Okay, another ‘shut up and play your guitar” posting.
I originally submitted two scripts to the 2016 
One Page Screenplay competition in LA. The first one — “Bargain” won the contest! This other one “Diaspora” placed.
Definitely sci fi… and it suggests an unusual aspect of future First Contact… that might resonate uncomfortably with our past… And it’d make a great short-flick!
And yeah, blogger won’t take Final Cut script formatting. So sue me. Or else… enjoy!
(Oh and I’ll get back to posting serious stuff… like the ongoing insipid ‘discussions’ of AI… soon enough.)
=====
DIASPORA
by
David Brin
INT. TAXI CAB – EVENING
WOMAN SCIENTIST
The Waldorf, please.
The African DRIVER speaks with an accent as he pulls away from the curb and into traffic.
DRIVER
Okay then! Be you one of the Radio Astronomers at the big meeting?
SCIENTIST
Yeah, well, it’s been hectic. Dodging the press and all.
DRIVER
Yes. I have been waiting at the Convention Center,
hoping to give one of you a ride!
You have been discussing the Out There Message?
SCIENTIST (sighs)
What else? Finally, contact with—
Look, if you’re a sci-fi fan–
DRIVER
You are among those writing a reply
to the Out There People’s message?
SCIENTIST
Yes. Though it’s a worldwide discussion.
How to represent all cultures, peoples and values. . .
According to the SETI Protocol,
we’ll delay answering till–
DRIVER
What is to stop someone–not an astronomer–
from beaming to them?
SCIENTIST
It will take equipment of some power. Also, the exact coordinates–
DRIVER
So you are keeping them secret? Just for yourselves?
SCIENTIST
Only till our first, joint greeting can be. . .
Look, if you don’t mind, I’d rather-–
DRIVER
My people–the Mobinko Tribe–want you to
include something in the message.
We are an ancient nation, distinct from all others.
SCIENTIST
Great! We aim to represent the full range of humanity.
Just go to the World Message website. Fill out the form.
We hope to blend millions of suggested–
Driver pulls taxi to the curb.
DRIVER
No blending.
SCIENTIST
Hey! This is still two blocks from my hotel-–
The Driver lowers the barrier and pushes a piece of paper at her.
DRIVER
Our message must be exactly as written here.
Scientist reads the note aloud.
SCIENTIST
Come rescue the Mobinko Klaka Tuva lost colony,
stranded on primitive planet for 3,321 years.
(a beat)
Oh come on. You can’t seriously expect me to–
Driver blows sparkling dust at her and she blinks rapidly as his eyes gleam unnaturally.
Then she nods in silent acceptance, handing the Driver a twenty.
As she leaves the cab, he adds:
DRIVER
We are not “humanity.”
And we are going home.
THE END