ROBIN: Well, all right. When do you want to meet?\nVOX: I'm on campus now. I'll be there in about fifteen minutes. Just hang tight, Robin. And don't worry. This is going to work out all right.\nROBIN: I don't know what you mean.\nVOX: I know. I'll be there soon. Stay there, and lock your door. I don't know who else might be out here.\nROBIN: What?\nVOX: When I get there, ask me for the password. It's "swordfish." Bye.\n-Line goes dead-\nROBIN: Hello? \n-Hangs up. Nervous.\n-TITLE: 15 Minutes Later-\n-ROBIN is nervously waiting. Drinks coffee, looks at watch. Picks up a paperweight.\n-TITLE: Another 15 minutes later-\n-ROBIN is more nervous. Then a knock on the door. \nROBIN: Hello? Who is it?\nVOX2: It's me! Hurry up, open the door, Robin!\nROBIN: Wait. What's the password?\nVOX2: There's no time! Let me in.\nROBIN: Not until you tell me the password.\nVOX2: Look, I'm bleeding here, they got me, they're coming. If you don't let me in, it'll be on your head. Now let me in. To hell with the password. I can't remember it now. What are you, nuts? THEY'RE COMING FOR US!\n[[Open the door|4 Vox2 Enters]]\n[[Don't open the door|4 don't let vox2 in]]

TOBIAS: I mean, no offense, but I don't even know your name or what you really want. I hear what you're saying, but I have no idea if you're someone I really ought to trust. I don't want anyone to get hurt. I don't even know Robin, I've got nothing against him. Where do you even come from?\nVOX: I know, I knew it might be hard to convince you. And anyway I can't force you to help, to believe me. My name is Carlo Raeburn. I work for someone you've probably never heard of, the scientist Arlette Nico. I'm here from Italy, but not from your time. \nTOBIAS: From the future? You built a time machine?\nVOX: Dr. Nico did build a time machine, back in 1941. That's where I'm from too. I'm a researcher. She sent me into the future to find someone in the future who could help prevent what you call World War II. She's part of the resistance.\nTOBIAS: And you wanted Robin to help you out?\nVOX: No, I'm sorry, professor, that was nothing but a subterfuge. We need you specifically.\nTOBIAS: If you mean you want me to help you, I don't know what I could do. I'm just a teacher.\nVOX: (Smiles) In the future you're known as more than just a teacher. Just like Bach was mostly known as an organist, just like Blake was mostly known as an artist, during their lifetimes, you'll be remembered for your writing. Especially an essay published in 2021.... "What". . . . . .\nTOBIAS: Have you forgotten?\nRAEBURN: No, professor. Not at all! But look at it this way: we know already that you'll get it right. And in your essay, you take something that happened in THIS YEAR, YESTERDAY, as your point of departure. I hope you're taking notes...!\nTOBIAS: I won't forget any of this. \nRAEBURN: We didn't want to contact you until that catalytic event happened to you. So, just to check, sir, today WAS a rather unusual day, was it not? Not that today is much more typical for you...\nTOBIAS: My world was turned upside down yesterday. It's got me thinking. Even now, it's still on my mind.\nRAEBURN: Good, good. Don't stop worrying away at it, please, and write about it. Even if you decide not to help me today.\nTOBIAS: Yeah, about that. I think you've got my attention now. \nRAEBURN: You mean...?\nTOBIAS: (With fate in his face) Lead on, Raeburn, before I change my mind. \nRAEBURN: (reaction shot: Relief, elation) Just a second, then. (Fiddles with a device) There we go. (motions) Right this way. \nThey lead through a magical door into the past, to smite Mussolini.\nTITLE: You may not realize this, but the twentieth century history you know used to be quite different, more devastating, and Italian would have been the common tongue of all of Europe, if not for the events captured for history in this footage. And now you know... the REST of the story!\nGood day!\nTHE END\nLINK: Credits

TOBIAS: Did you call me Robin?!\nVOX: Why, yes, of course.\nTOBIAS: I'm sorry, you must have the wrong number. My name is Tobias Smollet. I'm a teacher of literature.\nVOX: What? Are you serious?\nTOBIAS: Honestly, I'm sorry, it's some mistake, I don't know anyone named Robin. \nVOX: Is this 555-2048, Extension 3132?\nTOBIAS: Yes, it is, but I'm not Robin. \nVOX: -confusion-\nTOBIAS: I'm new here, probably this is Robin's old number. \nVOX: Well, then, I'm very sorry to have bothered you.\nTOBIAS: That's all right, I hope you find your friend again.\nVOX: My friend? Oh yes, thanks, me too. Good bye.\n-TOBIAS hangs up the phone, puzzles, and then gets back to work. \n\n[[Decide to check with the office and ask about someone named Robin| 3 ask office]]\n[[Shrug your shoulders and just get back to your work|3 wrong number END]]

Tough Call

ROBIN: How do you know me?\nVOX: Never mind that now. Look, there's something I have to tell you in person. And something I need to give you.\nROBIN: You want to meet with me ... in person?\nVOX: Yes. Please.\nROBIN: I don't know...\nVOX: It's important, Robin. Trust me.\nROBIN: Why should I trust you? I don't even know who you are! You're just this voice on the phone.\nVOX: ... It would be better for you to meet with me.\nROBIN: Is that a threat? \nVOX: No, no, not a threat. I'm trying to help you.\nROBIN: Oh I'm sure. You just want to help me, there's nothing in it for you, is there?\nVOX: It's vital for both of us, Robin. Just stay put, I'll come to you.\nROBIN: What? You mean, you're coming here?! No, don't do that!\nVOX: You'd rather meet in some public place, perhaps?\nROBIN: No, it's just that I don't trust you. \nVOX: I promise you, this is something that has to happen.\nROBIN: Or what?\nVOX: Or you won't ever win the game!\n\n[[Agree to meet with this person.|3 agree to meet]]\n[[Refuse to meet this person.|3 refuse to meet]]

ROBIN: Did you call me Robin?!\nVOX: Why, yes, of course.\nROBIN: I'm sorry, you must have the wrong number. My name is Tobias Smollet. I'm a teacher of literature.\nVOX: What? Are you serious?\nROBIN: Honestly, I'm sorry, there must be some mistake, I don't even know anyone named Robin. \nVOX: Is this 555-2048, Extension 3132?\nROBIN: Yes, it is, but I'm not Robin. \nVOX: -confusion-\nROBIN: I'm new here, probably this is Robin's old number. \nVOX: Well, then, I'm very sorry to have bothered you.\nROBIN: That's all right, I hope you find your friend again.\nVOX: My friend? Oh yes, thanks, me too. Good bye.\n-ROBIN hangs up the phone, relieved, and then gets back to work. -\nROBIN gets back to work. We see him actually scrolling through Tumblr. A knock sounds at the door.\nROBIN: Uh, hello?\nVOX: Hello? Professor Smollet? I'm your student. Could I ask you to sign my form?\n-ROBIN knows that this must be the caller because he made the name Smollett up as a lie-\nROBIN: Uh...just a minute, please. \n-ROBIN picks up phone and dials an extension-\nROBIN: (Softly) Hi, Molly? Yeah, this is Robin. Listen, there's some stranger who keeps calling me, and now he's here at my study door, Room 213. I think he's maybe dangerous. Can you please call campus security or the police or something, and hurry up? This is really kind of...\n-The door bursts open. A bearded stranger is there, frowning. ROBIN drops the phone and backs away. The stranger angrily approaches.\nSTRANGER: I knew that was you, Robin. I know your voice too well. \nROBIN: What do you want? I didn't do anything wrong!\nSTRANGER: Yeah, whatever. Like I said, I want to tell you something...and give you something. \nROBIN: You look familiar.\nSTRANGER: No kidding. Look, you're in trouble. Here, take this.\n-Gives ROBIN a futuristic gun-\nROBIN: What is this, a toy?\nSTRANGER: I forgot you asked me that. No, not a toy. And it doesn't shoot to kill, don't worry, it just slows people down. Don't be afraid to use it. You've already got enough on your conscience. Just do one thing for me, OK?\nROBIN: What's that?\nSTRANGER: Stay alive...so you can finish your book.\nROBIN: My book? I've never finished a whole book before.\nSTRANGER: Tough Call is the first in a long line of novels, Robin. Go for it. You can do it. But only if you survive today. \nROBIN: What the hell do you mean? Who are you?\nSTRANGER: ...I'm your grandson. I'm from the future. \nROBIN: What??\nSTRANGER: Just don't give up on your book. Be brave and speak out about what you feel. People will respect you for it. And me...Well, I definitely will owe you a favor. The one I'm doing you now, so get out of here, take your work with you, and stay out of sight for the next week. After seven days, by next...next Friday, the coast will be clear and you won't have anything to worry about for a while. \nROBIN: This doesn't make any sense.\nSTRANGER: Sorry, grampa, it will later on. Keep your nose clean, okay, and just live. Live, and write.\nROBIN: Where are you going? \nSTRANGER: I've gotta go back to where I came from. This was my last shot.\nROBIN: Dammit, who are you?\nSTRANGER: I was named Tobias. I'll see you later, Grampa. Good luck.\nThe end.

TOBIAS: (Moving shit off the chair) Won't you sit down?\nSTAVOS: Thank you.\nTOBIAS: This is so disconcerting. Tea? (STAVOS takes some) Let me tell you, sir, something really unsettling happened to me yesterday, totally unlike the rest of my life. I found something, I learned something completely unexpected. I don't think I'm ready to talk about it. Maybe one day I'll write about it. I'm afraid I'll have to, this is too important to keep it to myself.\nSTAVOS: I'm pretty sure you'll write about it, sir, something that will make the world sit up and take notice. It certainly changed things for a lot of people.\nTOBIAS: Sounds like you know all about it already. (STAVOS nods) Very well, sir, tell me who you are, please, and give me just one token of information that will convince me you know what I learned, if you can.\nSTAVOS: I'm Misha Stavos, sir, I'm a professor like you. And I'm ready with my one word.\nTOBIAS: .... (still distrustful) Go ahead, please.\nSTAVOS: Eulalie. (Reaction shot: Astounded eyes) \nTOBIAS: Are you a spy?\nSTAVOS: Not at all. I'm a bookworm. I've run through three copies of your book about this; it was required reading as an undergraduate. But now I know what to do with all this. \nTOBIAS: Go on.\nSTAVOS: Dr Smollett, you and I have the technology and the understanding, the insight, to take action and save millions of lives. Including some of the people closest to you. I'll tell you all about it, but first, is that something that you'd want to do, if I could convince you it's real?\nTOBIAS: You know about Eulalie. I'm half convinced already. Do you have time?\nSTAVOS: In a way, yes. I'm not a magical master of time, but I can take us to any time I choose, when we're ready, so there's no immediate hurry, as long as we don't wait till we're too old to take action.\nTOBIAS: Let me take you to the campus cafe. It's at the disposal of anyone here who's enthusiastic to learn a second language, so naturally it's usually deserted. Tell me more and help me prepare. Then take me back. \nSTAVOS: (relieved) Thank you, professor. But before we go back to 1941 (reaction shot) we have to go forward for a bit. And there, we'll have to lay low. Not because of danger per se, though there might be some, but because we can't risk time paradoxes. We don't want to cause a sound of thunder.\nBOTH: Bradbury. (shared grin)\nTOBIAS: I'm coming with you. But first, come with me. Anything I need to take with me from here?\nSTAVOS: Yeah, your hat. Great, let's go.\nTITLE: Stay tuned next week for the next thrilling installment of TOUGH CALL. This is Saul Bennett for the Columbian Network.\nTHE END\nCREDITS link

-TOBIAS shrugs and gets back to work. He is typing Peregrin Pickle.- Then a knock comes on the door. \nTOBIAS: Hello?\n-DOOR bursts open. It is a STRANGER. The STRANGER sees TOBIAS and is perplexed.-\nSTRANGER: Uh, hello, sorry, I guess I really did have the wrong number. \nTOBIAS: Were you the person who called me on the phone?\nSTRANGER: Yeah, geez, I'm sorry, I thought it was my friend...just ... playing a trick on me.\nTOBIAS: No, sorry, I don't think we've ever met before. (hiding suspicion) So what's your name?\nSTRANGER: It doesn't matter. I'm sorry to have wasted your time. I'll have to try to find my friend again later. I'm sorry for just opening your door like that. \nTOBIAS: Never mind, always nice to have a visitor.\nSTRANGER: Do you want to visit?\nTOBIAS: Good bye.\nSTRANGER: OK. Bye.\nTOBIAS: Bye then.\nSTRANGER: ... good luck with your book. Just...don't give up on it, all right? See you later.\n-door closes-\nTOBIAS is baffled, looks at his story, and shrugs.\nTOBIAS: Well, all right then, I'll keep at it. \n-fade out-\n-title card: Earlier that day, Professor Smollet had been almost ready to give up on the novel he was working on. After this mysterious visit, Smollet's book was finished six months later and it was a big success. After that, his life was never the same again. Later, in interviews, he would tell reporters of this unusual visitor, saying that this was the day he had resolved to finish his novel. Agent Perrin's work for the Retrograde Squad had been completed successfully. \n\nTHE END

-In office. Desk phone rings. ROBIN picks it up.-\nROBIN: Hello?\nVOX: Oh, it worked! I wasn't sure if I'd hear your voice or not. \nROBIN: Who is this?\nVOX: I'm someone you know. Someone you know well...but not well enough...yet! \nROBIN: What do you mean? Who are you?\nVOX: Oh, I'm not ready to tell you who I am, but I'll let you know soon. I've been waiting for years to make this call, Robin.\n-ROBIN is confused.-\n\n[[You are not Robin. |2 wrong number true]]\n[[Pretend you are not Robin. |2 wrong number lying]]\n[[Ask for more information.|2 more info]]\n

ROBIN: Look, I'm sorry, but I'm not letting you in unless you tell me the password, just like we worked out. \nVOX2: FINE. Just a second, let me think. (silence, ROBIN listens) He's here! Open the goddamned door!!\nROBIN: Shit. (not sure what to do. Sounds of a fight, with reaction shots. Sound of body falling.\nVOX2: Goddammit Robin...\n(Sound of footsteps running away)\nOutside Voice: Oh my god, are you okay? .... Call 911! This guy's hurt! Hang on sir, I'm calling an ambulance. You'll be okay.\nVOX2: (just outside door) No, no doctors!\n(ROBIN is very distressed. Soon the sound of sirens can be heard)\nVOX2: No...no doctors, Just make sure Dr Fentriss gets this, will you? He's right in here...\nOUTSIDE VOICE: Sure, of course. Don't wear yourself out, sir. What's your name?\nVOX2: It doesn't matter...\nOUTSIDE VOICE: You're gonna be all right, try to breathe deep, are you dizzy? Here we go...(Sound of moving away)\n(ROBIN is scared but quietly unlocks his door, listens, slowly opens the door. Nobody.)\nROBIN: What in the world?\n(Opens door wider. VOX2 is behind the doorway, with an iPad playing a siren sound. He presses pause and the sound stops.)\nVOX2: ("outside voice") I think he's going to make it, doctor. Thank God you got here so fast in your ambulance. (Puts the iPad away. He has a futuristic gun) I hope nobody'll take my stuff while I'm busy taking care of business. Get in there, Robin. Hands up. Move it.\n(ROBIN is disgusted with self, but raises hands and moves into the office. VOX2 follows, closes door. Pause)\nVOICE OF ROBIN: What is that? It looks like a toy gun.\nVOICE OF VOX2: Not exactly. But it's no gun. I'm taking you back with me.\nV of ROBIN: Back where?\nV of VOX2: Back to my time.\nV of ROBIN: No, wait! (SFX: Weird electronic sound. Silence. Tilt down to a manila envelope by door: Dr FENTRISS. Approaching footsteps. )\nV of TARKIN: It sounded like it was coming from here. Look, there's an envelope for Dr. Fentriss. \nV of CIBBER: Yes... (Hand picks up the envelope) It's heavy. But is Robin here? (Knocks) Dr. Fentriss? Robin? are you OK? ... (repeats; then opens door, which is unlocked. The room is empty.) Well, I don't know, there's nobody here, they must have gone away by now. \nV of TARKIN: It sounded like a fight. I don't seen any blood.\nV of CIBBER: The office is a mess! \nV of TARKIN: It always looks like this. Well, just leave the envelope here, he can get it later on. (hand throws envelope on top of a stack of paper on the printer. Turns off lights, both leave. Focus on the envelope. )\nTITLE: Robin Fentriss was never seen at his university again. Maybe some day we'll know where, or when, he went. \nTHE END

-TOBIAS sits for a moment, and then dials an extension--\nTOBIAS: Hello, good morning. This is Tobias, I wanted to ask about the teacher who used to use my study, Room 213. ... Was their name Robin? Oh...oh, I see. Well, thank you. I was just curious. \n-TOBIAS hangs up, a bit puzzled, then shrugs and gets back to work. There is a thump on the door, the knob turns, and then suddenly VOX bursts into the room and closes the door swiftly but as quietly as possible, leaning against it and panting. He's roughly bearded.-\nTOBIAS: Who are you? Wait a minute... \nVOX: I'm sorry, professor, please keep your voice down. (he looks at TOBIAS, frowning) I realize you aren't who I thought you were, but if I could just stay here for a few minutes, they'll probaby move on soon and I can get out of your hair.\nTOBIAS: What's going on? Are you in trouble? The Robin you were looking for used to work here, but they moved on since.\nVOX: Robin Cavanaugh? (TOBIAS nods) But where'd Robin go to? It's vital that I find out and get there first, before they do.\nTOBIAS: Who are 'they'? Why do you need to find this guy? Are you with the police?\nVOX: (wry smile) Yeah, sort of. I'm not trying to cause trouble, OK? I'm trying to *prevent* trouble. (earnestly) Will you tell me where Robin went?\nTOBIAS: I'm not sure I should. \n[[Help this person]|4 Help this person]]\n[[Refuse to help|4 Refuse to help]] \nStall for time for a while so you can [[make up your mind first|4 make up your mind]]

VOX: Oh, it's vital! Look, I'm not gonna hurt him, I just need his help, some information. Once I get what I need, and it won't be robbery or anything, I promise... I'll get out of here, and you'll never see me again, and neither will Robin. I'm sorry to trouble you, Professor Smollett. My name's Tanner, Rodion Tanner. I'd better get going soon. (Listens at door) I think they've gone on. Hey, can I borrow these things? (costume supplies) I'll give them back soon, I just have to get out of here without been noticed. \nTOBIAS: Geez, okay, I guess so. I was just checking with the office, the assistant says that Robin quit working here a few years ago because he didn't like university life. He moved to Carlton, about 50 miles from here, with his fiance. That's about all I know. I heard he wanted to start writing novels.\nVOX: (writing notes) Yeah, that's what I heard, too. Novels. Right. So what's the best way to get to Carlton, Professor?\nTOBIAS: There's a bus station downtown that could take you there. It's down Route 81 a piece, if you've got a car. \nVOX: (shakes head) Is there any way you could take me?\nTOBIAS: I don't know if I should really get involved, it sounds dangerous. \nVOX: Not for you. But obviously it's up to you. \nTOBIAS: I know basically how to get there, but I haven't been in years. I could get you to the Carlton bus station, how's that? From there there are taxis and stuff. And an Internet cafe, I think, if it's still in business, you could do research there.\nVOX: Are you gonna take me?\nTOBIAS: I don't have any classes today until six PM. I can spare the time. If you can tell me more about what's going on on the way.\nVOX: Thank you. Seriously, thank you. I'll tell you what I can. And I can just leave these things in your car, how's that?\nTOBIAS: Fine. Okay. Ready to go?\nVOX: (listening at door again) I think it's OK. Can you take a look? Put your head out first so it's clearly not me, just in case.\nTOBIAS: What am I getting into here? (Sticks head out door, then goes out) It's clear, nobody else around. \nVOX: Then let's go. (Dons costume and follows ROBIN out)\nTITLE: Professor Smollett got Rodion Tanner safely to Carlton. He never saw Tanner again, or heard of him. But what he heard on the way to town was enough to inspire Professor Smollett to write a new story of his own. It became his first published novel. Later in life, he often wondered what had happened to Rodion, but it remained an unsolved mystery in his life. It was, however, a happy life of creativity and respecting recognition, which might never have happened if Professor Smollett hadn't accepted that tough call. \nTHE END

Gray Manichean

ROBIN: Look, I'm sorry, but I don't know who you are, I've got zero trust here, no confidence in the situation. This is too weird. I'm gonna have to say no. \nVOX: (beat) Okay. I can't really say I blame you. If it were me I'd be weirded out too. But I'm for real. \nROBIN: I'd like to believe you, but it's just so sudden.\nVOX: I'm going to leave something for you to read, Robin. I'll put it in your department mailbox. I'll start getting it ready now and I'll finish as fast as I can. I'll get it there by tomorrow afternoon. No, wait, what am I saying? I can ... Okay, I'll have it in your box by three o'clock today, that should work out all right. Just so this works out all right.\nROBIN: What works out? \nVOX: Just please read what I have for you. Really read it and take it seriously, at least give it a good honest chance. It's important. I'll try to find something that'll convince you I'm telling you the truth.\nROBIN: All right. I'll read what you have, and then we'll see. I have to admit, I'm intrigued. But I just don't want any trouble.\nVOX: I can't guarantee that, but if you believe what I tell you and follow my ... my recommendations, it'll keep you out of the worst of it. It'll work out for the best. \nROBIN: Tell you what, you convince me, and I'll do what I can. How's that?\nVOX: That'll work. I'll tell you all you need to know, don't forget, three o'clock today. \nROBIN: Three O'clock. I've got it. I'm looking forward to it. \nVOX: I think it'll hold your attention. Thanks, Robin, stay safe and don't quit writing. And read carefully! It was good to talk to you.\n-Line goes dead. ROBIN stares at phone, then hangs up-\n-TITLE: 3:10 PM the same afternoon\n-ROBIN is reading. There is an iPad, a photo, some paper. An envelope. ROBIN reads the paper, absorbed and alarmed. The iPad beeps. He watches a video. It is VOX, a bearded version of himself. \nVOX: Robin, it's me, I've just finished printing out the information you needed. You should destroy this video after you watch it. If anyone tries to contact you, ask them for the password. It's REMEDY. Remember it. If anyone doesn't know about the password, they're not connected with me and they might be trying to mess up the future. You'll see what I mean when you read all this. Oh, yeah, and don't miss the photograph in the envelope! OK, delete this file fast, don't share it. Keep yourself alert. I hope you believe me. Fare well. \n-Video ends. ROBIN stares at the screen, then deletes the file. Then he takes up the envelope and dumps it out. He finds a photo of himself as an older person. It's labeled Christmas 2042. \n-TITLE: Remedy. Coming this Christmas from Emblem Productions. Only in theaters.\nTHE END

ROBIN nervously reaches out and opens the door. It bursts open and VOX2 throws it wide, standing in the opening for a second with destructive glee. Then he strides in.\nVOX2: Thank you, Robin. That was a lot easier than I expected.\nROBIN: Well, where are they? (stumbles back against desk, catches self. Hand falls on a pair of scissors in a cup on the desk. During next exchange, hand takes up the scissors in offensive grip)\nVOX2: (swinging door closed) I'm afraid that they got us. (locking bolt) It's a shame, isn't it?\nROBIN: You've had a chance to calm down now. So what's the password?\nVOX2: You know, I never knew it. I'd ask the guy who called you before, if he were still alive to tell you. Unfortunately... (brings hands out from back, holding a weapon--a necktie to use for strangling.) Last I saw him, he was staining this tie. But that's OK, you can hardly tell. \n(ROBIN is frightened, glances back at hands) Hey, come here. I've got a surprise for you, professor. (murmurs in song) Blest be the tie that binds... (slowly puts tie around ROBIN's neck, hands on his shoulders)\nYou've gotta look your best. (starts to wrap around neck, squeeze) You've got a photo shoot today. It's too bad your novel will never be finished. That sure would be something to celebrate.\nROBIN: (bringing scissors up underhand and open to include both the tie and the spot under VOX2's neck) It's too tight for me. Let me loosen it up. (Jabs upward and snaps scissors shut)\nVOX2: (reaction shot: fear and pain) Ahhh! (opens mouth, we see scissor blade inside mouth) Ow, dammit! (kicks feet from under ROBIN, who falls and loses glasses and scissors) OK, on second thought, not as easy as I thought. But that's fine, I came prepared. (stabs ROBIN enough to make him die; stares down at him, then grabs the laptop and drops it into a bag, hand slips with blood on the lock, unbolts door and locks it behind him, taking a scarf to wrap around neck)\nTHE END