Leveling Up Script

LEVELINGUP

by

DeborahZoeLaufer

Contact:DeborahLaufer DZLaufer@Optimum.netorDerekZaskyWILLIAMMORRISENDEAVOR1325AvenueoftheAmericasNewYork,NY10019(212)[email protected],DeborahZoeLauferDraftJuly2011

LEVELINGUP

CASTBREAKDOWN:

IAN: Early20s.AwesomegamerNevadaStatechamp.Abitofanerd.Verybright.

CHUCK: Iansroommate.Early20s.Allaroundgoodguy.

ZANDER: Iansotherroommate.Early20s.Verygoodlooking.Abitofawheelerdealer.

JEANNIE: Zansgirlfriend.Verysweetandinnocent.Excellentstudent.21

LEVELINGUPisplayedin10Sceneswithoutanintermission.

AllactiontakesplaceinIan,Chuck,andZansbasementgameroom.

SCENE 1: IAN, ZANDER, AND CHUCKS APT. THEY LIVED THERE AS COLLEGE ROOMMATES AND, TWO YEARS INTO REAL LIFE REMAIN THERE. WE ARE IN THE BASEMENT GAMEROOM WHERE THEY SPEND NEARLY 20 HOURS A DAY. THERE ARE NO WINDOWS. THERE ARE 2 CHAIRS AND A COUCH FACING THE AUDIENCE AND EVERY TYPE OF GAMING EQUIPMENT IMAGINABLE -- ROCK BAND AND GUITAR HERO CONTROLLERS, RACING CAR STEERING WHEEL CONSOLE, COMPUTERS. WE DO NOT SEE THE FOURTH WALL OF MONITORS, BUT WE SEE THEIR REFLECTIVE GLOW.

As the audience filters in, Zander, Ian, Chuck and Jeannie are already playing, as they have been for hours. Zander has the steering wheel, playing a racing game. Chuck plays guitar hero. Jeannie is doing Dance Dance revolution. Ian is playing a World of Warcraft-type fantasy game on a computer keyboard. They each wear headphones, so they interact only with their individual screens, very intently. When the audience is in place, the lights fade.

Lights up on Jeannie and Chuck, seated on the couch with xbox controllers in their hands. They are playing a Call of Duty-type war game and are deeply engaged in a military operation. Chuck is intent on the game and delighted to be teaching the prettiest girl who has ever come to their basement. Their speech is high energy -- they sometimes strain to be heard over the game, which we may or may not hear.)

JEANNIEBecause... I should live first.

CHUCKRight?

JEANNIEGet some real life experience. With actual kids.

CHUCKReal life. Totally.

JEANNIEBut of course, my parents are like -- what? I mean, everybody in my family went to med. school my siblings/ and my...

LEVELING UP

1

CHUCKCool. Move around to the other side of the roof. Im gonna shoot that guy. Please head shot, please head shot. YES!

JEANNIEEwwww. That was...

CHUCKHA! Awesome, right?

JEANNIE

(Laughing)Ok...

CHUCKTry to stay behind me.

JEANNIEYeah.

(They play for a beat.)So Im taking the MCATS in case I want to be a psychiatrist eventually, but really, Im like -- why? To dole out pills? When what I really want is to interact with actual kids/ you know?

CHUCKTotally.

JEANNIEIn troubled neighborhoods. See what its like in the trenches.

CHUCKRight. Watch out here, were surrounded.

(Beat.)

JEANNIENot that there arent plenty of troubled kids in regular schools, but if I go to some troubled neighborhoods, I think could really make a/ difference.

CHUCKYa. Troubled neighborhoods -- totally where you find the troubled kids.

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2

JEANNIEI mean, when you were in middle school, would /you have...

CHUCKLets go to that other rooftop.

JEANNIEOh. How do I...

CHUCKYou make him jump with this. See?

(Her controller)

JEANNIECool.

(They go to the other rooftop)Would you have ever gone to your school psychologist a real problem?

CHUCKNah.

JEANNIENo way, right? And I so want to be that person, you know? Who /the kids feel..

CHUCKSure. Push this. To jump.

JEANNIE...they can come to.

CHUCKWhen theyre troubled. Right.

JEANNIEDoes that sounds stupid? Like who the hell /am I that

CHUCKNo! Not at /all. Jump! Now! Jump!

(He pushes the button on her controller.)

JEANNIEOh! Thanks.

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3

CHUCKSure. No. Its totally awesome that you care. I mean so few people/ really care.

JEANNIEI do. I love kids. I really want to help.

(She shoots one of their own.)

CHUCKAhhh!

JEANNIEOh no! Sorry.

CHUCK

(Trying not to be upset.)No. Its cool.

JEANNIEO.M.G. I just shot down one of /our own.

CHUCKHappens all the time dude. Friendly fire. Youre gonna lose some points though.

JEANNIE

(She laughs)One of our own. I cant believe Im even playing this!

CHUCKYoure doing great.

JEANNIEThanks. Did you apply to grad schools?. /When you finished...

CHUCKNah.Stay behind debris and stuff, ok? Did you see that sniper? You almost got shot.

JEANNIEOops. Sorry.

CHUCKNo. Youre doing great.

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4

JEANNIEThanks for killing him.

CHUCKCall of duty baby.

JEANNIEHah!

CHUCKI got your back.

(Ian enters, extremely agitated.)

IANHey. Wheres Zander?

JEANNIEHi Ian.

CHUCKE-man! You were out! In the real world!

IANHave you seen him?

Jeannie?

JEANNIEHe was supposed to be here like...

IAN

(Texting on his phone)Where is he?!

(They witness a crash.)

CHUCK AND JEANNIENooooo!!!

IANIve been texting him for an hour.

(He exits to the back room.)

LEVELING UP

5

CHUCK

(Calling to Ian)Hey. You ever call that guy back?

JEANNIEOh no! Chuck!

CHUCKOuch. Sorry dude.

JEANNIEYou hit me!

CHUCKShit. We need to find a tank and get out of here.

JEANNIEBut Im... Im dead now.

CHUCKLook. Youre fine/. See?

JEANNIEWhat?

CHUCKPick yourself up. Dust yourself off...

JEANNIE

(Laughing)Oh. Cool!

IAN

(Reentering)When is he getting here??

CHUCK

(Laughing too)Follow me.

IANJeannie? Did you say?

LEVELING UP

6

JEANNIEHe was supposed to be here, like...

(The screen)Yikes!...like hours ago. Why?

CHUCK

(To Jeannie)Nice save.

JEANNIEThanks.

CHUCK

(To Ian)What did that guy want?

IAN

(His phone)God, hes such an asshole!

CHUCKWhoa, hes like, from the army dude. Hes government.

JEANNIESomeones been calling you from the government?

IAN

(Very important -- to impress Jeannie)N.S.A.

CHUCKHes called like three times.

JEANNIEWow. You better call him back.

CHUCKUncle Sam wants you dude.

LEVELING UP

7

(Ian pulls out his cell and calls Zan.)

IANThey want me to come in for an interview.

JEANNIEFor a job?

CHUCKNo way. What job?

IANIf I tell you Ill have to kill you.

(His phone.)Dammit, Zan! He wont pick up.

CHUCKAre you gonna go? For the interview?

IANNah.

JEANNIEWhy you want Zan?

CHUCKFuck, you should go dude. The National Security Agency? Are you kidding?

IAN

(Noticing their game)Holy shit. Is that Dooms Day III?

CHUCKOh yeah, baby.

IANThats not out till next week!

CHUCKMaybe for you.

IANHowd you get that? They broke the street date?

LEVELING UP

8

CHUCKI have my ways.

IANStellar graphics.

CHUCKRight?

(Some catastrophe)

IANOoooo. Epic fail. You guys suck.

JEANNIE

(Laughing)We do/ We really do.

CHUCKWell, Jeannie sucks.

JEANNIEShut up. Why you /need Zander?

CHUCKNoooob. [like rube] Bringing me down to your level.

IANHe fucking sold my Morikami Mask.

CHUCKWhat?

IANOn e-bay.

CHUCKHoly shit.

JEANNIEYour Morikami Mask?

IANHe auctioned it off.

LEVELING UP

9

CHUCKNo way.

JEANNIEWhats a Mori kami Mask?

CHUCKIts this friggin awesome, virtual... How much he get for it?

IANLast time I give that asshole my code.

JEANNIEZ wouldnt do that -- sell your...

IANI have the check. He fucking left me a check. He kept ten percent, and wrote me a check for the rest.

CHUCKHow much?

IANIts shit, man.

CHUCKHow much shit?

IANNine.

(He kicks the table ineffectually)Dammit!

CHUCKHe got ten k for that thing?

JEANNIEWait. Ten thousand? Dollars?

CHUCKDude. Thats awesome.

JEANNIEReal American dollars? Ten thousand real American dollars?

LEVELING UP

10

CHUCKI mean, isnt that awesome?

JEANNIEFor a make believe mask?

IAN

(Deeply insulted.)Make believe?? That was a level thirty Morikami Mask! That mask -- you put on that mask and you could do anything. Be anyone. You know how many quests I won to level it up that high? You put on that mask, you enter the Jingpo Pakosphere, and you can defeat anyone.

(Zander enters. He is all American good looking.)

ZANDERAll hail the conquering hero! I come bearing beer!

(He goes to put it in the mini-frig.)

IANAsshole!

ZANDERWhoa. Ian. Did you see what I got you?

IANI saw what you left me.

ZANDERWell, yeah I took a percentage.

IANStole.

ZANDERDude. Its a brokers fee. I mean , its going to you for rent anyway, right?

JEANNIEHey babe.

(Zander goes over and kisses her.)

ZANDERChuckstein. [like Einstein]

LEVELING UP

11

CHUCKHey.

IANYou owe me twenty thousand dollars Zander.

ZANDERWhat?

CHUCKWhoa.

IANThat was a years work there. That fucking mask is worth thirty k.

CHUCKHoly shit.

JEANNIEWait. /What?

ZANDERNo Ian no. I asked around. I mean, I didnt sell to the first guy. I got offered 5 k at first. I bargained it up. You should have seen me. I...

IANI could have sold that mask for thirty thousand dollars. I would have lived off it... for like, FOREVER! And now -- how the hell am I gonna see that money? Youre never going to get it! God!

CHUCKDude. Chill.

ZANDERThat mask was worth thirty? No way.

IANA guy in China just got thirty k for a mask that didnt have half the powers of my mask.

ZANDERWow E, Im totally sorry. You should have said something. I mean, I had no idea it was worth thirty. Wow. I mean /are you sure...

LEVELING UP

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IANSaid something? Said -- oh, by the way, please dont go hacking into my account which I entrusted the code to you, and steal my mask? Gee. It never occurred to me to tell you that. Next time Ill remember. /Thanks. Good advice.

ZANDERYou were going to get thirty for that mask? Thats insane dude. Thats totally/ insane.

IANWhats insane is that you sold it for nothing. Dammit.

(He kicks the chair, ineffectually)

CHUCKEasy on the chair E. Innocent bystander.

JEANNIE

(To Zander)Call the guy back. The guy you sold it to. Tell him it was a mistake.

ZANDERBabe.

JEANNIEIf you explain to him that it wasnt really your mask... maybe hell understand.

IANRight. And hell just offer to pay an extra twenty grand.

JEANNIEIts worth a try.

IANWhat planet do you live on?

CHUCKIan.

ZANDEROh God. Im so sorry dude. Wow. Here, I thought I was gonna like... surprise you that I got this crazy dude/ to pay...

IANYeah. Im surprised.

LEVELING UP

13

JEANNIEWell, its virtual, right? Its in a game? Can you make another one?

IANMake another one.

JEANNIEI mean, you did it once, /right?

IANDo you know what it takes to get to that level? Only one other person in the WORLD has gotten to that level. And it was the guy in China. And he soldit for thirty k. By the time I get there again, plenty of people will have gotten there and its going to be worth shit. Youre all so/... ignorant.

ZANDERHey. Come on.

IANYou are. Youre..

(Its pointless. Kicks the chair and hurts himself.)Whatever. Ow. Forget it.

(He sits down in his chair and fires up the screen. Begins playing during this.)

CHUCKHell get you the money.

IANRight.

CHUCK

(To Zander)Dude. You have to get him that money.

IANForget it, Chuck.

JEANNIENo. He will. Right hon?

LEVELING UP

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ZANDERYeah, wow. I mean, I had no idea it was worth that much. /Are you sure...

JEANNIEBut you have to. Pay him back.

ZANDEROk, I will.

IANJeannie. He doesnt do anything. Dont you get that?

ZANDERWhat is that supposed to mean?

JEANNIEHe does things.

IANUmmm... no.

JEANNIEHell get a job, right babe? Hell pay you back a little at a time.

IANUh huh.

JEANNIERight babe?

CHUCKOu....ch. [a bomb exploding at the end.]

ZANDERRight.

IANWhat job? Ahhh! Forget it.

JEANNIEHes had jobs. Right Z?

CHUCKYeah, the thing is, with a job, you kind of have to show up.

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IANHe gets money off his parents. Dont you know that? All through school while I was here working...

ZANDERWorking?

IANHis parents just sent him money.

ZANDERNot any more!

IANYeah, I noticed.

JEANNIE

(To Zan)Why dont you sell things too? Masks and... swords or whatnot. There must be other things worth a lot, I mean, you play tons...

CHUCKJeannie. Dude. Zan is totally not at that level.

ZANDERHey. Look. Im plenty /respectable.

CHUCKI mean, nothing personal dude, but that shit that Ian does, what hes capable of.. thats like... its like not even human. Its like not even in the same universe.

ZANDERIve leveled up. Plenty. I was on level 37. On Quasar. B I had three level 70s with six more alts in the 30-45 range. But you know, I play a variety of games and Ian just...

CHUCKNo way. Ian is like an artist. Hes a total Nebcon genius.

JEANNIEYeah?

CHUCKHe was Nevada champion two years in a row. You didnt know that?

LEVELING UP

16

JEANNIEWow.

CHUCKNevada State Champion.

(To Zander)You didnt tell her that dude?

ZANDERYeah /I did.

JEANNIEWow. No.

CHUCKYou are like, in the presence of greatness here.

IAN

(flattered)Shut up.

CHUCKIm serious dude. We are not worthy.

ZANDERWell, excuse me if Im not at his level, but, you know, I have a life. I dont play twenty hours a day.

CHUCKYou kinda do man.

ZANDERI have a real life in the real world.

IANWhat? What is your real life? You cant even pay rent. Ive been buying all the food.

ZANDERI just bought beer!

IANWhat is your life? What do you do?

LEVELING UP

17

ZANDERI have a girlfriend.

IANWhat does that mean? Youre good at... what?

CHUCKGetting a girlfriend!

JEANNIEUmmm... Im right here, so...

ZANDERThats more than you dude. I mean, wheres your girlfriend?

JEANNIEGuys.

ZANDERHave you ever had a girlfriend?

CHUCKThats cold, Zan.

IANYoure saying youre superior to me because you have a girlfriend.

ZANDERNo. Im saying I have a LIFE because I have a girlfriend.

IAN

(Stymied)What the fuck. Who has been CARRYING you?

ZANDERWhat?

IANI have been fucking CARRYING you on my back since college.

ZANDERThats bullshit.

IANDid you pay last months rent?

LEVELING UP

18

ZANDERI just left you a check.

IANYOU LEFT ME A CHECK OFF THE MONEY YOU STOLE FROM ME!

CHUCKOwned!

IANYou owe me last months rent and next months rent.

ZANDERThats your real life. Youre a slumlord.

IANAre you fucking out of your mind??? I dont own this place. I was just stupid enough to put my name on the lease because I didnt expect you to welch out on me and then /steal my mask!

JEANNIEGuys. Stop. Come on. Youre best friends. Stop it.

ZANDERIan dude. Im sorry about the mask. That was totally fucked of me and Im sorry. Ill get you that money. I will. Ill... somehow Ill get it.

JEANNIEOf course you will. Of course youll pay him back. Youre friends. Thats whats really important.

CHUCKTotally.

JEANNIEThis was a terrible mistake, but Zander will make it up to you. You guys should just like, go out for a beer or something, you know? Or a movie? Get outside and hang out, right?

CHUCKOutside?

IANIm meeting a bunch of guys on Paraquad. But thanks.

LEVELING UP

19

JEANNIEOnline?

(Ian fires up his game . Chuck and Zan are mesmerized watching him play.)

JEANNIELets all get out in fresh air. Go for a walk or something. Well all feel better.

(They dont even hear her.)I was reading in my Psych 3 about internet addiction, which Im not saying you have -- at all, Im just saying they think its associated with reduced levels of dopaminergic receptor availability in the striatum. Which basically means, it can make you like totally depressed.

CHUCKHuh. Thats really interesting.

JEANNIEDopamine is a powerful drug.

ZANDERThats fascinating babe. Maybe youre depressed E-man.

IAN

(Playing intently.)Im depressed you fucking gave away my fucking mask for fucking nothing!

ZANDERYeah, but listen -- Jeannies right. You do take this whole gaming thing too seriously man.

IANWhat??

ZANDERYou need more dopamine. Youre all uptight because you have nothing real in your life. You need to get off the screen. For your own good. You need to get a life man.

IANI have --- ALL OF THIS

(pointing to all the equipment)

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20

IAN (CONTD)I bought -- ALL OF THIS. With gaming money. With tournament money. With money I EARN. Leveling up other people. Selling swords. Magna clubs...

ZANDEROut of this box, I mean. You have nothing /out of this...

IANAnd you play it. You play all of it as much as I do. You play all day and all night and you dont sleep and you forget to go to work and you stand up your girlfriend and all your real life things that are so fantastic, because you play as much as I do. More. But you are BAD at it. If I put in as many hours as you do at something, and I was still bad at it, Id freaking kill myself.

(There is a silence. Everyone is shocked by the force of that statement.)

ZANDERWow.

JEANNIEHes just upset honey. We /should all...

ZANDERNo. Im done. Thats fine. Thats cool. Im done. Im not playing any more.

CHUCKDude. Dont even say that.

ZANDERI dont need to play your shit.

IANGood. Go get some dopamine.

CHUCKWhat will you play, dude? I mean, I have the Wii. Youre always welcome to...

ZANDERAnd I dont need to live here.

IANWhatever.

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CHUCKYo. Cool out. This is totally extreme.

ZANDERIll get my own place.

IANGreat.

CHUCKCome on.

ZANDER

(To Jeannie)Or I can move in with you. Wouldnt that be awesome? If we...

JEANNIEWell... my roommates would kind/ of freak if...

CHUCKHey. Come on. Lets just chill. How about some Ramen noodles?

(Pause.)Guys?Ill cook.

ZANDERLook. Ill find a way to pay you back.

IANYeah.

ZANDERNo. I will. Im sorry. I didnt think... I didnt know it was worth that much.

IANIt was the whole breaking into my system and...

ZANDERNo. No, I know. Ill never... That was fucked up. Im sorry.

IANOk.

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22

ZANDERYeah? Were cool?

(Pause)

IANI have a life.

ZANDEROk.

IANI do. I have ...people... in my life.

(Referring to the screen)Those people are...

ZANDERWell...

IANWhat?

ZANDERTheyre not real. This is what were saying.

IANTheyre not real people. Playing. On their systems. Just like I am. Those are not real people.

ZANDERThe gamers are real but you dont actually know them. I mean, dude, you dont actually ever leave this room.

IANI do so.

ZANDERWell... not really. I mean, barely.

(There is a beat as they all process that.)

IAN

(Referring to outside)What makes that so much better?

LEVELING UP

23

CHUCKUh... reality dude.

IANNo really, why should I do that instead of this?

JEANNIEIan, you cant spend your whole life playing games.

IANI am making a living. A real living. Most people spend fifty hours a week at some job they freakin hate and go home to people they find boring and its the same fucking thing day after day...

JEANNIEBut it doesnt have to be that. Real life can have meaning Ian. Striving for some goal, that will bring, you know... satisfaction, and, and joy, and...

IANWheres the epic win in life?

(Beat.)Theres no epic win. Ever.

JEANNIEEpic win?

IANWheres that in your life? Wheres the noble quest that requires a band of really smart, capable people.

CHUCKOr Klarnogs, or Santorgs.

IANThose people I work with -- those people --. I can choose who I am, who I want to be --I can be myself with those people.

CHUCKOr a Klarnog. Or a Santorg.

IANThey dont care what I look like here. They dont want to make idiotic small talk about things I dont care about or know about -- all that superficial crap. Its not about that there. They show up and they work at optimum capacity so we can all achieve our goals.

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IAN (CONTD)Fucking awesome talented , smart -- Those are my people. Thats who I spend my time with. You may think its less real because theyre not here in this room, but that just shows your limitations, not mine. Those people I play with -- none of them would ever use my code and break in and...

ZANDERFuck! I said I was sorry!! And you dont know that. You dont know a fucking thing about those people.

IANI know them better than I know you.

JEANNIEWow.

CHUCKE.

(Pause)

JEANNIEIan, finding someone to love is like that epic win, you know?. Thrilling, surprising things can happen, Ian. Really. Any day something amazing might happen if you just go out and look for it. That day Zan asked me out...

ZANAww babe.

(He kisses her.

Chuck makes a gagging noise)

JEANNIEYou need to go out and find someone who makes you feel like life is worth living.

(Pause. Ian is struck hard by this.)

ZANDERDude. Ian. Im sorry, man. I am.

IANUh huh.

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ZANDERAnd I will. Pay you back. Get a... job. I will. A real job.

IANYa. Me too. I can get a real job.

CHUCKWhat?

IANIm going to get a real job. In the real world. Faster than you.

ZANDERYou are?

IANYeah. Im going to fucking get that job with the N.S.A.

(Blackout)

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26

SCENE 2

(Jeannie and Chuck have begun a role-playing game. He has her keyboard, creating her character.)

JEANNIEIsnt it depressing?

CHUCKYouve never been?

JEANNIENah,

CHUCKYou live in Vegas and youve never gone? Dude.

JEANNIE I just turned twenty-one.

CHUCKCongrats! Youre a grown-up.

JEANNIE(Laughing)

Hah! Like youre a grown-up.

CHUCKYouve got to come in some time. Ill show you around.

JEANNIEDont you see awful things? People losing everything...

CHUCKIts pretty intense.

(To the screen)There.

JEANNIEThat haircut is so cute! I love it.

CHUCKGood. Now we have to dress you.

LEVELING UP

27

JEANNIEIm dressed.

CHUCKThats standard issue. Well find something thats more you.

JEANNIEOh! Fun! So why did you choose black jack? Or do they /choose for you?

CHUCKI used to deal Roulette, but I hated it. It was all luck. And these guys come in, they think theyve got a strategy, Im like, dude -- wake up. There is no strategy. That was sad.

Here, Ill give you some credits.

JEANNIEWhats that? Cant I earn them?

CHUCKDont worry. Youll pay me back. Mwah hah hah.

JEANNIEThat sounds ominous.

CHUCKOk. You have 200.

JEANNIEWow. Thats a lot. Are you sure...

CHUCK(Laughing)

You don't even know what they are!

JEANNIEOk ok.

CHUCKHere. Let me take you to the store.

JEANNIESo isnt black jack just luck?

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CHUCKYeah, but theres skill too. And these guys, card counters, try to beat the system, and every once in a while they do. I like that.. Its a real game, you know? If you cant win, its not really a game.

JEANNIEBut working all night. Dont you lose track of...

CHUCKYeah. Totally. No windows. No clocks. The drinks are flowing. Its the twilight zone.

JEANNIE(The basement)

Its like down here.

CHUCKHah! Right!

JEANNIE(The game)

OK. So now what do I do?

CHUCKLets shop. Here. Stop me when you see a top you like.

JEANNIEOk. So, is there something else you want to do? Like a career or... I mean, do you have plans?

CHUCKNope. Stop me when you see one.

JEANNIENo. Eww. No. No. Stop! That's cute!

.CHUCKWhat??

JEANNIEWhy not?

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29

CHUCKToo frumpy.

JEANNIEIt's a peasant blouse.

CHUCKLet's keep looking.

JEANNIEFine.No. No.

CHUCKAhhhh! Yes!

JEANNIEChuck!

CHUCKWhat??

JEANNIEIm not gonna wear that!

CHUCKJeannie. This is a chance to expand your comfort zone. Risk free. What color do you like?

JEANNIE(Sigh.)

Blue.

CHUCKWhich blue? Here, let me show you.

JEANNIEThis is so goofy. God. I don't even like shopping in life.

CHUCKWhat kind of chick are you?

JEANNIEShut up. That's good. I like that one.

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30

CHUCKPeacock, eh? Awesome. You're going to look hot in that.

JEANNIEMaybe my character isn't hot.

CHUCKI have a feeling she's way hot. Skirt or jeans. Or shorts?

JEANNIEWhat do you like?

CHUCKUp to you.

JEANNIEOh, now it's up to me?

CHUCKIt's always up to you. I'm just the facilitator.

JEANNIESkirt.

CHUCKExcellent choice.

JEANNIEThat one. Thats cute.

CHUCKJeannie.

JEANNIEYeah?

CHUCKMy grandmother has a skirt like that.

JEANNIEThis is what Daphne likes.

CHUCKAhhh.. Daphne. Hot name.

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31

JEANNIE(Sigh)

Who are you?

CHUCKI'm Earl.

JEANNIEHAH! Earl!?

CHUCKI think Daphne would wear... this skirt.

JEANNIEDaphne would not leave the house in that skirt.

CHUCKMaybe she's staying in today.

JEANNIEChuck.

CHUCKIts totally hot.How about these shoes?

JEANNIE(Laughing)

Youre either a secret cross-dresser or a pimp.

CHUCKHah!

JEANNIEEarl totally wants to be Daphne's pimp.

CHUCKEarl respects Daphne and wants her to feel good about herself. In whatever clothes he chooses. Here's a cute little handbag.

JEANNIEOh my God.

CHUCKWow. You look awesome.

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JEANNIEDont let Daphne's mom see her in that outfit.

CHUCKDaphne's mom lives like four hundred miles away. In Fresno.

JEANNIEDaphne did not grow up in Fresno!

CHUCKDaphne is new in town. And Earl is going to show her around.

(Chuck hands the keyboard back to Jeannie and picks up his own.)

JEANNIEI want to be someone else. You keep Daphne. I want to make up my own person.

CHUCKLook, later you can pick out some things for Earl. Though, I have kind of an extensive wardrobe already.

JEANNIE(Laughing)

This is what you've been doing when the guys are out.

CHUCKCome to Earl's pad, Daphne.

JEANNIEI don't think I should.

CHUCKYou definitely should.

JEANNIEWell, only for a few minutes. I need to study before my Adolescent Psychology class.

CHUCKBlow it off.

JEANNIENoooo. Hey. Nice place, Earl.

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33

CHUCKThanks. Have a seat. On the couch. Ill get you something to drink.

JEANNIEThanks. I like your artwork.

CHUCKCost a fortune. Earl has expensive taste.

JEANNIENot in girls.

CHUCKHah. Here you go.

JEANNIE(Laughing)

Martinis?? Who are you?

CHUCKCheers.

(He types something.)

JEANNIEOh! But why type -- its just easier to talk.

CHUCKBut thats Earl talking.

JEANNIE

(She laughs, and then types. He types something back. It is very suggestive. She looks at him, surprised.)

Chuck!

CHUCKEarl. Type it.

(She does. He types back. She types back something that surprises him. She is starting to play along. He looks at her. She looks at him, then back at the screen. Types again. Hes amazed. And excited. He types back quickly. Then she does. They are both getting very aroused. He types.)

LEVELING UP

34

JEANNIENo.

CHUCKNo?

JEANNIEThats... we shouldnt.

CHUCKWere not. They are.

(She types something. He laughs and types back. She pauses. Considers this. Types again.)

Mmmmm. Wow. Babe.

JEANNIEType it.

(He does. They have moved a bit closer on the couch, but are very tense about what is happening between them. They are breathing heavily. Typing fast and furious. Over each other. More and more intense.)

How do I make her move?

(He shows her on her controller.)How do I move her leg?

JEANNIE (CONTD)

(He shows her.)How do I move her hand?

(He shows her. She moves her character.)

CHUCKOh my God.

(They stop typing and just move their characters and watch, transfixed. They each occasionally involuntarily moan. This goes on for several moments.)

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35

(Zander bursts in with a large box.. They quickly fumble with their controllers in a panic, turn off the screen. Jeannie jumps up quickly, guiltily.)

ZANDERI have had the most fan-fucking-tastic day!

(He grabs Jeannie and gives her a long kiss, which is awkward for her and for Chuck.)

Man! Anybody want a beer?

(He goes to the frig)

CHUCKSure dude. Thanks.

ZANDERHey babe, you want?

JEANNIE(Still flustered.)

Hey! No. Thanks. I should go... study.

ZANDERBlow it off. You dont need to study any more. Youre going to be a millionaire.

JEANNIEWhat happened?

CHUCKDid a rich uncle die?

ZANDER

(Bringing over the beers)I went to this seminar today. What is today? Mark this day on the calendar! I went to this seminar, that is going to fucking change our lives.

JEANNIEWow.

CHUCKIs this a cult Z? Do we need to deprogram you? Exorcism?

LEVELING UP

36

ZANDERJoke on funny boy. This is easy easy money.

CHUCKUh oh.

ZANDERWheres Ian?

CHUCKOff peeing in a cup.

ZANDERShit. I want him to hear this too. Oh well.

(Going through the box)Its called Proneutra. Its this awesome supplement... but thats just the... the physical product. The thing you can hold. What it really is, its a way of life.

JEANNIEYeah? I thought you had a job interview.

ZANDERBaby, this is so much bigger than that. Im not going to work for anyone else ever again.

CHUCKAgain? When /did you ever...

ZANDERIm the head of my own company now. And I can bring in... everybody. I want all the people I care about to get in on this while its in its early stages. The ground floor. Because, over time, all it does is grow.

CHUCKLike this?

(He makes a pyramid with his hands.)

ZANDERListen. Its like capital. Eventually, it just grows by itself. While youre not even looking. You find other people, other...entrepreneurs, who want to own something, be part of something big, like yourselves...

(Chuck looks behind him)And you get them in on it. And then they get their friends on board...

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37

CHUCKIts a pyramid scheme.

ZANDERGod Chuck! I knew you would say that. No! Its NOT. Its...

(He grabs a brochure and consults it.)its multi-level marketing. Here -- look at the literature. Dont go judging it, bringing all this negativity to it, until you read it. And try the stuff. They gave me one supplement, early in the day. And look at me.

JEANNIEYeah?

ZANDERDont I look different to you?

JEANNIEMaybe...

ZANDERI feel... totally different. I feel powerful, Babe. I feel like I could take on the world. And they have supplements for everything. I mean, you gear it to the clients specific needs. Does he want to boost energy, endurance, brain function, metabolism,

(Glancing at the brochure)

ZANDER (CONTD)anaerobic threshold -- see? Its scientific man. Its totally... You have to read the materials.

(Hes back to rifling through the box he brought in.)

JEANNIESo... its vitamins. Right? Are you selling... or...

ZANDERBut its not. Or it is, but its way more than that. Once I get some more training -- they have these periodic...

(Ian enters during this. He is wearing a short sleeve button up shirt and a tie, which he takes off.)

CHUCKE-man. Dude. Howd it go?

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38

(Ian sits right down at his computer and starts playing.)

IANHey guys.

CHUCKDid you get the job? What is the job?

IANTheyre still trying to establish whether Im a psychopath. And whether my blood and urine are government quality.

CHUCKAnd whats the verdict? Psychopath? Or just sociopath?

JEANNIEDid they tell you? What the job is?

IANThey were commendably vague. Chaney vague.

CHUCKHow did they find you? I mean, why you?

IANMy mad gaming skills and Ninja reflexes.

ZANDERDude. Fuck working for the government. Ive got this opportunity for you. For all of us.

IANYeah?

CHUCKZans joined a cult.

ZANDERShut the fuck up.

(He goes to the box and pulls out a few bottles of pills.)Here. Ian. Take this. Youll feel fantastic.

IANDrug dealer? This is the opportunity?

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39

ZANDERJust take one.

IANIs the first one free?

CHUCK(Laughing)

Fail Z!

ZANDERJust try it.

CHUCKEpic fail.

IANDude. Im going to be peeing in cups for the next year. No thanks.

ZANDERIts good for you man.

IANIs this nine to five drug dealing? What are they paying you?

ZANDERIts not that kind of job.

IANThe kind where they pay you?

ZANDERStop for a minute and look at the literature.

(He holds out the brochures which Ian ignores, as hes still madly playing)

Come on. These supplements are cutting-edge...

IANDude. Vitamins are an illusion. They dont do anything. Its proven. All they give you is expensive pee.

CHUCKMan, you are totally obsessed with pee now.

LEVELING UP

40

IANWhere are you going to peddle your wares? Besides this apartment?

ZANDERWell, I only have samples now. But once I get five more people to sell, theyll give me the product.

JEANNIEYou have to get other people to sell in order to sell?

ZANDERWell, with you three on-board, I only need two more.

JEANNIEAnd then we would have to get five more people to sell? Each?

IANYoure catching on.

JEANNIE I dont know Babe.

CHUCKI totally know. Im out. But, umm... thanks for thinking of me.

IANDude! Its a scam!

ZANDERYoure so closed minded. This is going to be one of those things where, ten years from now when Im on my yacht and sending you postcards from Barbados or wherever, youre going to be thinking -- damn, I could have been in on that at the beginning, but I was a total asshole.

CHUCKYoud send me a postcard Z?

ZANDERIm serious guys. Its your loss.

IANCould I get one with topless girls? Postcard?

JEANNIESo.. .is that all? You have to get five people and then you get the product?

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41

ZANDERJust about. Hey, whens your next class babe?

JEANNIEIve got my Adolescent Psych at 5. I should really be studying.

ZANDERMaybe Ill tag along -- if we go a little early I can talk to some of the kids. See if I can drum up some interest.

JEANNIEOh. Ok. I guess. I dont know if Professor Maxwell /would like...

ZANDEROutside the class. Im not an idiot. Ill just hang out with you outside the class before-hand. Cool?

JEANNIEOk. I guess.

ZANDERDana would be good at selling I think.

JEANNIEWhy Dana?

ZANDERShe looks kind of healthy and athletic. Id buy vitamins off her.

JEANNIEDana?

CHUCKOh snap.

JEANNIEI dont think shes ever worked out a day in her life.

ZANDERYeah? Shes got that kind of athletic...

JEANNIEI dont even think shes owns sneakers.

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42

ZANDERWell, whoever you think, babe. You know them better than I do. But Im raring to go! Should we head over?

JEANNIEIts a little early. I should really study first.

ZANDERWe can hang at the library. While you study I can drum up some future...

CHUCKEntrepreneurs. Like ourselves.

JEANNIEOk.

(He grabs her and gives her a long kiss)Ok. Ill get my books together.

(She goes upstairs)

ZANDERCool. Ill be right up.So Ian, I need you to do me a solid one.

IANZan. Give up. Im not pushing your product.

ZANDERNooo. Thats fucked up, but thats not it. See, there are some minor start-up fees / just for the first...

CHUCKOh Shit! Dude!

ZANDERNo. Just to get started. I have to give them five hundred.

IANYou have to pay them to sell their vitamins.

ZANDERYou just have to put money down to -- these vitamins are not like what you get at CVS dude. This is some highly developed, scientifically... developed shit. They cant just let you walk out the door with this valuable shit without something down.

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43

IANNo, dude. No.

ZANDERIm not asking for a handout E. Im just saying, could you hold off cashing that check?

JEANNIE(From offstage)

You coming Hon?

ZANDERYa. Right there Baby!Thanks a million E. Youll see that money, with interest, within a week. Im sure of it.

(He runs upstairs. Pause.)

CHUCKFew rounds of Karlon Kill?

(He sits down and fires up the program)

IANSure. What the fuck.

(He sits down with him. They begin manically pressing their controllers, transfixed on the screen. We hear the sounds of bombs, machine guns, screams, soldiers shouting.)

CHUCKIs that an RPG?

IANDude, its an RPG!! Fire!

CHUCKAhhhhhhh!

(As lights fade.)

LEVELING UP

44

SCENE 3

(Lights up on Zander, Jeannie and Chuck all playing very intently together. Probably a fantasy MMORPG game)

JEANNIEOMG. What is that thing?! Where did it come from?

CHUCKSantorg. That club has death rays, so use your shield.

JEANNIEYikes.

CHUCKHes a shape shifter. Weve seen him before.

JEANNIEA shape shifter?

ZANDERLets climb the back of that cliff. Come on Babe.

CHUCKRemember that chick with the same club? That was him.

JEANNIEWhy would he look like that when he could look like her? She was cute.

(Ian comes bursting in, in high spirits)

IANHuzzah! Good day good peoples!

CHUCKE-man! Grab a controller. Were about to battle a Santorg

JEANNIEWe are?

IANCool.

(He grabs a remote and joins them.)Why are we up this cliff?

LEVELING UP

45

JEANNIEWait What time is it? Oh shit! I missed my Early Childhood Development class. Shit shit shit!

ZANDERBabe, youre a senior. It doesnt matter any more.

JEANNIEIt does if I want to go to grad school. Oh shit.

ZANDERYouve got like a 3.9. Relax.

JEANNIEWeve been playing for four hours??

IANStand back guys.

(He clearly brings out the heavy artillery. We hear roaring and then moaning from the Santorg as Ian slays him. They are done with this level and stop playing.)

CHUCKAwesome dude.

JEANNIEThat was amazing. What was that thing -- like a lazar? Where did you get that?

CHUCKIans releveled to 49. Hes got all the fun toys.

ZANDERHe really shouldnt be on our quest. Its not right.

CHUCKWhy not?

ZANDERHe should be on his own quest. Some higher quest, for his level.

CHUCKThats bogus.

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46

ZANDERNo. You should fight at your own level.

IAN

(He goes to his screen.)No, its cool. I need to clock in on Paraquad. Some dude in New York is paying me a buttload to get him achievements.

JEANNIEWhat does that mean?

IANI sign in and level him up so he can play his little wall street friends and kick their butts.

JEANNIEYou can play for someone else?

ZANDERIts wrong. It totally taints the games.

CHUCKLike you dont buy cheats.

ZANDERI dont man.

CHUCKRight.

ZANDERI dont. I wouldnt do that.

CHUCKOk.

ZANDERI dont Chuck!

CHUCKOK Dude!

JEANNIESo, people pay you to play?

LEVELING UP

47

IANTo level them up.

JEANNIEReally?

IANOh yeah. There are warehouses in China with kids playing all day and night to level up these crazy rich guys for like two hundred a week. I can make twice that easy.

JEANNIEWow.

CHUCKAnd how was your day at the office dear?

IANIt was totally outrageously awesome. I passed the wacko test, and now Im officially employed. Theyre training me

ZANDERDoing what? Just tell us something dude. Training you to what?

IANCant say. But if anyone calls, I havent smoked pot in two years.

CHUCKHa! Me too. No pot. No beer.

(He downs his beer)

JEANNIEMy dad said theyre training gamers to do remote missile launches of... /, what is it?

IANWhy did your dad say that?

JEANNIEOh, I told him about how you were interviewing with the NSA,/ and he said that maybe...

IANYou told him? Why would you tell him that? Shit. Why would you say that? To your dad?

LEVELING UP

48

JEANNIEIm sorry. I /didnt think that...

CHUCKChill dude.

IANWhat exactly did you tell him?

JEANNIEI just said that you had an interview. I mean, that you were this amazing player. Gamer. And that you had this interview with the NSA. Thats all. Thats all I know. So...

IANAnd he said...

JEANNIEAnd he said that maybe they were recruiting you. To do, you know, these remote missile things. Drones! That you were probably operating these drones.

CHUCKHoly shit. Is that what youre doing, E?

ZANDERProbably doing some desk job, and hes just trying to make it seem like hes hot/ shit.

IANIm not doing anything yet. Im just in training. And dont say anything to anybody. Any of you. I mean it. I signed a paper. That Im not going to tell anyone, not even my family, what Im doing. What they want me to do.

ZANDERYeah, you also signed a paper saying that you havent smoked pot.

IANLook. I want this thing. I want this job. You said I didnt have a real life, right? I should get a life. So now I have a real life, ok? A real job. That I go to every day. So just dont say anything more to anybody.

JEANNIEI wont. Im really sorry Ian. /I wont.

ZANDERShe fucking said she wouldnt asshole. You have to be so self important about this whole thing. Its so top secret. You signed a /fucking paper.

LEVELING UP

49

CHUCKWow, Ian. Thats so cool. I mean, if thats what youre doing.

IANYeah. Its pretty mind blowing. If thats what Im doing.

CHUCKThey use you, I mean, these guys they hire, they use them even if they arent military?

IANWell, Im not the pilot. Im the S.O. -- sensor operator. These awesome pilots whove had years and years in real combat, you know, on the actual field of play, they fly the plane, fire the missiles.

CHUCKThat is so unreal...

IANAnd then the sensor operators use these laser instruments to make sure it goes to its target. And aim these awesome million dollar cameras that can see fucking everything. So, of course they need people with top-notch skills, you know? Gamers, the top gamers, have awesome reflexes.

JEANNIEMy dad said... oh. Never mind. Sorry.

CHUCKNo, what? Were not talking about you, Ian, were just talking about these guys, not you. I mean, if Jeannies dad knows about it and hes a...

JEANNIEDentist.

CHUCKHes a fucking dentist, then it cant be that top secret. Right?

IANHow does your dad know all this?

JEANNIEHe like, read it in the paper. Sorry.

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50

ZANDER(Howling)

HAH!! He read it in the fucking paper! Pwnd [poned] Ian. Its so top secret! Its in the friggin news.

IANDid I say it was top secret?

ZANDERWhat else did your dad read, Babe? In the fucking Reno Gazette Journal?

(Jeannie looks anxiously to Ian)

IANIts cool. I mean, you can talk about what your dad read. Its got nothing to do with me.

JEANNIEWell, he said most of the missile, or drone attacks in ...

IANThe Preditor. And the Reaper is the new one.

CHUCKWow.

JEANNIEin Afghanistan and Iraq...

IANUAVs. Unmanned Aerial Vehicles.

JEANNIEYeah. Theyre operated out of here, out of Nevada.

IANCreech.

CHUCKCool.

IANAirforce Base.

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51

JEANNIEAnd that they use kids, gamers cause theres no way to train people as much as... I mean, no matter how much some pilot could train, he wouldnt have been putting in 20 hours a day for years and years.

IANPlus, theyre running out of pilots. There are more unmanned vehicles than manned planes. Its insane. They need more people fast. Theyll give me like thirty hours of flight training and then...

CHUCKHoly shit!

ZANDERHow many guys do they need? Are they looking for more gamers?

CHUCK(Laughing)

Z! You were just ragging on this whole situation. And now youre panting over it. What about your business dude? Youre your own boss, remember?

ZANDERHey, I totally dont need to work for the government. Clock in clock out. How many hours you work?

IANIts going to be fourteen hour days for a while.

CHUCKHoly shit.

ZANDERFuck that! All I need is one more recruit and I get the product. Maybe Karen, right babe?

JEANNIEI dunno.

CHUCKBut Ian, this thing is nuts. I mean, you have your hand on the button? What if you fuck up?

IANIts not like that. It takes like seventeen steps to fire anything. It would be pretty /hard to...

LEVELING UP

52

CHUCKHoly shit. Its so outrageously cool. Youre like a spy.

IANDid your dad read about this? For surveillance, they also have these cameras in like, little hand operated planes. Like remote control toys. Your dad read about this, right? I mean, this is general knowledge.

JEANNIEI guess.

CHUCKSure he did.

IANAnd on the screen, its so mind-blowingly cool -- its like you can see everything. Its as good as any shooter game. Better.

CHUCKAmazing. You are like, the luckiest dude in America.

ZANDERWhats the big deal? If its just like the games. Hes doing the same thing were doing, but he has to wear a uniform and drive fifty miles to do it.

CHUCKHes getting paid for it Z. Its REAL. How long do you train? When do you start really bombing shit?

IANThey dont tell you. You have to be totally perfect for a long time, and then boom --sometimes youre doing practice missions, sometimes youre doing real ones. You dont know. So it doesnt fuck with your mind when you blow out a village, you know? You might have done it, or it might have just been another simulation.

JEANNIEBut, youre going to really be killing real people.

IANOr not.

JEANNIEBut eventually you will. I mean, it stands to reason that you eventually will. If you keep at it.

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53

IANOh, Im keeping at it.

JEANNIEAnd then... I mean, doesnt that bother you?

IANDude, did you hear what I said? I wont know. I wont know when its real.

IANLook, its not as if Im doing it. I mean, I dont give the orders. I dont even know who gives the orders. By the time it gets down to me, its passed through ten guys. Sometimes Im just, I mean sometimes the S.O is just surveilling the area. Im like, the defense. Sometimes.

JEANNIEI guess.

IANAnd if they didnt use me, they would use somebody else. Theyre going to do it. With or without me. But if they use me, they know itll be done right. Innocent people wont get killed. Because Im incredibly skilled. Ill get my target. I wont fuck up. So really, Im probably saving lives doing it. Ill make sure its done right.

JEANNIENo, youre right. Its good that its somebody whos really amazing and accurate. Youre totally right. I just mean I couldnt do it.

ZANDERYeah. I couldnt knowingly kill people.

CHUCKHah! You were just drooling over it dude.

ZANDERAnd you know that there are always innocent casualties in these things. No matter how accurate you are. I mean, it even happens in the games.

IANWell, yeah, sometimes mistakes get made. Thats part of war.

ZANDERThen why do it? If youre/ killing innocent...

LEVELING UP

54

IANSo youre saying there should never be any military action. What about fucking World War II? Are you saying we should have stayed out of WWII?

ZANDERNo.

IANSo there should be killing, you just shouldnt have to do it. Let somebody else do it. Let somebody else have blood on his hands.

ZANDERYou dont have blood on your hands. You have a little controller in your hands. The blood is like thousands of miles away. Youre in some air /conditioned...

CHUCKDude. Lets just... Its a totally cool job. Im jealous as shit. You are going to learn things and see things... we cant even dream of.

IANThanks man.

(He sits down at his screen and fires up. Chuck goes to his screen.)

JEANNIEI cant believe I missed my class. Damn. And I like that class.

ZANDERSo lets go over there. You can get the notes from one of the other kids, right? And I need to talk to Karen. Shes so close to signing on.

JEANNIEId hate to run into Casey. Shes such an awesome professor. And why did I miss her class? What excuse do I give? Video games? /Damn.

ZANDERHah! You are so fucking sweet babe. They dont notice whos there.

JEANNIEI dunno.

LEVELING UP

55

ZANDERCome on. Ill walk you over.

JEANNIEI dont know where Karens going to come up with 500 Z. I dont think...

(He gives her a kiss)

ZANDERDont worry. They all say they cant find the money, and then they do. Laterz.

CHUCKBye Z. Jeannie.

JEANNIEBye guys.

(They leave.)

IANYou know, if you want to come interview, I could get you in.

CHUCKWhat? Really?

IANI mean, no promise theyll sign you on, but they did say if I know anybody with serious skills...

CHUCKWow. Thanks. Thats so awesome dude.

IANNo problem.

CHUCKI really appreciate that.

IANIll givem your name.

CHUCKYeah. But... you know, I dont think so.

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56

IANWhy not? Come on. You meet with them. They give you a bunch of tests.

CHUCKIve kind of got things good at the casino.

IANDude, how long can you stay there? Thats a bad scene. Youre gonna burn out man.

CHUCKMaybe.

IANCome on. Youre a smart guy.

CHUCKNah.

IANYou need a fucking career. You /cant just...

CHUCKI dont know. Maybe Ill go back to grad school. You know, in a few years. I dont know.

IANWell, think about it.

CHUCKOk. I appreciate the offer E. I really do. Thanks.

IANIts cool.

(They each put on headsets and start madly playing in their own private games.)

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57

SCENE 4

(Ian is still at his screen. Chuck has gone. We hear Jeannie come in upstairs.)

JEANNIEZan?

(Ian has his headphones on and doesnt hear. She comes down the stairs and sees him playing.)

Hey Ian, have you seen Zander?

(He doesnt hear her. She stands behind him and watches him play for a moment. Touches his shoulder.)

IAN

(Jumps).Shit! Dont sneak up on me.

(He takes off his headset, but goes back to playing.)

JEANNIESorry. Did Zan come back?

IANDunno.

JEANNIEI lost him on campus and hes not answering my texts.

IANHow strange.

JEANNIE(Laughing)

Im sure he just got caught up in his recruiting. Hes really into it.

(Pause)I should be studying anyway. Finals are next week.

(Nothing from Ian. He just continues playing.)Its totally freaking me out. That this is it, you know?

LEVELING UP

58

JEANNIE (CONTD)

(Nothing from Ian)Did you feel that way? Your last semester?

IANNo.

JEANNIEDid you apply to grad school and stuff? Oh -- duh. Obviously not. Im kind of glad I didnt and Im also a little freaked, you know? At least with grad school, you have a few years to put off real life, right?

IANHm.

JEANNIEBut... I figured, no -- time to grow up. Actually spend some time working with kids. Get to know them, rather than read about them in a text book.

IANThat should do it.

(No idea what this means. She watches him play for a bit.)

JEANNIEWow. Youre flying.

Its beautiful. Youre so good at this.

(As she watches him fly, he looks at her. Shes so beautiful.)

Its like watching an amazing athlete like.. . um...Oh my God I cant think of any athletes! What is wrong with me? All I can think of is that kid who smoked pot -- the swimmer? Michael...

(He is caught staring and goes back to his game. She watches him for a while.)

JEANNIEDo you mind me watching you?

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59

IANNo.

JEANNIEIts not distracting?

IANNo, if you stopped talking I would probably forget youre here.

JEANNIEOh. Ok.

(She sits beside him)Do you want me to stop talking?

(He doesnt say anything)You dont like me, do you.

IANI have no real feeling either way.

JEANNIE

(Pause)Why?

IAN...I dont understand what youre asking.

JEANNIEIs it because Im Zans girlfriend and the two of you are best friends and you feel that Im kind of usurping your place, or... taking up the time you would usually spend together?

IANYouve been studying that psych.

JEANNIEYou think Im a total idiot, dont you?

IAN

(Making a joke)Well... total?

(She gets up)

LEVELING UP

60

JEANNIEFine.

IANWhy are you with him?

JEANNIEWhat?Zander?

IANNo. Michael Jordan.

JEANNIEHuh?

IANThats the name of a remarkable athlete by the way. Next time youre trying to come up with a sports simile.

JEANNIEYou want to know why I like Zander?

(Ian sighs.)I like him cause hes smart and funny and...

IANIs he smart? Or funny?

JEANNIEYou dont think so?

(No answer)Sorry. I think he is.

IANOk.

JEANNIEWell, hes like, your best friend. Why do you like him?

IANIm not sure I do.

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61

JEANNIEYouve lived together for five years...

IANRight.

JEANNIEAnd Chuck too, right? For like four years?

IANYouve done your girlfriend due diligence.

JEANNIESo why do you live with them?

IANChucks ok. Hes a great guy actually. And I cant afford the whole place myself.

JEANNIEThen find people you want to live with.

IANWho?

JEANNIETheres nobody you like.

IANI enjoy many of the people I game with.

JEANNIEIan, you really dont know those people.

IANBut I guess you really know Zan.

(pause)

JEANNIEZan considers you his best friend.

IANSad.

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62

JEANNIEIts sad for you.

IANWhy is that?

JEANNIEBecause Zan really likes you. Hes getting something out of the relationship. And... youre not.

IANI used to get rent.

JEANNIEIs it because of the mask?

IANNo.

JEANNIEYou want to know why I go out with Zan?

IANNah, it makes perfect sense. Youre a good match.

JEANNIEWow.

(Should she just leave? Pushes on.)Its hard to say, really, why someone is attracted to someone else. Dont you think?

IANYoure attracted to his looks.

JEANNIEWell, sure, but its more /than

IANAnd hes attracted to yours. Its very shallow. But, if it works /for you --

JEANNIEIts more than that.

IANNo.

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63

JEANNIEYes it is. How do you know? Yes it is so. Its his... manner. Its the way he... you know. I like the way he talks. And the way he moves. He has a sort of... charisma. He has this attitude like everything is ok --like its all going to work out fine. I like that.

IANBut it might not work out fine. Given his inability to attend to his most basic needs, he may be completely mistaken. He may find that its not all fine.

JEANNIEWell, he gets by.

IANHes a user.

JEANNIEIan. I think if you have his optimism, that way of approaching the world, then I think things will work out for you. I think that attitude of well being brings well being to you.

IAN

(Pauses the game for a moment to talk to her)

Our society considers him good looking, and so hes given things. He doesnt have to work for what he gets. And he assumes hell always be good looking, and hell always be given an easy ride. That is what you find attractive. That is what draws you to him. That air of privilege. Call it optimism or whatever makes you feel good about your choice, but what you see in him is the cocky arrogance that comes with the easy ride. And youve clearly been on that same ride. So... great. Enjoy the ride together.

JEANNIEYou think Im good looking?

IANBut... what happens if you get acid thrown in your face?

JEANNIEWhat!??

IANOr youre disfigured in some other way. Or you get fat. Or you just age badly. What resources will you and Zander have to rely on then? Youve blithely gone through life thinking you wont need to develop other strengths.

LEVELING UP

64

JEANNIEIm in school! I was at the top of my class in high school. Im studying so that I could actually help someone. Help kids, kids who dont have anyone /to turn to.

IAN(Sincere)

No. Youre right.

JEANNIEThats your fucked up thing --deciding thats all Im about. Thats you being shallow. Thats not me, thats you.

IANNo. Youre right. That wasnt fair.

JEANNIEYeah.

(Beat.)

IANChuck was there when you met Zan.

JEANNIEYeah?

IANAnd Chuck actually is smart and funny.

JEANNIENo, I know. Totally.

IANBoth Chuck and I were there. At the Radio Shack that day.

JEANNIEYeah. I remember.

(Pause. He goes back to playing)But it was Zander who talked to me.

IANOk.

LEVELING UP

65

JEANNIEI mean, it was Zander who was joking around. Remember? And then he asked me out.

IANRight.

JEANNIEAny one of you could have asked me out.

IANRight.

JEANNIEBut it was Zan. Who did.

IANOk.

(Pause)And now its several months later.

JEANNIEYeah?

IANAnd you actually know him.

JEANNIEYes.

IANAnd youre still with him.

JEANNIEYeah...

(They both just sit for a moment.)Guess I should really go study.

IANYup.

(Pause)

LEVELING UP

66

JEANNIEYou would rather I didnt come around here... unless Zan is here?

(He says nothing)K. Thats cool.

IANNo.

(Pause)

JEANNIENo, its not cool or...No you wouldnt rather?

(He says nothing)Do you mind? If Im here? When Zan isnt here?

IANNo.

JEANNIEOh. Ok.

Ok. See you.

IANYes.

JEANNIEWhen Zan gets in could you tell him...

Ok. See you later Ian.

(She leaves.)

LEVELING UP

67

SCENE 5

(Chuck and Zan and Jeannie are playing with x-box controllers.)

ZANDEROk dudes. After this battle Ive really got to go.

JEANNIEYeah babe? You want me to come?

ZANDERYoure the sweetest, babe.

CHUCKI thought I was the sweetest.

JEANNIEIm really proud of you babe.

ZANDERThanks. Yeah. Its good.

CHUCKIm proud of you too, babe.

ZANDERGood. Then you can be the first to buy some product .

CHUCKOh shit.

ZANDERIll do a whole workup on you. Ill shoot in some numbers and come up with the exact supplements and nutrients to fit your needs.

CHUCKIm aiming for perfectly perfect in every way. Ill take a bottle of that.

ZANDERLets work on some modest goals to start Chuckstein. Like, lets make you smell less.

(They all react to something on the screen. Big celebration!)

LEVELING UP

68

ALLWoohoo! Yes!

JEANNIEWe did it? Right? We broke through? Is this... Is this it?

CHUCKYeah. Now we must storm the castle!

ZANDERLaterz. I mean, you guys can keep playing if you want, but, you know, Im about to change my life and the lives of all I encounter so....

JEANNIEBut Im coming with, right?

ZANDERNah babe. Thats cool. Why dont you just stay here and wait for my triumphant return.

JEANNIEBut wont it be a lot of boxes? I could help you carry...

(He stops her with a kiss, and then runs up the stairs.)

ZANDERBe back in an hour! Love ya!

JEANNIEOh. Ok! Bye hon. Love ya.

(She stands uncertainly. Hes just disappeared on her again.)

CHUCKYou wanna keep playing?

JEANNIENah. Lets wait for Z to storm the castle or whatever.

CHUCKK.

JEANNIEYa.

LEVELING UP

69

(Awkward)

CHUCKYou feel like fixing up Daphnes pad?

JEANNIEI should really go study.

CHUCKCome on. Youre not going to just leave her homeless. I mean, shes welcome to bunk with Earl, but they might want a change of scenery now and then.

JEANNIEI dunno, Chuck. It just feels a little weird.

CHUCKWhat?

JEANNIEWe kinda.. I think we... crossed a line. Dont you?

CHUCKNo.

JEANNIEI just felt a little weird after. Didnt you?

CHUCKI felt like I needed some alone time.

(Laughs)Hey, its just play.

JEANNIEI know.

CHUCKI mean, theyre characters. Its not as if were really doing anything.

JEANNIENo, I know.

CHUCKIt was fun, right? Wasnt it fun?

LEVELING UP

70

JEANNIEIt was, but I just felt like...

CHUCKWhat?

JEANNIELike.. Would we have played the same if Zan had been in the room?

CHUCKSure. Why not? He does role-play shit too. We should do it with him too some time. I mean, /we could all...

JEANNIEYou would have really done, or Earl would have done all that, with Daphne, if Zan had been watching?

CHUCKI dont know. Maybe not. I dont know.

JEANNIEYeah.

CHUCKThen, lets just fix up your place. Get you some furniture.

JEANNIEYeah?

CHUCKEarl can be Daphnes moving man.

JEANNIEOk!

(She sits with him and he fires it up.)

CHUCKIve given you another 500 credits.

JEANNIEI cant keep taking your money.

CHUCKOnce Daphne gets a job she can pay Earl back.

LEVELING UP

71

JEANNIE(Laughing)

A job? Oh my God. What will Daphne do?

CHUCKWell, well have to see what shes good at.

(She laughs)You like this couch?

JEANNIENo.

CHUCKOk. Tell me when.

JEANNIENo. No. Hey! Thats like my friend Sandys couch. In life.

CHUCKCool. Where should I put it?

JEANNIEPut it against that wall.

CHUCKYes maam.

JEANNIEMove it down just a little. A little closer to the window.

CHUCKI like it when you order me around.Why dont you sit on it and see if its to your liking. We can exchange it if its too... .

JEANNIENo. Its great.

CHUCKCool. What next? Coffee table... Pictures... Entertainment center...

JEANNIEWhy dont you sit too? See what you think?

LEVELING UP

72

CHUCKOk.

JEANNIEGood?

CHUCKMove down a little. I want to see if I could stretch out on it. You know, if Earl and Daphne have a late night playing canasta or something, and he decides to stay over. He wouldnt want to disturb her in the bedroom.

JEANNIEFine fine. Lie down.Its the perfect length.

CHUCKThats what she said.

(Jeannie laughs and gives him a swat.He laughs and shoves her back.

She types something. He just looks at the screen for a moment. Thinks about it. Then types something back. They begin madly typing again. And then moving their characters. They are getting very engrossed again, and clearly crossing the line Jeannie had been concerned about.

Ian comes in, exhausted, goes directly to his screen and fires it up.

They both freeze. Their characters are in compromising positions, but they have just agreed that they wouldnt be ashamed, so they cant exactly turn it off. So they are... frozen.)

IAN(in sullen greeting)

Peoples.

CHUCKE! Hey! You just getting in man?

JEANNIEHi Ian.

LEVELING UP

73

IANYa.

(He begins playing.)

JEANNIE(Quietly to Chuck)

Get off me.

CHUCKHuh?

JEANNIEOff. Daphne.

CHUCKOh! Sorry.

(He moves his character)


CHUCKYou okay E?

IANKinda burnt.

CHUCKHow was it today? Were you flying again?

IANFinished my 30 hours. Which sucks. It was awesome. The flying. The real flying.

CHUCKYoure done already?

IANIm doing a months worth of training in a week.

CHUCKHoly shit.

JEANNIEYoure just coming in... from yesterday?

LEVELING UP

74

(Ian nods)

JEANNIEMorning?

CHUCKHoly shit dude.

JEANNIEThats not healthy.

IANYou think?

JEANNIEYou should go sleep.

IANIts cool. Theyre understaffed. Guy who had me up in the plane hadnt slept in like two days. Its just the way it is.

JEANNIEHow scary. My dad said...

(They all decide to ignore this.)

CHUCKSo now youre ready? For real combat?

IANCant say.

(Another pause. Chuck and Jeannie are not sure what to do.)

CHUCKWe were just outfitting Jeannies E-Chuck City pad.

IANYeah. I noticed.

CHUCKWant to join us?


LEVELING UP

75

IANSure. Why not.

CHUCKWow! Ok! Cool.

IANNone of my guys are on anyway.

CHUCKGreat.

(To Jeannie)Ian is Captain Outstando.

JEANNIE(Laughs)

Awesome. Im Daphne. Or... she is.

(He joins them -- brings his character in)Hah. Hello Captain Outstando. Hes cute.

IANYou go for leotards?

JEANNIEI like the cape.

CHUCKIm going to show you some tables, lamps, chairs -- get the place cozy.

IANHeres a couple thousand credits.

JEANNIENo! Dont! Ill get a job.

IANI never play this anymore. You may as well have them.

CHUCKAwesome. You should get like a grand piano for this room. And a real pimped up entertainment center.

JEANNIEGuys. I wouldnt live this way if I won the lottery.

LEVELING UP

76

CHUCKDaphne goes for the nice things in life. For entertaining gentlemen callers.

(They type a few things to each other.)

JEANNIEHow do I... I want to offer you lemonade. How do I...

CHUCKLemonade! Daphne needs a liquor cabinet!

IANHere. Walk through here and well set it up a kitchen.

(He takes her keyboard, and starts madly ordering her things.)

JEANNIEI love that. Yellow, ok? Nice. No -- I want a breakfast nook!

(He does it.)With bar stools?

IANDone. Heres your frig. Stocked with...

(He clicks the controller)lemonade.

JEANNIEWow. Thats awesome. How did you do that?

(He shows her the controls that he pressed.)Ok. You fellas go to the living room and Ill bring you some refreshments.

CHUCKYes, maam.

(They all move their characters.)

JEANNIEIll put yours here. On this very cute end table.

IANIll take the couch.

LEVELING UP

77

CHUCKCould you set up at least a cd player E. I want to put on some music.

(Ian does. We hear music coming from the screen)

JEANNIEI love this.

(They all settle in and type and move for a few moments.

Ian types something. Both Chuck and Jeannie look at him. Chuck types something back. They look at each other. Ian moves his character.)

CHUCKWhat are you doing man?

(Jeannie is just paralyzed)

IANWhat?

CHUCKDont do that.

IANThats not ok? I thought that was ok. Thats not ok, Jeannie?

CHUCKCut it out Ian.

IANYou dont like that? Or... Daphne doesnt? It seemed like she does.

(Jeannie stands up. She doesnt know what to say. She just heads up the stairs. We hear the front door shut.)

CHUCKWhat the fuck?

(Ian gets up and exits to the back room.)

LEVELING UP

78

SCENE 6

(Ian is alone, playing a war game with an online friend. He wears his headset. We can vaguely hear shouting and gunfire and explosions.)

IANLook out -- theres someone behind that Humvee!

(His friend nails the guy)Oh, dude! Awesome! He didnt see you coming!

(Beat. The enjoy this together. We hear chatter over the lines.)

Oh crap. Were surrounded. Were going to need more backup... Wasnt Titan 27 gonna meet us here?

(There is some gameplay. He responds to it.)Ah, shit. We gotta find some cover. Where are Mongo and Bullet 6? I thought they were in this.

Right? Theres too many of them. I dont think we can take em alone.

Ahhh! Frag out! Im going to detonate!

(Explosion)Awesome! Yeah.Ok. Cool. You lead.

(A beat while they move to another location)So listen, dude. You ever wonder, what if this thing was real?Yeah, but I mean like... what if those were actual people we were blowing up and shit, you know?Right. Totally. Get those fuckers! No, totally.

(Beat)But... did you ever think, like, what if you werent sure, you know?

(Something happens on screen. Ian covers his face which makes them crash. He is shaken, breathing hard. He comes back in)

Oh. Shit. Sorry dude. Shit. Yeah, Im a litte off tonight. Sorry. I.. didnt get much sleep.

LEVELING UP

79

Right?

(Beat.)But like, what if it werent soldiers. That you hit.

No, I know. Collateral damage. Absolutely.

(He just plays for a few moments as we hear the guy on the other end barking orders faintly)

Good one!

(He plays.)Have you ever... Where are you dude?

No, I mean, where do you live? Im in Nevada, are you...

(Something awful happens to them on the screen.)Ah! Oh fuck man. Im sorry.

(Pause. He is very shaken.)Oh! Dude! My buddy just got here!Yeah -- I gotta go.

Ok dude. See you later. Definitely.

(He logs out. And just sits in the darkened room alone as lights fade.)

LEVELING UP

80

SCENE 7

(Hours later. Chuck is alone, playing. Probably a fantasy game. Maybe the sound of a monster on screen.

Zander comes in, wild eyed.)

ZANDERChuck. God. Is Jeannie here?

CHUCKNo. She took off. It was a little weird.

ZANDERGood. You got to help me out dude. I dont know... I dont know what Im supposed to do here.

CHUCKWhat happened? You ok?

ZANDERI went to get the product. To the.. Proneutra...

CHUCKYeah?

ZANDER...headquarters.. Or whatever.

CHUCKYeah.

ZANDERAnd its gone.

CHUCKWhat do you mean? Did you have the right address?

ZANDERYeah, I had the fucking address. The building is fucking there. But... Its empty.

CHUCKOh shit.

ZANDERThey cleared out.

LEVELING UP

81

CHUCKOh shit man.

ZANDERI gave them the money. I gave them the money from the five guys I got to sign on.

CHUCKFuck.

ZANDERId given it to them. Jeannie too. I mean, I got Jeannie in on this.

CHUCKYeah. Wow.

ZANDERAnd... theyre gone.

CHUCKYou gotta call the cops man.

ZANDERYeah?

CHUCKYou gotta... the better business bureau or...

ZANDERDo you think theres any way...

CHUCKWhat?

ZANDERDo you think theres any way it could just be...it could just be a mix-up? Like, maybe they moved or, maybe it was... I dont know...

CHUCKDude. You were rooked. Theres like... It was a fantasy dude. It was a con.

ZANDERFuck.

(He sits down and starts playing during this)

LEVELING UP

82

CHUCKYeah.

ZANDERFuck.

CHUCKIm sorry dude.

ZANDERYeah. Oh fuck. I have to tell all those kids... Jeannie.

CHUCKYeah.

ZANDERShit man. I should just move. I should just... find a place I can...

CHUCKCall the cops. You gotta report this.

ZANDERYou think maybe theyll catch them? Get the money back?

CHUCKNo.

ZANDERShit.

CHUCKBut, who knows right? Maybe, right?

ZANDERFuck.

CHUCKYeah.

ZANDERGod Chuck. What do I do? God.

CHUCKWell, first you call, before you even tell any of the...

LEVELING UP

83

ZANDERNo. What do I DO? I mean, what do I do? My life?!

CHUCKYeah.

ZANDERIve got like.. I dont know.

CHUCKYou could try to go for training again -- for dealing. You could try craps this time. Or bartending.

ZANDERYeah. Id have to find a different school.

CHUCKYou would have to show up. Every class this time. I mean if you enroll.

ZANDERAnd Im broke. Totally broke.

CHUCKYeah.

ZANDERI cant even afford to start... I mean, Im way beyond broke. I owe... God.

CHUCKSorry dude. Really.

ZANDERI couldnt even swing the cost of the class. Do you think maybe Ian would...

CHUCKNo dude. I dont think so.

ZANDERYeah. I cant believe it. Those guys were so... I mean it was an awesome product.

CHUCKYeah.

ZANDERAnd the whole thing... it seemed so...

LEVELING UP

84

CHUCKYeah.

ZANDERIt was such a great business. I cant believe this.

CHUCKWasnt real man.

ZANDERShit. What do I do?

(They are silent for a moment.)

CHUCKGo to the police station. File a report.

ZANDERYeah. Maybe theyll catch them...

(He finishes his round for a moment. Gets up to go.)If Jeannie comes by, tell her... well, just... you know what, let me tell her, ok?

CHUCKGood.

(Zan stands at the bottom of the stairs for a long moment. Not moving.)

You want me to come with you dude?

ZANDERWould you?

CHUCKSure. One sec.

(He finishes something on the screen, and then joins Zan. They exit.)

LEVELING UP

85

SCENE 8

(Ian is in his chair, playing a war game. We hear the crashes and screams and artillery fire and bombs that accompany it. He puts on a headset. Its different from the one he usually wears to play. Its his work headset. The sound goes off from the video game and the lighting shifts so we only see Ian in his chair. Ian at work. We hear voice overs of the men Ian hears over his headsets, including the pilot who sits to the left of him. The voice overs are confusing and sometimes overlap.)

V.O.1Roger received target 15.

V.O 2See all those people standing down there?

V.O. 1Stay firm. And open the courtyard.

V.O. 3

(Ians Pilot -- Ian looks to him as he speaks)Pull back. Wide shot.

(Ian does this.)Yeah roger. I just estimate there's probably about 20 of them.

V.O. 4Hey Bushmaster element. Copy on the one-six.

V.O 3That's a weapon.

V.O.2Yeah.

V.O. 1Hotel two-six; crazy horse one eight.

V.O.3Copy on the one-six. Bushmaster six-romeo. Roger.

LEVELING UP

86

V.O. 1Fucking prick.

V.O. 3Hotel Two-six. This is crazy horse one-eight. Have individuals with weapons.

IANIs that a weapon? Sir? It looks like...

V.O. 1He's got a weapon too. Hotel Two-Six, Crazy Horse one-eight.

V.O. 3Have five to six individuals with AK 47s. Request permission to engage.

IANThose arent... Sir, no confirmation on the AK 47s, sir.

V.O. 2Roger that. We have no personnel east of our position. So you are free to engage. Over.

V.O. 3All right. We'll be engaging.

VO2Roger. Go ahead.

IANWe can't get em now because they're behind that building. Sir.

VO1He's got an RPG!

IAN That may be a camera, sir. That the guy in the front...

VO3All right, we got a guy with an RPG. I'm gonna fire.

VO1Hotel Two-Six; have eyes on individual with RPG. Getting ready to fire. We won't

VO2Yeah. - and now he's behind the building. God damn it.

LEVELING UP

87

VO3Uh, negative, he was, uh, right in front of the Brad. Uh, 'bout there, one oclock.

IANHaven't seen anything since then. I didnt... I cant ID that... that weapon.

VO2Just fuckin', once you get on 'em deploy.

VO3All right.

VO1I see your element, uh, got about four Humvees out along

VO2You're clear

IANWhat is he carrying? Sir. Permission to... Thats not...

VO3All right, preparing to deploy.

(This is to Ian)S.O. Prepare to target.

IANYes Sir.

VO1Let me know when youve got em.

VO3And... Sensor, on target!

IANRoger. On target.

VO3Currently engaging approximately 8 indivuals, uh KIA, RPGs, and Ak-47s.

VO2Hotel Bushmaster Two-Six. Bushmaster Two Six. We need to move, time now!

LEVELING UP

88

(There is the sound of an enormous explosion. Ian covers his face as if its happening in the room.)

VO1Yeah, we see 2 birds and theyre still on fire.

VO3Roger. I got em.

(Ian is now staring at the screen, heart pounding, out of breath)

VO1Two-six, this is two-six, we're mobile.

VO2Oops. I'm sorry. What was going on?

VO3God damit it Kyle. All right, hahaha, I hit'em

VO1All right. You're clear.

VO4Bushmaster Six; this is Bushmaster 2-6. Got a bunch of bodies layin' there.

VO2Yeah, we got one guy crawling around down there. But, uh, you know, we got, definitely got...

VO1We're shooting some more.

VO2Roger. Hey, you shoot, I'll talk.

VO1Hotel 2-6; you need to move that that location once crazyhorse is done and get pictures over. Sargeant Twenty is the location.

VO3Pull in closer S.O. We need a body count.

(But Ian is frozen)

LEVELING UP

89

VO2Hotel Two-six; crazyhorse one-eight. Can we get a confirmation on that body count?

VO3(Firmly, to Ian.)

Pull in S.O. Now!

(Ian is frozen.)Now S.O!!

IAN

(Snapped out of his stupor.)Sir!

VO1Crazyhorse one-eight; this is hotel 2-6 over.

VO3Oh, yeah. Look at those dead bastards.

VO1Nice.

VO2Good shoot'n

VO3Thank you.

(To Ian)Good shootin S.O.

IAN(Completely shaken and staring at the screen)

Thanks.

VO4Crazyhorse One-8; Bushmaster Seven. Go ahead.

VO1Bushmaster Seven; Crazyhorse One-Eight.

VO4Uh, location of bodies.

LEVELING UP

90

IAN

(Checking the map which is over the live feed)Mike bravo 5-4-5-8-8-6-1-7

VO3Hey good on the uh

VO1Mike bravo 5-4-5-8-8-6-1-7 over.

VO3This is Crazyhorse One-8. That's a good copy.

(To Ian)Good work.

IANThank you sir.

(He takes off his headset and the lights shift. Once again we hear the sounds of the war game and he has his controller in his hands.

He looks around stunned, disoriented, out of breath, panting. Unsure where he is. There is an explosion on the screen. He jumps.

We hear the door upstairs. Ian is very startled. Shaken. We hear Jeannies voice.)

JEANNIEZan?

(There is a pause. She is uncertain whether to come down. But she starts down the steps.)

Zander?

(She sees Ian and stops.)Guess hes not here. Ok. Sorry.

(Stands for a moment. Decides to come down.)I guess we should talk about... what happened.

LEVELING UP

91

JEANNIE (CONTD)

(Ian bends in half and holds his head as if it is aching. His eyes closed.)

Look, it was fucked up, what Chuck and I were doing. I know. Its just a game, but, youre right. It was fucked up. So... I dont blame you for judging me. But, Im not doing it any more.

(He does not respond. She comes into the room.)Are you ok? Ian?God. You must be exhausted. How can they make you work those hours? Putting you up in a plane when you havent slept.

(He doesnt respond. She goes to him.)Ian?Maybe this just isnt a good job for you. Im sure youre great at it, but you could do anything. I mean, youre so smart and capable and...

(Ian still has his head in his hands but he grasps his hair in fists as if he is holding himself together.)

Youre a great guy, Ian. I think you should just quit. Its not healthy.

(She goes to him tempted to stroke his hair. Stops herself.. He is coiled. Taut)

I cant imagine what youve seen. So awful. And even if it is , you know, the bad guys, if there are bad guys, if theyre not just us on the other side, even if it is real terrorists, to have to kill them.... It must be so hard -- so awful for you. I mean, they have lives too -- mothers and sisters and girlfriends...

(He moans slightly. She is overcome with sympathy and reaches out cautiously. Strokes his hair.

He springs up with a roar and grabs her hands before she can even scream,. Holds them above her head. Pushes her back so she trips backward. Falling partially onto the couch.)

IANShut up shut up /shut up shut up shut up shut up shut up!

JEANNIEOuch. Ian. Stop! What are you doing? Stop it!

(He pushes her down on the couch and pins her with his knee.)

LEVELING UP

92

JEANNIEDont do this. Why are you doing this?

IANI dont know!

JEANNIEStop it. Youre hurting me.

IANIs this happening??? IS IT??

JEANNIELet me go!

IAN

(He lets her hands go.)Fight me. Come on! Hit me! HIT ME!

(She smacks him hard and pushes him off her. She fights him and he doesnt fight back. She knocks him back and he falls. She smacks him again.)

IAN

(In pain. Not fighting.)AGAIN. Hit me!

(She is about to hit him again. He makes no attempt to fight back. She begins crying.)

Hit me! Hit me again!

(Zan and Chuck have entered upstairs and hear them. Rushing down the stairs)

ZANDERWhat the fuck!?

(Zan charges in with a roar and starts pounding Ian.)You fucking bastard! What the hell were you doing?

(Chuck tries to stop him.)

JEANNIEDont Zan. Stop. Stop it!

LEVELING UP

93

(Ian doesnt fight back, he just takes his pounding. He makes no sound.

Chuck pulls Zan off him. Ian is motionless on the floor.)

ZANDERWhat did he do? I want to fucking KILL him.

CHUCKJesus. What the hell?

JEANNIEIan, are you ok?

ZANDERWhat did he do to you?

(Chuck goes to Ian and tries to help him up. Ian does not respond.)

CHUCKZan, help me out here. Lets get him to the couch.

IAN(In a dead toned voice.)

No. Just go. Im ok. Just... just get out of here.

ZANDERCome on Jeannie.

CHUCKDo you need to like, go to the doctor?

IANNo. Get the fuck out.

ZANDERFucking bastard.

JEANNIEJust let him be.

ZANDERLet him be?? What the fuck?

(He storms out. Jeannie runs upstairs)

LEVELING UP

94

CHUCKYou okay, man?

IANI dont know.

(Jeannie comes back down with some ice in a cloth. Goes to Ian. Puts it on his head. He pushes it away. She sets it down.)

IANNo. Im fine. Please, please just go.

CHUCKDude, youre bleeding.

IANI need... Im sorry. I need you to go.

(They watch as he takes the ice, puts it on his bloodied head, and gets up. He goes to his chair and turns on the screen. We hear fireplay. They watch him playing as the lights fade.)

LEVELING UP

95

SCENE 9

(Ian is at his screen, cleaned up a bit. He plays throughout this. His voice is expressionless. Chuck is sitting on the couch watching Zan pack things into his backpack.)

ZANI think this controller was mine.

CHUCKNo dude.

ZANYeah. Im pretty sure I got it when we went to radio shack that time and we/ got the cables for...

CHUCKIan bought them.

ZANYeah?

CHUCKIan bought the cables too.

ZANWow. I totally thought I/ bought the...

IANTake them.

ZANYeah?

IANTake whatever you want.

ZANYou sure?

CHUCKE-man.

LEVELING UP

96

IANIm sure.

CHUCKIan, what the fuck. He just beat the shit out of you. I mean, what the fuck.

IANIts ok. I had it coming.

CHUCKDid you? What did you do?

IANI dont know.

CHUCKNo really, what happened here?

IANI dont know Chuck. Ok? I dont know what happened.

ZANIm sorry I went ballistic on you. I saw Jeannie crying...

IANNo.. You were right.

ZANOk.

(He packs a bunch of things into his backpack.)

CHUCKYou dont even have an x box. You dont even have a tv. You dont even have a place to live. What the hell do you need Ians shit for?

ZANIll find a place.

CHUCKWhere?

ZANI dunno. Ill just.. Ill let you know.

(He jams things into his backpack.)

LEVELING UP

97

CHUCKDid you tell Jeannie?

ZANWell...

CHUCKDid you? Did you tell her anything? About the vitamins? About you /taking off?

ZANI will. Ill let her know once Im settled.

CHUCKThat is so fucked up Z. That is totally fucked up.

ZANI know.

CHUCKSo dont do it. Dont run out. Tell them all you fucked up. Find a way to pay them back. Come on.

ZANI will. Ill totally pay everybody back. I will. I just have to find a place, like, make a new start, you know? Get myself situated. I might go back to my parents for just a little bit.

CHUCKWhat??? Aw dude!

ZANJust till I get my shit together. Come on Chuck. Im not gonna stay there.

CHUCKYou are. Youre gonna have your mom doing your laundry when youre ancient. Youre gonna be 35 and like -- mom, wheres my favorite Scuby-doo t-shirt?

ZANShut up.

(Hes filled the bag.)Ok guys. Im off.

CHUCKAsshole.

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98

(He and Chuck chest bump and muss each other up a bit.)

CHUCKBe well dude. Grow up into a fine young man ok?

ZANIll try.

(He goes to Ian.)Bye E.

IAN

(Still playing his game.)See ya.

ZANIll be sending you a check soon. Real soon.

IANSounds good.

(Zander leaves. Chuck stands looking at Ian for a long moment. Lights down.)

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99

SCENE 10

(A couple of weeks have gone by. Chuck is at his screen.

We hear the door open upstairs. Jeannie calls out.)

JEANNIEHi! . You dont have to come up! Im just getting a couple things out of Zans room.

CHUCK

(Jumping up)Jeannie! Hey!

JEANNIEHey.

(She comes down. Shes carrying a backpack.)

CHUCKHi! Howve you been?

JEANNIESorry. I just left a few things.

CHUCKOf course.

JEANNIEAnd then Ill be... out of your hair.

CHUCKYoure not... in my hair.

(Pause)At all.

JEANNIEHowve you been?

CHUCKOk. I guess.Hey, youre a graduate, huh?

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100

JEANNIEYup. Last week.

CHUCKAwesome! Congrats! Welcome to... Life!

JEANNIEThanks.

(They stand awkwardly for a moment.)

CHUCKSo... you... heard from Zan I guess...?

JEANNIEHe finally answered after like, 50 calls.

CHUCKWow.

JEANNIEYeah.

Documents

Leveling Up Script