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EXT. FUTURISTIC CITY – DAY
The city is full of life. Bright neon signs light up the busy streets. People stroll with pets — some robotic, some real. Quiet and sleek electric cars glide smoothly, weaving through towering buildings with shiny glass walls reflecting technological marvels.
Enormous screens on the skyscrapers display dynamic adverts and news updates. Sleek and fast, streamlined small pods travel on magnetic tracks, efficiently taking people across the city.
In the heart of the city, a majestic water fountain splashes water rhythmically, surrounded by flower bushes, trees, and smart benches. People are sitting, reading on holographic devices while some are sipping futuristic drinks, chatting with each other and enjoying the moment.
CUT TO:
EXT: OUTSIDE A BUILDING -DAY
JAMES, (35) is entering a large building. He looks severely injured, but it doesn’t look like he is in any pain. He calmly walks the stairs towards the large door. As he approaches the door, a small section of the door lights up, briefly displaying- “THE GATE,11th FLOOR.”
INT. THE GATE BUILDING - DAY
The elevator smoothly opens, and James gets out. He swiftly looks around, then walks softly towards a room. Once again, a small section of the door lights up, displaying- “The Gate”
INT. THE GATE RECEPTION – MOMENT LATER
The room is like an ordinary reception with soft music playing in the background. The soft light is making the room cosy and comfortable. There is nobody behind the desk, but there is a large, rectangular screen on the wall behind. The sleek glass desk has a few lights blinking. As James walks towards the desk, the rectangular screen displays “Welcome” and a section of the desk rises, converting itself into a touch screen device. The device displays a message asking James to complete the biometrics by scanning his eyes. When the check is complete, the welcome screen changes to “Welcome James” and the touch screen device displays a message with a soft chime.
MESSAGE
VERIFICATION COMPLETE. PLEASE TAKE A SEAT AND WAIT FOR FURTHER INSTRUCTIONS.
James quietly returns to the area where there are a few comfortable-looking futuristic seats. As he sits down, the chair adjusts itself, making him more comfortable. There is a round device attached to the armrest. As James picks it up, it starts a holographic display. James sets the device into eBook mode and starts flicking the pages randomly.
After a while, James puts the device down, and a short chime confirms that the device is charging.
Then he hears a soft beep. The screen on the wall is displaying.
JAMES ANDERSON, PLEASE GO TO THE CONSULTATION ROOM.
As James gets up, an arrow illuminates the floor, guiding him towards the wall behind the reception. When he approaches the wall, a concealed door opens and closes immediately after he gets in.
INT. THE GATE CONSULTATION ROOM - DAY
James enters the tallest room he’s ever seen. The front of the wall is filled with miniature lockers-no bigger than a pack of cigarettes. Each locker is dimly illuminated with green lights displaying a combination of numbers and letters. These lockers are spread throughout the left wall, but the display lights here are yellow.
The right side of the room is covered in a massive screen, which is currently displaying a waterfall.
There is a long table covering the front area of the lockers.
Right under the front wall, there is a realistic humanoid robot working on a futuristic computer. There is an illuminating sticker on the back of the computer monitor which is displaying:
GUARDIAN OF THE AFTERLIFE AND TRANSCENDENTAL ECHELONS.
ROBOT:
(In a clear, gentle voice, continuing tapping the computer without looking at James)
Welcome to the Gate, James. Please take a seat.
James quietly takes a seat in front of the desk. The robot presses a button and his computer and desk morph into a table.
ROBOT (CONT’D)
(Puts both of his hands on the table and gives James his full attention)
OK, shall we begin?
James takes a long breath and nods.
ROBOT:
You know why are you here today, don’t you?
JAMES
(clears throat, adjusts himself)
Yes, I do, kind of...
ROBOT
Let me remind you, James, you had an accident and your body is giving up, in other words-you are dying.
The robot pauses. James nods.
ROBOT (CONT’D)
You are here for your evaluation. We will review your life together, and you will score points for your good deeds and lose points for bad ones. As simple as that. After the evaluation, the Gate will determine whether you qualify for a new body or not.
JAMES:
(excitedly but with a bit of nervousness)
I have lived a good life. Helped people when they needed it, and looked after friends and family, I am sure I will pass the test.
ROBOT:
We will see that. But before we start, do you have questions?
James shakes his head.
ROBOT (CONT’D)
Okay then, let’s begin. Just to let you know, some clips are sped up, for obvious reasons.
James nods nervously. The robot calmly presses a button on his wrist and the table disappears and their chairs turn into comfortable couches with footrests. The robot then gently snaps his fingers, and the screen starts displaying a sheet that looks like a CV with his picture in the corner.
Name: Jack Kyle
Date of birth: 25 November 2384
Occupation: Transport Engineer
Projected date of death: 9 September 2422
The display then changes and starts James’s life, starting with his parents in a futuristic hospital. As James is born, an animated “100” flashes and covers the screen briefly, then moves to the corner, like a television logo.
ROBOT (O.S) (CONT’D)
Everybody starts with 100 points.
The screen continues to display little James’s life.
FADE OUT