATER =====

[Robert returns to his desk. Chase is looking at the leaderboard on a monitor.]

Chase: Cut day, huh?
Chase: Eh, she ain't bad. Those three ain't shit.
Robert: Did you come over here to tell me that? Cause it's almost exactly the information a leaderboard gives you.
Chase: Actually, smart ass, I came over to tell you that one of your team members is in need of assistance.
Robert: Sonar. You alright? Why're you sending a distress call when you haven't left the building?
Sonar (over comms): Could you send a locksmith downstairs?
Robert: What happened?
Sonar (over comms): Coop seduced me.
Coupé (over comms): No, I said, "Hey, wanna see something cool?" and then handcuffed you to a squat rack.
Sonar (over comms): But you said it with a hot voice so I assumed you meant boobs.
Robert: Okay team, I know Blazer mentioned someone's getting cut, but don't let that distract you from doing a good job out there. That's what you'll be judged on.
Malevola (over comms): What a bunch of bullshit...
Robert: Sorry? What's bullshit?
Malevola (over comms): This judgey bullshit.
Robert: How is that--
Prism (over comms): Yeah. Only God can judge me.
Robert: Okay. False. I am judging you right now.
Malevola (over comms): It's bullshit cause it's not like you gotta deal with this kind of bullshit.
Robert: Uh, also, false. Of course I'm being judged along with the rest of you. Are you-- do you not know what a job is? What the hell is going on?
Invisigal (over comms): None of us have had real jobs, dude. How is this a surprise to you?
Robert: Alright, fine. Just ignore the pressure and do your jobs. You don't need to be first, you just can't be last.
Sonar (over comms): What about me?
Robert: Can somebody go down to the gym and help Batboner?
Robert: Don't ask.

---

===== SCENE 7: INTERIOR – DISPATCH FLOOR – SHIFT PROGRESS =====

[The shift begins. Throughout the shift, team members sabotage each other.]

Robert: Would everybody please stay in your lanes.
Invisigal (over comms): Or what?
Robert: What are you doing, Invisigal?
Invisigal (over comms): Not getting cut.
Invisigal (over comms): It's like you said: the way to win this leaderboard game is to not lose, right?
Robert: Yeah, that's not what I said.
Invisigal (over comms): Mm, pretty sure that's what you said.
Malevola (over comms): Bitch.
Robert: Yeah, so the perp that just ran by was Lightningstruck. This is now the second time that you let him get away.
Invisigal (over comms): No shit? That's crazy.
Invisigal (over comms): Whoa! Bro! Chill out.
Chase: I'd normally say cut her, but the way things are going, I'd cut the whole damn team. You need a reset, Robbie.
Robert: All Z-Team back to base and in the conference room in twenty minutes.

[Robert puts his headset down in frustration.]

---

===== SCENE 8: INTERIOR – SDN CONFERENCE ROOM – LATER =====

[The Z-Team assembles in the conference room. Sonar enters, followed by Robert.]

[SOUND: Chairs scraping, murmuring.]

Sonar: Anyone else think this is a waste of time?

Punch Up: Yeah I know.

Sonar: Like what are we doing here? What the fuck is the point of this?

Punch Up: I'd rather be somewhere else.

Sonar: I had a thousand better things to do. There are so many good re-runs I could be watching right now.

Punch Up: I was about to hit the gym to give Theresa and Susan a good bit of a workout.

Robert: Can everybody take a seat so we can get started.

Robert: Hey can I get your attention please. I would like to get starte--

[Golem barges into the room, knocking Robert into a pile of chairs.]

[SOUND: Chairs clattering, laughing.]

Flambae: Woah, looks like this motherfucker's got the power of flight, way to go.

Sonar: Bobby boy! Watch where you're going!

Prism: Look at you! Look at you!

Punch Up: I'd rather be somewhere else

---

===== SCENE 8A: HANDLING GOLEM =====

**Robert's options for handling Golem (determinant):**

> **Option 1 - "[Kick Golem out]"**
> Robert: Hey. You. Get out of here.
> Robert: Yeah, you, fuckin' Barney Rubble. Fuck off. You can ask one of your teammates to fill you in later.
> Golem: And what if I don't?
> Robert: Then I won't just kick you out of this room, I'll kick you out of the whole Phoenix Program. You can go back to whatever life was so lame that you thought coming here was an improvement. Or you can step outside and think about what you want from all this... why you're here. Something everyone in this room should be thinking about.
> Blonde Blazer: What's Golem sitting outside for?
> Robert: He's in timeout.

> **Option 2 - "[Give him the chair]"**
> Robert: Hey.
> [SOUND: Wood scraping, metal clattering as Robert throws a chair at Golem.]
> Robert: I understand you're big, but you need to be considerate of the people around you. Have a seat.
> Golem: I'll sit on the floor.
> Robert: Suit yourself.
> Blonde Blazer: What's... going on?
> Robert: Hmm? Oh, I offered 'em a seat.

---

===== SCENE 9: THE SPEECH BEGINS =====

[Everyone settles in. Robert stands at the head of the conference table.]

Chase: So... we gettin' this party started?
Flambae: Yeah, what's this shit about? Let's go, come on. Fuckin wasting my time, let's go.
Robert: Okay, as you know, by the end of today, one of you will be cut from the Z-Team.
Malevola: This is bullshit.
Robert: Yeah, you said that already.
Punch Up: Cut me from a job I didn't want in the first place.
Prism: Miss Blazer, maybe if you gave us a dispatcher who knew what they were doin', you wouldn't have to throw no one out?
Robert: Hey, Nikki Mirage. I'm standing right here. You can talk to me.
Prism: I wasn't talkin' to you, bitch. Which weak ass superhero team you come from? Fuckin' Geek Squad?
Robert: Doesn't matter where I'm from, Cardi C. What matters is I'm here to figure out who stays and who goes.
Punch Up: Yeah, chill out, Lady Haha. Let the man talk.
Blonde Blazer: Okay, whoa, whoa, whoa.
Prism: You talkin' shit you hipster motherfucker. Over here lookin' like Mumford fucked all his sons.
Punch Up: That was funny. See? We're just bustin' balls.
Prism: Keep talking' you won't have your tiny inbred balls left to bust.
Coupé: Ask next time or there won't be a next time.
Prism: Don't threaten me you butter knife bitch.
Robert: Ooookay. I'll make this quick.
Robert: Most people would look around this room and see a bunch of villains. Not even the super kind. Just plain ass, run of the mill vanilla fuckin' villains. But that's not what I see...
Robert: Cause lucky for you, I'm not most people. When I look around this room, what I see is...
Malevola: Did you not plan this ahead of time?

---

===== SCENE 9A: CHOOSING THE FOCUS =====

**Robert's speech focus options (determinant):**

> **Option 1 - "Potential."**
> Robert: ...potential.
> Malevola: Got there in the end.
> Robert: Unfortunately, for you it's a curse. Cause there isn't a thing in the universe that goes more wasted than potential. And despite how common it is, no one seems to forget. It's what they whisper when you leave the room. "Oh, so and so had so much potential." It follows you forever. I'm here to help you lift the curse of potential... by getting you to fucking do something with it.

> **Option 2 - "Fear."**
> Robert: ...fear.
> Malevola: Got there in the end.
> Robert: You're afraid you're gonna fuck it up again. Like the last time someone gave you a shot... and the time before that... and the time before that. You're afraid of letting people down again. You're afraid of letting yourself down. If you want this time to be different than those other times... I'm here to help.

> **Option 3 - "Pain."**
> Robert: ...pain.
> Malevola: Describes what I'm feeling...
> Robert: Now I can't take that pain away... and I can't punish all those that hurt you... but I can teach you how to harness it. To use it... to make something good out of the part of you they didn't get.

Robert: You're all part of the Phoenix Program... any of you know what a phoenix is?
Malevola: Ooh, a city in Arizona.
Flambae: Yeah the sweltering ballsack of America.

Chase: Nah, if Florida's the dick, then Louisiana's gotta be the ballsack, just, you know, positionally --
Robert: The phoenix...
Chase: Sorry.
Robert: ...according to legend, is a beautiful bird of prey that was so tired of its immortality, it tricked the Sun God into dropping a spark on its nest to set it ablaze, burning it to shit...
Robert: But instead of dying, the Phoenix emerged from ash, reborn.

**Robert's speech options (determinant):**

> **Option 1 - "You set this program on fire."**
> Robert: All of you in this room, like the Phoenix, have set this program ablaze with your bullshit. I'm pushing the dumpster fire away from the building while we figure out if you want to take this seriously.

> **Option 2 - "All of you are Phoenixes."**
> Robert: All of you in this room are phoenixes... and it's obvious what that means, but for you dumb ones, I'll spell it out.

> **Option 3 - "You're all burnt shit."**
> Robert: You. Every single one of you, are those flaming piles of burnt shit. You especially. Now. You can stay piles of shit, like you've been your whole life... or we can turn this thing around.

Robert: The Phoenix symbolizes redemption. It's what you're here for. It's what connects everyone in this room. To burn up who you were to become who you were meant to be.

Invisigal (entering the room late): Phoenix is also a lame ass band my lame ass roommate listens to.

Robert: You're late.

Malevola: I like that band.
Invisigal: You would. What're you talking about? I was here the whole time. I turn invisible, genius. Remember?

Chase: Bullshit.
Robert: Great. Then you know we're cutting someone and you, Miss Hot Topic sale, are at the bottom of the leaderboards. Have a better second shift.
Coupé: Fuck. I need this job.
Punch Up: What for, Coop? We all know you'll just be workin' the roulette wheel.
Coupé: That's a croupier you idiot.

Punch Up: The fuck's a croupier? I'm just sayin' you're a degenerate gambler.

---

===== SCENE 10: EXTERIOR – PLAYGROUND – LATER =====

[Robert, at his desk, uses the security cameras to find Invisigal. She is sitting on playground equipment, smoking a cigarette.]

Robert (over comms): Invisigal. Where are you going?

Robert (over comms): Are you smoking in a playground? The fuck's wrong with you?

Invisigal: There you go. One more strike against me. You've got to get rid of somebody, right? I'm making it easy for you.

Robert (over comms): No. You're quitting. You're not making it easy for me, you're making it easy for you.

Invisigal: You don't get it. Some people are born to be heroes. I'm not one of them. I tried. It just wasn't meant to be.

Robert (over comms): Meant to be? What're you talking about?

Invisigal: Blazer? Phenomaman? They have hero powers. Strong, out there for all to see, flying through the sky. Nothing to hide.

Robert (over comms): What's your point?

Invisigal: I have fuckin' villain powers. I can turn invisible and skulk in the shadows. My powers let me steal shit and watch famous people fuck. Being a villain is my fate.

Invisigal: It's in the fucking stars. In the same way that Blonde Blazer was always meant to be a hero.

**Robert's responses (determinant):**

> **Option 1 - "Fate is bullshit."**
> Robert (over comms): There's no such thing as fate. It's bullshit. It's just something we cling to because we think we're the main character of life. We're not. We're a bunch of flesh blobs with depression on a floating rock.
> Invisigal: Is that supposed to be comforting?
> Robert (over comms): Yeah. Cause no one's paying attention if you wanna switch things up.

> **Option 2 - "You make your own destiny."**
> Robert (over comms): You make your own destiny...
> Invisigal: Where'd you get that? Kung-fu Panda?
> Robert (over comms): Lion King.
> Invisigal: Boomer. I think it's in Trolls 2 also.
> Robert (over comms): All fine films with a fine message.

> **Option 3 - "Fuck the stars."**
> Robert (over comms): Ah, you're lookin' for answers in the stars? Well listen, they're just rocks or gas or alien cum, okay I don't know.
> Invisigal: If you don't know, why are you still talking?
> Robert (over comms): They're not even real, okay? Any message you're seeing is light that took thousands of years to hit your eyeballs. So if you're getting any messages, it's useless, cause it was for some fucker that died a long time ago.

Invisigal: You've already been a hero, okay? You have no idea what I'm dealing with.

Robert (over comms): Ah, get outta here. At least you were born with powers. I don't have shit. So according to your dumbass theory I should be an accountant.

Invisigal: You aren't far off.

Robert (over comms): Fate. Destiny. Not having powers. Seasonal depression. None of these things kept me from being a hero before. And they won't keep me from being a hero again.

Robert (over comms): Oh my god. You wanna talk about fate? That Lightningstruck fuck that's been on a spree is two blocks from your location. Maybe the third time's the charm.

Invisigal: I told you. I'm out.

Robert (over comms): You really wanna let this idiot get one over on you a third time?

Invisigal: What makes you think it'd be any different?

**Robert's responses (determinant):**

> **Option 1 - "Get one for the road."**
> Robert (over comms): Invisigal just get one for the road. You're still on the clock. Fuck this guy up. Walk out with your head held high. Finish in style.
> Invisigal: Finish by getting zapped so hard I piss my pants. That style?
> Robert (over comms): I promise I won't tell anyone if you piss your pants, no matter the reason.

> **Option 2 - "This could make a difference."**
> Robert (over comms): The day's not done. Get this guy and it could make a difference.
> Invisigal: He stole a roll of pennies out of the cash register at Granny's. I don't think he's movin the needle.
> Robert (over comms): He's about to steal a quarter of a million dollars of jewelry.
> Invisigal: Oh shit. Respect.
> Robert (over comms): So go move the needle.

> **Option 3 - "Take your anger out on him."**
> Robert (over comms): You're pissed. I get it. You know what I like to do when I'm pissed? Punch things. Often, bad people.
> Invisigal: I do like to punch things.
> Robert (over comms): I know. You're great at it. Go be great one more time.

Robert (over comms): Or are you gonna just sit there and subject kids to second hand smoke?
Robert (over comms): Don't do it. Don't fuckin' give that kid a cigarette.
Invisigal: He's the one I bummed it from. What's the address?

---

===== SCENE 11: INTERIOR/EXTERIOR – JEWELRY STORE – NIGHT =====

[Invisigal arrives at the jewelry store. Lightningstruck and his crony are inside.]

[SOUND: Jewelry store ambient sounds, muffled voices.]

Lightningstruck: Shut the fuck up!
Crony: You ain't worried about a hero crashing the party?
Lightningstruck: No... load that up--
Lightningstruck: Where's your boy?
Lightningstruck: Shit!

[Invisigal dispatches the crony off-screen. Lightningstruck looks around, confused.]

Lightningstruck: That you, donut girl? You sure you want to do this again?
Lightningstruck: Where are you? Come on, come out.
Lightningstruck: Where are you?
Robert (over comms): Invisigal, are you alright?
Invisigal: Yeah I'm fine. Just help me find this fucker.
Robert (over comms): Got him. He's at your five o'clock.
Lightningstruck: It's not fair that you can see me but I can't see you.
Robert (over comms): I'm flying blind here. I can't see anything.
Robert (over comms): Great, gimme a second to tap into this.

[The hacking minigame begins. Robert must navigate through an antivirus program.]

[SOUND: Typing on keyboard, computer beeps.]

Robert (over comms): Got it. I can see again.
Invisigal: That makes one of us. So where the hell is he?
Robert (over comms): I can't see him from this camera. Let me try to get another one online.

**Path A (Robert successfully accesses another camera):**
Robert (over comms): He's at your seven.
Invisigal: That wasn't so hard was it?
Robert (over comms): He's heading your way.
Robert (over comms): Invisigal, I've got a plan.

**Path B (Robert fails to access another camera):**
Robert (over comms): Shit. I couldn't get access to another camera.
Invisigal: Can you at least turn on the lights or something so that *I* can see him?

Robert (over comms): Got it! On the count of three I am going to turn on the main overhead lights. Which should temporarily blind him giving you a chance to take him out.
Robert (over comms): One... two... three!

[SOUND: Electrical hum, lights flickering on.]

Invisigal: I'm no hero... fuck, no, let me try that again. Now you see me... Wait. Uh. What about... lights out, Thundercuck.
Robert (over comms): That's the one. Would've been better if you said it first.
Invisigal: Right. Cause lighting, thunder. Struck, cuck. Fuck. So close.

**Alternative outcome (Robert fails):**
Robert (over comms): Shit.
Invisigal: Where the hell is he?
Robert (over comms): He's heading your way.
Invisigal: Fuck this.
Robert (over comms): Invisigal!

---

===== SCENE 12: INTERIOR – SDN OFFICES – LATER =====

[Invisigal returns to SDN with Lightningstruck in handcuffs. The rest of the Z-Team is there, congratulating her.]

Golem: 'Sup, Thundercuck.
Flambae: Hey Bangle Boy! More like Bangle Bitch!
Prism: Or Bitch Boy.
Punch Up: Hey, Bangle Bitch Boy! Fuck you!
Robert (to Blonde Blazer): Why are those assholes not being assholes?
Blonde Blazer: Isn't this what you were going for?
Robert: Yeah, but I didn't think it would work. I don't get it.
Blonde Blazer: So, this one keeps the comm line one on one. This one connects to the whole team. And this one --
Blonde Blazer: Goes out to the entire branch.
Robert: Fuck.
Blonde Blazer: Yeah, you got off light. One dispatcher broadcast the details of his botched circumcision. HR nightmare. Did you mean all that? You really think she has a shot?
Blonde Blazer: All that stuff about fate sounded good but, I don't know if you were just saying what you thought she needed to hear.

---

===== SCENE 12A: ROBERT'S RESPONSE TO BLAZE BLOWER =====

**Robert's response options (determinant):**

> **Option 1 - "Honestly? No, not really."**
> Robert: Honestly? No, not really. I think she's too jaded and angry and stuck in her own head to make it as a hero.
> Blonde Blazer: So, why didn't you just let her quit?
> Robert: She's clocked in. She can be a quitter on her own time. Or when we cut her.
> Blonde Blazer: Right...

> **Option 2 - "Yeah. Everyone has a shot."**
> Robert: Yeah. Everyone has a shot. People are who they choose to be. If Invisigal wants this, she has to commit. It's too easy to quit when you're not good at something.
> Blonde Blazer: It's a steep learning curve.

> **Option 3 - "I want it to work."**
> Robert: I want it to work. Someone like Invisigal turning it around is what this program should be about. I'm rooting for her.
> Blonde Blazer: So am I. I'm glad we're on the same page.

---

===== SCENE 13: INTERIOR – BLONDE BLAZER'S OFFICE – LATER =====

[Robert and Blonde Blazer look at the updated leaderboard on her computer.]

Blonde Blazer: So, it's between Sonar and Coop.

Robert: What? That's not-- No, Invisigal's still at the bottom of the board.

Blonde Blazer: Oh, the one in the bullpen? That thing updates every hour. Invisigal moved up. Catching Lightningstruck really gave her a huge boost.

Robert: Bangle boy? Really?

Blonde Blazer: The Donut Shop escape, slipping past Malevola, now the jewelry store... really bumped up the wanted levels.

Robert: That's like missing the free throw on purpose to get the put back.

Blonde Blazer: Yeah, exactly... I don't watch football but I get it. Look, I know I'm not supposed to play favorites here, but even if she was on the bottom, I'm not sure I'd have let you cut her.

Robert: Then it's a good thing she's not.

Blonde Blazer: Yeah. So, these two are now tied for last place. Who do we cut?

Blonde Blazer: Sonar or Coop? It's your call. I support it all the way.

**Robert's decision options (determinant):**

> **Option 1 - "Sonar."**
> Robert: Sonar it is. He had to use his distress beacon before he even left the building today so I'm not sure it's gonna work.
> Blonde Blazer: What happened?
> Robert: He thought he was gonna see boobs and got tricked.
> Blonde Blazer: You somehow gave me too much detail and not enough detail in one sentence.

> **Option 2 - "Coupé."**
> Robert: Coop. If I'm honest, she still feels a little...
> Blonde Blazer: Evil?
> Robert: Yeah.
> Blonde Blazer: Yeah... it's too bad. Alright. I'll get started on the paperwork.

Robert: I'll let him know.

Robert: I'll let her know. Feels important that I do.

Blonde Blazer: Hey, uh, Robert...
Blonde Blazer: Great work today.

---

===== SCENE 14: INTERIOR – SDN CONFERENCE ROOM – LATER =====

[Robert sits across from Sonar at the conference table.]

Robert: So, I'm sure you know why you're here...
Sonar: Nah not at all man, no clue. What's up? What's going on Robbie?
Robert: You... well, I'm cutting you.
Sonar: What? No. Invisigal, she should be getting cut. She's on the bottom!
Robert: Not anymore, actually. Her last dispatch put her above you.
Robert: Sonar! Hey, they're gonna call security.
Sonar: This isn't over.
Robert: It actually is. Sorry it didn't work out.
Sonar: Watch your back, Robert.
Sonar: Why is this... what. Did you--
Robert: Uh, no, you uh you must've just locked it...
Sonar: Sorry, force of hab-- fuck you!

[Sonar transforms into his Mega Bat form, screams at Robert, then storms out.]

---

===== SCENE 15: INTERIOR – SDN CONFERENCE ROOM – LATER =====

[Robert sits across from Coupé at the conference table.]

Robert: Coop, I'm sure you already know why I've asked you here.
Coupé: You would be mistaken.
Robert: Oh. Okay. Well, I'm letting you go. You're at the bottom of the leaderboards. I guess all those penalties for, you know, cutting people, added up. I'm sorry.
Coupé: But I cheered for Invisigal...
Robert: You did. I saw that. That was cool of you.
Coupé: I only did that cause I thought she was being cut.
Robert: Oh, that makes sense. A lot of sense actually. Yeah, well, she snuck past you with her last dispatch.
Robert: That's uh, wow look at that. That's very menacing. Well, thank you.

[Coupé throws a knife onto the table, breaking the conference room window, and flies away.]

---

===== SCENE 16: INTERIOR – SDN DISPATCH FLOOR – LATER =====

[Robert returns to his desk. Chase is nearby, looking at the dog bed he set up for Beef.]

Chase: You accessorizing?
Robert: You could call it that.
Chase: Did he try to choke you with that or something?
Robert: No. He just left it.
Chase: You're lucky he just stopped at the tie.
Chase: Hey, check it out. I've been doing some accessorizing myself.

**Alternative scene (if Coupé was cut):**
Chase: Where'd you get that?
Robert: Coop. She left this souvenir for me after I cut her.
Chase: She threatening you, Robert.
Robert: I know-- trying to put a positive spin on it.

Robert: You are spoiling him.
Chase: Nonsense. What are you talking about?
Robert: You ready to go home, bud?

[Beef wags his tail. Invisigal approaches the leaderboard and takes a picture of herself standing on it before turning invisible.]

Chase: I still would've cut you.
Invisigal (from off-screen): Well, no one fuckin' asked you old man.
Chase: Lucky fuckin for you.
Invisigal (from off-screen): Thanks.

[Robert smiles.]

[FADE TO BLACK.]