"THE BIG NIGHT"

  INT. EMPLOYEE FUELING AREA – NIGHT

  Bright. Spotless.

  JEAN-LUX stands at a prep table, sleeves rolled up, lucky knife in hand, bandana tied tight.

  Before him: a PLIBLI, slick and smug, inching across the counter.

  JEAN-LUX

  Now listen here. There is a hierarchy in this universe. There are chefs… and then there are ingredients.

  The PLIBLI emits a condescending chirp and slides just out of reach.

  JEAN-LUX

  You exist to be transformed. That is your purpose. That is art.

  The PLIBLI leaps. Jean-Lux lunges. Misses.

  The PLIBLI snatches his bandana and skids away.

  JEAN-LUX

  HEY—

  OTIE enters, clipboard in hand.

  OTIE

  How’s it going, Jean-Lux? Executive Suite will be here any minute.

  Jean-Lux freezes. Forces a smile.

  JEAN-LUX

  All going fine!

  The PLIBLI zips past behind him, wearing the bandana.

  OTIE turns slowly to the camera.

  OTIE

  My sensors do not corroborate that statement.

  LAUGH TRACK.

  OTIE steps closer, lowering his voice.

  OTIE

  Big night tonight. If we do well enough, there’s talk we might finally return to our previous roles.

  Support creative writers by reading their stories on Royal Road, not stolen versions.

  Jean-Lux pauses. Considers this.

  JEAN-LUX

  What was so great about our previous roles?

  He gestures around.

  JEAN-LUX

  Here, I cook. I fail. I cook again. Repetition keeps the brain… open. Ready for inspiration.

  Beat.

  OTIE

  Your sleeve is on fire.

  Jean-Lux looks down. A small flame has flared up his left arm.

  JEAN-LUX

  Ah.

  He pats it out with indifference.

  The doors SWING open.

  Enter THE TECHNICIANS. One massive, one compact.

  OTIE

  Hello, sirs! Did you complete your assigned mission?

  The Technicians respond with a series of frightening, guttural noises that continue for almost thirty seconds.

  OTIE nods, thoughtfully.

  OTIE

  I’m glad to hear that.

  LAUGH TRACK.

  The Technicians immediately begin arguing with each other, gesturing wildly.

  BIG TECHNICIAN

  (growling)

  LITTLE TECHNICIAN

  (hissing back)

  They mime a container. A spill. Accusations.

  OTIE

  Coolant?

  Both Technicians freeze. Slowly nod.

  LAUGH TRACK.

  Jean-Lux steps between them, hands raised.

  JEAN-LUX

  Gentlemen, gentlemen. Please. There's a simple solution to this.

  He takes the coolant container, unscrews it, and takes a long, theatrical chug.

  JEAN-LUX

  Ah. Just how I remember it!

  OTIE

  Remember it? As I recall, you never stopped.

  JEAN-LUX

  Sure I have.

  (He takes another long pull.)

  I ran out twenty minutes ago.

  LAUGH TRACK.

  The Plibli reappears and hops onto Jean-Lux’s shoulder

  Otie looks directly at us.

  OTIE

  Well, I suppose there is always next week.

  THEME MUSIC SWELLS.

  FREEZE FRAME on Jean-Lux lunging for the Plibli as the Technicians cheer.