I/E. GOVERNMENT FACILITY - NIGHT
Five 17-year-old boys peer across the lawn of a grayish government facility from behind a wall. JAMES MARSH, with choppy blonde hair and blue eyes, tall and gorgeous, tosses an energy drink from his backpack at AUSTIN KEATS, the leader, with dark hair and blue eyes, and watches it explode when it hits the floor with force. The boys snicker, and Austin pushes them, holding his finger to his lips.
BRENNAN
Shit! That stuff is expensive.
Nolan's thick British accent blends with an American one as he speaks.
NOLAN
You'll get over it.
Austin moans.
AUSTIN
Shut up. Guys, follow me.
Austin signals about as they carefully walk across the freshly cut grass. They stop in front of a doorway, and Austin licks his lips, bringing out a key card from his pocket. He sighs.
AUSTIN
This better work.
NOLAN
What exactly does your father do?
NOLAN REIGN, a slight, curious blonde who can't keep his hand off anything, watches Austin slide the key card in the slot. The light on the door turns green. Success.
They look to each other, excited, before nervously shoving the door open.  Revealed inside is a front desk in the middle of a hallway. They walk through and stand for a moment, their shoulders hunched with disappointment.
NOLAN
It's just a normal stupid desk.
CONNOR
No shit, Sherlock.
CONNOR BAYNE, a shy boy wearing all black, joins in, flicking Nolan's ear. Austin stumbles on a map of the facility on the floor.
BRENNAN
Whatever they're doing must not be that important.
AUSTIN
He's some scientist. I don't know what for, though.
Flipping the paper right side up, he names off parts of the buildings and points them off to the right.
AUSTIN
I say we go that way!
He speaks with confidence. Nolan grunts, staring off in the direction of Austin's finger. The boys glared at Austin.
NOLAN
How do you know that's the direction we want to go in?
AUSTIN
Fine, you lead the way, Nolan.
They head down a hallway and come to the first door on the left. Austin slips his key card into the lock. It buzzes before unlocking, and the boys sigh.
AUSTIN
After you.
Austin ushers Brennan, Nolan, James, and Connor inside. They each file inside the room.
Dozens upon dozens of test tubes line the tables in the room. Their eyes scan the many floating shelves in the background as they weave past tables.
JAMES
What did you say your father did again?
AUSTIN
He's a scientist.
Brennan holds some beakers full of liquid on the left side of the room, flicking one of them. The other boys spread out.
AUSTIN
(Looking to Brennan)
Don't touch anything.
Brennan groans.
NOLAN
Did your dad ever bring you here?
AUSTIN
A few times when I was younger.
The boys search the room. CLICK. Nolan snaps photos, walking backward. He bumps into a laser, and suddenly, it hums to life.
NOLAN
I didn't touch anything.
Nolan throws his hands in the air.
BRENNAN
Don't move, Nolan.
A bright beam pushes out of the laser, hitting Nolan first, then zapping the other four boys and everything in sight.
They bolt out of the room, then freeze in fear, confronted with a blinding light. The alarm blares.
JAMES
Which way do we go?
BRENNAN
To the exit, dumb-ass.
Two security officers slowly close the distance between them.
Austin swipes the key card, leading the five guys outside. They dash across the lawn, hopping walls at the yard's edge. Landing and catching their breath, laughter erupts in the small parking lot.
NOLAN
In all honesty, your dad will kill us when he finds out what we did, Austin.
The boys collapse to the ground on the sidewalk of a busy neighborhood street, catching their breath. Cars pass by at a rapid pace.
AUSTIN
(looking surprised)
I know. He's going to kill me first.
Austin lays back against the concrete. Brennan and Nolan crouch while Connor and James take a seat next to Austin. The street light above them flicker.
AUSTIN
I'll meet you guys tomorrow. I have to get home.
Brennan purses his lips.
BRENNAN
Yeah, me too. My dad's making tamales with Tina and won't stop texting me.
Brennan pats his phone against his palm.
CONNOR
Good luck. I should head home too-
NOLAN
(interrupting Connor)
So should I. I'll see you guys tomorrow.
INT. JAMES HOME - DAY
James' eyes flutter open. He hovers high above his bed, roughly five feet and halfway to the ceiling, feeling the airbrush on his bare chest and his boxers. He flips in the air, facing his bed below him. Objects float in the air around him. James looks shocked.
JAMES
Shit. How am I doing this?
James flips to his back again and tries to steady himself.
Reciting numbers, he takes deep breaths with each count. Meanwhile, just beyond his doorway, his younger sister JAMIE, 8, pounds on the door.
JAMIE
Get up, loser. Mom and Dad told me you would take me to the bowling alley today.
JAMES
(Mumbling to himself)
I'm fucked.
James looks to the door.
JAMES
I'm kind of preoccupied at the moment. Besides, the bowling alley doesn't open until ten.
James looks down at his alarm clock sitting at his bedside. He shifts in the air, and he holds out his arms, stabilizing himself again. The clock reads 10:05 am.
JAMIE
It is ten, dumb-ass.
JAMES
Hey, that's not very nice.
Jamie huff's behind the door.
JAMIE
I'm coming in.
JAMES
I'm not feeling like myself... I'm, uh, naked?
JAMIE
You're bluffing. I'm coming in.
The door handle curls, and James closes his eyes and focuses. Without notice, he drops to the bed with everything else. His room is a mess. Jamie pulls open the door and walks in.
JAMIE
You promised.
Jamie stomps her foot. James moans.
JAMES
Not today, Jamie. Get out of my room!
Jamie huffs.
JAMIE
Fine, I'm getting mom.
Pouting, Jamie exits, grabbing his phone from the dresser. James, preoccupied, pays scant attention. Meanwhile, James' head throbs, and Jamie's voice echoes within – thump, thump—thump thump.
JAMIE (V.O.)
Dumb ass doesn't even pay attention. I'm selling his phone on eBay.
JAMES
(yelling to Jamie)
Jamie, give me back my phone.
James pulls the sheets from his torso, goes to his dresser, pulls out sweats and a hoodie and tugs them on. He races out the door after his sister.
JAMIE
(Yelling)
Mom!
James runs down the steps to meet his sister in the living room.
JAMES
Jamie, give me back my phone!
JAMIE
I don't have your stupid phone, doofus.
Jamie's voice appears in James' pounding head again. Thump, thump—thump, thump.
JAMIE (V.O.)
Maybe I'll give his phone to Gerard?
JAMES
You're a brat. I'm not letting you sell my phone on the internet.
Jamie freezes, her mouth pulls open in shocked confusion, then...
JAMIE
MOM!
LENA MARSH, slim, youthful, in the late '30s, appears in the living room's doorway.
LENA
What's going on? Is your father trying to sleep in before work?
JAMES
I told her I don't feel good today, and she demanded I take her to the bowling alley. When I said no, she took my phone-
JAMIE
You have no proof.
Lena's voice appears in James' head. Thump, thump—thump, thump.
LENA (V.O.)
Harrold and I never get any sleep.
Lena groans. James glances at his mom for a moment, confused.
JAMIE
I don't have your stupid phone.
JAMES
I know you have it, Jamie.
Jamie pouts.
JAMIE
(Screaming)
Mom...
LENA
Did you take his phone?
The room is silent; suddenly, Jamie's eyes drop to the floor.
JAMIE
He was mean, mom-
James throws his hands in the air in protest. The chandelier shakes in the distance. James takes a deep breath, and the chandelier stills.
JAMES
Oh, come on!
Lena growls.
JAMIE
Was that an earthquake?
James growls.
JAMES
No, dumb ass.
LENA
Stop fighting!
(To Jamie)
Your brother needs his privacy, Jamie. He's 17 and almost an adult. I've asked you numerous times not to take his stuff.
(To James)
You're still taking your sister.
JAMES
Mom, why?
LENA
Because you've promised her for about a month and let it go for long enough.
JAMES
Okay, fine... But can my friends come?
Lena thinks...
LENA
Deal.
JAMIE
Ugh, Mom?! At least Austin will be there.
Lena shushes Jamie. James shakes his head.
JAMES
You will not annoy Austin or any of my friends with your little crush...
JAMIE
(Screaming)
Mom?!
LENA
And you little miss, should not be stealing your brother's stuff.
James huff's, fishing for James' phone in her pajama pants pocket. Lena walks off.
JAMIE
I don't know how you figured it out. I'm a lot quicker than--
JAMES
Just give me my phone, Jamie.
James holds out his hand.
JAMIE
Fine.
Jamie licks the front of her brother's phone screen clean and stuffs it in his hands. James cleans his phone on his hoodie.
JAMES
Gross. Do you know how many germs a phone screen has?
JAMIE
I don't care.
JAMES
Obviously.
Jamie walks off, frowning.
James turns on his phone, checks the screen, and listens for the click as it shuts off.
INT. CONNOR'S HOUSE - DAY
Connor, in plaid pajama pants and a hoodie, bolts down the top stairs and slides into a seat at the table in the kitchen across from his brother JARED, tall, the early '20s, and older sister, petite, 19, as their eyes meet his. CELIA smiles, sliding a plate full of scrambled eggs, toast, and bacon in front of Connor.
CELIA
You seem like you're in a good mood this morning.
Jared smiles, stealing a slice of bacon from Connors's plate, and pulls his plate to the sink, washing it.
JARED
Mom and Dad left a note. They told Celia and me they'd gone to pick something up, and they would be back soon.
Connor nods in response, taking in a fork full of eggs. He chews and swallows.
CONNOR
So, did mom and dad give you an exact time?
CELIA
Nope. They just said they'd be back.
The thumping of a heartbeat pounds Connor's chest and his sister and brother in front of him become translucent figures, their organs and skeleton exposed. Connor drops his fork, frozen and unsure what to do. Connor's eyes drift, and suddenly, Jared snaps in Connor's face. The skin molds and seals around his brother and sister's bodies.
JARED
You okay, bud?
CELIA
You look as though you've seen a ghost.
Jared slides his hand around Connor's shoulder and takes a seat next to his brother.
CONNOR
(Shocked)
Yeah... Maybe?
(Connor takes a sharp, deep breath)
You know, on second thought. I'm not hungry.
Connor pushes his plate forward and pulls from his seat, walking out of the kitchen and upstairs, locking himself in the bathroom.
CONNOR
What the hell was that?
Connor slams his hands into the bathroom tile floor, and a jolt of light energy from his hands shakes the house. From the doorway of the bathroom, Jared and Celia look stunned and confused.
JARED
How did you do that?
Another beam flows from Connors's hands into the floor, rocking the house.
CONNOR
Fuck! I'm so confused.
Celia pushes past Jared and takes a seat next to his brother, wrapping him with a warm embrace.
CELIA
It's going to be okay.
Connor frowns, deflating against the back sink cabinet.
JARED
Yeah, I'm not telling if she's not.
INT. AUSTIN'S BEDROOM - DAY
Austin, in only boxers, wakes up, rubbing his eyes. He pulls out of bed walks to his dresser, his hands molding into the metal dresser knobs with incredible super-strength as he opens a drawer. He pushes the drawer back into place, barely awake.
He wanders to his bedroom door, and his hand melts against his doorknob as he pulls it open. Smash. The knob crunches in his fists, and the door breaks loose with the hinges still intact.
Austin's eyes bounce open, alert and awake. The door weighs as much as a feather to Austin. He puts it off to the side.
AUSTIN
What the hell?
Austin sets his clothes to the bed behind him and weighs the door in his hands.
AUSTIN
Am I—
Austin looks amused.
AUSTIN
—Super-strong?
Austin's father calls from the stairs below.
MR. KEATS
You okay up there, bud?
Austin peaks outside his doorway and calls for his dad.
AUSTIN
Yup, Super.
Austin puts the door down and lays it against his wall.
MR. KEATS
I have to get to work. Make sure to lock up the house before you leave to see your friends.
AUSTIN
Got it.
A door closes downstairs, and Austin's father is off to work.
Austin huffs, deflating against his bed.
INT. NOLAN'S KITCHEN - DAY
NOLAN REIGN, wearing basketball shorts and a sleeveless hoodie, helps his father, ROBERT REIGN, the late '30s, an older version of Nolan, prepare pancakes for his family. MEGHAN REIGN, Mom, late '30s, walks in with ASHER REIGN, very blue eyes and blonde hair, four-years-old, wearing Batman pajamas. Nolan looks back at his brothers and flips the pancakes with the spatula.
ROBERT
(To Nolan)
Are you and the lads going out today?
NOLAN
Yeah.
RYDER REIGN, 14 years old, bolts into the kitchen and lifts Asher into his arms.
ROBERT
Good morning, Ryder.
RYDER
Good Morning, Dad.
Ryder nods.
In the background, Nolan lays his hands near the burners, and his hand engulfs in flames.
Nolan pays no attention until Asher points to Nolan; Ryder looks shocked, and Robert and Meghan turn their attention to Nolan, his arm completely lit up in purple and blue flames.
ASHER
Daddy, Nolan is on fire.
Nolan, with no pain, bolts to the sink and covers his arm in cold water until the flames burn out. His father examines his arm while Nolan covers his eyes in fear. Meghan and Ryder look panicked in the background. Asher chuckles.
NOLAN
How is it, Dad?
Robert looks at Nolan's arm up and down. His eyes light up in amusement.
ROBERT
There's... nothing. You got lucky, Nolan.
Nolan opens his eyes and checks his arm. In the background, the pancakes catch on fire, and the smoke alarm screams.
Ryder puts his brother down, throws a pot lid on the pan, and shuts off the stove. The flames die almost instantly.
Beat. Everyone stares at Nolan.
NOLAN
I'm just going to go upstairs and finish getting ready.
Meghan walks in.
MEGHAN
(To Robert)
Is he alright?
Robert huffs.
ROBERT
Not a scratch. He's fortunate.
Meghan checks the charred pancakes on the stove, removing the hot lid.
MEGHAN
He's not allowed to cook anymore. That was a mess.
Just then, the flames burst alive again, and Meghan throws the lid back over the pancakes. The smoke alarm seems to wail louder.
INT. BRENNAN'S ROOM - DAY
Brennan throws a dark hoodie over his fresh, white t-shirt and grabs his phone off his dresser. The battery reads 5%. He plugs his phone in the plug sitting next to his dresser, and the phone flashes 3% battery.
BRENNAN
Stupid plug.
Brennan's phone dings in his pocket, and a text message pops up on the screen.
INTERCUT - TEXT MESSAGE
At the top, it reads - FORWARDED TO: Connor Bayne, Austin Keats, Nolan Reign, and Brennan Summers.
JAMES (TEXT)
Meet me at the Bowling Alley in a half hour. I have something important to talk about. Heads up: Jamie is coming. I HAVE BABYSITTING
DUTY.
Saturday, August 10th, 2018 10:15 pm
END OF INTERCUT.
Brennan sighs, stuffing his phone in his hoodie pocket, and grabs his headphones from the dresser.
BRENNAN
(Calling downstairs)
Dad, I'm going out.
There's a wall thump and JEREMY SUMMERS, tall, dark, and handsome, yells to Jeremy from the living room below. Brennan rolls his eyes and checks the time on his phone. His other hand flips off the light, and the power to the entire house flickers out. Brennan's phone beeps, and the phone reads 100% battery. A female screams in the dark from below.
Brennan proceeds to the staircase.
BRENNAN
(Mumbles)
Great.
BRENNAN
(To Jeremy, Shouts)
Dad, is Tina over again?
Brennan runs down the stairs. Jeremy pops his head out of the living room doorway.
JEREMY
She's my fiance, so yes.
TINA RAMIREZ, Slim, with pure beauty, stands in the doorway, covered in a comforter. Jeremy flicks the light switch, but the lights don't budge.
JEREMY
I guess I'll call an electrician.
Brennan opens the front door. His hand curls against the metal, and the lights flicker. On the porch, Brennan plugs in his headphones, turns on his phone, and runs off down the driveway. Jeremy and Tina stand in the doorway, feeling guilty.
JEREMY
Wait, Brennan. I need to talk to--
Brennan's feet swiftly pick up the pace, and suddenly, the world freezes around him, and he takes off at superhuman speed.
JEREMY
--Mierda?
TINA
Did Brennan just...
INT. BOWLING ALLEY - DAY
Brennan's world returns to normal as he stops in front of an alleyway, nearby the bowling alley. Brennan sighs and takes a seat against the brick wall of a nearby building. His shoes, damaged from the exceptional new speeds Brennan picks up, and he's winded, not because he ran about ten miles in a minute, but because he surprised himself. He pulls his phone from his hoodie and looks at the most recent text.
INTERCUT - - TEXT MESSAGE
At the top, it reads - FORWARDED TO: Connor Bayne, Austin Keats, Nolan Reign, and Brennan Summers.
JAMES (TEXT)
What is everyone's ETA?
Saturday, August 10th, 2018 10: 25 pm
Brennan stands up, walking out from the alley, and clicks his fingers against his phone keys.
At the top, it reads,
FORWARDED TO: Connor Bayne, Austin Keats, Nolan Reign, and James Marsh.
BRENNAN (TEXT)
I'm kind of down the street. I'll be right over.
Saturday, August 10th, 2018 10:27 pm
END OF INTERCUT
Brennan listens to the persistent click of his phone and puts it back in his pocket. He meets James and Jamie in front of the bowling alley, clapping hands with James in a weird handshake.
BRENNAN
(To Jamie)
Hey, Jamie. Are you ready to do some bowling?
Jamie shyly shows off her toothless grin and hides behind her brother. James looks at his friend, a bit irritated.
Nolan pulls up to the front parking spot in a silver Honda civic moments later with Austin and Connor.
Jamie's scowl turns into a grin when she sees Austin. All three boys exit the car.
JAMIE
See yah, losers! I'm going inside.
James throws his sister an initiated glance, and she rolls her eyes, walking off into the bowling place.
AUSTIN
(to James)
Ugh. I thought you were kidding when you said you had babysitting duty.
Nolan and Connor chuckle.
NOLAN
She's what, eight or nine? She doesn't bite, does she?
JAMES
I wouldn't question that one.
James glances at Austin, concerned.
AUSTIN
Just promise me, you'll keep your obsessive little sister away from me.
BRENNAN
So - - did anything, uh, unusual happen to any of you this morning?
The boys get quiet, then Nolan flicks his thumb and middle finger together, and flames spark from his fingers to his palm. He observed the flames travel to his wrists. Out of fear, Nolan shakes his hand out until the flames dissipate.
AUSTIN
Shit, Nolan.
NOLAN
I know. My father and I were cooking pancakes when I caught on fire. Not a single scratch - - I think?
JAMES
I woke up at least five feet in the air this morning. If I hadn't dropped from the sky, I would have been screwed. Somehow I knew what my sister was thinking too.
The attention turns to James for a moment.
AUSTIN
So, we all have superpowers?
JAMES
I don't know. What can you guys do?
James gestures to Brennan, Austin, and Connor.
Brennan raises his hand halfway in the air.
BRENNAN
Super-speed and some weird electricity thing.
James' eyebrows rise in amusement.
AUSTIN
Super Strength.
The attention turns to Connor, shy and keeping to himself with a poker face expression.
CONNOR
Oh.
Connor looks up from his phone.
CONNOR
X-Ray vision and some kind of energy blast thing. My whole house shook like an earthquake. Jared and Celia found out pretty quickly too.
Brennan's eyebrows raise this time.
BRENNAN
You're brother and sister know about this?
Connor shifts his footing anxiously.
CONNOR
Uh, yeah.
NOLAN
Wow.
James and Austin nod their head.
JAMES
Whatever that beam was, turned us into some sort of super freaks or some shit like that.
AUSTIN
Yeah, some shit like that.
Jamie appears in the doorway in front of the bowling alley.
JAMIE
What are you guys babbling about?
James huffs.
JAMES
Jamie, go inside.
Jamie rolls her eyes and takes off back into the bowling alley.
AUSTIN
Well, we can't keep the princess waiting.
CONNOR
For real, though.
JAMES
She drives me insane. If you guys don't want to stay, I completely understand.
The boys are quiet, exchanging looks before Brennan responds.
BRENNAN
We're good. Let's go bowling.
AUSTIN
Yeah. We'll talk about our superpowers later. In the meantime, pizza and fountain drinks are on me.
Nolan sighs in relief.
NOLAN
Thanks, dude.
Nolan snakes his arm around Austin, and all five guys head into the bowling alley.
INT. HIGH SCHOOL - DAY
In Glendale High School's hallway, Nolan, Brennan, and Connor organize their lockers. Connor's girlfriend, SAMANTHA LOUIS, 16, a natural beauty, surprises him with a kiss, and he responds with interest.
CONNOR
Hey, babe.
The boys in the background chuckle.
NOLAN
Please explain how a shy kid like Connor gets a total hottie like Samantha.
Samantha glares at Nolan and runs her hands down Connors's Chest, planting another kiss on Connor's lips.
Brennan shoves Nolan, and they chuckle. Samantha blows a kiss at Connor, and she walks off.
CONNOR
(To Nolan)
That was my girlfriend, Genius.
Nolan chuckles.
NOLAN
(To Connor)
Does she know about your, you know, powers?
Connor rolls his eyes and shoves Nolan.
BRENNAN
Yeah, does she?
Connor pushes Brennan too.
CONNOR
(to Brennan)
Shut up, guys.
Connor walks off. Brennan and Nolan follow him.
INT. CLASSROOM - DAY
Connor, Nolan, and Brennan meet up with Austin and James, taking up the room's back left corner. The final warning bell rings, and the boys take their seats. MR. SKYLAN GUTIERREZ, a tall, broad substitute, stumbles into the room with his briefcase and takes a seat at his desk. Chuckles briefly fill the classroom.
GUTIERREZ
Good morning, class. I'm Mr. Gutierrez, your new teacher. My son Peter will be joining the class from now on.
Loud moans erupt from the entire class, and Austin, Connor, James, Nolan, and Brennan throw their hoodies over their head.
Gutierrez gets comfortable in his seat, loosening his tie, and grabbed a dry-erase marker, scribbling his full name on the board behind him. Austin looks up from his desk at the teacher, the attention stuck on him.
AUSTIN
Don't you work for my father?
GUTIERREZ
Yes, and today I'm your teacher.
(annoyed)
I knew you when you were merely a baby, Mr. Keats. It's nice to see you again. How is your father?
Austin shrugs.
AUSTIN
He's okay, I guess.
Austin's eyes pulled to the young boy, sitting anxiously at his desk.
AUSTIN
Peter? I haven't seen you in forever, dude.
PETER GUTIERREZ, resembling a younger version of his father, strong and broad, chiseled jaw and elegant blue eyes, lifts his hoodie off his head, and his blue eyes meet Austin's.
PETER
Hey, Austin.
Peter smiles. All four boys fake a cough. Austin pushes Nolan and Connor, only because they are the closest to him on either side. They groan, sitting back in their desks and rub their sore arms.
AUSTIN
We'll talk with you after class.
Austin winks at him. Brennan glares at Austin, his fingers moving across his phone screen in intense speed from under his desk, and the four of the other's phones ping in a group text.
FORWARDED TO: Connor Bayne, Austin Keats, Nolan Reign, and James Marsh.
BRENNAN (TEXT)
Do you like him or something?
Texted on Monday, August 13th, 2018, at 8:35 pm.
END OF INTERCUT
The boys casually checks their phones. Austin's cheeks redden in frustration. Austin's eyes dragged to Brennan.
AUSTIN
Stop it.
BRENNAN
Stop what?
Brennan smiles. The classroom erupts in brief laughter.
GUTIERREZ
Those phones are now mine until class is dismissed.
Mr. Gutierrez walks to the back of the room and collects the phones. James looks at Austin, and his voice appears in Austin's mind. Thump, thump—thump, thump.
JAMES (V.O.)
What about our powers, Stupid?
Austin's eyes drag to James.
AUSTIN
Seriously, stop it.
JAMES
(With a huge grin)
What?
AUSTIN
(To James and Brennan)
Go fuck yourselves.
The classroom erupts in giggles. Gutierrez silences the class.
Ext. Garage door grill - alleyway - day
The five boys stand outside Garage Door Grill. GARY KEATS, Austin's uncle, and the Garage Door Grill owner barges around the corner in an apron and khakis, flashlight in hand.
GARY
Austin? Is that you?
He flashes his light at the boys. Austin nods and waves, blocking the light from his eyes with my arm.
GARY
Your dad texted me half an hour ago. You were supposed to be home and had us worried sick.
He takes quick steps towards Austin and wraps his arms around his chest in a tight hug.
CONNOR
Someone's in trouble.
Austin glares at him. Brennan sighs.
GARY
You boys must be hungry.
They all nod.
IN UNISON
Yeah.
Gary ushers the boys along and leads them into the restaurant.
INT. AUSTIN'S HOME - NIGHT
It's the restaurant Gary dreamt of all his life. He made the front door from refurbished metal. When you enter, you got a whiff of good air-fried buffet food. The floor is simply solid concrete, and he made the booths from old junkyard cars. A light bulb hangs above every table with a rope attached. Heavy tires and tools hang on the walls, and the pushcarts, made from old toolboxes. A smiling picture of Austin and his dad illuminates under the moonlit windows at the front so everyone could see.
GARY
What can I get for you boys?
The boys squeeze into the booth closest to the doorway.
NOLAN
I'll have the barbecue ribs with air-fried potatoes.
The other boys
(in unison)
Same.
Gary smiles wide.
GARY
Well, there you have it. I'll tell Kyle your orders.
Gary taps his digital pen against his pad.
GARY
Any drinks for you boys?
Five of the boys shake their heads. Peter nods.
NOLAN
I heard you guys have cherry temples here?
Gary chuckles.
GARY
Of course we do, kid.
Nolan
I'll take one of those.
Gary presses a few buttons on his pad and smiles.
GARY
I'll get to it.
Gary walks off.
Connor
(to Austin)
Are you going to tell him?
A sudden click of a gun catches their attention at the front of the restaurant.
A woman screams in fear, and everyone takes cover behind the buffet bar, except for the six guys sitting at the table. They stand out like sitting ducks.
GUNMAN #1
Hey, boys. Where's Gary?
They sit in silence, stunned. Connor, Brennan, and James throw their hoods over their heads.
Brennan
Oh, boy.
James hurries out of the booth with his hands thrown in the air.
JAMES
Not to be a dick or anything, but aren't guns dangerous?
The man points to James with the gun, and James backs up. The gunman points his gun at the five boys at the table.
GUNMAN #1
Get up.
The rest of the boys throw up our hoodies, sliding from the booth, and join James by his side.
GUNMAN #1
Don't even think about playing heroes, kids or your parents will plan your funeral by tomorrow.
James pats Austin's shoulder, and he looked at James. His voice echoes in his mind. Thump, thump—thump, thump.
JAMES (V.O.)
Should we do our thing?
Thump, thump—thump, thump.
AUSTIN
(loud Whispering to James)
Are you crazy?
Instead, Brennan steps forward.
BRENNAN
I didn't properly introduce myself.
(Brennan smiles wide and cocky.)
I'm your worst nightmare.
Brennan appears behind the gunman.
GUNMAN #1
The hell?
Brennan wrestles for the gun and appears by Austin with a twelve gage handing it over.
BRENNAN
Your welcome.
AUSTIN
What the fuck am I supposed to do with a gun?
The gunman raises an eyebrow and crosses his arms.
GUNMAN #1
What are you?
Suddenly the front windows shatter, and bullets fly everywhere. Austin crushes the gun's barrel, dropping it to the ground, and the five boys jump into action. Three thugs hop into the restaurant from the broken windows. Nolan locks eyes with one gunman and shakes his left hand, fire emerging from his fingertips.
NOLAN
Let's see what I can do.
Nolan conjures flames, engulfing one thug, while James disarms another. Brennan swiftly trips a man with inhuman speed. Gary, armed with a shotgun, adds a fiery blast to the chaos, forcing the remaining gunman to flee through the window, followed by his accomplices. Brennan retrieves the discarded weapon, tosses it to Austin, who effortlessly rips it in half. The brief, intense fight concludes, prompting others to hastily exit.
GARY
What the fuck was that, Austin? Your father is going to kill me.
Austin shrugs.
AUSTIN
I'm sorry?
GARY
Where the fuck did you get superpowers?
Austin shrugs again.
AUSTIN
It's a long story?
GARY
We need to talk.
(He gesturing to the kitchen.)
All of you.
All the boys walk after him to the back kitchen.
INT. KITCHEN - NIGHT
Gary stands in the kitchen, complete panic on his face as he paces the small space.
GARY
Those men could have killed all of you.
Chef KYLE stays in the room, cooking and occasionally glancing their way. Peter clings to the gun James gave him, but Gary quickly takes it and sets it aside.
GARY
You guys are teenagers. What were you thinking?
AUSTIN
People could have died if we did nothing, Gary. Those men could have killed you.
GARY
What about your identities? People had their phones out filming everything. That could be on the news media in about an hour.
CONNOR
That's why we threw our hoodies over our heads.
GARY
That's not the point. I could point you six out in a crowd easily. You stand out easily.
AUSTIN
That's because you know us well.
Austin leans back against the wall; his arms crossing his chest.
KYLE
He's got the point.
Kyle points the spatula at the boys while cooking. Austin rolls his eyes.
AUSTIN
Thanks for the moral support, Kyle.
KYLE
Listen. If you all are serious about this superhero stuff, I have a personal tailor who can probably hook you up with suits or something.
GARY
Enough, Kyle. They're kids.
AUSTIN
What if we thought about his offer?
Kyle returns to cooking. The boys shrug except for Peter, who looks as though he silently agrees with Gary. Gary's eyes widen.
GARY
Are you serious right now, Austin? Did you hear what I said? Your kids. I'm calling your dad. You'll be lucky if he only grounded you for a week.
AUSTIN
I'm also seventeen, almost eighteen. We also just saved you, so you owe us.
Gary growls.
GARY
I'm your uncle. I don't owe you anything, but...
(He glances at Kyle for a beat)
Fine, but all of you have to help me out at the restaurant.
NOLAN
I'll do it.
BRENNAN
I have to get home.
Brennan points to the doorway.
CONNOR
Same.
Gary points to the door.
GARY
Go.
The boys vacate the room, Austin tries to leave, but his uncle pulls him back.
GARY
Not so fast, 'Mr. I suddenly have superpowers'. Your father will be here in a few minutes.
Austin huffs, turning to face him.
AUSTIN
So?
GARY
Your dad is going to be asking so many questions when he gets here. You might as well confess about your superpowers, which are what, by the way?
Gary leans against a shelf filled with uncooked food prepared for cooking.
Austin's father, ADAM KEATS, broad with blue eyes and dark hair, clears his throat behind him, leaning against the doorway, looking in.
ADAM
How did you get superpowers?
AUSTIN
Hey, Dad.
Adam stares at Austin with a displeased look, creating tension.
ADAM
We need to talk.
AUSTIN
I'll meet you in the car.
Bowing his head, Austin walks off.
INT/EXT. CAR - NIGHT
Austin's POV
Adam pulls into the driveway and shuts off the car, looking over at Austin. Austin's eyes dive to the floor, and places his hoodie over his head.
ADAM
You almost got me fired today. Thank goodness my coworkers didn't know it was you and your friends that broke into the laboratory and don't argue with me because we caught it on video surveillance. It's obvious now that you have superpowers.
Austin sighs.
AUSTIN
I'm sorry, Dad.
His father shakes his head.
ADAM
Whether you saved those people at Gary's restaurant, you're still grounded.
Austin scoffs.
AUSTIN
(Sarcastic)
Sure, okay.
ADAM
Austin Silverman Keats, Don't get an attitude with me. Also, I saw your door. I'm taking it away until you can pay for a new one.
AUSTIN
I'll fix it, dad. I promise.
ADAM
I am going to get fired.
Adam flops his head against the steering wheel. Austin leans against the window.
AUSTIN
I'll fix it, Dad.
ADAM
I'm just glad you're okay.
Austin swings his door open and walks towards the house.
INT. BRENNAN'S HOUSE - NIGHT
Brennan softly shuts the front door and meets eyes with his dad, walking in from the living room.
BRENNAN
Dad?
JEREMY
So, are the other boys developing superpowers too?
Brennan sets his backpack down and takes a deep breath, clearly busted.
BRENNAN
Yeah.
Jeremy steps forward and huffs.
JEREMY
I saw what you boys did on the news this evening. Quite remarkable if you ask me. Austin's father called me and told me you guys broke into a government facility the other night? I'm still disappointed with you, but I'm honestly not mad.
BRENNAN
I'm sorry, dad.
Jeremy sighs.
JEREMY
It's okay. I'm just glad you're okay. The video was shaky, and If I hadn't seen you used your powers yesterday, I wouldn't have known it was you.
Brennan scoffs.
BRENNAN
Now you say something?
Tina appears in the living's opening room.
TINA
Hey, Brennan.
(She smiled big.)
I'm proud of you.
Brennan rolls his eyes.
BRENNAN
I guess she saw me use my powers too?
Jeremy nods.
JEREMY
Yep.
Brennan huff's, running up the steps, taking his time, and walks to his bedroom.
JEREMY
Brennan...
(beat)
BRENNAN!
Jeremy runs after Brennan and stands outside his doorway.
JEREMY
Look, I love her, Brennan, and that will change nothing between Mary or the two of us. I love your mom and you too.
Brennan gets cozy in his bedsheets. He tiff's.
BRENNAN
Open the door, Dad.
The door creeps open, and Jeremy peeks in.
JEREMY
She's not replacing your mother. I visit her grave every week. Sometimes twice.
Brennan takes a puff of air.
BRENNAN
I know, dad.
Jeremy smiles.
JEREMY
Thanks for the acknowledgment.
BRENNAN
She's not pregnant, is she?
Brennan stares his dad down. Jeremy's eyes sink.
BRENNAN
Son of a bitch, dad.
JEREMY
Tina and I were going to talk about that with you. When exactly did you discover your superpowers?
Brennan shrugs, staring intensely at his father, trying to figure him out.
JEREMY
Stop, Brennan.
Brennan growls under his breath.
BRENNAN
Why does it matter?
Electricity sparks at Brennan's fingertips. He takes a deep breath and the sparks disparate.
Jeremy frowns.
JEREMY
Take it easy, bud. I didn't mean to upset you.
BRENNAN
I'm sorry.
Jeremy smiles softly.
JEREMY
Good night, bud.
BRENNAN
Good night, dad.
Jeremy shuts the door.
INT. JAMES' HOME - NIGHT
Jamie and James push through the doorway. Jamies pouts in a heated argument.
JAMIE
You forgot me at school, dumb-ass.
(She throws her backpack to the floor.) And, You're a cheater.
JAMES
This was four days ago. Let it go.
Jamie frowns.
JAMIE
Even the manager said what you did was impossible.
James pushes into the kitchen, where his dad, MR. MARSH, thin, with glasses, chugs orange juice straight from the carton. Jamie stomps behind James.
MR. MARSH
What are you two fighting over now?
Mr. Marsh sighs, slamming the carton on the marble countertop.
JAMIE
He forgot me at school, and he cheated at the bowling alley.
Mr. Marsh adjusts his seating on the stool at the counter.
MR. MARSH
I thought you two were over that?
JAMIE
He didn't miss a single strike!
JAMES
How is that cheating?
Mr Marsh raises his eyebrows.
MR. MARSH
That's incredible. You did that?
JAMIE
It's impossible. James can't even walk straight without even tripping.
Jamie snorts at her comeback. James glares at her.
JAMES
I'm going to my room.
James grabs the carton from his dad, half-filled with orange juice, and walks off.
INT. GOVERNMENT LABORATORY - NIGHT
Down in the laboratory, the scientists assess the damages to  the laboratory; broken beakers and spilled experiments everywhere. Gutierrez, the second lead scientist, roars.
GUTIERREZ
I want those boys held accountable  for this, and I want them here.
ASTON GABLES, one of the other scientists clears his throat.
ASTON
I guess I can have Harry look over the security tapes again.
Gutierrez collects himself, playing with broken glass.
GUTIERREZ
Yes, go do that, Aston. Also, check on experiment 110 and 111. Report back to me ASAP on their conditions.
ASTON
Got it, sir.
Aston wanders away. Gutierrez walks over to the back of the  room and types in a code on a wall lock. A vault breaks open * from the back and two syringes with fluorescent fluids gleam bright. Gutierrez grabs both syringes, stuffing one in his * lab coat pocket, checking the tip of the other.
GUTIERREZ
Sometimes you have to do things on your own.
Gutierrez pulls up his sleeve and pokes the needle in his  buffed arm, injecting the serum into his veins. He moans, his  vision fading for a moment, his muscles flexing, feeling a  new kind of power, and he drops the syringe to the floor and walks off.
THE END