THE VOICE OF ATON "FOOD FOR THOUGHT" by GORDON D WENN CAST LIST --------- THE GUY MAITRE'D SET LIST -------- INTERIORS --------- RESTAURANT Copyright (c) 2008 - All rights reserved - KitsWriter@Yahoo.com # 1. ACT ONE FADE IN: INT. - RESTAURANT - ESTABLISH - NIGHT In a darkened corner of a restaurant, we see a single table covered with white linen and a vase with one rose. Two large ferns flank the rear, giving us a sense of containment. We also see a man sitting at the table, but with his head resting in an unconcious position where the dinner plates and utensils should be. We will come to know him merely as THE GUY. After a few moments of inactivity, his head snaps back rather quickly, awakening him to a very confusing reality. THE GUY (wide-eyed) What the Hell! He looks around nervously trying to understand his current situation. Then a deep voice on his left prompts him. THE MAITRE'D (very correct) May I be of assistance, sir? THE GUY turns to his left and sees a tall, thin man dressed like an English Butler. Oddly, he hadn't been standing there the previous moment. THE GUY (startled) Who are you? THE MAITRE'D (stiff) I am the Maitre'd sir. THE GUY has a few more questions. THE GUY (hopeful) Where am I? THE MAITRE'D (very correct) In a restaurant sir. THE GUY doesn't seem to comprehend the situation. THE GUY (confused) Why am I in a restaurant? THE MAITE'D (matter of fact) You are the main course sir. THE GUY (half smiles) What? THE MAITRE'D gestures to THE GUYS' right and out into the restaurant. THE MAITRE'D The other patrons are currently dining on an Italian dish. (pause) A gentleman named Tony I believe. THE GUY appears to be in shock. THE GUY (fearful) You're going to eat me? THE MAITRE'D (shakes head) Not me personally sir. (pause) But you are on this evenings menu. THE GUY trys not to panic. THE GUY (lost) Is this a joke? Why would anyone want to eat me. I'm nobody. Just some guy. THE MAITRE'D You're being culled sir. THE GUY (fearful) What? THE MAITRE'D Generally speaking, we never ask where the Meat comes from. And conversely, the Meat never asks where it's going. THE GUY looks at him oddly. Anger rises. THE GUY (loud) You people are nuts! I'm getting the Hell out of here! THE GUY attempts to rise, but finds that he's very attached to his chair. THE MAITRE'D (informative) I wouldn't attempt that sir. You are being held securely in place by an indestructible, invisible wire. THE GUY (looks down) Wire? THE MAITRE'D It is also the method of your demise. THE GUY (ashen) What? THE MAITRE'D (descriptive) A certain amount of torque is applied to the wire, cutting you in half. (pause) I understand that it is all very fast. THE GUY (angry) And completely painless? THE MAITRE'D (droll) I wouldn't know sir. THE GUY looks down at his bonds, trying to find some release. THE MAITRE'D(CON'T) (helpful) I would advise against touching the wire sir, it is incredibly sharp. We see THE GUY reaching down on his right. He makes an odd sudden jerk. He stops,looking sheepishly cold. Then slowly brings his right arm back up into our view. His hand is missing and a fountain of blood is shooting up from his wrist. After a short momemt of shock, he scoops up the tablecloth with his left hand covering the fountain of blood. THE GUY (screams) OHMYGOD! OHMYGOD! (to maitre'd) HELP ME! THE MAITRE'D (apologetic) Unfortunately sir, I cannot. I am a hologram and have no physical substance. THE GUY (woozy) You're a what? THE MAITRE'D (informative) If I were organic sir, the patrons would eat me. I am only here in an administrative capacity. THE GUY (drifting) But they're going to eat me. I don't want to be eaten. He collapses slowly on to the blood soaked tablecloth, softly moaning. THE MAITRE'D (philisophic) Everything eats sir, and is itself, eventually eaten. It is the great cycle of life. There is nothing you can do to change it. (pause) The how and when are all a matter of ones' own perspective. THE GUY passes with a low rasping rattle. THE MAITRE'D adresses the restaurant. THE MAITRE'D(CON'T) (to patrons) Ladies and Gentleman, if I may. (pause) The main course will be served as scheduled in this evenings menu. (pause) It is a very white meat and I would suggest a nice Riesling. FADE OUT. THE END #