A Pane of Glass
Revenge Is a Dish Best Served Cold
"Poe in Space"
This script was written for the first round of the 2006 NYC Midnight Moviemaking Madness Screenwriting Contest. The genre for the competition was "Horror," and the topic was "Gambling."
Having had success in the past with science-fiction, I decided to take a "Poe in Space" approach. I had one week to write the script, but due to other projects I was left with but a single day. In total, it took about eight hours to write.
First-round winners were announced on September 12, 2006, and "Pane of Glass" was the Second Runner-Up.
Reception
Since a lot of people have responded positively to this one, I think I might do with this what I did with "Pilotman"--turn it into a short story and submit it to sci-fi magazines.
I did have one harsh critic, though. My sister, Debbie, said that it disturbed her so much that she threw it away right after reading it. She has two kids, and apparently the ending was just too much for her. Oh, the horror, the horror!
Download "A Pane of Glass".
A Pane of Glass
EXT. SPACE - PERPETUAL NIGHT
We see drifting through the inky black of space a small
reddish moon. In orbit around it is a space station so
massive it looks like a floating mountain.
There is a flash of light to the right of the station, and a
spaceship appears. It looks like an old galleon without masts
or sails. It approaches one of the many pier-like protrusions
at the base of the space station and docks.
All the while, a man's voice narrates.
EDMOND (V.O.)
I had arrived at Grausam Station aboard
my ship, the Trieste, with the intent of
repaying an old debt. Two old debts, in
fact: only one of them monetary. Having
sold several relics gathered during my
exploration of the distant Cinistra
Quadrant, I had lately come into a small
fortune. Little did my old friend Modrus
Feuerbach know this when I arrived at
his station. Given his habit of underesti-
mating me, he had assumed, like the rest,
that the trip to the far reaches of space
had been the end of me. He feigned
pleasure in his response to my message of
the week before, telling him I was coming
and challenging him to a friendly game of
Blindman's Harrow--the very game by
which, ten years before, he had nearly
ruined me, taken my fortune, and--what
weighed most heavily on my mind--insulted
me most unforgivably. This was, of
course, before he'd married Lizbeth, and
long before she borne him his sole child.
INT. THE TRIESTE - SAME
Moving across the bridge of the ship, we see it also
resembles an old sailing vessel, with wainscoted walls and a
large wooden steering wheel. But there is also an assortment
of lights and electronic displays fitting for a starship.
EDMOND (V.O.)
The first debt I would pay in credits,
letting it seem as though the sum were
the last of my once vast estate. As for
the second debt... My plan was simple: to
make a preposterous bet, withal to strip
Modrus of everything he had in a single
hand…
EDMOND D'ARCY, a tall thin man with dark eyes and black
curls, sits at a large round table. He wears a wide-brimmed
hat and a heavy cloak that gives him an air of drama and
mystery.
Sitting across from him is a pale but striking woman,
ELIZABETH FEUERBACH, beautifully attired in a lavish
Victorian dress. She leans over to him and takes his hand.
ELIZABETH
I beg you not to do this, Edmond. For it
is sheer folly.
EDMOND
But I must. I owe him the money, for one
thing, and--
ELIZABETH
Has he ever asked you for it? Has he ever
once brought it up?
Edmond looks away, tensing his jaw.
ELIZABETH (CONT'D)
We're comfortable here, we don't need the
money. And Modrus is more than happy to
help an old friend.
EDMOND
(banging his fist on the table)
No! A gentleman's debts must be paid,
Lizbeth.
He turns from her and gazes out of the enormous window that
lets out onto empty space.
ELIZABETH
Then pay it as a debt and do not squander
your remaining fortunes on a game!
EDMOND
But, my dear...
(he chuckles)
...that's part of the debt, don't you
see? Modrus has long waited for this
opportunity to destroy me--
ELIZABETH
Destroy you! Edmond, what new madness is
this?
EDMOND
He's long sought to see me spend the last
of my inheritance. Shall I spare him that
pleasure? After all he's done for me?
Reduced me to such lowly standing that
not even my family will recognize me?
ELIZABETH
Edmond, it was your incessant and
unreasonable lust for games of chance
that brought you to where you are, not
Modrus.
EDMOND
And is that why you left me for him?
ELIZABETH
(growing sullen)
Why? This, this self-destructiveness-
why? You weren't like this before. What's
wrong? What's happened to you out there?
She follows his gaze out the large window.
EDMOND
(turning back abruptly)
Nothing. Nothing at all, my dear Madame
Feuerbach.
ELIZABETH
I do hate it when you call me that...
EDMOND
It is your name.
Elizabeth turns away. Then, rising abruptly and straightening
her dress, she walks quickly to the door at the back of the
bridge.
ELIZABETH
But you haven't seen Agatha yet.
EDMOND
(absently)
Ah, yes.
ELIZABETH
Let me get her.
She presses a button, and the door opens. AGATHA, a little
blonde of five or six wearing an elegant silken dress, stands
and walks onto the bridge.
EDMOND
Oh, my dear, how you've grown! What a
perfect young lady you've become in the
years since I saw you last.
ELIZABETH
Give your Uncle Edmond a kiss, Agatha.
The girl's shoes clack as she darts across to embrace Edmond.
EDMOND
What a darling!... You know, when I was
traveling out at the rim of the galaxy,
my dear, we saw strange luminous
creatures out in space. My crew called
them angels. But they couldn't be half as
beautiful floating through that void as
you.
He touches the tip of the little girl's nose and squints at
her playfully.
ELIZABETH
Oh, but it is late. She should be off to
bed.
AGATHA
Oh, mum! I want to help daddy at the
game.
ELIZABETH
Tut, tut, young lady!... Edmond, I expect
Modrus is most eager to see you. You may
join him in the parlor.
EDMOND
Yes, yes. But, Lizbeth, there is
something--something I discovered in my
travels, don't you know--that I should
like to show the both of you first...
CUT TO
INT. PARLOR - LATER
A parlor full of games: blackjack and craps tables,
billiards, and more. Standing over a roulette wheel is a
portly, well-dressed man in his middle years. MODRUS
FEUERBACH wears a full beard and pince-nez, and carries a
gold-handled cane. His SERVANT spins the wheel.
A door behind them slides open, revealing Edmond. He is
sweating noticeably, and a long, wet strand of hair is pasted
to his forehead. He removes his hat and pushes the lock back
behind his ear before entering.
MODRUS
D'Arcy! You've arrived. How delightful to
see you again, old friend!
EDMOND
I'm sure you're delighted.
MODRUS
(a bit confused)
Why, yes, of course.
Modrus steps forward and embraces Edmond, who receives him
coldly.
MODRUS (CONT'D)
Please, come in... My, you look
exhausted. Was it a hard crossing?
EDMOND
Not at all. Quite easy, in fact.
MODRUS
Well, I thought Elizabeth would want to
greet you. Didn't she bring you here?...
She was so excited for you to see Agatha
again.
Edmond ignores the comment and looks about the room, moving
from table to table, touching each of them in turn.
EDMOND (V.O.)
Modrus loved to twist the knife with a
sly comment. Reminders that Lizbeth was
his wife, Agatha his child, not mine.
These subtle gibes did not go unnoticed,
and they only compounded the debt I owed
him. I could hardly stop myself from
producing the little "insurance" I had in
my waistcoat. But patience is the
foundation of a deed well-done, and so I
continued to con my little part as "poor
old Edmond."
EDMOND (CONT'D)
So this is it--your parlor...
MODRUS
Yes, yes. Modest little set-up that it
is. Nothing at all like what you had back
in the day.
EDMOND
You flatter me, Modrus.
MODRUS
Not at all! That was a palace by
comparison. This, a mere game room.
Edmond picks up a golden ball from the roulette wheel.
EDMOND
Well, I can see that you've spared no
luxury...
He tosses it to the servant, who frowns and places it on the
wheel again.
MODRUS
Have a seat, my good man, and tell me all
about this adventure from which you've
just got back. I'm dying to hear the
details.
(to the servant)
Reginald, bring us a drink.
They sit at a bar along the wall, and the servant moves to
fix their drinks.
EDMOND
There's not much to tell really...
MODRUS
Pish posh. Flying out to galaxy's end and
nothing to tell of it? I've heard tales
of the most fantastic worlds that rim
the--
EDMOND
(mildly angry)
Frankly, Modrus, I'm sick to death of the
topic.
MODRUS
Ah, yes... Ahem, well. Yes, I do suppose
you've been positively bombarded with
questions from everyone you've met since
your return. Another day perhaps...
EDMOND
Another day.
MODRUS
I do wonder where Elizabeth is off to.
Agatha's usually put to bed round this
hour. I hope you'll have the chance to
see her.
The servant hands them each a drink.
EDMOND
(stiffening)
You received my offer?
MODRUS
Your what? Oh, yes. Your--
EDMOND
I've prepared to transfer fifty-thousand
credits to your account here on Grausam.
And as for the bet, my ship, the Trieste--
MODRUS
Well, but let's not get ahead of
ourselves, old boy. Have a friendly
visit, what? We've got plenty of time to
gamble away our fortunes, eh? Ha!
Edmond drinks half his drink in a single gulp. He is sweating
even more profusely now.
EDMOND
Well, as a matter of fact, I haven't much
time, you see. I haven't much time at
all. And I must--well, I'm afraid I must
leave this evening. Shortly, in fact.
MODRUS
Come all this way just to stay for a
single drink?
EDMOND
A single hand.
MODRUS
Elizabeth had thought you'd be staying a
few days at least. Why, there are the
gardens to explore and... My word, you
simply must visit the beaches on the moon
below. We can take a shuttle down and--
EDMOND
No, no... I'm afraid my time here is
short. It's the game I've come for,
Modrus, and to pay my debt.
MODRUS
(taken aback)
I see you haven't lost any of your
passion for gambling... Or your curtness,
Edmond.
EDMOND
And what is that supposed to mean?
MODRUS
Exactly what you think it does... Well,
come on then, if you're so hellbent on
tossing away whatever you might have
earned out Cinistra way...
EDMOND
Earned? I haven't earned a penny!
MODRUS
(laughing)
Then I suppose you've come here to bet
the last of your fortune in an attempt to
chip off a bit of all this?
He motions around the room, then smiles pityingly.
MODRUS (CONT'D)
Well, D'Arcy, if you think Lady Luck is
smiling upon you this evening, by all
means, let us move to the table.
EDMOND (V.O.)
And there it was again: that old sneer of
condescension which Modrus used to mask
his perverse and persistent urge to
destroy me. I'd almost come to miss it.
But I would wipe that smile off his face.
They take their seats at a card table in the corner of the
parlor. Modrus motions for his servant to come over.
INT. CARD TABLE - FOLLOW
As the conversation continues, Reginald shuffles a deck of
cards and arranges several colored disks in front of Modrus
and Edmond. Once done, he waits to be told to deal.
MODRUS
Edmond, you must look round this place
and wonder what it is that separates you
and me. What it was that led you to near
ruin--perhaps total ruin depending on
this hand--even as it held me aloft,
raised me up to this position of
privilege and power? Certainly, you had
as much of a chance as I to be
successful. More perhaps.
EDMOND
Oh, praytell. What could it have been?
MODRUS
Greed, my friend. Greed was your
downfall. Your compulsive lust for ever
more and more--
EDMOND
Oh, a lecture! Wonderful... Let us agree,
then, each to help the other profit from
his wisdom. You can teach me all you know
about greed, and I shall teach you about
fear.
MODRUS
And what is that supposed to mean?
EDMOND
Oh, not a threat. Not a threat to be
sure. It means simply that here, with all
your comforts, you're fearless... But I
have been to places you cannot imagine,
my friend. And you have no idea what
there is out there to fear.
MODRUS
(sarcastically)
Well, your stories about it are riveting,
I'm sure...
His face dripping sweat, Edmond raises his hands and stares
at them as though he were staring into space.
EDMOND
You have no idea... The feeling... When
you're at the extreme edge. When all that
separates you from an infinite expanse of
nothingness is a... a pane of glass--a
window.
(his eyes grow wide)
And you look out that window and behold
terror itself... Complete emptiness.
Yes...
(coming back to reality)
Yes... you have a thing or to learn
yourself, Modrus.
Modrus chuckles, then lets out a sigh, leaning back in his
chair.
MODRUS
Ah, so that's it, is it? It's that fear
that has you in its grip--is that the
addiction?... My dear boy, you betray
yourself. For what has truly ruined you
time and again--and what may serve to
ruin you once more tonight--is your
failure to see that your greed is little
more than that same fear. Fear of losing
control--a desperate need to hold on.
Modrus leans in and, cracking his knuckles, grins wickedly.
MODRUS (CONT'D)
But you've already lost control. And now,
you could well lose your shirt... My poor
boy. I almost feel bad playing this hand
with you...
He winks at Edmond.
MODRUS (CONT'D)
Almost.
EDMOND (V.O.)
I very nearly drew my pistol from my
waistcoat and killed him straightaway.
But no. Death was too good for Modrus
Feuerbach. He would pay, he would suffer.
He would feel the lack, the want, that I
had felt these many years.
EDMOND (CONT'D)
I'm sure you feel no such remorse. But
thank you, Modrus. Thank you for your
little sermon. It means more to me than
you can ever know...
MODRUS
Now you flatter me, old boy.
EDMOND
Not at all. Funny, though, to hear such
dissertations on fear from one who knows
so little of it. For I can see you spare
yourself no luxuries either. I imagine
the greatest fear you face each day of
your well-heeled life here above the
clouds of Grausam is whether you'll
manage to button that waistcoat.
MODRUS
(dismissively)
You go too far in your insults, D'Arcy.
EDMOND
I am only paying you in kind, old friend,
for all those you've dealt me. I owe you
as much a debt in digs as I do in gold,
"old boy."
(his voice grows tense)
And when you speak to me of fear, you
should check your tone. I'm not your
little Agatha... And if one of us should
fear the outcome of this hand, it's you.
Precisely because you have so very much
to lose, and I so very little...
MODRUS
Well, then--let's have at it, eh?
He nods at Reginald, who deals them each ten cards.
MODRUS (CONT'D)
I only hope your travels have puffed up
your pockets as much as they have your
chest.
EDMOND
It is my intent, sir, that this hand
shall tend to my pockets.
EDMOND (V.O.) (CONT'D)
I could see then I had him hooked. Yes, I
could see it in his eyes. And my desire
to murder him all but faded away
entirely. Let there be no doubt, I had
the upper hand in this game.
They pick up the cards that Reginald has dealt and scrutinize
them.
MONTAGE - THE CARD GAME
The game of Blindman's Harrow plays out, each player drawing
cards and collecting colored disks. As the game proceeds, the
colored disks begin to amass in front of Modrus. Finally,
Edmond--his cloak and hat hanging on the back of his chair,
his forehead covered with wet mats of hair--has only one
left.
END MONTAGE
Modrus draws a card and flips it face up on the table. Edmond
winces. Placing his finger over his last disk, he slides it
across the table to Modrus and lowers his head. With a smirk,
Modrus gathers up the disks.
MODRUS
Perhaps one day you'll see, Edmond...
Yes, perhaps you'll realize, old chap,
that the important things in life are not
adventure and games of chance. And
perhaps you'll even take a cue from your
old friend, Modrus--settle into a
pleasanter life, find a wife and child of
your own, and see that the real wealth is
there, not in credits or in...
He throws a fistful of colored disks at Edmond.
MODRUS (CONT'D)
...petty revenge.
Edmond looks sullen, beaten. His sweaty hair hangs in front
of his face, and he grinds his teeth.
MODRUS (CONT'D)
(angrily)
Keep your credits, my friend. And forget
your debt to me... But as part of our
bet, the Trieste is mine, and I'll have
her. If only to teach you a lesson.
EDMOND
Yes... Yes, indeed... A lesson.
Edmond rises and reaches into his waistcoat. Modrus narrows
his eyes suspiciously. Edmond slowly draws his hand out again
and sets a long metal key-like object on the table. Modrus
smiles in spite of himself and to disguise a sigh of relief.
EDMOND (CONT'D)
She's yours... You'll find her moored at
pier fifty-nine.
He walks to the door.
MODRUS
And where will you go?
EDMOND
I've prepared for this eventuality...
I've arranged for alternative
transportation... I'll trouble you no
longer. Good evening, sir.
MODRUS
And a fine evening to you, old friend.
Reginald opens the door, and Edmond exits. The servant
follows him. When the door closes behind them, Modrus laughs
out loud and stares delightedly at the symbol of his latest
conquest, the key.
INT. CORRIDOR - MOMENTS LATER
Hanging his head, Edmond leaves the Feuerbach residence,
escorted by Reginald. The servant watches Edmond disappear
into the crowds that move through a vast corridor of the main
station.
Edmond turns around to see that Reginald is gone. He lifts
his head and smirks, then walks quickly toward a large
terminal.
He stops at a metal box and reaches into his waistcoat.
Pulling out a pistol and a piece of paper, he throws the
pistol into the box and hurries on.
INT. DOCK - CONTINUOUS
Edmond approaches a ramp that goes up to a large space
cruiser. A STEWARD in a red suit and cap stops him.
STEWARD
Ticket, sir.
Edmond hands him the piece of paper he is holding. The
steward looks to either side of him.
STEWARD (CONT'D)
Baggage, sir?
Edmond smiles broadly, closes his eyes for a moment, and lets
out a chuckle. Still smiling, he puts his hand over his heart
and answers.
EDMOND
Oh, my dear boy, I have all I need right
here.
The steward motions for him board the cruiser, and Edmond
ascends the ramp.
INT. CRUISER - LATER
As the cruiser leaves dock, Edmond looks out of large window.
In the distance, his ship, the Trieste is visible.
EDMOND (V.O.)
I can hear you now, Modrus. I can hear
you tell me that real tragedy is mine...
That greed and the desire to beat you
have left me empty, dead inside.
EXT. SPACE - FOLLOW
Passing through the window, following Edmond's line of sight,
we cross the space between the two ships and slip into the
Trieste through a side window just as Modrus is walking onto
the bridge. Along the far wall, next to an airlock door, an
empty spacesuit lays crumpled on the floor.
INT. BRIDGE - FOLLOW
Modrus approaches the helm and takes hold of the steering
wheel. He looks around the bridge with a proud grin on his
face.
EDMOND (V.O.)
But I've seen true emptiness, my friend.
I've been to the edge and back--and while
you have never faced that void, I embrace
it.
Modrus looks to the large window, then squints at it.
Something indiscernible floats in space just outside.
EDMOND (V.O.) (CONT'D)
You may have beaten me at everything else
in life, Modrus. But in this I have
beaten you most soundly.
Modrus's eyes grow wide, and he rushes to the window. His
hands on the glass, he presses his face to it and looks out
frantically.
EDMOND (V.O.) (CONT'D)
Their screams, short lived as they were
before being drowned out in the vacuum of
space--their screams, my friend, were a
music I shan't soon forget...
The indistinct objects in space become clear: Elizabeth and
Agatha, their faces white and bloated, covered in spider-webs
of burst capillaries, their lifeless arms floating out to
their slides, and their dresses spread out around them
angelically. Each is tied to the prow of the Trieste with a
long white cord.
Modrus leans his head against the glass, his body wracked
with sobs. In the distance, behind the bodies of his wife and
child, a cruiser pulls out of dock. He lifts his head, his
eyes follow it out to the dead of space.
EDMOND (V.O.) (CONT'D)
Just that pane separates us from the vast
emptiness... Just that pane. But even the
tiniest bit of joy fills the void a
little, wouldn't you agree?
A flash of light. The cruiser is gone.
Modrus turns away from the horrid sight, slides down the
glass, and collapses in tears.
THE END
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