Taz
I hear a voice in my head.
Erik
Um, that’s called your conscience.
Taz
No, it’s not MY voice.
Erik
What does it sound like?
Taz
It’s just…someone speaking…in my head.
Erik
Do I need to come over?
Taz
No, I’m not in my room. Just listen.
Taz
I had this shooting pain across my jaw…
Taz
And then I heard this guy…scream.
Taz
I don’t know, but he sounds scared.
Taz
I think he needs my help.
Erik
What could he possibly need your help with?
Taz
I don’t know. But I really think he’s in trouble.
Taz
At the library. Studying for the test tomorrow.
Erik
You need to get some sleep.
Taz
Maybe I could help him using my…you know…powers.
Erik
Taz, you need to think about yourself right now.
Erik
Maybe you should give this whole thing a rest.
Erik
Your powers. The PSI Lab.
Erik
Take a break from tracking ghosts.
Taz
It’s called Dark Matter, not ghosts. And you know I can’t take a break.
Taz
I need to practice using my powers, the Touch…
Taz
Because I need to find my sister.
Erik
Look, I understand. I miss Jaz too.
Erik
But I also care about YOU. I want you to be safe.
Taz
Erik — I just felt another punch of pain. And he screamed again.
Another text from Erik comes in—
But Taz ignores it, grabs her books and longboard and heads outside.
It’s late. And the campus is empty.
A thick layer of fog hovers over the ground.
The voice in her head whispers urgently.
Taz responds in her own head.
Taz
Who are you? Why can I hear your thoughts?
Voice
That’s not important now.
Voice
They’ll be here soon.
Voice
They’ve been after me for days.
Taz
What men? What do they want?
Taz
I thought you’d be outside, but I don’t see you.
Voice
I’m almost there. I’m running.
Taz
The men that are after you…
Taz
What did they look like?
Voice
I couldn’t get a good look at them.
Voice
But they were wearing these strange glasses.
Taz
Wait…I know those men.
Taz
They work for Dr. Rex.
Taz
He’s dangerous. And he wants something that I have.
Taz pulls out her phone and opens Snapchat.
Her Dark Matter Meter filter pops up on screen.
Sure enough, a cloud of Dark Matter hangs in the air all around her.
And through the Dark Matter, Taz sees him—
A tall figure, hidden by the fog, running toward her.
Taz looks up and squints her eyes, trying to make out his face.
But through the foggy night, all she can see are deep, green eyes.
Taz
How? How can I help you?
BAM! Taz feels a sharp punch to her gut.
As she pulls herself up, she sees them—
Fighting with the mysterious figure.
Taz is alone, standing in front of the library, completely untouched.
But, somehow, her body is writhing in pain.
Frantic, Taz grabs her longboard and holds it up like a baseball bat.
But as she moves closer, she sees the men carting the figure off.
Dragging him deeper into the fog.
Suddenly, Taz’s phone rings.
It’s S.A.M., the AI assistant from the PSI Lab.
S.A.M.
My sensors indicate that you are in pain, Tasneem.
Taz
S.A.M., something’s wrong.
Taz
I can hear someone’s voice. In my head.
S.A.M.
It must be quantum entanglement.
S.A.M.
Quantum entanglement — it is a physical phenomenon that occurs when two particles become connected at a distance, and the actions of one particle affect the other.
S.A.M.
You have become connected to someone else at an intimate, molecular level.
S.A.M.
And apparently, this has caused you to hear one another’s thoughts.
Taz
But…how did this happen?
S.A.M.
But it suggests that you both share similar…sensitivities.
Taz
You mean, we both have the Touch?
Taz
So there are others…like me? Right here, at Stanford?
S.A.M.
I was unaware of it, as your powers are very rare…
S.A.M.
But it would seem so, yes.
S.A.M.
Although it is quite possible that this individual is unaware of their abilities.
Taz
I passed this person on the street and our molecules collided?
S.A.M.
Not quite. Entanglement requires an external power source.
Taz
So…someone did this to us? But who?
S.A.M.
That is what we must find out.
S.A.M.
I will see what I can do about your predicament. But in the meantime…
S.A.M.
This person can hear your thoughts.
S.A.M.
They could exploit your powers and your secrets.
S.A.M.
Your mission is to uncover this individual’s identity.
S.A.M.
They could, perhaps, be useful to us.
S.A.M.
Or, they could be a threat.
Taz shivers — feeling violated by the strange presence in her head.
S.A.M.
Don’t forget to use your filters.
Taz opens Snapchat again.
Sure enough, her Astute Arrow filter pops up on screen.
It points her toward the road.
Taz hops onto her longboard and follows the arrow.
Suddenly, a searing pain travels up her arm, as if someone is twisting it.
The voice in her head screams.
Taz
I can hear your thoughts, feel your pain…
Taz
Can you hear mine? Feel what I’m feeling?
Voice
You’ve been thinking about someone…
Voice
You’re sad. About her.
Taz
If you can hear my inner-most thoughts…
Taz
And you want me to help you…
Taz
Then I need to know who you are.
Taz
Do you also live on campus?
Cory
I don’t think so. I don’t know anyone named Taz.
Taz
Where are you now, Cory?
Cory
I don’t know. They blindfolded me. I can’t see.
Cory
But I think I’m in the back of a truck. We’re moving.
Cory
Please help me, Taz. I trust you.
Cory
I know that’s weird to say, about a stranger…
Cory
But…you don’t feel like a stranger to me.
Cory
I feel like I know you.
Cory
Like we’re connected for a reason.
Taz
Can you tell me anything else about yourself?
Cory
I’m not sure I want to do that.
She answers the call through her Bluetooth headphones.
Erik
I went by your dorm. You weren’t there.
Taz
You’re not going to believe this—
Erik
Your room…the door was open, so I went inside…
Erik
And everything’s been ransacked.
Erik
You should get back.
Taz
I can’t. I’m trying to find Cory.
Taz
The voice in my head. His name is Cory.
Taz
And he’s being taken somewhere against his will.
Erik
By who? Who took him?
Taz
But I think it’s Rex’s men.
Erik
Don’t you think it’s weird…
Erik
That the night you start hearing this voice, the voice of a complete stranger…
Erik
Someone goes and breaks into your room?
Taz
Erik, we’re connected. Cory and I.
Taz
S.A.M. says it’s called quantum entanglement.
Erik
What does that mean?
Taz
That I feel everything he’s feeling.
Taz
Hear everything he’s thinking.
Taz
I haven’t felt this close to someone in a really long time. Not since Jaz died…
Erik
Taz, this voice can’t replace your sister.
Taz
But right now…I feel pain. Sadness. Fear.
Taz
Not just fear — terror.
Taz
I’m on the far edge of campus. Following Cory.
Erik
How are you following him?
Taz
There’s something about our connection — I think it involves Dark Matter.
Erik
Why would you think that?
Taz
I was using my Dark Matter Meter when I saw him get captured—
Taz
He was surrounded by it.
Taz
I think my Astute Arrow is tracking the Dark Matter emanating from our connection.
Erik
I’m going to pretend I understood all that.
Taz
Can you do me a favor?
Taz
Find out who he is. What he looks like.
Erik
As you know, I’m an expert at stalking people on the internet.
Taz
That’s not creepy at all.
Erik
You said his name is Cory and he goes to Stanford?
Taz
Yup. That’s pretty much all I know, though.
Erik
Looks like there are a few Corys that go here…
Taz
Wait…the arrow stopped moving.
Taz
Hang on. I’ll share my location with you.
Taz
Erik — there’s a truck parked here.
Taz
I think this is the truck they used to take Cory.
Erik
I can see your location.
Erik
But there’s nothing there.
Taz
It’s a forest. Full of redwood trees.
Taz
Why would someone take Cory to the middle of the woods?
Taz
Not for me…but for him. For Cory.
Just then, Taz feels another jolt of pain.
Taz
I know you’re hurting, but I called for help.
Cory
I don’t want cops involved.
Taz
Not the cops. My friend.
Taz
I need you to focus. Where are you — what do you see?
Cory
I still can’t see anything, but…
Cory
I’m out of the truck. They tied me to a chair.
Cory
And I hear voices nearby, but I can’t tell what they’re saying.
Cory
I don’t know what they’re going to do to me, Taz.
Taz
You have to tell me where you are.
Cory
I think…I’m inside a building.
Taz
There’s nothing here.
Cory
I’m definitely not outside.
Taz
Hold tight. Erik and I are going to find you.
Cory
Erik…is he your boyfriend?
Taz
No! He’s my best friend.
Cory
Are you sure? It didn’t sound like just friends…
Taz
Yes I’m sure! We’ve been best friends our whole lives.
Cory
It’s so quiet here. And…
Taz
Just try and stay calm. Panicking won’t help anyone.
Taz
That panic comes straight to me.
Cory
I don’t know how to calm down while all of this is happening.
Taz
Think about something else—
Cory
I…that’s hard for me.
Cory
I’ve had problems letting people in.
Cory
Ever since I lost my mom.
Cory
But my mom was sick for a long time. I was expecting it.
Taz
I just lost someone, too.
Taz
She was my sister. My twin sister.
Taz
We were in a really bad car wreck.
Cory
I can’t imagine what that’s like. Having it be so unexpected.
Cory
But I do know what it’s like to have your heart feel like it isn’t whole.
Cory
To feel like there’s a piece of you missing.
Taz’s eyes burn with tears.
Taz
Wow…yeah, that’s exactly how it feels.
Taz
It’s so hard to put that feeling into words.
Cory
Yeah…well I get it. We both have that in common. Loss.
Cory
I just heard someone say your name.
Cory
What do they want with you?
Cory
Is it that thing you said you have?
Taz
Yes. I have these…powers.
Taz
And those men want to use them.
Taz
Wait…what if they’re using you to get to me?
Taz’s thoughts are interrupted by a text.
Erik
Um, HELLO? Are you okay??
Taz
Erik, I think they’re using Cory to lure me in.
Taz
He heard them say my name.
Erik
That’s so messed up.
Taz
I know. I have to find the building he’s in.
Erik
Taz, it’s dark…and you’re miles away from campus.
Erik
Completely on your own.
Erik
Those men who work for Dr. Rex…they’re dangerous.
Taz
I can’t let another person get hurt because of me.
Erik
What do you mean, another person?
Erik
Are you talking about your sister?
Erik
Jaz didn’t die because of you, Taz.
Erik
Her death was…random.
Taz
So is this entanglement with Cory and me.
Taz
He didn’t ask for this.
Taz
Well, you didn’t ask for this either.
Taz
And yet you’re stuck helping me in the middle of the night. Again.
Erik
Taz, when are you going to realize?
Erik
I do this because I want to.
Erik
Because I care about you.
Erik
You’re important, okay?
Erik
And I just want you to be safe.
Taz
I have to save him, Erik.
Taz
But he’s trapped in a building, somewhere in these woods.
Taz
What if by the time I find him…it’s too late?
Erik
Well, you’re not going to believe what I found online.
Erik
There was a CIA facility there. In the ‘90s.
Erik
They experimented with mind control.
Erik
Dr. Rex is listed as a researcher on the CIA’s project!
Taz
Unbelievable. Is there anything he’s not involved in?
Taz
What else does it say?
Erik
It looks like they were trying to manipulate Dark Matter for mind control.
Erik
And they experimented…on humans.
Taz
This sounds like a conspiracy theory.
Erik
I know…but it’s all true.
Erik
The program was shut down after the Cold War ended.
Erik
But obviously, Rex is still using their facility to continue his own research.
Taz
So…what? He wants to do experiments on me?
Erik
Taz, he already did.
Erik
I think somehow, he used something, to link your brain to Cory’s.
Taz
It’s called quantum entanglement.
Taz
S.A.M. told me that’s how Cory and I are connected…
Taz
But he didn’t know who caused the entanglement.
Taz
I should’ve guessed it was Rex.
Taz
Is the building still standing?
Erik
If it is…it’s abandoned.
Taz
Do you have the coordinates?
Taz
If something happens to Cory…
Taz
I know I’ve never met him.
Taz
But he just…understands me. In a way no one else has.
Erik sends a map pin over to Taz.
Erik
That’s the supposed location of the secret facility.
Taz
Thanks, Erik. There’s just one problem—
Taz
How will I know who I’m looking for?
Erik
Well, I narrowed down my search.
Erik
And there are a couple of dudes who I think could be your mysterious Cory.
Erik sends over a couple pictures.
Taz
I don’t think these guys are Cory. They’re all too muscular.
Taz
The guy I saw was tall and slim.
Erik
Okay, I’ll keep looking.
Taz
Thanks, Erik. Really.
Taz turns on her phone’s flashlight and heads into the woods.
It’s pitch-black among the impossibly tall redwood trees.
She finds her way onto a kind of path—
One worn into the earth by hundreds of footsteps.
Suddenly, the footprints stop.
Taz looks up to find an enormous brick wall looming above her.
She opens Snapchat to take a picture to show Erik…
But instead, the Spy Glass filter pops up on screen.
Taz uses it to see through the thick wall—
And sure enough, she sees a building inside.
It looks completely abandoned…
Taz takes a picture and sends it to Erik.
Erik
Woah. That’s gotta be the CIA’s secret facility!
Taz
Yeah…but how do I get inside?
Taz
There’s no way through this brick wall.
Erik
Well, if Rex and Cory are in there…
Erik
There must be a way through.
Taz
Wait…what if I can use my connection with Cory?
Taz
You said the CIA experimented with mind control right?
Erik
Yeah, but according to this, their experiments failed.
Erik
They could never establish a connection between two human minds.
Taz
Until now. Rex has figured it out. Cory and I are proof of that.
Erik
So what’s your point?
Taz
What if this brick wall is a test…of our connection?
Taz
Like, what if there’s a button that opens a door or something…
Taz
But it requires two people — whose minds are connected — to use it?
Erik
I guess that’s possible…
Taz
I need to contact Cory — ask him if he sees any controls near him.
Erik
How are you going to do that? It’s not like you can just text him.
Taz
He’s always been the one to reach out to me.
Taz
And it seems like it’s always when he’s in pain.
Taz
I don’t even think he knows how he’s doing it.
Erik
Let me just call the police. The real police.
Taz
No — don’t. I’m technically trespassing.
Taz
Let me try this on my own first.
Taz
If I get into trouble…
Taz
You can call whoever you want.
Suddenly, Taz hears another SCREAM echoing through her head.
Pain courses through her body.
Cory
They’re torturing me.
Taz
I’m going to get you out of there.
Taz
Slow down your breathing…
Cory
Your heart is pounding in your chest.
Taz
I’ve been running through the woods.
Cory
Dragging you into all of this.
Taz
No. This isn’t your fault.
Taz
I want you to do something for me. Quick.
Taz
What do you see, in the room?
Cory
I’m blindfolded — I can’t see anything.
Taz
What about the chair you’re tied to?
Taz
Is there anything on it?
Taz
Can you reach underneath the seat?
Taz
Feel around. Do you feel anything other than the chair?
Cory
Like some sort of lever.
Cory
What if it’s a trap?
There’s a groaning sound…
And a panel opens in the wall.
Taz
I’m in. I’m coming to get you.
Taz hears footsteps nearby…
She ducks behind a rusty filing cabinet for cover.
The footsteps stop, and a door swings open and closed.
Then suddenly, she feels another punch to her gut.
Harder this time — she gags as she hits the ground.
Screams echo through her head.
Instead, Taz hears him having a conversation.
He’s talking to someone else…
Who seems to be in the room with him.
Cory
I’m done. Let me go.
Cory
And take this blindfold off.
Cory
I’m not helping you anymore.
Silence for a few moments, and then…
Cory
I don’t care about our deal!
Cory
You said you wouldn’t hurt my dad if I helped…
Cory
But I should’ve never listened.
Cory
I said I’m DONE! I won’t help you hurt her anymore.
Tears stream down Taz’s cheeks as she realizes who Cory must be talking to…
Cory
She’s better than you…more powerful than you could ever be.
And then Taz hears Cory SCREAM.
Cory
I’m not nothing. I am…
Cory’s full name flashes through Taz’s mind—
And then Taz slumps to the floor in pain.
The weight of Cory’s betrayal crushes Taz.
Taz
And she’s been working with Rex this whole time.
Taz
He blackmailed her…something with her dad.
Taz
Can you look one more person up for me?
Erik sends over a picture.
Taz
Wow. She’s…beautiful.
Taz
Cory. Corinne Spellman is her real name.
Taz
It flashed through her mind when she was in pain.
Taz
It seemed like she was trying to maintain a grasp on her identity…
Taz
While she was being tortured.
Taz
I don’t get it though.
Taz
I thought I knew Cory.
Taz
Turns out I didn’t know a single thing about him…I mean, her.
Taz is startled by another one of Cory’s screams.
Cory
No, please! Don’t hurt my dad…he’s all I have left.
Cory
I don’t know where Taz is, I swear!
Taz falls backward, slamming into an old metal table covered in empty glass vials.
The vials roll off the table and SMASH onto the floor.
The sound echoes through the building.
Taz hears Cory’s voice in her head, louder now, talking to her.
Cory
They heard you, Taz.
Taz looks up to see Rex’s men running down a hallway toward her.
She turns back to the panel she used to get inside the building, but it’s closed.
Cory
There’s a secret door on the far left corner of the hall you’re in.
Cory
If you run now, you can slip past them.
Cory
Hide in there until we think of another plan.
Taz
Why should I trust you?
Taz
Everything you told me was a lie.
Cory
Not even most of it.
Cory
That was true. One hundred percent true.
Cory
My dad — he’s all I have left.
Cory
I can’t lose him. I won’t.
Cory
They told me…they told me they would kill him if I didn’t do what they said.
Cory
They hooked me up to a machine…
Cory
And connected us…somehow.
Cory
Then, tonight, they faked my capture.
Cory
So you would come rescue me.
Cory
I had no choice Taz. I’m so sorry.
Cory
I wish I could take it all back.
Taz
I felt like we knew each other.
Taz
Do you even go to Stanford?
Cory
I grew up in Palo Alto.
Cory
I never said I wasn’t.
Cory
Why does that matter?
Cory
You never said you were either.
Cory
Listen, I couldn’t tell you about Rex.
Cory
He was torturing me!
Cory
But everything else I told you was true.
Taz wipes the tears from her cheek.
She slides along the back of the wall.
Sure enough, there’s an unmarked door on the far end of the hall.
Taz opens it and slips inside, quietly shutting it behind her.
She takes a minute to catch her breath.
Cory
You wait it out…and when the coast is clear, you sneak out?
Cory
Taz, you don’t owe me anything.
Cory
You need to leave. Save yourself.
Cory
There are people worried about you. Your boyfriend.
Taz
I told you. Erik is not my boyfriend.
Cory
Okay, your friend. Your family.
Taz
Cory…I feel your pain.
Taz
I think that’s what connects us most — our shared pain.
Taz
I hear you whenever you’re hurting…
Taz
Because — I’m hurting, too.
Taz
I lost my sister. And you lost your mom.
Taz
We both lost someone we deeply love.
Taz
So…I get why you’re afraid of losing your dad.
Taz
No. I’m going to find you.
Taz
And we’re going to get out of here.
Taz runs down the corridors of the building.
She opens Snapchat and finds the Astute Arrow filter.
It guides her up a narrow set of stairs, and down a long, dark hallway.
Taz runs past abandoned laboratories, streaked with something that looks like…
And then finally, she reaches a door.
This time, it’s outside her head.
Taz throws her weight against the door and enters.
There, strapped to a chair, is Cory.
Her blindfold has slipped down her face.
She’s tall, with brilliant green eyes, smooth dark chocolate skin, and curly brown hair, cut short.
A device is strapped to her head and arms.
She’s weak, completely sapped of her energy.
But she manages to shake her head.
The door swings shut behind Taz.
Taz
You have me now, Rex.
Taz
Isn’t that what you wanted?
Rex
Always so caring, Ms. Singh.
Rex
Putting others before yourself.
Rex
But we don’t just want you anymore.
Rex
We want her too — because Ms. Spellman also has the Touch.
Rex
Though she’ll never be as powerful as you.
Taz
But what if I cooperate?
Taz
I will, if you let her go.
Rex
It’s not that simple.
Rex
You’re bound together.
Taz
I know. Quantum entanglement.
Taz
You figured out how to do this to us.
Taz
And it worked because we both have the Touch.
Rex
Very good. Back in the 90s, the CIA wanted to create an army of those with the Touch.
Rex
The ultimate spies — who could communicate with each other just through their thoughts.
Rex
But the CIA shut down my program. My research.
Rex
They said it was too dangerous. A short-sighted decision.
Rex
But I’ve been able to carry out the experiments on my own terms.
Rex
And as you can see, I’ve been very successful. Thanks to you.
Rex
This device your friend Corinne is attached to is able to feed off both your powers.
Rex
It isolates the Dark Matter emanating around you—
Rex
And creates a connection.
Rex
And my plan to use Ms. Spellman to lure you to me worked brilliantly.
Rex
She is quite convincing, isn’t she?
Taz looks at Cory and sees a tear run down her cheek.
Rex motions with the gun.
Taz slides down onto the floor beside the chair — next to Cory.
Rex
Now, I have some data to collect regarding the device’s effect on Ms. Spellman here.
Rex
And when I’m done, I’ll tell you about my plans for you two.
As Rex adjusts the wires attached to Cory, Taz reaches for her phone.
She manages to type the word “help” to Erik…
But then Rex snatches the phone from her.
Rex
Youth. So dependent on their phones.
Rex
Without this, your powers are useless.
Rex crushes the phone under his heel.
Taz winces and a blaze of fear ignites in her veins.
Did her text to Erik go through?
She turns to Cory, who looks even more drained.
Rex
It hurts you, doesn’t it?
Rex
The rules of the entanglement are truly fascinating.
Rex
For so long I couldn’t understand why my attempts at entanglement kept failing.
Rex
But finding both you and Ms. Spellman was quite the stroke of luck.
Rex
You see — you both are in pain. Always.
Rex
The grief from losing your loved ones…it eats away at you.
Rex
It’s that pain that allows you to communicate your thoughts to one another.
Rex begins to fiddle with the device again.
She thinks of her most painful memory…
The night of the car crash with her twin sister, Jaz…
And then, she focuses on Cory.
Cory looks up at her, and Taz puts a finger to her lips.
They speak in their heads.
Taz
I think I know how to get us out of this.
Taz
We both have to think about it…the pain.
Taz
Losing your mom. Losing Jaz.
Taz
Our pain…it makes our entanglement special. Stronger.
Taz
We can turn those emotions on Rex.
Taz
I think that, if we tap into the power of our pain…our connection…
Taz
And touch each other, while you’re still hooked up to the machine…
Cory looks down at their entwined fingers, then back up into Taz’s eyes.
Another kind of electricity runs through Taz.
The two share an unspoken bond.
And Taz knows Cory understands the plan.
Taz closes her eyes and concentrates on the pain…
The energy causes the machine’s power to surge—
And then suddenly, the device EXPLODES.
Rex is thrown backward, bangs his head against the wall and slumps to the floor, unconscious.
She grabs her phone off the floor.
The screen is smashed, but she can just make out a text from Erik.
She unhooks Cory from the machine.
Free from the restraints, Cory regains some of her strength — enough to pull herself up.
Cory pulls the lever under her chair, just as Taz grabs her.
Where cops have quarantined Rex’s men in their cars.
Others stand at the ready, guns aimed at the entrance to the building.
Ambulances, and even a fire truck, sit waiting.
Taz puts her hands up in the air.
Cops pour into the building and disappear for a few long, anxious minutes…
Before Rex is finally led out — in handcuffs.
Taz sits in class, taking her test, when suddenly…
Taz
Ouch! What are you doing?
Cory
I’m at the gym. Lifting weights.
Cory
Guess you’re not a gym rat then?
Taz
Ouch! Seriously, can you wait half an hour?
Taz
I need to finish this test.
Cory
I guess this entanglement is here to stay, huh?
Taz
Seems that way, unless…
Taz
What are you doing during lunch?
Taz and Cory walk through campus together.
They’re tired, but no worse for the wear.
Cory
You sure this will work?
Taz
But it’s worth a shot.
Taz
Although I’ll miss us being entangled.
Taz
It was nice having someone like you to talk to.
Cory
We can still talk to each other, in real life.
Cory
If you ever want to see me again, that is.
Cory
I understand…if you don’t.
Taz
It wasn’t your fault.
Cory
I called him. He’s fine, thank God.
Cory
And thankfully, Rex is in jail.
Taz
Yeah, but you heard what he said.
Taz
His work…it has roots to the CIA.
Taz
He might be able to talk his way out.
Cory
I have to admit, I don’t understand any of this.
Taz
I’m about to make that a lot easier for you…
Cory
Okay, well…thank you, Taz.
Cory
And thank Erik, too.
Cory
If he hadn’t called for help…
Taz
Yeah, Erik is…amazing.
Taz and Cory enter the empty field.
Taz opens Snapchat and looks through her Spy Glass.
She shows Cory the hidden trap door through her phone’s smashed screen, and opens it…
Revealing a set of stairs.
Taz smiles and grabs Cory’s hand, leading her down the stairs.
They enter an old, abandoned lab together.
S.A.M.
INTRUDER ALERT, INTRUDER ALERT, INTRUDER ALERT—
Taz
Relax S.A.M., it’s just me.
S.A.M.
It certainly is not. Someone is with you.
S.A.M.
She almost got you killed.
S.A.M.
That does not seem like much of a friend to me, Tasneem.
Taz
That’s my real name, Corinne.
Taz
Cory, this is S.A.M. a Sentient A.I. Mainframe.
Taz
She has the Touch too.
Taz
Now will you let us in?
Taz
Come on, S.A.M. I trust her.
Cory
Please? I want to help.
Cory
I may not be able to do everything Taz can…
Cory
But whatever I can do to help her…I will.
Cory
And if Rex wanted my powers…I must be of some use to you, too.
S.A.M. lets out a noise that sounds like a sigh.
And opens the doors to the lab.
Where everything’s shiny and new.
S.A.M.
Tasneem, I have a new phone ready for you after last night’s incident. You will find it on the table in the corner.
S.A.M.
Please try to be more careful with your phone from now on.
Taz runs inside and grabs her new phone.
Then she turns back to Cory, who’s looking around in awe.
Taz
Welcome to the PSI Lab.
Cory
This has been on campus…
Taz
Yup. This whole time.
Taz
A particle accelerator.
S.A.M.
This bit is quite annoying, Tasneem.
S.A.M.
Finishing each other’s sentences.
Taz
Well, that’s why we’re here.
Taz
We can still hear each other’s thoughts.
S.A.M.
Yes. I see you are still connected, in every fiber of your being.
S.A.M.
Thankfully, yes. I believe I can.
A machine in the corner lights up.
A large antenna with a control panel attached to the base is hooked up to the accelerator.
S.A.M.
Using advanced sensors, this device will separate you at the molecular level.
S.A.M.
You will not hear each other anymore.
S.A.M.
Please. Corrinne, Tasneem — put on these cranial devices.
They each slip a silver helmet onto their heads.
Wires drape down to the floor, where they connect to a machine with a large touchscreen.
S.A.M.
Thank you. And now, place your hands on the touchscreen for identity verification.
Both girls place their hands on the device.
And Cory blushes and looks away.
S.A.M.
Scan complete. You may remove your hands.
S.A.M.
Now, I will power up the machine.
S.A.M.
For this to work, I need you to think about one another.
S.A.M.
The emotion that binds you together.
S.A.M.
That will help isolate the brainwaves between you.
Taz closes her eyes and digs deep into her consciousness…
Where she and Cory are attached.
She feels Cory reliving painful memories…
Her alienation as she pushed her friends away.
Then, she hears Cory’s voice echo in her mind.
Cory
How do we know if it’s working?
Taz
I feel your pain. It’s intense.
Cory
This…is why I blocked other people out.
Cory
And I didn’t want to cause them pain.
Cory
But you…you have the same pain.
Cory
I don’t feel like a burden to you.
Cory
Taz, I know it’s only been, like, less than a day.
Cory
But…I’m going to miss hearing your voice in my head.
Cory
You know, Taz…if you weren’t straight…
Cory
I’d totally be into you.
Taz blushes, taken aback.
Cory
But it’s okay. I know you thought I was a dude or whatever.
Cory
And I get that you don’t swing that way.
Taz
No. That’s the thing—
Taz breathes deeply…and pushes her feelings of attraction toward Cory.
Taz
I never really thought about it before now, but that feeling…
Taz
And I do like guys…but…
Taz
I’ve never felt this way about anyone before.
Taz
But he’s really just my friend. I mean it.
Taz
He doesn’t make me feel like this.
Taz
Like somehow, you just get me.
Cory moves in and kisses her.
Taz stays stock-still, shocked, but then slowly…
She wraps her arms around Cory and kisses her back.
Cory runs her hands through Taz’s hair, and Taz shivers.
Taz and Cory break apart.
The machine pulses red, and then powers off.
S.A.M.
The procedure is complete.
S.A.M.
You are no longer entangled.
Taz
But, I thought the bond was supposed to be broken with pain.
S.A.M.
It seems, somehow, that your shackles were broken by another, stronger emotion.
S.A.M.
And I do not think I need to tell you what that emotion is.
Taz
It’s done. We’re…separated.
Erik
That must be a relief.
Taz
Her voice. Her presence.
Erik
But it must have been weird, right?
Erik
Well, remember when you thought Cory was a guy for a minute there?
Erik
You seemed like, into him.
Erik
And then it turns out Cory is…a her.
Taz
That’s the thing, Erik.
Taz
I’m still…I’m still kinda into her.
Erik
What are you saying?
Taz
I’m attracted to her. I’m—
Taz
I don’t know if I want to put a label on it.
Taz
But I…I like her, Erik.
Erik
I know it’s hard to realize something about yourself like that.
Erik
And you know I’ll always support you. One-hundred percent.
Erik
Taz, I just need to say it.
Erik
I didn’t want to do this over a text, but…
Taz feels her stomach drop.
Erik
And not just as a friend.
Erik
Though you are. My best friend.
Erik
But I’m…in love with you.
Erik
I have been for a while now.
Erik
I know you don’t feel the same way.
Taz
Of course I love you, but I just…I see you differently.
Taz
And I can’t do this to you. Lead you on.
Erik
Couldn’t we just…try?
Taz
I think I need to try this, first.
Taz
She might not even want me now…
Taz
Maybe we only felt a spark between us, because we were entangled…
Taz
I owe it to myself to explore this.
Taz
Otherwise, I’ll always wonder.
Erik
And again, I support you.
Erik
And you’ll always be my best friend. No matter what.
Erik
But I just…need some time.
Erik
I don’t think you realize how much this hurts.
Erik
Just…let me deal with this my own way.
Erik
I’ll text you later.
Taz slumps down on a bench.
She puts her head in her hands.
Then, her phone starts to buzz.
Taz
How’d you get my number?
Cory
S.A.M. slipped it to me on the way out.
Cory
Funny, he doesn’t have a face, but I swear I could feel his smug grin.
Taz
But weird, I was just thinking about you.
Cory
It feels different, not having you in my head.
Cory
Hey, I hope this isn’t too forward, but…
Cory
Yes what? You didn’t let me finish my thought!
Taz
I know what you were going to say.
Taz
And the answer, is yes.
Cory
Talk to you tonight then, in real life?
