“CRYPTO KINGS”
by Ben Gross
FADE IN:
INT. SEMICONDUCTOR PLANT – HONG KONG – NIGHT
A digital bath of wires and hard drives saturated in neon. Wall-to-wall COMPUTER STATIONS occupied by PROGRAMMERS.
A HOODED MAN, age unknown, features obscured, weaves through with a BACKPACK and ENERGY DRINK in hand.
His head is on a swivel as if someone is following him.
He settles in at an unoccupied station and opens a BROWSER to COINBASE PRO where a value POPS off the screen:
ONE MILLION BITCOINS.
Next, he inserts a COLD CARD into the computer and checks over his shoulder. Still nothing sinister yet–
A message appears: “Transfer Contents?”
The Hooded Man hits “Y” key and speaks into the computer’s microphone. He MASKS HIS VOICE with a GRUNT. Like Batman.
HOODED MAN
Deliver us from evil. The future rests in your capable hands.
INTERPOL AGENT (O.S.)
Nobody moves a fucking muscle!
An INTERPOL AGENT (40’s) lurches in. The Hooded Man keeps vigilant as the Bitcoin transfer climbs from 50, 60, 70…
The Interpol Agent hones in on the Hooded Man.
INTERPOL AGENT
Hands front and center.
The computer CHIMES: Transfer complete.
INTERPOL AGENT
Now.
The Hooded Man detaches the cold card from the computer as the Interpol Agent palms his GUN.
INTERPOL AGENT
Last chance.
In a swift motion, the Hooded Man hurls the energy drink at the Interpol Agent, forcing him to dodge it–
INT. SEMICONDUCTOR PLANT – HALLWAY – NIGHT
The Hooded Man sprints from the Interpol Agent and the Security Guard.
INTERPOL AGENT
Stop him!
The Hooded Man abruptly cuts into–
INT. SEMICONDUCTOR PLANT – DISTRIBUTION CENTER – NIGHT
The Hooded Man hides behind a RACK OF BOXES. He plucks a box off and pries it open to reveal HUNDREDS OF COLD CARDS identical to his, except his is the only one with an “S” scribbled on the face.
HOODED MAN
Godspeed.
The Interpol Agent barges in as the Hooded Man drops his marked cold card into the box and carefully places it back on the rack so it appears innocuous.
INTERPOL AGENT (O.S.)
No more running. Where’s Satoshi?
The Hooded Man pivots and faces the Interpol Agent.
HOODED MAN
You’re chasing the ghost of a ghost.
The Hooded Man darts away. The Interpol Agent chases but loses him through the back door.
EXT. ALLEY – NIGHT
The Interpol Agent empties out and looks both directions. The Hooded Man has vanished.
INTERPOL AGENT
Not again…
The Interpol Agent peers down. There’s a NOTE resting at his feet: “The storm is coming…”
EXT. DOWNTOWN SEATTLE, WASHINGTON – DAY
HEAVY RAIN batters this digital city. CITIZENS shield their faces with umbrellas on their way into buildings.
INT. “THE PLAYBOOK” OFFICE – BATHROOM – DAY
Posted in the far stall, but only sitting on the toilet lid with his laptop open–
JASON LENNIX (late-20’s), a wiry runt with a permanent chip on his shoulder. This kid carries an intense energy and confidence but has no sense of what to do with it.
JASON
I swear I can do his job in my sleep. Fuckin’ unreal.
SUPER: Seattle, Washington. A few days later…
JASON
Anyway, it’s 50 for the uppers. Take it or leave it.
A BUYER (30’s) places a 50 DOLLAR BILL on the ground and pushes it over into Jason’s stall.
INT. “THE PLAYBOOK” OFFICE – MAIN FLOOR – DAY
A pretentious start-up. Open office concept. Headphones in, Jason furiously codes line after line at a furious pace as the LEAD ENGINEER (30’s) checks over his shoulder.
LEAD ENGINEER
Look, Jason. We brought you in to do a very simple job.
JASON
Build your storage…shovel shit.
The Lead Engineer lingers, irritating Jason.
LEAD ENGINEER
We’re a team at “The Playbook.” That’s why we’re at the front of online sports betting. Understand?
Jason nods and resumes coding. The Lead Engineer walks away.
JASON
Your funeral.
LEAD ENGINEER
Something to share?
JASON
You’re gonna go tits up in six months if you don’t accept Bitcoin.
Jason spins the monitor towards him.
JASON
I took the liberty of installing a platform that links to e-wallets. I had to tweak the source code, but–
LEAD ENGINEER
My source code is encrypted.
JASON
And there’s a seal on Tylenol…
LEAD ENGINEER
You ever wonder why you’ve gotten nowhere in life? Oh, that’s right. You’re a high school dropout.
Jason gestures at the other CODERS in the vicinity.
JASON
Degrees make you smarter than me?
LEAD ENGINEER
Well, I have a PhD.
JASON
PhD. Pretty horrible decision.
LEAD ENGINEER
Follow instructions. Like you did in Kindergarten.
JASON
Schools are indoctrination camps used to create obedient sheep. The great philosopher, George Carlin said that. RIP.
Jason imitates a sheep’s BAAHAHAHHA.
EXT. ALLEY – DOWNTOWN SEATTLE – DAY
The streets are flooded with NEEDLES and TENTS.
Jason does a THREE CARD MONTE TRICK with a group of SKETCHY FIGURES. He has them roused and stops, waiting for his MARK to point to a card. The Mark points.
JASON
Better luck next time.
Jason’s watch DINGS. He collects the CASH and hurries off.
He rounds a corner into a HOMELESS MAN holding a SIGN: “The end is near. I just want weed.”
JASON
Fair enough.
Jason stops and drops some CHANGE.
INT. BARBARA’S APARTMENT – KITCHEN – DAY
Jason unfurls a plume of CASH like a peacock in front of his mother, BARBARA LENNIX (50’s), annoyingly optimistic, pulls a CASSEROLE from the oven.
BARBARA
You need it more than I do.
JASON
Come on, I got this from a side gig. Buy yourself something nice.
BARBARA
The sweetest sound to a mother’s ears would be for you to announce, “I found steady work!”
Barbara scoops out the casserole and places it in a
TUPPERWARE CONTAINER.
BARBARA
(CONT’D)
I spoke to your uncle. He offered a job at his wealth management firm.
JASON
Honest is a relative term.
BARBARA
How’s your dating life?
JASON
You do realize the banks fucked us.
BARBARA
Language, Jason!
JASON
I meant to say the banks bent us over the table with a negative subprime shit loan that would fail. They knew they’d get bailed out by the Fed and leave us and every other unsuspecting borrower in crippling debt.
FLASH! Jason’s hit with an intense image of A MAN standing at the edge of a BRIDGE.
Jason shakes his head out. A bad memory.
JASON
Stalin used to shoot guys in the street and make the family pay for the bullet. Same deal here.
BARBARA
It’s okay to be resentful. That’s natural. But you gotta believe in something someday. Take the job with your Uncle. Please.
JASON
Okay, Mom, I will.
BARBARA
It’s his birthday next month. Thought we could go out for ice cream. That was his favorite.
JASON
Maybe next year.
Jason accepts the Tupperware container and leaves some cash in it’s wake. Before Barbara can react, he’s out the door.
INT. JASON’S STUDIO APARTMENT – NIGHT
Squalor but with high tech DEVICES retrofitted as furniture. Jason hangs his bike on a RACK.
Jason walks to a wall of the apartment composed entirely of a WHITE BOARD. THREE EQUATIONS/ALGORITHMS are splayed across:
Two complete, one about halfway complete. The top is labeled: “Satoshi Nakamoto’s Grand Puzzle.”
JASON
Hey, Mac! Bring the chessboard.
INT. JASON’S STUDIO APARTMENT – NIGHT
MAC (70’s), wise old sage in pajamas and a robe, devours the casserole from Barbara. Jason sits across the CHESSBOARD as Mac knocks Jason’s knight over with a Bishop.
MAC
Not hungry?
JASON
Don’t have the stomach for food.
Jason looks to the incomplete equation.
MAC
What’s got you so hot and bothered?
Jason’s eyes light up. A total fanboy.
JASON
Okay, so Satoshi Nakamoto, the creator of Bitcoin, posted this puzzle. He’s never done anything like this. It’s crazy. My theory is the winner gets to meet him.
MAC
Slow down, you sound like I did when I was a teenager talking about Jimi Hendrix.
JASON
The word on the grapevine is that he’s dissatisfied with the Four Horseman that are sworn to protect Bitcoin. He wants a successor.
MAC
So you solve it, you’ll achieve some enlightenment or happiness?
Mac positions his king a row to the side.
JASON
Even if I get what I want, I still won’t be happy.
Jason moves his queen a few rows forward.
JASON
Checkmate.
MAC
You’re supposed to let me win.
JASON
You ever heard of the scorpion and the frog? The frog saves his life, but the scorpion still ultimately stings. It’s my nature.
Mac shakes his head. Jason lifts a floorboard. He fishes out a FEW HARD DRIVES and a DUFFEL BAG.
INT. JASON’S STUDIO APARTMENT – NIGHT
Jason dials into his LAPTOP open to a COINBASE PRO. The value: .015 Bitcoins. On another MONITOR, he watches a broadcast of NATALIE BRUNELL, a BTC HOST.
NATALIE BRUNELL (ON SCREEN)
The attractiveness of Bitcoin’s blockchain is ultimate scarcity. Bitcoin is finite. It was programmed to only allow 21 million coins. Simple supply side economics. Since the US went off the gold standard in 1971, the supply became infinite.
Next, his BANK ACCOUNT. It shows a meager 500 dollars.
NATALIE BRUNELL (ON SCREEN)
No government or banking system can control Bitcoin supply because its blockchain is completely decentralized. This matters today when the purchasing power of the American dollar is slowly dying…
Jason signs and opens an IRC CHAT ROOM and posts a message:
JL to Overlord Jester: U there? Call me!!!
An ICON appears on Jason’s laptop. He opens it to a FACETIME CHAT and the Eastern-European mug of OVERLORD JESTER (40’s).
OVERLORD JESTER (ON SCREEN)
Bro, are you even seeing this day?
Overlord Jester motions out his window at the sunny day.
JASON
I think you stepped on too much broken glass as a kid.
Jason unzips his duffel bag and sifts through the contents: FAKE PASSPORTS, SOCIAL SECURITY CARDS, and THUMB DRIVES.
JASON
Need rent money. Put the word out that I’m selling contraband.
Jason retracts a passport. It’s Jason’s picture, but the name is HENRY JONES.
OVERLORD JESTER (ON SCREEN)
What are they worth?
JASON
Whatever someone will pay.
Overlord Jesters looks at Satoshi’s Puzzles behind Jason.
OVERLORD JESTER (ON SCREEN)
How’s the final equation coming?
Jason opens a WEBSITE for Satoshi’s Grand Puzzle.
JASON
If Satoshi would give us more than 30 seconds…
OVERLORD JESTER (ON SCREEN)
You’re among first to solve two, bro. Hang that on your cap, cowboy. Your idol has an eye on you.
Jason locates the third puzzle. The equation is represented in a PRISM broken down into hundreds of WEBS.
JASON
It’s like a puzzle that’s fighting back. Keep me posted.
OVERLORD JESTER (ON SCREEN)
Ten-four.
Jason closes the FaceTime window and cracks his knuckles. He clicks on Satoshi’s Third Puzzle. A C++ CODE BLOCK appears and a timer starts: 30 seconds.
The Prism and web shift repeatedly. Jason types faster with each second. Breath accelerates.
The intensity builds and builds until the timer BUZZES. Then the prism dissolves in a SEQUENCE OF C++ CODE.
Jason hurries to the white board and writes the sequence into the end of the third equation. It fits.
JASON
Holy shit…
Jason throws up his hands up in celebration and YELLS at the top of his lungs. He looks at his laptop, expecting something to happen…but the screen is black. Now what?
INT. KYRIAGOS WEALTH MANAGEMENT – DOWNTOWN SEATTLE – DAY
Bumper-to-bumper stations of FINANCIAL ADVISORS on the phone in the throes of a busy trading day. Jason hurries in.
INT. KYRIAGOS WEALTH MANAGEMENT – TONY’S OFFICE – DAY
Jason pulls a chair across from–
TONY KYRIAGOS (50’s), while sleek and professional on the surface…this guy makes Saul Goodman look like a saint.
TONY
Being five minutes late, I can forgive, but a half hour…that’s a statement of disrespect.
JASON
(not listening)
Uh-uh, cool.
Jason slides fake passports across the desk to Tony.
TONY
What are these?
JASON
A peace offering. You mentioned to me last time I saw you a few of your clients were looking to set up accounts overseas. These will pass.
TONY
You can’t bullshit a bullshitter. I don’t break promises to family and your mom is worried.
JASON
Then don’t take ’em.
Tony gives them a once-over and puts them in his desk drawer.
TONY
As your Uncle, it’s my partial obligation to check on your physical and mental state.
JASON
Fine and dandy.
Tony slides Jason an envelope with a few HUNDREDS inside.
TONY
You need anything, let me know.
JASON
Tell my mom the job fell through. Let her off easy. Say something about budget cuts.
TONY
Remember, it’s only illegal if you get caught. Then you never met me. Now take your shoes for a walk.
Jason nods in affirmation and ambles out.
INT. BIKE SHOP – DAY
A neighborhood biking specialty store. Jason walks, backpack on, among the RACKS of NEW BIKES. He peeks at his favorite employee, KAITLIN (20’s), tatted up, athletic, outdoorsy. She catches him staring and steps over.
KAITLIN
Can I help you find something?
JASON
No, I’m here for the view.
Kaitlin stares him down until he clears his throat. She notices Jason’s backpack with HACKER INSIGNIAS.
JASON
I’m kind of a hired gun.
KAITLIN
Sounds exciting.
Jason shrugs, trying to play it cool.
KAITLIN
Do you ever get to go anywhere?
JASON
I have plans.
KAITLIN
I want to go to the airport, close my eyes, and buy a ticket.
JASON
(blurts)
God, you’re beautiful.
Now it’s just plain uncomfortable.
KAITLIN
I’m gonna check on customers.
Kaitlin scurries away. Jason phone BUZZES. He checks it and sees a TEXT from Overlord Jester: “Scab job?” Jason connects with Overlord Jester via FaceTime.
OVERLORD JESTER
Bro, you fucking did it!
JASON
I did something, I guess…
OVERLORD JESTER (ON SCREEN)
A buddy of mine sent email. A Bitcoin mine in your area needs a guy for night. Two hundred.
JASON
Two hundred? That’s it?
OVERLORD JESTER (ON SCREEN)
You didn’t hear this from me, but they have a shit ton of cold cards sitting around in offices. You could sell those fifty a pop.
Jason mulls it over.
EXT. BITCOIN MINING FARM – OUTSIDE SEATTLE – NIGHT
Well outside the Seattle city limits. A sprawling complex of DATA HALLS that resemble greenhouses. A SUPERVISOR (40’s) escorts Jason down a row.
SUPERVISOR
Everything updated by morning.
Jason musters a nod as he shivers in the bitter air.
INT. BITCOIN MINING FARM – NIGHT
Rows of SERVERS with massive cooling wheels interconnected by a tapestry of wires. These are BITCOIN MINES.
Jason stands like a zombie at the command center to one of these machines. The computer runs a SWEEP PROGRAM.
He looks down the row. He has about a hundred more of these to do. He heaves a sigh.
INT. BITCOIN MINING FARM – SUPERVISOR’S OFFICE – DAY
Little more than a broom closet. The Supervisor hands Jason CASH. An exhausted Jason counts it. It’s only $150.
JASON
I was told two hundred.
SUPERVISOR
Take it or leave it.
JASON
Seriously, dude?! Do you understand where you work? Bitcoin is liberation. This place is freedom from that prison so people’s lives aren’t destroyed by fascist overlords on Wall Street using insider information to steal money at our expense. We can avoid suffering when the winds of orchestrated chaos blow through.
SUPERVISOR
(laughs)
Have it your way. Let’s get the lawyers involved.
With no recourse, Jason spitefully pockets the money.
INT. BITCOIN MINING FARM – HALLWAY – DAY
Jason storms to the exit. He suddenly stops when a door swings open and CLOCKS him in the nose.
A JANITOR (40’s) pushes a trash bin out.
JASON
Watch it!
The Janitor wheels away. Jason rubs his nose when something in the room the Janitor just left catches attention:
An open office with a single BOX labeled COLD CARDS. There’s writing on the outside: “Congratulations, Jason.”
Jason looks over his shoulder. The coast is clear. He rushes in and grabs the box.
INT. JASON’S STUDIO APARTMENT – NIGHT
Jason sifts through the contents of the box. One stands out: The one we saw at the beginning with the “S.”
From now on we’ll refer to this as Satoshi’s COLD CARD.
Jason plugs it into his laptop. A file appears: Satoshi’s Wallet accompanied by a NINJA WIDGET. He clicks on it to reveal a BITCOIN LEDGER. His eyes fall to the amount listed at the bottom: ONE MILLION BITCOINS.
JASON
No fucking way.
The value shows an EXCHANGE RATE to American dollars: 46,000,000,000. That’s BILLION.
INT. OVERLORD JESTER’S APARTMENT – DAY
Overlord Jester prepares borscht. His computer DINGS. He ambles over and sees a message on the IRC CHAT ROOM:
SATOSHI’S WALLET ACTIVATED!!!!!!
HE PROMPTLY SHUTS OFF THE STOVE AND GRABS A GEARBAG.
THE SCREEN DIVIDES INTO TWO SECTIONS. OVERLORD JESTER’S
APARTMENT ON THE LEFT, BELOW ON THE RIGHT–
INT. NEWSROOM – NIGHT
Natalie Brunell reads from a TELEPROMPTOR.
NATALIE BRUNELL
This just in…
The SCREEN DIVIDES INTO FOUR SECTIONS.
EXT. SILICON VALLEY – NIGHT
ENGINEERS empty out of their respective tech campuses.
NATALIE BRUNELL (V.O.)
After nearly a decade of silence, the reclusive Satoshi Nakamoto has come out of hiding.
In unison, their phones CHIME and stop them in their tracks.
INT. SUV – MOVING – DAY
The Interpol Agent we met in the opening scene rides in the back and hurls his phone out the window.
NATALIE BRUNELL (V.O.)
Satoshi left one million Bitcoins to someone worthy of finding him. Sources tell us he wants to be found, but is it a hoax?
A single tear rolls down his cheek.
INT. VARIOUS NEWSROOMS – NIGHT
Scattered across the country and nations from Asia, Europe, South America, Africa, etc. They say things like…
JAPANESE ANCHOR
(in Japanese)
Satoshi has left breadcrumbs…
GERMAN ANCHOR
(in German)
It will require a digital key to unlock his location…
BRAZILIAN ANCHOR
(in Portuguese)
That’s the only way to find him…
BRITISH ANCHOR
What game is he playing?
THE SCREEN NOW DIVIDES INTO SIXTEEN SECTIONS.
You get the idea of what’s happening. In each, a separate ANCHOR notifies the world of Satoshi’s Wallet activation.
INSERT MONTAGE – JASON HITTING ATM’S ACROSS TOWN
–Jason scans the QR CODE on the BITCOIN ATM SCREEN using t2h7e blue wallet on his cell phone.
–He pulls cash out of dozens of ATM’S.
–Until finally, his backpack is completely full.
END OF MONTAGE.
INT. KYRIAGOS WEALTH MANAGEMENT – TONY’S OFFICE – DAY
The cash sits on the desk between Jason and Tony. It’s a hefty amount. Jason has been to at least a dozen ATM’s.
TONY
Explain Bit-whatever-the-fuck.
JASON
It’s like PayPal, except no banks are involved.
LATER–
Jason draws STICK FIGURES on a WHITE BOARD separated by a BOX. Tony lifts an eyebrow.
JASON
So the Bitcoins go from this guy’s account, recorded on a Blockchain, to this guy’s account.
Jason draws lines through the box.
TONY
I thought these were coins.
JASON
Don’t fixate on shapes. They’re not literal coins, or anything physical. It’s a digital asset. Bitcoin encrypts money.
Jason draws another box on top of the box.
TONY
Why are they boxes?
JASON
Tony, you’re stuck on the fucking shapes. It’s a visual aid. They’re ledgers that verify transactions. It’s exactly how banks work; except there are no banks.
TONY
What about the triangles?
JASON
Fuck!
LATER–
Jason uses ACTION FIGURES to demonstrate to Tony.
JASON
All you have to know is that this fuck will never know this fuck’s identity. Neither will the feds.
Tony nods, sort of getting it.
JASON
This is stored online in “wallets” and works with any currency.
TONY
So that fuck could be in America, and this fuck in Japan.
Jason breathes a sigh of relief and gives a thumbs up.
JASON
Here’s the tricky part: When this becomes fiat money, I can’t deposit more than 10,000 a day. The feds are notified. I want to keep this as quiet as possible.
Tony presses a button on his desk. His door shuts.
TONY
I’ll set up a few corporations in your name. That’s priority one. You can move money easier.
JASON
Report annual earnings. Pay taxes like a good Christian.
TONY
That’s all well and good. Respectfully, fuck the IRS.
Jason stretches and heads to the door.
TONY
…but remember, kid. Low profile. Don’t be a fucking idiot.
INT. LAMBORGHINI DEALERSHIP – DAY
Jason runs his fingertips along a sleek AVENTADOR. A SALESMAN (30’s) tracks behind him.
SALESMAN
You sure you can pay for this? It’s 250K for our cheapest model.
JASON
Your website claimed that you accept Bitcoin.
INT. BIKE SHOP – DAY
Kaitlin rings up a CUSTOMER as the ROAR of an engine catches her attention. She watches a Lamborghini pull into a spot.
Jason jettisons from the driver’s seat and waves to her.
INT. NIGHTCLUB – VIP SECTION – NIGHT
MILLENNIALS dance below. Jason and Kaitlin clink glasses.
KAITLIN
What are we celebrating?
JASON
Fortune, glory, fate…the greatest day of my life.
KAITLIN
How come you didn’t invite any of your friends?
JASON
(offended)
This was spur of the moment.
Jason shifts uncomfortably and changes the subject.
JASON
Do you want to dance?
KAITLIN
This feels weird.
Kaitlin guzzles down her champagne and pours another.
JASON
I’m richer than God now. Feels pretty damn good.
KAITLIN
Yeah, right.
JASON
I’m serious. I could buy a Bezos yacht and destroy a few bridges.
Jason checks his ratty button-up shirt. It has holes in it.
KAITLIN
I may not be smart, but I can tell when someone’s being fake.
Jason loses his composure.
JASON
You work at a bike shop.
KAITLIN
You know why you didn’t have friends to bring? It’s because you’re an arrogant douchebag.
Kaitlin dumps her drink on Jason and storms off. A few PATRONS eye him. Jason flags down the WAITER (20’s).
JASON
(calling out)
The tab is on me tonight!
CHEERS erupt from everyone in the vicinity.
INT. JASON’S LAMBORGHINI – DAY
Sunlight beams through the windshield and strikes Jason in the face. He groggily wakes and shields his eyes.
JASON
Where the hell…?
His vehicle parked on some dirt road. Jason stumbles throug3h2 a clearing and sucks in the morning air.
INT. NSA HEADQUARTERS – FORT MEADE, MARYLAND – DAY
Among a sea of cubicles and beige, the STATION CHIEF (50’s) addresses a crowd of AGENTS with CASE FILES in hand.
STATION CHIEF
Ransomware attack in a hospital.
About half raise their hands. The Station Chief hands it off.
STATION CHIEF
DDOS on an oil rig.
After giving it to the most eager of the group, the Station Chief arrives on a final file. This one hits him different…
STATION CHIEF
Satoshi Nakamoto’s wallet was recently activated…could be a worldwide scandal. Fun times. Anyone have the guts?
His eyes flit to a work station isolated from the others. Three monitors going at once. In the center–
VIVIAN DELGADO (40’s), Latin-American, mousey, alert, eager, and probably doesn’t leave the office all that often.
STATION CHIEF (O.S.)
Satoshi Nakamoto.
Immediately, Vivian bolts from her station.
STATION CHIEF
(O.S.) (CONT’D)
Got a Dave and Busters gift card…
Vivian threads through the Crowd.
VIVIAN
Mine! Dibs! Shut up.
STATION CHIEF
Viv, you’re already assigned to the New Mexico thing.
VIVIAN
It was some kid scamming his church group and the virus spread.
Vivian snatches the case file from the Station Chief.
VIVIAN
When Satoshi moves, massive wealth transfers from one entity to another. Blood on the streets. Remember your history.
The Station Chief pulls her aside.
STATION CHIEF
The Agency has dedicated resources and years to him and zilch. The guy is a Kobayashi Maru scenario.
VIVIAN
Luckily that’s just Star Trek.
Vivian grabs the file but the Station Chief holds it back.
STATION CHIEF
My boss’s boss nearly had a stroke when he heard. They’re nervous and quiet as church mice.
VIVIAN
Was there a question in there?
STATION CHIEF
Happy hunting.
The Station Chief finally relents the file.
INT. JASON’S STUDIO APARTMENT – DAY
Jason runs a nervous hand through his hair. He’s on the IRC chat room. It’s buzzing with activity–
Messages say: “Anyone know who activated the wallet?” “Prize for whomever tracks him down.” And below that, “Seattle.”
His laptop CHIMES. It’s a FaceTime request from Overlord Jester. Jason answers.
OVERLORD JESTER (ON SCREEN)
Looks like you got more than you bargained for when you solved the puzzle. Has Satoshi contacted you?
JASON
How do they know it’s in Seattle?
OVERLORD JESTER (ON SCREEN)
Built-in digital fingerprint. They pinpointed the signature to a ten- block radius.
Jason shoots a glance out the window. A CAR passes.
OVERLORD JESTER (ON SCREEN)
The legend says that Satoshi stashed a million bitcoins for his own safeguard. Another four are still unaccounted for.
Jason plugs in Satoshi’s Thumb Drive, then opens DESIGNER MODE. He locks on to a DIGITAL SIGNATURE.
JASON
I’m so fucked!
Jason switches the GPS beacon off and quickly stuffs his CREDIT CARDS and PHONE in a LEAD CASE with COPPER MESH.
OVERLORD JESTER (ON SCREEN)
Take chill pill.
JASON
You take chill pill!
Jason ends the call. DEAFENING SILENCE passes until a NINJA WIDGET pops on screen. We’ll recognize the voice as the Hooded Man from the beginning.
NINJA WIDGET (ON SCREEN)
Congratulations, you solved my puzzle. By now you’ve realized you’re in imminent danger.
Jason types: No shit. What does this mean?
NINJA WIDGET (ON SCREEN)
You can take the million coins and disappear. Or you can help me. I need someone loyal to the cause.
JASON
This is so messed up.
NINJA WIDGET (ON SCREEN)
I hate to place this burden on you. However, I fear the end of my life. The end of society as we know it. The end of what we’ve built by the old powers and their treachery. The fate of Bitcoin rests with you.
A PICTURE OF XAVIER RAHM appears with a headline: “Tech Billionaire under Federal Scrutiny.”
NINJA WIDGET (ON SCREEN)
Start with Xavier Rahm in Los Angeles. He’ll provide insight on my enemies. When you find the cause of my demise, contact me and I will tell you where I’m hiding.
The Ninja Widget disappears. Jason sits there in debate before going into turbo mode and packs his laptop, hard drives into his backpack with the fake passports.
EXT. JASON’S STUDIO APARTMENT – DAY
Mac opens the door and sees Jason with all his bags packed. Jason offers Mac an ENVELOPE. Mac pries it open and sees a STACK OF CASH. He’s floored.
JASON
Some people might be sniffing around my apartment.
MAC
Where you headed?
JASON
Los Angeles. Don’t tell anyone.
MAC
Take care of yourself. Jason hugs him.
INT. KYRIAGOS WEALTH MANAGEMENT – TONY’S OFFICE – DAY
An irate Tony paces in front of Jason.
TONY
I had one fucking rule!
JASON
Sorry, I have ADHD.
TONY
“Two things are infinite, the universe and human stupidity, and I’m not so sure about the universe.” Einstein said that.
JASON
He also had 10 girlfriends at once, so I guess morality is…relative.
TONY
That’s it! I’m freezing your assets and calling your mother.
Tony picks up his phone. Jason stops his hand.
JASON
I’ll be rubbing elbows with the rich and powerful. I need your help, Uncle Tony. This is for my idol. He’s in trouble. And so am I for that matter.
TONY
You got no reason to trust him.
JASON
Satoshi doesn’t think like we do. Every thought is a chess move. I think I’m a part of something here…plus I get to meet him after this is over. Pretty cool.
TONY
No good deed goes unpunished.
Tony sighs and slumps to his chair.
TONY
Use company credit cards and burner phones. Ditch those every couple calls. Never give a real name. Information travels too quick.
Jason nods and gets up to leave.
TONY
The world is a lot smaller than you think. Be careful.
Jason hustles out.
INT. BARBARA’S CAR – NIGHT
Barbara pulls to a stop outside the AIRPORT. Jason twirls Satoshi’s Cold Card retrofitted into a lanyard. He does a three card monte with his phone, wallet, and watch.
BARBARA
This seems…sudden.
JASON
Uncle Tony set me up with a new wealth management gig.
BARBARA
Is this your way of telling me you’re moving?
JASON
No, no. Just doing some consulting for a few clients. Tech stuff.
Barbara stops his nervous hands.
BARBARA
I’m very proud of you. Your father would be too–
JASON
(snaps)
Can we not right now?!
BARBARA
It happened. It’s best you come to terms with it–
JASON
Leave it, Mom.
Jason tucks the cold card beneath his shirt.
BARBARA
Sorry, I shouldn’t have brought it up. This is a happy day. My son finally has a big boy job!
Jason hugs her and shoulders his bags.
BARBARA (O.S.)
When will you be back?
JASON
A few days. A month. Depends…Oh, and I changed my number, so pick up if you see a weird one.
Barbara laughs as Jason jettisons from the car.
BARBARA (O.S.)
Maybe this finally gave you a sense of purpose. Call me when you land.
Barbara drives off. Jason spins to the terminal and touches Satoshi’s cold card beneath his shirt.
INT. NSA HEADQUARTERS – CYBER CRIME DIVISION – NIGHT
Vivian stands in front of a VIDEO WALL. It shows a SATELLITE IMAGE of JASON’S NEIGHBORHOOD on the wall. She’s done her research. There’s a DIGITAL MAP of all things Satoshi including NEWSPAPER CLIPPINGS, COORDINATES, ETC.
VIVIAN
Rosa, do you speak Russian?
ROSA GONZALEZ (20’s), fresh out of grad school, jittery, eager, hands Vivian a thermos of coffee.
ROSA
Spanish, Greek, Russian, Mandarin, Farsi, and Python.
VIVIAN
Someone posted this image on an encrypted IRC channel.
ROSA
Bitcoin’s origin.
VIVIAN
Allegedly.
Rosa lifts an eyebrow.
VIVIAN
Rumor has it Bitcoin was created by the NSA. Or a rogue individual who was trained by us. Digitizing currency under the ruse of convenience creates less privacy.
ROSA
You seem kinda obsessed.
VIVIAN
He owns a large amount of an asset class. All you have to know is it’s capable of destabilizing economies. I crack this, I make chief.
ROSA
We need to find out what he’s after like any other terrorist.
VIVIAN
An Angel or Devil maybe, but not a terrorist. Satoshi is a master of social engineering. We’re blind.
ROSA
How blind?
VIVIAN
The trail starts in Seattle. Of everyone in a five mile radius, this kid was the only one to purchase a Lamborghini.
Vivian hits enter on her computer as a PRINTER spits out a
DRIVER’S LICENSE OF JASON.
INT. JASON’S STUDIO APARTMENT – DAY
CRASH! The door caves and a TEAM of ASIAN HITMEN burst in.
They search every quadrant, overturn the bed, desk, and closet as KWAN (30’s), fearsome, heavily tattooed, stomps in and dials on his phone.
Anything in italics is spoken in Mandarin.
KWAN
He’s not here.
INTERCUT–
INT. ZHANG’S COMPOUND PENTHOUSE – HONG KONG – NIGHT
The bright and neon city of Hong Kong sits below this fortress. TRIAD SYMBOLS decorate the walls.
XIU ZHANG (60’s) bathes in a HOT TUB on the phone. He’s calm, but one look from this man will send you running.
KWAN
Give me some good news, Kwan.
ZHANG
It’s the location from the GPS, but no Satoshi.
A ONE-EYED HITMAN drags in Mac, scared to death.
ONE-EYED HITMAN
A white boy named Jason Lennix.
Kwan lifts Mac’s chin with his gun. Mac whimpers. The Lead Hitman punches him in the gut.
KWAN
Where is he?
When Mac doesn’t answer, Kwan STRIKES him.
KWAN
Next time, a bullet.
MAC
Los Angeles.
Kwan cocks the lever of his gun–
ZHANG
The only blood we want is Satoshi. I will contact our people in Los Angeles. No one rests until we find Satoshi and this…Jason.
Zhang hurls his phone across the room.
EXT. BAHNHOF DATA CENTER – RURAL SWEDEN – NIGHT
Way out in the sticks of Sweden. A single BLACK SUV surges down a dirt road and swerves in front of a BUNKER. A lone figure parks and hustles to the door–
ATTICUS (50’s), Black British, shrewd, irritable, punches in a code, and retinas are scanned.
INT. BAHNHOF DATA CENTER – SERVER ROOM – NIGHT
Carved into the earth. This was once used as a nuclear bunker. It now houses massive halls of SERVERS.
Atticus opens an isolated server marked: BITCOIN. He clicks through the computer that shows a GRAPH OF AN UPWARD ARROW.
ATTICUS
Oh, dear…
INT. BAHNHOF DATA CENTER – FISHBOWL – NIGHT
The nucleus of the facility. A circular table, LARGE MONITOR SCREENS, and a TARGET OF KLAUS SCHWAB on the wall.
TEX FLATLINE (30’s), American, rail thin, and a bit of a talker, plays VIDEO GAMES and blabs to–
STELLAN (40’s), Swedish, a bearded human oak tree.
TEX FLATLINE
You didn’t hear this from me, but Rahmn Enterprises is getting funding from the DoD suspended.
Stellan remains perfectly still. It’s creepy.
TEX FLATLINE
Rumor is ol’ Xavier is under Pentagon supervision.
Atticus races in.
ATTICUS
Gentlemen, lend me your ears.
TEX FLATLINE
So you heard too. Great, let’s buy up some stock in–
ATTICUS
No, you ignorant twit. I’m afraid this is far more pressing. Where the devil is Hanzo?
TEX FLATLINE
Between us gals, he’s been moody since his girlfriend dumped him.
A panel on the floor slides open and HANZO (40’s), Japanese, Samurai haircut, brooding, climbs up, armed with a CROSSBOW.
ATTICUS
What possible use can you have with a bloody crossbow?!
HANZO
To pierce my broken heart.
TEX FLATLINE
Called it.
HANZO
You are a sick man, Tex Flatline. Sick in the head.
TEX FLATLINE
Sounds like you got a bad case of the “one-girl-itis.”
Atticus switches off the video game.
ATTICUS
Are you trying to wind me up?
TEX FLATLINE
Whatever floats your boat, Atticus. Who am I to judge?
ATTICUS
Satoshi has resurfaced. Stellan, if you will…
Stellan finally moves. He clicks on one of the monitors that shows a GRAPH OF BITCOIN PRICES. They’ve skyrocketed in value from $46,000 to $60,000.
TEX FLATLINE
So we got richer. What a crime.
ATTICUS
Need I remind you that we have an IPO on the very near horizon?
TEX FLATLINE
(heard this before)
Yes…we need funds to expand the business. Turn the page, Atty.
Tex Flatline switches the game back on.
ATTICUS
Market volatility is the last thing shareholders want to see. Right now, Crypto must remain stable. The perception being it is the world’s future currency–
THWACK! The arrow from Hanzo’s crossbow hits the Klaus Schwab target dead between the eyes.
ATTICUS
Put the crossbow down, please!
Stellan snatches it from Hanzo.
ATTICUS
We knew the wolves would come when we set up the mining system. If we want to build our free digital empire, that cannot happen.
The mood sours. They all nod in agreement. From henceforth, we’ll call this cohort: The Four Horsemen.
INT. RAHM ENTERPRISES LOBBY – LOS ANGELES – DAY
A regal compound on the outskirts of town. Jason sheepishly approaches the RECEPTIONIST (20’s) with a GYM BAG.
JASON
I’m here to see Xavier.
RECEPTIONIST
Name?
JASON
Satoshi Nakamoto.
INT. RAHM ENTERPRISES – XAVIER’S OFFICE – DAY
Gaudy and posh. On the mahogany desk lies a pile of COCAINE.
SNNNNNOOOOOORRRRRRRRTTTTTTT–
XAVIER RAHM (40’s) snorts a line. A human hurricane with a God-complex smoothed out by Executive Coaching.
XAVIER
Okay, so here’s how we spin it: Get the press on the tarmac for the Eagle-9 reveal.
Xavier snorts again.
XAVIER
Launch that fucker into the stratosphere. Shoot some fireworks. The ones that do the willow cascade shit…check that…the comet ones. Then when that fucker lands in our backyard they know that Xavier Rahm is 100 percent USA, baby. That’s how you fog the rumor we’ve been colluding with China. That’s how you control the fucking narrative, my friend. Smooth as silk.
We now see that he’s talking to his number two, WAYNE “DUTCH” DONOVAN (40’s), the ultimate fixer. Ex-military type.
DUTCH
How’s it going, Xavier? How’s the wife and kids?
XAVIER
I’ll send out some cryptic tweets. That usually does the trick.
Xavier goes to a table with a MINIATURE MODEL of a DATA CENTER. The title: “Rahm Data Haven.” The intercom BUZZES.
RECEPTIONIST (O.S.)
Sir, I have Satoshi Nakamoto here to see you.
XAVIER
What?! Fuck it, send him in.
The door opens as Jason strides in, unzips the gym bag, and47 DUMPS 250,000 DOLLARS worth of cash on the floor.
LATER–
Xavier sits Jason down on a set of WATER BED CHAIRS.
XAVIER
Got a set of plums, kid. Respect.
JASON
I had to get your attention somehow. Fake it till you make it.
Jason looks over at the miniature data haven.
XAVIER
Data haven. That’s my baby. It was supposed to go up in Nevada last year, but the government just doesn’t get me.
JASON
Bummer.
XAVIER
You’re telling me. Beijing was gonna let me build it in–
Dutch clears his throat. Xavier catches himself.
XAVIER
How’d you clear a billion? App?
JASON
Sold my company to Microsoft.
XAVIER
Fuck Bill Gates.
JASON
I want Satoshi. I know you’re after him too. All I want is for you to make an introduction–
XAVIER
Ever boned in a waterbed before It takes a certain pelvic balance to master the thrust.
JASON
Okay, well, I’d like to–
Xavier holds up a hand, indicating for Jason to stop talking.
XAVIER
My mansion tonight. I won’t take “no” for an answer.
Xavier bounces to his feet and over to a STATIONARY BIKE where a screen plays a ROUTE IN THE ALPS.
XAVIER
It’s Peloton time.
Dutch lifts Jason to his feet and escorts him to the door.
XAVIER
And, kid. You look like a hobo pissed in a shoe.
Jason scoops up the cash from the floor and leaves a bit dumbfounded. Xavier pedals to the max.
EXT. RODEO DRIVE – DAY
Nothing here can be purchased for anything less than a mortgage on a small house.
Jason ambles among the stuffy ELITE, studying their fashion sense and comparing his scruffy appearance to the clean-cut.
INSERT MONTAGE – JASON’S SHOPPING SPREE
1) INT. ENZO CUSTOM – DAY –
A TAILER measures Jason for
custom suits.
2) INT. BEVERLY HILLS WATCH CO – DAY – Jason picks out a few ROLEXES and tries them on.
3) INT. LAMBORGHINI DEALERSHIP – DAY – Jason picks out a new AVENTADOR. This one is BRIGHT RED and CONVERTIBLE.
4) EXT. SUNSET BLVD – DAY – Jason drives with the top down. He catches the attention of damn near all the BYSTANDERS on the sidewalk. He looks like a new man.
END OF MONTAGE.
INT. WALDORF ASTORIA, BEVERLY HILLS – JASON’S SUITE – DAY
More of an apartment. Jason hands the PORTER (20’s) a hundred dollar tip and walks out onto the balcony. He looks out over Los Angeles below him. This city is his.
EXT. XAVIER’S MANSION, BEL AIR – NIGHT
A palatial estate in the exclusive hills. DESIGNER CARS all parked out front: Ferrari, Tesla, Bugatti, Lamborghini, etc
Everything is CRYPTO-CURRENCY THEMED. Banners strewn across the archway advertise Bitcoin, Ethereum, Zcash, Litecoin, Monero, and others.
Jason hands his keys to a VALET and strides through the entryway lined with a RED CARPET.
He takes a deep breath and heads in with the other GUESTS.
INT. XAVIER’S MANSION – LIVING ROOM – NIGHT
Xavier greets Jason with a big hug. Dutch right behind them.
XAVIER
Looking sharp, Jackson.
JASON
It’s Jason.
They pass all manner of CELEBRITIES, ranging from MOVIE STARS to FAMOUS ATHLETES mingling with TECH GENIUSES.
XAVIER
This is the future. Everyone wants a piece of cryptocurrency and apps. It used to be designer brands, now it’s designer code.
Jason is in awe of the spectacle.
XAVIER
Check this out.
They stop at a MONITOR SCREEN with a LIVE SATELLITE FEED of an AFRICAN VILLAGE.
XAVIER
This is my private satellite feed of the Sudan. Whenever I see a crime against humanity, I call the government and report it.
JASON
Wow, what a nice guy.
XAVIER
That’s what this journey’s all about. Feel me?
JASON
Is there somewhere we can talk privately? I want to know all there is about Satoshi.
They arrive at area with tables of GUESTS snorting coke.
XAVIER
You’re a funny motherfucker.
DUTCH
Hilarious.
XAVIER
You party?
Xavier lights up a HAND-ROLLED CIGARETTE. He passes to Jason, who reluctantly smokes, and coughs violently.
JASON
This doesn’t taste like weed.
XAVIER
It’s angel dust.
Blood drains from Jason’s face as Xavier takes the cigarette back and walks off with Dutch.
XAVIER
Come find me later. We’ll talk. Mi casa es su casa.
Breath flees Jason’s mouth. He grips his chest as–
EXT. XAVIER’S MANSION – BACKYARD – NIGHT
THUMP, THUMP, THUMP…A HEAVY BASS THUNDERS over the party.
Jason dances in the center of it. Flailing his extremities. He’s not quite cognizant, but blends well in the frenzy.
He suddenly acclimates to the situation and loses all sense of balance. He totters away and HURLS into some bushes.
SKYE (O.S.)
Damn, dude. That’s ratchet.
Jason wipes his mouth and turns to see the most sultry dame he’s ever laid eyes on–
SKYE SINCLAIR (20’s), mixed-race (half-white, half-Chinese), neon-silver hair, piercing and calculating eyes.
SKYE
Xavier blabbed to everyone about the new hotshot in town.
JASON
That’s me I guess.
SKYE
I had no idea he was so cute.
Jason stands dumfounded, debating if she’s a hallucination.
SKYE
I’m Skye. Wanna see something cool?
Jason musters a nod as Skye leads him to the–
INT. XAVIER’S MANSION – WINE CELLAR – NIGHT
Skye picks a lock of a door and ushers Jason down the steps along the WINE RACKS. She plucks one off the shelf.
JASON
How do you know Xavier?
Skye uncorks it and hands it to Jason.
SKYE
I don’t.
JASON
So you’re a thief.
SKYE
I prefer “socialite.”
Jason sips. Skye hops on a barrel.
JASON
You think I’m another Xavier Rahm to steal wine from.
SKYE
I don’t know what to think of you.
JASON
Fuck, is this awkward…
Jason passes back to Skye. She sips.
SKYE
You’re here for something else, aren’t you?
JASON
Tripping pretty hard right now.
SKYE
If you don’t tell me, you’ll never find out what I think of you.
She passes the bottle to him. He sips. Their game continues.
JASON
Xavier knows Satoshi Nakamoto. I have business to discuss.
SKYE
The Bitcoin founder? That’s wild that you have “business” with him.
JASON
It’s not business as much as helping him out with a secret mission, even though I’m not entirely sure what it is yet.
Jason ascends the staircase.
JASON
Dinner tomorrow?
Skye nods seductively, saunters up after him, takes his hand and writes her number on his palm.
EXT. XAVIER’S MANSION – BACKYARD – NIGHT
Jason pours himself a drink at the bar and checks the number on his palm as a COMMOTION stops the party dead when a NAKED Xavier sprints through. Dutch chases him down.
DUTCH
I told you no bath salts!
Xavier sprints up to Jason.
XAVIER
Jackson, have you ever spent time with the ladyboys of Thailand and realized you wanted more than they were willing to give?
Xavier tries running off, but Jason grabs his arm.
JASON
It’s Jason. Hey, I really need to talk to you about Satoshi. Give me like five minutes and–
XAVIER
We’re racing for pink slips. Then I’ll tell you everything.
Xavier plants a big kiss on Jason’s lips.
XAVIER
Go upstairs for a surprise I have for you. I gotta run this off.
Xavier jogs briskly into the surrounding hills.
INT. XAVIER’S MANSION – MASTER BEDROOM – NIGHT
Jason knocks on the door and pushes in. He switches on the lights and sees a LINEUP OF ESCORTS.
He sucks in a deep breath and undresses.
INT. WALDORF ASTORIA – JASON’S SUITE – DAY
Jason sleeps on the NAKED ASS-CHEEK of an ESCORT from the night prior. He wakes and looks at the damage: Furniture overturned, BUBBLES from the bathtub extend into the room, EMPTY BOTTLES scattered on the floor.
INT. KYRIAGOS FINANCIAL FIRM – TONY’S OFFICE – DAY
Tony putts a golfball across the floor and misses a coffee cup at the end. BLUETOOTH in his ear.
TONY
The account is in the Maldives. She can’t touch it till he’s dead.
Tony lines up another shot. Just before he putts–
TONY’S SECRETARY (O.S.)
You can’t go in there.
TONY
Hang on, fellas.
Vivian and Rosa barge in.
VIVIAN
Shell companies are clever ways of hiding cash flow. So that’s how he’s been able to access multiple funds. Clever. I’m also seeing massive transactions on the blockchain, but not where…
Tony sets his putter down.
TONY
And a fond hello to you, Misses…
VIVIAN
It’s pronounced “Special Agents.” Of the NSA.
Tony sits behind his desk. His demeanor shifts to amicable.
TONY
Ladies, what can I do for you?
VIVIAN
No one makes that much money that quickly without someone noticing.
TONY
People win the lottery all the time. Show me the crime.
(in Greek, under breath)
Everyone has agendas.
ROSA
(in Greek)
Our agenda is your nephew’s safety. We know he boarded a plane to Los Angeles a few days ago.
VIVIAN
This is a national security matter. Jason is associated with one of the most wanted men on the planet.
TONY
He got a bunch of digital currency. Other than that; it really is all Greek to me.
VIVIAN
Nothing about his profile suggests he’s dangerous.
ROSA
More likely a patsy.
TONY
Jason’s been through a lot. He believes in economic freedom because his family got fucked in the ’08 crisis. For the record, I don’t buy this national security bullshit. It’s just another excuse for the government to expand their control. You want more information, dial 411…or get a warrant.
VIVIAN
By the time we get warrants, you’ll have moved all the money.
TONY
Thanks for the advice.
Vivian picks up Tony’s putter and drains the putt.
INT. KYRIAGOS FINANCIAL FIRM – DAY
Vivian and Rosa stride out.
VIVIAN
He’s using aliases. Damnit, I hate it when they’re good.
ROSA
Burner phones and fake ID’s. More than likely putting those in a Faraday case with copper wire to block the signal. Transactions from his accounts are invisible. We’re two steps behind and losing ground.
VIVIAN
Triangulate his ID, credit cards, smart chips, auto-navigation 24-7. He’ll make a mistake. The world still runs on cash…and while you’re at it, do a global search of every vendor that accepts Bitcoin.
ROSA
On it.
Rosa pulls out her cell as Vivian pushes for the elevator.
EXT. MULHOLLAND DRIVE – DAY
ZZZZZZOOOOOOOMMMMMMMM! Two BLURS carve up the road.
INT. JASON’S LAMBORGHINI – MOVING – DAY
Jason, wearing a RACING SCARF, floors the pedal and keeps pace with Xavier in his BUGATTI VEYRON. Jason rounds a turn and tracks next to Xavier, who nods off.
JASON
WAKE UP! DON’T DIE!
Xavier’s front end CLIPS a telephone pole.
EXT. MULHOLLAND DRIVE – DAY
Jason SLAMS on the brakes and jettisons from the car. He runs over and pulls Xavier from the smoking Bugatti. Jason notices some BYSTANDERS on the phone.
JASON
They’re calling the cops.
XAVIER
Better idea: We scram.
JASON
I can’t leave my car!
Xavier and Jason flee into the woods.
EXT. BEL AIR – DAY
Jason and Xavier walk up a hill towards Xavier’s Mansion.
XAVIER
Never met Satoshi, actually. Why are you so hot and bothered?
JASON
Bitcoin is the future.
XAVIER
Very astute of you. I once made a deal for four million Bitcoins. We’ve also been acquiring most mortgages in this county. We’re buying the American dream! Then we’re going to drive up the value of Bitcoin I’ll become the world’s first trillionaire.
JASON
What about the middle class? Whose looking out for their dreams?
FLASHBACK: Jason as a child moving into a NEW HOME, mixed with media headlines of the 2008 housing market crash.
XAVIER
They’ll bounce right back. Don’t worry. If this goes tits up, I have a patsy in Zhang.
JASON
Yeah, fuck ’em, right? Who cares if good, honest people’s lives are destroyed and rich profit off their backs. So kind, so fair, so ethical. It’s fucking theft, man!
XAVIER
Pontificating is for losers.
Xavier touches Jason’s racing scarf.
XAVIER
What is that, cashmere? Nice. Enjoy being rich unless your whole vibe is just fugazzi. If that’s the case, Jackson, no one fucks me unless I want them to, or I’m tied to a bed in Phuket.
Jason touches Satoshi’s Cold Card beneath his shirt.
INT. URASAWSA – NIGHT
Jason and Skye dine on a lavish spread of sushi. He nervously does three card monte with NAPKINS wrapped around fish.
JASON
What’s your guess?
Skye watches the trick, not amused at all.
JASON
So much for that ice breaker.
SKYE
I’m not after your money.
JASON
Maybe just a free dinner.
Skye pops a piece of eel in her mouth and chews.
SKYE
Do you also masturbate before sex?
JASON
You’re too good at this. Seduction is second nature. It’s well-oiled.
SKYE
Impressive you can read people. I had you pegged as a shy nerd.
Jason winks and sips his sake.
SKYE
I still haven’t told you what I think of you.
JASON
The floor’s yours.
SKYE
I think you’ve got a secret. You lost someone. Someone dearly close. I see it in your eyes.
Jason shifts in his seat.
JASON
That’s a universal truth.
SKYE
The father. It’s always the father with boys. Your family sees you as a disappointment.
JASON
Since you went straight to family, I bet you don’t have one of your own. The “socialite” thing is a facade. You’re lonely.
Skye cages her eyes ever so slightly. The WAITER (40’s) steps to their table and refills the waters.
WAITER
Are you in the mood for dessert?
SKYE
Black sesame ice cream.
Skye traces the outline of Jason’s hand with her finger.
INT. WALDORF ASTORIA – JASON’S SUITE – NIGHT
Post-sex, Jason brushes Skye’s hair off her face as she sleeps and walks over to the desk to his laptop.
He plugs in Satoshi’s Cold Card and clicks through the files. There’s a BOX ON TOP designated “Cause of Demise.” He types “Greed” in the box. The Ninja Widget reappears.
NINJA WIDGET (ON SCREEN)
Stage one complete.
Jason types: Where to next?
NINJA WIDGET
(ON SCREEN) (CONT’D)
Follow the money and you’ll see the whole picture. Then you’ll find me. Keep the faith.
The Ninja Widget disappears. In wake a title: “Greenidge Bitcoin Mine.” The location and date:
“SENECA, NEW YORK. 11/15/2013. Find the Investor of PONTIFEX. The password is NitroZeus324%$#Genesis.”
INT. WALDORF ASTORIA – LOBBY – DAY
Jason checks out at the counter with Skye. We see that he’s using a PHONY CREDIT CARD AND ID.
JASON
Thought you’d be a ghost by now.
SKYE
Once I go all in, I go all in.
Out of his peripheral, Jason catches a glimpse of two POLICE OFFICERS talking to a CONCIERGE (40’s). Jason then clocks Kwan and the other Hit Men Squad from Jason’s Apartment.
JASON
Time to split.
SKYE
Jason, you’re scaring me.
Jason guides Skye narrowly out the revolving doors.
INT. CAB – MOVING – DAY
Jason and Skye ride in the backseat. He nudges the DRIVER.
JASON
Drop her off around the corner.
SKYE
Take us to LAX.
JASON
You’re not coming with me.
Skye kisses him. Long and passionate.
SKYE
I’m your partner. Get used to it. Driver, LAX.
The cab zooms off.
INT. BAHNHOF DATA CENTER – FISHBOWL – DAY
Atticus and Stellan watch a broadcast a YOUTUBE CHANNEL with host, NATALIE BRUNELL. Behind her, the monitor screen shows a Bitcoin exchange rate swell from 60K to 70K.
NATALIE BRUNELL (ON SCREEN)
This unprecedented swell coincides with Satoshi Nakamoto’s sudden return. However, this couldn’t have come at a worse time.
ATTICUS
You think this is an act of God?
STELLAN
An act of man.
ATTICUS
Imagine a world with no reserves to fund wars. Seeing this reaffirms we’re in this for the greater good.
STOCK FOOTAGE plays a LONG LINE of CARS at a GAS STATION.
NATALIE BRUNELL (ON SCREEN)
Many Americans are at a breaking point. So far this administration has continued to print money and give stimulus checks. Inflation will ultimately cancel it out.
An E-MAIL notification zips across the screen. It’s from “Satoshi Nakamoto.” Atticus opens it:
“Protect the messenger, Horseman.”
Atticus opens one of the windows and calls out to Tex Flatline and Hanzo below flying a pair of DRONES.
ATTICUS
We just got pinged by Satoshi!
Tex Flatline and Hanzo drop their drones and race up.
TEX FLATLINE
Interesting…apparently Satoshi hired an errand boy.
Another email from Satoshi: “Divert NSA.”
HANZO
Why won’t Satoshi tell us what’s going on?
ATTICUS
What’s life without a little mystery? We just play our part.
TEX FLATLINE
Honor the mission, then live like kings in El Salvador.
STELLAN
To the greater good.
Stellan pulls out his cold card and raises it above his head. Atticus picks up the crossbow and SHOOTS the Schwab target.
INT. COMMERCIAL AIRPLANE – IN FLIGHT – NIGHT
Jason sits in first class and FaceTimes with Overlord Jester.
JASON
Greenidge Bitcoin Farm in New York. I need the layout of the facility.
OVERLORD JESTER (ON SCREEN)
What kind of shit are you into?
JASON
The steamy kind with nuts and corn.
Jason closes the computer as Skye hands him a beer.
SKYE
Next time we’ll rent a private jet.
The STEWARDESS (40’s) snoozes in the aisle behind them. The entire aircraft is empty.
EXT. GREENIDGE BITCOIN MINE – SENECA, NEW YORK – DAY
The OWNER (40’s) escorts Jason and Skye. This place resembles a once used textile factory, now retrofitted with “mines.”
OWNER
This facility generates more Bitcoin than anywhere east of the Mississippi. It runs on cold fusion. A net benefit to the ecosystem. We’re proud of that.
Jason checks his phone and scrolls through BLUEPRINTS.
SKYE
How does this work?
OWNER
Inside, our special hard drives or “mines,” break down the encryption that surrounds Bitcoin.
Jason spots a MAIN HALL.
OWNER
When we provide this service, we’re rewarded with Bitcoin.
SKYE
So you’re literally mining money.
The Owner escorts them in.
INT. GREENIDGE BITCOIN FARM – MAIN HALL – DAY
The WHUR and HUM of the Bitcoin mines is deafening. Jason lags behind Skye and the Owner.
JASON
Got a bathroom in here?
OWNER
Down the hall to the right.
Jason hustles down the hallway.
INT. GREENIDGE BITCOIN FARM – OFFICE – DAY
Jason fires up a computer and enters “NitroZeus324%$#Genesis” into the LOGIN SLOT. It unlocks. He then pulls up an EXCEL SPREADSHEET labeled “Pontifex.”
FOOTSTEPS APPROACH. Jason ducks and waits for whomever to pass and then scrolls to the date: 11/15/2013.
There’s a name on the account: RASHID ABDULLAH. UNITED ARAB EMIRATES. DUBAI.
INT. XAVIER’S MANSION – LIVING ROOM – DAY
Dutch latches an IV into Xavier’s arm. Xavier knocks back an espresso as Vivian and Rosa lay out PICTURES OF JASON.
VIVIAN
Jason Lennix. Where is he?
XAVIER
Jackman? No, I do not recall him.
VIVIAN
He’s in possession of Satoshi’s Wallet. Or at least we think.
Xavier sobers up quick.
DUTCH
I knew he was off.
VIVIAN
So you do recall. Was anyone with him? Or, do you know where he is?
Xavier simmers and shakes his head.
VIVIAN
You know what I think? Satoshi hired this Jason kid to undermine the global financial system.
XAVIER
Why would he undermine his how system? It’s so ethical, so just, so transparent. Ponzi couldn’t be prouder. This is about revenge.
ROSA
Know something we don’t?
XAVIER
The Chinese have been swallowing up Bitcoin. They’re also buying up the housing market in the states. It’s part of Pontifex…
Dutch grips the IV Bag and sends a surge of adrenaline into Xavier’s system. Rosa clocks this.
XAVIER
I mean, no, I don’t recall.
VIVIAN
Okay…let’s put a pin in that.
ROSA
There’s something else on that cold card. A person like you doesn’t need more zeroes in their account.
DUTCH
Door’s that way. Beat it.
VIVIAN
In case you recall anything? It’s better to be on the NSA’s side instead of the receiving end.
Vivian places a CARD on the table and strides out with Rosa.
XAVIER
Jackson and Satoshi have my balls in a vice grip. Time to go nuclear.
Xavier yanks the IV out of his arm and tastes it.
EXT. DOWNTOWN SENECA, NEW YORK – DAY
Jason and Skye walk down a quaint street into a MASSIVE PROTEST of FACTORY WORKERS. SIGNS hoisted say: “HIGHER WAGES!”, “NO MORE INFLATION!”, and “HOPE IS DEAD.”
JASON
I don’t know what’s worse; that things are getting more expensive, or when they get more expensive, people can’t afford to live.
SKYE
No one should rely on others to survive. Not in this world.
JASON
It’s all they know. Jobs for people in my generation don’t pay for any sort of future.
SKYE
My mom was a maid. Youngest of four. Dad left before I was three. We got into debt with bad people. I don’t like to think of those years.
Jason spots a FAMILY with a MOTHER, FATHER, and SMALL BOY at the center. His expression darkens.
SKYE
I vowed I’d never be poor again.
JASON
Something tells me that you were born for greater things.
SKYE
Enough about my shitty life. Tell me about you.
JASON
Raised in Seattle. It was actually pretty normal. Suburbs. School.
Jason looks at a GAS STATION where the price of a regular gallon soars to over 6 per.
JASON
Until the financial crash. My parents both lost their jobs. We lost the house. Everything.
SKYE
What happened?
Jason closes his eyes.
FLASH! The same MAN from the beginning stands at the edge of the bridge. We’ll now realize this is HIS FATHER.
He reopens them with tears welling.
JASON
He died. Killed himself. Jumped off a bridge. The guilt and shame of not being able to provide for his family drove him into a deep, dark hole he never got out of. I can kick and scream. No one cares. Business as usual. Fuck society.
Skye lifts his chin and changes the subject.
SKYE
Perhaps this would be a good time to tell me what’s going on.
JASON
Well, as of now…
(checks his phone)
…I’m worth 60 billion dollars.
INT. PRIVATE JET – IN FLIGHT – NIGHT
Jason FaceTimes with Overlord Jester.
OVERLORD JESTER (ON SCREEN)
You get the info?
JASON
More info and less clarity. He’s leading me into some kind of conspiracy on a global scale.
Skye walks in from the bathroom.
OVERLORD JESTER (ON SCREEN)
Ooooooohhhhh, broooooo.
Jason shuts his laptop.
SKYE
Can they see when you move money on the Blockchain?
JASON
Correct.
SKYE
But not where?
JASON
The whole world can see what I’m doing, but not where and with whom. That’s the beauty of it.
Jason pours them two glasses of champagne.
SKYE
Why not disappear then? Become a ghost like Satoshi.
Jason knocks the whole thing back and pours another.
SKYE
Sounds like a dream.
JASON
Wish I never solved that puzzle.
SKYE
That’s not true. You must believe in whatever this mission is by now, or else you would’ve quit.
Jason pours another drink.
JASON
I could turn into a ghost like Satoshi. I’m richer than God. But…my gut’s telling me to keep going. He chose me because I’m not s slave to money. He wants me to untangle the web and get the bastards back. I have to see this through to the end.
(drinks)
Call it a sense of duty.
Skye straddles him.
SKYE
Want to watch a movie?
JASON
All things considered, it would be pretty awesome to have pity sex in a private jet.
They kiss. Skye unzips his fly.
INT. ZHANG’S COMPOUND – PENTHOUSE – NIGHT
Kwan approaches Zhang playing cards with other TRIAD LORDS.
KWAN
He was in Los Angeles with Xavier. The asset is in place.
ZHANG
We all have purposes in this world. Nothing runs without trust.
KWAN
I trust nothing, sir.
ZHANG
Good, then I’ve taught you well.
Zhang gestures for Kwan to sit. He pulls a chair.
ZHANG
All paths lead home.
Zhang sets a KNIFE on the table.
ZHANG
There is one man unworthy of forgiveness: Satoshi Nakamoto. We will not rest until the boy leads us to him. Make sure it happens.
Kwan CUTS his own hand and drops a bit of BLOOD on the table.
INT. BURJ AL ARAB JUMERIAH – JASON AND SKYE’S ROOM – DAY
This can be considered a 7-Star hotel. Immaculate and ornate. Jason clicks on the Ninja Widget on his laptop and enters the name: RASHID ABDULLAH.
NINJA WIDGET (ON SCREEN)
The world can be broken by the greed of a few evil men.
A photo of RASHID ABDULLAH (50’s) appears on the screen.
NINJA WIDGET (ON SCREEN)
Rashid Abdullah. Oil baron and partner of Pontifex.
Next, pictures of OIL BARRELS being shipped on FREIGHTERS to Russia, Middle-East, and China.
NINJA WIDGET
(ON SCREEN) (CONT’D)
He illegally sells oil cheap to countries sanctioned by OPEC in exchange for Bitcoin.
Jason types: What are my instructions?
NINJA WIDGET (ON SCREEN)
There’s a bank in town with ten million Euros waiting for you. Use it to acquire “Black Plague” zero day virus. The webs intertwine.
An INVITATION for an EXCLUSIVE TECH CONVENTION appears as Skye comes out of the bathroom as the Ninja Widget disappears. Skye glances at the screen.
SKYE
Why is Satoshi in bed with sketchy guys like Rashid?
JASON
Let’s catch his flies.
EXT. RASHID’S YACHT – NIGHT
Jason carries a METAL BRIEFCASE and boards a YACHT with Skye. A BODYGUARD (40’s) searches them for weapons.
RASHID (O.S.)
Who is this child?
RASHID ABDULLAH steps down with his ENTOURAGE. He’s a hulking and hairy man, chewing on a fat cigar.
JASON
Satoshi sent me.
RASHID
Why didn’t you say so? Welcome aboard. Rami, get this man a cigar from my private collection.
Rashid wraps an arm around Jason and escorts him in.
EXT. RASHID’S YACHT – DECK – NIGHT
HACKERS from across the globe mingle among CEO’s. This is the dark underbelly of the tech industry. DEFCON status. Rashid lights Jason a cigar. Skye hovers and keeps watch.
RASHID
Why did he send you here tonight? This is a private affair.
JASON
To purchase the “Black Plague.”
RASHID
That doesn’t sound like him.
JASON
It doesn’t?
Jason slowly inches away until Rashid bursts out in laughter. Skye breathes a sigh of relief.
RASHID
White people look like ghosts when they scare. I can’t help myself.
Skye pinches Jason’s side and whispers in his ear–
SKYE
I’m gonna make a call.
Rashid leads Jason below deck.
INT. RASHID’S YAHT – HULL – NIGHT
Rashid types a code into a SAFE that also scans his THUMB PRINT and RETINAS. He opens it. Inside are HARD DRIVES, THUMB DRIVES, and LAPTOPS.
RASHID
Behold my “treasure chest.” All the finest exploits and viruses. Jason hands him the briefcase. Rashid pops it open.
JASON
I’m curious why an oil man like you has a hand in coding.
RASHID
My country’s oil reserves will run dry in 100 years. I’m diversifying.
Rashid retracts a HARD DRIVE marked: “Black Plague.”
RASHID
This is a logic bomb. It can give remote access to several bank accounts across the globe.
JASON
Where did you encounter Satoshi?
RASHID
We’ve only spoken on the phone. He said he was in Kyoto. No one really knows his location.
JASON
He still there?
RASHID
You’re awful curious. Are you Satoshi’s emissary or CIA agent?
JASON
Money talks, bullshit walks…
Rashid’s amused, hands Jason the hard drive.
INT. RASHID’S YACHT – HALLWAY – NIGHT
Jason weaves through. No sign of Skye anywhere. He stops when he hears her voice in a bedroom–
SKYE (O.S.)
We’re almost there…nothing’s certain yet.
Jason pokes his head in and sees Skye on the phone.
SKYE (CONT’D)
No, he’s a total Poindexter. Angry at everything and clueless…
Disgusted, Jason turns and heads to the–
INT. RASHID’S YACHT – LIVING QUARTERS – NIGHT
The main party. Many GUESTS sport OCULUS VR MASKS and play a VIDEO CAME on a console. All the latest and greatest in high- concept devices on display.
Jason passes Rashid and his CREW setting up a MONITOR SCREEN in the center. Out of his peripheral he catches a glance at–
XAVIER RAHM’S FACE ON THE SCREEN. Jason’s heart skips a beat.
RASHID
X-man, you son of a bitch.
Jason maneuvers over to the bar and flags the BARTENDER.
JASON
Double Goose.
RASHID
What’s the status of our project? The investors are getting nervous.
XAVIER (ON SCREEN)
Full disclosure, they’re fucky. We’re relying on the Horseman to do their part.
Jason eavesdrops on the conversation–
RASHID
Did you talk to your contact?
XAVIER (ON SCREEN)
Yeah, weird guy, Overlord Jester.
Jason’s alarm rises. The Bartender pours him a DOUBLE SHOT OF GREY GOOSE. He knocks it back quick.
XAVIER (ON SCREEN)
Talented with a computer.
RASHID
Did he dig up what we wanted?
XAVIER (ON SCREEN)
Of course.
The Bartender sets a shot in front of Jason. This one has a FLASH DRIVE tucked into the napkin…Jason turns back to the Bartender, but he’s already vanished.
XAVIER (ON SCREEN)
Not here. I’ll come to you. Jason unfurls to a NOTE: “Two doors to the right.”
XAVIER (ON SCREEN)
Oh, and keep your eyes peeled for anyone associated with Satoshi. He’s carrying something valuable. Goes by Jimothy…no, Jackson.
Jason hustles away from the crowd and into–
INT. RASHID YACHT – BEDROOM – NIGHT
Jason closes the door behind him. On the TV is a STICKY NOTE with an instruction to tune to CNN. Below that, a COMPUTER STATION set up and plugged into the CONSOLE.
Jason switches the TV to CNN and fires up the computer. He plugs in the flash drive. The Ninja Widget appears.
NINJA WIDGET (ON SCREEN)
Solve the puzzle behind my puzzle. Use Black Death.
The third of Satoshi’s puzzles appears. Jason plugs in the Black Plague hard drive and a file: RUN PROGRAM.
It lays out BANK ACCOUNTS with numbers in the hundreds of billions. We see the countries listed: America, China, Russia, Japan, UK, Germany, Brazil, etc.
They aren’t just private individuals. It’s GOVERNMENTS and MAJOR BANKS. All housed under one entity: PONTIFEX.
JASON
Pontifex…
Jason pieces it together. There’s a final amount at the bottom of the page. He scribbles out an EQUATION and plugs that into the prism and webs of Satoshi’s third puzzle.
The result: 10/21/2022.
JASON
That’s a week from now.
Jason types: What’s in a week?
NINJA WIDGET (ON SCREEN)
The banking system implodes and fallout blankets the world in ruin. The oligarchs have intentionally invested Fortune 500 corporate money into this fund. They’re shorting the money through 3rd parties. Pontifex is the ultimate Pandora’s box.
A SERIES of INTENSE IMAGES/VIDEOS bombard Jason:
–A STOCK MARKET CRASH.
–BOMBS going off. FIRES. MISSILES pointed. TANKS rolling.
–FULL SCALE RIOTS in major cities.
NINJA WIDGET (ON SCREEN)
I foresaw this event a long time ago. Human nature never changes. Greed corrupts. I needed a talented individual to help me prevent this financial Armageddon.
FLASH! Jason’s FATHER jump from the bridge.
Jason freaks and sinks to the bed.
NINJA WIDGET (ON SCREEN)
They will try to stop you. You mustn’t give up. The fate of Bitcoin rests in your hands.
Out of his peripheral, Jason catches a glimpse at the TV playing NEWS on CNN. HIS FACE is showing in a PRESS CONVERENCE where Vivian helms the podium.
VIVIAN (ON TV)
We’re asking for any help to locate Jason Lennix.
A REWARD FLASHES on the screen: $250,000.
VIVIAN (ON TV)
He was last seen in Los Angeles.
The door opens. Jason jumps. It’s Skye.
SKYE
Hey, the heat’s on us. We have to get back to shore.
Jason hesitates. Skye yanks him to his feet.
EXT. RASHID’S YACHT – NIGHT
Jason staggers and nearly loses his balance. Skye catches and stabilizes him against the wall.
Rashid and his BODYGUARDS turn a corner. Jason and Skye duck out of sight. Skye motions to a SPEEDBOAT latched to the side. They maneuver over and hop in. Jason peeks over at Rashid and Bodyguards searching the area.
SKYE
Untie us.
Jason reaches over the side and unties the knot while Skye HOT-WIRES the engine. It SPARKS. She pushes the throttle–
ZOOM! The Speedboat surges into open waters for the shore.
EXT. OCEAN – NIGHT
Skye cranks the throttle to full speed. Jason holds onto the side and looks back as–
THWACK! A series of shots pierce the bow. Skye swerves the wheel at a sharp angle–
BULLETS SPRAY the water behind them.
EXT. DOCK – NIGHT
Jason stands at the end. He twirls Satoshi’s Cold Card in his hand, debating. Skye stands next to him.
JASON
All this for something so small.
SKYE
We can’t quit now.
Skye kisses Jason on the cheek and walks away. Jason watches her with suspicion. He raises his arm to throw Satoshi’s Cold Card, but his phone BUZZES. He answers.
JASON
Hello.
XAVIER (O.S.)
Jackson, it’s me. I heard from Rashid you’re in Dubai.
JASON
It’s Jason! What do you want?
XAVIER (O.S.)
Look, kid, I know you have Satoshi’s wallet in your possession. What’s your price?
JASON
It’s not for sale.
XAVIER (O.S.)
(matter of fact)
The NSA will find you and take away the cold card and all your cash. I’m offering you a billion. No questions asked.
JASON
What do you plan on doing with it?
Jason twirls Satoshi’s Cold Card.
XAVIER (O.S.)
Capitalism, bitch! Sure, there will be lambs to the slaughter. A few thousand companies raided on the cheap. It’ll sort itself out.
JASON
My dad worked for a real estate investment firm. He saw the crash coming, but did nothing. Millions lost everything! Pensions, healthcare, and 401K’s gutted! Suicide, depression come with financial ruin. It doesn’t “sort itself out.” Trust me.
XAVIER (O.S.)
With a billion, you can buy him his own damn company.
JASON
He’s dead, asshole. If you had it your way, you’d permanently enslave humanity to a self-serving imperial class. All the people I love wouldn’t even have a chance. Bitcoin fixes that, and now it’s a tool for destruction. Fuck off!
Jason tosses his phone in the water.
INT. PRIVATE JET – MOVING – NIGHT
Skye lies down next to Jason on the couch. His hands guide the three card monte trick with empty MINI-VODKA BOTTLES.
SKYE
What’s with the card trick?
JASON
Something my dad taught me. He was a bit of a card shark back in his day. It helps me focus.
He lifts himself to his feet and walks to a nearby seat. Skye follows him, intuitive of his passive aggression.
SKYE
It’s a long flight. You might as well get out with it.
JASON
You said I was “clueless.”
SKYE
I could’ve let you die back there. They were shooting at both of us.
JASON
You want my money. It’s what all con artists are after.
SKYE
Yes, I was after your money. I mean, look at you…the Zuckerbergs of the world don’t pull much tail.
JASON
Smart is the new sexy!
SKYE
Jason, you’re a kind and decent- hearted human being. You care about people and the world. My life has been full of motherfuckers who don’t care about who they hurt; they just want their take…fuck, I just described myself…I’m really falling for you. For once in my life, that’s the truth.
Jason relaxes and eases into her eyes.
JASON
Who did you call?
SKYE
My boss. He asked me why I didn’t show up to a meet and greet he arranged with a millionaire client. I said the first time I went out with him he was drunk and clueless. I told him I’m officially out of the “socialite” business.
Jason opens his laptop and plugs in the cold card. The Ninja Widget pops up. He types: What’s next?
NINJA WIDGET (ON SCREEN)
Do this final task and my location will be revealed to you.
A COMPANY LOGO APPEARS: EQUITUM SYSTEMS in SINGAPORE. Also a FLOOR PLAN. The headline: “Acquire the Digital Certificates.”
JASON
PC word for “steal.”
Jason closes his laptop, unsure of his next move.
INT. LA FEDERAL BUILDING – CONFERENCE ROOM – NIGHT
Vivian hangs up PICTURES of Jason, Xavier, and the Hooded Man. Rosa types into a laptop.
VIVIAN
Flight records?
Rosa spins her laptop to FLIGHT RECORDS from LAX from the past week. A plane for Buffalo, New York is circled.
ROSA
The trail ends in Buffalo. My best guess is they chartered a private jet out of Canada or air strip.
VIVIAN
He’ll do the same for wherever he wants to go to next.
ROSA
Permission to speak freely?
VIVIAN
Ask for forgiveness, not permission.
Rosa pulls up an IRC Chat Room.
ROSA
I picked up a little Japanese. This phrase keeps on popping up: “Saishi.” It means priest.
Vivian perks up at the mention of “Priest.”
ROSA
According to the chatter, it’s big, big money. Enough to restore a new world order.
VIVIAN
That’s the connection…
ROSA
Pontifex?
VIVIAN
Xavier made some off-hand comment. It’s Latin for Priest. In this business, there are no such things as coincidences.
A rare and wide grin creases Rosa’s face.
ROSA
I had my doubts about joining this op. You have a reputation of having…wackadoodle methods.
VIVIAN
Wackadoodle? I like that. That means I’m shaking cages and causing discomfort. People make mistakes when they’re uncomfortable.
ROSA
I can run sweep of the biggest blockchains tonight.
VIVIAN
It’s holy man hunting season.
ROSA
Did that sound better in your head?
LATER–
Vivian hands Rosa a cup of coffee. Both look fatigued. They stare at MONITORS with BLOCKCHAINS spanning the globe.
VIVIAN
How many hits did we get?
ROSA
Well over 500 records under “Pontifex.” Net assets of the transactions are in the hundreds of bullions. It’s Blockchain, so no names we can trace.
VIVIAN
We’re looking in the wrong place and time…
(lightbulb)
There’s a Bitcoin mine in New York outside Buffalo. Jason was just there. Greenidge. See if Xavier has made any significant moves using that as a medium.
Rosa pulls up a NSA DATABASE and enters “Greenidge and Xavier Rahm. She traces a LONG LIST of TRANSACTION and narrows the fields until landing on a single BANK ACCOUNT NUMBER.
ROSA
That’s a bank out of Hong Kong commonly used for laundering. Can we crack it?
VIVIAN
Of course we can. We’re the NSA.
Vivian spins away and dials on her phone.
LATER–
Vivian flies over to her computer and enters in the website and number. Three names POP off the screen:
XIU ZHANG, XAVIER RAHM, and RASHID ABDULLAH along with dozens of transactions.
VIVIAN (CONT’D)
Gotcha.
LATER–
Early morning sun strikes the window. Still running on adrenaline, Vivian draws out a VENN DIAGRAM with Xavier, Zhang, Rashid. Rosa sleeps with her head on her keyboard.
VIVIAN
This is the end of the rainbow. Dry numbers and transactions.
Rosa wakes and YAWNS.
VIVIAN
We need proof that links them and Satoshi to something illegal.
ROSA
And what Jason has to do with any of this…or how we can find him. Vivian sits and thinks on it for a minute.
VIVIAN
So it’s time we played our own. Pegasus can get us access to any phone in the world.
ROSA
He’s using burner phones.
VIVIAN
Not his. His mother’s.
ROSA
There’s no guarantee he’ll call. Not to mention, unethical.
VIVIAN
That’s why I went to the press. He’s following the news. He’s a kid in trouble. He’ll call his mommy.
Rosa heaves a sigh: “Wackadoodle…”
INT. BULLET TRAIN – MOVING – DAY
The Four Horsemen ride somewhere in East Asia.
TEX FLATLINE
The kid successfully pulled 10 billion in cash from a Euro bank under the noses of the global intelligence community. Having said that, I’m amazed Rashid didn’t ice him. Must have some help.
ATTICUS
Satoshi wouldn’t have picked him if he couldn’t handle it.
HANZO
We still don’t know what the mission is.
ATTICUS
Faith implies a certain level of unquestioning loyalty.
Stellan types into his laptop, disinterested.
STELLAN
NSA is still preoccupied with Xavier. I left them a cold trail.
ATTICUS
Satoshi hasn’t given us any further instructions. As far as–
Tex Flatline cuts him off and changes the subject–
TEX FLATLINE
Do you also want some polish for your cross? We’re doing out part. What about the IPO? Daddy needs a new pair of rattlesnake boots.
ATTICUS
The market is…fluctuating.
HANZO
Check the news for once, dummy. JP Morgan was handed another 992 million fine. They paid for it by spoofing the gold and silver markets from 2008 to 2016. Cost of corrupt business.
ATTICUS
Dimon probably got a bonus. You can’t taper a ponzi. In other words, gents, our offer is more attractive than ever.
Atticus passes around SHAREHOLDER STATEMENTS. Stellan shows his screen. The Bitcoin exchange rate has reached 76K.
STELLAN
Shareholders will see infinitely more value in higher prices. We could double our value.
TEX FLATLINE
Money, money, money, num, num, num.
ATTICUS
Our expansion will do wonders. Energy consumption of Bitcoin is thirty times less than our current global financial system. Not to mention half of the mining sector.
HANZO
Unless Satoshi stops us.
Weighted silence passes as they stop at a STATION.
TEX FLATLINE
Hanzo, that’s on you, bud.
HANZO
Because I’m Japanese? Racist.
ATTICUS
Wait, so no one here has ever actually seen Satoshi?
TEX FLATLINE
My theory is that Satoshi is a front for a motivated group. Inside spook network.
STELLAN
We’re the new leaders.
A DRINK CART rolls by. Atticus takes an entire bottle of CHAMPAGNE and hands the DRINK CART ATTENDANT a credit card.
ATTICUS
If it’s a front for a network, who wrote the code? Why were we entrusted to protect it. The leaders are the ordinary people the code was created to protect. We’re the faithful stewards.
Atticus uncorks the champagne.
ATTICUS
Viva La Revolucion!
EXT. EQUITUM SYSTEMS – DAY
A fortified tech compound. Jason and Skye scope out the building from a nearby knoll.
SKYE
What’s so important about a digital signature? Seems sketch.
JASON
When two machines connect, they do a handshake. Signatures are those handshakes. You get a company’s signature and can control their tech. They’re heavily guarded.
Jason points to ARMED GUARDS stationed out front.
SKYE
Got a plan?
Jason shrugs and turns away from the building.
EXT. DOWNTOWN STREET – SINGAPORE – DAY
Jason and Skye eat ramen on a walk around the downtown section of this artificial city. Skye tries feeding PIGEONS.
JASON
Careful. That’s a crime here.
SKYE
Seriously?
JASON
It’s a crime to spit on the sidewalk. This place is weird.
They pass a HOMELESS ENCAMPMENT, similar to ones we saw in America. Even a HOMELESS MAN with a sign: “The End.”
SKYE
What’s wrong?
JASON
This all felt like a game before. Now, it’s all real. If I fail, the biggest financial crisis since the Great Depression will happen.
SKYE
We can’t give this up now.
JASON
I don’t want this to be the last time my mom hears about me.
SKYE
Let’s go back to the hotel. You need some sleep.
JASON
Don’t wait up.
Jason kisses her cheek and ambles in the opposite direction.
EXT. GARDENS BY THE BAY – NIGHT
Jason walks along the walkway. All the TOURISTS in the area evade him. He slumps to a bench and dials on a BURNER PHONE.
JASON
Come on, answer.
BARBARA (O.S.)
Hello, who is this?
INTERCUT–
INT. BARBARA’S APARTMENT – DAY
Barbara frantically paces. She checks out of the window at NEWS VANS and POLICE CARS.
JASON
Mom, it’s me.
BARBARA
Jason! Oh my God!
JASON
Listen, Mom–
BARBARA
You’re all over the news! Do you have any idea what kind of trouble you’re in?! I’m beyond embarrassed.
JASON
Yeah, because this about your level of public insecurity.
BARBARA
Don’t you turn this around on me!
JASON
It was my fault with dad.
BARBARA
What are you talking about?
JASON
We went out for ice cream the day he jumped. I knew something was wrong. He was silent. Just kept smiling at me all strange. Then we started fighting. I told him he was a loser. A fucking loser for throwing away our futures and our house. All he wanted was a nice day with his son and some fucking ice cream. I could’ve told him I loved him and thanked him for his sacrifices. Those should’ve been my last words to him.
Jason steps to the edge of a railing and peers down.
JASON
He’s dead because of me.
BARBARA (O.S.)
You know that’s not true. Your father loved you very much.
He steps a bit closer to the edge so his toes hang over.
BARBARA (O.S.)
Where are you?
JASON
Singapore. Wish you could see it.
BARBARA (O.S.)
Come home, Jason.
JASON
I can’t this time. I have to finish this. I have to make sure what happened to us doesn’t happen to millions of other people.
BARBARA (O.S.)
Jason, wait–
JASON
I love you.
Jason hangs up and tosses the phone over the railing–
MOVEMENT in his peripheral JOLTS him out of his stupor. Jason realizes he’s being watched…it’s Kwan.
Jason power-walks towards Kwan, who turns and heads off.
JASON
Why are you following me?!
Kwan breaks into a full sprint. Jason chases him. He snakes his way around the gardens, down a set of stairs, and into–
EXT. DOWNTOWN SINGAPORE – NIGHT
Jason rounds a corner and spots Kwan across the street.
JASON
Who do you work for?!
Kwan boards a SPEED TRAIN a few blocks down–
Jason cleaves through the CROWD and almost makes it–
The train surges off. Jason looks around at ONLOOKERS filming from the PHONES. He covers his face and scurries off.
INT. SUV – MOVING – DAY
Vivian and Rosa listen to the tail end of the conversation between Jason and Barbara via Rosa’s laptop–
BARBARA (O.S.)
Where are you?
JASON (O.S.)
Singapore. Wish you could see it.
BARBARA (O.S.)
Come home, Jason.
ROSA
When you’re right, you’re right.
Rosa pulls up a VIDEO posted on INSTAGRAM of Jason from an onlooker’s vantage as they pull into the loop of LAX–
INT. SHANGRI-LA HOTEL – HONEYMOON SUITE – NIGHT
Skye watches a broadcast of CNN and their ANCHOR–
CNN ANCHOR
Many experts are predicting a resurgence in the economy.
STOCK FOOTAGE shows GAS PRICES surging, HOMELESS ENCAMPMENTS, and EVICTION NOTICES on HOUSES.
CNN ANCHOR
The DOW industrial average has continually increased in the past week. They urge to restore faith in the markets as they..
CRASH! Jason plucks the TV off the wall and HURLS it out of the window down the alley below.
JASON
Never watch this brain washing device. You’re all being programmed. Spend time with your families and loved ones. That’s what really matters.
SKYE
…something on your mind?
JASON
There are ten guards on duty at any point in time at Equitum Systems.
SKYE
Know any magic tricks besides three card monte? We need a plan.
Off Jason’s look–
EXT. DOWNTOWN SINGAPORE – DAY
The uglier, poorer section of town. A BIKER GANG (10 strong) loiter in a back alley. Jason and Skye hand their leader, REELS (30’s), snake-like, missing teeth, a BRIEFCASE OF CASH.
JASON
Half now. Half after I safely leave the facility.
REELS
How long?
JASON
Five minutes, give or take.
REELS
I want guaranteed payment.
SKYE
You’ll get your money.
Satisfied, Reels nods. Jason and Skye stride off.
INT. EQUITUM SYSTEMS – LOBBY – DAY
Jason and Skye sit in armchairs. Jason checks his watch. He sweats profusely and clocks TWO SECURITY GUARDS hovering. His heartbeat palpitates. Leg jitters.
SKYE
We’re fine. Take a breath and don’t draw attention.
Jason looks up at the wall. There are FOUR PORTRAITS of the COMPANY FOUNDERS and a BANNER that reads:
THE FOUR HORSEMEN. Yes, those horsemen. The portraits are of Atticus, Tex Flatline, Stellan, and Hanzo.
Jason’s watch CHIMES.
JASON
Three, two…
CRASH! Reels wallops the cars outside with CROWBARS– All manner of SECURITY PERSONNEL flood out and the EMPLOYEES and SHRIEK at the damage to their vehicles.
Jason and Skye move quick and into an elevator.
INT. EQUITUM SYSTEMS – EXECUTIVE SUITES – DAY
Skye swipes the ID Badge against a SENSOR. Jason checks his phone on the way in.
JASON
I need two key cards.
SKYE
Names?
JASON
Wu and Jorgensen.
They round the corner and look up at every single EMPLOYEE standing at the window looking down at the parking lot.
JASON (CONT’D)
Meet back here.
SKYE
I’ll take Jorgensen.
Jason and Skye fan out. They dart from cubicle to cubicle until locating the respective offices for Jorgensen and WU.
Jason hides beneath a desk when TWO SECURITY GUARDS run by him out the door to the elevator.
INT. EQUITUM SYSTEMS – WU’S OFFICE – DAY
Skye swipes KEY CARD from his desk.
INT. EQUITUM SYSTEMS – JORGENSEN’S OFFICE – DAY
Jason rummages through all the drawers. It’s nowhere in plain sight. He panics. Then he spots a JACKET. He fishes through all the pockets and finally lifts out a KEY CARD.
INT. EQUITUM SYSTEMS – SECURED SECTOR – DAY
Jason snatches Wu’s key card from Skye.
JASON
If someone goes down, it’ll be me. Reluctantly, Skye turns and runs out. Jason maneuvers around the corridors to a VAULT– There are TWO SENSORS set up. Jason simultaneously swipes Wu and Jorgensen’s key cards. CLICK. The door swings open.
INT. EQUITUM SYSTEMS – VAULT – DAY
Jason hurries to the MAIN COMPUTER. He plugs in a flash drive and checks his phone at Satoshi’s instructions.
–He enters in the password specified and everything opens.
–He wipes sweat from his brow and drags FILE after FILE into the flash drive.
–When it’s finished, Jason shuts down the system.
INT. EQUITUM SYSTEMS – EXECUTIVE SUITES – DAY
Everything has calmed down to a lull. Executives are back in their offices and Employees at their desks.
Jason shuffles out, trying to not draw attention.
He’s almost at the clear and at the door when TWO SECURITY GUARDS step in his path.
He averts his eyes, takes a step around but they stop him–
SECURITY GUARD 1
ID.
Jason holds up WU’s ID BADGE.
SECURITY GUARD 2
Wu…?
JASON
(under breath)
Shoulda gone with Jorgensen.
(beat)
Don’t suppose you two are amicable to a bribe?
Jason bolts for it–
The chase is as compartmentalized as it is silly. Like watching rats navigate a maze.
Jason hops on a desk and bounds from station to station in an attempt at the door when–
WHAM! One of the Security Guards tackles Jason.
Jason grabs a STAPLER and SMACKS it against the Security Guard’s forehead repeatedly until–
He’s released. Jason squares off with the other Security Guard. He throws a punch–
WHAM! Jason absorbs a BATON to the gut–
Jason elbows the Security Guard and spins out of the hold–
The one he stapled in the forehead grabs him by the ankle–
WHUMP! Jason face-plants. Both Security Guards pin him.
Suddenly, Skye runs in, SCREAMING and BLOODIED.
SKYE
Somebody help!
Skye WAILS louder until Security Guards tends to her.
SECURITY GUARD 1
Miss, are you okay? Do you need me to call an ambulance?
PSSSSHHHHHH! Skye sprays him with MACE–
He YELLS, hands over his eyes, buckling to the floor–
The Guard pinning Jason down releases him–
Jason sprints off. Skye douses the other Guard with the mace.
SKYE
Nobody panic!
Skye SPRAYS the other guard in the face as Jason grabs her.
SKYE
Sorry, I know that stings.
Jason and Skye flee down a staircase.
EXT. EQUITUM SYSTEMS – DAY
Jason and Skye thread through the mayhem of POLICE cordoning off the scene and taking witness statements. When they’re safely out of range, Jason checks Skye’s wounds.
SKYE
Did you get the signatures?
JASON
Yes, but look at you!
Jason applies pressure to a lesion on her arm.
JASON (CONT’D)
How did this happen?
SKYE
Self-inflicted.
They climb into a waiting GETAWAY CAR and drive off.
INT. EQUITUM SYSTEMS – LOBBY – NIGHT
The Four Horsemen saunter through the damage. It’s completely decimated. All are equally crestfallen.
HANZO
What do we do now?
ATTICUS
Cancel the IPO.
Stellan breaks down in a soft weep as the SECURITY CHIEF (50’s) hurries up to them with a TABLET.
SECURITY CHIEF
The parking lot damage was a ruse to divert our attention to steal our digital signatures.
STELLAN
Oh, no…
SECURITY CHIEF
Footage shows he downloaded them onto a cold card before he escaped.
ATTICUS
Keep getting worse…
SECURITY CHIEF
We’ve contacted local police.
ATTICUS
Won’t make any difference. By now he’s probably made those signatures open source. I.E. We lost our most valuable property imaginable.
The Security Chief plays the FOOTAGE from various cameras in the secured sector of Jason breaking in. He zooms to Satoshi’s Cold Card with the “S.”
HANZO
That must be Satoshi’s chosen one.
STELLAN
Why would he betray us?
TEX FLATLINE
Because he’s a gutless bastard.
HANZO
Name calling is pointless.
Atticus’s phone BUZZES. It’s an email from Satoshi. The subject line POPS off: “Necessary evil, my friend.”
TEX FLATLINE
Satoshi bent us over the table.
Stellan and Hanzo stare daggers at him.
TEX FLATLINE
Oh, I’m sorry, I like to get dolled up, put a little make up on, wined and dined before I get fucked!
Atticus notices SHARDS OF BROKEN GLASS on the floor. They reflect BITCOIN EXCHANGE RATE ARROW on a monitor screen, except the arrow is sharply PLUMMETING DOWN. It hits him.
ATTICUS
You wise, old sage…
TEX FLATLINE
Oh, now he chimes in.
ATTICUS
It was going to be doomsday for Bitcoin. Don’t you see?
HANZO
I don’t understand.
ATTICUS
Hyperinflation, spoofing the gold and silver markets, all of the recent buy ups of real estate, millions of Bitcoins disappearing, it’s all connected.
They all consider as the gravity sinks in.
ATTICUS
If our IPO went through, the price of Bitcoin would’ve created a worldwide collapse of the currency.
STELLAN
If Satoshi wanted our signatures, all he had to do was ask.
ATTICUS
No, we were the fools. Our IPO would’ve given control of Bitcoin to the wrong people. Destruction of our company was a poetic blessing in disguise.
HANZO
Blinded by greed. I am so ashamed.
Atticus places his hand on Tex Flatline’s shoulder.
ATTICUS
Sure, we would’ve been rich, but lost all that we value. We wouldn’t have listened to Satoshi. Our shepherd knows our souls better than we know ourselves.
TEX FLATLINE
Okay, chief, you tugged my heartstrings. What’s the plan?
ATTICUS
Satoshi’s protocols must be protected at all costs, including his chosen one.
Atticus smiles.
INT. SHANGRI-LA HOTEL – DOWNTOWN SINGAPORE – NIGHT
Both Jason and Skye are showered and wounds tended to. They split a bottle of champagne.
JASON
Here’s to an end of the craziest few weeks of my life.
SKYE
And new beginnings.
JASON
Where’d you get the mace?
SKYE
Amazon…what about Satoshi?
Jason finishes his champagne and fires up his laptop and plugs in the cold card. The Ninja Widget pops up.
NINJA WIDGET (ON SCREEN)
Congrats! You’ve reached the end of the rabbit hole!
Jason types: What is the signature for?
NINJA WIDGET (ON SCREEN)
Control over Bitcoin. Equitum Systems had the backdoor key. You just gave it back to me.
A LOGO appears for BLOCKCHAIN. Then the names, Xavier Rahm, Rashid Abdullah, and Xiu Zhang. Underneath is a whole bunch of TRANSACTION RECORDS.
SKYE
What’s that?
JASON
A Blockchain based in Hong Kong.
Jason scrolls down and sees something interesting: All the names are linked to an entity: PONTIFEX PAPERS in BEIJING.
JASON
I think we just stumbled backwards into a massive currency swap with the Chinese government. They’ve invested over 180 billion in the US in the financial sector, real estate, energy, and entertainment through Goldman, Blackrock, Morgan Stanley. All of the usual suspects. This is a cover up.
SKYE
How is Satoshi a part of this? Where is he?!
Jason types: What the fuck?
NINJA WIDGET (ON SCREEN)
Information demands to be free. The oligarchs have been planning for decades to control the world’s currency. I won’t allow that. The cold card you carry now contains the evidence you need.
SKYE
Evidence? For what?
JASON
To bring the curtain down. All those anonymous names are now in the open. I recognize a few world leaders, Senators, CEO’s, IMF board members…this runs deep.
After hesitation, Jason detaches the cold card.
JASON
Satoshi wanted me to do what he couldn’t in person. I’m his right hand of the light.
Jason types: Where are you?!
The Ninja Widget throws a SMOKE BOMB into a pixilated haze. The digital white noise forms into an ADDRESS and KEY CODE.
Jason rushes to the door and doesn’t notice when Skye turns away and TEXTS SOMEONE.
INT. SATOSHI’S BUILDING, DOWNTOWN SINGAPORE – HALLWAY – NI1G1H3T
Jason and Skye plod through and arrive at the door. He punches in the code on the LOCK PAD. The door opens.
INT. SATOSHI’S APARTMENT – NIGHT
Jason flicks on the lights. The whole place is empty. Not a single item of furniture. Skye searches the bedroom.
JASON
Satoshi?
Sky plods in the living room where a PROJECTOR is set up.
SKYE
I found something.
She pushes play. The projector fires up as a DARKENED IMAGE OF THE HOODED MAN from the beginning appears on screen.
HOODED MAN (ON TV)
Power is the intoxication of the darkest depths of the human heart. Humanity’s will to fight broadens, yet we eradicate free thought like the plague. The future is on a collision course with the ignorant hedonistic utopias our predecessors imagine. They’re eliminating the bonds between humans. Ignorance. Fear. No one dares trust their neighbors or even family members. Civilization was founded on love and justice, not hatred. If you want a picture of the future; imagine a boot stepping on a human face, forever.
Jason and Skye exchange a dumfounded look.
HOODED MAN (ON TV)
We strive for enlightenment. For science. For innovation. For our children. When governments collapse, trade and commerce will still exist through Bitcoin.
JASON
This was all just some game…
HOODED MAN (ON TV)
I created Bitcoin for this purpose. The technology will terminate itself when it reaches 21 million coins worldwide. That is when my calculations reach a vital impasse.
SKYE
Jason, what does this mean?
HOODED MAN (ON TV)
Until that day, Bitcoin will empower the powerless. I bid you a fond farewell. The NSA is following you. Make a deal for your freedom. You have what you need to survive.
CRASH! Jason throws the projector against the wall.
JASON
Means Satoshi was never going to reveal his location. That part was a wild goose chase. At least now we can turn this over to the authorities and prevent the crash.
The door opens and Zhang, Kwan, and other HENCHMEN step in.
ZHANG
Where is Satoshi?
SKYE
He’s not here.
JASON
Skye, what’s going on?
SKYE
You’re a nice guy, Jason, but this is business.
Jason sinks to his knees as Kwan walks over and WHACK–
BLACK.
EXT. RASHID’S YACHT – OUTSIDE SINGAPORE – DAY
A HELICOPTER descends onto the PAD. Rashid shields his face from the wind as Xavier and Dutch step out. We’ll see they’re docked off the PORT OF SINGAPORE.
INT. RASHID’S YACHT – DAY
Xavier snorts a line of coke. Rashid sits behind his desk.
XAVIER
We can still salvage this.
Dutch adjusts a TV MONITOR where Overlord Jester is live.
RASHID
How do you think I feel? They took my oil and never paid me!
OVERLORD JESTER (ON SCREEN)
Equitum’s IPO is off. Their facility was raided and they sent memo to the investors.
XAVIER
50 billion down the drain. The Horseman suddenly regrew their conscience. I counted on greed. We should’ve done more vetting.
Xavier rips another line.
XAVIER
Side bar: I might have a substance abuse problem.
RASHID
I like the kid.
XAVIER
Me too. I want to hang out with him at a cool wine bar after this is over. Shoot the shit.
DUTCH
Any idea where he is?
OVERLORD JESTER (ON SCREEN)
Zhang has him in Hong Kong. He plans on betraying you for his own immunity. You must hurry.
Xavier THUMPS his chest over his heart.
XAVIER
Sorry, minor heart attack, makes a bakers dozen for me…Anyway, that rat bastard. I need that cold card. It’s the only way to get rid our ties to Pontifex.
DUTCH
He was a bad broker, sir.
XAVIER
The focus is saving our skin. We can’t trust Zhang with Satoshi’s Wallet. It has everything on it, including our investment.
RASHID
He’s dug into his compound like a tick. We hire local paramilitary.
XAVIER
Controlling. This. Narrative.
Xavier picks up an RPG off the floor.
INT. SHANGRI-LA HOTEL – HONEYMOON SUITE – DAY
A FORENSIC TEAM sweeps through Jason and Skye’s belongings. Vivian and Rosa plod around.
ROSA
They’re booked through three more nights here.
VIVIAN
Yet they haven’t been here for the past day according to the maids. That’s not a good sign. An OFFICER (30’s) nearly grabs Jason’s laptop–
ROSA
Don’t touch that! It might self- destruct if you hit the wrong key or try to open it.
The Officer freaks.
ROSA
Not literally…We need his fingerprint to open this and wait for forensics to crack it. Or…
Rosa carefully opens the screen and swivels the touch pad. It’s locked and requires a FINGERPRINT. She thinks quick:
–Rosa reaches in a FORENSICS KIT and fishes GLUE, CLEAR TAPE, and a SMALL RING. Vivian catches on.
VIVIAN
Try the microwave.
–Then Rosa lays tape over the MICROWAVE POWER BUTTON, places the ring over the MARK, and pours glue inside.
–Vivian turns on the stove and holds the ring over until a SMALL PRINT FORMS in the center.
–Finally, Rosa lies the print on the touch pad…and just like that…the screen is open to Satoshi’s Address.
INT. SATOSHI’S APARTMENT – DOWNTOWN SINGAPORE – DAY
Vivian and Rosa push in, weapons raised.
ROSA
What do you think this place is? Satoshi’s hideout?
Rosa spots a SMALL BLOOD SPLATTER on the floor and cringes.
VIVIAN
Easy, rook.
Vivian sifts through the pieces of the projector. Rosa bends down and feels the outside.
ROSA
Still warm.
There’s nothing out of the ordinary until she finds a ASYMMETRIC PIECE OF GLASS with a NINJA carved into it.
VIVIAN
It’s a funhouse.
Vivian holds it to her eyes and uses it as a looking glass. She scans upwards at the ceiling as a HAND-CARVED MESSAGE appears: “Satoshi was here.”
ROSA
Or his prison.
Then she sees a SMALL ARROW pointing to the right. She tracks it until seeing another pointing to the left, then down, and finally to the opposite wall and into–
INT. SATOSHI’S APARTMENT – BEDROOM – CONTINUOUS
Where Vivian and Rosa follows the arrow, pointing up to a–
A FUN MIRROR. The ones that contort your reflection. CRASH! Vivian KICKS the mirror as it SHATTERS.
ROSA
He’s laughing at us.
Vivian spots something behind the shattered glass: A HOLE.
Vivian reaches in and pulls out a SMALL BRIEFCASE. She pops it open. A CONTRACT WRITTEN IN BLOOD unfurls.
On the top, an amount: FOUR MILLION BITCOINS. Signed by:
Xiu Zhang, Rashid Abdullah, and Xavier Rahm. Below that: “Zhang’s Compound. The Cold Card carries the truth.”
VIVIAN
The cold card has all the evidence we need to indict everyone. Jason must be carrying it.
ROSA
Zhang is a Triad Lord. Well connected and dangerous.
VIVIAN
Let’s get a team together.
They hurry out into the—
INT. SATOSHI’S BUILDING – HALLWAY – CONTINUOUS
Where Vivian and Rosa pass the Four Horseman. Atticus waits till they’re gone and then pokes his head in.
ATTICUS
Bugger. He flew the coop.
TEX FLATLINE
Those were two federal agents. I heard Hong Kong and Triad Lord.
STELLAN
This got messier.
HANZO
That mean he’s dead?
ATTICUS
Means we’re on the next flight to Hong Kong to get that cold card. Satoshi’s vision must be protected.
OVER: The sound of water dripping…
INT. ZHANG’S COMPOUND – BOARDROOM – NIGHT
Jason COMES TO. Water drips onto his forehead from a glass of water held by Skye. He’s lying atop the table. He props himself up on his elbows and sees Zhang and Kwan.
JASON
Pretty elaborate ruse…
SKYE
It isn’t.
JASON
Good, because I should’ve assumed preventing the apocalypse would’ve included a backstab.
Jason shakes his head out, regaining his senses.
JASON
Are you his love child?
SKYE
My mom wasn’t always a maid. She moonlighted as a mule for Zhang and his associates in Chinatown.
Jason looks out the window at an unfamiliar skyline.
SKYE
One day she was robbed during a delivery of China white and this was the only way I could repay him.
Skye draws her hair back and exposes a TRIAD TATTOO of ZHANG at the base of her neck.
ZHANG
Enough! Where is Satoshi?!
JASON
I don’t know.
Skye clicks on the TV. It plays the Projector’s recording from Satoshi’s apartment.
SKYE
You know his puzzles. I think his location is hidden in this final message to you.
ZHANG
Solve it or die.
Skye pauses the video and hands him the clicker.
JASON
Is there an option C?
SKYE
Give you two guesses. Solve the fucking puzzle.
JASON
I need the cold card.
Zhang and Kwan fish COLD CARDS from their pockets.
ZHANG
Who has it?
KWAN
I thought you did.
SKYE
I do. Safe keeping.
Skye produces it and hands it to Jason. It’s the one with the “S”, but Zhang and Kwan’s are the same MAKE AND MODEL.
Jason plugs the cold card into the CONSOLE. Zhang, Kwan, and Skye stay put and observe as he presses play–
INT. RENTAL CAR – MOVING – DAY
Atticus drives. Stellan rides shotgun. Tex Flatline and Hanzo lounge on the backseat.
TEX FLATLINE
Hate to play devil’s advocate here, but are we absolutely sure?
ATTICUS
Yes. The intel is clear as day. We’ve been over this.
TEX FLATLINE
Then I’ll let you do the talking while I stay in the car.
ATTICUS
May I remind of your oath.
TEX FLATLINE
Fuck honor. They’re just words.
ATTICUS
Honor is a virtue, my brother. A much higher ethic.
Hanzo shoves Tex Flatline. He shoves Hanzo back.
ATTICUS
Don’t make me pull this car over.
TEX FLATLINE
Let me get this wrong. We waltz right into Zhang’s lair, the lion’s den, and ask nicely…
The gravity hits them as they process that information.
HANZO
We should call Interpol.
ATTICUS
Lads, time to nut up. He has Satoshi’s Wallet. The fate of all crypto is in a gangster’s compound. No one else will save him.
TEX FLATLINE
Last one, swear to God. I heard we’re in a backdoor NSA operation.
STELLAN
Why are you like this?
TEX FLATLINE
Insecure.
SKKKKEEEERRRRRTTTTT! Atticus floors the pedal.
INT. HONG KONG POLICE STATION – DAY
A SWAT TEAM assembles. Vivian paces in front with Rosa.
VIVIAN
We’re here to extract the kid.
Vivian holds up a PHOTO OF JASON.
ROSA
He has something extremely valuable in his possession. It must be protected and confiscated.
Next, a PHOTO OF SATOSHI’S COLD CARD.
EXT. DOCKS OF HONG KONG – DAY
A secluded section among the massive SHIPPING CRATES. Xavier straps on BULLET PROOF VESTS in front of a MERCENARY CREW.
RASHID
Do we kill him or take him alive?
XAVIER
I’m more of an “in the moment” guy.
Xavier cocks a shotgun.
INT. ZHANG’S COMPOUND – BOARDROOM – NIGHT
Jason watches the video as a TEXT comes through from an UNKNOWN NUMBER: “This is Satoshi. Five minutes till arrival. Get the cold card to the NSA.” Zhang peeks over his shoulder.
JASON
Anyone ever told you your breath could stop a Mack truck?
WHACK! Kwan sends an elbow into Jason’s skull.
ZHANG
Satoshi promised me a fortune in Bitcoin. This will only be settled with his head on a platter.
JASON
Don’t suppose you have heard the one about the frog and scorpion?
KWAN
Keep working.
JASON
Simple enough parable about someone getting hurt even though they’re trying to do the right thing.
Jason goes over the DESK and pulls a drawer of STATIONERY.
JASON
Xavier and Rashid are in this for the sake of pure profit.
ZHANG
What are you doing?
JASON
Trying to find a notepad. I think better visually.
Jason lifts out a PAD, PEN, and SHARPIE, except he CONCEALS THE SHARPIE UP HIS SLEEVE. He turns back.
JASON
From what I gather, Zhang and the NSA want Satoshi to bargain with Beijing and other superpowers in exchange for their own profit. You’re gonna ruin Bitcoin for everyone else.
ZHANG
What are you rambling about?
JASON
No honor amongst thieves. You’d gut each other if given the opportunity. So predictable. Satoshi was calling every shot. Pitting you like dogs.
Jason draws a FLOW CHART.
JASON
When people show you who they are, believe them.
ZHANG
Time’s running out.
JASON
I almost have it. But I need everyone’s cold cards.
KWAN
For what purpose?
JASON
I think there’s a pattern written into the code of the card, but I need to see a counter-example to confirm it.
SKYE
He’s lying.
Jason crosses his arms and shrugs. After a moment, Zhang and Kwan lift out their cold cards and hand them to Jason.
INT. RENTAL CAR – MOVING – NIGHT
The Four Horseman ride in silence.
INT. SWAT VAN – MOVING – NIGHT
Vivian, Rosa, and the SWAT Team all load weapons.
INT. BLACK SUV – MOVING – NIGHT
Xavier snorts a line of COCAINE off the dashboard.
XAVIER
Controlling the narrative!!!!
He cranks the radio up to full volume–
INT. ZHANG’S COMPOUND – BOARDROOM – NIGHT
Jason peeks at Kwan’s GUN and lays out each of the cold cards in front of him in a THREE CARD MONTE formation.
JASON
Satoshi is all about deception. A master social engineer.
Jason turns the cold cards over and moves them smoothly over one another. It takes Skye a moment to catch on.
SKYE
Satoshi’s has “S” on it.
JASON
Zhang, you strike me as forward thinking man who needs a tech guru.
ZHANG
Are you offering to work for me?
JASON
Even an idealist isn’t above seeing an opportunity. Besides, I have a bone to pick with your sworn enemy.
ZHANG
Find Satoshi first.
Jason keeps turning the cards over and over and over–
INT. RENTAL CAR – MOVING – NIGHT
Atticus hangs a corner on the street of Zhang’s compound.
ATTICUS
This is it, lads. Our moment of triumph…or death.
Stellan mouths a silent prayer. Hanzo loads his crossbow. Tex Flatline lowers it and shakes his head. They pass–
INT. SWAT VAN – MOVING – NIGHT
Vivian looks out the window as the vehicle swings around back and down a back alley.
VIVIAN
Two minutes.
Surging the opposite direction–
INT. BLACK SUV – MOVING – NIGHT
Xavier, Rashid, and their Mercenaries assume positions. Dutch parks out front of the compound.
DUTCH
We’re out front. I’ll scope it out and find a way in around back.
XAVIER
Or, this…
SSSKKKKKKKKEEEERRRRTTTTT!!!! Xavier shoves Dutch’s thigh down so the pedal is floored.
INT. ZHANG’S COMPOUND – BOARDROOM – NIGHT
Jason maneuvers the cold cards a final time and gestures to Zhang, Kwan, and Skye.
JASON
Anyone want to take a guess which is Satoshi’s? Step right up, don’t be shy. Take a bet.
ZHANG
Enough games. Where is he?
Kwan presses his gun to Jason’s temple. Jason checks his watch to a text from Overlord Jester: “Incoming, cowboy.”
JASON
Should be here any second.
ZHANG
Who will be here?!
JASON
Everyone.
KA-BAM!! A LARGE VEHICLE SLAMS through the facade of the building, sending a SHOCKWAVE and RUMBLE–
INT. ZHANG’S COMPOUND – LOBBY – NIGHT
Xavier rips off Dutch’s lifeless head.
XAVIER
You dead?
(no answer)
Yeah, you’re dead…
Xavier, Rashid, and their team hurry out of the SUV. Xavier FIRES off a round as Zhang’s HENCHMEN burst in.
INT. ZHANG’S COMPOUND – BACK ENTRANCE – NIGHT
WHUMP! The door caves in from a BATTERING RAM followed by several canisters of TEAR GAS.
Vivian, Rosa and SWAT Team rush in–
VIVIAN
GO! GO! GO!
They charge down the back hallway and halt when they hear the THUNDER OF GUNFIRE back in the–
INT. ZHANG’S COMPOUND – LOBBY – CONTINUOUS
Vivian spots Xavier charging up the stairs–
INT. RENTAL CAR – NIGHT
The Four Horseman watch the building’s windows light up like a Christmas tree. CRASH! A Henchmen smashes through a third story window and plummets to his death.
TEX FLATLINE
Nope.
HANZO
Do we go in there?
STELLAN
We don’t have combat training.
ATTICUS
Wait’n see who comes out alive, said the spider to the fly.
Another Henchman sprints out of the building ON FIRE.
TEX FLATLINE
Maybe park down the block so no one catches a stray bullet.
ATTICUS
Oh, right.
Atticus surges the car forward.
INT. ZHANG’S COMPOUND – BOARDROOM – NIGHT
The place is in shreds from the explosions. Monitor, computers, and desk flattened.
Zhang brushes off his suit, draws his gun, and shoves Kwan.
ZHANG
Get rid of them!
Kwan hustles out past Skye and Jason to join the commotion. Zhang turns to Jason.
ZHANG
Where’s the card?!
SKYE
Only he knows.
JASON
Everything in here is smashed to shit and only I know what the passwords are.
Zhang draws on Jason.
JASON
You can go out guns blazing, get arrested, or listen to me.
GUNFIRE ERUPTS nearby.
XAVIER (O.S.)
Zhang, where you at, fool?!
Jason holds out the three cold cards and backpedals out–
INT. ZHANG’S COMPOUND – UPSTAIRS HALLWAY – CONTINUOUS
Where Skye and Zhang follow Jason. Kwan SHOOTS down the staircase with other HENCHMAN.
JASON
Here’s what’s gonna happen: You’re gonna take me safely out a back exit. We call the NSA and barter protection and immunity. Then we track down Satoshi.
SKYE
You can’t trust him.
JASON
Zhang, she was gonna quit your operation. Probably take the million coins for herself.
ZHANG
Is this true?
SKYE
Of course not!
JASON
Always plotting against you and very bitter about enslaving her.
SKYE
I grew up with you. You remember my mother…you know me.
JASON
We only have one shot. She can’t give what I’m offering.
Another BARRAGE OF BULLETS PATTER near Kwan, taking out a few Henchman in the vicinity. Zhang kisses Skye on the cheek.
ZHANG
Consider your debt repaid.
(to Jason)
We leave up through the penthouse and get to my helicopter.
SKYE
You can’t be serious!
A FLASH-BANG GRENADE rolls to their feet.
JASON
Balls…
BANG! The flash-bang detonates–
WHITE-HOT ALL AROUND. RINGING in eardrums.
Jason COMES TO. When he can focus, he sees the cold cards on the floor. Skye lies right next to them–
They both break for it. Skye arrives first–
WHAM! Jason tackles her and rips the cold cards out–
Xavier, Rashid, and the Mercenaries swarm up the stairs–
XAVIER
Spare the kid!
Jason and Skye push through a door and ascend another staircase. Behind them–
BRRRRAAAHAKAKAKKA! The Mercenaries unleash a barrage of bullets that maim Kwan and HIT Zhang’s leg.
INT. ZHANG’S COMPOUND – PENTHOUSE – CONTINUOUS
Where Jason and Skye tumble into the BAR.
SKYE
Why’s Xavier here?!
JASON
He’s a faustian bargain-maker. It always ends like this.
Skye swings a BOTTLE OF CHAMPAGNE at him. Jason catches her arm and pins her to the floor.
JASON (CONT’D)
I don’t want to hurt you anymore. We can put all of this behind us. Skye struggles, but Jason restrains her.
JASON (CONT’D)
I can get us out of here. But you’re gonna have to trust me.
Jason hands her a cold card as she settles down.
INT. ZHANG’S COMPOUND – LOBBY – NIGHT
Vivian and Rosa plod over the DEAD BODIES. It’s a bloodbath. A mixture of Mercenaries and Henchmen. She hears GUNFIRE up the stairwell and motions to the SWAT Team.
VIVIAN
Take the stairs, Rosa with me.
Vivian and Rosa race to the elevator.
INT. ZHANG’S COMPOUND – PENTHOUSE – NIGHT
Jason and Skye hunker down behind the bar.
SKYE
How do you know this will work?
JASON
Because I have faith in Satoshi.
FOOTSTEPS approach. Jason peeks up and sees Xavier and Rashid holding him at gunpoint.
XAVIER
I just want to let you know that we’re still cool, bro.
RASHID
Jason, my friend! How ya been?
Jason looks around at the carnage.
JASON
Seen better days.
XAVIER
You lost today. Gimme the cold card and let’s find a wine bar.
THWACK! A bullet rips through Rashid’s head.
XAVIER
Rashid! NO! You bastards! Zhang crawls in. He was the one who fired.
ZHANG
You’re a dead man!
Kwan FIRES and wings Xavier’s sleeve, who dives behind the bar with Jason and Skye.
ZHANG
Fuck you!
Xavier chugs a bottle of VODKA.
XAVIER
This is Corinthian leather! How dare you!
(hands Jason a gun)
Bury the hatchet?
DING! The elevator opens and Vivian and Rosa step out. They see Zhang and Kwan hunkered behind an OVERTURNED DESK, Xavier, Jason, and Skye behind the bar.
VIVIAN
Everyone stop fucking shooting!
Kwan and Zhang keep FIRING at Xavier. Rosa SHOOTS in the air and harnesses an inner rage we’ve never seen.
ROSA
Alright, you cocksuckers! We’re the NSA! Nobody moves a fucking muscle until we get some answers!
It actually works. The cross-fire ceases.
VIVIAN
Okay, who’s shooting at who?!
No one has an answer. Dead silence.
INT. RENTAL CAR – NIGHT
The Horseman peer up at the hushed penthouse.
STELLAN
Appears the shelling has stopped.
Atticus undoes his buckle.
ATTICUS
I’m gonna walk right in there and get what I came for.
HANZO
Just walk right in there?
Atticus gets out and struts towards the building.
TEX FLATLINE
Wow, he wasn’t kidding. Mama, there goes that man…
A few moments later, Tex Flatline, Hanzo, and Stellan foll1o4w2.
INT. ZHANG’S COMPOUND – PENTHOUSE – NIGHT
The quiet standoff ensues. Finally, Vivian speaks up–
VIVIAN
Well, anyone…?
JASON
From what I’ve gathered, Xavier, Zhang, and the recently deceased Rashid made a deal with Satoshi and they’re trying to cover it up. So it’s kind of a free for all.
ROSA
You’re friends with Xavier?
JASON
For the moment.
XAVIER
Hey, NSA person, does Hong Kong have extradition?
VIVIAN
Yes.
XAVIER
Fuck.
Xavier hunkers back in. The remaining Mercenaries and Henchman from Zhang’s crew have taken position.
JASON
This was all part of Satoshi’s masterplan because he knew Pontifex was a ploy by the oligarch’s to inflate fiat money, bankrupt the middle class, and usher in a new world order. He foresaw the oligarch’s actions and took measures to prevent a collapse.
ROSA
All the proof we need is on that cold card.
VIVIAN
Who has it?
Jason exchanges a weighted glance with Skye and takes a step forward towards the middle.
JASON
I do. And I’m so ready to stop being Frodo Baggins.
Skye slinks out towards the hallway.
ZHANG
Where are you going, Skye?
JASON
Zhang, I know you’re mad at Satoshi, but who was it that brought you into the deal in the first place?
Zhang’s attention shifts to Xavier.
JASON
You’re the crime lord and he’s the eccentric tech titan beloved by weirdos. Do the math, patsy.
ZHANG
(to Xavier)
You promised me a fortune. You only used me to get to Beijing!
XAVIER
You knew what this was…
JASON
Xavier, if you destroy this card, there’s nothing linking you to any of this. The NSA has no case.
VIVIAN
Unless you testify.
Atticus and the rest of the Four Horseman step right in.
ATTICUS
Greetings, billionaires and surly gents, we’re here to collect Satoshi’s wallet.
JASON
Really, the backdoor to the tech was held by your corporation?
ATTICUS
Yes, and Satoshi’s plan was for you to protect it, and for you to flush out the criminals. Wittingly or unwittingly, who knows.
JASON
Wait, am I the patsy?
ATTICUS
More of a chess piece. Your move.
Jason sets the cold card down in the center of the room.
JASON
I realize that not all of you speak English, but everyone speaks money.
(points to the card)
100 billion. The carrier of that is worth 100 fucking billion. You can never be tracked by anyone.
Now Zhang’s Henchman and the Mercenaries perk up.
JASON
The choice is yours.
Jason reverses towards the hallway, meeting Skye halfway. The tension builds to a stalemate. They’re all trying to read each other and weigh loyalties:
–Zhang’s eyes meet Jason’s. He nods slightly and points at Xavier with Kwan.
–Jason looks to Vivian. He winks at her.
–Skye flashes the cold card she was carrying.
–Xavier looks to Jason and then to Vivian and Rosa. He turns back to Kwan, undecided…
–Kwan meets Skye’s gaze. Her eyes pensive.
–Mercenaries and Henchman raise their guns at each other.
–Everyone fans out. It’s every man for himself.
–Vivian and Rosa inch towards the hallway.
–Xavier points his gun at Jason.
XAVIER
We could’ve had a wine bar, Jackson. But you’re a loose end.
JASON
I prefer beer. Plus, you’ll have to kill the NSA agents too. And Zhang. Pretty much everyone now.
–Xavier keeps his eyes on Vivian.
JASON
I’m your way out of this.
–Zhang points at Jason again.
–Sweat pours down cheeks. Fingers press on triggers.
–Jason sucks in a breath, palms his gun–
JASON
100 fucking billion…
BANG! Jason FIRES into the air–
Everyone in the vicinity makes a move for it.
–Xavier pivots and SHOOTS Zhang.
–Kwan CLIPS Xavier in the thigh.
–Xavier drops, freezes, and then SHOOTS out the window.
VIVIAN
Don’t do it!
XAVIER
Fuck the narrative!
Xavier SHOUTS A BATTLE CRY, runs and plummets out–
The Mercenaries and Henchman dive for the cold card–
Zhang and Kwan run forward–
BANG, BANG, BANG, BANG! Blankets of shots fired–
Kwan is SHREDDED by the barrage–
We follow Satoshi’s Cold Card disappear under a HEAP OF BLOOD, GUTS, AND BODY PARTS.
Jason, Skye, Rosa, and Vivian surge for the door with the Four Horsemen. The SWAT team covers their escape.
INT. ZHANG’S COMPOUND – LOBBY – NIGHT
Jason, Vivian, Skye, and Rosa rendezvous with the Four Horseman at the base of the stairwell. POLICE cordon off the vicinity, which has attracted a sizable CROWD.
VIVIAN
Jason, nice to meet you. You’re under arrest for all the things. Miss, give me the card–
Skye MACES Rosa, grabs her gun, and aims it at everyone.
SKYE
Sorry, Jason. But you really shouldn’t have trusted me. 100 billion is too much to resist.
Skye holds up Satoshi’s Cold Card for them to see and heads towards the door. Jason inches intimately close to Vivian.
ATTICUS
No!
Skye aims at his head–
JASON
It’s okay. Let her go.
TEX FLATLINE
You can’t!
JASON
I said let her fucking go!
Atticus studies Jason, lowers her weapon.
VIVIAN
Let her go?! She has the card.
Jason places his hand on Vivian’s forearm–
JASON
Trust me.
Skye wheels and sprints out of there, disappearing into the mayhem of the police and ONLOOKERS.
ATTICUS
Okay, you better have a bloody good explanation.
Jason hands Vivian the REAL COLD CARD and the SHARPIE he concealed under his sleeve.
JASON
She has Zhang’s cold card.
FLASHBACK: To when Zhang, Kwan, and Skye are distracted by the gunfire in the boardroom. Jason writes an “S” so that the two cards are IDENTICAL to the naked eye.
VIVIAN
What about the card upstairs?
JASON
Some other guy’s. You’ll be able to find her in like five minutes when she tries to withdraw cash.
ROSA
What about Xavier?
JASON
He’ll turn up.
Jason holds out his wrists in surrender.
EXT. DARK STREET – NIGHT
Xavier limps in front of a CAR and aims at the DRIVER (30’s).
XAVIER
My car now! Get out!
The Driver runs off. Xavier goes to the driver’s seat when a HOODED MAN races up and STABS him in the neck with a SYRINGE.
Xavier crumbles in a heap. The Hooded Man retracts his hood…It’s OVERLORD JESTER.
EXT. ZHANG’S COMPOUND – DAY
The whole street is cordoned off. PARAMEDICS wheel out CORPSES and sift through the damage. Jason is bandaged, but okay. Vivian and Rosa take statements next to the Horsemen.
VIVIAN
You mean to tell me none of you have ever had any direct contact with Satoshi?
They all shrug and shake their heads.
ROSA
That’s the funniest thing I’ve ever heard. Wow.
ATTICUS
The best way to describe us is the sworn protectors of Bitcoin. We founded Equitum Systems to implement the world’s only secure, truly decentralized blockchain on the planet through mass education and adoption.
HANZO
Satoshi hired us.
VIVIAN
And he made you, Jason, rob their digital certificates.
ATTICUS
To prevent catastrophe. We announced a while back that we were taking the company public. Our dream was to expand into a global community on a Bitcoin standard. You can’t inflate scarcity.
STELLAN
There shall only be 21 million.
JASON
But, they weren’t aware of the Pontifex Papers with all the property buy ups in America, currency inflation, you name it. As soon as the debt was called in…chaos.
ROSA
(realizes)
It would’ve been the perfect storm. Loan defaults, hyperinflation, economic collapse…
HANZO
Perfect storm engineered by the few at expense of many.
ATTICUS
Probably best to leave well enough alone on this.
The Horseman nod in unison. Vivian gestures to Jason.
VIVIAN
How’d you know all that was gonna go down the way it did?
JASON
Satoshi was leaving me little Easter eggs the whole time. All I had to do was a little social engineering. Turns out, I had a guardian angel.
Jason looks at TEXT from the unknown number: 😉
INT. SUV – MOVING – DAY
Mt. Olympus and the skyline of Seattle perch in the distance. Jason and Vivian ride in the backseat. Vivian has Satoshi’s Cold Card in her lap.
JASON
At least heads will roll.
VIVIAN
The longer you’re in this racket, you see just how tilted it is. There might be a few arrests, but the power won’t change hands.
Jason’s enthusiasm deflates as he anticipates her next words.
VIVIAN
People might be outraged, but it’ll disappear from the zeitgeist. The people in this are too powerful to face real consequences…Two weeks. That’s all the human attention span can tolerate before reverting to survival mode.
JASON
That’s depressing.
VIVIAN
We can still take the win.
JASON
Did you actually talk to my mom?
VIVIAN
She’s distraught. Her son nearly started world war three.
Vivian and Jason share an awkward laugh.
JASON
It’s strange…I think I’m gonna miss the adventure. Reality sucks.
VIVIAN
Well, Jason, as they say, you can’t run away from yourself.
They pull off the highway and onto a city street.
EXT. JASON’S STUDIO APARTMENT – DAY
Vivian hands Jason a PLANE TICKET.
VIVIAN
I can work a deal. Spend your sentence working in Cyber Crimes or in a cell without computer access.
Jason mulls over the offer.
VIVIAN (CONT’D)
You’re too good. I can use you.
The SUV drives off as Barbara walks up and SLAPS him.
JASON
I deserved that.
She SLAPS him again.
JASON (CONT’D)
That too.
BARBARA
You better have the mother of all explanations, young man.
JASON
I was a crypto king.
Jason hugs his mother tight.
INT. JASON’S STUDIO APARTMENT – NIGHT
Jason walks in to see PACKAGE on the table. There’s a SMALL NOTE: “To Jason. Love, Satoshi.”
Jason rips the package open. There’s a PHONE inside. He dials. SATOSHI NAKAMOTO answers. Or, at least, we assume it’s him because the voice is masked by a MODULATOR.
SATOSHI (O.S.)
Well done, Jason.
Jason opens his mouth to speak, but no words come.
SATOSHI (O.S.)
I rarely speak to anyone without the use of a proxy.
JASON
I’m honored.
SATOSHI (O.S.)
Are you as good as I believe?
Jason sucks in a deep breath and rattles off–
JASON
You went into hiding after brokering a deal between a Triad lord, Xavier Rahm, Rashid Abdullah, and the Chinese government. Bitcoin for Xavier to build his data haven and oil, respectively. That changed after Equitum Systems built you a mining network for Bitcoin. You foresaw the potential financial holocaust of four million Bitcoins in the wrong hands.
(takes a breath)
Activating your wallet set things in motion to prevent it.
(realizes)
But that’s not the whole story, is it? You wouldn’t have wanted the NSA to have your wallet unless there was something more…
INT. BAHNHOF DATA CENTER – FISHBOWL – NIGHT
We see the monitor screen stream the Bitcoin price at an exchange rate of 60 thousand dollars to 1 Bitcoin.
SATOSHI (V.O.)
Two things can be true at once.
The Four Horseman pass around FILES that read: “Bitcoin Solidarity Institute.”
EXT. DOWNTOWN HONG KONG – NIGHT
Skye withdraws MONEY from an ATM using what she thinks is Satoshi’s Cold Card.
SATOSHI (V.O.)
Our views of the world are too small. We think truth is absolute. What the media, government, and schools tell us. It’s nuanced.
Skye turns away…right into POLICE OFFICERS.
INT. TORTURE CHAMBER, CHINESE BLACK SITE – NIGHT
CHINESE SOLDIERS drag Xavier to a cell.
SATOSHI (V.O.)
I needed a programmer who could think dimensionally, on his feet, honorable, who would understand freedom is a God given right. There are no accidents. I chose you. This is only the beginning. You’ve only seen the frame of the portrait.
They dunk Xavier’s head in ICE WATER.
INT. JASON’S STUDIO APARTMENT – NIGHT
Jason sinks to his bed. He’s dizzy.
SATOSHI (O.S.)
Check your account. I’ve arranged a little surprise.
Jason fires up his laptop and the wallet. Jaw hits the floor. The value he’s looking at: 2 MILLION BITCOINS.
SATOSHI (O.S.)
And Jason…you should get that cut above your eye checked out first. It looks infected.
The line cuts. Jason races over to the window and peeks outside at an empty street.
His eyes flit between the plane ticket and laptop.
FADE OUT.
THE END
157