Cut to:
INT. APOLLOJIMERSON'S CABIN - AFTERNOON
Wooden cabin occupied the mentor. A mainly barren room with some cream colored curtains over the windows. The metal desk occupies far corner piled with books next to a metal framed bed.
Apollo, a middle-aged man with a dark-colored beard, a series of numbers tattooed on his right wrist, and a scar stretching from the corner of his eye to his jaw, glances over from reading papers at his desk to Ember.
APOLLO
Have a seat. I'll be with you shortly.
EMBER
(Impolite)
I'd prefer to stand.
Apollo glances again to Ember, one eyebrow raised, puts his papers back onto his desk, stands up, and walks over to Ember.
APOLLO
Sorry for the delay. I'm sure Hannah has already introduced me, but I believe I don't know your name?
Apollo flashes a smile and holds out his hand. Ember glances down at his hand. Apollo clears his throat and withdraws the hand, stuffing it into his pockets.
EMBER
(beat)
...Ember.
APOLLO
Well, Ember, it's nice to meet you. I'm sure you are wondering What's going on?
EMBER
I do—that Vibrant girl, Hannah, despite all her talking, never really explained what this place is.
APOLLO
(laughing softly)
Yes, Hannah does tend to be slightly talkative...
EMBER
(scoffing)
That's an understatement.
APOLLO
You'll learn to love her—
(beat)
everyone does eventually.
Ember crosses her arms.
EMBER
So...are you going to answer my question?
APOLLO
(surprised)
This is a refuge for people with powers. I'm sure you know how cruel the world can be towards people like us.
He looks directly at Ember. Ember stares back at him.
APOLLO
So I established this place to help those people. They are welcome to come and go as they please, but people rarely leave.
Ember narrows her eyes.
EMBER
And why is that?
APOLLO
(laughing)
There's no cause for alarm. What I meant was that people who come here generally don't want to leave. Coming here, though, does require that you do your part. This place would not be what it is without people to maintain it.
EMBER
Why have I never heard of this place?
APOLLO
Well, we generally try not to advertise our location to the entire country. But we have scouts that help to bring people in...
EMBER
Wha...
APOLLO
Of their own will. Don't worry, Ember, we don't kidnap anyone.
EMBER
Okay, and what was the deal with the fighting at A.C.O.R.D.'s research facility? Why are you opposed to what they're doing?
APOLLO
Do YOU support what they are doing?
EMBER
Don't redirect the question. I asked you.
APOLLO
(sighing)
To answer directly, yes, we are opposed to what the scientists and doctors are doing at A.C.O.R.D.
EMBER
Why? They are only trying to help us!
APOLLO
Do you really believe that? You witnessed first hand their cruelty, and for what? For the benefit of mankind? It's complete Lies!
APOLLO rolls up his sleeve and shows Ember numbers on his wrist. It reads 146289.
APOLLO
I was there too before I escaped. All we are to them are lab rats. Freaks of nature.
EMBER glances down at her own tattoo. 204863.
APOLLO
Don't believe what they tell you. Our powers are gifts, not a sickness that needs to be cured. This is our mission; to prevent the scientists and governments from taking our powers and to stop the persecution against powered people. We launched that attack because they had taken several of our members. We came to rescue them and coincidently found you too. We are hoping that you will join us.
EMBER
(surprised)
What?
APOLLO
We would like you to join our cause. Your powers are magnificent. They could greatly help us in helping everyone with powers. In fact, I could even help you to control your powers.
EMBER
What makes you think I need help controlling them?
APOLLO
(smirks)
Could be that when we first saw you, you almost burnt a whole building to the ground?
EMBER
(embarrassed)
Look, I appreciate the whole revolutionary theme to your camp, but I don't want to be a part of it. I was fine just the way I was before this all happened, and if you don't mind I would like to return to my normal life.
APOLLO
Were you really fine, though? Living in damp alleys, scrounging for food; an outcast from society? Do you really want to go back to that life?
EMBER
Maybe it wasn't perfect, it's better than getting caught up in all of this but how would you know?... And how did you Know that! Have you been stalking me!
APOLLO
My ability is to read minds
EMBER
What, ok that's interesting
Ember gestures to the camp.
APOLLO
Okay, fine, you don't have to help us, but let me help you control your powers at least.
EMBER
(studying Apollo)
What exactly is your power?
Apollo smirks.
APOLLO (echoing V.O.)
Does this answer your question?
Ember steps back, bewildered.
EMBER
(surprised)
You can control people's minds?
APOLLO
Yes, but only when necessary, though.
EMBER
How do I know that you aren't controlling me or influencing my thoughts?
APOLLO
If I was, you would be oblivious and not asking that question. So what do you say? Will you stay?
Ember looks through the curtains at supers using powers. She looks back to Apollo.
EMBER
Fine, for now.
Apollo SMILES and hands EMBER a Black and Blue outfit.
APOLLO
We start first thing tomorrow then. Wear this, it's fireproof.