[INT. CHARLES'S OFFICE]

[The recorder slowly buzzes to life.]

[White, buzzing noise drones on in the distance. CHARLES and ARGO are in the middle of a heated argument. Their voices echo in the office. No context is given yet about the occurance.]

CHARLES

Can you stop being so naive?

ARGO

You say that like you have the right to call me naive.

CHARLES

I do. You know nothing--

ARGO

(cutting off CHARLES)

--I know what needs to be done in the name of science.

CHARLES

(raising voice)

What needs to be done is that we are less reckless! We need to conserve our funds and not treat our sponsors with such outbursts! Your attitude! I am just as passionate about our pursuit of knowledge--if not more!

ARGO

(matching CHARLES's tone)

How can you claim to be more involved in our cause if you’re not willing to take the risks involved?

CHARLES

I have taken risks, Argo. I’ve taken risks every step of the way in creating Altera ever since before you even arrived.

[Deafening silence floods the room. The only noise to be heard is their heavy breathing.]

CHARLES

(firmly)

You have no right being my second in command. Not after you’ve disrespected me and the work I’ve done to keep the labs out of trouble. Not after you’ve endangered our ability to continue our work.

ARGO

Charles--

CHARLES

(interrupting, now raising voice again)

It is Mr. Watcher. I’m tired of tolerating your childish outbursts and your inability to upkeep your responsibilities outside of research. I’ve let you keep your position despite how often we’ve had to discuss this. I let you keep power despite how many times you’ve crossed the line. But I’m stepping in now, and I refuse to let you keep a position that lets you manage our researchers and materials when you clearly can’t set priorities outside of your own. (His passionate rant dies down.) You will be assigned to a research group in D-1.

ARGO

You can’t be serious.

CHARLES

You are irresponsible, Revere. There is a point where these mishaps will become too much. I’d rather stop you before a catastrophe happens than wait to find out if you will tear our laboratories apart.

ARGO

(yelling)

I created this department! I discovered the dimensions that are the lifeblood of this laboratory! Why should I not have power over it? And all of the researchers! What will they say?

CHARLES

(authoritative, flat)

The formal announcement of your demotion will go out by the end of the week. I will find a replacement by then. Finish your business as department head in the meantime.

ARGO

Can we talk about this?

CHARLES

We have. Constantly. I refuse to discuss this further.

[CHARLES pauses for just a second.]

CHARLES

You’re lucky I’ve even given you these next few days to conclude your work.

[Tense silence floods the room once more.]

ARGO

(reluctant, almost growling)

I see. 

[The door creaks open.]

ARGO

You’re a coward, Charles. You're making a massive mistake.

[ARGO's footsteps can be heard as he walks out, slamming the door behind him. CHARLES sighs.]

[The recorder abruptly zaps off.]