In free time from life
CHAPTER ONE
February 15, 2013. Russia. Chelyabinsk. North-West.
Curious, but modest STEVE (17) looks out the window and sees his classmate Lesya stepping into the yard. Two guys, Fadey and Andron, approach her confidently, swaying with their school backpacks, and the three of them, laughing, head towards the school. STEVE sighs deeply.
STEVE
I would have taken her backpack.
He takes his briefcase and leaves the apartment.
STEVE hurriedly walks to school and notices a strange glow in the sky, opposite to the sun. He looks up and sees a bright star in the clear sky moving towards him from space, but slightly in an arc and rapidly igniting. It blinds the eyes, resembling the sun, and a bright flash of a plasma nature occurs.
CLOSE-UP: Meteorite
The meteorite, in agony, flies towards the surface of the Earth and ignites. The top of the blinds open, and a humanoid creature wrapped in a ball flies out from there. An explosion occurs, and the creature is thrown even further away.
CLOSE-UP: STEVE
STEVE stops and turns away, as if from a welding arc, and the glow abruptly ceases. STEVE looks up at the sky and sees a double contrail, like from an airplane in the sky.
CLOSE-UP: The creature
The creature in the sky spreads its limbs and takes on the form of a flying bat in flight. Between its limbs, there is a connecting film, resembling a perforated tarpaulin.
CLOSE-UP: STEVE
STEVE stands on the sidewalk and looks around in confusion, trying to locate the position of the sun.
STEVE
(Surprised)
What is this? A rocket?
And suddenly, a shockwave from above hits him, forcibly forcing STEVE to crouch down on the ground and then knocking him over.
CLOSE-UP: The creature
The creature in the sky catches the air stream and smoothly hovers, descending towards the mountain forest range. The ground approaches swiftly, but not too quickly.
CLOSE-UP: STEVE
STEVE looks around in fear from the sidewalk and sees the same scene with other pedestrians. He gets up, shakes himself off, and continues walking towards the school.
STEVE (continuing)
(Surprised)
Well, that was like getting hit by a sack on the head.
In the physics class, there are many students who are noisy, chattering, and pushing each other before the lesson. New students gradually enter and sit down at their desks. The class monitor wipes the interactive board with a sponge and solution. Fadey quietly approaches CHARLI, who is standing at her desk and smiles sweetly at her.
FADEY
(smiling)
Hello CHARLI! You look so beautiful today!
CHARLI
(coyly)
I'm like this every day, haven't you noticed, Fadey?
FADEY
Why?! I noticed, I just hesitated to say it. Maybe you were not in the mood.
CHARLI
Did you decide to say it today? Did you see the explosion in the sky?
FADEY
Yes, I was actually on my way to school.
CHARLI
And what was it?
Andron sneaks up behind and pulls her braids.
ANDRON
Aliens declared war on us!
CHARLI gets scared, turns around, and slaps Andron's shoulder with a sigh. He backs off and chuckles slyly.
CHARLI
(angrily)
Are you a fool, Andron? The 'Pionerskaya Zorka' played in the fifth point?
ANDRON
(smirking)
Ouch, that hurt?!
Steve enters the classroom, passes by CHARLI's desk, and greets her modestly.
STEVE
(quietly)
Hello CHARLI.
FADEY
Oh! The devil's appearance to the people.
CHARLI
(smiling)
Hello Steve.
ANDRON
How cute. Where's your kilt, huh, Steve?
Steve walks on and sits at his desk. Fadey and Andron exchange glances and approach Steve. They sit on either side of him: Fadey on his chair, and Andron on the adjacent chair.
FADEY
(sarcastically)
Did you make a mistake this morning?
Fadey punches Steve on the shoulder.
ANDRON
Why didn't you bow?
Andron slowly but with a malicious expression on his face, bumps Steve's cheek with his fist.
ANDRON (continuing)
(with cruelty)
How I would hit you, punk.
FADEY
(grimacing)
Ew, did you fart or something? Ew. Hey! People! We have a skunk here!
STEVE
(shaking voice)
Come on, guys, stop it. What have I done to you?
ANDRON
(lasciviously)
Oh! The girl can talk too?!
FADEY
In short. This is the first and last time we, the slave class, warn you that if you, you pig sneeze, walk past CHARLI again and say hello…
Fadey clenches his fist and pushes it into Steve's nose.
FADEY (continuing)
You're definitely not going to feel good. Got it, punk?
ANDRON
Well, what's up, gone silent, holey?
STEVE
(lowering eyes)
Мооeah.
FADEY
Are you mooing? Like a cow? Answer properly. Like a dude.
ANDRON
Fadey. Are you sure he's a dude?
FADEY
Nope. Looks like it. Definitely our holey little Steve.
Andron grabs Steve by the chest and abruptly pulls his nose up to his nose.
ANDRON
(Daringly)
Why the silence, fish? Swear you won't talk to Charley?
STEVE
(Anxiously)
I swear.
ANDRON
(Daringly)
What, I swear?
STEVE
(Anxiously)
I swear I won't talk to Charley.
FADEY
I won't even look in her direction.
Steve looks in CHARLI's direction and sees her looking at him in astonishment.
STEVE
(Anxiously)
And I won't even look in her direction.
Steve sighs despairingly and lowers his eyes. Fadey sees CHARLI's sympathetic glance at Steve and slaps Steve on the back of the head.
The bell rings and all the students take their seats at their desks. The teacher enters with the principal. Everyone stands up.
THE WHOLE CLASS IN UNISON
(Loudly)
Hello, Pal Palyich!
PAL PALYICH
Why shout like that? Sit down. Are you all deaf? The principal will make an announcement now.
THE PRINCIPAL
Dear future graduates! At the end of the current academic year, our school will be hosting a competitive selection for innovative projects. The selected teams will
participate in the International Competition of Scientific Research 'Young Talents in Science' in Moscow at the former VDNKh venue. The winner will receive a cash prize and the opportunity to enroll in any university in our country without taking exams upon completion of the school program. So, you will need to work hard because time is very limited. Only six months left.
In the garage, FOMA KONDRATICH tightens the last bolts of his space-time capsule with a spanner, stands up and wipes the sweat from his forehead with his sleeve..
FOMA KONDRATICH
Well, that's it. My space-time capsule is all set! Just need to program the artificial intelligence and I can start testing.
Wipes hands on a cloth.
FOMA KONDRATICH
Nine years. I hope it's not in vain.
FOMA KONDRATICH walks from the garage to the residential area, which is adjacent to the garage.
CHARLI is sitting at a table in the cafe. Her classmates and friends MASHA and VALYA enter the cafe.
CHARLI
MASHA, VALYA! Come to me!
MASHA and VALYA turn around.
MASHA
Oh?! CHARLI!
CHAPTER TWO
They approach, give each other a kiss on the cheek, and sit down at CHARLI's table.
VALYA
Hey there. Are you hungry?
CHARLI
No, not really. Just wanted to have something to drink.
MASHA
I read online now, listen: The bolide, named "Chelyabinsk", flew over the region on February 15, 2013, at 9:20 local time. The first results of the research show that the Chelyabinsk meteorite was a chondrite. The main materials in its composition are olivine and orthopyroxene, in addition to which there are compounds of iron, nickel, chromium, and silicon. Before entering the atmosphere, it was a small asteroid with a diameter of about 19.8 meters and a mass of 7-13 thousand tons.
VALYA
Have they already calculated it? They are quick, indeed.
CHARLI
Did they tell you about the competition?
MASHA
The one that will be at the end of the year?
CHARLI
Got it. And what topics did they choose?
VALYA
Oh, I see. Honestly, it didn't interest me, so I'll stay out of the competition.
CHARLI
And you, Mash?
MASHA
I'm not sure. I'll probably choose a medical topic. And what did you choose? Well, go ahead and boast?
CHARLI
My topic for the competition will be Petrology, and I suggest that you accompany me.
MASHA
What the heck is this Petrology?
CHARLI
Petrology is a science that studies the classification of rocks based on the conditions of their origin: Igneous rocks, metamorphic rocks, and sedimentary rocks. The subject of study includes the mineralogical and chemical composition of rocks, their structural-textural features, the conditions of occurrence, the laws of origin, distribution, and changes in the Earth's mantle, crust, and surface. Rocks are considered as specific mineral associations that make up the Earth's crust.
VALYA
You didn't give me anything?! And simpler, please.?
CHARLI
In simpler terms, Petrology is the science of rocks, and there is a hypothesis that silicon-based life, similar to our carbon-based life, may exist on Venus, for example.
VALYA
It's all just speculation.
CHARLI
And here's where it's not a fairy tale.
VALYA
It's hot there.
Valya picks up her smartphone and clicks on something.
VALYA (continuing)
The average surface temperature of Venus is 740 K (467 °C). This is higher than the melting point of lead (327 °C), tin (232 °C), and zinc (420 °C). Due to the dense atmosphere, the temperature difference between the day and night sides is insignificant, although Venusian days are very long, being 116.8 times longer than Earth days.
CHARLI grabs her smartphone and quickly clicks on something too.
CHARLI
The melting point of silicon is 1414°C. Life could be possible there. It would even be cool for them.
MASHA
Why are you arguing, girls?! The entire Earthly science is built on hypotheses. Let's talk about fashion instead.
After classes, Steve leaves the school and meets Fadey and Andron.
ANDRON
Where are you headed, Steve?
STEVE
Home?!
FADEY
Well, let's go. We'll see you off.
STEVE
You mean I don't know the way myself?
ANDRON
You're being bold?
FADEY
Let's play fight, shall we? Just for fun.
ANDRON
You're quiet? Okay. We have business with you. Show respect and we'll be friends.
FADEY
Oh, no, we will really ban you. Your choice?
STEVE
What are you bothering me for? Did I cross your path? Let me know. I'll go around.
FADEY
Let's go to the yards. There's a bench there. We can chat for a long time.
FADEY and ANDRON lead STEVE to the yards. They sit down on a bench by the entrance.
ANDRON
Will you participate in the qualifying contest?
STEVE
Haven't decided yet.
FADEY
Listen, STEVE. Come up with something innovative for us, and I promise you, we'll reward you handsomely.
ANDRON
Even if it's not extremely cool. Just for show, you know. Just in general?
STEVE
Wait, didn't you just get out of bed?
ANDRON
Look at FADEY, he's still joking around.
STEVE
No, not really. You kept avoiding the topic of science. And now?!
ANDRON
Yes, we're still avoiding it. CHARLIe said that whoever wins the qualifying competition will hang out with her. I don't care about CHARLIe. I've set my sights on Masha. But FADEY is crazy about CHARLIe, so I'll let him have her.
STEVE
From me, what do you want?
ANDRON
What do you mean? Are you not understanding? Don't act stupid?
FADEY
Come up with something inventive for us?
ANDRON
Let us not appear foolish before her with conceit?
STEVE
I am very busy in \"Life\" and I have almost no free time.
ANDRON
I am very busy with 'Life' and I have almost no free time?
FADEY
Yes, it's a kind of club. Life, it's called.
ANDRON
Seriously? Well, they really named it. Idiots. What do you guys do in your 'Life' there?
STEVE
Personally, I am trying to prove the silicon life theory.
FADEY
What? Can you explain it more simply?
STEVE
There is a hypothesis that stone life may exist on Venus. More precisely, silicon-based life. At least two planets in space have been found to have silicon life based on silanes and a multitude of their derivatives, allude to inorganic compounds.
ANDRON
And what do we have?
STEVE
On Earth, carbon is the element that forms the basis of life. Scientists, ufologists, and even science fiction writers have introduced the term "carbon-based life" into everyday language. And it is quite fair, as all proteins, amino acids, fats, DNA, and RNA are built on the basis of hydrocarbon molecules..
FADEY
Well, I overdid it. No, give us something simpler.
STEVE
I can offer you a simpler idea, like a made-up spatula with a motor.
ANDRON
Are you mocking me, bitch?
STEVE
No?!
FADEY and ANDRON in a rage, throw STEVE off the bench onto the asphalt and start kicking him.
FADEY
(maliciously)
You scoundrel, you've completely lost your mind.?
STEVE
(whimpering)
No, I haven't?!
ANDRON
Then be quiet. And remember. There will be no tomorrow…
PAL PALYICH (Behind the scenes)
Hey! Cut it out!
FADEY and ANDRON turn around and see the physics teacher approaching them quickly.
FADEY
Palych.
ANDRON
Let's get out of here. If you snitch, we'll finish you.
FADEY and ANDRON grab their bags and run away. PAL PALYICH approaches, bends down, and helps STEVE stand up.
PAL PALYICH
Here, scum. Why did they hurt you?
STEVE gets up and dusts himself off. PAL PALYICH dusts off STEVE's back.
STEVE
Yeah, I just looked at it wrong.
PAL PALYICH
Does it hurt? What fascists.
STEVE
Tolerable.
PAL PALYICH
Let's sit down. We need to catch our breath.
STEVE and PAL PALYICH sit down on the bench.
PAL PALYICH (continuing)
Alright, am I going home from school this way? Otherwise, they would have finished me off.
On the snowy ground among the pine trees in the hoarfrost lies a creature on its stomach with outstretched limbs around the arms and legs. The creature stirs and takes a deep breath of the frosty air. It begins to cough and transforms into a human figure with light green skin. The gills disappear. It tries to get up, but from towards its legs, the Chelyabinsk Chupacabra: https://ru.wikipedia.org/wiki/%D0%A7%D1%83%D0%BF%D0%B0%D0%BA%D0%B0%D0%B1%D1%80%D0%B0
rushes up and bites it fiercely on the thigh. The creature screams sharply, roaring like a lion, and jumps up. It kicks at the Chupacabra. The Chupacabra flies off like a soccer ball in an arc trajectory and thuds against the tree trunk back down headfirst. It bounces off the frozen trunk and falls to the ground. It quickly gets up on all fours and sneers at the human-like creature, with light green skin.
CHAPTER THREE
STEVE and PAL PALYICH are sitting on a bench.
PAL PALYICH
I heard? Today all the news are talking about is that a meteorite exploded over Chelyabinsk. And some are speculating that it could have been a rocket that unexpectedly changed trajectory.
STEVE
And I saw it.
PAL PALYICH
Really?
STEVE
I was just walking to school. I saw a second sun light up and fly. Then a bright flash, like welding, followed by a shockwave. People and I were literally pinned to the ground.
PAL PALYICH
We live in such times. I was reading a newspaper in the bathroom. Suddenly, there was a loud bang, and all the windows in the room and kitchen shattered inward. My old lady was at home. Yurevich on TV said that they will urgently replace the windows. It's winter outside. Did it not affect you?
STEVE
I'm telling you, I was pinned down on the way.
PAL PALYICH
Now the reporters will come to us. Our Chelyabinsk has gained fame after all.
STEVE
PAL PALYICH, an electric car can function as both a generator and an electric motor because of its dual capabilities. However, a car cannot power itself because it needs an external source of energy to function?
PAL PALYICH
You what, a topic for the competition already chosen?
STEVE
So. I assume, if I decide.
PAL PALYICH
This is the principle of the perpetual motion machine, and creating a perpetual motion machine is impossible.
STEVE
Why?
PAL PALYICH
Because its operation would contradict either the first or second law of thermodynamics. Losses in the chain of induction coils would exceed the current generated by the generator and absorbed by the electric motor. Ultimately, this hybrid electric machine will come to a state of rest.
10. INТ. CHELYABINSK/ MIDDLE SCHOOL/ PHYSICS CLASS – MORNING
PAL PALYICH, STEVE
In school, after the STEVE lesson, STEVE approaches PAL PALYICH.
STEVE
Hello, PAL PALYICH.
PAL PALYICH
What's up? Do you want to ask something?
STEVE
No. I was thinking and I want to object to your initial statement about the laws of thermodynamics.
PAL PALYICH
Well, let's hear it. Give it a shot, young man?
STEVE
There are combined electric machines where two or three electrical circuits are housed in one casing. Both alternating and direct currents are present. The reason for contradictions to the first or second law of thermodynamics can occur due to the positioning of the generator coil and the electromotive coil on the same shaft with a common diameter cross-section. In addition to the electric machine on the shaft, there are also turbo-generator electric machines. Induction coils, which are located on the polar core with the external side of the product.
PAL PALYICH
Alright. Carry on?!
STEVE
If this alternator pole wheel of alternating current with ten induction coils is firmly attached to the direct current exciter shaft with two induction coils, then the current generated by the eight coils will be much greater than the current consumed by the electric motor. This is because the cross-section diameter of the shaft is much smaller than the diameter of the pole wheel.
PAL PALYICH clutches at his heart.
PAL PALYICH
Who taught you this nonsense?
STEVE
FOMA KONDRATICH. My neighbor.
PAL PALYICH
Neighbor, you say? And how did he practically prove this to you?
STEVE
He already assembled something similar in his garage and will soon begin an endurance experiment.
PAL PALYICH
I know your neighbor. This FOMA KONDRATICH is a charlatan, and he was even expelled from the university for his criminal scientific inventions, where we once studied together on the same course.
STEVE
So he was your classmate?
PAL PALYICH
He is an idiot and a problem for science. A cancerous tumor, so to speak. People like him muddy the waters and constantly lead others astray.
STEVE
But isn't it important for science to consider all statements, even the absurd ones?!
PAL PALYICH
Is that what you think?
STEVE
Of course. Without the absurd, truth would not be visible. What would it be compared to, and what would give us understanding that it is truth?!
PAL PALYICH
I see Foma got into your head. You know, you'd better leave my class right away.
STEVE
Why are you kicking me out? I listened to your point of view and offered mine. Let's find through evidence and discussion what is called the truth.
PAL PALYICH
(yelling)
Do you know what, smart aleck? I suspect you are a fool and a charlatan. And before claiming contradiction to fundamental science and audaciously attempting to undermine it, you need to start by completing school, institute, graduate school, academy, for goodness sake. And obtain a doctoral degree and professorship grant. Newton was found.
STEVE
You're an idiot, PAL PALYICH.
PAL PALYICH
What did you say?
Steve is leaving the class in a huff.
In the mountainous forest, the Chupacabra locks eyes with an alien and starts growling and baring its fangs. The alien wrinkles its nose. A spark flashes from its reptilian pupils, hits the beast, disperses, and immediately the Chupacabra starts wagging its tail and nuzzling up to the alien affectionately.
Steve is sitting on a bench in the courtyard, looking at his smartphone. CHARLI approaches him.
CHARLI
Are you feeling bored?
STEVE
Oh, hi CHARLI.
CHARLI
Hello, hello. What are you up to?
I'm searching the internet for something that could win a contest and grab your attention.
CHARLI laughs and looks at Steve with surprise.
CHARLI
My attention, are you joking?
STEVE
You came up with such an assignment for Faddey and Andron, right?
CHARLI
Oh, that's what it's all about… They've just been getting on my nerves, so I set conditions for them to leave me alone.
STEVE
I didn't know. That's funny.
CHARLI
And if we're being honest, I've long noticed how you look at me. And you constantly endure humiliations from those eggheads. I respect those who think. What will happen in ten years?
STEVE
I don't know. I somehow haven't thought about it.
CHARLI
But I can say for sure that Fadey and ANDRON are heading towards trouble, and afterwards, a trashy life. That's why I consider them lost failures who waste their free time.
STEVE
And I?
CHARLI
You always seem to be cut off in your thoughts. And I like that about you. So, I want to offer you friendship, not the other way around.
STEVE immediately opens his eyes wide in surprise and smiles openly.
STEVE
I agree!
CHARLI
What made me take the first step?
STEVE
No.
CHARLI
Your indecisiveness. And if you become a winner, I think I'll have a part in it.
STEVE
Do with me as you please. I allow it.
CHARLI
Alright then. Where do we start?
STEVE
Let's go to my neighbor Foma Kodratich's garage. He's an inventor. You'll get to see his developments in robotic capsules for space-time travel with artificial intelligence. And the most interesting thing is that he has a self-sustained hybrid electric machine in place of a heart.
CHARLI
Honestly, I'm not that interested in all kinds of mechanisms, but being in the garage with you?! That's already a step towards daring! I agree. Where does he live?
STEVE
Not far from here. In a private sector.
CHARLI agrees, and they both stand up from the bench, holding hands.
13. EXT. CHELYABINSK/MICRORAION/COURTYARD – DAY
FADEY, ANDRON
Fadey and Andron peek out from around the corner of a multi-story building and see Steve and CHARLI standing up from the bench, then walking away.
FADEY
(Freaking out)
Damn, that noob finally managed to get CHARLI.
ANDRON
He played the sympathy card. She just felt sorry for him. Steve is not a dude. And her friendship with him is the same as with Masha and Valya.
FADEY
Do you think so?
ANDRON
And what, isn't it evident?
FADEY
Let's still try to stir things up between them. Let's see what they have planned?
FADEY and Andron stealthily follow Steve and CHARLIe.
14. INT./EXT. CHELYABINSK/PRIVATE SECTOR/GARAGE/CABIN/DESERT – DAY
CHARLI, STEVE
CHARLIe and Steve enter the garage and see a streamlined drop-shaped capsule in the middle.
CHARLI
What a mess here. Did you mention her?
STEVE
Yes.
CHARLI
It doesn't look like much. It's sleek and stylish. I thought there would be a Zaporozhets here, instead of a capsule.
STEVE
Shall we sit in the cabin? It's really cozy in there.
STEVE и CHARLI садятся в капсулу. Закрывают дверь.
CHARLI
(admiringly)
Everything here is so convenient and modern. Your neighbor has excellent taste. How old is he?
STEVE
The same age as Palyich.
CHARLI
Really? Then your neighbor is a romantic. But he can't be compared to the physicist.
STEVE
Oh, he is quite the romantic. If you talk to him with your eyes closed, he could easily pass for our contemporary.
CHARLIe absentmindedly spins the indicator knob. Steve quickly removes her hand.
STEVE (continuing)
Stop. You can't touch anything here.
CHARLI
Why not?
STEVE
Well, the final test hasn't been conducted yet. Who knows where it might take us?
CHARLI
Do you believe that this capsule will travel through time?
STEVE
And in space too.
CHARLI
(with a smile)
I beg you.
CHARLIe playfully presses the red button and their cheeks instantly suck in and return to their original position. Steve and CHARLIe laugh.
CHARLI
Wow! What was that?
STEVE
CHARLIe, you are so beautiful.
CHARLI
Wait, Steve. Did you feel that? It's like flying off a trapeze.
STEVE
I felt love for you. I… Ah…
Steve begins to get excited and emboldened, but CHARLI stops him.
CHARLI
Well, Steve. Not now. It's still too early. It's better if you walk me home.
Steve stops and sits down properly.
CHARLI (continuing)
But after all, what was that? Did you feel anything besides desire for me?
STEVE
Perhaps this is what free time from life is when you move in it. So you are not dependent on it.
CHARLI