2 Episode 02 - The Intern
TEASER
INT. OFFICE - CARLOS' DESK
Carlos is talking to a group of people.
CARLOS
So, that's the plan.
*Some of the people listening to him, nod in approval.
*Nina is getting closer to them.
CARLOS
I know this is a very bold plan, but we can do it.
As I said before, they are very serious people and they don't like jokesters during work hours, so just do it as we've practiced.
*Nina joins the group as Carlos was giving this explanation.
NINA
(Talking to Carlos)
I'm so happy to see you are taking this seriously.
CARLOS
Of course, I am.
This is very important and it has to be executed perfectly.
*Nina is visually proud to hear this.
NINA
I heard those Businessmen were very tough to deal with during your first interview.
CARLOS
Businessmen? What are you talking about?
*Nina is confused.
NINA
What do you mean 'what am I talking about'?
Isn't that what this group is for? To work on our new contract?
CARLOS
(Laughing lightly)
No, Nina. How naïve.
This group was assembled to buy 'Antonio's Pizza'.
NINA
Are you serious?
CARLOS
More than I've ever been in my life.
NINA
Why do you need that many people to buy Pizza?
*Carlos thinks Nina is cute because of how naïve she is.
CARLOS
Oh, Nina.
Have you moved here yesterday?
Antonio's Pizza is the best Pizza in the entire city and he only cooks it once a week and in limited quantities.
People from all over try to buy the Pizza.
We've been trying for months and failed every time.
But not today… no, today we've crafted the perfect plan, we are foreseeing every possibility that might arise, every weather change that might happen, even those people trying to hand you pamphlets about global warming.
NINA
Hmmm, so you are well-prepared, huh?
CARLOS
Yes, I am.
There is no way we are failing today.
NINA
I see.
FLASHFORWARD.
*Carlos enters through the office's door.
CARLOS
So, we've failed.
ACT ONE
FADE IN:
*Everyone is sitting quietly, doing their jobs.
*Garry is visibly bothered by the silence.
*He stands up.
GARRY
(Almost shouting)
What's with all the silence all of a sudden?
*No one answers.
GARRY
Am I invisible?
Why is no one answering?
*Still, no reply.
GARRY
Is that because you found out I am a game nerd?
Why would you treat me differently because of that?
You treat Nina normally.
*Silence.
GARRY
(Panicking)
Oh, no… I'm dead, aren't I?
I thought I managed to stop before that car hit me this morning, but I guess I couldn't… I died and now I'm stuck in eternal punishment having to go to work and no one can hear me.
*He starts moving his arms, walking around and sweating.
*He is very nervous.
GARRY
Oh, god.
What did I do to deserve this?
I know I wasn't the best guy in town, but I was not the worst.
I can get better… I promise.
*Nina looks at Carlos and tries not to laugh.
*She lets out a small chuckle.
NINA (TEXT)
I can't hold it anymore.
CARLOS (TEXT)
I knew it!
NINA
(Speaking to Garry)
You are not dead Garry.
Shut up.
GARRY
I'm not?
I'm so relieved…
Then why did just ignore me?
NINA
(Sarcastically) Why could it be…?
oh yeah… because we have tons of work to do.
Ian is making us work twice as much in order to finish this project in time.
GARRY
But you could've at least talked to me.
NINA
We really don't have time to discuss this right now.
If you want to make some stupid comment just expect us to ignore it…
*Garry makes a crying face.
NINA (CONT'D)
...for now.
*Garry looks a bit better after the last comment.
*He is still standing.
NINA
You can sit down now, Garry.
GARRY
Oh, okay.
*After he sits down, Nina looks at Carlos and calls him.
NINA
So, have you contacted… uh… what are the names of those businessmen again?
CARLOS
…
NINA
…
(waiting for a reply)
CARLOS
…
NINA
Don't tell me you don't know their names.
CARLOS
I never asked…
NINA
I cannot believe this.
How did you not ask their names?
CARLOS
I was so focussed on the interview and trying to get all the information needed, that I forgot to ask their names.
They never bothered to tell me anyway.
NINA
(Shaking her head in denial)
Oh my god.
…
So, how are you referring to them?
CARLOS
That's simple.
I just call them Businessman A, B and C.
NINA
(Does not believe what she just heard)
That's so rude and stupid.
CARLOS
Nah, it's fine.
We've been in contact with them for a while and they never complained.
NINA
So you called them that and they did not complain?
CARLOS
Well… when I'm talking directly to them I just don't call them anything.
NINA
(Sighs)
Carlos shrugs his shoulders.
*Ian enters the Office with a young man next to him.
IAN
(Coughs)
Can I have your attention, please?
*Ian waits for everyone to look at him, then continues.
IAN
I'd like to introduce you to our new intern.
His name is Josh and he will be working as a programmer.
Carlos will be his supervisor.
(Looks at Josh)
Wanna say something, young man?
JOSH
(Nervous)
…
…
…
Uh…
Not really.
*Everyone looks at each other trying to understand what happened.
IAN
(Trying to get it together)
(Coughs)
He is kind of shy…
(Looks at Carlos)
You were like that as well right, Carlos?
I'm sure you guys will work great together.
CARLOS
(After a moment of silence)
Yeah, yeah… of course we will…
Where is he going to sit, though?
*Two very strong men put a desk and a chair right next to Carlos' desk.
IAN
Right there.
*Carlos doesn't look too happy.
FADE IN:
EXT. THE USUAL RESTAURANT THEY GO TO.
*Nina and Carlos are sitting on the outside tables of the restaurant.
NINA
So, how's it going with the new intern?
CARLOS
Not good.
He barely talks.
FLASHBACK.
INT. OFFICE - CARLOS' DESK
CARLOS
Hey, how ya doin', man?
JOSH
Good.
CARLOS
That's… good, I guess.
Josh nods.
CARLOS
Having any difficulties with the job so far?
*Josh shakes his head in a negative way.
CARLOS
…
If you have any questions, let me know okay?
JOSH
(Nods)
BACK TO PRESENT.
NINA
Don't mind too much.
You were exactly like him when you started working here.
CARLOS
I wouldn't say exactly…
NINA
You wouldn't even look into my eyes…
*It appears that Carlos was going to say something, but gives up.
NINA
What matters is the job.
If he can do it, we're good.
CARLOS
Yeah, yeah, you're right.
I just don't like that his desk is so close to mine. I barely have any privacy.
NINA
You are kind of his mentor… he needs to be next to you.
CARLOS
This whole mentor thing… not a big fan.
*They keep talking until they notice Josh sitting next to them.
*Doesn't seem like he heard their conversation.
NINA
Oh, look who's here.
Shall we invite him to sit with us?
CARLOS
Nah… I don't think he'd feel comfortable.
NINA
Why would you say that?
CARLOS
I don't know… that's kind of the vibe he gives.
NINA
And I completely disagree.
I'll invite him right now.
CARLOS
(Stretching his hand)
Nina, no…!
*Nina approaches the table where Josh is.
NINA
Hey, Josh.
I'm Nina, from the Office.
Would you like to join us? Me and Carlos are having lunch over there.
*Josh stays silent for some moments.
JOSH
(Nods)
I've noticed.
*Nina doesn't know what to do now.
*Josh stands up and starts walking towards their table.
NINA
(Talking to herself)
Okay. I guess that was a 'yes'.
*Josh stops in front of Carlos, but doesn't sit down.
CARLOS
Hello there, Josh.
Wanna join us?
JOSH
(Nods)
*Carlos looks at Nina with a blank look.
CARLOS
(Indicating the chair she was sitting previously)
Please, sit down Nina.
*They eat in silence for a while.
NINA
So… we were just talking about how we want to get to know you better.
JOSH
…
That's a lie.
NINA
(Shocked)
Uhhh.
*She looks at Carlos as if asking him to continue the conversation.
CARLOS
Uhhhh.
But Josh… tell us a little about yourself.
JOSH
I'm 18 years old.
…
CARLOS
…
NINA
…
CARLOS
That's it?
JOSH
You asked for a bit.
That's a bit.
CARLOS
I see, I see.
*They keep on eating in silence.
JOSH
We should be going.
The project is not going to finish itself.
*He stands up, grabs his bag and walks away.
*Carlos and Nina look relieved.
CARLOS
Happy now?
You got to talk to the intern.
NINA
He… is different.
But we can get along.
It took some effort to become your friend as well.
CARLOS
Sure, keep telling yourself that.
TIME SKIP.
INT. OFFICE - CARLOS' DESK.
*Everyone is doing their job quite silently.
*Ian leaves his office.
IAN
Can I have your attention, everyone?
*Everyone stops what they are doing and pays attention to Ian.
IAN
An emergency has come up.
Some of the equipment in one of our associate's facilities are malfunctioning, so we need to send a team to fix the problem locally.
*Everyone is looking at each other.
IAN
Nina, I want you to go, and I want you to take Josh with you.
NINA
Uh, but Garry is our 'local' guy.
IAN
Nina, you know very well that ever since the accident, Garry does not do local visits anymore.
GARRY
Yeah, Nina. Have some compassion.
*Nina sighs.
ACT TWO
Carlos is looking through Josh's stuff.
Garry approaches him.
GARRY
Oh, so you became a stalker, huh?
CARLOS
No…!
GARRY
Don't worry, dude.
I totally approve it.
*Garry gives Carlos a thumbs up.
CARLOS
I don't need your approval…
I'm just trying to understand this guy.
I should be helping him with the job, but I can barely talk to him.
If I find something he likes I might be able to start a conversation with him.
GARRY
I totally understand…
I might have a few things to help you.
We could put a wire on him, we could place some hidden cameras, we could…
CARLOS
(Interrupting Garry)
I think you got the wrong idea… I don't wanna go full creep mode.
GARRY
Oh, so that's what you think I am?
CARLOS
Kind of…
(Short pause)
But that doesn't matter right now.
I need to work with this guy… I just need to find out stuff about him.
GARRY
Dude, I'm telling you, I can help.
Trust me.
CARLOS
I don't think I can, man.
GARRY
Please, just this one time.
(He prays with his hands)
*Carlos is thinking in silence for a while.
CARLOS
Okay…
But you have to keep this a secret.
GARRY
Yeah, of course, man.
*Garry goes back to his desk and grabs his backpack.
*He comes back to Carlos' desk.
*He opens his backpack and starts picking up items from within.
*He picks up a pen and hands it over to Carlos.
*Carlos receives the pen but looks visibly confused.
CARLOS
(While looking at the pen)
So… why did you give me a pen?
GARRY
Oh, how naïve.
This is not a regular pen, my friend.
This is a state-of-the-art (slightly covering his mouth) spying device.
*Carlos is turning and looking all over the pen to see if he finds anything special about it.
GARRY (CONT'D)
It has both a high quality camera and microphone.
It is water-resistant.
Even if dropped from our desks' height it wouldn't break.
It is the perfect item for your current situation.
*Garry is looking all high and mighty.
CARLOS
I don't know, man.
How is this going to help?
GARRY
You said he doesn't speak to you.
So, you just need to see and hear him whenever you are not near him.
Usually people who don't talk to others, talk to themselves a lot.
CARLOS
Where did you get that fact from?
GARRY
Duh… obviously the Internet.
CARLOS
Ah… I see.
Anyway… how would I even give him the pen?
I told you, I can't get to the guy… I can't just all of a sudden give him a present.
GARRY
Just come up with something…
I don't know. Say it's the company's tradition or whatever.
He's an intern, he'll fall for anything.
CARLOS
So just because he is an intern he is automatically stupid?
GARRY
That's not what I said.
What I mean is… this is probably his first job… he's probably so hyped to be working here that he won't question it at all.
CARLOS
I hate to agree with you, but that does make a little bit of sense.
GARRY
Right?!
(Saying happily) So… are we doing it?
CARLOS
Sure, what the hell.
GARRY
(With both of his arms up)
Yessss!!!
FADE IN:
INT. OFFICE - ASSOCIATE COMPANY'S FACILITY.
*Nina and Josh are looking through the room to see what might have caused the problem.
*Two employees are accompanying them.
EMPLOYEE 1
(Pointing to the Mainframe)
So, that's the Mainframe that stopped working.
NINA
When exactly did it stop working?
EMPLOYEE 1
When we got here this morning it was already like this.
However, last night when our last employees left, it was still working normally.
NINA
Hmmm.
Did you do any maintenance recently?
EMPLOYEE 1
No.
We only carry out maintenances once a month.
*Josh doesn't look too happy.
*He is walking from one side to the other.
NINA
(Speaking to Josh)
Are you okay?
JOSH
(Surprised)Y-yeah.
(Not too convincing) Just looking to see if I find anything.
NINA
Okay…
*Josh goes back to what he was doing.
NINA
(Trying to focus again)
Ummm.
Does anyone else have access to this room?
EMPLOYEE 1
Not really.
Only employees have the key.
And I don't see any of them doing this on purpose.
NINA
I'm not accusing them… I just need to make sure.
This equipment is quite expensive.
EMPLOYEE 2
There is actually someone else who has the key and is not technically an employee.
NINA
Who?
EMPLOYEE 2
The cleaning lady.
She started working for us yesterday.
We hire them from a third party company.
Usually the same lady comes by every week, but she is on maternity leave now and this new girl came.
NINA
Hmmm… I see.
*Nina looks below the Mainframe.
*She sees something weird, then puts her hand in there.
NINA
It's wet.
*She looks at them.
NINA
Do you have access to the security cameras?
EMPLOYEE 1
Not really. But we can talk to the security personnel and they'll let us see.
*Employee 1 calls security and they go look at the footage.
*They see the cleaning lady throwing a bucket of water where the Mainframe is, then cleaning it.
NINA
I guess we figured out what happened.
*Employee 1 and 2 face-palm.
*Josh is still impatiently doing the same thing.
BREAK.
FADE IN:
INT. OFFICE - NINA'S DESK
*Nina, Josh, Carlos and Garry are gathered at Nina's desk, talking.
CARLOS
I can't believe this actually happened.
This seems like those old IT stories you hear.
They actually spilled water…
*Josh lets out an uncomfortable noise after Carlos' last sentence.
GARRY
(Speaking to Josh)
You okay there, man?
JOSH
(Silently nods)
*Everyone seems a little bit confused.
NINA
Anyway…
It actually happened.
I was perplexed that someone would do that.
CARLOS
Kind of like in a movie.
(Light laughter)
*Ian walks in and interrupts their conversation.
IAN
(Speaking loudly)
We're still on work time, please go back to your desks and resume your work.
*Everyone goes back to their desks.
*Carlos sits down.
*When Josh reaches the desk next to Carlos, he doesn't sit right away.
*He stares at the table for a while.
*Carlos looks concerned (thinking Josh might've figured out that he looked through his stuff).
*Josh finally sits down.
*Carlos looks a little bit relieved now.
*Carlos picks up the pen and ponders if he should give it to Josh.
*He looks at it for a while.
*Finally he puts the pen back into his pocket. (Josh looked a little weird a second ago, maybe he should wait a bit longer).
*Carlos' phone rings.
*He picks up.
CARLOS
(On the phone)
Hello, Carlos here.
…
Oh, yeah, I've been working on the prototype.
…
You want a meeting today? Sure, I guess we can arrange it.
…
Okay, I'll talk to Ian.
…
Yes, see you soon.
…
Bye.
*Carlos looks at Nina and smiles awkwardly.
NINA
What happened?
CARLOS
The businessmen want a meeting to see how the prototype is going.
NINA
And how is it going?
CARLOS
Not great.
Let's just say I had some hindrances. (He points to Josh with his head).
NINA
Ah.
(She picks up her phone).
NINA
(Text)
Try inviting him to come along.
He needs to see how the work is done with the clients, and it might be some good bonding time.
CARLOS
(Text)
I guess you're right.
CARLOS
(Coughs)
Hey, Josh.
*Josh looks at him with a scared face.
JOSH
Y-yeah?
CARLOS
I guess you should come along with me to the meeting.
This is our biggest client at the moment and the one I'm working closely with.
You will be helping me a lot with this project.
JOSH
Ummm!
Not sure if this is a good idea.
CARLOS
Of course it is.
Ian sent us an Email saying you got a perfect score in our admission test.
Not even Nina managed to do that.
JOSH
(Almost whispering to himself)
That's not what I meant.
CARLOS
I'm sorry?
JOSH
N-nothing.
Sure, I'll go with you.
CARLOS
Awesome.
I'll let Ian know we have to go to the meeting.
JOSH
(Nods)
*Carlos stands up and goes to Ian's office.
*After a while he comes out and give Josh a 'thumbs up'.
FADE OUT.
INT. MEETING ROOM - OFFICE OF THE BUSINESSMEN.
*The three businessmen enter the room.
*Carlos stands up.
*Josh was already standing up.
CARLOS
Hello, gentlemen.
BUSINESSMAN A
Hello, Mr. Carlos.
They notice Josh.
BUSINESSMAN B
Mr. Carlos, mind to introduce your companion?
CARLOS
Absolutely.
This is our new intern, he'll be helping me with the project.
His name is Josh.
(He looks at Josh)
Josh, this is… ummm….
…
Why don't you guys introduce yourselves? I guess it'll feel more natural.
*They look kind of confused, but agree to it.
BUSINESSMAN A
My name is Anagi.
BUSINESSMAN B
My name is Bantarou.
BUSINESSMAN C
My name is Chihou.
CARLOS
…
(Thinking)
Wait, wait, wait…
*The three look confused.
CARLOS
So..
(Pointing to businessman A)
Your name starts with an A
(Pointing to businessman B)
Your name starts with a B
(Pointing to businessman C)
And your name starts with a C.
*The three nod in approval.
CARLOS
(Trying to think)
Can I just call you
(Pointing to businessman A)
Mr. A,
(Pointing to businessman B)
Mr. B,
(Pointing to businessman C)
and you, Mr. C?
*The three look at each other and ponder for a while.
THE BUSINESSMEN
Okay.
*Carlos sighs.
ACT THREE
INT. OFFICE - CARLOS' DESK
*Carlos has the spying pen on his hand.
*He ponders for a while.
*Finally he decides he will go forward with the plan.
CARLOS
Josh, hey.
JOSH
(Nervous)
Y-yeah?
CARLOS
I forgot to tell you something when you arrived this morning… you know, we were kind of busy.
JOSH
W-what is it?
CARLOS
Whenever a new employee starts at the company, their partner usually gets them a gift.
It's a warm welcome to the company.
JOSH
Ian never told me that.
CARLOS
It's more like an employee stuff, rather that a company stuff.
JOSH
…
CARLOS
(Getting nervous)
Anyway.
Here is your gift.
(Carlos hands Josh the pen).
JOSH
…
CARLOS
It's yours.
It is a very stylish pen.
I thought you'd like it.
JOSH
…
CARLOS
Something wrong?
JOSH
…
I can't accept that.
CARLOS
(Getting even more nervous)
Why!?!?
JOSH
I don't know man…
It doesn't seem right.
CARLOS
What do you mean?
JOSH
(Nervous)
I don't know…
CARLOS
Just take the pen, man!
JOSH
I'm sorry…
CARLOS
Aw, c'mon.
I thought this was perfect.
JOSH
W-what?
Perfect…?
CARLOS
What?
JOSH
You just said that.
CARLOS
I don't remember.
JOSH
It was literally five seconds ago.
CARLOS
Oh okay, now you speak so much, huh?
JOSH
What?
*Both Carlos and Josh look more and more nervous as the conversation goes on.
CARLOS
I've been trying to talk to you the entire day, and you ignored me completely.
JOSH
…
CARLOS
Oh, so now you're lost for words again.
JOSH
…
CARLOS
Don't wanna talk anymore then!?!?
JOSH
…
*People are noticing the fray.
*Garry and Nina get closer.
GARRY
(Speaking to both of them)
What is happening here?
CARLOS
I just tried to to give this guy a pen and he didn't want it.
NINA
Is that a reason to fight?
CARLOS
No…
But he was mocking me.
JOSH
…
(Whispering)
I was not.
NINA
I doubt he did that.
He barely talked to me when we did the client visit.
JOSH
(Whispering)
Why does everyone keep mentioning that?
GARRY
Yeah, man.
The guy barely talks.
JOSH
(Whispering)
Again…
CARLOS
Aw, shut up, Garry.
You were the one who gave me the idea.
GARRY
Whaaaaaat…
I don't know what you are talking about…
CARLOS
Don't play dumb.
GARRY
If you weren't so stupid…
CARLOS
What did you say?
GARRY
How did you manage to fail such a simple plan?
JOSH
(Whispering)
Why are you fighting?
GARRY
(CONT'D)
You can't even spy right!!!
JOSH
STOP!!!
*Everyone is shocked to see Josh speaking so loudly.
JOSH
Why is everyone making such a fuss over me?
It's just my first day working here.
I just wanted to go unnoticed for a couple of days.
*Everyone else is silent.
JOSH
(Speaking to Carlos)
You were spying on me?
Is that really this company's culture? Spy on someone until you find out everything about them??
*Carlos is visibly ashamed.
JOSH
You really want to know why I was silent the whole time?
CARLOS
…
GARRY
…
I do…
*Carlos facepalms.
JOSH
I am a very shy person.
I try not to call much attention to myself.
I like to be on my own and slowly get to know my coworkers.
Today I was very nervous, as it was my first day at my new job, and when I am nervous I really need to go to the bathroom.
However if I asked to go to the bathroom I would just call too much attention.
I was trying to keep everything to myself.
I didn't want to embarass myself on my very first day.
But apparently that is too much for this company…
I really tried to do everything right, but you guys just made it impossible.
*Everyone is embarrassed and doesn't want to talk.
JOSH
…
CARLOS
…
NINA
…
GARRY
…
*Someone comes from the main door holding boxes of pizza.
PIZZA GUY
Someone ordered five Giga Mammas from Antonio's Pizza?
CARLOS
Wow, the wait is indeed long, huh?
SOME TIME LATER.
*Everyone has eaten the Pizza.
*Garry stands up.
GARRY
(Talking to Josh)
By the way, didn't you have to go to the bathroom?
JOSH
I had to…
*Everyone laughs.
END OF EPISODE.
