OPTIC
EXT - DAY
Claire (30, F) pulls into her driveway after picking up fast food. She sits in her car on the phone with her conspiracy theory-obsessed brother, her shoulder pressing the phone to her ear as she snacks on some fries waiting to wrap up the call.
Claire
Ok so this theory is interesting and I hear you but what is that even supposed to mean? Are they just going to start pulling people out of their house or?
She’s trying to be understanding but this just feels a little too far fetched this time.
I'll be surprised if I see that but I'll be sure to keep an eye out. What are you up to by the way? Hows the basement bunker coming along?
She chuckles at his response. Clair lets him yap and entertains his craziness. Slowly, her demeanor starts to change.
Wait, how come?
Her brother is trying to beat it into her head, so this time he raises his voice considerably, now yelling through the phone.
Brother
Because it's GONE dude!
Claire
Seriously? How have I not seen this?
She puts him on speaker and goes to check instagram.
Brother
I’m telling you dude, the fucking things just went down there and literally CUT the wires. At the bottom of the ocean! And its not just like one big fat wire down there like there are sooo many of them, all over. Theres no way this wasn’t like a coordinated attack or something. Its fucking crazy. So boom, they retaliated and now it's officially like, happening.
As he’s talking, Claire loads up instagram, only to see a blank screen.
Claire
So now we just don't have internet for a while? Also where are you even getting this from then if its all messed up?
Brother
Dude. I can’t tell if youre fucking with me right now.
She knows her brother is deep into the conspiracy world and talks about all kinds of doomsday scenarios, but this one feels different. Her instagram won’t load, but also seems like the app itself is broken. The wifi icon on her phone is flashing, she’s never seen that before. Claire is starting to get worried but she doesn’t want him to know that she kind of believes him this time.
Claire
We’ll if its actually started then can we meet up? My wifi is actually being weird now.
Brother
C have you really not seen anything? It's crazy out there.
Claire looks out of her window. It's a peaceful sunny afternoon. Nothing feels out of the ordinary.
Claire
We’ll its probably just some fear mongering shit dude like they always do. I just went out to grab food and everything was fine. How about I eat this and then I'll head over? Sound good?
Brother
Sure but if you’re going to drive you really should head out before it gets dark. and bring some protection! im being serious dude.
Claire
Yep I'll be sure to wear my bullet proof vest.
Brother
Do you actually have one?
Claire
GOODBYE SIR.
Claire hangs up. She grabs one more fry out of the bag before scrunching it up, grabbing her drink, her phone, her sunglasses, and her jacket and she steps out. Just before she shuts the door, she sees her keys inside the cupholder. She turns back towards the car and leans in to grab them. Suddenly, a man's voice appears close behind her head as her back is turned.
Man
Claire, DO NOT say a word. Keep your hands where I can see them. Nod your head if you understand me.
Claire is stunned. She shakily nods her head and closes her eyes out of fear. She can feel something cold on her back.
Man
You need to be honest right now. You’ve got one chance to answer this correctly, understand?
Claire slowly nods yes.
Man
Was that your brother on the phone?
Claire lets out an ‘oh fuck’ sigh. She realizes this has something to do with him. She hesitates, and slowly and reluctantly nods yes again.
Man
Why don’t we get back in the car and go visit him? Sounded like he’s expecting you anyways.
They both get into the car. The man gets into the backseat and lies down, pointing a gun at her back through the car seat, Claire in the driver seat. Claire shakily puts the car into reverse and pulls out of her driveway. The car drives away into the distance, unknowingly heading towards a massive plume of black smoke in the city.