Episode 1.1 "Pilot" written by Mark Souza

Mraz Inc.
"Pilot"
Written by Mark Souza

TEASER

FADE IN:

INT MRAZ INC. - MORNING
A huge office building. We are in the main reception area. It is a large, open space. The floor is all tastefully tiled. The middle of the room is completely open, with no roof immediately above it, showing many of the floors that are above this one.

People dart around the reception area. No one is doing anything specific, but they all seem to think what they are doing is very important. The sheer mass of people moving around is reminiscent of an ant colony.

The camera searches around this area, taking everything in. When it has focused on everything, it moves over to reveal LAUREN KEATING, who is staring back at it.

KEATING
Welcome to Mraz Inc.!

The shot changes to reveal that the first angle was actually the POV of KRYSTAL KELLY, who is standing next to Keating.

KEATING (CONT’D)
I know it can seem a little overwhelming at first, but you get used to it.

KRYSTAL
I think I’ll be able to adapt.

KEATING
Of course you will. So would you like to start the tour?

KRYSTAL
Will you be giving it?

KEATING
I will. That is, unless I have to go deal with something else. You know bosses, whenever they need something it’s the biggest emergency in the world, all else be damned, right?

KRYSTAL
Yeah, sure.

KEATING
Well let’s begin the tour then. Follow me.

The two start walking towards an elevator bank at the far wall.

KEATING (CONT’D)
So, what’s your official position here at Mraz Inc.?

KRYSTAL
I’m not sure I have one yet.

KEATING
Oh, you must, you probably just missed it in the introductory forms.

KRYSTAL
If you say so.

KEATING
So how did you find out about Mraz Inc. anyway?

KRYSTAL
I was recommended for the job.

KEATING
I see. Well I’m sure you’ll fit in fine here. I know importing/exporting can seem dull to the layman, but I assure you, things stay pretty exciting here.

KRYSTAL
Oh, I doubt it’ll be dull.

They have reached the elevators and walk into one.

KEATING
So, where should we begin?

She looks at Krystal expectantly, Krystal stares at the workers outside of the elevator.

CUT TO:

INT A BANQUET HALL - MORNING
A large banquet hall. The room is filled with men and women in very important looking business suits. They all chat in small groups. There is a large buffet table with all sorts of breakfast fare. Most people also hold a drink of some sort.
The shot eventually finds its focus on a large group who are listing to a story told by GOVERNOR JOSH SHERMAN.

SHERMAN
(mid-sentence)
Albany? You ask me, Albany is good for two things. One? Great buffalo wings - not as good as Buffalo, of course, but that would require going to Buffalo. You know what they say about Buffalo- that's where Hell goes to take lessons. My unborn children in my balls are about to freeze off just thinking about Buffalo. That reminds me, true story, you know Frank's Red Hot Sauce? Sauce originated in Buffalo, right? Well this has nothing to do with that, BUT when I was a kid, I took a whole bottle of that stuff and -

ANDREA (O.S.)
Not your buffalo sauce story again Governor Sherman?

ANGLE ON: ANDREA DAVIS. She looks sleek and sophisticated. She wears an elegant, flattering dress and is the center of attention as soon as she is noticed.

SHERMAN
Andrea! Look at you. I think I may have had a small orgasm just at the sight of you.

ANDREA
Only a small one?

SHERMAN
It’s still before noon darling, give me some time to wake up before you expect too much.
(addressing the others in the group)
Gentlemen, Ms. Andrea Davis. She’s throwing this party this morning in honor of, oh what the hell was it again, who cares? We’re raising money for lymphoma or some nonsense, anyway, the important part is look at this woman! What's she doing with a bunch of old blowhards like us, when she should be doing blow with the cast of The Hills or whatever the hell kids watch these days. That's the ques-

ANDREA
I am enjoying myself, as I always do when I see you Governor. I’ll leave you to your story, I just wanted to say hello while I knew I could still get your attention.

SHERMAN
Darling you can have my attention morning, noon, and night.

ANDREA
Now what would your wife think of that?

SHERMAN
Maybe she’d think we should sleep in the same bed for a change, but I doubt it. Now there’s a woman cold enough to fit in in Buffalo.

ANDREA
Oh you.

Andrea walks off in the direction of the bar.

ANDREA (CONT’D)
(to herself)
You old blowhard.

She reaches the bar and flags down the BARTENDER.

ANDREA (CONT’D)
Bloody Mary please. Actually, do you know what time it is?

BARTENDER
Almost 10:30.

ANDREA
Better make it a scotch on the rocks instead then.

The bartender gets her drink in a matter of instants.

ANDREA (CONT’D)
These parties always start off so dull-

Suddenly an EXPLOSION fills the room, followed by sounds of breaking glass. About twenty men armed with assault rifles come running into the room. The lead hostage taker (HENDRICKS) runs into the center of the room and lets off a few loud shots.

HENDRICKS
EVERYONE GET DOWN AND SHUT UP! YOU ARE ALL HOSTAGES! DO WHAT I SAY AND NO ONE HAS TO GET HURT!

Andrea sips from her scotch, calmly.

ANDREA
But they always seem to end with a bang.

SMASH CUT TO:
MAIN TITLES.

FADE TO BLACK.

END OF TEASER



ACT ONE

INT MRAZ INC. - MORNING
A gym facility. The facility is almost empty. EDDIE HANSEN-NELSON and MOUMIN GHANEM are the only two working out. Moumin is getting ready to start a bench-press as Eddie spots for him.

Keating and Krystal enter the gym.

KEATING
And this is our gym. It is fully functional and open for the use of all employees. This is the weight room, there is also a cardio room just down the hall fully equipped with elliptical machines, treadmills, and stationary bikes.

Moumin starts doing the bench-press.

KRYSTAL
Why do you need a gym on premises?

KEATING
Mr. Mraz believes that a healthy employee is a happy employee. This facility saves our workers hundreds of dollars annually that they would be spending on outside use of a gym. Not to mention it keeps everyone in the building in case they’re needed on short notice.

Eddie notices Krystal and, ignoring Moumin, walks over to her.

EDDIE
(putting out his hand)
Hi. Eddie Hansen- Nelson. Are you new here?

KRYSTAL
Yes.

KEATING
Ah, Krystal this is Eddie. He’s one of our most senior employees here.
(to Eddie)
This is Krystal’s first day.

Moumin is starting to struggle with his weight-lifting.

KRYSTAL
So what is it you do here?

Eddie and Keating share a pointed look.

MOUMIN
Spot!

EDDIE
(ignoring Moumin)
Umm...well I do a lot of little things. Basically, I um...

KEATING
He does whatever the bosses need him to do.

MOUMIN
I need a spot Eddie!

EDDIE
(again ignoring Moumin)
Yeah, that’s one way to put it.
(flirtatious)
What do you do?

KRYSTAL
I’m not really sure yet.

EDDIE
Well I’m sure we’ll be able to find a position for you! No worries there.

MOUMIN
Oh you son of a -

Moumin is struggling mightily now.

KRYSTAL
Should you help him?

EDDIE
What? Nah, he’s just being dramatic.

Moumin, with a loud grunt manages to lift the bar up and set it on the bench-press rack. He gets up and storms over to Eddie.

MOUMIN
What the hell man?!

EDDIE
Moumin, meet Krystal...I’m sorry what’s your last name?

KRYSTAL
Kelly.

EDDIE
Kelly, huh? Well you know what they say, never trust a girl with two first names, right?

KRYSTAL
I guess.

MOUMIN
Nice to meet you Krystal.

KRYSTAL
You too, Moumin was it?

MOUMIN
Yeah that’s right. Moumin Ghanem. You can call me Mo.

EDDIE
And you can call me Curly, the third stooge is on a break right now.

Silence. Keating and Moumin look at Eddie like he’s an idiot. Suddenly, ERIC runs into the room.

ERIC
Eddie! Moumin! You’re needed in the main conference room ASAP!

EDDIE
Yeah? Says who?

ERIC
Order for me to get you came from Mark. I think this one comes straight from Mraz.

EDDIE
You don’t say?

MOUMIN
Any idea what it’s about?

ERIC
No, but they said come with a full arsenal. Be ready for anything.

EDDIE
Sounds like my sort of party.
(to Krystal)
Sorry to cut this short. I look forward to working with you.

MOUMIN
C’mon!

Eric rushes out of the room. Moumin follows. Eddie walks after them, pulling out a gun and checking his ammo as he leaves. Krystal watches Eddie go, then turns to Keating with a questioning look on her face.

KEATING
Oh those two! C’mon there’s a lot more to see.

Keating and Krystal leave the gym area.

CUT TO:

INT MRAZ INC. HALLWAY - CONTINUOUS
Keating and Krystal come out of the gym and into a hallway. Keating turns one way, but Krystal turns the other way, toward an unmarked door.

KRYSTAL
What’s in here?

KEATING
No, don’t!

Krystal opens the door. Behind it is a large holding facility with many jail cells. Keating immediately runs over and shuts the door.

KRYSTAL
Those looked like jail cells.

KEATING
Nope, those are actually the...umm..old shower facilities for the gym. They’re being remodeled right now so they don’t look like prison cells anymore. It’s not safe to walk around in there while construction is going on.

KRYSTAL
(skeptical)
Okay.

KEATING
C’mon, follow me.

Keating leads Krystal down the corridor. Some other employees start walking by them. Keating’s pager starts to buzz. She looks down at it. She looks up, disturbed.

KRYSTAL
Everything okay?

KEATING
Yeah, it’s just...

Keating spots ANDY CHMELKO walking by.

KEATING (CONT’D)
Andy!

ANDY
Oh, hey Lauren.

KEATING
Could you do me a favor?

ANDY
Well...

KEATING
Great! I have to go to the conference room. This is Krystal, could you just give her a tour of the place? Thanks!

Keating starts to run off.

ANDY
Wait! What level of information can I -

KEATING
She’s a new hire! Just give her a standard tour!

Keating runs off. Andy and Krystal stand awkwardly.

ANDY
So...what is it you’re going to be doing here at Mraz Inc.?

CUT TO:

EXT POLICE MOBILE VAN - MORNING
The inside of a mobile unit that is outside of the ballroom where Andrea is. Many police officers work furiously. The NEGOTIATOR sits talking to another officer.

NEGOTIATOR
There seems to be no motive for this situation. So far no demands have been made. I don’t get it.

OFFICER (O.S.)
Sir! The demands just came in. You’re going to want to see this.

The Negotiator jumps up and runs over to the officer who called to him. He looks at a sheet of paper.

OFFICER (CONT’D)
It just came through our fax line.

Negotiator looks at the sheet, puzzled.

NEGOTIATOR
What the hell?

CUT TO:

INT MEDICAL CENTER - MORNING
Andy leads Krystal into the medical center. Not much is happening in it right now.

ANDY
This here is our medical center. It’s equipped with the finest equipment in modern medicine.

KRYSTAL
What purpose would a medical center serve for an importing/exporting company?

ANDY
Umm...well...you see...

Krystal stares at Andy, waiting for his answer.

ANDY (CONT’D)
(blurting it out)
It’s the only thing the health plan covers!

KRYSTAL
What?

ANDY
Yup, so anyway, moving right along.

Andy whisks Krystal out of the medical center.

CUT TO:

INT MRAZ INC. HALLWAY - CONTINUOUS

ANDY
Let’s check out the rest of this area. Down the hall here is the main conference room.

He starts leading Krystal down the hall.

KRYSTAL
Is that where everyone has been getting summoned to?

ANDY
Probably, I don’t really know about that. I’m a financial guy.

As Andy talks Krystal makes a beeline to the conference room door. Finally, Andy notices and rushes after her.

ANDY (CONT’D)
Hey!

Before Andy can reach her, Krystal charges into the room.

CUT TO:

INT MRAZ INC. CONFERENCE ROOM - CONTINUOUS
In the room are MICHAEL MRAZ, MARK SOUZA, TAYLOR SHANN, Keating, Eddie, Moumin, BRIAN “DUCKY” SMALLWOOD, and Eric. The conference room door opens and Krystal walks in. Andy rushes in after her. Keating jumps up out of her seat and rushes toward her.

ANDY
I’m sorry she just barged in!

KEATING
You’re not supposed to be in here!

Krystal walks directly over to Mraz and stops in front of him.

KRYSTAL
Andrea Davis.

FADE TO BLACK.

END OF ACT ONE




ACT TWO
EXT POLICE MOBILE VAN - MORNING
Negotiator is talking to the same Officer, who is stationed in front of a laptop computer.

NEGOTIATOR
What have you found on this Michael Mraz?

OFFICER
Not much sir. He’s the head of an importing/exporting corporation.

NEGOTIATOR
Any ties to these hostage takers as far as we can tell?

OFFICER
None.

NEGOTIATOR
What does he trade in? Any weaponry? Black market stuff?

OFFICER
Some weaponry. Always to military organizations. Normally America, some European allies. Everything’s above board.

NEGOTIATOR
What the hell does he have to do with this then?

Officer spins around and looks at Negotiator. Neither speaks.

NEGOTIATOR (CONT’D)
Get him on the phone. I want to have a talk with Mr. Mraz.

CUT TO:

INT MRAZ INC. - MORNING
The same moment we left off on. Krystal is standing in front of Mraz. Keating and Andy have stopped dead in their tracks. No one speaks.

MRAZ
How do you know that name?

KRYSTAL
Mr. Mraz I came here to be a help to you. I’ve done extensive research on Ms. Davis. I know she is involved in funding many terror organizations inside the United States. I also know she has a bit of a personal grudge against you.

MRAZ
Who are you?

KRYSTAL
Krystal Kelly. You hired me last week. Today’s my first day.

KEATING
Mike, we were giving her a tour of the offices. Standard protocol.

KRYSTAL
Yes, and while I enjoyed the silly little tour that Lauren and Andy here were giving me, I didn’t join this company to deal with financing issues related to trade. I know you’re into a lot more than that. I came here because I can help.

MRAZ
What exactly do you think you know?

KRYSTAL
I know the import/export thing is a front. Most of the energies of this company go to combating illegal activities on American soil. I know you and Andrea Davis have battled each other before.

TAYLOR
That’s all hearsay! We run a clean trade operation here. Check our tax returns.

MRAZ
That won’t be necessary Taylor. I think Ms. Kelly is beyond the point of that lie.
(to Krystal)
Taylor’s the head of our legal department. He gets nervous when we talk about things like this. Who else don’t you know here?

KRYSTAL
Well I know Keating and Andy obviously. I met Eddie and Moumin in the gym, though I don’t know what they do. I also saw him.

She points to Eric.

MRAZ
That’s Eric. He, Eddie, and Moumin are all tactical officers here at Mraz Inc. Andy is our head financial officer. Keating is head of personnel and my personal assistant.

DUCKY
Hi. I’m Ducky. I’m the head of research and development here. Basically I make gadgets.

KRYSTAL
Pleased to meet you. Ducky you said?

DUCKY
It’s a nickname.

The room phone starts to ring. Mraz hits a button on it.

MRAZ
Yes.

YOUNG MAN (O.S.)
NYPD for you Mr. Mraz?

MRAZ
Taylor, can you -

TAYLOR
I’m on it. Transfer the call to my cell phone.

Taylor stands and leaves the room, pulling out his cell phone as he leaves. Mraz hangs up his phone.

MRAZ
Well Krystal, since you know so much about Andrea maybe you can help us. Earlier this morning Andrea was throwing a party to raise money for a children’s cancer fund -

EDDIE
Like that’s really what she’d use the money for.

MRAZ
Anyway, at about 10:30 this morning that party was taken hostage by unknown assailants. We believe this was all Andrea’s design. We’re trying to figure out the purpose.

KRYSTAL
Have there been any demands?

MRAZ
None that we know of.

KRYSTAL
Huh.

MARK
This is ridiculous.

KRYSTAL
I’m sorry, I didn’t catch who you are?

MARK
I’m the guy who finds it suspicious that our new employee walks in here with a bunch of personal information about one of our top enemies at the exact time we’re trying to figure out a convoluted plot being executed by the selfsame enemy.

MRAZ
Mark.

MARK
Sorry Mraz, but her quick little speech on Andrea doesn’t explain how she knows about everything we do here.

MRAZ
You’ll have to excuse Mark. He’s the head of tactical and second in command here. He gets paid to be suspicious.

KRYSTAL
Here maybe this will help put your mind at ease.

Krystal reaches into her purse. Before she can pull out what she’s looking for Mark raises a gun and points it at her.

MARK
Take your hand out of your purse. Slowly.

MRAZ
Mark!

Krystal slowly removes her hand from her purse.

MARK
Put it on the ground.

She does so.

MARK (CONT’D)
Moumin, check it out.

Moumin goes to the purse and starts fishing through it.

KEATING
Mark, is this really necessary? She’s an employee here.

MARK
So?

MOUMIN
Whoa. Got something here.

Moumin pulls out a handgun from Krystal’s purse.

MARK
Quite the accessory to be carrying with you.

KRYSTAL
Take out the file that was underneath the gun.

Moumin looks back in the purse and finds a file. He flips through it quick.

MOUMIN
Looks like a background file on her.

MRAZ
Let me see that.

Moumin hands Mraz the file. He looks through it and, satisfied, hands it to Mark. Mark starts reading.

MRAZ (CONT’D)
Okay. That’ll be enough Moumin. That file seems to check out.

KRYSTAL
I have the gun because I know things can go wrong quickly and I like to be prepared. It’s something I thought you would be able to understand.

Mark finishes the file and tosses it down. He grunts his approval.

MARK
Seems legit.

MRAZ
Okay then, if we can get back to business -

Taylor rushes back into the room.

TAYLOR
The hostage-takers have given their demands!

MRAZ
What do they want?

TAYLOR
You.

CUT TO:

INT A BANQUET HALL - MORNING
The hostage-takers have assembled all of the hostages in the center of the room. Andrea and Sherman are sitting on the floor, next to each other.
Hendricks comes up to the center of the room.

HENDRICKS
Andrea Davis?

ANDREA
Yes?

HENDRICKS
Come here!

SHERMAN
Hey! She doesn’t have to go anywhere. You think just because you jackasses have guns that you’re in charge here? I have people at my beck and call that could storm this room and-

Hendricks shoots a round about a foot from Sherman’s crotch.

HENDRICKS
If you don’t shut up I’ll aim a little higher!

SHERMAN
Good luck Andrea.

Andrea slowly stands and follows Hendricks down the hall. As soon as they are away from the rest of the crowd:

ANDREA
What’s the status?

HENDRICKS
We sent out our demands through the secure fax, like you ordered. We’re waiting for a reply.

ANDREA
Good. Mraz should be here soon then.

HENDRICKS
Are you sure he’ll come?

ANDREA
Oh he’ll come.

HENDRICKS
What do you want us to do when he gets here? Dispose of him?

ANDREA
What? No, you idiot! You do nothing. I’ll handle Mraz, you just stay focused on controlling this crowd.

HENDRICKS
But -

ANDREA
Those are your orders. Give me a gun. Small and concealable if you have one.

HENDRICKS
Will this do?

Hendricks reaches down and hands a small pistol to Andrea. She takes it, checks the clip and tucks it in her purse.

ANDREA
It’ll do.

HENDRICKS
One more thing Ms. Davis?

ANDREA
Yes?

HENDRICKS
When Mraz gets here, I don’t think the police will let him in alone, how should we deal with that.

ANDREA
Oh, don’t worry about that. They’ll let him in.

ANGLE ON: Sherman. Sitting in the middle of the floor.

ANDREA (CONT’D)
We’ve got someone here who can make sure of that.

FADE TO BLACK.

END OF ACT TWO





ACT THREE

INT MRAZ INC. - MORNING
The room is now a bustle of activity. Mark, Eddie, Moumin and Eric are checking their weapons. Mraz is talking with Taylor and Keating. Andy and Ducky sit together. Krystal sits silently reading a file.

MRAZ
Alright Taylor, what do you think is the best way to proceed on this.

MARK
I already told you Mraz, we’re going in and getting those people out of there. This has gone far enough!

MRAZ
It might make more sense for me to go and see what they want.

EDDIE
(Breckin Meyer’s Robot Chicken voice)
IT’S A TRAP!

Moumin and Mark laugh.

MRAZ
Yes thank you, I know it’s a trap, still -

MARK
Still he’s egotistical enough to think he can walk directly into a trap and walk out unharmed.

MRAZ
And you’re egotistical enough to think you, Eddie, Moumin and Eric can free all those hostages by yourself.

EDDIE
No one really counts Eric.

ERIC
Screw you guys!

TAYLOR
Everyone shut up!! You’re all insane. First off, Mraz they’ll never let you into a hostage situation, you’re a businessman remember?

MRAZ
Technically.

TAYLOR
And Mark -

EDDIE
I love it when he gets yelled at by the lawyers.

TAYLOR
What makes you think that the NYPD will be okay with allowing vigilantes, which is what you’d be, into the situation to go “take care” of the hostage-takers?

MARK
I figured we wouldn’t tell them.

TAYLOR
And how will we go about that?

MOUMIN
We could go in covert.

MRAZ
We don’t have the Intel on this building to do a covert op.

MARK
Ducky?

DUCKY
What? Oh, umm...well I do have some heat seeking devices so you could know what you’re up against, and some LCD wrist attachment that could have live uplink to my readings.

KEATING
I could get a copy of the building plans if that would help.

MARK
See? We’re fine.

DUCKY
Of course to get the heat sensitive readings we’d probably need someone inside to plant the device in a main room or something. That might be tough.

MRAZ
I can do that if we can find me a way in.

KRYSTAL
I’ve got it!

Everyone turns toward Krystal, who has just jumped up from her chair. Silence.

EDDIE
Umm...Congratulations?

KEATING
Got what?

KRYSTAL
According to this report the governor is one of the hostages. If we can get him to allow you in, the police will follow his order.

MRAZ
(to Taylor)
Is that true?

TAYLOR
Probably not, but it might be the best chance you have to get in.

MARK
How are you going to get the governor to do anything? We have no way of communicating with him.

MRAZ
I’ll worry about that later. We have a plan now, we should get moving on it. I want us ready to go in one hour.

MARK
Whoa! A plan? You’re still going in alone, I don’t like that plan. Eric will accompany you in.

MRAZ
No, Eric’s staying with you.

KEATING
I could go.

MRAZ
You need to be here to run the op.

KRYSTAL
I can accompany you. I’ll say I’m your lawyer.

TAYLOR
Good luck with that job.

KRYSTAL
If you insist on my coming in with you, I’m sure the governor will demand that as well.

MARK
Oh good, the new girl’s going to be your backup, I feel so much better.

Krystal walks over to Mark, who has just rammed a clip into his gun. She grabs his right arm and wrenches it back, pushing him into the wall at the same time. They stands face to face, Mark is in obvious pain. Eddie and Moumin have drawn their guns.

KRYSTAL
I assure you I can handle myself in any situation.

MARK
I’m sure you can, but I normally like dinner and a movie before I get to this stage with someone.

Mark, spinning his wrist, is able to grab Krystal’s arm. Using his free arm to stabilize her, he wrenches the other arm behind her back and pulls up.

MRAZ
Enough!

Mark slowly lets go of Krystal.

MRAZ (CONT’D)
You’ll come with me Krystal. Your knowledge of Andrea could be helpful. Alright everyone move out! We’ll be mobilizing in one hour.

Everyone leaves the room.

CUT TO:

INT A BANQUET HALL - MORNING
Andrea is led back into the throng of hostages at gunpoint by Hendricks. She immediately heads to the center of the circle and sits next to Sherman.

SHERMAN
Andrea are you okay? What did the bastards want?

ANDREA
They wanted me to talk to you. It seems they need someone let in here. A civilian, he should be on his way now.

SHERMAN
A civilian, no way a civilian is getting in here with a bunch of gun-toting maniacs running the show.

ANDREA
You don’t know anyone in the police force that owes you a favor? They said if the civilian doesn’t get in that they’ll starting killing one of us every ten minutes.

SHERMAN
Jesus Christ! Let me think. Someone must owe me something. I’ll see what I can do.

ANDREA
Thank you governor. You hold all of our lives in your hands.

Sherman just waves away the praise from Andrea. Andrea smiles.

CUT TO:

INT MRAZ INC. - AFTERNOON
Mraz and Krystal are walking down a hallway. Krystal is holding a briefcase and some files.

KRYSTAL
Okay, so when we get there I’ll do most of the talking. Try to make yourself seem reliant on me, it’ll give more credence to our demand that I be let in with you.

MRAZ
I doubt it’ll matter much, our getting in is totally reliant on the Governor.

KRYSTAL
About that, have we come up with a way to communicate with him?

MRAZ
No.

Ducky comes over and joins them in their walk.

DUCKY
Mraz, here’s the heat tracing device I talked about in the meeting. It needs to be left in the main room where the majority of the hostages and hostage-takers are, the range isn’t terribly strong.

MRAZ
What if there are hostiles outside the range of the device?

DUCKY
Nothing we can do about that. Tell Mark to be careful, Keating and I will monitor from here.

MRAZ
Okay. Good work.

Ducky goes off.

KRYSTAL
So what now?

The two turn a corner to see Mark, Eddie, Moumin, and Eric, in full tactical gear, waiting in front of the elevators.

MRAZ
Now, we move out.

The six of them load into an elevator as the doors close.

EDDIE
(to Krystal)
Hell of a first day, huh?

FADE TO BLACK.

END OF ACT THREE







ACT FOUR

EXT POLICE MOBILE VAN - AFTERNOON
Negotiator is talking to an HRT OFFICER.

HRT OFFICER
You’ve had time and so far no results. We’ve drawn up a sound plan for breaching the building. I think those people in there have waited long enough.

NEGOTIATOR
I haven’t even been able to sustain contact with the hostage takers. We aren’t sure how many of them are in there or their general locations, how in the world can you have a truly sound plan when you lack basic knowledge?

HRT OFFICER
I’m not saying there isn’t risk involved, but the alternative is to sit here and do nothing. That’s something I can’t accept.

NEGOTIATOR
I just need more time. There has to be something that can get these guys talking.

MRAZ (O.S.)
Maybe I can help you out with that.

ANGLE ON: Mraz. He stands in the entrance of the mobile van. Krystal stands behind him.

CUT TO:

INT SEWER - AFTERNOON
Mark, Eddie, Moumin, and Eric are rushing through the sewer system. They come up to a fork in the tunnel. Mark touches his ear.

MARK
Keating. Going to need some directions.

CUT TO:

INT MRAZ INC. - SAME TIME
Keating and Ducky are sitting in front of a bank of computer monitors. Keating is currently going over a map of the city’s sewer system.

KEATING
I read you Mark. Hold on. Okay, bear left for now. You’re still a little over a mile out.

CUT TO:

INT SEWER - SAME TIME
Mark gestures to his left. Eddie, Moumin, and Eric all run down the left pipe.
Mark follows.

MARK
Okay Keating sounds good. Any status on Mraz?

CUT TO:

INT MRAZ INC. - SAME TIME

KEATING
According to our timeline he should be arriving right now. Probably take him a while before he talks his way into the building.

MARK (O.S.)
Okay. I’ll contact you when we’re close. Tactical out.

Keating sits back and relaxes a little.

DUCKY
This plan doesn’t have a great chance of succeeding perfectly does it?

KEATING
I think it’s a stretch to call this a plan at all. Mike can make it work though. We’ll just have to wait and see.

Keating looks to Ducky. He nods slightly and looks back to the monitors.

CUT TO:

EXT POLICE MOBILE VAN - AFTERNOON
Mraz and Krystal have been let into the room. Negotiator and HRT Officer are talking to them.

NEGOTIATOR
We’ve been trying to get in contact with you!

MRAZ
I know. I got the message. That’s why I’m here.

NEGOTIATOR
What the hell connection do you have to these hostage takers!?

KRYSTAL
I don’t like your implication.

HRT OFFICER
Who are you?

KRYSTAL
I’m Mr. Mraz’s legal council. May I point out that Mr. Mraz has come here voluntarily to confront these men who asked for him. He’s here to help.

NEGOTIATOR
I just want to know what these men want with the CEO of a trading company.

MRAZ
Let’s ask them.

NEGOTIATOR
I’d love to, but they won’t talk to me. Won’t talk to anyone over the phone.

MRAZ
Then let’s go in and ask.

HRT OFFICER
Did you just say what I think you said?

NEGOTIATOR
No way. You’re not getting anywhere near that building. It’s too dangerous.

KRYSTAL
My client knows the risks, however, despite my advice, he has decided that whatever personal risk to himself is acceptable if it might help the hostages.

HRT OFFICER
How noble. You going in there would just make a breach harder to accomplish.

NEGOTIATOR
We’re not breaching!

HRT OFFICER
We have to do something!

OFFICER
Sir! Deputy Commissioner O’Hanlon for you.

NEGOTIATOR
Great.

Negotiator goes over to Officer, who hands him the phone.

NEGOTIATOR (CONT’D)
Commissioner? Yes, we’re currently working on that...What? Yes, he’s just arrived...The Governor? He’s one of the hostages he’s in no position to be giving orders...Sir, with all due respect, that’s against every procedure in the book...I don’t think-...Yes, sir. I’ll do that sir.

Negotiator hangs up the phone. He goes over to Mraz.

NEGOTIATOR (CONT’D)
Well looks like you get your wish.

HRT OFFICER
What?

NEGOTIATOR
The Governor called the deputy commissioner and ordered that Mraz here be let in.

HRT OFFICER
That’s insane!

NEGOTIATOR
It’s our orders.

HRT OFFICER
Alright, I’ll get someone on my team to gear up and escort him in there. Maybe we can work a new breach plan around this-

NEGOTIATOR
He’s to be let in unarmed and alone.

The HRT Officer spins and looks dumbfounded at the Negotiator.

MRAZ
(referencing Krystal)
If I go, she goes.

NEGOTIATOR
No way. I don’t like that you’re going. I’m not putting her in harm’s way with you.

MRAZ
Should we make another phone call to your boss?

The Negotiator looks on the verge of hitting Mraz, but finally relaxes.

NEGOTIATOR
Get two vests. Suit them up.

CUT TO:

INT SEWER - AFTERNOON
Mark, Eddie, Moumin, and Eric are still running through the system.

KEATING (O.S.)
Mark?

Mark stops. Everyone else notices and waits for him.

MARK
Go ahead Keating.

KEATING (O.S.)
You’re right at the entrance. To your left about ten feet is the entrance into the kitchen. Down about fifty yards is another entrance into the men’s bathroom.

MARK
Got it.
(to the other men)
We’ll need two teams of two. Eddie, you and -

EDDIE
Moumin will go down to the other entrance. Got it.

MARK
Actually, I was going to say -

MOUMIN
It’s fine Mark, we’ll breach through the bathroom entrance. You and Eric can breach here.

MARK
Well it wasn’t really the entrance I was-

EDDIE
Great sounds like a plan then.

Moumin and Eddie runs off. Mark just looks at Eric.

MARK
Guess you’re with me.

ERIC
Try to contain your excitement.

MARK
C’mon, we breach through the kitchen once Keating gives the word.

Mark runs off, Eric follows.

CUT TO:

EXT ENTRANCE TO BANQUET HALL - AFTERNOON
Mraz and Krystal are now wearing bulletproof vests. They stand outside the building. Mraz looks to Krystal. She nods. Mraz taps his hand to his ear.

MRAZ
We’re entering the building now.

Mraz and Krystal walk towards the entrance.

CUT TO:

INT MRAZ INC. - SAME TIME

KEATING
We read you Mike. Good luck.

Keating hits a few buttons on her computer.

KEATING (CONT’D)
Mark, Mraz is entering the building.

CUT TO:

INT SEWER - SAME TIME
Mark and Eric stand below a ventilation grate.

MARK
We read you. We’re all in position. Waiting on your go.

CUT TO:

INT BANQUET HALL - SAME TIME
Mraz and Krystal enter the banquet hall. They walk through a hallway and come to the entrance to the main room where all the hostages are seated in the middle of the floor. Mraz bends down and places something on the ground. He gets up slowly.

ANDREA (O.S.)
Mr. Mraz. So nice of you to join us.

ANGLE ON: Andrea. She stands behind Mraz, holding a gun to his head.

CUT TO:

INT MRAZ INC. - SAME TIME
A computer monitor in front of Ducky suddenly becomes alive with thermal images.

DUCKY
Mraz got the sensor down. I’m getting a reading.

KEATING
Mark you should have the thermal imaging report. It may not account for everyone but it’ll get you started. You have a go.

CUT TO:

INT SEWER - SAME TIME
Mark looks at the device on his wrist. It lights up with the same thermal imaging that just appeared on Ducky’s monitor.

MARK
Got it. Alright everyone we’re a go. I repeat we are a go!

Mark turns to Eric and nods. Eric rams the butt of his gun into the grate and rushes in. Mark follows.

CUT TO:

INT BATHROOM - SAME TIME
A HOSTAGE TAKER is using a urinal. After a moment, A loud crash is heard. He immediately zips his fly and grabs his gun, spinning around just in time to see Moumin, who punches him in the face. The man slumps to the ground as Eddie runs over and trains his gun on the man. Moumin kicks away the man’s gun, grabs two zip ties and binds the man’s feet, then binds his wrists to the urinal. Eddie goes to the bathroom door and waits until Moumin is near him. He then spins around and exits the bathroom with Moumin following.

CUT TO:

INT KITCHEN - SAME TIME
Mark and Eric rush into the kitchen. There are two HOSTAGE TAKERS having sandwiches. They jump up and grab their guns at the sight of Mark and Eric. Eric shoots one man in the knee as Mark runs up and tackles the other one.

Mark grabs the man’s hair and slams his face into the ground, knocking him out. Eric runs up to the other man, who has fallen to the ground, and kicks him in the chest, knocking him backward. He disarms the man and the sound of zip ties being tied can be heard from Mark.

CUT TO:

INT BANQUET HALL - SAME TIME
Andrea has led Mraz and Krystal away from the main entrance. She still holds her gun on them.

MRAZ
Andrea, this isn’t the reception I was hoping for.

ANDREA
Too bad. Don’t worry though, I don’t plan on shooting you.

MRAZ
What are you planning? Why did you have me come here?

ANDREA
Well we haven’t seen each other in a while. I thought it would be nice to get reacquainted. I must admit I expected you to come alone.
(to Krystal)
Who exactly are you anyway?

KRYSTAL
I’m the newest member of Mraz Inc.

ANDREA
Nice. Hiring them purely on looks now Mraz?

KRYSTAL
I wouldn’t be so quick to underestimate me if I were you.

ANDREA
Well thankfully you’re not. Anyway, Michael, I was hoping we could chat.

MRAZ
This seems like a lot of trouble to go through just for a conversation Andrea. You should have just called the office.

ANDREA
Oh, I didn’t call you here just to talk.

MRAZ
What else did you have in mind then?

ANDREA
Publicity Mr. Mraz. Your days of working in a veil of anonymity are over. You’re about to become as hated by the public as you are by me.

Mraz stares at Andrea. She smiles.

CUT TO:

INT BANQUET HALL - SAME TIME
Eddie and Moumin run out of the bathroom and into a small room. There are two men in the room standing watch. Before they can even register Eddie and Moumin, the two are shot and fall to the floor, dead.

MOUMIN
Wasn’t this mission supposed to be non-lethal?

EDDIE
If possible. If you’d like, in the next room, I’ll let you run at the men with guns and try to talk them into surrendering before I shoot.

MOUMIN
Point taken.

They run through the room, toward the main hall.

CUT TO:

INT BANQUET HALL - SAME TIME
Mark and Eric come through the kitchen to a door leading to the main hall. They look through the door’s windows and see the remaining HOSTAGE TAKERS and HOSTAGES. Hendricks is currently pointing his gun directly at Sherman.

ERIC
He’s going to shoot him@!

MARK
Eric no!

Before the words are even out, Eric has run into the room and fires wildly at Hendricks, who dives out of the way and returns fire. Eric dives away as well.

MARK (CONT’D)
Dammit!

Mark rushes into the room, firing his gun as he goes.

CUT TO:

INT BANQUET HALL - SAME TIME
Mraz, Krystal, and Andrea are in the same positions.

MRAZ
What do you mean publicity?

ANDREA
Well you see I never liked how you go around shooting people and fighting crime, if you will, and yet you remain anonymous to most people. You still appear to be nothing more than a businessman. That’s going to change today. The men in that room have orders to start killing hostages two minutes after you arrive, starting with our lovely Governor Sherman. You’ll be known as the egotistical idiot who ended up causing a veritable bloodbath here. You won’t be able to show your face in public again.

Gunshots are heard from the main hall.

ANDREA (CONT’D)
And it sounds like the killing has begun.

CUT TO:

INT BANQUET HALL - SAME TIME
Eddie and Moumin hear the gunshots and start running faster. Suddenly, the doors to the main hall open and hostages start running out screaming. Moumin and Eddie muscle their way through the throng and emerge in the middle of a gunfight. Mark and Eric are shooting at the multiple hostage-takers, who are dropping like flies. Eddie immediately raises his gun and shoots a man who was firing in Mark’s direction. Moumin also starts firing.

CUT TO:

INT BANQUET HALL - SAME TIME
The door to the main hall opens and some hostages run out. Andrea turns, and when she does, Mraz grabs her arm and wrenches the gun out of her grasp. He retrieves it and points it at her.

MRAZ
I have a feeling the only people who will be dying today will be the men you hired. You should know I never travel alone Andrea.

ANDREA
It doesn’t matter. You’ll still be in the papers. You still won’t be anonymous anymore.

KRYSTAL
Neither will you. I imagine all the reporters will want to know which of the hostage-takers caused that black eye you have.

ANDREA
What black -

Before she can finish, Krystal punches her in the face, knocking her to the floor. She turns to Mraz, smiles slightly, and shrugs.

KRYSTAL
Told her not to underestimate me.

CUT TO:

EXT POLICE MOBILE VAN - SAME TIME
HRT Officer jumps up at the gunshots.

HRT OFFICER
Shots fired! We’re going in! Let’s move!

The team of HRT officers all start rushing towards the building.

CUT TO:

INT BANQUET HALL - SAME TIME
The main hall. The gunfire has stopped. The only people remaining standing are Mark, Moumin, Eddie and Eric. In the middle of the room lying in a fetal position, but still very much alive, is Sherman.

MARK
(to Eric)
What the hell were you thinking!!!

ERIC
He was about to shoot Governor Sherman!

MARK
You don’t know that! Jesus Christ you almost got us all killed!

EDDIE
All in all though, I’d say we did pretty well. Living hostage-takers - 0. Living good guys - 4.

MOUMIN
Guys, I don’t think all that gunfire went unnoticed. Might be time for us to leave.

MARK
Moumin’s right. Everyone out through the kitchen.

Moumin, Eddie and Eric all exit. Mark walks over to Sherman.

MARK (CONT’D)
Governor, are you okay?

SHERMAN
Who the hell are you people!?

MARK
You don’t need to know that. Just remember, if anyone from Mraz Inc. calls you asking for a favor, you owe us.

Mark runs off.

CUT TO:

INT BANQUET HALL - SAME TIME
HRT units bust through the front door of the building and come upon Mraz, Krystal and Andrea.

HRT OFFICER
Everybody down on the floor! Now!

Mraz, Andrea and Krystal all get on their knees and put their hands up. The HRT officers come over and start to cuff them.

FADE TO BLACK.

FADE IN:

INT MRAZ INC - NIGHT
Mark is sitting in Mraz’s office. Mraz, looking bedraggled comes in and sits down.

MRAZ
Hey.

MARK
Hey champ. How are you?

MRAZ
Eight hours dealing with angry police and lawyers, how do you think I am?

MARK
They let you out though. That’s good.

MRAZ
Yeah Krystal bought us time until Taylor arrived. He’s still dealing with them now. He’s not happy.

MARK
I imagined he wouldn’t be.

MRAZ
Couldn’t you have avoided killing so many people? It didn’t make things any easier for us.

MARK
Blame Eric. He was the hothead this time. Thought one of the hostiles was going to shoot Sherman. He just jumped in firing.

MRAZ
He may have been right. Andrea told me that was the plan. Start killing people once I arrived.

MARK
You don’t say? Eric was right then? That’s got to be a first. How’d the new girl hold up through the whole thing?

MRAZ
Krystal was amazing actually.

MARK
Oh god, you’ve got to be kidding me.

MRAZ
What?

MARK
You’re falling for her already aren’t you?

MRAZ
What? No. I was just impressed.

MARK
Sure you were. Damn, you work quick. I mean we just hired her and already you’re salivating.

MRAZ
I am not salivating.

MARK
I mean granted, the girl’s a looker but -

MRAZ
That’s not what I meant!

MARK
Right.

Mark smiles at Mraz.

MRAZ
You’re an asshole.

MARK
I’ve been called worse. C’mon, let’s get out of here, I’ll buy you a drink, you look like you could use one.

Mark stands and starts to leave. Mraz follows him.

MRAZ
You know Andrea was right about one thing.

Mark stops.

MRAZ (CONT’D)
We’re not going to be working under the veil anonymity anymore.

MARK
Eh. So your face is in the paper now, whatever. Maybe Krystal will find you more attractive now that you’re famous.

MRAZ
Maybe. I mean...oh screw you.

MARK
(laughing)
C’mon, we’ll worry about it tomorrow.

Mark exits.

MRAZ
Right. Tomorrow.

Mraz turns off the lights in his office.

FADE TO BLACK.

THE END.