Don’t fall victim to the classic Bavarian Fire Drill.

CHARACTERS

RETURNING CHARACTERS:
LEE C. BOLLINGER
JAMES VALENTINI (does not appear)
MARY C. BOYCE (does not appear)
S. LIONEL ATLAS
JULIET HELTING (does not appear)

GUEST CHARACTERS:
STUDENT #1
STUDENT #2

VOICE ONLY:
ISABEL KERNELL

SETS / LOCATIONS

ANCEL PLAZA:
-EXT. COLUMBIA ANCEL PLAZA – OVERHEAD
-EXT. COLUMBIA ANCEL PLAZA – GROUND

INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS BUILDING:
-EXT. INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS BUILDING – STAIRS
-INT. INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS BUILDING – 6TH FLOOR LOBBY

Now You CU Me, Now You Don’t
Episode #205: “Minor Character Energy: Holding the Door”

5.1 EXT. COLUMBIA ANCEL PLAZA – OVERHEAD

STUDENTS swarm between classes like insects, framed between the two blocks of the International Affairs Building (IAB) and the Greene Law Library. A caption appears: “COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY” with its address — but then FRITZES and changes to: “PRIMARY LOCATION #1” in block capitals.

5.2 EXT. COLUMBIA ANCEL PLAZA – GROUND

Two STUDENTS clutch papers as they head towards the IAB.

STUDENT #1
…and so the definition of a regime is the set of rules, norms, and institutions that determine the structure of a government and who’s chosen.

STUDENT #2
We need to know the difference between a regime, a government, and a state for the test?

STUDENT #1
Yes. Oh, hello-!

LEE BOLLINGER enters from O.S., in a sharp suit and tie and carrying an iPad. He gestures to the two STUDENTS.

BOLLINGER
You two have your IDs?

The STUDENTS hold up their IDs, both on lanyards. He nods in approval.

BOLLINGER
Good. There are rumors going around that a group known as the Ninth Ivy is attempting to steal the blueprints of Low Library, but the ID scanners at all the buildings should keep them out. A foolproof security system, but, of course, we don’t have any fools on our campus, right?

BOLLINGER laughs. After a moment of deeply uncomfortable silence, the STUDENTS laugh too.

BOLLINGER
Good on you. Keep an eye out for anyone who doesn’t know what Pantone 292 is.

After patting the STUDENTS on the back, BOLLINGER walks away. The STUDENTS exchange a glance that says a lot—they’re not sure why that interaction happened or what it was, but they have class to get to now and no time to worry about it. As they walk towards the IAB, pull back for the REVEAL: S. LIONEL ATLAS, in a Columbia sweatshirt and backpack, clutching a folder. He watches the STUDENTS head towards the building, then starts after them.

KERNELL (V.O.)
None of the scanners are on the system. I can’t get through.

ATLAS
I know. I’ll have to improvise.

FADE TO BLACK.

5.3 EXT. INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS BUILDING – STAIRS

The STUDENTS walk up the stairs to the IAB. STUDENT #1 pulls out their ID and presses it against the scanner, which chirps affirmatively. They reach for the door and pull it open, motioning for STUDENT #2 to enter.

STUDENT #1
Go on. No point in scanning twice.

STUDENT #2
If you’re sure.

As STUDENT #2 enters, ATLAS enters the frame from behind them, backpack shrugged over one shoulder as if in a hurry. He waves to them.

ATLAS
Hey!

STUDENT #1 shrugs, then continues holding the door. It’s the polite thing to do, after all. ATLAS nods to them as he passes, pushing a little on the inside of the door so that STUDENT #1 can enter behind him. They do.

5.4 INT. INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS BUILDING – 6TH FLOOR LOBBY

STUDENT #2 and STUDENT #1 nod to ATLAS, then head off towards the elevators. ATLAS looks around to ensure no one is watching, then taps his earpiece.

KERNELL
Atlas, come in. Your signal location’s changed.

ATLAS
That’s right. I’m in.

CUT TO BLACK.

END OF EPISODE.

117th Laser Gate via Charles Bonkowsky