The red dwarf star slowly appears in the sky. We glide around and reveal the silver sphere planet.
GARDENER (CONT'D)
Whenever a species becomes technologically aware, which is rarer than you may think, I call for them. And on every occasion they have denounced their kind and embraced Esidarap. They thought only of themselves. Their fears, their pains, their desires. The First Ones achieved unification because they saw beyond the individual. To them all pains, all fears, all desires, if felt by one was felt by all.
The red star falls away, the sky settling into a tranquil sunset.
GARDENER (CONT'D)
For eight billion I've waited to witness the miracle of the First Ones again. And perhaps now finally I will.
Eunice and Caleb look at each other.
EUNICE
So what happens now? Will you still send us back?
GARDENER
I'm afraid that was never possible. Your physical bodies could never have survived the journey here, only your consciousness.
CALEB
So... we're dead?
GARDENER
(smiles)
In a manner of speaking.
EUNICE
We're trapped here, forever.
GARDENER
Far from it. The First Ones shed their mortal forms long ago. Mankind may even do the same should time permit.
The gardener takes Eunice's hand and smiles.
GARDENER (CONT'D)
You are both the spark I've longed for. Evidence that life can truly be selfless.
CALEB
What about Christopher, Marika, the others?
GARDENER
They have made their decision. They have chosen the realities they have created for themselves. You may do the same. Your species will be spared. At least for a little while longer.
EUNICE
What's the other option?
The gardener steps back and smiles, looking up.
GARDENER
The other road I offer you is to go forth to the First Ones. They are curious to learn more about you.
CALEB
Where are they? In another galaxy?
The gardener laughs, genuinely amused.
GARDENER
There is so much you still don't understand.
He looks down and sees they're still holding hands.
GARDENER (CONT'D)
If you choose to go it must be by your own accord. Each of you.
The wonders seen amongst the First Ones can never be unseen.
Caleb turns to Eunice. She smiles and nods.
EUNICE
I want to go.
CALEB
I've dived blind into the unknown once already, might as well do it again.
They turn to the gardener.
EUNICE
What do we have to do?
The gardener nods over their shoulder.
GARDENER
Go until you can go no further.
EXT. WOODEN PIER - OCEAN - SUNSET
The two are on the pier again, the canoe waiting. Caleb and Eunice look out.
The flat still ocean disappears into infinity.
CALEB
And then what?
GARDENER (O.S)
A selfless act should suffice.
EUNICE
(turns)
The gardener is gone.
Eunice pauses, the wind lightly blowing her hair.
EUNICE (CONT'D)
(beat)
I supposed we better get started.
CUT TO.
EXT. STILL OCEAN - NIGHT
The canoe pushes on, the stars reflected on water's surface.
Caleb stops rowing, exhausted. The two look around.
Nothing but water can be seen in all directions.
CALEB
Now what?
EUNICE
I'm not sure.
CALEB
We just wait?
Caleb looks up at the stars.
CALEB (CONT'D)
Hello! We're ready!
EUNICE
(to herself)
“A selfless act...”
Caleb exhales.
CALEB
Well I'm out of ideas. Maybe if you pretend to drown and I save you?
Eunice looks at him and pauses.
EUNICE
I think I got it.
CALEB
What?
Eunice smiles.
Caleb looks back at her, now following.
CALEB (CONT'D)
What?
Eunice grabs his collar and kisses him.
Caleb stops, surprised, but then kisses her back.
A white light grows on the horizon, slowly spreading.
The two continue to kiss, oblivious, the white light wrapping around them just as their arms wrap around each other, their eyes already closed.
FADE TO WHITE.
FADE IN.
EXT. CEMETERY - GRAY AFTERNOON
A US flag sways in the breeze. Hollis, wearing a long coat and looking older, steps forward and stops.
He pauses then sets something down.
HOLLIS
(beat)
See you in the next life.
We hear a thunderclap, rain starting to drizzle.
Hollis puts up his collar, holding a moment, then turns and walks away.
We see a joint laid down by the grave stone.
CALEB ANDREW COLTON
1999- 2022
“VOLUNTEER”
FADE OUT
VOLUNTEERS Copyright © 2012 by Mehul Desai
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