The Orphic Department

Single scene proof of concept- Written in Final Draft 22
A writer is forced to question events in their past when a meeting with an old friend takes an unexpected turn.

Transcript

1. INT. WRITER’S OFFICE-DAY The main feature of the office space is the central desk, organized in a way to have as many notebooks as possible open to the person working. Only the walls visible from the desk above the notebooks have decor, no concern for the rest. A schedule is open on the computer, a meeting is soon. RYDER (30s) spins in their chair. They wear a cardigan with sweatpants and slippers. Draped over the chair is a blanket. With a knock at the door, Ryder suddenly sits up. RYDER Come in! OPHELIA (older) comes through the door giving a friendly wave to Ryder. Ophelia wears a more formal outfit. Ryder cheerfully parts their wall of notebooks to point to the chair on the other side of the desk. RYDER (CONT’D) Sit down already! I’ve lost enough productivity waiting for the time! Ophelia sits as they share a friendly chuckle. OPHELIA I see you’ve made something of yourself since we parted ways. RYDER I’ve been well, I hope you haven’t had more trouble since then. Ophelia pauses and shifts in their seat, Ryder leans forward with concern. OPHELIA There... is something I’d like to ask of you, but not like back then. RYDER I’m all ears, whatever you need. OPHELIA I’d like you to come work for me. Ryder’s confusion grows as Ophelia pulls out a card. Taking it, the card says ‘Orphic Department. Lead-Ophelia’
2. 2. RYDER Orphic department...? When did this happen? Ophelia leans in with a smirk. OPHELIA As long as you’ve known me, it’s how we met after all. RYDER Excuse me? No, it was- OPHELIA A lie. You should know plenty about crafting stories for people. Ryder is frozen, trying to think. OPHELIA (CONT’D) You were an ambitious kid, plenty of kids like you out there. You need an outlet for that energy so my job is to craft one. RYDER The Hallis Conspiracy...? OPHELIA Don’t be sad it wasn’t true, it helped you so much back then. RYDER What’s even the point of a lie like that?! Ophelia’s expression softens. They take a notebook. OPHELIA The world is good, and yet we make stories. A society that’s grown past it’s contradictions to make a utopia still desires the thrill of danger. Strange creatures we are. RYDER Seriously?! You’re comparing my stories to everything we did then? OPHELIA Think of this as the next step up, a higher purpose for that passion you’ve always had. 2.
3. 3. RYDER Higher purpose? How is lying like this helping anyone? OPHELIA Ha! The young man I met would find trouble if I didn’t provide it. Ryder opens their mouth to retort but falls silent, flushing with embarrassment. Ophelia laughs gently. OPHELIA (CONT’D) Nothing to be ashamed of, it’s a part of youth, part of being human. Ryder stares at Ophelia, conflicted. RYDER There’s a point to all this right? OPHELIA Of course, it’s all necessary to preserve society as we know it. Ryder is confused again. RYDER You said all that crazy stuff was a lie, now there’s something bigger? Ophelia sighs and stands, reconstructing the notebook wall. OPHELIA If there weren’t bigger stakes, why would I bother crafting all these plots? The utopia we live in is at constant risk, human nature itself threatens our principles. Ophelia releases their hold on the notebooks and gives Ryder a dramatic look as the notebooks fall off the table. Ryder is unamused. RYDER Seriously? This wacky operation is what holds society together? OPHELIA You of all people should understand the power stories have on us. Ryder glances around their desk. 3.
4. 4. RYDER What if... I don’t buy that we do live in a perfect society? Ophelia smirks and backs away from the desk. OPHELIA Within your right to think so, but the only way to find out would be to work with my department it seems Ryder gets up from their desk and walks with Ophelia to the door. RYDER Seems I have no choice but to investigate, talk to you soon. 4.