H. Copella
EXT. CRUISE SHIP -- NIGHT
We see the elegant cruise ship with all of its lights on while sailing on the dark ocean. Fire tears through the stern of the ship.
EXT. DECK -- NIGHT
We see male and female passengers running frantically along the ship's deck in a panicked state. We hear frightened screams. We see a young woman, Harley Newcastle, appear on deck. She appears frightened and watches the mass panic. The fire rages. For an instant, all sounds stop and we only hear Harley's breathing and her heart beating. The sound returns loud and clear to the fir and the screams. The boat tilts sharply and Harley is tossed over the railing.
EXT. OCEAN -- NIGHT
We see Harley plummet into the dark waters below. She frantically thrashes to reach the surface while attempting to scream.
INT. HARLEY'S BEDROOM -- NIGHT
Harley suddenly flies up in her bed with a sharp scream. She gasps then looks around her bedroom with some disorientation. She shuts her eyes, groans softly, and collapses onto the bed.
EXT. PORT -- MORNING
We see the cruise ship docked at the port. The massive, elegant cruise ship sits impressively in the water next to the dock. Passengers board the ship through special covered walkways. We see Harley approach the ship with her briefcase and carry-on bag. She's dressed professionally in a smart business suit. Another woman, Carla, walks alongside Harley and admires the impressive vessel.
CARLA
Ms. Merryweather will be along any minute, I assure you. There were some
traffic issues, but she wanted you to get settled in and work on your proposal
for Mr. Underwood.
Harley looks at the ship, appears momentarily distracted, and suddenly stops. Carla appears to realize Harley is no longer beside her and looks back.
CARLA
The gangplank is this way.
Harley stares at the ship a moment longer with a look of dread.
HARLEY
I just had a terrible flashback from my dream.
CARLA
It was just a dream, Harley. You and Ms. Merryweather have a once in a lifetime
opportunity to bring Mr. Underwood onboard with the company. This is the chance
you've been looking for.
Harley looks to Carla and smiles.
HARLEY
I'll stay focused. I intend to prove myself.
CARLA
Good. Now let's get you onboard, so I can breath a sigh of relief. Seeing you
onboard is my only responsibility, and I can't afford to screw up again. I'll tell
you, I've quit better jobs than this.
INT. SHIP'S LOBBY
Harley enters the ship's massive, multilevel lobby and stops to look around. We see glass elevators, chandeliers, detailed woodwork, and expensive artwork. Harley appears impressed. She turns and runs into a fairly handsome man in his early forties, Ford Runnald. Both appear embarrassed.
HARLEY
I'm so sorry. I should have been watching where I was going.
FORD
And I'm mildly lost. It's a pleasure to meet you.
(extends hand)
I'm Ford Runnald.
HARLEY
Harley Newcastle.
They politely shake hands.
FORD
Perhaps between the two of us, we can find our way out of this lobby.
Harley smiles and points toward the elegant staircase.
