Still Wakes The Deep (original script)

A scene that didn’t make it into the final game…

As something of a palette cleanser after all that space stuff, how about some potty mouthed Glaswegian roughnecks chewing the fat?

This is the original canteen scene for SWTD - it was written after the voice recording sessions but before I left TCR. Along with some other scenes that I’ll post shortly, it got rewritten but I’m particularly fond of this one and it’s a shame it didn’t get used.

It’s not just because I wrote it (though of course I’m happy to admit my ego plays a part there) but because Deep originally had a much greater blend of comedy horror, in the veins of Get Out, American Werewolf or the original Dawn of the Dead. Comedy can be a massive part of building empathy with characters in horror which is really fundamental to making the player/reader/viewer care, especially when it’s a small cast.

I think this scene reflects that well…

SCENE2ba

In the canteen, ADDAIR, GIBBO, ROPER and O’CONNOR are running down the clock before they have to start their shift.

ADDAIR

I’m not watching a kid’s film.

GIBBO

It’s not a kid’s film, it’s for anyone

ADDAIR

Aye, anyone as long as they’re fucking kids

ROPER

For christsake you two, it’s not like we can’t watch both

GIBBO

Well you’ve not got to share a cabin with Scooby. That boy can’t stop wanking at the best of times. He’s not going wank over Wizard of Oz, ken?

ROPER

I wouldn’t like to bet on that mate.

GIBBO

Just fucking endless, fucking constant wanking. I can’t take another six weeks of it. It’s like bunking with a chimpanzee.

ADDAIR

Ah Jesus Gibbo!

GIBBO

I’m surprised he can still hold a spanner. His hand’s like a fucking claw.

ROPER

Here, O’Connor, what do you reckon?

O’CONNOR (getting up to leave)

I’m off to the pontoons mate, you’ll have to figure it out between yourselves.

ROPER

Pontoons? Why have they got you going down there?

O’CONNOR

Leaking.

GIBBO

Leaking?

O’CONNOR

Aye, no biggie though. She’s always leaking somewhere.

ROPER

Oh aye, it’s not like there’s any particular need to keep the fucking ocean on the outside, right?

O’CONNOR

Dinnae flap

O’CONNOR Moves to the door. DUNBAR enters still stacking boxes and puts some in the corner of the canteen. O’Connor holds at the door as they speak.

O’CONNOR

You going to be back for the film Dobby?

DUNBAR

Aye, three hours to the mainland, two hours to load up, three hours back. You won’t even have time to miss me.

ROPER (getting up to leave)

Right well. Shift’s on boys. Time to go to work.

GIBBO (getting up with him)

We moving or drilling today Roper?

ROPER

Keep drilling for the time being. I’m off to check the mud, but assuming that’s all good, Rennick’s not going to want to hold.

Trots enters, grabs a coffee. He’s not staying (we’re trying to empty the canteen during the scene to avoid idles.)

ADDAIR

Here, Trots, what the actual fuck? You look like you’ve seen a ghost man.

TROTS

Ah wish. I’ve been scrubbing Raffs’ whitey out the pan. For a little fella, he made a right mess of it. You say you were off to the pontoons O’Connor?

O’CONNOR

Aye. I’ll be done in a couple of hours.

TROTS

Well, don’t let Rennick keep you down there longer than regulations, aye?

O’CONNOR (getting up to leave)

Regulations, aye. I’m not messing about down there, it’s horrible. Don’t worry mum, I’ll see you for the flick.

They both exit. The crew alarm goes off. There’s a general disgruntlement as Addair, Gibbo and Roper get up to start work.

ROY

Right lads, that’s your lot. Our lord and master calleth from upon high. Off to work you pop, I’ve got important sausages to boil.

ADDAIR

Yer arse, Roy. Here, Gibbo

GIBBO

What’s up Addair?

ADDAIR

You going down to the water tanks?

GIBBO

Aye, you?

ADDAIR

Gennies mate. Can you send Finlay down when she’s done with you? I got a blockage needs clearing out.

GIBBO

Oh aye I’ve heard. You should ask Scooby for some tips.

ADDAIR

Fuck off you bampot. See you later.

RENNICK (over the tannoy)

Now, McClery, get your lazy arse up here! Innes, the fucking pipes! I can see you!

As Addair, Gibbo and Roper pass, Gibbo speaks to Caz

GIBBO

Good luck pal. Sounds like you’re deep in the shite this morning.

and we segue-way into Roy’s line “Caz me old mucker, how do?” …