Flesh and Bone
By
Justin Blasdel
Justin Blasdel
Version 1
6/6/2011
479-200-7834
[email protected] Characters
Fionn; (FEE-own) The Alien; Male
Daco; (DAWCH-o) Sperm Whale; Female
Agbayani; (aug-buy-YAWN-ee) White Shark; Male
Talao; (ta-LAW-o) Stingray; Female
Ysip; (YEE-sip) Octopus; Female
Angara; (awn-GAR-ra) Jellyfish; Female
Tigas; (TEE-gas) Hermit Crab; Male
Ringor; (RING-gore) Angler Fish; Male
Sabacan; (SABB-a-cawn) Piranha; Female
Galos; (GAW-lows) Swordfish; Male
Setting
In a foreign world similar to our Earth’s dangerous underwaters.
Time
A prehistoric, vicious era of survival.
Production Notes: The Lumahan (or sea creature characters) do not have to fully represent their corresponding creatures. However, the more prehistoric and animalistic they seem, the better. FIONN must seem to be more like a pristine, futuristic being rather than a normal human.
ACT I, SCENE I
Blackness.
It is dark, murky, and quite threatening. The feel on the skin is moist and cold, and smell is constantly bombarded with vegetation and the hint of blood. Distant sounds suggest moving beasts beyond sight, never revealing if something is closing in.
SFX: Mechanical humming.
A circular bright, white light shines down from the top. FIONN is seen standing still and waiting for orders.
FIONN is a pleasant, intelligent alien being. HE is sleek, bright, and visually poses absolutely no threat. HE is more like a genial computer personality rather than a living, breathing creature.
SFX: Mechanical Humming dissipates.
FIONN looks over HIS body, and then speaks to the sky.
FIONN
I have arrived safely.
SFX: A white noise/technological language.
FIONN looks around.
My surroundings are as expected: murky, low-visibility, and slightly below average temperature.
SFX: The white noise/technological language.
No, the local inhabitants have not yet noticed my presence, as far as I can tell.
SFX: The white noise/technological language.
Yes, I will do so immediately. Thank you for your guidance, and I will gladly fulfill my mission.
SFX: The white noise/technological language.
FIONN (CONT.)
Goodbye.
The spot of light dissipates.
TALAO can be seen lurking in the background, intently watching FIONN.
TALAO is low on the predator totem pole, but SHE is ruthless nonetheless. Starved of respect, TALAO is greedy and impatient. SHE has a single, long knife attached to HER left hand, and is camouflaged with HER background, as most of HER species are.
FIONN once again checks HIS surroundings. TALAO hides from sight. FIONN then takes a few steps and tries to see if there is any sign of life in the distance.
No paved roads, nor any other semblance of transportation. I’ll assume they’ve not self-industrialized yet. I suppose that means travelling by foot. And here I go.
TALAO takes the chance to slowly walk behind FIONN. FIONN decides to walk away in HIS search, and that is when TALAO grabs FIONN from behind and holds HER blade against FIONN’s neck.
TALAO
A-ha! Gotcha, I did! Didn’t I? Didn’t I!
FIONN
Yes, it appears that you have.
TALAO
It was easy, too. I coulda’ stuck my blade in yer back, but I wanta see yer face first. It’s all clean and white. Pretty.
FIONN
Thank you.
TALAO
Shaddup! I’m in charge here, and ya’ talk when I want ya’ to. Got that?
FIONN
Certainly. I’ll freely answer any question you have for me.
TALAO
That’s what I said!
TALAO smells and looks closely at FIONN.
TALAO
I’ve never seen one of you before. Yer’ easy ta spot. I coulda’ spotted you a mile away as bright as ya’ are. What are ya’?
FIONN
My name’s Fionn, and I’m a visitor to your world.
TALAO
Yer’ a what?
FIONN
Could you please let me go? I promise I won’t run away.
TALAO
I won’t fall for that ole’ trick again. No, not me.
FIONN
I swear to you I am not lying.
TALAO punches FIONN in the back.
TALAO
Didn’t I tell ya’ ta speak when I ask questions, and nothin’ else!
FIONN
You did.
TALAO
I bet that punch in yer’ kidneys done ya’ good, didn’t it?
FIONN
Actually, it didn’t do anything to me either way.
TALAO
Oh, yeah? Oh, yeah!? Well how ‘bout this?!
TALAO tries to slice FIONN’s neck (letting HIM go in the process), but FIONN is not damaged at all. TALAO watches to see FIONN write in pain and die, but SHE is disappointed as FIONN readjusts HIS wardrobe.
TALAO
Yer’ not bleedin’.
FIONN
Fortunately, no I am not.
TALAO circles FIONN with blade ready to swipe at a moment’s notice.
TALAO
Ya’ got no shell. Yer’ skin is soft…and dry. Why can’t I cut ya’?! Why!
FIONN
I tried to explain earlier. I’m a visitor to your world. I’m in no way genetically related to any species on your planet.
TALAO
Yer’…yer’ not Lumahan?
FIONN
Is that the name of your species?
TALAO
Lumahan! Lumahan! Are ya’ Lumahan or no?!
FIONN
I’m not. I’m nothing you’ve ever seen before. If it makes you feel more comfortable, you’re nothing I’ve ever seen before.
TALAO looks at HER knife.
FIONN
Would you feel better if I allowed you to stab me again?
TALAO growls at FIONN.
TALAO
No!