https://discord.gg/Mmn2FPW

https://reddit.com/r/thecitywithinthewalls

[Narrator]

It's a fine day in the city within the walls. The sun is lighting one corner of the seemingly eternal clouds, giving it an orangish gray hue. The fog is just setting in and the city is a buzz. People are leaving their apartment doors, entering the Tanex taxi cabs and the streets below are busy with delivery vehicles of all kinds. It seems Sorrels message has relaxed this fine people, as they now go about life unaware of the looming danger…

(Car door sound)

(Tharin enters the car)

[Salistine]

Good morning sir.

[Tharin]

Good morning Salistine, how are you?

[Salistine]

All systems fully functional and running at optimal levels sir

[Tharin]

Good to hear, any messages?

[Salistine]

Just one from your insurance agent, would you like me to play that now?

[Tharin]

No, council no, that is not a good way to start a day Salistine, honestly. (Breath) what's on the agenda for today?

[Salistine]

1st is...Freeland district, 2nd…

[Tharin]

Right…Freeland district, I nearly forgot...take me there.

[Salistine]

Freeland district it is sir. ETA is 12 minutes and….

(Static from Salistine. Tharin starts hitting the dash. A bong sounds and a creepy version of the city anthem begins)

[Jones]

Some of you may know me...some may not, so allow me to introduce myself. I'm Jones...the el Capitan of the people's representation. Let me first apologize for interrupting your day, I know your all probably very busy with trying to ignore the lions in our city. The ones who pray on the people...treat them as...disposable, worthless trash, inconvenient realities of their upper class existence. I'm speaking of course, about the council. You see yesterday Sorrel made a speech, a speech about quelling some of the concern for the “missing” Saris. He said, [sarcastically imitating Sorrel] “Saris has not disappeared, but rather he's ill and unable to perform his duties.”[clearing throat] This my fellow citizens, my fellow patrons of this future great city...was a lie. How do I know? Have a look to my left. In this chair beside me...is a beaten, sad, pitiful Saris. I wanted you to see this so you'd know, beyond a shadow of a doubt, that the council is full of liars, and Sorrel is the King of the aforementioned agent noun. They continue to lie to you, and cheat you...from the life you all could have here in this city. It's time ladies and gentlemen...time to correct the mistake of our ancestors and rid this city of the council once and for all. Now you might be asking yourself, what would take the councils place? That's a good question, and the Theosin propose a true representative system. We, already have this system written out...and when the time comes that you all have had enough, just as we have, we can move to rid the city of the council and begin to debate this document. I ask you to seriously take this into consideration...for our sake...the sake of the people...the sake of our children. Any who wish to join our cause, will be welcomed as brothers, as sisters, as family. A Theosin brotherhood, a Theosin future, a future for the people.

[Salistine]

….and 42 seconds sir. Wait...what just happened?

[Tharin]

Salistine, are you alright?

[Salistine]

Yes sir I'm fine...incoming call from the councilman…

[Tharin]

Yes Answer it.

(Phone sound)

(Answering sound)

[Tharin]

Father...What in the name of the council was that?

(Jarrett is very concerned. He needs Tharin to act swiftly in the mission he's about to give him)

[Jarrett]

Jones has hacked the emergency channel. We've shut him down for now, but I need you to find someone. His name is Knox, you must find Knox.

[Tharin]

Who is Knox?

[Jarrett]

Let's just say...he's a genius coder. Jones's team has become more advanced than we originally anticipated and Knox is the only one who can stop them.

[Tharin]

And this Knox, can create a code to stop that...from ever happening again?

[Jarrett]

I haven't the time to explain Tharin, this is very urgent, you must find him.

[Tharin]

Ok well...any ideas where I might find said, Knox?

[Jarrett]

Talk to Ajin…he and Knox have history. If anyone knows where he is...its Ajin.

[Tharin]

(Sarcastic)

Perfect...how I love talking to that cynical man. Let's just hope he knows more about Knox than he does about engineering.

[Jarrett]

He'll know where he is, I'm sure of it. When you find him...give him whatever he wants. We need his help. If he says no the people...well...let's just hope he says yes.

[Tharin]

I'll promise him the city if I have to. I'm headed to Ajins shop now.

[Jarrett]

Let me know when you've found him.

[Tharin]

I will father..goodbye.

[Jarrett]

Goodbye Tharin...and good luck.

(Music starts)

[Narrator]

Tharin enters Ross's shop. As always people are grinding away, hammering and soldering wires. The shop always smells of burnt metal and cleaning solvent. A smell that someone of  Tharin's status always has a hard time getting passed. Ross, as usual is seated on his chair in front of his desk, still apparently trying to make his device less...substandard.

[Tharin]

Ross

[Ross]

No commissioner, I haven't made any progress yet.

[Tharin]

I'm not here about the device. I'm looking for someone...someone I was told you're...acquainted with? His name is….

(Interrupting Tharin)

[Ross]

Let me guess...Knox.

[Tharin]

Well that was a pretty good guess.

[Ross]

Yes well...I heard the transmission this morning. I assumed you'd be by looking for someone to shut down Jones.

[Tharin]

I'm just...impressed you knew who I was looking for really, that was just crazy. Are you reading my mind?

[Ross]

No I'm not reading your mind.

[Thatin]

Because if you have something that reads minds I could really put that work.

[Ross]

No commissioner Grady, I don't have a device…

(Interrupted by Tharin)

[Tharin]

Well let's just see if you can do it a second time shall we. What I'm going to ask next?

[Ross]

(Breath)

You want to know where he is.

[Tharin]

(Laughing)

Honestly Mr Ajin, that's just amazing….If I had a cookie I'd give it to you. Unfortunately I had no idea we'd be playing this game…

[Ross]

Do you want to know where he is or not?

[Tharin]

That is why I'm here Mr Ajin.

[Ross]

He's in the Graven Rouge district.

[Tharin]

Psss, of course he is. I mean why wouldn't he be, right? It's only the worst spot in the city...full of thieves, chem A addicted trash, vagabonds and fully approved criminals.

[Ross]

Yes well, he's kind of a recluse. That's why he chose to hide there...people leave him alone...until now that is.

[Tharin]

Hopefully there are more details you can provide me with. I mean I really can't  just go in and there start asking around. People aren't going to like fact….that I'm even there, let alone answer any of my questions.

[Ross]

He lives in Drydent Hall, apartment number 501.

[Tharin]

Perfect...that wasn't so hard now was it? Thank you for your time Mr Ajin...oh…and one last thing.

[Ross]

(Perturbed exhaling as he talks)

Yes what is it?

[Tharin]

The device…call me as soon as you have something.

[Ross]

Of course commissioner Grady…as soon as I have something you'll be the first to know.

[Tharin]

Great, thank you.

[Ross]

(Perturbed)

Your welcome, (under breath) marionette swine.

[Narrator]

Tharin heads to Drydent Hall in one of the most dangerous districts in the city, the Graven district. This place is run by the Graven Rouges...fully approved by the council they are the underground crime syndicate and they don't like authorities sniffing around on their territory. Salistine touches down on the wet concrete on a poorly lit street. Tharin exits the vehicle and heads into a building that looks vacated long ago. He finds room 501….

(Knock, Knock, Knock)

(Chained door opens)

[Tharin]Woah, hello..

[Knox]Hello….who are you?

[Tharin]Commissioner Grady...are you Knox?

[Knox]Who's asking?

[Tharin]I thought we'd already established that but ok...I'm…

[Knox]Yes, yes of course you are, your commissioner Grady, heir to the Grady house, commissioner of...of the northern policing force.

[Tharin]That's right...may I come in?

[Knox]Why?

[Tharin]The council would like to offer you a job. I'm here to negotiate said job.

[Knox]Have you seen bisket?

[Tharin]What? Who's bisket?

[Knox]My dog...hes usually very still...he almost always stays put, I can't find him anywhere. Have you seen him?

[Tharin]No I haven't I...I can't say that I've seen any dogs...so...can I come in so we can talk?

[Knox]Yes of course you can, where are my manners.

(Door opens)

[Knox]Mind the wires now...don't trip, I'd hate for you unplug anything...I'm in the middle of very important research.

[Tharin]I'll be careful.

[Knox]Please, do have a seat.

[Tharin] Sure, so about the job…

[Knox]Yes please...what does the council need from its humble servant.

[Tharin]Jones, the leader of the….

[Knox]Yes, yes the leader of the Theosin. I heard his transmission this morning.

[Tharin]Well we need you to shut him down...keep him...off the grid. Can you do that?

[Knox]Hmmm…this is easy, an easy task...I'll just need a few things of course.

[Tharin]Name them.

[Knox]First find my dog bisket.

[Tharin]Ok… [angered] this is absurd. I don’t have time -

[Knox] [Quickly cutting off Tharin] If you want the help you’ll oblige...please [Pauses]Now second, I need a lab to continue my research and funding for...whatever I need and...a more suitable living condition.

[Tharin][Perturbed and becoming impatient]I suppose that can be handled.

[Knox]Great, let me shut down this program and I'll get started on yours. It’ll only take...an hour maybe.

[Tharin]Perfect...what's...that over there? Is that a stuffed animal?

(Overjoyed)[Knox]Oh, you've found him you….you've found him. Thank you…thank you commissioner Grady. I'll do whatever you need...I...I can't believe you found bisket…(Talking to the dog like its real)Who's my good little boy, who's my good little bisket. Don't ever disappear like that again. You scared daddy half to death.

(Scene fades)

[Narrator]

As Tharin contemplates the move of hiring a strange...somewhat crazy old man, Ross sits at his desk working on his device. Hours upon hours he's poured over this thing and now he finally has something. He calls Tharin to gives him the news and Tharin rushes over to hear what Ross has for him…

[Tharin]

Ok Ross...why am I hear?

[Ross]

Well, let me just say...this is a very sophisticated thing they've done, extremely advanced and unbelievable impressive. However, I have deciphered the bulk of it. We now have 7 Saris's verses 50.

[Tharin]

You brought me...all the way down here...to tell me...you still don't know where Saris is?

[Ross]

No...well yes, but this is a huge improvement from where we were this morning.

[Tharin]

[Aggressively aggravated - pointed]

Explain how, still not knowing where Saris is...is a huge improvement.

[Ross]

Ok well, if someone could monitor these 7 signals they may very well turn up a pattern. That pattern might lead either to Saris, or...other Theosin members that can be interrogate.

[Tharin]

Ross [pauses to contemplate excitement]…that's actually a pretty good idea...ok, you've redeemed yourself. You are now in charge of watching for a pattern.

[Ross]

Commissioner Grady, I hardly have time-

[Tharin]

Perhaps a stay in the cage would provide you enough time.

[Ross]

Fine...I'll keep an eye on it…

[Narrator]

Ross and Tharin are interrupted by Ross's workshop coms, static, bong…

[Tharin]

Oh not this again

[Ross]

Shhhhh

[Sorrel]

(Placing his hand over the mic)

Turn the anthem off

....I'm here...on the emergency channel to apologize to my fellow citizens, of this once peaceful city. Apologize for the treACHERY AND LACK OF RESPECT FOR YOU All. (Clears throat) This (highlight the next word and slow down the word at ings) mornings interruption...will not go unpunished, for that you have my word and the word of the full council. Know, that this "Jones", who ironically calls your trusted council LIARS... is himself...the (mocking Jones) "aforementioned agent noun"....(taking your time now to choose your words) Allow me to put this accusation, now...to rest. As you can see for those of you who have a visual...Saris is right here, in this hospital bed, fighting for his life. (Pause) Know also, that only a coward and a deviant deceiver of men, would use a sick, near death near death agent of our fair land, to further an agenda that a people of such calibre would never fall for without a stunt such as this. I am truly sorry for the (loathing feeling as he says the word) negligence...for a team that controls the airways. They will be dealt with and this morning mishap will never happen again. Rest assured that our top doctors...will have our beloved Saris back on his feet soon. Until then, Dayton will be searching the city for the perpetrator Jones. When found...he will be executed live for the whole city to witness, so that justice is served to the innocent who fell prey to this predator that perverts the truth. I only ask, that if you see Jones, you call the commissioners offices immediately. Jones is an infection beyond mending, and we will burn all that it spreads to. I beg your forgiveness my great people and leave you tonight, with they only hope we have as a United force against division...that is our blessing. May the blessings of the council be with you always, goodnight.

(Foot steps, Tharin is leaving in a hurry)

[Ross]

commissioner…

[Tharin]

Stay on it Ross, find a pattern.

(Tharin pushes his coms button halfway through his statement to Ross. Door shuts, Tharin is outside)

[Tharin]

Father. What is going on? Did you know about that transmission?

[Jarrett]

No. Sorrel is...working without the approval of the council. Things are getting dangerous. If he is allowed to continue in this...I don't know what will happen. This chaos needs to end. The council is afraid hes growing to bold. They're afraid he might not relinquish this new power grab. I need some good news Tharin.

[Tharin]

Knox should be finished with the code by now. Did you get my message?

[Jarrett]

Yes. Everything is set for him. We've met his demands and he will soon be employed by the council. What of the device.

[Tharin]

There's been an improvement, but we haven't found Saris yet.

[Jarrett]

There's rumors that Jones's speech has already caused damage in the people's confidence...for the council. There's talk of an uprising.

[Tharin]

Yes well...if it comes to that, my team and James Corins team will be ready.

[Jarrett]

Let's just hope that Sorrels last speech has done the trick. We may be angry with him...but it was the only option I think.

[Narrator]

As Tharin and Jarrett discuss the future of chaotic events, Jones pops in to check on Saris...and give him a bit of news. Saris sits in a metal chair in the middle of a warehouse. The windows shed a bit of light as Jones approaches.

[Jones]

Saris how wonderful to see you again.

[Saris]

Back so soon Jones? What's the problem this time? Tharin getting closer to finding me...closer to relieving you of your worthless life?

[Jones]

Nope, neither of those. I have something I want you to see.

[Narrator]

Jones reaches into his pocket and pulls out a neon purple ball. It's the size of a quarter and has a slight glow. He tosses it in the air and it stops 4 ft from Saris, level with his head. It begins to project a screen. What's playing? Just Sorrels latest message….

[Jones]

You see Saris...this is what I was talking about. Sorrel cares nothing for you.

[Saris]

It's a doctored video.

[Jones]

Is it? My techs tell me…that this is a real person...you see now….they've replaced you. Sorrel….has...replaced you.

[End]