Element Null/Fire Intro

ESTABLISHING SHOT: Large foundry complex near a port. It is sunset, smokestacks are shooting flames everywhere.

(Board room. Long table full of men in very nice suits. At the head is Elliot Heaney, who is looking increasingly irritated with his staff.)

EXEC A: Mr. Heaney, production targets can't shift again, our clients already have money on the table.

EXEC B: (looking at EXEC C) Well, what's site B doing to help out? Last I heard, they'd finished their job ahead of schedule.

EXEC C: But it doesn't work that way, my staff have already put in hundreds of hours overtime to get this materials order out before Thanksgiving Day. I can't just call them back and make them work more!

EXEC B: You can, and you have to, that's what being a site manager is about!

EXEC A: Leave the ethical concerns to Mr. Heaney. (looks at ELLIOT) Sir, what were you going to propose?

ELLIOT: It's a holiday. Let the staff go home.

EXEC B: But we'll miss our target!

ELLIOT: Which is exactly why I want to tell our clients what's going on. We give them what we have available now, then pick up the slack later. If they can't make their deadlines, then it's on them.

EXEC C: (frustratedly) Thank you!

EXEC A: What am I supposed to tell the clients?

ELLIOT: I just said I'd handle it, did I not?

EXEC B: We're going to lose another contract, Mr. Heaney.

ELLIOT: Not if these assholes have a single ounce of human compassion in them, we aren't!

EXEC D: (walking into the room, trying to get his attention) E-excuse me, Mr. Heaney?

ELLIOT: (quickly shoots a look at EXEC D) What, Milton?

EXEC D: I've got, uh, a very irate client on hold, sir. You might want to take it in here.

ELLIOT: Fine. Everyone out.

EXEC A: What do you mean, "everyone"?

ELLIOT: (glares at EXEC A as if he is about to scream in his face, but speaks calmly) Do not start with me right now.